MBA Theses and Dissertations (2023)

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Competitive strategies for enhancing business performance: a study on electric motorcycle companies in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2023) Elle, A. K.
This study was conducted to quantitatively investigate the link between porter’s generic strategies on the performance of electric motorcycle businesses in Kenya. This is against the backdrop of an empirical gap on the influence of porter’s generic strategies on the performance of electric motorcycle businesses. Literatures on the influence of Porter’s generic strategies are available but limited to already established businesses and also lack of literature that quantitatively links the generic strategies to business performance of new products like electric motorcycles may lead to business pursuing the wrong strategies. Therefore, to fill these gaps the study was guided by the following research objectives; to establish the effect of differentiation strategy on the performance of electric motorcycle business in Kenya; to establish the effect of cost leadership strategy on the performance of electric motorcycle business in Kenya; to establish the effect of focus strategy on the performance of electric motorcycle business in Kenya. To measure the relationship between the dependent variable (organizational performance) and the independent variables (focus strategy, differentiation strategy, and cost leadership strategy), this study employed an explorative research design and a positivism research philosophy to achieve these objectives. The research used simple random sampling technique to collect data from the target population of all the electric motorcycle businesses in Nairobi County, adopting a sample population of 73. Further, the study adopted a descriptive model and the data gathered using questionnaires, through both online and physical quantitative surveys. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software and presented using tables, graphs and charts for both descriptive and inferential statistics using regression and correlation analysis. Individually, all the generic strategies had a positive significant effect on the business performance of electric motorcycle dealers in Kenya. The study found the degree of correlation between focus strategy and business performance was highest at 81.93% and variation in business performance as a result of Focus strategy employed is 0.6713. The study also found that cost leadership strategy led to 51.86% increase in business performance whereas differentiation strategy led to 39.97% increase in business performance. Due to the infancy stage of the electric motorcycle business in Kenya and industry size, the study recommends a longitudinal approach to achieve a further conclusive result. It also guides the industry players to explore a hybrid approach in designing their business strategies because there are other factors that impact the electric motorcycle business performance in Kenya like government policies, consumer knowledge and mindset. Keywords: Focus strategy, differentiation strategy, cost leadership strategy, business performance, electric motorcycles.
Analysis of the effectiveness of utilization of health information technologies in COVID-19 management in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2023) Ljukunye, A. L.
Locally, the country has struggled to manage the COVID-19 pandemic due to the weak healthcare systems and the limited number of specialized health facilities. Further, insufficient testing capacity and public sensitization have resulted in the increasing spread of infections in the country. However, evidence from developed countries has shown that extensive application of health information technologies has been critical in the management of COVID-19 pandemic. There has minimal investigation of how these health information technologies were adopted in the country over the last two years of the pandemic. And more so, if they had an influence on COVID-19 management. The current research sought to fill this gap and establish how health information technologies; health information exchange, electronic surveillance and digital connectivity influenced COVID-19 management. The research was informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. A positivism study philosophy was used in the survey with a descriptive research approach being considered. The study population was the health facilities in the country that utilized health information technologies since the pandemic began in the country. The study applied purposive sampling to target 86 senior hospital personnel drawn from Kenyatta National Hospital, Ministry of Health, ICT Authority Kenya, County Referral Hospitals, Private Referral Hospitals (Nairobi), and Research Institutions (KEMRI & KHF). This was followed by stratified sampling for Kenyatta National Hospital. The study applied a structured questionnaire in the data collection. The collected study data was analysed using statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, correlation coefficient and regression tests. The analysed data was presented using figures, charts and tables. Correlation tests established that the independent variables; adoption of health information exchange, adoption of electronic surveillance and digital connectivity had a positive relation with COVID-19 Management in Kenya. The regression findings revealed that 52.2% of the variations in COVID-19 management in the country are determined by the adoption of health information technologies in the health sector in Kenya. The analysis conclusions were that the three independent variables have been employed in Kenya and have improved their ability to effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare centres used health information exchange technologies, electronic surveillance technologies and digital connectivity in reducing the spread of the corona virus. The study recommends that regular staff training be carried out to make them capable of utilizing new technologies and improvising existing ones to serve current needs. The study recommends that data security and surveillance laws be regularly updated to address the loopholes that emerge when new technologies are introduced. The study also recommends better legislation around cyber security to ensure protection of user data and guide on best practices to protect patient data.
Influence of supply chain management on the performance of distributors of fast-moving consumer goods companies in Kenya: a case of select key distributors
(Strathmore University, 2023) Rono, C.
