School of Business and Human Resource management

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Does Financing Diversification Matter?
(3-07) Mulwa, Jonathan Mwau
Financial sector liberalization in Kenya and the far world has created an enormous spectrum from which Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) can raise finances from. This has coincided with a period of good performances for a number of Saccos. However, there is no certain indication of a link between the good performance and the financing diversification; it is not clear whether those Saccos who have diverse financing sources perform any better than those who rely on their members’ savings. This paper therefore sought to establish the effect of financing diversification on the performance of Saccos by answering the question; does financing diversification affect the performance of a Sacco? The study used a descriptive correlational design with the study population being all Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) member Saccos registered in Kakamega County. Data was collected from a key informant in every Sacco using a questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis was done to identify any trends and dispersions in the data while Karl Pearson’s zero order coefficient of correlation was used to determine the nature of relationship between financing diversification and Sacco performance. Regression analysis was done to model the relationship between financing diversification and Sacco performance. The study found out that financing diversification had a significant positive effect on Sacco performance. The study has, however, recommended further researches to establish the risk implications of financing diversification on Saccos.
October, 2010 Working Paper number 72 Ojijo Odhiambo United Nations Development Programme, Namibia John E. Odada Department of Economics, University of Namibia. Addressing the plight of poor households by zero-rating value added tax on basic commodities in Namibia
(International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC - IG), 2010-10) Ojijo, Odhiambo; Odada, John
Difficult economic times began for Namibia in 2008 as real economic growth suddenly dropped to 4.3 per cent from the 5.5 per cent recorded in 2007. There were also wide fluctuations in the general level of prices of goods and services, including food commodities. Cost-of-living inflation rose to a high of 10.4 per cent from a low of 2.3 per cent in 2003 and unemployment rates were high, well in excess of 50 per cent; thus many households faced an increasing cost of living without reliable sources of income. The unfavourable circumstances of these households were exacerbated by inauspicious climatic and soil conditions, which greatly limit the role of subsistence farming as a viable so urce of livelihood in many parts of the country. In order to mitigate the impact of rising food prices and address food security concerns, the government decided to increase from eight to fourteen the number of basic commodities (foodstuffs and services) that had zero-rated value added tax (VAT) in 2000, as a means of improving access to basic foodstuffs and servicesneeded for daily survival, particularly for the poor. This paper offers an ex-ante analysis of how the zero-of rating VAT on these basic commodities affected the well-being of poor households. We use data from the 1993/94 and 2003/04 National Household Income and Expenditure Survey and a mini survey conducted in 2009 to determine the consumption patterns of these commodities. The VAT burden lifted is determined and disaggregated by income decile. The analysis reveals that, contrary to expectations, rich households are more likely to benefit from VAT zero-rating than poor households. The findings of the study make it plausible to conclude that the zero-rating of VAT on basic commodities in 2000 and 2008 did not adequately target the commodities that the poor consume in large quantities and that they acquire in formal markets; hence the measure is unlikely to bring additional benefits to the poor. The government might have to reconsider the choice of VAT zero-rated commodities and include those that are consumed mostly by the poor and acquired in formal markets, while simultaneously strengthening and expanding other schemes such as social transfers which would benefit the poor disproportionately.
Perception: A Guide for Managers and Leaders
(Journal of Management and Strategy, 2011) Otara, Alfred
Managers and leaders in organization are entrusted with employees whom they must work with and through to realize organizational objectives. In organizations, perceptions of leaders, managers and employees shape the climate and effectiveness of the working environment. Perception is the way we all interpret our experiences. Having the right perception is significant skill for any effective leadership. It is important to understand that perception is often portrayed through communication in any organization be it big or small and therefore, it is a pertinent tool in leadership. What sets great leaders apart is their ability to manage perceptions in the process of handling people and organizational issues. What people often observe or assess as your ability to be a leader and your effectiveness becomes their perception, which in turn becomes reality.
