School of Business and Economics

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Organizational change management: An exploratory study of selected catholic organizations in Nairobi
(Daystar University, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, 2007-06) Soko, Jacob Jeketule
Organizations are ever faced with change which is internally or externally driven. While change is positive for organizations that are resilient and agile, organizations that are rigid and hierarchical in structure find it difficult to adapt to it. Catholic organizations find themselves in a state of rigidity and hierarchy. The purpose of the study was to explore and evaluate the intervention measures employed by catholic organizations in Nairobi in responding to changes and whether such measures give the organizations resilience in the midst of turbulent environmental changes. Specific objectives were to explore the major drivers of change affecting selected catholic organizations; examining if catholic organizations resist change and how such resistance if present is managed; exploring and evaluating kinds of interventions used which the selected catholic organizations use to manage change and finally to compare existing strategies used by catholic organizations with best practices and making necessary recommendations. This was a non-experimental exploratory study and the data was collected through questionnaires and interviews from a sample of 288 (20%) drawn from 1444 catholic employees and managers. Out of 288 a response rate of 167 (58%) was achieved which is adequate for data analysis. The study found out that change of leadership, technological and social cultural are the main drivers of change in the catholic organizations and that the majority of the members of catholic organizations resist change because of inertia and fear of loss of security. The study also found out that those that excelled in managing organization change effectively, though a small percentage, used power sharing strategies which aim at empowering the people by promoting real understanding, communicating and involving them in the change process. It was also found out that most of the changes affected people competences and least affected structures. Finally, it was found out that the majority of catholic organizations used force-coercion and rational strategies which led to the impact of change to be small scale and short term. The following recommendations were made for catholic organizations: to deploy shared power strategies for best results in organizational change, to engage in succession planning and lastly, to have change agents that are always innovative in order to satisfy needs and preferences of customers at all times.
Analysis of Factors That Contribute to Successful Implementation of Projects: The Case of Anglican Church of Kenya, Mt. Kenya Region
(2009) Irungu, Dancan Njagi
The main objective of the research was to analyze the major factors that influence the successful implementation of projects. The research is descriptive in nature and takes a survey of Anglican Church of Kenya, Mt. Kenya region. This region constitutes three dioceses; All Saints Cathedral, Thika and the diocese of Nairobi. The target population for the research was the senior clergy, senior administrators and project managers. A sample size of 60 respondents was selected. Anglican Communion is a faith based organization with faithful all over the world. The Church has gone through dynamic evolution in response to the changes in the environment with regard to social and economic structures. The study established that for many years' operations in Anglican Church has been done without a plan and strongly driven by personal charisma and traditions rather than responding to the needs of its many stakeholders particularly the worshipers. The study was therefore critical in establishing the issues which needs to be considered for successful implementation of the church projects while at the same time taking cognizance of the causes of project failure. The majority of the projects were development projects mainly with regard to hospital projects, school projects, real estates, the residential places for the priests' and other projects which were pursued on the basis of departments. The vision of the ACK is a strengthened Anglican Church built on the foundation of the apostolic faith in Jesus Christ with the ability to equip all God's people to face the challenges of the new millennium. The study investigated the challenges which ACK has faced in the implementation of its projects inline with its vision statement. Its mission is to bring all people into a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, through preaching, teaching, healing and social transformation and enabling them to grow in faith and live life in its fullness. The research assessed how well the church has been able to live to its strategic statements with regard to the implementation of its projects given the nature of the dynamics in the environment. The ACK church has developed a five-year strategic plan which mainly focuses on evangelism and social transformation. The research findings established the critical factors of success that needs to be considered for the successful implementation of the church projects which is paramount for the sustainability of the institution. Since organizational prosperity is created, not inherited (Porter. 1998). it is important to study how institutions are creating enabling environment for sustainability of projects, especially in determining the critical factors of success (Barney and Hesterly, 2005) so as to help formulate appropriate adaptation to changes for survival, growth and development. This is particularly important for faith based organizations that have the task and responsibility of impacting the lives of the humanity not only spiritually but in all the holistic components of development. The study establishes the relationships that exist in good project management skills, monitoring and evaluation skills, project management planning models application against success or failure of projects. It concludes by strongly recommending adoption of strategic approaches towards implementation of ACK and other faith based organization projects as opposed to ad hock orientation.
