MBA Theses and Dissertations (2022)

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An Assessment of the factors affecting cyber resilience in microfinance institutions in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kiganda, Moses
With the increased integration of new digital technologies in the financial industry, new risks and threats have emerged. One of the main threats to the operational efficiency and performance of financial institutions is the rise in cybercrimes which results in millions in losses annually. To curb this, institutions such as microfinance institutions (MFIs) have invested in cyber resilience practices. The current study sought to assess the various factors affecting cyber resilience in microfinance institutions in Kenya. The study specifically evaluated how management support, resource factors, and regulatory factors influence the cyber resilience in MFIs in Kenya. The research was guided by the resource-based view theory and the game theory. The examination was anchored on a positivist research philosophy with descriptive research guiding the study. The population for the examination was all the operational microfinance institutions in Kenya. The respondents for the survey were either the Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, or Technology Managers. A structured research questionnaire was adopted in the survey. The data collection for the study was done using Google forms and physical data collection where plausible. Data was analyzed using descriptive measures, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings of the study were presented using charts and tables. The research showed a positive relationship between the resource factors, regulatory factors, and management support with cyber resilience in MFIs in Kenya. The overall regression established that the selected factors contribute significantly to the cyber resilience state of MFIs in Kenya. The study recommends that to be more cyber resilient, the firms must be ready to allocate significant resources, both financial and technical to ensure that they meet the high costs associated with pursuing cyber resilience status. The study also recommends that managers align security decisions with organizational goals and capabilities to reduce organizational misalignment which can affect effective cyber resilience implementation. Lastly, policymakers in the MFI industry should assess the industry’s readiness and develop a set of standards and regulations that all firms are capable of meeting as this would promote cyber resilience.
Can succession planning be a mechanism for fostering project sustainability in the Catholic Church in Kenya?
(Strathmore University, 2022) Karuri, Modesther
Over the years, technology has experienced rapid development especially in the health sector. Telemedicine is already implemented in various health facilities thus promising ease in accessibility of health care services. Telemedicine is a form of technology that promises ease and convenience in the accessibility of healthcare. Patients can easily access healthcare at reduced costs and in a timely manner. Irrespective of these benefits, the adoption of telemedicine is still relatively low in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to investigate the drivers of telemedicine adoption in Nairobi County. The study sought to determine the influence of awareness, role perception, technological enablers, and preferences of medical care on the adoption of telemedicine among patients in Nairobi County. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for this study. The study targeted patients at MP Shah Hospital, which is a tier-one private health facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the health facility and simple random sampling was used in the selection of patients in the facilities. Fischer’s formula was used in the calculation of the sample size. A total of 152 respondents were captured in the study. Data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire was used in the collection of data among the patients. Descriptive statistics was conducted through regression analysis to establish the nature of relationships between the variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The result shows that knowledge and awareness are key factors associated with adoption of telemedicine. This shows that the patients need to have knowledge and be aware of telemedicine to enable the adoption of telemedicine. There was also a need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness which would also improve on the perceptions towards telemedicine. Lack of physical examination was also a major concern contributing to low adoption of telemedicine. Additionally, improving on the technological enablers would be vital in increasing the adoption of telemedicine services.
Determinants of effective fraud risk management practices among medical insurance providers in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Mwangi, A. W.
According to the Insurance Regulatory Authority, at least 40% of medical insurance claims in Kenya bear an element of fraud. The inability to effectively manage fraud risk has tainted the image of the medical insurance industry, becoming a major contributory factor alongside high premiums for low uptake of insurance in the country. The market penetration rate of insurance in Kenya as at end of 2016 was the 3 rd lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa at only 2.7%, also significantly lower than the world average of 6.8%. This demonstrates that FRM in the medical insurance industry in Kenya is a major concern hence the motivation behind this study to examine the determinants of effective fraud risk management in medical insurance providers in Kenya. The study focused on top management support, technology adoption, regulatory policies and employee empowerment. The research was grounded on the fraud management lifecycle theory and the institutional theory. The study adopted a positivism research paradigm and applied a descriptive correlational research design. The population for the research was drawn from all the 26 medical insurance providers in Kenya with a claims manager, risk & compliance manager and underwriting manager from each insurance provider taking part in the research. The research utilized structured questionnaires in the collection of data. The final sample comprised of 54 responses from the sample size of 78 management staff which represented a 69.2% response rate. 61% of the respondents were female and 53.7% were claims managers. The collected data was analysed using descriptive, factor, spearman’s rank coefficient correlation, and ordered logistic regression analyses. The factor analyses results revealed that effective fraud risk management practices in medical insurance providers in Kenya fall under two main components - preventive and detective FRM practices. In sum, the study established that top management support, technology adoption and employee empowerment have a positive and significant effect on effective FRM practices among MIPs in Kenya. The study further established that regulatory policies have a positive but insignificant effect on effective FRM practices among MIPs in Kenya. The study recommends that there be more consultation and engagement between the insurance regulator and MIPs to increase the likelihood of formulation of regulations and policies which will complement effective FRM. The study further recommends that management in medical insurance firms make a concerted effort to foster an environment of teamwork in problem solving, delegation of duties, as well as facilitate professional development training to enhance employee skills and competencies as these contribute positively towards effective FRM. Finally, the study recommends that MIPs in Kenya should endeavour to abandon manual processes and embrace systemisation and automation, where possible. The adoption of digitalized forensic systems, fraud detection frameworks, machine learning technologies and other emerging technologies play a significant role in detection efforts towards effective FRM in Kenyan MIPs. Further, mobile technologies, blockchain technologies as well as the creation of automated platforms for regular systems audits and risk identification are a fundamental part of effective preventive FRM.