E-Insurance: An Empirical Study of Perceived Benefits
(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2011-11) Odoyo, Fredrick S; Nyangosi, Richard
The recent evolution of Information technology in the financial services industry is changing the pace of providing insurance services, not only in India but in the world over. This paper is an attempt to analyze the perceived value attribution of ICT systems implementation in Indian insurance companies. It is a result of a survey conducted in the first and the second quarter of 2008. The sample size of 300 respondents was obtained by distributing well-structured questionnaires to employees and agents of both private and public General insurance firms operating in India. The scope of the survey was limited only to selected north Indian cities. The results indicate that ICT integration is perceived to enhance transparency, high productivity, and brand and image promotion and also increase in sales volume. However, it was noted that private firms indicated to have more value attribution to ICT systems implementation in comparison to public insurance firms in India
E-Insurance: An Empirical Study of Perceived Benefits
(International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2011-11) Nyangosi, Richard; Odoyo, Fredrick S
The recent evolution of Information technology in the financial services industry is changing the pace of providing insurance services, not only in India but in the world over. This paper is an attempt to analyze the perceived value attribution of ICT systems implementation in Indian insurance companies. It is a result of a survey conducted in the first and the second quarter of 2008. The sample size of 300 respondents was obtained by distributing well-structured questionnaires to employees and agents of both private and public General insurance firms operating in India. The scope of the survey was limited only to selected north Indian cities. The results indicate that ICT integration is perceived to enhance transparency, high productivity, and brand and image promotion and also increase in sales volume. However, it was noted that private firms indicated to have more value attribution to ICT systems implementation in comparison to public insurance firms in India
Logistics Leverage for a Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs): Case of Wakenya Pamoja SACCO Society Ltd., Gusii Region, Kenya
(African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 2013) Agata, Rita Nyamonaa; Nyangweso, Gaster Nashappi
The paper focuses on Logistics Leverage for a Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) in SACCOs, a survey of Wakenya Pamoja SACCO Society Ltd. (WPS). SACCO membership is on a declining trend,attributed to the stiff competition faced from mainstream commercial banks and MFIs who are perceived by clients to be more efficient and as having better operational and governance systems. SACCOs are now being prompted to rethink their overall strategies especially marketing, given the ever-shortening technology cycle as product, promotion or price strategies are quickly met with counter-moves from the competition. The general objective of the study was to determine how strategic logistics/marketing linkages can be utilized by WPS to achieve SCA. The specific objectives were to: establish the logistics capabilities that can create SCA for WPS; evaluate the key structural issues that need to be resolved to achieve strategic logistics/marketing integration and; assess the inherent benefits of logistics leverage for the organization. The survey research design was used, and the target population included 482 members. Stratified sampling procedure was employed to obtain a sample size of 220. Data was collected using questionnaires and the weighted mean, frequencies and percentages were used to analyze it. The study established that: strategic corporate relationships and alliances, and technology were resources that could be developed into logistical capabilities resulting in SCA; key infrastructural issues to be addressed included the development of a competitive philosophy, the introduction of an agent to manage the connection among the functions, and getting support of the high level managers; and that increased market share and profitability are the inherent benefits of logistics leverage. In view of these findings, the study concluded that logistics leverage is a viable strategy and that there are other ways of obtaining competitive advantage that do not primarily involve product, promotion or price based strategies.
