Department of Business and Economics
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Item 2. Mediating Effect of Stakeholder Roles on the Relationship between Destination Branding and Competitive Advantage in Kenya(2017-01) Rop, Wendy; Ogutu, Martin; Bichage, MethuselahStakeholders such as local communities and service providers have long been engaged in tourism planning, however, there is rare insights into stakeholder collaboration in destination branding (Pike and Page, 2014). This study examines whether stakeholder roles: Leadership, Brand Association, Brand Uniqueness, Co-creation and Perceived quality have a significant role as a mediating variable, between destination branding and competitive advantage. The study used random sampling of three hundred and eight tourism related business sectors across Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu counties in Kenya. The Main Findings of the study are (i) Mediation effect of Leadership, brand association, Brand Uniqueness, Co-creation and Perceived Brand Quality with respect to independent and dependent variable are significant because their normal theory test for direct has a p value less than 0.05. This Concludes that Mediators referred to as Leadership, brand association, Brand Uniqueness, Co-creation and Perceived Brand Quality are partial mediators because there is reduction (not total elimination) from .6788 to .5709, .6788 to .5701, .6788 to .6088, .6788 to .6136, .6788 to .5476 of coefficient of X variable respectively. The results of the study will help with establishing strategies for the incorporation of the various stakeholders in destination branding strategies in the tourism industries.Item Accounting Education: The Role of Universities in Imparting Susaintnability Accounting Knowledge to the Stakeholders Through Industry Linkage.(The International Journal of Accounting and Business Society, 2017-08) Onyango, S; Muchina, S.W; Ng’ang’a, S.IIn the wake sustainability agendas that lead to green growth in the developing countries, the focus has been in the practice and accounting for Social, Environmental and Economic (SEE) activities by both processing and manufacturing organizations. Organizations practice social responsibilities with the view of reaping long term returns or merely complying with regulations, information which is obtained from their annual reports via various media. These reports however, in the purview of knowledge are very scanty and whether the stakeholders understand and are aware of this sustainability accounting information remain very uncertain. However, organizations lack requisite capacity to unfold the elements of sustainability accounting and concurrently develop stakeholder knowledge. This gap remains unbridged since it is debatable how universities shall collate such knowledge and disseminate it to the users of accounting information (stakeholders). Therefore, there is need to develop sustainability accounting knowledge through university industry linkages that will further the realization of sustainability agenda. The paper is based on business sustainability model which looks at sustainability accounting issues. The study was informed by primary data collected from 93 factory unit managers and accountants sampled from 31 tea factories around Mount Kenya region, in testing the relationship between social reporting, environmental reporting, and sustainability accounting in regard to stakeholder theory. The study established significant relationship between the variables (social reporting, environmental reporting and sustainability accounting) and concludes that green growth need to be enhanced through sustainability accounting. In order to foster this, concrete knowledge has to be created by universities that conduct research by linking with industries and disseminate the knowledge to the stakeholders for awareness through stakeholder conferences and publications. The university curriculum need therefore, to incorporate the sustainability issues and passing to the learners too.Item Analysis of Third Party Loan Guarantee and Performance of Non-Prime Household Loans(HATASO, USA, 2017) Wachira, Bernard Ndirangu; Omondi, Humphrey Opiyo; Kinyanjui, Josphat K.Item Application and Practice of Sustainable Procurement in Kenya(International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, 2015-12) Muraguri, Eunice Kagure; Waweru, Edward; Musyimi, Peter KinyaeSustainable procurement isn’t simply about being “green” but it’s also about; socially and ethically responsible purchasing, minimizing environmental impact through the supply chain, delivering economically sound solutions and good business practice. Sustainable procurement is rising on the policy agenda for many countries but knowledge remains limited. In Kenya, the government has put in place a wide range of policy, institutional and legislative to govern all business activities in a move towards green procurement. These include; Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999, Kenya Solid Waste Management by laws of 2007, The Factories Act (Cap 514 of the Laws of Kenya), The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Regulations, 2006. However, with all these acts and legislations, adoption of green procurement has been slow resulting in lower diffusion rate in Kenya. This study therefore sought to establish the status of green procurement in Kenya while guided by the following objectives: To evaluate the steps made towards sustainable procurement in Kenya, to establish the advantages accrued to a firm which embraces sustainable procurement and to establish the challenges facing a firm which embraces sustainable procurement. The study relied on published secondary data from three sampled industries in Kenya and reports by bodies such as PPOA, CIPs and UNEP. Purposive / selective sampling design was employed in selecting the three industries under study. The study established that though the drive towards pollution prevention and minimization of environmental impacts at all stages of the product lifecycle from sourcing of raw materials, through manufacturing, transport, use and disposal has not been embraced by the sampled industries, there was evidence of allegations of irregular procurement at some companies, including non-adherence to environmental issues. Advantages associated with