Determinants of Software as a Service adoption by Nairobi Securities Exchange listed companies
(Strathmore University, 2022) Aluodo, Moses Omondi
Software as a Services (SaaS) is a revolutionary licensing and distribution model used to deliver software applications over the Internet. It is a compelling value proposition for customers who are keen to avoid tying high capital expenditure that characterizes implementation of on-premise business applications, as it presents customers with the option of pay-as-you-go operating expenditure model as opposed to large upfront capital expenditure. Despite the economics and other adoption facilitators of SaaS, the uptake continues to face an almost similar number of adoption inhibitors. The study sought to investigate the relationships between SaaS Adoption Facilitators and SaaS Adoption Inhibitors on the one hand and SaaS Adoption by Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed companies on the other. It also sought to establish the SaaS Adoption Psychographic Profiles of NSE listed companies and the relationship with SaaS Adoption, that exist. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory and modified Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) Framework were used as baseline theoretical frameworks to undertake the study. The study adopted a census approach given the relatively small number of NSE listed companies, to eliminate any element of chance and obtain the highest accuracy. An Internet-mediated questionnaire was administered to the IT leadership of these companies via SurveyMonkey and data obtained was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, to test significant relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman’s rho) to assess relationships between independent variables and the dependent variable, the study found that all the SaaS Adoption Facilitators had moderately positive to very strong positive relationships with SaaS Adoption, all the SaaS Adoption Inhibitors had weak negative relationships with SaaS Adoption, with the exception of Integration Challenges which had a moderately negative relationship with SaaS Adoption. The SaaS Adoption Psychographic Profiles established had a moderately positive relationship with SaaS Adoption. Of the SaaS Adoption Psychographic Profiles established, not a single Laggard was found in the population.
Effect of digital marketing communication tools on student enrolment in private hospitality colleges in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kitetu, Evelyne Mumbua
Digitalization has a positive impact how businesses market themselves and interact with customers. Digital marketing is the utilization of electronic media to promote an institution to the target market. Universities’ market themselves on digital channels to attract students and other stakeholders as well as to interact with the institution through digital media. However, there is little research on the potential of digital marketing in higher education institutions such as hospitality colleges. This study sought to fill this gap by reviewing how various digital marketing tools; social media marketing, content marketing and email marketing have affected the student enrolment rate in Nairobi County. The study used the social learning theory and the technology acceptance model to anchor the research variables. The study employed a positivism philosophy with a descriptive research design used during the research. The research targeted the 7,813 students within the hospitality colleges in Nairobi County registered under TVETA. The study employed a quantitative research instrument in the data collection process. Google forms was applied dominantly in the data collection process owing to the large sample for the study. The collected data was analysed using a mix of descriptive and inferential analysis. The results showed that 94% of the students utilize the hospitality college social media channels, only 37.7% use the colleges content marketing pages with only 15. % accessing the school websites. The overall regression established that 42% of the changes in student enrolment within hospitality colleges is predicted by the application of digital marketing communication tools. Conclusions are that social media marketing; email marketing and content marketing had a positive and significant effect on the student enrolment. The study recommends that institutions of higher learning utilize several types of digital communication tools to increase the rate of information spread and reach a wider audience. The research recommends that hospitality schools should pay close attention to email generated content, social media engagement and personalized content that can enhance relationship-building with current and prospective students.