The efficacy of retirement plans and flexible scheduling in improving the quality of service delivery among civil servants in Nandi south Kenya
(Department of Management Science, School of Business and Economics, Moi University, 2013) Boit, Rose J S; Geoffrey, Biwott Kiprono; Kemboi, Ambrose
Retirement plans and flexible scheduling guides most organizations and is part of most complaints of citizen’s due to poor service in government counties such complaints was reflected during the year 2002 Constitutional Referendum in Kenya which in part called for an overhaul of the civil service structure through various Civil Service Reform Programmes and major reshuffles. This paper highlighted therefore the effects of these variables in service delivery within Civil Service offices in Kenya: A case of Nandi south. Stratified random sampling techniques were used to select 350 employees of Nandi south. Data collected through the use of questionnaires was analyzed using both descriptive and regression statistics. Descriptive findings revealed that there was low level of retirement plan services to the employees of Nandi south. Nevertheless, high levels of Flexible Scheduling services among employees were observed an indicator that retirement plans in the Workplace had significant effect on Service Delivery. Keywords: Services Delivery, Workplace, Retirement Plans and Flexible Scheduling
Financial Innovation as a Competitive Strategy: The Kenyan Financial Sector
(Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing, 2013-07) Muli, Wycliffe Maingi; Goko, Tabby Wanjiru; Kitheka, Samson Samuel; Ngunjiri, Ruth Njeri; Mulwa, Jonathan Mwau
The world business environment is rapidly changing and becoming intensely competitive. In this context, most organizations are realizing that knowledge is the most important resource in creating sustainable competitive advantage. Knowledge management (KM) as a discipline is designed to provide strategy, process, and technology to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The survival and success of a firm are dependent on the capacity of management to generate new ideas. One such a topical idea is financial innovations. Economies and businesses across the world have embraced creativity and innovation to circumvent market imperfections. Kenya as an economy has been hailed as a regional financial hub. This paper is a narrative review seeking to establish the extent of financial innovation in Kenya and how this enhances competitiveness. The research finds out that the Kenyan financial sector has made some remarkable strides towards financial innovations. However, it is noted that there is still enormous untapped potential that can enhance Kenya’s economy further. Keywords: knowledge management (KM), financial innovations, market imperfections
An Assessment of the Effect of Prepaid Service Transition in Electricity Bill Payment on KP Customers, a Survey of Kenya Power, West Kenya Kisumu
(American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2013-09) Miyogo, Carolyne Nyanchama; Nyanamba, Steve Ondieki; Nyangweso, Gaster Nashappi
The purposes of the study were to determine employees and clients’ response to the ongoing service transition from post-paid to pre-paid electricity bill payment, to assess key human resource requirements needed for successful transition from post-paid to pre-paid electricity bill payment and to investigate the KP’s organizational strategies adopted towards the change. Stratified random sampling technique was used. Questionnaires were used as data collection instrument. The findings show that customers have embraced the pre paid billing system and that prepaid billing system has brought with it some advantages like making them more careful with their consumption. The most influential human resource aspects necessary in promoting a successful transition from post paid to prepaid electricity bill payment was having appropriate equipment for installing the prepaid meters. The study concluded that customers have embraced the prepaid billing system.
Financial Deepening And Economic Competitiveness In Kenya: The Strides To Being An Economic Power House
(2013-10) Muli, Wycliffe; Mulwa, Jonathan Mwau; Goko, Tabby; Ngunjiri, Ruth; Kitheka, Samson
Economists have long held the view that financial deepening and economic development are closely intertwined. Kenya’s development blue print, Vision 2030, is anchored on this belief and aims to create a vibrant, globally competitive financial sector, envisioning Kenya as a leading financial centre in Eastern and Southern Africa. Using descriptive survey design, this study investigated the state of financial deepening in Kenya and how this enhances the country’s economic competitiveness. Data was collected from a key informant in the four largest banks by asset base that have subsidiaries/branches in other East African countries using a structured questionnaire. It focused on Mobile banking, Agency banking and credit referencing as indicators of financial deepening and established that Kenya has made remarkable strides in financial deepening, which has enhanced the country’s competitiveness through wider access of financial services, reduced operation and transaction costs, product diversification, superior customer experience and reduced loan default rates.