An Investigation of Growth Strategies Used by Supermarkets and Associated Hindering Factors. (A Case Study of Dar-es-Salaam Supermarkets)
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2009) Kayuni, Agnes H. C.
This research covers the proposed study on growth strategies used by supermarkets and associated hindering factors, a case study of supermarkets in Dares-salaam. The focus of this study was to identify the strategies used by the supermarkets in Dar-es-salaam and also establish the factors hindering their growth The analysis showed what the employees viewed to be the main hindrances and also what consumer perceptions were regarding supermarkets and suggested reasons for their alternative choices. This study provided detailed quantitative and qualitativé 011 growth strategies used and associated factors that hindered the growth of supermarket industry. Upon establishing these factors and using proposed retail strategies to outdo them, the study was useful to the country in enhancing supermarkets development thus improving the quality of products and services rendered to consumers. This promoted economic development which in tum improved the economy. To conduct this study an exploratory research design intended to discover strategies used by the supermarkets and factors hindering their growth. The researcher chose an exploratory research design in identifying the strategies used by the supermarkets in Dar-es-salaam. The reasons as to why consumers preferred to make their purchases in other outlets other than supermarkets were established. The researcher was then in a position to make recommendations based on the findings of this study. The researcher studied Shoprite and Imalaseko because they were large in size and foreign/locally owned respectively. The findings of the study enabled investors establish consumer shopping preferences and reasons for their choices. This study enabled the industry adopt strategies that are inline with the Tanzanian market. This research augmented smooth xiv running of supermarkets operations by the management and employees through establishing hindering factors and hence working against them.
Credit Risk Management Practices: A Case Study of Equity Bank Ltd.
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2009-06) Wambui, Edwin Gakuru
Risk management is a discipline at the core of every financial institution and encompasses all activities that affect a financial institution risk profile. The management of financial institutions has attached considerable importance to improve the ability to identify, measure, monitor, and control the overall level of risks undertaken. One of the major risk management practices ado ted b financial institutions worldwide has been the credit risk management practices (CRM). It involves maximizing a financial institution risk-adjusted rate of return by maintaining credit risk exposure within acceptable parameters. The purpose of this research was to determine the extent to which Equity Bank Ltd manages credit risk. The objectives of this research were to determine the specific functions responsible for CRM at Equity Bank Ltd, determine the importance of CRM in Equity Bank Ltd, Find out how CRM practices influences Equity Bank overall risk management practice, determine how Equity Bank Ltd identifies possible events or future changes that can lead to credit risk exposure, find out challenges faced by Equity Bank in the process of credit risk exposure, and to determine the frequency, timeliness and reliable reporting of credit risk information to the BOD and management. The researcher administered questionnaires to all credit managers and assistant credit managers in the credit department of Equity Bank Ltd based at Equity centre. This was a case study and a descriptive research design study where the researcher did a census of the whole population. The study found out that Equity Bank engages in CRM practices as required by CBK risk management guidelines. The findings show that Equity Bank Ltd and the xi entire banking industry in Kenya is yet to implement key structures and systems to enhance better CRM practices as it is the case with developed economies. The study recommended that Equity Bank should strengthen CRM practices by
An assessment of the impact of labour turnover on performance in the banking industry (A case study of XYZ Bank (k) Ltd)
(Daystar University, 2010) Mbugua, Tabitha Wambui
This study was carried out to assess the impact of labour turnover in the banking industry with special focus on XYZ Bank (K) Ltd. According to Ferris, Rowland and Buckley, (1990, p.427), employee turnover is of great concern to organizations because it is very costly to companies. It can lead to personal tensions in other employees and has the potential to further increase turnover and organizational ineffectiveness, because those who remain do additional work until the replacement performs at an acceptable level. Several scholars have examined employee turnover decisions to better understand them and to develop suggestions for effective coping in the workplace. The banking industry is not an exception especially since it deals in professional services where personal relationships established between employees and clients are central to ongoing business and turnover rates in excess of 10% are likely to cause damage to the business (Torrington, Hall & Taylor, 2005). The number of employees who joined XYZ Bank (K) Ltd between years 2006 to 2009 was 348 while those who left were 300 (HR report, 2009). The study endeavoured to find out how these gains and losses impact on the organization’s performance. To address this issue, this research report is organized into 5 chapters. Chapter 1 gives the introduction into the research topic including the objectives and scope of the study. In chapter 2, the study examined market conditions and trends in job tenure, the main reasons for employee turnover and impact of staff turnover. It further explores some approaches which are expected to improve staff retention rates in general. Chapter three provides all the details of the research methodology used in the study. The study involved administering questionnaires to 63 people from non-management staff and conducting interviews to 12 management staff. Non-participant observation on the work environment, behaviour of employees at the work place, employee attitudes and perceptions together with organizational values among other aspects were also done. Chapter 4 provides the research findings which were analyzed using thematic categories to establish trends and patterns. It has further endeavoured to establish how employee turnover impacts on the performance of the organization in relation to service, operations, productivity and ultimately profitability. In Chapter 5, the research gives the summary, conclusion of the study from the findings and provides recommendations relevant both to this case study and for further research.