Effect of employee involvement in change management on project performance: a case of the road construction industry in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2022) Changwo, Ruth Jebet
Employee involvement is among the important factors affecting successful implementation of organisational change, therefore their involvement in the planning, execution and evaluation of change is vital to the success of any business’ performance. The general objective of the study was to determine the effect of employee involvement in change management on the project performance of the road construction industry in Nairobi County. Specific objectives in this study were to determine the effect of employee involvement in the planning of change management on project performance of the road construction industry in Kenya; to establish the influence of employee involvement in the execution of change management on project performance of the road construction industry in Kenya; to determine the effect of employee involvement in the evaluation of change management on project performance of the road construction industry in Kenya. This study was based on the project management competency theory as well as the ADKAR change management model. The research implemented a descriptive research design. Data was collected from 151 respondents in three road construction firms classified as NCA 1 in Nairobi County. The research used questionnaires to collect data. Data collected was processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysed data was presented using charts, bar graphs, and tables. The research was able to obtain 66.5% response rate. The findings of the research indicate that 23.58% (R2= .2358) project performance were determined by employee involvement in change management. The multiple regression model used deduced that employee involvement in planning, execution and evaluation of change contribute positively towards project performance with coefficients being 0.0953, 0.06576 and 0.2255 respectively. The study therefore concludes that there is a statistically significant positive association between project performance and employee involvement in planning, execution and evaluation of change with employee involvement in evaluation being the most impactful. The study recommends that road construction companies promote employee involvement in change management in order to positively impact their project performance as well as call on academics to further the research by examining intervening variables that may affect the relationship between the two.
Effect of financing choices on financial performance of new vehicle dealers in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Agani, Sylvia
The financial performance of firms is dependent on numerous financial decisions chief among them the availability of financing options and the efficiency and effectiveness with which the management is also to utilize these resources. Many small businesses in Kenya have continued to experience failure due to stringent financing options that put their operations at risk making their continued survival untenable. Hence, the current study aimed at examining the effect of financing options on financial performance of new motor vehicle dealers in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of equity financing, lease financing, purchase order financing and cheque discounting financing on financial performance of new vehicle dealers in Kenya. The study was anchored on pecking order theory, information asymmetry, credit rationing and financial intermediation theory. The study applied correlation research design and sourced for secondary data from 2011 to 2021 among nine new vehicle dealers in Kenya. The study applied descriptive and inferential statistics. Fixed effects regression model was fitted. Results of the study indicates that equity financing, lease financing, purchase order financing and cheque discounting financing have positive and significant effect on financial performance of new vehicle dealers in Kenya. Based on the findings it can be that there is need for consideration of mixed financing choices. Such as lease financing options provides favourable terms among business enterprises due to flexibility and efficiency it leads to in business enterprises. It can be recommended that new vehicle dealers to develop strategic partnership with venture capitalists and business angels to ease their customers access to equity finance. Secondly, new vehicle dealers in Kenya indicates the need for adoption of customized model for lease vehicle financing. Thirdly, purchase order financing being complementary approach between financial institutions calls for development of strategic partnership that would maximize odds of wealth maximization principle. Further, positive significant effect of cheque discounting on financial performance of new vehicle dealers calls for enhancement of respective organization working capital management model to enhance achievement of profit maximization principle.
The Effect of partnership collaboration on road safety: a case of the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Kenya Police at the Coastal Region of Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Munyao, Maryanne Nduku
There is overwhelming evidence of increased road mortalities within Kenya which has led to the Kenyan government setting up various agencies to enhance road safety. Despite the various measures adopted by both the NTSA and the Kenya Police, there has been minimal improvement of road safety within the country. This research sought to examine whether collaboration between the NTSA and the Kenya Police influences road safety within the coastal region of Kenya. The study specifically reviewed whether standard interoperation, feedback and distribution of labor has an effect on road safety. The research was grounded on the collaboration theory and the three phased model. The study was anchored on the positivism research paradigm with a quantitative descriptive design being utilized in the research. The target population for the survey was 263 officials drawn from the NTSA and the Kenya Police. The sample size for the survey was 207 participants from both institutions. The research adopted a structured research questionnaire in the data collection process. The collected responses were analyzed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive and inferential techniques. The overall regression results established that a positive change in the road safety within the coastal region of Kenya, was predicted by the level of collaboration between the NTSA and the Kenya Police. The study concluded that standard interoperation and feedback had a significant effect on road safety in the region. However, it was found out that distribution of labor does not significantly predict road safety in the region. The study recommends that the NTSA and the Kenya Police in collaboration with other agencies should strive to modernize with the use of ICT, road safety measures, have a larger work force thus adequate deployment of officers and improve community participation in reporting and identifying road offenders that can enhance road safety. The study was limited to three practices that are anchored on the collaboration theory; standard interoperation, feedback and distribution of labor.
