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Item The Effect of Acquisition Strategy on Sacco Performance in Kenya: A Case of Mwalimu National Sacco(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2021-10) Kung’a, MichaelSeveral firms have often sought to acquire other firms as a means of gaining competitive advantage. However, the acquisition strategy is not always successful as research evidence shows. Mwalimu Sacco recently acquired the Equatorial Commercial Bank through stakes in June 2014 and subsequently rebranded it to Spire Bank. However, the effect of this acquisition strategy has not been examined for its effects on the Sacco’s organizational performance. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to assess the effects of acquisition strategy on Sacco performance in Kenya with the case of Mwalimu National Sacco. The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine effects of pre-acquisition factors necessitating acquisition of of the Equatorial Bank by Mwalimu Sacco; the effect of performance measures of acquisition adopted by Mwalimu Sacco; and to establish the effect of the acquisition on organizational performance at Mwalimu National Sacco. The study adopted a descriptive research design and drew responses from a total of 73 respondents who were issued with questionnaires. The study established that Mwalimu National Sacco was able to gain market power, enhance innovation, minimize product development risks, reshape their competitive environment, receive financing solutions through growth of assets and customer base, and were also able to revitalize the company through knowledge and skills necessary for survival in the long term. The study recommends that organizations seeking to participate in acquisitions should employ focused leaders who can follow through the change process from start to finish and are capable of creating and communicating an organizational culture. This study was poised to have significance in three main sectors: scholarship, Sacco management and policy making organs by adding new perspectives of effects of acquisitions on non-formal financial institutions.Item Effect of Port Decongestion Strategies on Containerized Cargo Throughput in Kenyan Ports. A Case Study of the Inland Container Depot Embakasi Nairobi, Kenya(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Busolo, PeterThe study sought to establish the extent to which the containerized cargo throughput of the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Embakasi is impacted by the port decongestion strategies deployed. The concept of an ICD was meant to lessen the port congestion at Mombasa hence the creation and expansion of the ICD at Embakasi, in Nairobi. The study examined the various elements of port decongestion strategies deployed and established their impact on cargo throughput. The study explored the decongestion strategies, which included increasing the yard storage capacity, applying penalties and incentives, and inter-agency collaboration initiatives, and their effect on cargo throughput, which are determined by variables such as the containerized cargo traffic movement and the port capacity. Various factors such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train efficiency levels and the scenario planning process were examined as moderating variables on the cargo throughput levels. The study adopted a descriptive research design methodology. The target population consisted of 868 clearing agents that operate at the ICD Nairobi with a sample size of 260. The primary data was collected using online questionnaires while the secondary data was obtained from published reports. The findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics by use of Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. The study established that increasing yard storage capacity, application of penalties, and inter-agency collaboration initiatives were deployed as decongestion strategies and that these significantly influenced the cargo throughput. The study revealed that the containerized cargo throughput had increased evidenced by the increase in container handling activity. The study recommends the implementation of other strategies such as the addition of gates, traffic management, and container location systems.Item Effect of Strategic Orientation on Performance of SMEs in The Agricultural Sector in Nairobi CBD(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022) Njuguna, Muthua JamesThe purpose of the study was to examine the effect of strategic orientation on performance of SMEs in the agricultural sector in Nairobi CBD. The objectives of the study were to establish the strategic orientations adopted by the SMEs, to identify the measures of performance in the SMEs and to determine the effect of strategic orientation on performance of the SMEs. The study anchored on four strategic orientation constructs, namely: market, entrepreneurial, technology and learning orientation. The performance indicators were based on the performance perspectives of the Balance Score Card theory which offered a general performance point of view. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study analyzed 30 questionnaires used using descriptive statistics. The study found that entrepreneurial orientation was to a large extent adopted by the SMEs. The study findings also indicated that SMEs strongly agreed to the use of both non-financial and financial measures as key indicators of performance. Moreover, the study determined that strategic orientation affects the performance of SMEs in the agricultural sector in Nairobi CBD. In view of the findings, the study concluded that strategic orientation has a considerable effect on SME performance, and therefore SMEs can improve their business processes and achieve effectiveness and efficiency through the employment of appropriate strategic approaches. The study recommends that SMEs should embrace the development and implementation of strategic orientation. The study recommends further detailed study on why some MSMEs do not embrace the use of strategic orientation and how it affects their performance.Item The Influence of Co-Guarantee Factors on Loan Default in Micro Finance Institutions in Kenya: A Case Study of K-Rep Bank.