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    Organizational Structure and Performance of Tier One Commercial Banks in Nairobi County, Kenya
    (Academic Journal of Social Sciences and Education,, 2025-07) Rita, Chaga Mwamsindo; Kihara, Peter; Cherono, Vivian
    The performance of Tier One commercial banks in Nairobi County is increasingly shaped by internal structural dynamics amid rising operational costs, stricter regulatory demands, and heightened market competition. This study investigated the effect of organizational structure— focusing on hierarchy levels, formalization, and span of control—on bank performance. Grounded in Organizational Structure Theory, the research adopted a descriptive design targeting senior and middle-level managers from all 11 Tier One banks. A purposive sample of 88 managers drawn from 8 banks participated in the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The findings revealed strong, negative, and statistically significant bivariate relationships between each organizational structure variable and bank performance. However, the simple linear regression results indicated that the overall influence of organizational structure on performance was not statistically significant (β = –2.14, p = 0.113). This suggests that although structural elements such as hierarchy, formalization, and span of control may individually impact performance, their combined effect does not sufficiently explain performance variations when analyzed within a single model. The study concludes that organizational structure may influence performance outcomes at the individual factor level, but its predictive power is limited when assessed holistically through simple regression. It is recommended that Tier One banks consider streamlining their internal structures by eliminating unnecessary hierarchical layers, simplifying formal procedures, and widening managerial span of control where feasible. Pilot-testing these structural changes in selected units may offer practical insights for enhancing strategic performance in a competitive banking environment.
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    Effect of Employees’ Training Content Relevance on Service Quality in Public Catering Institutions in Nairobi County
    (The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management,, 2025-08) Yegon, Erustus Kibet; Muchai, Peter; Cherono, Vivian
    This study sought to assess the effect of employees’ training content relevance on service quality in Public Catering Institutions in Nairobi County. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, the study employed a descriptive research design. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 327 respondents from a target population of 2,211 staff members, including Heads of Catering Units, catering managers, and operational staff. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods such as correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data were evaluated thematically. The findings revealed that training content relevance had a statistically significant positive impact on service quality. The study concluded that effective and strategically designed employee training is a key lever for improving service quality in public catering institutions. Merely conducting training is not sufficient; the training must be responsive to job realities, tailored to institutional goals, and structured to ensure practical application and skill adaptability. These insights affirm that service excellence in the public sector depends not just on resource allocation, but on the relevance and execution of employee development initiatives. Going forward, institutions must integrate modern training techniques such as blended and experiential learning, and foster a culture of ongoing skills enhancement. These measures will not only elevate service standards but also strengthen public confidence in government-run food service programs.
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    Influence of Budgeting Role On The Implementation of Strategic Plans in the Nairobi City County Government, Kenya
    (EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) -, 2024-06) Mwise, Mwerah Augustine; Cherono, Vivian; Mbithi, Mary
    In Nairobi County, just like the rest of Kenya, the county assembly is responsible for legislation, oversight, and representation of the county executive who implements the county strategic plans developed from the devolved functions of the devolution. However, the achievement of strategic plans is still with flaws despite this. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of budgeting roles on the implementation of strategic plans in the Nairobi County Assembly in Kenya. The study was guided by the McKinsey 7s model, the Dynamic Capability Model, and the Resource-Based View Theory. The study was conducted using a quantitative research design. The target population was 123 members of the County Assembly, consisting of 85 elected and 38 nominated members. The population also included 3 officials from the County Assembly's Financial and Budget Office, Procurement Office, and Planning Department. The study involved 85 elected and 38 nominated county assembly members, using simple random sampling. Officials from the Financial and Budget Office, Procurement Office, and Planning Department were selected by census. Primary data was collected with 5-point Likert scales. SPSS regression analysis tested the relationships between dependent and independent variables, with multiple regression used due to activity interconnectedness. Results were presented in descriptive figures and tables, with regression outcomes shown in tables. The study's findings indicate that MCAs perceive their budgeting responsibilities favorably, and a positive correlation, (r = 0.833, p < 0.01) is found between their budgeting roles and strategic plan implementation. Following these findings, the study recommends the need to enhance Nairobi City County Government (NCCG)'s budgeting by training MCAs in advanced techniques and enabling them to oversee budget utilization in line with priorities. MCAs should continuously build capacity to understand compliance, ethics, risks, and plan adherence, promoting collaborative oversight.