Effect of strategic agility on the survival of star-rated hotels in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Cheruiyot, Mary Cheruto
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges to various sectors of the global economies. One of the most hit sectors in the hotel industry which is facing new challenges such as reduced demand for hotel services, limited occupancy, business closures, and a sector-wide scale-down in operations. Locally, most hospitality industry firms have closed down or are facing a turbulent environment that has negatively impacted their financial outcomes and survival rates. This study assessed the influence of strategic agility factors on the survival of hotel businesses in the context of the current operating environment. The study focused on the influence of team empowerment, service diversification, operational flexibility and resource fluidity on the survival of hotels in Kenya. The research applied the crisis management theory and the resource dependency theory to anchor the review of the variables. The study used a positivism philosophy which help draw relationships between the variables and generalize the results to a larger population. Further, a descriptive research design was applied to estimate the relationship between strategic agility and hotel survival using quantitative methods and techniques. The population was 83 star-rated hotels operating within Nairobi City County. The study targeted the managing director, strategy or operations director. Census sampling was used in the determination of the sample size of 83 senior managers from the star-rated hotels. Structured questionnaires alluding to the study objectives was utilized in data collection from the respondents. Quantitative analysis techniques were adopted in the study. The findings were presented using charts and tables. Responses for the research were sought from 83 hotels and the survey was able to obtain 87% (n=72) responses. Results revealed that most of the responses were from 3-star hotels (76%, n = 55), 17% (n = 12) were 4-star hotels while only 4% (n = 3) were five-star hotels. The correlation tests showed a positive effect of team empowerment, resource fluidity, service diversification and operational flexibility on business survival of the star-rated hotels in Kenya. The summary of the regression statistic indicated that holding all other factors constant strategic agility will predict 40.2% of the changes in the business survival of the star rated hotels. The study findings led to the conclusion that the survival of star rated Hotels in Kenya are positively and significantly related to the team empowerment, service diversification, operational flexibility and resource fluidity. Separately, the research concluded that service diversification, operational flexibility and resource fluidity do have a significant positive effect on survival of star rated Hotels in Kenya. The research further concluded that team empowerment had a negative and insignificant effect on the survival of star rated Hotels in Kenya. Study recommends that the hotel business should leverage on their staff by offering professional training to equip employees with adequate technical skills and people relational skills to manage employee fluctuations more effectively. Further, research and development will lead to products and services prices being competitive than other competitors due to cost leadership advantage leading to overall hotel financial performance improvement The study also recommends channeling of necessary resources to the firm’s main services offering. For a firm to be assured of sustainability, it must identify its competitive advantage and apply all the necessary available resources to the same for maximum benefit.
Effect of total quality management practices on the performance of coffee co-operative societies in Kiambu County
(Strathmore University, 2022) Maina, Mary
Within the last three decades, coffee production and exports in Kenya have declined substantially, especially in the smallholder co-operative sub-sector, and which accounts for over 60% of Kenya’s total coffee production. This has resulted in poor performance within coffee co-operatives in the country. Despite the various studies showing a positive relationship between TQM adoption and organizational performance, there was limited documentation on how various quality management practices influence the organizational performance of Kenyan coffee co-operative Societies at the local level. This study is on how total quality management practices (leadership management, quality focus and process management) affect the performance of coffee co-operatives in Kiambu County. The study was anchored on the Deming theory of quality management and the contingency theory. The research used a descriptive cross-sectional design in determining the relationship between the variables. The population of the survey was the 23 registered coffee co-operatives with the chairperson and operations manager considered in the study. The sample for this study was 46 officials with a census survey being adopted. The study adopted a structured questionnaire in the collection of study data with a drop and pick method as well as Google forms being used in data collection process. The study questionnaire was pretested among 10% of the participants of the study. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative techniques with charts and tables applied in the data presentation. The survey was able to obtain 91% which was adequate for this research. Findings revealed that majority of them 88% have operated within the county for more than 12 years, 5% had operated for 8-11 years with only 7% operating for 4-7 years. The correlation tests revealed that leadership management, quality focus and process management had a positive effect on the performance of the coffee co-operatives. Regression tests established that total quality management practices do predict 66.8% of the changes in the organizational performance of the coffee cooperatives operating in Kiambu County. The supported the conclusion that leadership management and process management have a significant positive effect on the performance of coffee cooperatives. The analysis led to the conclusion that quality focus does not have a significant influence on the performance of coffee cooperatives. The study recommends the management of coffee co-operative societies a TQM implementation division whose primary duty would be to streamline the process of TQM practices within the organizations. The research recommends that co-operatives should improve investments in new modern technologies that will help farmers in improving their coffee productivity. The study recommends the institutions should constantly review their production process to ensure they are able to maintain their quality standards.