The Role of Leadership in Strategy Execution: A Case Study of G4s Security Services (K) Limited
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Wandera, Grace
Strategy execution is fundamental to the achievement of organizational objectives. Most organizations set out to achieve laid-down objectives and undergo a rigorous process to develop strategies that will help them achieve the said objectives. The act of translating these objectives into realized strategies hinges on how best execution of the strategies is managed. This research examined the issues that affect the execution of strategies with specific focus on the role of the leader in strategy execution. Using a case study approach, the study focused on strategy execution and leadership within G4S Security Services (K) Limited. The study examined the factors that affect strategic execution, focusing on four key aspects, namely communication, clarification, alignment and measurement. It then examined the role of leadership in strategic execution and also examined performance measurement in relation to strategic execution. The research employed a descriptive research design as this sought to give a complete and accurate description of a situation at hand. In this case, the researcher sought to find out the role of leadership in successful strategy execution in the current context. The population of this study was the management team at G4S Security Services Kenya Limited (G4S). The study used non-probability sampling as this focuses on in-depth information and avoids generalizations. Specifically, it employed purposive sampling. The total number of respondents to be interviewed was 87 staff, however the total number of questionnaires received back was 79. The study used both secondary and primary data. The primary data tools that were used for this study were questionnaires. The analysis of this data was both qualitative and quantitative. From the findings, this research concluded that good planning and leadership contributed to the achievement of execution of strategies. However, certain factors inhibited strategy achievements, for example, lack of ownership at the implementation of the strategy, lack of commitment from the management and lack of understanding the organizations operation markets. These can be mitigated through leadership practice including communication, rewarding of employees, aligning the strategic objectives to the structures and creating a culture that enables execution of strategies. The researcher recommended that a sound model of execution is put in place. This includes enhanced resource allocation, adoption of proper systems that will be used for the achievement of the strategy, a communication process and an organizational culture that will be nurtured to create the momentum necessary to propel the execution process.
The Role of Human Resources Management in Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Case of Selected Banks Operating in Nairobi, Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Kamau, Joyce M.
Human Resources Management is a term increasingly used to refer to the philosophy, policies, procedures and practices related to the management of an organization’s employees. It is particularly concerned with all the activities that contribute to successfully attracting, developing, motivating and maintaining a high-performing workforce that results in organizational success. HRM is about making organizations successful. Indeed, into the twenty-first century, it has become increasingly clear that effective management of an organization’s Human Resources (people) is a major source of competitive advantage and may even be the single most important determinant of an organization’s performance long-term. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which HRM practices added value at a strategic level among banks and its critical role in giving these organizations sustainable competitive advantage. The study also sought to establish the challenges faced by the HRM practitioners in the banking sector in their endeavor to realize their full potential of becoming successful strategic business partners. The research design used in the study was descriptive and the population for the study was 43 banks operating in Nairobi, Kenya. The researcher targeted 15 out of the 43 banks with a sample size of 75 senior managers (being 5 senior managers from each bank) out of an estimated 516 senior managers in the 43 banks. Descriptive statistics for all quantitative findings, namely mean, standard deviation, percentage proportions and five-point Likert scale were used to analyze the data. From the data analysis, it was established that there was a strong linear relationship between Human Resource Management (HRM) and competitive advantage. This relationship was exemplified by the contribution of HRM practice in terms of recruitment and selection, learning and development, performance management, talent management, and reward and benefits to specific bank performance outcomes namely: innovation, efficiency, customer responsiveness and superior quality of service. In this regard therefore, there was need for the banks to incorporate HRM as a key part of the strategic components of the business in order to enjoy maximum contribution to the banks’ sustainable competitive advantage.