(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2015-04) Jelagat, Kipkech DorcasThe main goal of every financial institution is to operate profitably. However, high levels of loan default have negatively affected the financial sector. For a long period, MFIs and SACCOs have employed different guarantee mechanisms from mainstream commercial institutions. With groups and individual members, both (MFIs and SACCOs) use the co-guarantee mechanisms as the only collateral to accessing financial services. However, a key concern that is emerging is the high default rate that is likely to affect accessibility, affordability and quality of financial services, and hence the need to understand the underlying factors for future programming of financial access services. The researcher did a correlation analysis of factor that enhances loan default, with loan default as dependent variable, and was categorized into four (4); normal default (30-60 days), watch status (60-90 days), substandard (90-120 days) and loss (+120 days). Loan amount, group duration, number of group members, incentive mechanisms, monitoring of projects and self-selection of members as independent variables. The findings indicated that loan amount and number of group members have a strong positive relationship with loan default (r >0.9). Self-selection had strong negative relationship with loan default (r > -0.9) while monitoring of projects and joint liability had a moderate negative relationship with loan default (r>0.7). All these relationships were significant at 1 percent level of significance (p<0.01). The study recommends that finance institution should capacity build groups on monitoring of projects for a good understanding of the investment rate of return; groups that have been together for long are less likely to default and financial institution should further implement other incentive mechanisms, in addition to non-refinancing to defaulters.Item Effect of Conflict Management Strategies on Organizational Performance of Cement Manufacturing Companies in Kenya: A Case of East African Portland Cement Company(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2017-05) Gathethe, MercyThe purpose of the study was to determine the effect of conflict management strategies on the organizational performance of East African Portland Cement. Its objectives were to identify conflict management strategies that affected organizational performance at East African Portland cement, to determine the effects of conflict management strategies on organizational performance at East African Portland Cement, and to establish challenges encountered when implementing conflict management strategies at East African Portland Cement. The study used descriptive research design and the target population was 695 employees drawn from the Human Resource, Finance, Marketing and the Operations departments of the East African Portland Cement Company. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 69 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data which was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study found out that EAPCC used accommodation, comprise, competition and collaboration as methods of conflict management and that conflict management strategies used by EAPCC affected its organizational performance. However, the company faced challenges in the implementation of the conflict management strategies which included political, environment, communication blockage, technology and government policy challenges. The study concluded that that EAPCC used conflict management strategies and that thse strategies played a key role in organizational performance. The study recommended that the company should improve its systems of operations by emracing new technology, and should also train and develop their employees on matters concerning conflict management and lastly it should engage all the stakeholders in finding solutions to the conflicts.Item Effects of Innovation on Market Performance in The Solar Energy Industry: Case of D.Light Design, Nairobi, Kenya(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2018-11) Tsetse, Katana MoniqueIn an increasingly competitive market environment, organizations continually strive to maintain a leading edge and the use of innovation is an important lever to achieve this. This study aimed at assessing the effects of innovation on market performance in D.Light Design in Kenya, Nairobi County. The objectives of the study were to determine the types of innovations that the company adopted, to establish their effects on market performance and to examine the challenges encountered in their implementation. Descriptive research design was employed and census sampling used to select the respondents for the study. The study targeted all the 69 D.Light Design, Kenya employees who worked at the headquarters in Nairobi. Data was collected using questionnaires and anal, analysed using excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Key findings from the study were that D.Light Design Kenya adopted product innovation, process innovation and organizational innovation. These innovations increased the market performance of the organization by increasing revenues, profitability and market share. The main challenges experienced were inadequate financial resources, non-supportive organizational structure and culture as well as