Effects of strategic choices on the performance of the airline industry in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Miyumo, Donna
The aviation sector is at a breaking point as a consequence of COVID-19 which has become a key catalyst to the existential crisis facing airline firms. Furthermore, the local airline industry has been lagging behind in performance has witnessed by the lack of service differentiation and growth within the majority of the domestic industry. To this end the research sought to determine the effect of strategic choices on the performance of the airline industry in Kenya. The study specifically sought to establish the effect of differentiation strategies, market penetration strategies and innovative strategies on the performance of domestic airline firms in Kenya. The review was informed by the contingency theory balance scorecard model. The research used a positivism research philosophy with quantitative techniques being employed in solving the study problem. The population of the study was the 43 domestic airline firms in Kenya. The study sampled 3-senior level employees from each firm with the sample size being determined using census sampling. The study sample participants were 129 staff members. The study collected quantitative data using structured questionnaires. The collected research data was analyzed using a mix of descriptive, factor and inferential analysis techniques. The study results were presented using charts and tables. The research was able to obtain 112 responses with majority of the respondents were female employees in the airline firms. Results showed that most respondents were marketing managers, and the least were the managing directors. The correlation analysis revealed existence of a strong and positive relation between innovative strategies, differentiation strategies and market penetration strategies and the operational performance of the airlines. The regression tests showed that strategic choices positively contribute to changes in the operational performance of the domestic airlines. The coefficients of the regression findings supported the conclusion that innovative strategies, differentiation strategies and market penetration strategies had a positive and significant effect on the operation performance of the domestic airlines. Its’s recommended that due to the pandemic the government should create a support programme that will improve the incentives to the firms, create a supportive tax structure and adopt more simplified and reliable programmes that will help improve the recovery of the domestic aviation firms. Also, the domestic airlines can further implement price differentiation practices on the domestic routes which will ensure that more customer classes are able to be served. Further, through relying on the third parties the domestic airlines can be able to serve both the leisure travelers, business travelers and corporate entities thus improving the market penetration of the firms. Lastly, the domestic airlines should invest in modern dedicated information platforms that will offer innovative customer services that will boost engagement and service quality among the firms.
Influence of data literacy on managerial decision making in medium sized textile manufacturing companies in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kenyana, Clara
Data literacy is important to any organization as it propels forward momentum and success. It is essential for employees and other stakeholders in an organization to understand the value of improving their data literacy. Organizations should be able to use data to influence their operations as well as make strategic decisions. On the other hand, poor data literacy is one of the main roadblocks to an organization’s success and a company’s ability to grow. Data-based decision making is therefore increasingly becoming popular in both private and public policy discourses and texts. Policy makers and top managers in organizations have placed tremendous faith in the power of data to transform practice. However, the fate of their efforts depends on the great measure of the very practice they hope to move. The relationship between data and practice, however, have been under conceptualized. There exists a gap regarding studies on the use and effect of data in decision making in the Kenyan Textile Industry. The purpose of this study therefore was to evaluate how data literacy of managers influence their decision making in the Kenyan textile industry. To fulfill this purpose, the study employed a positivism research philosophy as well as a descriptive research design to describe the situation in the Kenyan textile industry as it is. Quantitative method was used to collect data. The target population was 52 medium and large textile manufacturing companies operating outside the EPZ in Kenya. Probability sampling technique (simple random sampling) was employed to include the entire medium and large sized companies outside the Export Processing Zone. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. Data analysis was done using STATA and MS excel, to provide descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations and correlations and regression. The findings are presented using graphs and tables. The study findings from the descriptive data and simple linear regression models indicated that there was high data accessibility and availability in the Kenyan textile manufacturing industry. The findings also indicate that there was a high level of data skills possessed by the managers of the selected Kenyan textile manufacturing companies. However, the findings revealed a mixed level of data usage among the managers. A positive correlation with managerial decision making as well as from the multiple regression the study established that data literacy by managers significantly contribute to managerial decision making. In conclusion, the study offers appropriate recommendations for managers, policy makers as well contribution to knowledge based on the study.
Influence of financial risk management training on the adoption of its practices by Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2022) Mwaniki, Daniel N.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are valued as the engine of economic evolution in supporting sound development across countries. The disappointing issue is that most of these enterprises have shown high failures where very few of them go beyond one year. One of the reasons this could happen might be the failure to adopt the financial risk management practices that are delivered during the entrepreneurial training to SMEs. Therefore, this study has investigated the influence of financial risk management practices training on its adoption by small and medium enterprises in Nairobi County. The specific objectives were: to establish the influence that financial risk identification and analysis training has on its adoption by SME entrepreneurs in Nairobi County, to examine the influence that financial risk monitoring training has on its adoption by SME entrepreneurs in Nairobi County, and lastly, to determine the influence that financial risk mitigation training has on its adoption by SME entrepreneurs in Nairobi County. This study employs a descriptive correlational research design where the researcher illustrates the variable relationships without necessarily the causes. This study used a stratified random sampling method with a target population of 2,591 and a sample size of 393 entrepreneurs. Purposively, the entrepreneurs sampled must have participated in a nine-month entrepreneurial training from Hand in Hand Eastern Africa between January 2017 and December 2019 and based in Nairobi region. This study used a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, comprising a Likert-type scale of questions. Data was collected from the primary sources, cleaned, and analyzed to draw conclusive observations for inference. The results indicate that there is a positive and significant association between the independent and dependent variables. The study found that entrepreneurship training influenced the adoption of identification and analysis, financial risk monitoring, and also financial risk mitigation of SMEs. The study concludes that entrepreneurship training influenced the adoption of financial risk management practices of SMEs. The study recommends the need for the trainers to evaluate the adequacy of their entrepreneurial training about how SMEs can benefit from transferring financial risks to 3rd parties. This could involve partnering with insurance companies in their training for ease of adoption. In addition, the study recommends the need to spend more time handholding those members who are not able to adopt the financial risk management practices.
