Vol 5 Issue 2 October 2017-March 2018

Abstract: The banking sector in Kenya has become extremely competitive with 43 banks serving a total population of 40 Million. This created cut throat competition in the industry where the customers are now multibanked. Since the regulator, central Bank of Kenya has place strict controls on pricing, the only option left is through the delivery of exceptional service. The employees being the only mode of that service delivery, it has become challenging for the organizations to keep the employees motivated and focused to achieve the organization goals. While the Islamic banking concept has been in practice for more than 40 years around the world,  it was introduced in Kenya in the year 2007 with 2 fully Shariah compliant banks while many other windows offering the concept were also accessible to the Kenyan public. This also brought additional challenges to the banking sector and the employees who were career conventional bankers to focus on the idelologies of the Islamic banking practice. The aim of this study was to determine the moderating effect of psychosocial work environment on the relationship between shared vision and employee performance. The explanatory research design was adopted for this study.The target population was considered to be 600 employees and the sample size of 173 was obtained using the proportionate sampling method from three banks offering Islamic Banking products. Data was collected using five point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that shared vision (β=0.7511 p- value 0.00) as an organizational memory tool had a statistically significant effect on employee performance. The study further failed to reject the null hypothesis for the moderating effect of psychosocial work environment on the relationship between shared vision and employee performance (β=0.02672, p-value=0.104. This study concludes that shared vision is important for employee performance, however, psychosocial work environments does not affect the vision and goals of individuals and their performances. It is therefore recommended that Banks practicing Islamic Banking concept should concentrate in developing and sycnchronising the goals of individuals and those of the bank. This should be done by developing career paths for all job descriptions and criteria to be available for the staff so as to aim precisely for themselves and inturn grow the performance of the organization as a whole.

Keywords: Organizational Memory, Organizational Learning, Shared Vision, Goal Setting Theory, Psychosocial Work Environment, Islamic Banking Practice.

Title: The Moderating Effect of Psychosocial Work Environment on the Relationship between Shared Vision and Employee Performance in the Kenyan Islamic Banking Segment

Author: Salyani, Mohamed Shakeel, Maru Loice, Korir Michael

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Knowledge is a critical asset in an organization thus there must be an effective identification, acquisition, storage, sharing and implementation in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The paper aims to review the empirical studies on knowledge management strategy and organizational performance. The paper also includes a critic, identifies the research gap, concludes on knowledge management and captures recommendations of the study. The paper demonstrates knowledge management strategy as being a driver of organizational performance and also a vital tool for an organization to survive, be competitive and make profits. The study recommends that organizations need to develop a policy on knowledge management in order to enhance an effective knowledge management so as to improve performance.

Keywords: Knowledge Management Strategy, Organizational Performance.

Title: Critical Review of Literature on Knowledge Management Strategy and Organizational Performance

Author: Jackline Akoth Odero, Dr. Willis Otuya

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This paper is by-product of the unending research of the author to provide new placement/job opportunities of the skilled and educated youth of the country in general and the scholars of Hospitality management in particular.

Casino, in India is almost a converted, and niche market and hence the job seekers must update themselves for the same. The first thing which a job seeker should know that Casinos are the major revenue centres of the complex and all other hospitality is just to ensure that the player is given an opportunity to remain at his best comfort level while at the games/tables.

A skilled Casino employee is an asset to any such establishment and hence they are sought-after.  Hence, it is always recommended that the jobseeker must undergo a specialised training program in professional game managing. Additional benefits of hospitality education and soft skills will certainly enhance the employees own marketability and ensure better results in profits for the Casino.

Keywords: Jobs in Casino Tourism, Casino gaming industry.

Title: Jobs in Casino Tourism in India

Author: Dr. Anshumali Pandey

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This paper is an outcome of brainstorming on fitness and survival in the competitive market. The paper is drafted based on the numerous surveys, which were carried out studying the modern market and the customer behavior. The main objective of this study is to provide insight on how to be successful in a competitive market, how to understand the consumer’s behavior, how to establish an identity for their product and how to spot a gap in the market.

Keywords: market gaps, competitive market, product line, and brand identity.