inadequately qualified human resources. The study concluded that adoption and effective implementation of relevant innovations improved market performance. The study therefore recommended that solar energy companies adopt and effectively implement relevant innovations which includes; product, process and organizational innovation. Furthermore, they should employ qualified human resources and train them so as to minimize the challenges faced. The solar energy companies might also want to carry out extensive market research on consumer needs to obtain insights on current market demands.Item Effect of Marketing Mix Strategies on Performance of Telecommunication Companies. A Case Study of Vodacom Tanzania Limited(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Njau, YvonneThe most significant change in current company direction is represented by marketing strategy. The right marketing mix strategies ensures that the right product is available at the right place at the right time, at the right price, and that resources are used effectively and efficiently. This study used the example of Vodacom in Tanzania to examine the impact of marketing mix strategies on business performance. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of marketing mix strategies on the performance of Vodacom Limited in Tanzania. This study was based on two theories, that is, resource-based theory and Competence based strategy theory. The study was guided by the following objectives: to identify the marketing mix strategies employed by Vodacom Tanzania Limited; to establish the performance of Vodacom Tanzania Limited; and to find out how marketing mix strategies affect the performance of Vodacom Tanzania Limited. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The data was collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed through the use of a computer software SPSS. The study revealed that product strategy was the most implemented marketing mix strategy at Vodacom Tanzania Limited as supported by 94% of the respondents. The study also found out that customer satisfaction was the main criteria used by Vodacom Tanzania Limited to determine organizational performance. Promotion and pricing were also crucial in ensuring good organizational performance as supported by 82% and 78% of the respondents respectively. The study further revealed that the product strategy had the greatest effect on the organizational performance. Promotion and pricing was also crucial in ensuring good organizational performance. The study recommends that the organization should embrace continuous training and development of the employees. The staff should also have the latest skills and knowledge to keep them updated in the field. This would go a long way in ensuring that the company achieves its organizational performance. The study further suggests that more research be carried out to determine the influence of marketing mix strategies on employee engagement and factors that affect marketing mix strategiesItem Effect of Strategic Change Implementation on Organizational Performance: A Case of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Mutiso, MercyThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of strategic change implementation on the performance of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority in Kenya (KCAA). Its objectives were to; identify the types of strategic changes implemented at KCAA, evaluate performance measures used at KCAA and finally examine the effect of strategic change implementation on performance of KCAA. The study was guided by the Resource-Based View Theory and organizational change model. The descriptive research design was used and quantitative data was collected. The target population included 253 employees working at KCAA headquarters in Nairobi. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 76 respondents. Questionnaires were used in data collection which was quantitatively analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 26. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted and the analysed data was presented using pie-charts and tables. The study established that all three types of strategic changes including technical change, structural and administrative change had been implemented by KCAA at 85(88.5%), 69(71.9%) and 58(60.4%) respectively. It was also found that to a large extent, strategic change implementation improved customer service, improved revenue collection and increased efficiency in resource utilization. It was established that strategic change implementation affects performance as indicated by the positive correlation coefficients and p values which were less than 0.05 that are statistically significant. It was recommended that public institutions need to continually implement strategic change to enable them cope with the ever-changing operating environment and also serve customers more quickly and efficiently.Item The Effect of Change Management Approaches on Project Implementation: A Case of Safaricom PLC(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Owino, JoanProject implementation failure is associated with approaches of change management since failure to consider how people behave towards changes lead to failure of majority of the projects. This study sought to analyse the effect of change management approaches on project implementation in Safaricom PLC. The objectives of the study were to establish the change management approaches, to determine the level of project implementation and to establish the effect of change management approaches on project implementation at Safaricom Plc. The study was anchored on the theory of Change Management, Project Change Triangle Model and Kotter’s Model on Change Process. The study used8a descriptive research8design. The target population comprised