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    The Influence of Technology Enabled Service Differentiation Strategy on Post-Pandemic Reopening Performance of Star-Rated Hotels in the South Rift Circuit
    (International Research Journal of business and strategic management, 2023-08) Ng’etich, Paul K; Mengo, Nyabisi; Cherono, Vivian
    One of the most competitive industries in Kenya and the entire continent of Africa is the hotel industry, which contributes significantly to the country's economy. As a result, the sector is a significant source of foreign exchange, employment, and revenue for the nation. However, the emergence of the Covid-19 global pandemic has had a significant impact on the hotel industry in the country as elsewhere globally with travel restrictions, social distance requirements, and low visitor turnout affecting their operations. The researcher sought to examine the influence of technology enabled service differentiation strategy on reopening performance of the hotel industry in Kenya in the post-pandemic context. Marketing Mix Theory guided the study. The study adopted expressive cross sectional survey research design and targeted 47 star rated hotels, lodges, camps and as well as guest houses in the South Rift Circuit, that is, Nakuru and Narok counties using a census. Data was collected through questionnaires from the marketing managers of the hotels. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic and content analysis using Nvivo while quantitative data was coded and analyzed through SPSS computer software version 24.0 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcome revealed that technology enabled strategy affecting post-pandemic reopening performance of star-rated hotels in the South Rift Circuit, Kenya is significant. Therefore, the study recommends that the hotels should make provision for continuous training of staff on modern technologies. The hotels’ management need to provide tailored services to individuals and group clients as need arises. The hotels need to diversify their markets to ensure that they are able to tap into more potential markets locally and internationally. Finally, the hotels need to emphasize on market growth strategies.
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    Leadership Styles and Performance of Road Projects under Kenya Rural Roads Authority In Kenya
    (EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 2024-05) Mrongo, Leonard Ouma; Kihara, Peter; Cherono, Vivian; Thiankolu, Eunice Gacheri
    Road infrastructure drives global economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, enhancing trade and regional integration; recent improvements in developing countries have reduced cost overruns, highlighting the importance of effective strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability considerations for project success. The aim of the study was to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study sought to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study employs multiple theories, including Resource-Based Theory, Agency Theory, and others, within a mixed-methods approach guided by pragmatism. Focused on 140 Development Road Projects by KeRRA, it includes 104 Strategy Implementation Officers, Contractors’ CEOs, and KeRRA officials. Data, gathered through questionnaires and interviews, underwent statistical analysis revealing a significant positive correlation (r = 0.508, p < 0.05) between leadership styles and project performance, using SPSS Version 27. The study suggests that project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority demonstrate positive leadership qualities, such as agreeableness and visionary leadership, which are linked to timely completion of road construction projects, although challenges like resistance to change and laissez-faire leadership tendencies may impede project success. Recommendations include reinforcing and promoting positive leadership qualities among project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, focusing on aspects such as agreeableness, visionary leadership, and developmental leadership, while addressing challenges related to laissez-faire and resistance to change through training and support initiatives, and emphasizing the importance of directive leadership to improve project outcomes and ensure successful completion of road construction projects.
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    Project Appraisal and Financial Performance in Public Universities, Kenya
    (THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT, 2024) Karigi, Richard Nganga; Omanwa, Clemence; Cherono, Vivian
    Kenya's public institutions have had poor financial performance for a number of years, which has resulted in campus closures and an ever-increasing backlog of unpaid debts. Universities have had difficulty recruiting enough faculty members to meet the demand for their programs. The study aimed to determine the relationship between project appraisal and financial performance of the Public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was the public universities in Kenya with a purposive sample of 155 managers selected from three categories of universities according to their age and when they were chartered. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected using an Excel schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation findings indicated that project appraisal had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance (r = .626, p = .000<.05). The R-square value of 0.392 indicated that project appraisal explains 39.2% of variations in the financial performance of public universities. Further, regression results showed that project appraisal had a positive and significant influence on financial performance (β = 0.585, p=.000<.05), implying that project appraisal significantly enhances the financial performance of public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that project appraisal contributes significantly to the enhanced financial performance of public universities. The study recommended that the management of public universities should strengthen aspects relating to project appraisal. There is a need to ensure that projects are implemented as per the contract schedule. Projects should be diligently monitored to ensure quality. Further, projects should be appraised using scientific methods to ensure that there is a constant flow of cash to finance projects according to budget.
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    Procurement Process and Financial Performance in Public Universities, Kenya
    (THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT, 2024) Karigi, Richard Nganga; Omanwa, Clemence; Cherono, Vivian
    The poor financial performance of Kenya's public institutions has resulted in campus closures and an ever-increasing backlog of unpaid debts for a number of years. The academic institutions have encountered difficulties in recruiting sufficient faculty members to meet the demands of the curricula. The study aimed to establish the relationship between the procurement process and the financial performance of Public Universities in Kenya. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was the public universities in Kenya with a purposive sample of 155 managers selected from three categories of universities according to their age and when they were chartered. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, and secondary data was collected using an Excel schedule and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation findings indicated that the procurement process had a positive and significant relationship with financial performance (r = .674, p = .000<.05). The R-square value of 0.454 indicates that the procurement process explains 45.4% of variations in the financial performance of public universities. Regression results revealed that the procurement process had a positive and significant influence on financial performance (β = 0.589, p=.000<.05), and this implies that the procurement process significantly enhances the financial performance of public universities in Kenya. The study concluded that the procurement process contributes significantly to the enhanced financial performance of public universities. The study recommended that the management of public universities should strengthen aspects relating to the procurement process. There is a need to ensure that the quality of goods and services purchased is up to standard. There should be inspection and verification of goods and services. There is also a need to involve experts in the evaluation and awards of tenders.