Lending Rates and its impact on Economic Growth in Kenya
(Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014) Otieno, Ojala Daphen; Maurice, Mwangi; Ongiyo, Charle Obunde; Rombo, Kevin
After the liberalization of interest rates in Kenya in 1992, there has been an upward trend in the interest rates. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the factors influencing lending interest rates and their impacts on the general performance of the economy. This study examined various factors influencing lending interest rates and their impacts on the general performance of the economy. Specifically, it: investigates the effects of international interest rates on local lending interest rates in Kenya and determines the effects of budget deficit financing on lending interest rates. Annual secondary time series data spanning from 1980 to 2010 obtained from the World Bank annual reports, IMF annual reports, annual government publications and reports and other relevant publications were used. This data was parametrically analyzed using EVIEWS to present descriptive and inferential statistics. Unit roots, cointergration tests and the Error Correction Model were carried out to investigate the dynamic behavior of the model. Results of the study indicates that the impact of budget deficit and inflation on interest rates in Kenya were positive and significant. This implies that any attempt to control the rise in interest rates must pay attention to expansionary macroeconomic policies and reduce the budget deficit. Such policies should address structural and non-structural causes of inflation. For instance, it involves enacting policies to reduce the cost of doing business in Kenya.
Digitizing Banking Services: An Empirical Analysis of Customer’s Adoption and Usage
(Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2014) Nyangosi, Richard; Nyangau, Samuel N.; Nyariki, Kennedy O.; Nyangau, Andrew S.
Internet and mobile technologies of recent years have gained momentum and are impacting the working of every process including financial services. Financial service providers including banks are turning their necks toward the wave of these technologies. In the essence it has been made mandatory by situations and conditions in the market that they should be adopted to meet customer demands. This paper will focus on the adoption and perceived usefulness of customers on cyber/Internet banking (IB) and cell phone banking (CB) in India, and the. Data for this study is primary in nature and collected through a survey conducted on 250 respondents across north Indian cities. The result confirms that adoption of IB and CB is on the rise though there is a need for awareness programmes as customers consider it viable. Key words: Cyber banking, Customer, Internet, Cell phone banking, SMS banking
Managerial Competencies as an Antecedent to Customer Satisfaction in small and medium sized Entreprise (SMES) in Eldoret Municipality
(2014-06) Geoffrey, Biwott Kiprono; Kemboi, Ambrose
Customer satisfaction has received much attention in the last two decades from both practitioners and researchers as one of the strategies firms can employ to remain competitive. Despite this attention, little empirical research has been performed about relationship-marketing practices among SMEs, especially those in developing countries. This study intended to investigate the effects of managerial competencies on customer satisfaction in Eldoret town. Stratified sampling was used to divide the Central Business District in terms of streets. Systematic random sampling was used to select SMEs from each street to obtain a sample size of 146 SMEs where customer was interviewed from each SME making a total of 146 customers involved in this research work. From the study findings managerial competencies (product customization, and interpersonal communication) predicts 19.6 percent variation of customer satisfaction (adjusted R square = 0.196), while R squared was 0.208. More findings indicated that Increase in product customization would improve customer satisfaction with 0.179 units (β1=0.179, P<0.05). Further the results indicated that improving interpersonal communication in SMEs would positively improve customer satisfaction (β3=0.127, P<0.05), all the beta values were significant at 0.05 level of significance. Hence it is recommended that managers should focus on developing appropriate competencies in product customization and interpersonal communication in that they have positive impact on customer satisfaction. Key words: Corresponding Author Biwott Kiprono Geoffrey
Management in Action: Managing the HIV/AIDS Curriculum in Kenya
(Scientific Research, 2014-07-02) Nyarondia, Samson Mecha; Ongong’a, Jared Opiyo; Omolo, Kepha
Curriculum management can only be effective when the curriculum content and expected learning outcomes are clearly stated for the actual implementers. The implementers on their side especially the teachers and the school administration must ensure that the stated contents, instructional methodologies and the time lines are followed appropriately. This paper examines the extent at which the HIV/AIDS curriculum is being implemented at the Secondary School level in Kenya. The key objectives were to identify the policy dimensions of HIV/AIDS education curriculum and to determine the level of implementation of HIV/AIDS education curriculum in public secondary schools. Structured questionnaire, observation and in-depth interviews were used for data collection from selected school students and the curriculum implementers. The study concluded that HIV/AIDS aspects are taught in public secondary schools through infusion and integration into carrier subjects, though not allocated any specific time in the curriculum. The level at which these aspects are taught is very low, and when taught lecture method, which is a rather passive way of teaching, is the predominant method employed by the teachers. It is recommended that the teachers should be more creative and devise other forums that would ensure that these aspects are amply taught. Also the teachers should collect and avail more learning materials to their learners, including use of the internet to supplement what is provided in the text books. Keywords:Management, HIV/AIDS Education, Healthcare Services