The Effectiveness of Financial Management in the Sustainability of Christian Churches: A Case Study of Selected Churches in Tanzania
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Bwatota, F. Yunia
Management Practices for Successful Call Centres in Kenya
(School Business and Economics, Daystar University, 2010-05) Kimama, Patricia
Kenya is poised to become the preferred destination for business processing outsourcing (BPO) services in Africa. With the opening up of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Sector in Kenya, new opportunities have emerged in the area of establishment of call centres. Traditionally, call centres have been viewed as ‘high-tech sweat shop’ that have been riddled with management problems ranging from poor staff morale, absenteeism, high staff turnover, escalating operational costs, low service quality and service levels, high levels of conflict from cultural and communication differences among others. With this background of the opportunities arising, this thesis examined the various management practices employed in existing Kenyan call centres and their relative importance in the success of the call centre. Data was collected with the use of questionnaires and personal interviews. The analysis of the results reveals that the most common practices in call centres include the use of technology, a focus on training, performance management via both qualitative and quantitative approaches and the design of work and environment to maximize productivity. Also noted as necessary for success is effective employee reward and recognition. This study recommends that for the call centres to be successful, the use of technology must always enhance how the people do their work and automate mundane tasks that do not necessarily require the intervention of an agent such as the use of interactive voice recording systems. With the knowledge of what makes for a successful call centre, entrepreneurs venturing into the establishment of such an organization can operate within these parameters to make them competitive and successful.
An Exploration of the Factors Influencing Fraudulent Activities in Stock Brokerage Firms and Investment Banks in Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Malinda, Anne Nthenya
In today’s business environment, fraud can no longer be considered a secondary concern as its effects can be quite costly. Smart companies know that fraud may occur hence they develop effective strategies for preventing, detecting and responding to fraud risk. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing fraudulent activities in stock brokerage firms and investment banks in Kenya. This study was necessary because in the recent past, Kenyans have witnessed some of these firms collapse and millions of investments lost partly due to fraudulent activities. The objectives of the research were to find out whether the stock brokerage firms and investment banks complied with the operational procedures as per the legal regulatory framework of the capital markets intermediaries, investigate the internal controls the firms had put in place to prevent/deter fraudulent activities, establish whether fraudsters and organizational characteristics influenced acts of fraudulent activities, find out whether employees were trained on their jobs and how this affected incidences of fraudulent activities, and establish whether there were any legal actions taken against the fraudsters to serve as punishment and discouragement to further fraudulent activities. The researcher used descriptive research design and targeted a population of 21 firms which included stock brokerage firms, investment banks and regulatory firms. All the firms in the population were studied. Purposive sampling design was used to select a sample of 82 individuals who included Managing Directors, Operations Managers, Finance Managers, IT Managers, Dealers and Compliance officers. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data was analyzed using Predictive Analysis Software (PASW) and presented using tables, pie charts and histograms. Results revealed that fraud was high in stock market industry, non-compliance and failure to follow operational procedures contributed to fraudulent activities. Though the firms had internal controls in place, they were not strong enough to deter fraud. Inadequate employee training also influenced fraudulent activities. Organizational and employee characteristics also contributed to fraudulent activities. The recommendations for the research were that the firms should develop effective systems of internal controls, assess employee training needs and develop fraud awareness and training program, instill a culture of sound ethics, develop a company policy on fraud and work in partnership with other organizations and bodies to share information. The government should enhance its strategy on fraud prevention and the regulatory body (CMA) should ensure that the firms have a strong anti-fraud culture.