sustainable procurement included; minimizing risks, gaining market share and delivering better service provision. Challenges encountered were: employees resistant to change, the initial cost incurred, poor policy communication among othersItem Assessing Influence Of Product Research In Enhancing Performance Of Small And Medium Enterprises In Nyeri Town(European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 2015-09) Wambugu, Isaya Maina; Opiyo, Humphrey, O.; Maina, LucyIn the world today, it is nearly impossible to efficiently sell products or services without conducting market research. Increased competition has led businesses to demand more of market research to improve on performance. The market research strategies used considered the rapidly changing demands of the business competitive edge that may affect the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in Kenya. This study aims at assessing the effect of product research in enhancing performance of SME in Nyeri town. The study employed a survey research design as it is efficient and all the variables were measured without increased cost. Using stratified and simple random sampling, the researcher selected a sample of 74 respondents from a sampling frame of 351 SMEs. The criteria for stratification were the amount of capital invested: First stratum constituted all SMEs with a capital investment of below Kshs 50,000, second stratum between Kshs 50,000 and Kshs 150,000 and third stratum above Kshs150, 000. In the second stage, simple random sampling technique was applied where each SME from each stratum was given a serial number in the respective category and the numbers were picked at random. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the SME’s where 86.5% response rate was achieved. Collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 20) to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The influence of product research in enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises performance was measured using correlation coefficient and multi regression analysis. The finding of the study revealed positive and statistically significant results for the relationship between product research (β =0. 367 at p value 0. 001) on performance of SME’s The researcher recommended that SME’s should consider market research as a strategic factor that leads to improved performance other than succeeding by mere lack hence should conduct market research regularly. The study suggested that future research could focus on finding out the limiting factors hindering SME’s to conduct regular market research.Item Assessment of Micro Financial Institution Funding on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Murang’a County-Kenya(European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 2014) Mwangi, Njoki; Shisia, Adam; Mwai, Lilian; Okibo, Walter BichangaThe fundamental purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Micro finance Institutions (MFIs) funding on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural Murang’a. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting the 50 SMEs that constituted the sample size of the research. Structured questionnaire was designed to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data which involves simple percentage graphical charts. Illustrations were tactically applied in data presentations and analysis. The findings of the study reveal that elements i.e. technology, management, training and financing were very crucial much as MFIs funding benefitted the SMEs even though only few of them were capable enough to secure the loan amount needed. Interestingly, majority of the SMEs acknowledged positive contributions of MFI funding towards promoting their market excellence and it is recommended that further research be carried out in other industries and countries in order to show whether there’s any link between MFI funding and performance on SMEs.Item Assessment of the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation, Organisational Culture Adaptability and Performance of Christian Faith-Based Hotels in Kenya(International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 2019-03-15) Muriithi, Ruth Wanjiku; Kyalo, Teresia; Kinyanjui, JosphatOrganisational culture has been the focus in both theory and practice and has captured attention throughout the last decade because of its substantial relationship between the concept itself and its outcomes such as gaining competitive advantage and performance in businesses. Entrepreneurial Orientation refers to the strategy making processes that it provides organisations with a basis for entrepreneurial decisions and actions. Despite of its importance and being a popular entrepreneurship concept there is little evidence of research that has been done to determine the relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation, organisational culture adaptability and performance in hotels and where applied it is minimal. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation, organisational culture adaptability and performance of Christian Faith-Based Hotels in Kenya. This study was anchored on the epistemology philosophy and adopted a positivist approach. The study used the mixed methods approach guided by a cross-sectional survey research design. The variable items for organisational culture adaptability and performance were measured using the five-point Likert scale and using the Denison’s organisational survey instruments. The population of the study included 72 managers and 1878 junior staff from 24 Christian faith-based hotels in Kenya. Structural equation models (SEM) and an MMR model were fitted to assess the objective of the study. Based on the SEM and MMR models, the study found that adaptability has a significant positive influencing on the performance of Christian Faith Based Hotels β= 0.520, t= 2.444, p-value=0.018). The study also found that Entrepreneurial Orientation had a moderating role on the relationship between organisational culture adaptability and performance of Christian Faith Based Hotels based on the MMR model that had a significant change in R due to addition of the interaction term (R-square change=.063, F-change=4.293, p-value=0.043). The study is important to a business because it will encourage it to adapt to the environment to improve performanceItem Capital Intensity and Financial Performance Of Manufacturing Companies Listed At Nairobi Securities Exchange.