of 909 employees in the head office at Safaricom Plc while the sample size had 136 employees and the stratified random sampling technique was used in obtaining the sample. The study used primary data for analysis and the data was collected through a questionnaire. The researcher used 15 respondents for pre-test. Analysis of data was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics through the use of SPSS software. Pearson Correlation analysis was used to determine the level of association of the two variables. Data was8presented by the8use of tables, graphs8and charts. The results revealed that top management and employees are involved and are committed in effecting the changes in our organization. The results revealed that projects have met the required set standards and are always completed within scheduled time. The results revealed that top management and employee’s involvement and commitment had an effect on project implementation. The study concluded that the change management approaches at Safaricom Plc included employee involvement, external stakeholders’ involvement and change management communications. It was concluded that there has been project implementation at Safaricom Plc and the projects have enhanced continued flow of benefits, met the quality standards and theItem Role of Strategies on the Financial Performance of Retail Chain Stores in Kenya: A Case of Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2023-10) Mwangi, JacintaStrategies play an integral role in enabling the firm to effectively survive in a fast-paced changing environment. Firms that employ strategies such as growth and positioning strategies are better positioned lead them towards accomplishing their set goals and objectives. The purpose of this study was examining strategies and their effect on the financial performance of retail chain stores in Kenya with a focus on Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population constituted 98 of the total population was the sample size. Purposive sampling approach was utilized to sample the employees. Collection of data was done using questionnaires. Quantitative type of data was analyzed using descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation was used to interpret the results as well as percentage and frequency. Regression analyses were utilized in establishing the link between strategies and financial performance. Quantitative data was diagrammatically presented using charts, figures and tables followed by prose interpretation of the results while qualitative data will be presented using content analysis. The study revealed that Kassmatt Supermarkets adopted growth strategies, including diversification and customer loyalty initiatives, positioning strategies focused on brand identity and strategic locations and marketing mix strategies included active advertising, adequate budgets, and customer-centric promotions. The study concluded that strategies significantly influenced Kassmatt's financial performance, maintaining market share and increasing profits were key financial indicators and that effective financial management and customer-focused positioning strategies were critical. The study recommends to develop clear growth plans aligned with market demand, invest in building a recognizable brand identity and strategic store locations, and continue active advertising, allocate budgets wisely, and tailor promotions to customer preference.Item Effect of Leadership Styles on Organizational Performance: A Case of Unilever Kenya Limited(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Chepkurui, Kebeney SalomeOrganizational leaders often encounter challenges in achieving and sustaining organizational performance in their respective work environments. The objectives of this study were to determine the different leadership Styles used by Unilever Kenya Limited, to assess organizational performance at Unilever Kenya Limited and to establish the effect of leadership styles on organizational performance at Unilever Kenya Limited. This study was anchored on Situational Theory, Equity Theory and Behavioral Theory. A descriptive research design was used. A purposeful sample of 109 employees of Unilever Kenya Limited was used to carry out the study. It was based on their knowledge and experience in implementing successful leadership Styles. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. A pre-test was carried out at Coca Cola Kenya ltd where 10 participants. Data was analyzed by use of SPSS v.22.0 and descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study established that the managers use transformative leadership style, transactional leadership style and Laissez faire leadership. The study indicated that most of the managers employ transformative leadership followed by transactional leadership. However, laissez faire leadership style is used by only a few of the managers according to the respondents. Unilever performance has also experienced a steady and good growth in accordance with its increasing cash flow. Additionally, it was established that leadership styles have a positive and significant effect on the performance of Unilever Kenya.Item Effect of Internal Audit Function on Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Kenya(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-06) Bisieri, Bogonko FaithThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of internal audit function on financial performance in microfinance institutions in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the factors influencing performance of internal auditors, analyze the measures of financial performance used by microfinance institutions in Kenya, and examine the effect of internal audit function on the financial performance of the microfinance institutions in Kenya. The study was anchored on Agency, stakeholder, and contingency theories. The study employed a descriptive survey design and the target population was 47 staff members in the accounting, finance and audit departments of microfinance institutions based in Nairobi that provide both banking and lending services. The study used a census approach where all the 47 members of the target population comprised the sample size. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyze data into descriptive statistics including frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Financial statements from the target microfinance institutions were also analyzed to explain the financial performance variable. The study found that professional competency at a mean of 4.08, reporting structure at a mean of 4.60 and internal controls at a mean of 4.58 were the major factors influencing performance of internal auditors. It was also found that growth in profitability, return on equity and return on assets were key indicators of financial performance used by MFIs. It was concluded that the auditors in the MFIs had the requisite audit skills required to carry out internal audit tasks. The study also concluded that a significant relationship exists between the internal audit function and financial performance. The study recommends that internal auditors be periodically appraised on the audit standards and be involved in the risk assessment of the organization. Similarly, MFIs should recruit competent internal auditors and provide them with a competitive package to ensure they correctly advise management by producing quality internal audit reportsItem Effect of Digital Marketing Strategies on Organizational Performance of Multinational Companies in Kenya: A Case of Selected Multinational Pharmaceuticals(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-08) Lodenyi, Mwondi MercyThe study assessed the effect of digital marketing strategies of select multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in Kenya. The objectives were to identify the various digital marketing strategies, key indicators of performance, and the relationship between digital marketing and performance of multinational pharmaceutical companies in Kenya. The technology acceptance model, diffusion of innovation theory, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and performance theory guided the study. A descriptive research design was utilized. The population comprised 35 multinational pharmaceutical companies, with 138 employees from the marketing, sales, and finance departments. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27, software. Different statistical methods of data analysis were used including descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation analysis, and multiple regressions. The study found a strong positive correlation between organizational performance and web marketing strategy (correlation of 0.512) and a strong positive relationship between social media marketing strategy and organizational performance (a correlation of 0.638). There was a significant positive correlation between mobile marketing strategy and organizational performance (correlation coefficient of 0.473), and between email marketing strategy and organizational performance (correlation of 0.402). The study concludes that multinational pharmaceutical companies have adopted digital marketing strategies, which had enhanced performance of the organization by 49.3%. The study recommends the adoption of digital marketing strategies by multinational pharmaceutical companies to connect and reach customers on time and effectively. The companies should also ensure that strategies are in place to increase their market share, the number of customers, sales growth, and operational efficiency.Item Effects of Marketing Strategies on Competitive Advantage of Public Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Nairobi, Kenya.(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2022-10) Murugi, Munyi MarylinetThe success of any organization or institution depends on its ability to satisfy the needs of the customers. The effective use of marketing strategies has become a crucial instrument in ensuring the success operations of education institutions. It is due to the above statement that this study sought to assess the effects of marketing strategies on competitive advantage of public technical and vocational education and training institutions in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To identify the marketing strategies adopted by TVET institutions, establish the measures of enhancing competitive advantage at TVET, and to establish the effect of marketing strategies in creating competitive advantage. The theories reviewed the study were Ansoff matrix theory, profit-maximizing and competition-based theory and market-based view theory. The study used a descriptive research design. The study population was public TVET institutions in Nairobi and the target population was the staff members of the institutions. From each institution, 3 staff members were selected using simple random sampling technique to form the sample size. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and analyzed by use of SPSS Version 23.0 and Microsoft Excel. The results were then illustrated using tables for more analysis while exposition to the tables was displayed in prose. This produced quantitative reports through use of tables and percentages. According to the findings of this study, the use of marketing strategies has a significant effect on competitive advantage of the TVET institutions as illustrated by the data collected. 