Influence of innovation orientation on organizational performance of suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kimani, James Kinyanjui
To realize superior organizational performance under the highly regulated, highly competitive and dynamic business environment, firms operating within highly competitive and challenging environment need to improve their internal resources, be innovation oriented and remain strategic to ensure their survival. The telecommunication suppliers in Kenya are facing various challenges including stiff competition among themselves, low barriers to entry, corruption, poor corporate governance structure and the need for continuous training of personnel to cope with the highly changing technologies. In the face of these challenges, telecommunication suppliers need to adopt innovations that guarantee them improved performance. The innovation orientation adopted by the suppliers in this industry is therefore vital in ensuring development of new technologies, improved operations and ensuring timely delivery of services. This study sought to analyze the influence of innovation orientation on the organizational performance of suppliers working in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study was guided by positivism research philosophy. This study adopted both descriptive and explanatory research designs. The population of this study comprised of 688 telecommunication suppliers registered with Communication Authority of Kenya. The study was based on sample size of 322 companies/suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study used probability sampling technique, specifically, simple random sampling technique to select the companies that were included in the sample. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. The study used multiple linear regression modeling data analysis techniques. Model summary results established that innovation intention, innovation infrastructure and intention to sustain innovation explain 61.3% of performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Regression coefficient of innovation intention and performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry has the greatest positive and significant relationship (β=.319, p=0.000<0.05) followed by coefficient of the intention to sustain innovation has the greatest positive and significant influence on performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry (β=.271, p=0.000<0.05) and coefficient of innovation infrastructure has positive and significant influence on performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry (β=.265, p=0.000<0.05). Competitive strategy has partial significant meditation effect on the relationship between innovation orientation and organization performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. The study recommends the need in the telecommunication suppliers to support product and service innovation through research and development. There is need to facilitate cooperation in innovative activities among different stakeholder including firm management, employees, entrepreneurs, public sector, private sector, government, platform operators and academia. There is need for the management of supply firms in the telecommunication industry to seek the commitment of employees and innovators in incorporating new innovations in the organization through reward and recognition for innovative ideas.
Influence of innovation orientation on organizational performance of suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kimani, James Kinyanjui
To realize superior organizational performance under the highly regulated, highly competitive and dynamic business environment, firms operating within highly competitive and challenging environment need to improve their internal resources, be innovation oriented and remain strategic to ensure their survival. The telecommunication suppliers in Kenya are facing various challenges including stiff competition among themselves, low barriers to entry, corruption, poor corporate governance structure and the need for continuous training of personnel to cope with the highly changing technologies. In the face of these challenges, telecommunication suppliers need to adopt innovations that guarantee them improved performance. The innovation orientation adopted by the suppliers in this industry is therefore vital in ensuring development of new technologies, improved operations and ensuring timely delivery of services. This study sought to analyze the influence of innovation orientation on the organizational performance of suppliers working in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study was guided by positivism research philosophy. This study adopted both descriptive and explanatory research designs. The population of this study comprised of 688 telecommunication suppliers registered with Communication Authority of Kenya. The study was based on sample size of 322 companies/suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study used probability sampling technique, specifically, simple random sampling technique to select the companies that were included in the sample. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. The study used multiple linear regression modeling data analysis techniques. Model summary results established that innovation intention, innovation infrastructure and intention to sustain innovation explain 61.3% of performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Regression coefficient of innovation intention and performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry has the greatest positive and significant relationship (β=.319, p=0.000 5). Competitive strategy has partial significant meditation effect on the relationship between innovation orientation and organization performance of the suppliers in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. The study recommends the need in the telecommunication suppliers to support product and service innovation through research and development. There is need to facilitate cooperation in innovative activities among different stakeholder including firm management, employees, entrepreneurs, public sector, private sector, government, platform operators and academia. There is need for the management of supply firms in the telecommunication industry to seek the commitment of employees and innovators in incorporating new innovations in the organization through reward and recognition for innovative ideas.