Strategic Leadership and Its Role in Corporate Governance Practices in Mitigating Risks in Stock Brokerage Firms in Nairobi
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Kiarie, John N.
Corporate governance is a matter of enormous public attention and concern. The success or failure of any organization rests on its leadership. In regard to stock brokerage firms, changes in the institutional framework and policies mark the growing process of stock markets as efforts are being geared to promote their development. As stock markets evolved from informal to more structured institutions, globalization, deregulation and technological advancement have transformed and are reshaping them. The rate at which a number of Stock brokerage firms participating in the Nairobi Stock Exchange have collapsed is alarming. Over the past two years, Kenyans watched desperately as various brokerage companies, through which they invested their hard earned money collapse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which strategic leadership was incorporated in corporate governance practices in mitigating risk in brokerage firms participating in Nairobi Stock Exchange to maximize investors’ wealth. The research design used in this study was descriptive design. The sample size of 64 managers was selected randomly in each organization and came from finance and operation departments. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires and analyzed using mean standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The major findings were that all the brokerage firms have boards of directors, most board of directors had 4 to 5 members, the board members of brokerage firms do not have adequate skills, knowledge or experience in strategic management, stock brokerage, finance, and risk management and that most brokerage firms also do not have department for monitoring, mitigating and controlling risks. The conclusion is that strategic leadership has not fully incorporated good corporate governance practices in brokerage firms’ through board of directors who are responsible for the firm’s ability to achieve strategic competitiveness. However, most firms use Balance Scorecard in strategic planning and management.
Determining Whether Branding of Locally Manufactured Car Care Products Increases Brand Preference: A Case of Auto shops In Nairobi
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-05) Richard, Mbalya
Car care products are products which are engineered to maintain a car into good working condition to bring about longevity and also aesthetic values. Some family of car care products are those products which can be used for body paints, battery systems, dashboard, engine systems and upholstery parts. Car care products need to be well blended with good design, colour, packaging, label, lettering, name, style, and symbol so that the products can be distinguished from the competitors’. This results to product differentiation which builds on brand preference thus sales increase and high profitability for the companies. This study was carried out to determine whether branding of locally manufactured car care products increased brand preference. This study brought out the role of branding of locally manufactured car care products in product preference, brand perception, market entry and in gaining competitive advantage. The research adopted a descriptive research design. Sampling technique adopted was non-random; convenience sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews done among the auto shops along Kirinyaga Road, Nairobi. These are organizations that deal with both imported and locally manufactured car care products. One of the key findings of this study was that branding of car care products improve brand perception, brand preference and aid in market entry. It was also found that branding enable companies gained competitive advantage. One of the key recommendations proposed by this study is that locally manufactured car care products should be properly branded. This would enable the local brands to compete fairly with the imports. This study recommends other area of the study to be done on the effect of advertising on branding.
An Analysis of the Factors that Lead to Effective Strategic Planning in Christian Organizations A Study of The Catholic Diocese of Kitale
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-06) Bore, Mathew Kipkosgei
Christian organizations have a long history of providing important community needs. As these organizations started, they focused on traditional objects of charity such as the young, the poor, the sick and the disabled. Because these organizations were located in communities desiring services, a level of trust was established. As a result, Christian organizations continue to receive resources and support from donors and other stakeholders towards their programs and projects. This has consequently resulted in the increase of programs and projects run by churches. Many Christian organizations have therefore embraced strategic planning in order to cope with this expanded mandate and also to meet requirements of their stakeholders. However, these organizations have not been as successful as they ought despite embracing strategic planning tool as a means to meeting organizational goals. Cases of project failure, partner conflicts and misappropriation of funds have been noted in many Christian organizations. Other similar organizations however have embraced strategic planning and over time registered high levels of performance. This is supported by previous research which indicated that the practice of strategic planning is beneficial for organizations. It is for this reason that this research sought to analyze the factors that lead to effective strategic planning in Christian organizations in a bid to support their desire for goal achievement, growth and improved performance. This study therefore identified the school(s) of thought that informed strategic planning, assessed the extent to which strategic planning process was effectively applied, established the critical factors of success in strategic planning and identified the major strategic planning challenges and how to overcome them. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data which was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences. Based on data analysis findings the researcher gave the following recommendations: Christian organizations should incorporate descriptive approaches in strategic planning so as to take care of the fast changes in their external environment. They should also improve on environmental analysis and strategy implementation and put in place measures to ensure that all the factors that lead to effective strategic planning are implemented. They should further address the identified challenges to strategic planning while ensuring that they don’t fall prey to failure of substance and process which are the common pitfalls in strategic planning.