78% of the institutions use marketing strategies while 95.8%, 93.8%, 31.3% and 14.58% use market penetration strategy, market development strategy, product development strategy and diversification strategy respectively. The study concluded that though the above strategies might be the most common, they might not be the best with the current state of the industry. The study recommended that the TVET institutions should look for alternative marketing strategies that might be more effective and relevant to the state of the industry.Item The Impact of Hip-Hop Culture as A Strategy on The Growth of Matatu Business on ''Route Fifty Eight'' of Buruburu, Nairobi.(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2011-05) Masinde, Wekesa PatienceHip-hop as a culture has impacted on young generations for several decades. It has grown to a level of becoming a global culture from the early fifties. This study explored how the transport industry in Nairobi, Kenya, has exploited hip-hop culture as a business strategy. The study focussed on the matatu route fifty-eight of Buruburu, Nairobi. The objectives of the study were to describe the popular aspects of hip-hop culture used by Matatu crew as a business strategy, to explain the difference in revenue collected before and after adoption of hip-hop culture on route fifty-eight, to find out the age representation of passengers on the route both at peak and off peak times, to find out if hip-hop culture influences business strategy on this route, and finally to establish if hip-hop culture was embraced by all ages along this route. The respondents included passengers, owners and crew of route fifty-eight Matatus and the traffic police on the same route. Data was gathered through self-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. The key findings in the research were that the majority commuters on route fifty -eight were young between the ages of 15-30 years and that the revenue collected before implementation of hip-hop strategy increased by 15% after its implementation. It emerged that the aspects of hip-hop culture that were most used by Matatu crew were graffiti/paintings on Matatu walls and the music played in the Matatus. The study recommends that since hip-hop offers a great potential for business growth on route fifty-eight, the players on this route should streamline the operations for better returns.Item The Effects of Free Maternal Health Policy on Quality of Maternal Health Care in Kenya: A Case Study of Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi.(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2014-05) Otele, Judith KarimiMaternal mortality remains a major global public health concern which can be reduced significantly by access to timely and quality obstetric care. The Government of Kenya, in 2013, initiated a free delivery policy to mitigate high maternal mortality. This case study was undertaken at Pumwani Maternity Hospital- Kenya in 2014, a year after the free maternity services were initiated, to investigate the effects of the policy on access, utilization patterns and quality of maternal health services. Women of child bearing age attending the hospital for maternal health services and health workers at the hospital were sampled using purposive and simple random sampling procedures. Quality of care was investigated using questionnaires, focused group discussion, case notes examination and a quality indicators’ observation checklist. Results revealed staff shortage; inadequate physical infrastructure, supplies and equipment; long waiting times and nasocomial infections as factors that compromised quality of maternal care. The researcher concluded that though the free delivery policy in Kenya was implemented without consideration for infrastructure and resources’ support, it has the potential to reduce social exclusion associated with financial barriers to health care. The researcher recommended the inclusion of comprehensive maternal health services in the free delivery policy, besides improvement in staffing levels, infrastructure and supplies. Quality of care must also be addressed at micro (health facility) and Macro (Ministry of Health) levels and secure funding put in place to ensure that the free delivery policy is sustainable.Item An Evaluation of Factors Influencing Employees’ Investment Choices: A Case of Barclays Bank of Kenya(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2012-05) Cheboror, Everlyne J.Investment habits have been noted by scholars to be very important aspect in financial management. The investment habits holding among individuals and household dictate the level of economic security which helps them cope with fall in income, the habits also creates a capacity to borrow and also providing avenues for alternative income generation. Investment choices are influenced by the socio economic environment where the investor is, the individual income level and culture. The environmental indicators include but not limited to economic productivity level, investment opportunities, levels of incomes and savings, employment rates and inflation rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing employees’ investment choices. The objectives of the study were to determine the nature of investments employees make, to establish the proportion of the salary allocated to investments, to determine what informs investment decisions among employees and to identify challenges faced by employees in making investment decisions. Using cluster sampling method, a sample of 212 employees of Barclays Bank Kenya based in the Operations Function was studied. Questionnaires were used to collect data which was then analysed using SPSS 15.0. The findings were presented using frequency tables, charts and graphs. The study found that employees set aside more money for other investments other than pension. Their preferred investment areas included being real estate, stocks and group investments (chamaas). Financial institutions should target Chamaas to sell