Influence of regulatory framework on the relationship between factors influencing cashless transactions and growth of cashless transactions
(Strathmore University, 2022) Kirui, Ernest Cheruiyot
The study sought to examine the influence of the regulatory framework on the growth of cashless transactions in commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objectives were to evaluate the extent of evolution of the digital currency in Kenya, establish factors influencing the growth of cashless transactions of commercial banks in Kenya and examine the controlling effect regulatory framework on the growth of cashless transactions of commercial banks in Kenya. The study was based on three theories, namely the Technology Acceptance Model, Schumpeter's theory of innovation and the theory of diffusion of innovations. The study employed the explanatory research design. The study adopted a positivism approach. The target population included all 41 licensed commercial banks in Kenya. The study included the entire population as the sample size. The researcher picked managers from the 41 commercial banks. Two managers from the human resource department, finance department, marketing department and ICT department were randomly picked. Hence, the number of respondents targeted for the questionnaires were 328. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The regression results showed that perceived risks, perceived ease of use, financial literacy and financial innovation could explain 69.2% of the variations in the growth of cashless transactions of commercial banks in Kenya. The perceived risks is positively and significantly related to the growth of cashless transactions (β=0.306, p=0.000). It was found that perceived ease of use is positively and significantly related to the growth of cashless transactions (β=0.172, p=0.000). In addition, the study found that financial literacy is positively and significantly related to the growth of cashless transactions (β=0.072, p=0.004). Finally, the study found that financial innovation is positively and significantly related to the growth of cashless transactions (β=0.469, p=0.000). The study found that regulatory framework has a controlling effect on the growth of cashless transactions of commercial banks in Kenya. The study found that the Central Bank of Kenya proposes introducing a digital currency to ease cross-border payments and complement mobile money in the local market. The study recommended that commercial banks in Kenya should increase mass education/enlightenment on finance management so that people can achieve the most from the latest development in the cashless system. The government should develop a regulatory framework with guidelines on how commercial banks should implement internet banking. Another study is recommended in other financial sectors, such as microfinance institutions. Moreover, future researchers could also introduce controlling variables other than regulatory frameworks, such as ownership structure and firm characteristics.
The Role of change management on the adoption of the E-Conveyancing system by internationally ranked law firms in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Ndegwa, Faith Wanjiku
As the global legal culture and mindset are evolving, lawyers are increasingly adopting new ways of operating especially on information technology and digitization of systems and processes for the past decade or so. Change management practices have been employed in dealing with transition or transformation of organizational processes or technologies from a current state to a desired future state to ensure successful implementation. Kenya’s eConveyancing system is one such technological innovation and requires appropriate change management for a smooth, effective, and efficient transition from the manual to the automated system. However, a gap exists on the change management practices implemented in moving from the manual to the electronic system of conveyancing. The purpose of this study therefore was to fill the gap by researching the effects of preparing for change, managing change, and sustaining change on the adoption of eConveyancing by internationally ranked law firms in Kenya. The study was anchored on Kotter’s Change Management Model as well on the Technology Acceptance Model. The study used a descriptive cross sectional research design to collect and analyze the data. The targeted population of the study consisted of 37 internationally recognized Law firms in Kenya, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis and presented using frequency tables. Regression analysis established that there was a statistically significant correlation between the variables. The study therefore concluded that the three change management variables investigated (that is, preparing for change, managing change, and sustaining change) have a significant effect on the adoption of eConveyancing by internationally ranked law firms in Kenya. The study contributes to theory by building onto Kotter’s Change Management Model as well as the Technology Acceptance Model and improves on studies on change management and the adoption of technology. These results are expected to contribute to policy, practice and academia and contribute positively to digital transformation by law firms practicing in Kenya. The study was limited by the use of a descriptive cross-sectional survey and could have benefited from a longitudinal approach. Finally, the study recommends further comparative studies on the role of change management in the adoption of eConveyancing by law firms in different countries that practice eConveyancing.
Telemedicine as a mechanism for providing accessible medical care: what are the determinants of its adoption in Nairobi county? A case of MP Shah
(Stathmore University, 2022) Mutuku, Sharon N.
Over the years, technology has experienced rapid development especially in the health sector. Telemedicine is already implemented in various health facilities thus promising ease in accessibility of health care services. Telemedicine is a form of technology that promises ease and convenience in the accessibility of healthcare. Patients can easily access healthcare at reduced costs and in a timely manner. Irrespective of these benefits, the adoption of telemedicine is still relatively low in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to investigate the drivers of telemedicine adoption in Nairobi County. The study sought to determine the influence of awareness, role perception, technological enablers, and preferences of medical care on the adoption of telemedicine among patients in Nairobi County. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for this study. The study targeted patients at MP Shah Hospital, which is a tier-one private health facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the health facility and simple random sampling was used in the selection of patients in the facilities. Fischer’s formula was used in the calculation of the sample size. A total of 152 respondents were captured in the study. Data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire was used in the collection of data among the patients. Descriptive statistics was conducted through regression analysis to establish the nature of relationships between the variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The result shows that knowledge and awareness are key factors associated with adoption of telemedicine. This shows that the patients need to have knowledge and be aware of telemedicine to enable the adoption of telemedicine. There was also a need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness which would also improve on the perceptions towards telemedicine. Lack of physical examination was also a major concern contributing to low adoption of telemedicine. Additionally, improving on the technological enablers would be vital in increasing the adoption of telemedicine services.