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    Leadership Styles and Performance of Road Projects Under Kenya Rural Roads Authority In Kenya
    (EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 2024-05) Mrongo, Leonard Ouma; Kihara, Peter; Cherono, Vivian; Thiankolu, Eunice Gacheri
    Road infrastructure drives global economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, enhancing trade and regional integration; recent improvements in developing countries have reduced cost overruns, highlighting the importance of effective strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability considerations for project success. The aim of the study was to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study sought to establish whether leadership styles influence the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study employs multiple theories, including Resource-Based Theory, Agency Theory, and others, within a mixed-methods approach guided by pragmatism. Focused on 140 Development Road Projects by KeRRA, it includes 104 Strategy Implementation Officers, Contractors’ CEOs, and KeRRA officials. Data, gathered through questionnaires and interviews, underwent statistical analysis revealing a significant positive correlation (r = 0.508, p < 0.05) between leadership styles and project performance, using SPSS Version 27. The study suggests that project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority demonstrate positive leadership qualities, such as agreeableness and visionary leadership, which are linked to timely completion of road construction projects, although challenges like resistance to change and laissez-faire leadership tendencies may impede project success. Recommendations include reinforcing and promoting positive leadership qualities among project managers at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, focusing on aspects such as agreeableness, visionary leadership, and developmental leadership, while addressing challenges related to laissez-faire and resistance to change through training and support initiatives, and emphasizing the importance of directive leadership to improve project outcomes and ensure successful completion of road construction projects
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    Moderating Effect of Corporate Governance On The Relationship Between Strategy Implementation and The Performance of Road Projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority
    (African Journal of Social Issues, 2024) Mrongo, Leonard Ouma; Kihara, Peter; Cherono, Vivian; Thiankolu, EUNICE Gacheri
    The purpose of the study is to establish whether corporate governance moderates the relationship between strategy implementation and the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The study employs a multi-theoretical approach, integrating Resource-Based Theory, Agency Theory, Contingency Theory of Leadership, Legitimacy Theory, Theory of Constraints, Enterprise Risk Management, Technology Acceptance Model, and Communication Theory. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, with pragmatism as the chosen research philosophy. The study focused on 140 Development Road Projects by KeRRA. The sample comprised 208 individuals, including 104 Strategy Implementation Officers (SIOs) and 104 Contractors’ Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). This was determined using the Solvin 1974 formula due to authority duality. The Director General of KeRRA and the Secretary to the Board of Directors were also part of the target population. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a sequential explanatory design to investigate the relationship between governance practices, technology adoption, resource availability, communication, and road project outcomes at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews with strategy implementation officials and the Director General, utilizing cluster, stratified, and deliberate sampling for both qualitative and quantitative data. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and regression analysis were performed on SPSS Version 27. The study revealed that corporate governance practices have a statistically significant moderating effect on the influence of strategy implementation on the performance of road projects by Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
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    Innovation Orientation and Firm Performance: The Role of Organizational Commitment Among Commercial Banks in Meru County, Kenya
    (Journal of Human Resource & Leadership, 2023-06) Kamau, Ann; Nkaabu, Clement; Cherono, Vivian
    An organization with an innovation orientation can create and deploy innovations, providing it an advantage over rivals.The overall goal of the study was to better understand how organizational commitment influences both innovation orientation and commercial banks' performance in Meru County.Specific objectives included determining: the influence of innovation orientation on performance; organizational commitment’s effect on innovation orientation; organizational commitment’s effect on performance; and the mediating effect of organizational commitment between innovation orientation and performance.A cross-sectional descriptive design was used.The findings indicated that innovation orientation had a favorable and substantial influence on firm performance(β=0.59, p<0.05); and organizational commitment had a favorable and substantial influence on firm performance(β=0.189, p<0.05). Further, results showed that when combined, innovation orientation (β=0.589, p<0.05) and organizational commitment (β=0.187, p<0.05) had a favorable and substantial influence on firm performance. However,innovation orientation (p>0.05) had no substantial influence on organizational commitment.The second condition of mediation was violated, and hence the study concluded that organizational commitment did not substantially mediate the connection between innovation orientation and commercial banks’ output. The research recommended the need for bank management to strengthen their innovation orientation programs. The bank management should also strengthen their organizational commitment policy. Further, the bank management should develop programs and systems that can link innovation orientation and organizational commitment. These aspects when properly combined have the potential to enhance overall firm performance. The research makes a significant contribution to policy,practice,and theory in the field of business management