(International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 2019-09) Oeta, Simeon Mogote; Kiai, Richard; Muchiri, Josephixed assets form a significant portion of a company’s expenses and instrumental in shaping probable returns for organizations. Capital intensity for manufacturing companies is vital in informing cost management and investment decisions. Companies are given tax allowances on fixed assets in the form of wear and tear, investment and industrial building deduction which provide tax credits with consequential effects of increasing organizational after-tax returns. Manufacturing sector is key to economic growth and Kenya is experiencing stagnate contribution of this sector to economic growth. Little literature is available that establishes the association between capital intensity and financial performance of the manufacturing sector. Therefore, this study sought to find out the relationship between capital intensity and financial performance for manufacturing companies listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange during the period 2010-2017. The study was anchored on tax planning theory, trade-off theory, agency cost theory and political power theory. The study adopted a positivism research philosophy and an explanatory research design. The target population of the study was all the nine listed manufacturing companies in NSE. Descriptive and inferential statistics was done using panel data and SPSS version 23 software for data analysis. The findings indicated that capital intensity has a positive insignificant association with financial performance. It concluded that capital intensity does not affect financial performance of manufacturing firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study recommended that the companies should investment more in non- current assets so as to reap capital allowances tax benefits in order to improve their financial performance. The study will be beneficial to the management as it provides insights on how firms can increase their financial performance while leveraging on capital intensity.Item Cash management practice, SACCO size and Kenya’s deposit taking saving and credit co-operatives financial sustainability(Jurnal Perspektif Pembiayaan dan Pembangunan Daerah, 2020) Kiai, Richard Muthii; Kyalo, Teresia Ngina; Maina, Justus NderituDeposit taking Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCO) are solution to social dilemmas like abject poverty, living standards and unemployment. Nevertheless, 14 percent do not maintain sound cash management practices despite SACCOs oversight authority in Kenya offering guidelines and supervision to the enterprises that would assist in maintaining their financial sustainability. This necessitated for the evaluation of the moderating effect of SACCO size on cash management practice and financial sustainability. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design with a positivism philosophical paradigm was adopted. Emailed questionnaire and data collection sheet were used in data collection which registered a 95 percent response rate. A binary logistic regression results established that with presence of a moderator for the predictor sub-variables, the strength of the relationship between variables registered an insignificant change but with introduction of interaction term, the strength of relationship between variables changed. The study concluded that SACCO size portrayed a statistically significant moderating effect on predictor sub-variables and response variable. The study thus recommends that the management need to consider increasing their SACCO sizes through merging, acquiring the non-performing SACCOs or even conducting intensive marketing since large size SACCO have low chances of being financially unsustainable.Item Item Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurs in Africa -A Case of Kenyan Women Entrepreneurs(ijamee, 2014-06) Kyalo, Teresia Ngina; Kiganane, Lucy MainaEntrepreneurship is the engine of economic growth and wheel that pedal the vehicle of economic development and has been recognized for its importance in the area of job creation, revenue generation, poverty alleviation and wealth creation [1-3] Following this, it is now identified as the central element in the theory of economic development and it makes up the largest business sector in economies [4,5]. It involves a willingness to rejuvenate market offerings, innovate, risks taking, trying out of new and uncertain products, services and markets and being more proactive than competitors towards exploring new business opportunities [6, 7]. It attracts both men and women who are interested in profitable inter-industry relationship. Women account for significant percent of the operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) [5, 8]. Women entrepreneurs make a substantial contribution to national economies through their participation in start-ups and their growth in small and medium businesses [9]. This paper looks at the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Africa as entrepreneurship is regarded to be a male activity [10]. The main variables investigated were: demographic factors such as personal background, education and experience; social networks; and access to finance. The exploratory and descriptive research designs were adopted. Questionnaires were used as a tool of data collection. Stratified sampling method was used to get 130 respondents from Kenya. Data was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Studies). Chi-square, ttest and logistic regression were used. Findings of the study revealed that demographic factors and social networks were the main challenges facing women entrepreneurs. However, access to finance was found not a major challenge as women entrepreneurs were found to prefer internal sources of financing. Recommendations based on these findings were: women empowerment, training and sharing of information, provision of networks to enable marketing, provision of working areas near home location because of family reasons, building of self-confidence and esteem, risk taking training to improve formal market credits and thus grow their enterprises.Item Client Selectıon