MBA Theses and Dissertations (2018)

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    Investigating knowledge transfer for entrepreneurship in Kenya's agricultural sector
    (Strathmore University, 2018-01) Ngugi, William Wanyoike
    Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya's economy. About 80% of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for both food and employment. Despite this, the small scale farmers have largely remained stagnant in productivity and tended to focus on subsistence farming. This study investigated the knowledge transfer predictors for entrepreneurship in Kenya's Agricultural Sector. The objectives were, to first determine the knowledge and skills gap in the agricultural sector in Kenya, to determine the relationship between these knowledge gaps and successful knowledge transfer (productivity) in the agricultural sector in Kenya and to find out the moderating effect of hindrances on the relationship between knowledge gaps and successful knowledge transfer in the agricultural sector in Kenya. The knowledge predictors identified have shown that with an effective knowledge transfer from various existing agricultural and research institutions as well as learning institutions, it is possible for the farmers to not only increase their production, but it is also possible to turn their farming activities into commercial enterprises, small, medium and large farming enterprises. The initial stage of the study used exploratory design followed by descriptive design. Data was collected through self – administered questionnaires. The questionnaires were structured to minimize variability. The sample set was clustered and convenience sampling applied resulting in a sample size of 60 respondents (30 small-scale farmers and 30 large scale farmers from Laikipia, Kiambu and Nakuru counties, purposively sampled). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics in particular regression analysis. The study established that a relationship exist between knowledge gaps and knowledge transfer. Five predictors of knowledge transfer were identified. The most significant predictors of knowledge transfer according to their impact factor were: skills transfer from the large scale farmers to small scale farmers, access to research centers (KARl) and extension service providers like Syngeta EA, Osho chemicals, Amiran, Bayer EA, Twiga Chemicals, Kenya Seeds Company and others, access to information on agriculture relayed via TV and radio, education of the farmers and the courses pursued at college level. The study concludes that effective knowledge transfer is tenable through such mediums like the government agricultural officers, mass media and agricultural learning institutions which will turn the farming activities of small-scale farmers to commercial enterprises. Since implementing the predictors of knowledge transfer would entail a financial cost, a key recommendation to other academicians is to determine the return on investment in knowledge transfer, by putting into practice the theoretical aspects identified.
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    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.
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    The Influence of strategic alliances on competitiveness of internationally ranked law firms in Kenya
    (Strathmore University, 2018) Macharia, Gachini
    Law firms, just like other forms of for-profit legal entities, operate with the aim of maximizing profits. Law firms have used various strategies to achieve this goal, in particular and the focus of this study, entering into strategic alliances with foreign law firms with the intention of entering into new markets, increasing market power, acquisition of skills and for strategic renewal. As a result of adopting these strategic alliances, certain law firms have improved their competitiveness against other players in the market for legal services. Law firms in Kenya are also adopting the strategy of entering into strategic alliances with foreign law firms to enhance their competitiveness. The study evaluated the types of strategic alliances that law firms in Kenya are entering into and analyzed how these alliances influence their competitiveness. The research was guided by the resource based theory because of the use of strategic alliances to access valuable resources from the other firms. A quantitative research design was used through a questionnaire to collect primary data while secondary data in the form of the position held by the various law firms in global legal ranking publications was also collected. A purposive sampling technique was used in which the targeted population for the study was a total of 16 law firms listed on the following global legal ranking websites: IFLR1000; Chambers and Partners; and Legal 500. Considering the size of the population, data was collected from the entire population. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. In particular, to test the strength of relationships between variables, a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman’s rho) was carried out. The study found that law firms in Kenya are entering into Ad Hoc Referral, Best Friends and Swiss Verein forms of strategic alliances with foreign law firms. Of the three strategic alliance models, the Swiss Verein model had the greatest influence in bringing about a positive increase in competitiveness and access to new markets and opportunities is the key resource driving competitiveness.. The study suggests that future research considers using a longitudinal research design and using financial measures of competitiveness.
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    Promoting domestic tourism in Kenya: an assessment of economic significance and opportunities for tourism stakeholders in Nairobi
    (Strathmore University, 2018) Kwoba, Videar
    Domestic tourism provides critical support to tourism industry in several areas of performance including seasonality, regional dispersal and increased domestic spending. A vibrant domestic tourism industry can generate visitor spending of substantial contribution to the industry’s overall financial resilience. Statistics on the uptake of domestic tourism especially in Kenya has received little attention as the focus is predominantly on international tourism, with a major allocation of tourism budgets and tourism research going towards promotion of international tourism. The study aimed at assessing the economic significance and opportunities for promoting domestic tourism in Kenya. The study employed descriptive and causal research designs and used questionnaires for data collection from tour operators and hotel owners in Nairobi. A stratified random sampling design was used to select 362 hotels and tour operators. The study found that key economic indicators for promoting domestic tourism among tour operators and hotels are economic returns and job sustainability. A positive relationship was established between domestic tourism volumes and financial gains. The results show that increased disposable income, improved transport network, price incentives and awareness are major opportunities for promoting domestic tourism in Kenya. These findings provide insights on potential of domestic tourism to enhance sustainability and functionality of tourism in Kenya during the off-peak months.
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    Factors influencing customer satisfaction with services offered by Safaricom mobile cellular network
    (Strathmore University, 2018) Kubasu, Ketry
    Creating satisfied and loyal customers is a key concern of managers today and it will remain in the future. It is well accepted that customer satisfaction is both a goal and a marketing tool for customer-centred companies. Customers’ satisfaction which leads to purchase is a significant factor that leads business to success. The main objective of this research was to analyse the factors influencing customer satisfaction in the Kenyan mobile cellular industry. The study was based on American Customer Satisfaction index and the Theory of Reasoned Action. The study employed a descriptive survey research design in collecting data from respondents. The target population was Safaricom customers who visit Safaricom customer care centres/outlets in Nairobi County. There are about 14 Safaricom outlets in Nairobi. The sample included 399 customers randomly selected out of which 331 participated in the study, an 82% response rate. A semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The study also used descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to show the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. The study established that promotional value, functional value, innovative value and emotional value have a significant relationship with customer satisfaction. Functional value and innovative value had the greatest influence on customer satisfaction. Emotional value and promotional value also had a moderate influence on customer satisfaction. The combination of all the factors and implementing them successfully brings about a high level of customer satisfaction with mobile cellular firms product and services. The limitation of the study was that it was focused on Safaricom customers in Nairobi County. The study targeted customers who visit Safaricom customer care centres or outlets in Nairobi County. Future studies could therefore focus on a wider coverage in order to assess the level of customer satisfaction with Safaricom services and products. More so, a study on customer satisfaction focusing on other factors could also be done. A further study aiming at validating the conceptual model could be carried out in other services sectors in the Kenyan economy such as banking and insurance, hotel and restaurant, and consulting services.