School of Business and Economics

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Browsing School of Business and Economics by Author "Bowen, Michael"

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    The effects of business strategies on growth of market share in the telecommunications industry in Kenya: a case study of Telkom Kenya
    (European Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 2017) Ndambuki, Andrew; Bowen, Michael; Karau, James
    Purpose: To analyze the business strategies of Telkom Kenya Limited and how this has helped the company gain market share. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. Findings: The results from the study show that the effects of strategies to gain market share have been successful. Strategies such as culture change, retrenchment, product differentiation, product modification, and aggressive marketing campaigns have had a major impact on the market share of the company. Further results show that the strategies at Telkom Kenya positively affect the company profits. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study will benefit a number of interest groups. Foremost, the management of Telkom Kenya Limited as a reference point will benefit from the research and recommendations on areas to improve on. Secondly, the study will benefit managers of other firms who can learn from the TKL case. For academicians, my research will contribute to the general body of knowledge and form a basis for further research on the effects of business strategies on any given industry. Investors, shareholders, suppliers and the general taxpaying public can also gain insight on the company and its strategic position within the mobile industry which can assist them in determining the viability of their investments. Finally, the government can also use the results to monitor how the industry is performing and help it formulate policies and mechanisms that will assist in expanding it in order to improve revenue collections in terms of taxes.
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    Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Beliefs (KAPBs) on Kala-azar among the Residents of Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County
    (2015-12) Kiarie, Martha; Nzau, Anastasia; Ngumbi, Philip; Waithima, Abraham K. ; Bowen, Michael; Nzunza, Rosemary; Ingonga, Johnstone M.; Ngure, Peter Kamau
    A survey on knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs (KAPBs) was conducted in Marigat sub- County, Baringo County. The sub- County is divided into 37 sub-locations and of these 8 herein referred to as villages is considered for this study. A total of 670 households were randomly drawn from the 8 villages and this formed the sample population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and in depth interviews of key informants. The result findings indicated that the respondents were well informed on kala-azar; the cause and treatment and had favorable attitude towards the disease. They were aware that the disease was curable and sought treatment from health facilities as opposed to traditional alternatives. In seeking treatment, the residents were faced with challenges such as the long distance to the health facility, long period of treatment and the attendant cost of caring for a leishmaniasis patient. The respondents were aware that the disease was spread by an insect however, they were not aware of preventive measures. Most live in destitute houses which predisposed them to the infective bite of the vector. Most of the respondents are not employed and the cost of treatment, in addition to attendant costs places a heavy economic burden on them. The results showed good awareness of leishmaniasis, positive attitude and practices among the respondents which are important attributes in community participation. These findings were quite encouraging to researchers planning control programs because such a community would be more receptive to suggested control measures.
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    Management Of Business Challenges Among Small And Micro Enterprises In Nairobi-Kenya
    (KCA Journal Of Business Management, 2009) Bowen, Michael; Morara, Makarius; Mureithi, Samuel
    Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) play an important economic role in many countries. In Kenya, for example the SME sector contributed over 50percent of new jobs created in 2005 but despite their significance, SMEs are faced with the threat of failure with past statistics indicating that three out five fail within the first few months. This study sought to understand how SMEs manage the challenges they face. These challenges seem to change (evolve) according to different macro and micro conditions. This study employed stratified random sampling to collect data from 198 businesses using interviews and questionnaires. The data was analysed descriptively and presented through figures, tables and percentages. The findings indicate that SMEs face the following challenges; competition among themselves and from large firms, lack of access to credit, cheap imports, insecurity and debt collection. Credit constraint seems to be easing up when compared to previous researches. Relevant training or education is positively related to business success. The SMEs have the following strategies to overcome the challenges; fair pricing, discounts and special offers, offering a variety of services and products, superior customer service and continuously improving quality of service delivery. The research concludes that business success is a consequence of embracing a mix of strategies.
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    Prevalence of Pathological Internet Use among Adolescents in Secondary Schools: A Case of Ruthimitu Mixed and Dagoretti Mixed Sub-County Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya
    (African Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2020) Nyaga, Kimaru; Munene, Alice; Bowen, Michael
    Internet use is an integral part of our daily undertakings; but, Internet use may become pathological and harmful in some cases. Pathological Internet use (PIU) lures adolescents away from school tasks that require resilient mental effort so they can spend their lives on social networks or virtual betting/gaming. PIU, also referred to as Internet addiction, insistently triggers adolescents to use internet-enabled gadgets at the expense of engaging with family, and other vital real-life activities. In Kenya epidemiological studies on secondary school adolescent samples with Internet use disorder or pathological use of Internet are lacking. Yet, understanding the prevalence of PIU is paramount in devising appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of PIU among students in selected secondary schools in Dagoretti Sub-county, Nairobi County. Two self-administered measures were used; a socio-demographic questionnaire and Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). Data was collected from 360 adolescents who were screened for PIU symptoms using PRIUSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. This study found that the prevalence of PIU among respondents was 74.4%. The proportion was higher among males at 42.9% compared to females at 31.5%. The frequency was more among respondents aged 17-19 at 54.6% than those aged 14-16 at 43.5% and 20-22 at 1.9%. This meant that the male students used Internet in a more pathological manner than their female peers. However, both genders are at risk of becoming pathological Internet users. Therefore, appropriate prevention programs and treatment for those affected are vital, especially in secondary schools. Enhancements in family relations and stricter parental supervision, especially when mothers have active job employment, are also recommended.
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    The Role of Agency Banking In Improving Financial Access in Kenya: Case Study of Langata Constituency
    (Journal of Developing Country Studies, 2016) Kitilit, Juddie Cheyech; Bowen, Michael; Amata, Evans Ombima
    Purpose:The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of agency banking model on financial access in Kenya, especially for the lower income spectrum of the society. Methodology:A mixed method descriptive research design was used, which involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study used purposive and stratified random sampling method. Statistical package for social science programmewas also used to analyze the data. The researcher used frequency distribution, histograms and percentage to present the data. Results:Study findings revealed that agency banking plays a major role in the convergence of various banking and non-banking players to provide financial services to all end consumers of financial services. In addition, it increases the number of access points that provide financial services. Further the study indicates that the level of utilization of agency banking was high. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is highly recommended that the regulator of banks to encourage more banks to come up with agency banking as this would increase financial access. The banks also need to be more supportive to agency units through minimizing system down times as this would increase the utilization of agency banking services
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    Supply chain disruption in the Kenya floriculture industry: A case study of Equator Flowers
    (European Journal of Business and Management, 2013) Kangogo, Jonah; Guyo, Wario; Bowen, Michael; Ragui, Mary
    The floriculture industry is one of the most crucial sectors in Kenya’s economy. It contributes a significant percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) and employs tens of thousands of workers. The industry has, however, faced a decline over the last five years. This empirical research had the overall objective of investigating the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the industry and used Equator Flowers Limited in Eldoret, Kenya as a case study. The research applied descriptive survey research design and employed random sampling technique. The data collection was done with the aid of structured and semi-structured questionnaires containing relevant questions on the supply disruption phenomenon. The study found that the most significant amongst the factors contributing to supply chain disruption in the floriculture industry in Kenya are natural disasters, logistics process design, labor union actions and finally production function mechanics. To address supply chain disruptions, the study recommends: implementation of comprehensive business continuity plans to mitigate against the supply chain effects of natural disasters, development of logistical process redundancies, formulation of creative policies to contain labor unions agitations and investment in research to develop resilient and scalable production function mechanics.