Building strengths in information communication and technology in Kenyan universities: way forward for the 21st century
(Wyno Academic Journal of Social Sciences, 2014-07-15) Oluoch, John; Jeremiah, Osida
A growing number of Universities are in the process of establishing ICT standards to address information society issues of e-government, e-infrastructure, e-industry, e-learning, and e-commerce. Some large universities are in the process of integrating telecommunications, IT, and broadcasting into a single ICT standard. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) is widespread. ICTs are an essential tool for the efficient administration of an organization, and in the delivery of services to its clients. ICTs are being integrated into procedures, structures, and products throughout business, institutions, and the community. The marriage of information technologies and communications combined with the explosive growth in communication networks, illustrated by the Internet, is resulting in major social and economic changes. There is a revolution in the way we electronically store, access, and deliver information which is critical in shaping the effectiveness of an institution. This is equally true of universities. To take advantage of these technologies and use them effectively, universities need to develop an overall framework and strategy for their application, and to have an organizational structure in place to manage the development of strategies and oversee their implementation. This is particularly necessary given the rapid pace at which these technologies are changing. Governments worldwide have taken responsibility to provide national leadership in the development and application of technology in their countries. It is neither efficient nor desirable to implement ICT projects across government, or in any large organization, without having a policy in place with key strategies specified. These must take account of the government’s economic priorities and need for the efficient use of its own resources. This is being achieved by the establishment of an administrative structure within government, with specific responsibilities to develop a national vision for ICT to prepare an implementation plan with key strategies having specific goals to realize the vision, and an action plan for their achievement. A growing number of universities are in the process of establishing ICT models for the 21st Century. This paper outlines the functional requirements for such a standard, and presents a range of best practices for their focus and operation
Innovation in Banking Industry: Achieving Customer Satisfaction
(Open Journal of Business and Management, 2014-10) Achimba, Clement; Ongonga, Jared Opiyo; Nyarondia, Samson Mecha; Amembah, Lamu Amos; Okwara, Michael
This paper examines the effects of technology in the banking industry. Based on an expansive review of literature, the paper describes various factors in this area. Technology has a direct effect on the functioning of the banks. With technological advancement, the customers benefit and the bank gains by getting more clients. Most businesses desire to offer the best services, products and customer relations to their customers because these activities increase the retention rate of customers. These activities also have a direct effect on customer satisfaction. But it’s the complexity of this process that brings a challenge to marketers. The paper looks at technological aspect of the process. This is because for any marketer or business practioner to succeed at managing a good customer relationship program, there is need for the adoption of supportive technology. This type of technology assists in the managing of the process through the maintainance of a customer database, implementation and monitoring. Using a case study approach [1] shows that one of the business units she studied was able to achieve a 270% increase in business unit profits (above target) by implementing several straightforward Customer Relationship Management (CRM) measures. The paper analyses the nature of the banking industry and the role of technology in the Customer Relationship Management process and its implementation. Keywords:Technology, Banking, Customer Relationship Management
The connection Between length of Residency and Local Residents’ Attitudes Towards Cultural Tourism Development at Kogelo, Kenya
(International Journal of Research in Management and Social Sciences, 2015) Kwoba, Patrick; Ipara, Hellen; Kieti, Damiannah
The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship or interconnection between length of residency and local residents’ attitudes towards cultural tourism development at Kogelo area, Kenya. The locals were randomly sampled where 137 were studied. Descriptive statistic was used to assess the relationship between length of residency and the attitudes of the local residents. The relationship was determined using linear regression and F distribution test was used to test the hypothesis for the research. Residents who had always lived at Kogelo area and those who lived there since the 1990s formed the majority of the respondents by 26.3% each. Additionally, most of the residents accepted tourism development in the area (73%). The calculated value of F of 0.535 was less than the critical or table value of 2.37, and therefore the hypothesis (Ho1) that stated that length of residency does not have a significant effect on the attitudes of local residents towards cultural tourism development among the Kogelo community was accepted.