Title: Fitness and Survival in the Competitive Market

Author: M. Abirami

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of cost leadership strategy on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study since it allows for analysis of different variables at the same time. The target population of the study was the 20 pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi City County where 60 respondents comprising the chief executive officers (CEOs), operating managers and marketing managers were targeted. The study used stratified simple random sampling technique where 36 respondents were targeted. The study used closed ended questionnaires as instruments for data collection primary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the primary data of quantitative nature. The results of the analysis was organized, summarized and presented using tables. Inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation and multiple regression were applied to make conclusions. The study targeted a sample size of 36 respondents from which 34 filled in and returned the questionnaires making a response rate of 94.4%. The study concluded that cost leadership affects performance of pharmaceutical companies. This study recommends that pharmaceutical companies should embrace and invest in cost leadership strategies most especially forming linkages with suppliers and involvement of the stakeholders since it will enable them achieve competitive advantage.

Keywords: Cost Leadership, Strategy, Performance, Pharmaceutical Companies.

Title: Effect of Cost Leadership Strategies on Performance of Pharmaceutical Companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Author: Angela Waithira Njaaga, Dr. Mary Ragui

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The general objective of this study was to assess the determinants of transfer of training of Kenya Ports Authority. The specific objectives were: to determine the effect of trainee characteristics on transfer of training of Kenya Port Authority; to evaluate the effect of trainer characteristics on transfer of training of Kenya Port Authority; to examine the effect of training design on transfer of training of Kenya Port Authority; and to establish the effect of work environment on transfer of training of Kenya Port Authority.  The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted 122 respondents in collecting data with regard to determinants of transfer of training from training to the job among the employees in Kenya Ports Authority. From the study, 78 respondents out of the 122 respondents filled-in and returned the questionnaires making a response rate of 63.5%.Data which was collected through a questionnaire was analyzed through editing, handling blank responses, coding, categorizing and keying into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) computer software for analysis. Analysis of the data was then done by use of descriptive statistics, where frequencies and percentages were expressed as tables, pie charts and graphs. The researcher used the spearman correlation coefficient test to measure the relationship between each independent and dependent variable. The choice to use spearman’s correlation was to measure the degree of relationship between two variables where data are on ordinal scale. Regression analysis was done to test the hypothesis. The results reveal that trainee characteristics and work environment have significant and positive effect on transfer of training while training design and trainer characteristics have insignificant effect on transfer of training of Kenya Ports Authority. The study recommends that; the existing trainer characteristics and training design should be modified towards modern trainer characteristics and training design practices so as to improve transfer of training. Managers of Kenya Ports Authority should focus more on trainee characteristics and work environment so as to enhance transfer of training.

Keywords: statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), transfer of training.

Title: Determinants of Transfer of Training in Parastatals in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Ports Authority

Author: Gregory N. Kazungu, Dr. Mary Ibua, Dr. Jean Mutindi Mzera Uzel

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The Kenyan government has been spending massive amount of funds to the various Ministries in order to achieve economic development. The education, health, infrastructure and agriculture sectors have been receiving the largest amount of funds. Despite the increased government spending, there are conflicting results on the effects of government spending on economic growth. This paper presents a critical analysis on the effects of infrastructure capital expenditure on economic growth in Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to establishing the effects of public capital expenditure on infrastructure on economic growth in Kenya. The study adopted a causal relationship approach and relied on secondary data from the Ministry of National Treasury and Kenya Bureau of Statistics with the data straddling from 1980 to 2011 for all variables. It was hypothesized that increased expenditure will not increase GDP. The study employed Johansen cointegration test and the Error Correction Method (ECM) in the empirical analysis to evaluate the relationship among the variables. The data was subjected to stationarity test. The short run and long run relationship with three cointegrating equations revealed that the coefficient of expenditure on infrastructure was statistically significant and positively related to GDP at 5% level of significance. The government should therefore is justfied increase the percentage capital amount allocated into this sector. It was also noted that the government programs like Lamu Port and New Transport Corridor Development to Southern Sudan and Ethiopia (LAPSSET) to foster increased investment in infrastructure and hasten delivery of goods and services is recommended.

Keywords:  Capital Expenditure, Economic Growth and Economic Development.