An Analysis of Marketing Strategies in The Mobile Service Sector in Kenya: A Case Study of Safaricom Limited
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-06) Ndungu, Kariuki Mwangi Danson
The mobile service providers play a very significant role (globally) of providing communication services to users of wireless devices (handheld computers and telephones) through radio frequency signals. Some of these services are short messages, money transfer services, and internet services. The success of these companies in offering these services come from a strong customer focus and a heavy commitment to marketing. These companies lay much emphasis on sensing and understanding the customers’ needs thus they come up with effective marketing strategies that will help them to meet their needs in well defined target markets.The purpose of this study was to analyse the marketing strategies in the mobile service sector in Kenya (a case study of Safaricom Limited). The objectives that guided this study were to identify the main marketing strategies employed by Safaricom, to determine the marketing strategies that Safaricom would employ to cope in the competitive environment, and to identify the major challenges in implementation of marketing strategies and how to overcome them.This study used descriptive research design and purposive sampling method. The information for this study was gathered through the questionnaires which were administered to the employees in the marketing department through the drop and pick later method. The researcher employed descriptive methods of data analysis (bar charts and pie charts). These methods were used to show the distribution of responses in terms of frequency and percentage. The other method of data analysis was the statistical package of social analysis. This method was used to code and analyse the questionnaires to give information in form of frequency distribution tables and pie charts.The study revealed that Safaricom employed various strategies among them market expansion strategy, concentric diversification, product innovation and capacity expansion. The study also revealed that Safaricom faced various challenges among them lack of immediate support of funds in regard to implementation of marketing programs, poor communication of marketing plans and poor monitoring of strategies. The study further revealed that the company had been affected by changes in the marketing environment. The respondents claimed that the best strategies for coping with these changes would be maintaining leadership in development of new products and services and protecting or defending the existing customers through a combination of strategies. These include maintaining the tariffs, market expansion strategy, pre emptive strategy and market based strategies (effective distribution system and product differentiation).
Working Capital Management and Growth of Merchandizing Micro and Small Enterprises Along River Road Nairobi
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2010-06) Muriu, Kiriga Samson
This study examined the impact of good working capital management on growth of micro and small-sized (MSEs) enterprises in Kenya. The aim of this work was to determine the extent to which good working capital management determined the growth of MSEs in Kenya, by studying MSEs along Nairobi’s River Road Area. The study considered use of turnover levels and employee size as growth indicators, as a combination of the two is more reliable and gives a clearer picture on their performance, not only on sales level alone but also on their smallness in terms of employment level. The MSE sector plays a key role in national development of the country, through employment creation, industrial transformation and provision of specialized products for local markets, among others, despite their being faced with problems such as limited access to external finance and management. The theoretical framework for this study consisted of studying the various components of working capital management (WCM) and optimal working capital levels as it implicates the administration of current assets as well as current liabilities. WCM is the main part of a firm’s short-term financial planning since it encompasses the management of cash, inventory and accounts receivable/payable, and the way in which they are managed determines the way these firms grow in size and turnover. A descriptive research design was used in this study which involved a study of 61 merchandising MSEs along Nairobi’s River Road. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. The study established that MSEs did not employ optimal working capital management practices and this affects their growth and size. x There was insignificant correlation between turnover and employee size explaining the fact that turnover was not adequate to warrant additional employees. Optimality on cash was not maintained as these MSEs were not liquid, experienced problems in meeting their daily and periodic expenses, borrow from shylocks and friends instead of from banks and experienced discontinuation of services by their service providers. Non- optimality in management of receivables and payables was experienced in the sense that MSEs generally did not sell merchandise on credit and did not take advantage of credit sales offered by their suppliers, hence limiting turnover growth that was pertinent to their growth. On inventories, these MSEs held inadequate stock levels thus experienced problems in boosting turnover, and the little held suffered obsolescence and losses. There was however gradual increase in turnover levels over the years but employee size growth reflected a random movement over the same period. This reflected that that poor working capital management practices resulted into lower growth in the number of employees.The study recommended that MSEs should hold more cash to improve their liquidity and also invest surplus cash in profitable ventures such as in marketable securities, they should take advantage of credit sales and trade credit, and they need to hold optimal levels of inventories and track slow moving and obsolete stocks. Overall good working capital management practices would lead to growth in both turnover and employee size.