Criteria and Performance of Incubator Centers in Kenya: A Resource based Approach(2018) Kinya, Miriti Jane; Wanjau, Kenneth L https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3146-5324; Omondi, Humphrey RBusiness incubators are regarded as entrepreneurial hubs, unleashing entrepreneur’s ideas and businesses into the market, in turn, jobs are created and the economy of the area is improved. Due to the stiff competition for placement into an incubator program it is imperative for incubator management come-up with strategies of being more efficient and effective in utilizing resources to achieve superior performance. Hence the need to critically select clients, whose ideas fit the incubator’s mission and upon graduation create high growth businesses, with a higher survival rate of 90%. The study is anchored on Resource Based Theory. The study used a correlation design that focused on causal relationship of client selection criteria and incubator centre performance (ICP). The study population was 41 incubator managers in Kenya. After missing data analysis two respondents were expunged leaving 39 respondents. Secondary data was obtained from published sources such as company reports, manuals and research done by other scholars. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyze the measurement model and test the hypothesized relationship in this study. Simple linear regression model was used to measure the strength of the relationship between client selection criteria and performance incubator centre in Kenya. The results of the combined effect model indicated that client selection criteria had a significant relationship with performance of incubator centres.Item Collective efficiency and its effects on infrastructure planning and development for small manufacturing enterprises in Kenya(International Journal of Business and Public Management, 2011-03) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Onyango, G.M.; Kerre, B.W.This paper explores the extent of use of collective efficiency among the wood enterprises in Kenya and its effect on the infrastructure planning and development. Small manufacturing enterprises are known to contribute to economic dynamism, entrepreneurship and industrial development in less developed countries. However, they are handicapped by lack of capacity to accumulate capital, develop infra- structure and acquire technologies necessary for competing in a liberalized global market individually. Data was obtained from 284 wood enterprises owner/managers selected through multistage sampling in western Kenya and by use of questionnaires, observation checklists and documentary analysis. Data analysis by regression shows that infrastructure development is affected linearly by collective efforts. The paper recommends that industrial infrastructure planning in Kenya should be informed by the Collective efficiency, Networking, Systems approach and Constructivism paradigms so as to anchor the small manufacturing enterprises in the industrialization process. The paper also recommends that a Jua Kali development authority should be established to address the needs of the small manufacturing enterprises sector borrowing from the export processing zones authority model.Item Communication Lapses in the Adoption of Improved Cook stoves in Kenya.(2023) Biwott, carolineThe effective improved cook stoves have been designed to offer environmental, socio-economic and health benefits that facilitates the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is low adoption of effective improved cook stoves among the rural populations in Kenya. This study therefore sought to analyse communication lapses in the adoption of improved cook stoves in Kenya. The Research Questions of the study is: What are the communication lapses in the adoption of the improved cook-stoves in Uasin Gishu County? The study was anchored on Constructivist Paradigm and Qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. The study is a case study of Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 respondents for the study and the Qualitative data was collected using interviews research instruments. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse data qualitatively. The collected data was presented in the form of narratives. From the study findings, the study concludes that communication lapses have led to the low adoption of improved cook-stoves. There is limited use of Participatory communication strategies and media channels have not been utilised adequately to sensitise the rural populations on the health, environmental and socio-economic benefits of improved cook-stoves. It is anticipated that the study will be significant in emphasising the importance of using effective communication strategies to educate, create awareness and campaign for the adoption of improved cook-stoves and thus lead to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.Item COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENTERPRISE RISKS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BETWEEN MICRO AND SMALL INDUSTRIES (MSIS) AND MEDIUM AND LARGE INDUSTRIES (MLIS) IN NAKURU MUNICIPALITY, KENYA(European Journal of Business and Social Sciences, 2015-02) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Muthusi, B.M.; Nassiuma, B.Micro and Small Enterprises cut across all sectors of the economy, providing a prolific source of employment, income and government revenue and contributes to poverty reduction. The sector comprises 75% of all businesses in the country, employs more than 4.6 million people (30%) and accounts for 18.4% of the country’s GDP 2014. However, two-thirds of micro and small enterprises fail within the first few months of operation. Further, small and micro manufacturing industries due to their size are more vulnerable to business uncertainties compared to medium and large industries. The objective of this study was to compare the enterprise risks, and risk management practices between micro and small industries on the one hand and medium and large manufacturing industries on the other hand in Nakuru Municipality. A combination of descriptive and comparative study designs was used. The most common risks in medium and large manufacturing enterprises were theft, personal injuries, property damages and critical machine breakdowns while in micro and small