The Influence of lean six sigma on operational performance of juice manufacturing firms in Nairobi metropolitan area
(Strathmore University, 2022-08) Oyottoh, Nicholas Ochieng’
Organizations are operating in quite a volatile environment driven by stiff competition, customers with low brand loyalty and continuously increasing input prices while consumers are not willing to take a price increment from any supplier. Most organizations are therefore looking for systems, strategies and process that can make them compete in the market place. One of the ways organizations strive to address competitive challenge and improve performance is rolling out continuous improvement practices such as Six Sigma, and Lean. The key point of concern is whether the implementation of lean six sigma results in any improvement in performance. There are gaps in literature as the results are quite varied where some organizations see benefits while others see no benefits and the extreme end of the benefits continuum some organizations see negative impact on their performance after implementing the lean six sigma. In the literature, there was also varied geographical spread in the study with literature showing a bias towards the studies being done in developed world. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of Lean Six Sigma on operational performance of Juices manufacturing firms in Nairobi metropolitan area. This specifically involved establishing the influence of Coordination, TPM, Employee Involvement and Statistical Process Control on operational performance of Juice manufacturing firms in Nairobi Metropolitan area. This study was anchored on two theories namely dynamic capability theory and knowledge based theory. The study adopted positivism research with a descriptive research design. The primary data was collected by administration of semi-structured questionnaire targeting 78 respondents from the 13 juice manufacturing firm in the Nairobi Metropolitan area. The study made use of MS Excel as well as R as tools to analyze the primary data collected. The descriptive statistics and correlation analysis on the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables showed that the four predictor variables (Coordination, Employee involvement, Total productive maintenance, and Statistical process control) had statistical significant influence on the operational performance. The limitations of the study included the cross-sectional approach of research design and thus, the results are to be interpreted within such period. Therefore, future studies could consider longitudinal studies and results compared, other limitations included the regional focus of Nairobi Metropolitan areas as well as the industry of focus which was the juice firms within the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Turnaround strategies and performance of three-star hotels in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2022) Qiong, Liu
The dynamism of the environment implies that organizations have to constantly redesign their strategies in order to remain competitive and survive since failure to do so leads to the closure of organizational operations. In the current Covid-19-ridden environment, the hotel industry faces the biggest brunt. This has resulted in many hotels closing down their branches or scaling down their operations which has led to dismal performance in the industry. This study sought to review how these hotels have applied turnaround strategies to influence their performance. Specifically, the paper examined how management restructuring strategies, staff rationalization strategies, asset restructuring strategies, and financial restructuring strategies impact the performance of the hotels. The research was premised on the resource-based view theory and the institutional theory. The study employed a positivism research philosophy in quantitatively examining the relationship between the variables. The research analyzed on the 63 Three Star Rated hotels in operation in Kenya. The study focused all the managing directors within the hotels using census sampling. A structured questionnaire was used in the data collection process, with 10% of the sample being used in testing the quality of the instrument in a pilot. After data collection, both descriptive and inferential approaches was used in the analysis of the data. The findings of the study were presented using charts and tables. The study was able to obtain responses from 54 star-rated hotels in Kenya which represented an 86% response rate. Research outcome showed that 43% of the employees had worked for 4-6 years, 33% were at the position for over 7 years with only 24% of the staff having retained their position for 1-3 years. The examination revealed that most of the hotels 39% for 12-15 years had a three-star rated hotels, 29% had the rating status for 8-11 years. According to the value of the regression output 63.1% of performance of three-star rated hotels could be explained by the independent variables (turnaround strategies). The study concludes that turnaround strategies have a significant positive effect on the performance of three star rated hotels in Kenya. Regarding the first objective, it was determined that managerial restructuring had an insignificant effect on the performance of the three-star rated hotels. The study came to the conclusion that providing opportunities for the continuous development of employees increases employee satisfaction and commitment to meeting and even exceeding organizational goals. The results pointing toward the conclusion that asset restructuring has significant positive effects on organizational outcomes. The study also recommends that hotels try to make the restructuring process more inclusive to ensure that all cadres of employees own the response strategies instituted by their organizations. The study recommends that the hotels team up with investment managers who will provide adequate advice on investment opportunities that can produce positive financial outcomes for the hotels.

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