The Impact of Good Corporate Governance on Promoting Ethical Business Practices: Case of Kenya Revenue Authority
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2011) Muema, Charles Joseph
There has been a renewed interest among the academia globally in regard to the corporate governance practices of modern corporations in our decade. One of the most critical practices that stand out tall is corporate governance and its implications in promoting good business practices. This research sought to interrogate and investigate the impact of good corporate governance on promoting ethical business practices by observing the underlying values enshrined in the Stakeholder Theory, Stakeholder Model and the OECD/PSICG corporate governance principles using a descriptive research design. Sampling technique adopted was probability, simple random sampling and the sample size was ninety five (95) top management officers at KRA. The data was analyzed using the Predictive Analytical Software (PASW). One of the key findings of this study was that good corporate governance had improved ethical business practices through increased accountability and transparency at KRA A key recommendation was given that training on corporate governance for top management officers should be enhanced to ensure awareness of their roles, duties, responsibilities and obligations. An expanded study in regard to the impact of good corporate governance on promoting ethical business practices in the other government parastatals was recommended as a result of the study.
A Survey of Strategic Management Process in Selected Deliverance Churches in Nairobi
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2011) Nyamai, Christabellar Nduku
In today’s business world, non-governmental organizations like churches need to embrace strategic management just like other businesses. The purpose of the study was to examine ways through which strategic management could be enhanced to ensure effective and efficient operations of the Deliverance Church. Its objectives were to find out the extent to which the church practiced strategic management in the accomplishment of the goals, to find out the challenges that the church experienced in the process of development and implementation of strategies, to examine how the church integrated strategic management in its operations, and to recommend ways and methods of ensuring effective strategy formulation and implementation in the church. The study used descriptive research design and targeted 14 Deliverance Church branches to obtain the required information. Purposive sampling design was used to select a sample of 42 respondents who included senior pastors, assistant pastors and church administrators. Data was collected using questionnaires interviews. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21 and presented using frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The results revealed that the church had integrated strategic management in its operations but there were still areas of strategic management which needed to be addressed to improve on performance. The study concluded that Deliverance Church had adopted strategic management process but still needed to address some factors. It recommended that local churches should have formal strategic plans for future references, educate and communicate both vision and the mission statement to the pastors and the members and have a strategic planning committee for planning and reviewing strategies in use from time to time to ensure that they are effective.
An Investigation into Training Needs of Teachers Handling Visually Impaired Students in Integrated Schools. A Case of Selected Integrated Schools in Nairobi
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2011) Jepkoech, Toroitich Peris
In modern organization and management principles, training is becoming an important function in human resource development. This study was to carry out an investigation into training needs of teachers handling visually impaired students in integrated schools. The objectives of the study were to determine the teaching methods applied by teachers in integrated schools and the challenges faced by teachers handling visually impaired students in integrated schools. Descriptive research design was used and the instruments used for data collection was questionnaires. Non-random sampling was used to select the sample of teachers who taught visually impaired students in integrated schools in Nairobi. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences. The study revealed that majority of the teachers handling visually impaired students had no training in special education and at the same time they were more than willing to go for training if opportunities arise. It also established that there were many challenges faced by teachers handling visually impaired students. The researcher made several recommendations one of which was to KIE to organize more seminars and workshops and ensure that teachers especially those handling VIS be fully involved. The same applies to curriculum and syllabus adaptation. The TSC should provide study leave with pay for those teachers who would wish to pursue special education. In addition, the TSC should look into ways of motivating and appreciating the teachers handling visually impaired students due to the much sacrifice that is needed while handling them.