Title: The Relation between Capital Infrastructure Spending and Economic Growth

Author: MATUNDURA G. ERICKSON

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Therefore, the research wished to investigate the effectiveness of Marketing Mix on Competitive Advantage of private universities of Nakuru County. The guiding framework reviewed Porters theory of competitive advantage, Market Based View, Resource Based View and Institutional Theories that constituted the literature, as well as carrying out empirical study of similar research in the industry. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design, whereby the sample population was selected from the Private Universities. 233 staff members was purposively sampled and used as sample size from the target population of 5 private universities. This study used questionnaires containing both structured and unstructured questions so as to be able to capture more information and this was for collection of primary data. No secondary data was used from the private university’s resource data. The questionnaires were pilot tested in order to validate and yielded a Cronbach reliability of 0.83 coefficients. The collected data was coded, edited for errors and then analyzed. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and percentages) was done by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 for windows, and processed information therefore shown by way of tables, pie charts and graphs. This study showed the components for marketing mix namely product, price, promotion and positioning are effective strategies for private universities’ competitive advantage. The researcher recommends that the government have a function of supporting, regulating and monitoring private universities to ensure that they operate effectively. Everyone in the private universities right from the top management, staff and students are recommended to embrace use of marketing mix tailored to their unique university characteristics to enhance competitive advantage.

Keywords: Competitiveness, Marketing Mix, Competitive Advantage and Effectiveness.

Title: Effectiveness of Marketing Mix on Competitive Advantage of Private Universities: A Case of Selected Private Universities in Nakuru County

Author: Loice A. Onyango, Dr. Vincent Ntabo, Paul Cheboi

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study aimed at establishing the effect of privatization on firm financial performance in Kenya.  The study was based on the financial reports of six firms which were privatized within the period 1991 and 2008.  The analyses covered a period of three years before and after privatization for each of the firm, and the mean and standard deviation on returns on turnover, total assets and equity were the key statistics performed on the data from those firms.  The study found out that the firms improved their performance after privatization.  The Government should therefore move away from pursing commercial activities and instead concentrate in activities such as provision of services and creating the legal and institutional framework conducive to increased private investment. 

Keywords: Privatization, Finance, Performance.

Title: The Effect of Privatization on Firm Financial Performance in Kenya

Author: Gitari John Muthii, Jagongo Ambrose

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The management prepares, publishes and presents the annual reports and financial statements to various stakeholders for their varied uses. Investors are interested in understanding the amount of return generated by every $1 of their investment in terms of return on equity ratio. However, most investors find the issued financial statements and annual reports complex, confusing as well as difficult to understand. This paper analysed the performance of the Kenyan Telecommunication and Technology Industry using the three-step DuPont model that disintegrates the return on equity into its components that include the financial leverage, profit margin and total assets turnover ratios. A ten year period (2008-2017) was studied and correlation and regression analysis conducted. Correlation results revealed that profit margin and total assets turnover ratios had positive and significant association with return on equity while financial leverage had a negative and insignificant association. Regression results showed that each of the predictor variables had a positive and significant association with return on equity. Under the regression analysis, multiple correlation coefficients indicated that financial leverage, profit margin, and total assets turnover ratios combined had a positive and significant association with return on equity at 0.999. In addition, 0.998 of the variability in the return on equity was explained by the components of the three-step DuPont model.

Keywords: ROE, Total Assets Turnover, Net Profit Margin, Equity Multiplier, DuPont Model, Kenyan Telecommunication and Technology Industry.

Title: Analysis of Return on Equity of Kenyan Telecommunication and Technology Industry Using DuPont Model

Author: Samuel M. Muchori

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of technological innovation as a business process reengineering platform on performance of small and medium enterprises in Nanyuki town, Laikipia County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive and cross sectional research design to collect the views and opinions of the respondents. The target population was owners and employees of 1,150 small and medium enterprises in Nanyuki town. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 10 percent of the target population. The unit of analysis was SMEs in Nanyuki town and the unit of observation was the owners and employees of these individual SMEs. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaires.The findings showed that technological innovations were used to a moderate extent by majority of SMEs. The most common technological innovation used was new production processes and new product systems. This was indicated by the high contribution of technological innovation and office automation on the performance of SMEs. The study recommended that SME owners should strive to adopt new product systems to produce new products in the market thereby achieving a competitive edge which will result in increased performance.

Keywords: Technology, Innovation, Performance, Enterprises.

