School of Business and Economics
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Welcome to School of Business and Economics collection.This collection contains Journal articles published by faculty affiliated to the school.
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Item Influence of Operational Transformation on Firm Performance Among DT-SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Strategic Management, 2025-07-30) Veronica Wanjiku, Kariuki; Rintari, Nancy; Kirigia, PaulThe study purpose was to examine the influence of operational transformation on firm performance among DT-SACCOs in Meru County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design when collecting data from a target population of 10 registered deposit-taking SACCOs. The respondents were 10 branch managers, 10 operations managers, 52 operations staff, 106 marketing staff, and 38 customer care staff. This study obtained 10 branch managers and 10 operations managers through the purposive sampling method, while 46 operations, 84 marketing, and 35 customer care staff were sampled through the simple random method. The interviews were conducted with branch managers and operations managers, while the structured questionnaires were answered by the other respondents. The pre-test was done in Unison DT-SACCO in Isiolo County. The study measured reliability using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, while validity was measured using face, content, and construct types of validity. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were analyzed. There were also inferential statistics, such as Pearson correlation, model summary, ANOVA, and regression coefficients, analyzed. Qualitative data were derived from the interview responses through the thematic method. The presentation was done through tables. The study found out that operational transformation had a significant influence on firm performance. It was enhanced by clarity in communicating goals on time, teamwork, and training on relevant staff. The factors made it easier to restructure operations more effectively, leading to an all-around transformation. Despite the existence of risk management, adequacy of finances, and operational efficiency policies, the decision-making approach in DT SACCOs was centralized, hence relying on top management to make decisions affecting the banking operations. This led to decline in efficiency in expediting the necessary operations within the shortest timeframe to improve customer satisfaction. The study recommends empowering lower management levels through decentralized authority, improving staff communication on sector changes, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and enhancing ICT recruitment and infrastructure. Additionally, fostering a customer-centric culture and improving internal harmony could significantly boost performance outcomes.Item Influence of Value-Based Pricing on Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya(Journal of Marketing and Communication, 2024-07) Mwito, Romano Mugambi; Rintari, Nancy; Muema, WilsonSMEs should supply goods and services to clients in both wholesale and retail perspectives, to earn profits. Nevertheless, Kenyan SMEs have been facing poor market access. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of value-based pricing on growth of small and medium enterprises in Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design whereby quantitative data was collected using close-ended questionnaires. The target population was 25 SMEs, with 58 managers and 234 officers in marketing, procurement, and finance who were the respondents. Notably, the study adopted a simple random method to identify the sample size from the population to get 30% of the 25 SMEs resulting in 8 SMEs from which the respondents was drawn. Further, the study collected quantitative data in form of a closed-ended questionnaire from 13 marketing managers, 9 procurement managers, 9 finance managers, 39 marketing officers,19 procurement officers, and 13 finance officers making a total of 102 respondents. Further, the study conducted a pilot study at Fairlymatt supermarket and Happy Foods farms limited in Imenti South Sub-County. SPSS software was used for analysis process to provide descriptive and inferential analysis. The results from the questionnaire indicated that 40(49%) participants strongly agreed and 19(23%) agreed that customers had become loyal due to considerations given on every complaint they made (mean- 4.24). However, 26(32%) strongly disagreed and 17(21%) disagreed that there were clear communication systems that allowed information to swiftly reach the top management in less time (mean-2.66). Additionally, the correlation of value-based pricing r=0.628 at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level. The study concluded that there was a short turnaround time taken by SMEs to address the various pricing complaints from the clients. That notwithstanding, most value-based pricing decisions made by the senior management did not have a window for discussion with junior staff. The recommendations on value-based pricing are that there should be a policy framework established to expose staff to processes used to determine various prices.Item Influence of Strategic Leadership Styles on Performance of 3-star Hotels in Mount Kenya East Region(Journal of Strategic Management, 2024-07) Ng’olua, Annjoy Mukiri; Rintari, Nancy; Kanyaru, RuthThe study sought to evaluate the influence of strategic leadership styles on performance of 3- star hotels in Mount Kenya East Region. This study adopted a descriptive survey design on a target population of 21 hotels with a 3-star ranking. Census method was used to include 21 general managers, 21 supervisors, and 84 section heads. Quantitative data inform of questionnaires were used to get information from respondents. A pilot study at the Izaak Walton Hotel Embu County was conducted to establish validity and reliability. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean were used to analyze linear regression. Inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation, model summary, ANOVA, and regression coefficients approaches were also employed. Data was presented using tables, figures, and explanations. The questionnaire findings revealed that 48(50%) of the respondents indicated that most of the management and control of the strategic implementation process of 3-star hotels occurred at top-level management. This was followed by 27(28%) of the respondents who indicated that management and control of strategic implementation process occurred at middle level. Additionally, majority of the respondents 47(50%) indicated very high and 35(36%) indicated that a democratic type of leadership leads to the most effective formulation of the business plan. However, 52(54%) and 30(32%) of the respondents indicated that bureaucratic leadership style was lowly and moderately used. The correlation coefficient of leadership styles r=0.910 at α < 0.024 and 99% significance level. It was concluded that the management has ensured that the leadership provided enabled the hotels to improve performance in regards to quality of services and utilization of shareholder’s resources. That notwithstanding, it was noted that most hotels practiced mostly bureaucratic leadership style that did not take into consideration the opinion of the workers on how formulated strategies could be improved. The study recommends that the management should attend leadership courses to learn about other critical leadership styles that can be applied to include junior staff in decision-making. The staff should also show interest in understanding how various strategies are formulated through close interaction with the managers. This would enable them to acquire invaluable knowledge and skills on the reasoning behind specific formulated strategies. The management should also develop institutional policies that encourage a staff representative into the board meetings to enable the opinion of the staff to be heard in an organized and respectful manner.Item The Effect of Agency Convenience on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Isiolo County, Kenya(The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 2024-08-23) Dulacha, Amina Abdi; Rintari, Nancy; Kambura, SusanThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of agency convenience on financial performance of commercial banks in Isiolo County, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was used, targeting Cooperative Bank, KCB, and Equity Bank, which control over 90% of authorized banking agents in the region. The target population included 102 staff in Equity bank, 123 staff in Cooperative bank, and 80 staff in KCB bank, which was a total of 305 banks. The study adopted the Yamane’s formula (1967) to result to a sample size of 58 staff in Equity bank, 70 staff in Cooperative bank, and 45 staff in KCB bank, which was a total of 173 staff. Stratified sampling was applied to select respondents from the finance and accounts departments of these banks. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and supplemented with secondary financial data. The pilot research used a sample size of 10% for this investigation, with 17 respondents randomly selected to fill out the survey in Meru County. To ensure the data was reliable, Cronbach's alpha was applied, which measures internal consistency. The questionnaires included in this study underwent a validation process to guarantee their content and face validity, as well as to gauge their overall quality. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between agency convenience and the financial performance of commercial banks, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.751, indicating a strong relationship. The regression analysis further confirmed that agency convenience is a crucial determinant of financial success, as evidenced by its standardized coefficient (β = 0.304) and a highly significant p-value of 0.000. The study concluded that agency convenience was a vital contributor to the financial performance of commercial banks. The study concluded that banks that prioritized and enhanced the accessibility and ease of use of their agency banking services had substantial improvements in their financial outcomes. It is imperative that bank managers prioritize the convenience of agency services. This can be achieved by expanding the network of agents to ensure that services are accessible in both urban and rural areas, as well as by leveraging digital platforms to streamline transactions and reduce wait times. Enhancing the user experience through technology will not only increase customer satisfaction but also drive higher transaction volumes, which are crucial for financial success.Item Assessment of Debt Securities on Performance of Commercial Banks in Nyeri County, Kenya(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers: Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2023-08) Gathua, Lee Ng’ang’a; Rintari, Nancy; Muema, WilsonThe study investigated the effect of debt securities on performance of commercial banks in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study used quantitative descriptive research design and target population comprised 16 commercial banks in Nyeri County, Kenya. The respondents comprised 194 respondents in various departments. The study analyzed descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and mean. Inferential statistics including correlation and regression analysis were also used. The result of secondary data on financial performance pointed the gross profit had the highest average mean of 3.2 while net profit had the lowest mean. An observation of the years indicated that the gross and net profits for the banks were highest in 2019, followed by 2022 while 2020 recorded the lowest annual profits. Debt securities had a Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.312** at α < 0.000 and a 99% significance level. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected since the R-value was less than 1. The study concluded that performance was positively impacted but some products such as commercial papers were unattractive to clients due to high risks of poor performance in wealth generation. This situation was fueled further by the low training on its applicability towards boosting the income levels of both the bank and client’s portfolio. The study recommends that the branch managers should develop policy structure that requires mandatory frequent training on staff to understand how not only main stream banking products operate but also securities such as commercial papers. Further, the board of management should assess the risk-return aspect of selected debt securities like the types of commercial papers to ascertain the ones which are riskier than the rest.Item Effect of Budget Planning on the Financial Performance of Public Universities in the Mount Kenya Region, Kenya(nternationalJournalof ProfessionalPractice (IJPP), 2024-09) Kaithia, Lilian Kawira; Moguche, Abel; Rintari, NancyPublic universities perform a vital role in providing higher education and contributing to the country's socioeconomic development. Notably, public higher education establishments in the Mount Kenya region, have successfully implemented budgetary control approaches to improve financial performance. That notwithstanding, most of them are ignorant of how budgets and budgetary control affect performance outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of budget planning on the financial performance of public universities located in the Mount Kenya region, Kenya.The design used in the investigation was descriptive. The target population was 7 universities located in Mount Kenya Region. The respondents, enlisted using census method included 284 heads of departments in both academic and administration divisions of the universities included. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data for this study. Using the drop and pick method, the researcher issued and collected filled in questionnaires after 2 weeks. The data were analyzed using descriptive techniques like frequencies, percentage and mean, while the inferential statistics included correlations. The study conducted a pre-test study in Laikipia University, where 28 respondents were recruited using simple random method. Data was presented using tables and explanations. The findings indicated a noteworthy and optimistic correlation between budgetary planning and financial performance of public universities (r=0.817, p=0.000).The study concluded that most universities had budgets that guided them in a financial year. However, the main concern was declined revenue consistency to adequately fund the budget. The study recommended that budgetary control strategies such as incremental and activity-based budgets be introduced in public institutions. Further, public universities need to focus more on creating budgetary control through appropriate planning, monitoring, and budget implementation, as well as allowing employee engagement in the budget process in order to strengthen the budgetary control process.Item Influence of Community Support on the Performance of the Wildlife Enterprises of Northern Rangeland Trust(International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2024) Mwenda, Purity Mpinda; Rintari, Nancy; Mugambi, KennethNorthern Rangeland Trust (NRT) is a wildlife-linked community enterprise that aims to alleviate poverty and improve environmental well-being. However, performance issues have hindered NRT's ability to form long-term alliances with donors and enterprises. The study aimed to determine how community support influences the performance of wildlife community enterprises within NRT. Guided by commitment-trust theory, this research employed a descriptive survey design. Using a census method for selection, the study targeted all 78 management employees of the Northern Rangeland wildlife community enterprises. Data was collected via questionnaires, and internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant statistical link among the factors. A pilot test of eight questionnaires at Buffalo Springs wildlife community enterprises in Isiolo County showed a Pearson correlation coefficient for community support of r=0.616** at α < 0.01 with a 95% confidence level. Results indicated that a unit increase in community support led to a performance increase in wildlife-linked community enterprises by a magnitude of 0.887. The study concluded that community support, which is underutilized by the management, is essential for the performance of wildlife community enterprises. It recommends that the managers incorporate full community support in order to enhance the performance of NRT.Item Assessment of Strategic Communication and Medical Employees’ Performance of County Referral Hospitals in Central Region Economic Bloc, Kenya(Journal of Strategic Management, 2024-07-23) Karatu, Eunice Nkatha; Mutunga, Stephen Laititi; Rintari, NancyEmployees play a critical role in achieving firms’ objectives. However, most Kenyan hospitals are suffering from low medical employee performance due to communication failure. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of strategic communication on medical employees’ performance in county referral hospitals in the central region economic bloc, of Kenya. Explanatory research design was used to collect data from a target population of 10 referral hospitals in Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyeri, Meru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Kirinyaga. The respondents were 1,804 medical employees including medical officers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, and therapists. A sample size of 327 medical staff was selected using a simple random method, who were issued with closed. Piloting was conducted at Machakos County referral hospital whereby 33 medical officers took part in answering the questionnaires. In relation to reliability, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to determine the suitability of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, mean, and standard deviation. An inferential statistic like Pearson correlation was determined and the results presented using tables and explanations. The study established that strategic communication optimizes the performance of medical employees in county referral hospitals. Therefore, the study concluded that by encouraging employees to adopt innovative work practices, healthcare organizations can enhance individual performance and maximize the overall impact of strategic communication. The recommendations are that hospital leaders should provide timely feedback, foster effective vertical communication channels, and utilize various communication channels and technology.Item Impact of Strategic Agility on Performance of Medical Employees in County Referral Hospitals in Central Region Economic Bloc, Kenya(Journal of Strategic Management,, 2024-07-23) Karatu, Eunice Nkatha; Mutunga, Stephen Laititi; Rintari, NancyThe demand for high-quality health care from patients and other stakeholders has grown over time while hospitals have failed in delivery of quality healthcare services. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of strategic agility on medical employees’ performance in county referral hospitals in the central region economic bloc, Kenya. Explanatory research design was used to collect data from a target population of 10 referral hospitals in Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyeri, Meru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Kirinyaga. The respondents were 1,804 medical employees including medical officers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, and therapists. A sample size of 327 medical staff was selected using a simple random method, who were issued with closed. Piloting was conducted at Machakos County referral hospital whereby 33 medical officers took part in answering the questionnaires. In relation to reliability, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to determine the suitability of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistic like Pearson Correlation was determined and the results presented using tables and explanations. The study established that the management fostered a culture of innovation by rewarding employees and investing in promising opportunities, demonstrating sensitivity to change, and easily adapting current plans. Therefore, the conclusion was that there was a need for hospital leadership to prioritize strategic agility and support a culture of innovation. The study recommends that hospitals could prioritize strategic agility by fostering flexibility in decision-making and sharing goals with employees.Item Effect of Market Penetration Strategy on Sales Growth of Coffee Export in Kenya(KeMU, 2023) Muriuki, Ninah Makena; Muema, Wilson; Rintari, NancyKenya is one of the leading coffee exporters in the world. In July 2021, the number of coffee export sales in Kenya was recorded at 1.2 thousand metric tons, showing a significant recovery from the previous months. This recovery increased the auction price to $ 6.23 /kilogram, up from $ 5.5/kilogram. However, coffee sector has experienced a boom and bust in the past two decades. Unlike horticultural products whose prices remain constant for an economically significant period, the prices for coffee products have been fluctuating. The global market is highly volatile and the question is: could coffee market instability be a result of changes in consumer preferences, supply demand trends, and unpredictable prices of coffee products? It would be interesting to establish whether a market penetration strategy could solve these issues, and make coffee business predictable. The study sought to evaluate the effect of market penetration strategy on sales growth of coffee export in Kenya, using a cross-sectional survey design. The target population was 157 coffee marketing firms in Kenya. A sample size of 384 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Analysis of data utilized Spearman correlation analysis and binary logistic regression. Results revealed a strong and positive correlation (r = .672, p-value = 0.000) at a significance level of 0.01 between market penetration strategies and the sales growth of coffee exporters in Kenya. Thus concluding that market penetration strategy significantly affected the sales growth of coffee exports in Kenya. Further, exporters were recommended to develop a market penetration strategy tailored to Kenyan coffee market to establish a clear understanding and potential for coffee exports. Additionally, an analysis of the country's coffee consumption habits and trends and an assessment of the competitiveness of the Kenyan coffee industry to promote the growth of coffee export from Kenya need to be carried.