Influence Of Principals‘ Age On Conflict Management Styles In Secondary Schools In Kisumu County, Kenya
(International journal of scientific & technology research, 2015) Wagude, Janet
Conflict management skills are a fundamental aspect of leadership effectiveness and likeability of principals has become of greater importance. If an individual is perceived to manage conflict in an appropriate and effective manner within an organizational setting, that individual is also perceived to be more competent in general. The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of principals‘ age on conflict management styles. The study adopted a descriptive survey methodology. The Thomas Kilmann conflict management instrument was used to collect data. The study found that there is no particular age that most frequently use a particular style although up to age 45, principals use avoiding more, and between age 46-56 they tend to use compromising. The recommendation for policy makers was that there is a need to have in service training so as to empower principals on conflict management styles. The study suggested possible areas for further research.
Effects of Microcredit Facilities on the Welfare of Households. Evidence from Suna East Sub-County, Migori County Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2015) Ouma, Robinson Omondi; Ogaga, Wycliffe
The socio-economic growth and development of Migori County is to a great extent dependent on farming and small scale enterprise. Majority of the people working in these sectors are low income earners whose main source of credit facilities is the micro lending institutions. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of microcredit facilities on the welfare of households in Suna East Sub-County. The study focussed on the microcredit customers who got loan from the five selected microfinance institutions in Suna East Sub-County. A sample size of 306 respondents was obtained for the study using Krajcie & Morgans' table,1970. A survey was conducted to carry out the study in which questionnaires was used to collect data from the respondents. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the proposed hypotheses of the study and to verify the association between variables. In this regard the study observed that microcredit played the positive role in changing and improving the living standards, income, diet patterns, health status and children's education of the respondents. The study recommends that emphasis on the importance of loan services on household welfare should be made and the amounts borrowed be increased so as to meet the needs of the residents, residents should be encouraged to save with the microcredit facilities so as to raise their chances of gaining support from the facilities and lastly capacity building among households should be maintained so that residents can maximize potentials within the microcredit facilities.
Influence of Intelletual Stimulation and Conflict Resolution on Project Implementation: A case of Constituency Development Fund Construction Projects in Public Secondary Schools in Kisumu County, Kenya
(2015) Wagude, Janet; Ndiritu, Ann
Intellectual stimulation is one of the manifestations of transformational leadership. Intellectual stimulation is the aspect of leadership where the leader encourages teams’ ingenuity, creativity and innovative thinking, urging them to keenly question the status quo in order to make discoveries. The purpose of this study was to explore the Influence of intellectual stimulation and conflict resolution on projects implementation. The objective was to determine the Influence of intellectual stimulation and conflict resolution on projects implementation. The study used Expost facto design. Multifactor leadership Questionnaire, Thomas Kilman Instruments, Interview, and documentary analysis were used as tools for data collection. The probability sampling used was stratified and simple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Multiple linear regression analysis was used as tool of analysis to test for significance in the hypothesis. One hypothesis was formulated and subsequently tested in the study in order to establish the influence of conflict resolution thereof, in hypothesis H1, ( H0: The strength of the relationship between intellectual stimulation and implementation of CDF construction projects does not depend on conflict resolution.), it was concluded that the strength of the relationship between intellectual stimulation and implementation of CDF construction projects depends on conflict resolution(P=0.001˂P=0.05),using multiple linear regression analysis the following results were obtained- F value of 7.788,d.f (2,59) and (P-value 0.00˂P= 0.05) significance level which was statistically significant. It was therefore concluded that there is a regression relationship between intellectual stimulation with conflict resolution and implementation of CDF projects. It is therefore recommended that accredited MLQ coaching is desirable, coaching from the systems’ psychodynamic stance could equip the leader in terms of awareness of diversity dynamics and conflict management.

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