industries common risks were property damages, theft and natural calamities. There was a significant difference in the level of risks facing small and large industries on risks stemming from the business internal environment. Risks from external environment were not significantly different between the Micro & Small and medium & large enterprises.Item Constructivism and the Likert Scale on the Perception of Teaching/Learning Creativity at the University Level(Journal of Sociological Research, 2013-01) Ng'ang'a, S.I; Otii, L.This paper interrogates the constructivists learning environment, the constructivists learning activities and the use of the likert scale in assessing the effectiveness of teaching/learning creativity at the university level. The rapid growth in demand of university education, the rapid expansion and proliferation of both public and private universities and university colleges and the privately sponsored student programs necessitates that we continuously monitor and evaluate their performance and the creative abilities bestowed upon graduates as they join the labor market. The paper is informed by a case of a postgraduate student who sought to investigate and analyze from the students perspective, the input factors into a university system through a transformation process that leads to graduates who are expected to have creative capabilities and fit into the ever changing society. The thesis examination process was faced by challenges that lead to the program taking six years instead of the prescribed two, yet he is still the lucky one, the most of his class mates are not that lucky. The authors relate the experience they shared as student and supervisor in the process. The paper concludes that there is a problem in the constructivist learning environment created-the faculty, facilities and programs and also dissatisfaction in the methodologies employed and the role played by the facilitators. It is therefore recommended that the universities should re-examine the environment, the transformation process and the outputs to ensure that graduates meet the dynamic needs of a global society.Item Corporate Risk, Firm Size and Financial Distress: Evidence from Non-Financial Firms Listed In Kenya(IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 2019-08) Gichaiya, Mark Waita; Muchina, Stephen; Macharia, StephenFinancial distress (FD)is a common precursor to corporate failure that subjects investors to financial loss. In Kenya, FD has been rampant among several private and public commercial entities. This signifies presence of deep-seated corporate snags that hamper sustainability. Earlier studies have focused more on FDmodeling while others provide conflicting findings pertaining to risk exposure andfinancial health.This study therefore examines the influence of corporate riskon FD. Additionally, the moderation effect of firm sizeon the relationship between corporate riskand FD was tested. This study is premised on Modigliani and Miller’s first proposition and signaling theory.Aquantitative research design with a correlational approachwas adopted targeting all non-financial firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)from year 2006 to 2015. The study collected secondary data from audited financial statements, daily stock prices and stock market indices. Data analysis involved hierarchical panel regression analysis. The results show that corporate risk significantly and positively influences FD. Unsystematic risk in terms of business and financial risk has a positive significant influence on FD in contrast to systematic risk proxied bymarket risk that has an insignificant positive effect. Interaction terms; corporate risk*firm size and unsystematic risk*firm size have a positive insignificant effect on FD while interaction term market risk*firm sizerelates negatively and insignificantly with FD.Large firms can accommodate more market risk without experiencing FD as opposed to unsystematic riskthat is more disastrous.This study recommends continuous proactive risk management practices that go beyond mere risk assessment so as to integrate risk exposures and incidentsmore so those that are internalItem Credit information sharing and level of loan default in deposit taking saccos in Meru county, Kenya(2016-04) Maina, Justus Nderitu; Kinyariro, Dickson Kamau; Muturi, Harrison Mwangi; Muriithi, Maitai JedidiahItem DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A Panel Data Approach(International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, 2012) Ndambiri, H.K; Ritho, C.; Ng'ang'a, S.I; Kubowon, P.C.; Mairura, F.C.; Nyangweso, P.M.; Muiruri, E.M.; Cherotwo, F.H.Based on a panel data of 19 Sub Saharan countries for the years 1982-2000, this study explores the determinants of economic growth in the region. Given that economic growth is essentially seen as a dynamic phenomenon, the study employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to account for the factors that influence the growth of economies in the region. The study results indicate that physical capital formation, a vibrant export sector and human capital formation significantly contribute to the economic growth among sub- Saharan countries. However, government expenditure, nominal discount rate and foreign aid significantly lead to negative economic growth. As found out in the study, it is recommended that relevant policies be formulated to promote those sectors that enhance economic growth in the regionItem Drivers of Growth of Women-Owned Micro Enterprises in Meru Municipality, Kenya(Scholars Middle East Publishers, 2016) Maina, Justus Nderitu; Mwiti, Jedidah KarwithaThe study aimed at assessing the drivers of growth of women-owned micro enterprises in Meru Municipality, Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Analyzed data was presented in the form of frequency tables, pie charts, bar graphs and percentages. The study concluded that, there is need for women entrepreneurs to participate in entrepreneurship trainings and beneficial associations. The study recommended that: Private sectors and NGOs in collaboration with the government should be encouraged to come up with programs of inculcating women entrepreneurship culture through business conferences, exhibitions, foreign tours. Such forums will act as learning centres for women entrepreneurs.