investment instruments to. There should be diversification of investment opportunities. Investment institutions should expand their products and lower the costs incurred in the acquisition of the sameItem A Study on The Role of Employee Retention Strategies on Organizational Performance: A Case of Safaricom Ltd Call Centre(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2014-05) Mwangi, Grace WanguiThis study sought to determine the role of employee retention on organizational performance. The study was based on three objectives which were to determine the effects of employee retention on organizational performance, to establish the retention strategies that can enhance organizational performance and to establish the challenges of employee retention at Safaricom Ltd. The study used descriptive research design to get information. Out of a population of 2667 employees, 750 employees were considered for the study. Taking a sample size of 10% from the 750 employees, 75 respondents were included in the study. The main data collection instrument used for the study was a questionnaire. Also, two managers were interviewed. Pretesting was done to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that employee retention strategies enhance organizational performance positively. The study further found out that career growth in Safaricom were limited, tasks were monotonous, call centre agents were not satisfied their pay and benefit packages were not competitive. Hence the study made recommends that organizations should focus on retaining their key employees for better organizational performance. HR department should find avenues of ensuring that the call centre agents do not stay in the same role for more than two years by allowing them to work in other departments based on their skills, educational qualifications and performance. This would ensure that growth opportunities and career prospects are something to look forward to. HR should structure the job in the call centre in a way that its challenging, interesting, allows some form of autonomy.Item Factors Influencing Successful Implementation of Strategic Alliances in Commercial Bank in Kenya: A Case of KCB Bank Group Limited(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2015-03) Mwaniki, PurityMost banks have form strategic alliances in direct response to competition and to reduce uncertainty about the future. Despite increase in strategic alliances in commercial banks in Kenya, bank alliance has not been successful. The general objective of the study was to establish the factors influencing successful adoption of strategic Alliances in KCB group limited. The study adopted a descriptive survey design which aimed at describing the strategic alliances challenges in KCB Bank Limited. In this study the population comprised all staff working at KCB Bank Limited. The researcher used the questionnaire as the data collection tool. The measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphs, pie chart, tables and percentages were used to determine the extent to which observed factors influenced successful adoption of strategic Alliances in KCB group limited. The findings showed that commercial banks adopted strategic alliance to improve competitiveness of the organization, improve adoption of new technological advancement, increase efficiencies, increase the speed with which the bank can access the new combinations of knowledge needed to bring new products to market and to improve bank innovativeness. The study concluded that top management support and management commit resource toward success strategic alliance is important as this provides high profile of publicity and advertisement of for the strategic alliance, showing the high commitment they both have to the strategic alliance. Commercial banks should adopt strategic alliances to gain cost advantage in their operations.Item An Analysis of Competitive Strategies Employed in Microfinance Institutions: A Case Of Kenya Women Finance Trust(Daystar University, School of Business and Economics, 2012-05) Kisuna, Pauline MueniThe study sought to examine competitive strategies employed in microfinance institutions a case of KWFT. The purpose of the research study was to analyze competitive strategies employed by Kenya Women Finance Trust in dealing with competition and being at a competitive edge. The study had three objectives; to determine the types of competitive strategies employed by KWFT, to access the contributions of using competitive strategies in KWFT and to establish the various challenges affecting the formulation and implementation of competitive strategies in KWFT. The research adopted descriptive and case study designs. The sample size was thirty respondents from a target population of one hundred and one respondents. The research used both stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods. The research study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect data. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2007. The research findings indicated that KWFT used several competitive strategies so as to be at a competitive edge in the market, the majority being geographical expansion strategy, market and product development, improved marketing methods and differentiation strategy. The use of these competitive strategies in KWFT had several contributions such as the organization’s ability to be at competitive edge by being able to retain customers and also by achieving high profits for an organization. The various challenges that affected the use of competitive strategies included financial challenges and lack of skilled personnel to formulate and implement the competitive strategies. The study recommended that all the challenges raised should be tackled by KWFT so as to continue enjoying a competitive position in the market.