The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of SCM on the performance of distributors of top FMCGs in Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the effect of inventory availability on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya, to assess the effect of order fulfillment on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya, to establish the effect of quality management on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya and to determine the effect of returns management on the performance of FMCG distribution firms in Kenya. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational research design and targeted 67 distributor firms which distribute the products of 4 major FMCG firms in Kenya. The population included the 42 Unilever Kenya distributors, 9 Colgate Palmolive Kenya distributors, 7 Reckitt Benckiser Services Kenya Ltd distributors and 9 L’Oréal Kenya distributors. The data was collected using structured questionnaires. The study managed to collect data from all 63 firms representing 100% response rate. The other four companies which had been included amongst the firms involved during pre-testing the questionnaire were not considered for the purpose of actual data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the output showed positive coefficients for each independent variable as well as low significant values. This study established that the supply chain management has a strong positive effect on performance of distributor firms. This study concludes that SCM positively influences distributor firm performance. Also, the study concluded that inventory availability, order fulfilment, quality management and returns management have a significant effect on performance of the distributor firms individually. Based on the findings, the study recommends that producers, distributors and other players in the distribution chain to ensure goods reach the final consumers should work closely to ensure highly functional supply chain.
An Assessment of the factors affecting the achievement of turnaround strategies at Kenya Airways
(Strathmore University, 2023) Wanyama, E.
By December 2019, the turnaround strategy at Kenya Airways had shown improved revenue. There was an increase in number of revenue passengers and new routes were opened to Geneva and Rome with connections to Malindi. Just as the turnaround strategy was gaining success, the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in suspension of flights and government lockdowns which severely impacted the achievement of the turnaround strategy. These factors forced Kenya Airways to implement significant cost-cutting measures. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that affect the achievement of turnaround strategies in airlines, with a focus on Kenya Airways. The specific objectives were; to examine the effect of strategic alliances, competitive strategies, leadership and Covid-19 pandemic on the achievement of turnaround strategies at Kenya Airways. The study was grounded on the strategic turnaround theory. Descriptive research design was adopted for this study and the researcher probed for information from employees using survey methodology. The unit of observation was managers at Kenya Airways from the following departments: Strategy and Finance department, Human Resources, Technical Operations, Ground Services and Flight Operations. The unit of analysis was 155 employees drawn from senior level, middle level and lower level of management at Kenya Airways. The sample size for the study was 112 employees drawn from the 4 departments. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Simple random method was applied on respondents earmarked for participation in the study then descriptive and inferential statistics were finally used to analyze and interpret the data. The researcher ensured that the study complies with research quality standards including validity, objectivity and reliability. The study was able to obtain 78% response rate which is adequate when conducting quantitative analysis. Correlation tests showed strategic alliances, competitive strategies and leadership have a positive effect on competitiveness and profitability of Kenya Airways. The study concluded that achievement of turnaround strategies within Kenya Airways is positively related to the execution of strategic alliances, competitive strategies, leadership and Covid-19. Independently the research concluded that strategic alliances, competitive strategies and leadership do have a significant positive effect on achievement of turnaround strategies. The research further concluded that Covid-19 had a negative and insignificant effect on the achievement of turnaround strategies at Kenya Airways. The research recommended that the airline should cooperate more with other major airlines globally that will help in enhancing the diversification of the services offered by the airline. The study recommends that management should consider more hybrid strategies that are more practical when operating in a fluid environment. This will help in avoiding any corrosive effects to the profitability and competitiveness of the airline. The study also recommends that management should implement better recruitment and retention of a highly qualified and diversified workforce which will enhance the effective execution of strategies which can lead to better performance.
Influence of talent management strategies on employee performance in the food & beverage sector in Nairobi County
(Strathmore University, 2023) Mwangangi, C. K.
In today's international business environment, talent management is an essential source of competitive advantage that creates value for employers. For this reason, organizations work tirelessly to attract, develop, and retain talent since they believe that employees are the only assets that lead to innovative business strategies and solutions. This study sought to examine the effect talent management strategies have on employee performance in the Food & Beverage Sector in Nairobi. The need for the study was driven by the existing research gaps, including the lack of sufficient empirical information on how talent management strategies such as remuneration, training and development, and workplace safety influence employee performance in the food and beverage sector. Talent management strategies (remuneration, training and development, and workplace health, safety, and well-being) constituted the independent or predictor variables, and employee performance was the dependent or outcome variable. The expectancy theory made for the theoretical framework for the study. The study followed the positivist research paradigm, and a correlational research design was employed for which the purpose was to determine the relationship between the variables. The target population consisted of 135 food and beverage firms in the Nairobi metropolitan region that formed the units of analysis for the study. A cluster sampling technique was used to create a sample size of 405 respondents, and structured questionnaires used to collect data. Out of the targeted 405 questions, 364 were completed and returned on time, meaning the recommended criteria of a 75% response rate was fulfilled. The questionnaires were cleaned, evaluated for integrity, and triangulated to draw conclusive observations for inference. The data was then analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and inferential statistics via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found remuneration to have a positive and significant impact on employee performance. Training and development and workplace health, safety, and well-being were found to have a positive and non-significant impact on employee performance in food and beverage. Therefore, the study concluded that out of the three talent management strategies, only remuneration was a significant predictor of employee performance. Therefore, the study recommends that food and beverage companies in Nairobi should pay special attention to remuneration to drive employee performance. The study urges future researchers to examine other strategies of talent management.

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