Effect of Organizational Learning on Strategy Implementation: A Case of International Rescue Committee (IRC) - Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics., 2011-04-01) Otieno, Samora
Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) spend a lot of resources including money and time developing strategic plans. Unfortunately, only about 10% of strategic plans are successfully implemented. Every organization, whether public or private, is unique in the way it interacts with its environment and no one strategy will fit the circumstances of all organizations. Strategic management theories however suggest that incorporating organizational learning into the strategic plan is vital for successful implementation of the strategic plans. They argue that it allows the organizations to adjust appropriately and in a timely manner to changes in their operating environment. This study sought to analyze the role of organizational learning systems in the successful implementation of the IRC 2008/10 Country Program Strategic Plan (CPSP). The study had four objectives: to analyze the implementation process of the IRC CPSP; to identify organizational learning systems put in place by the CPSP; to determine the impact of the said systems; and, to identify challenges faced by the IRC in the implementation process of the 2008/10 CPSP. The study targeted employees of the IRC and representatives of partner organizations who had participated either in the formulation or implementation of the 2008/10 CPSP. A total of 33 IRC employees and 4 representatives of partner organizations met the criteria and were all targeted by the study. Data was collected through interviews, self-administered questionnaires and review of documents. In general, 65% of those targeted by the study agreed to participate. The data was analysed both quantitatively using Epi-Info™ and qualitatively (manually). The study found that organizational learning systems can indeed contribute to the successful implementation of strategic plans. Changes in organizational culture, organizational structure and technology use associated with the IRC 2008/10 CPSP contributed positively to the successful implementation of the strategic plan.
Needs Assessment for Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) Program in Selected Universities in Kenya
(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2011-05) Mwanthi, Titus N.
The employment sector continues to recruit the most qualified employees to meet the ever increasing demands from work places. This calls for a close scrutiny of the MBA, Strategic Management programs offered in local universities in Kenya in pursuit of producing well qualified graduates. The study sought to establish the missing link between the training in MBA, Strategic Management and the employee competence needs in the corporate world in Kenya. The objective of the study was to enquire on the relevance of MBA, Strategic Management program offered at universities in Kenya to the corporate world in Kenya. The study sought to establish gaps in the curricula for MBA, Strategic Management program offered at several universities in Kenya. The researcher also compared the curricula for MBA, Strategic Management program offered at different universities in Kenya. Finally, the researcher gave recommendations on changes to be made to the MBA, Strategic Management curriculum to come up with a more suitable and structured model of the program. The research design for this thesis was descriptive. The target population was MBA, Strategic Management students, their lecturers and the corporate world in Kenya. The preferred sampling method for this study was a combination of purposive and systematic sampling at different levels. Purposive sampling method was used to select five universities out of the 32 universities in Kenya. Two universities from the category of public universities were selected. University of Nairobi (UoN) was selected as the oldest public university, and Kenyatta University (KU) as a second choice in the category of public universities. Three universities were selected from the private category. Daystar University (DU) was picked for its Christian values while Strathmore University (SU) was selected for its executive MBA and its approach of using case studies to train their students and Africa Nazarene University as a balance/check for the other two private universities. Systematic sampling method was used to select MBA, Strategic Management students and their lecturers in the 5 universities mentioned earlier. The five corporate companies were selected by purposive sampling method. EABL was selected from the consumer companies while KAA and KCAA were selected under transport industry, Cooperative bank from the banking sector, and Compassion International under NGOs. The data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version17.0 and the data presentation was done by use of tables, charts and graphs. The research found that MBA, Strategic Management program offered at universities in Kenya is relevant to the corporate world in Kenya. It also found that MBA graduates from Kenyan universities are competent at their places of work. The MBA, Strategic Management curricula offered at different universities in Kenya are similar with slight differences. This study achieved its goal by identifying gaps in MBA, Strategic Management program offered in universities in Kenya and giving recommendations for improvement.

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