Title: INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NANYUKI TOWN, LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA

Author: Dinah Kathure Majau, Dr. Mary Ragui

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Commercial banks in Kenya and globally have in the recent past faced a myriad of challenges which have eaten into their performance. As a consequence, most have been forced to reduce their work force, reduce their areas of operation or exit completely form the market. To survive, the commercial firms like any other players in a highly competitive marketing environment, have to segment their markets in order to achieve proper targeting. This paper seeks to critically review the influence of customer segmentation strategy on performance of commercial banks with a specific focus to banks in Kenyan market. Kenya has a total of 42 commercial banks, 12 microfinance banks, one mortgage finance company, eight representative offices of foreign banks, 86 foreign exchange bureaus, 14 money remittance providers as well as three credit reference bureaus. With all these financial institutions in Kenya, can we then comfortably say that Kenya is saturated with banks. Some financial experts say that Kenya is over-banked. With a population of 44 million and a total of 42 banks, the competition for customer base must be very high and this explains the disparity in terms of interest rates from one bank to the other.

Keywords: Commercial banks, customer segmentation, competitive marketing.

Title: An overview of the Influence of Customer Segmentation Strategy on Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Author: Evans Silver Kwendo, Dr. Mise Jairo Kirwa, Dr. Ondoro Chairles Omondi

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Microfinance is established in the economy for the economic benefit the low income group in the society who cannot be able to access the formal institutions that have many conditions regarding access to credit facilities. It is also established for purposes of alleviating poverty in the country. This paper presents background knowledge about loan portfolio management and firm performance of MFLs. The paper further provides a problem statement which comprises of challenges being faced by the MFLS institutions in Kenya, it progresses further to reviewing theoretical literature in support of the theme and empirical literature in the same geographical reach. The paper finally rests its case through presenting findings as a benchmark case study done in Uganda in MFls with similar studies in agreement with the benchmark study under findings and conclusions. Subsequently the paper provides insight for further research to be carried out under this area through providing a platform for research under conclusion and recommendations.

Keywords: Loan portfolio management, firm performance, balance score card theory, loan default.

Title: Loan Portfolio Management and Firm Performance: Theoretical Paper Review

Author: Nathan Wamalwa, Ambrose Jagongo

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to develop an on-time delivery (OTD) improvement model for make-to-order (MTO) manufacturing organisations, based on: (i) a business process model combining product development and customer order management processes. All manufacturing industry works with the objective of 100% on time delivery performance and optimized cost in order to be competitive in the market. when it comes to consistency in results, that’s where the strong process, system, methodology is needed. Hence PMI’s Project Management body of knowledge was applied to see the performance enhancement results over few identified pilot projects in valve flow controls organization. As a pilot study,5 project orders were taken and implemented the PM process. Results are very much encouraging on the on time delivery and the cost. This makes the effort satisfactory to recommend this methodology to adopt on an on an ongoing basis to have the consistent results.

Keywords: Project Management, PMBOK, On time delivery, Competitive advantage, Manufacturing.

Title: A Project Management Approach to Improve on Time Delivery Performance in Manufacturing Industry

Author: B. Shyam Sundar, Dr. D. Sivakumaran

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The study examined the role of Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) in influencing customer repayment behaviour in militating against credit default in commercial banks in Kenya. The study was based on the Information asymmetry theory Theory. The study used a Causal-Comparative descriptive survey design in evaluating the role of CRB in influencing customer repayment behaviour in mitigating against credit default in commercial banks in Kenya. The target population of the study consisted of all the 43 licensed commercial banks in Kenya under the Banking Act. The researcher used a census of all the 43 commercial banks in Kenya. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Secondary data was obtained from CBK loan books and CBK annual Bank supervisory reports. Data was analysed using SPSS and results presented using graphs and tables .The researcher used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Inferential statistics comprised correlation, regression and Chi-square. The conclusion was that CRB plays a significant role in customer repayment behaviour in Mitigating against credit default in commercial banks in Kenya.

Keywords: Credit Reference Bureau, Customer Repayment Behaviour, Credit Default Rate.

Title: Role of Credit Reference Bureau in Influencing Customer Repayment Behaviour in Mitigating against Credit Default among Commercial Banks in Kenya

Author: Ruthwinnie Njeri Munene, Prof. Tom Nyamache, Dr.Muoki Nzioki, Dr. Joel Koima

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

Research Publish Journals