Journal Articles
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://41.89.31.6:4000/handle/123456789/313
Welcome to Journal articles community
Browse
11 results
Search Results
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 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 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 Influence of Liquidity Risk Hedging on Performance of Real Estate Firms in Meru County, Kenya(International J ournal of Professional P ractice (IJPP), 2023-10) Kamari, Mburugu Kenneth; Mutea, Fredrick; Rintari, NancyReal estate investments are long-term and capital intensive projects which outperform other asset classes attracting many investors. Real estate contributes greatly to the gross domestic product of many nations. However, financial risks, such as liquidity risk, may largely affect the performance of real estate firms. Though financial risks are global, Kenya experiences high uncertainty of returns due to market volatility and economic fluctuations. This study aimed to assess the influence of Liquidity risk hedging on the performance of real estate firms in Meru County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and was anchored on the liquidity preference theory. Questionnaires and secondary data schedules were used to collect data from 24 real estate firms. Using stratified random sampling method, a sample size of 131 officers was derived using Krejcie and Morgan formula. The senior managers and financial, operations, risk, sales and legal officers from the 24 real estate firms constituted the respondents. To test the reliability and validity of the instruments, 14 questionnaires were pretested in 3 real estate firms in Tharaka Nithi County. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23, and results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that liquidity risk hedging had the highest positive influence on NOI, ROE, but less influence on ROA. The study recommends that banks and the financial market players train the real estate firms on available financial innovations so as to hedge risks. The findings challenge the existing paradigms and offers a new perspective on the use of derivatives in hedging real estate liquidity risk. This research aligns with the Kenyan government housing project agenda, and provides a platform for a further discussion on pitfalls to avoid in real estate investments, and the available opportunitiesItem Effect of Training and Development on Employee Productivity in Private Hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya(Human Resource and Leadership Journal, 2023-06) Mualuko, Josephat; Rintari, Nancy; Moguche, AbelPurpose: To explore the effect of training and development on employee productivity in private hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design to collect data using closed-ended questionnairesin 10 private hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya. Ten (10) human resources managers and 79 departmental heads from the hospitals participated making a total of 89 respondents selected using census method. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively with SPSS Version 23 and the results presented descriptively using frequency, percentage and mean. Inferential statistics such as linear and multiple regression analysis were done whereas tables and explanations were used Results: The questionnaire responses on employee productivity indicated that a combined total of 58(77%) respondents were in agreement that there were employee productivity policies. Nevertheless, a combined total of 60(80%) did not agree that employees were usually very effective in reporting the duties performed at a particular time. The questionnaire responses on training indicated that a combined total of 59(79%) were in agreement that there was a culture of employee on job training in the organization. However, a combined total of 60(80%) did not agree that employees were allowed time off to enable for training and development. Further, the R- square was 0.224 hence indicating that training had a 22.4% influence on employee productivity. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concluded that in as much as employees purported to have achieved their targets there was laxity on formally reporting on what they done. Additionally, when the staff requested to be given some time off to attend a personal training it was rejected since it would result to overburdening of other staff with more duties. The study recommends that hospital management should frequently conduct an audit on the procedures and processes required to be attained by the employee.Item Influence of Product Diversification on Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi County, Kenya.(International Journal of Finance, 2023-07) James, Margaret Wanja; Rintari, Nancy; Muema, WilsonPurpose: To examine the influence of product diversification on financial performance of microfinance institutions in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: The study applied descriptive research design during the collection of data. The study’s target population was 14 microfinance banks. The sample size was selected using simple random sampling method after determination using Kothari (2004) sampling formular to obtain 19 operations managers, 34 tellers, 40 credit officers, and 28 customer care officers. The study collected primary and secondary data. The study conducted a pre-test study of the questionnaires in Cooperative bank and I&M banks in Nairobi County. Further, the study tested reliability and validity. Further, quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software version 25 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The various descriptive analysis was frequencies, percentage and mean, while linear and multiple regression analysis was done as part of inferential statistics analysis. Results: The questionnaire results disclosed that 87(89%) strongly agreed and 9(9%) agreed (mean of 4.83) that there were efforts from the management to allow the existence of different types of loan products with various requirements. Nevertheless, 21(21%) strongly disagreed and 19(20%) disagreed (mean of 2.92) that the staff were always encouraged to offer suggestions to the management on how products could be improved further to incorporate the needs of each customer. Additionally, under model summary, R was 0.746 and R-square was .557 at a Durbin- Watson value of 1.442. Further, the significance coefficient of ANOVA was 0.001 hence less than 0.05. The results therefore enabled the study reject the null hypothesis. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The conclusions made on product diversification was that the management failed to incorporate various improvement suggestions made on the different implemented products. The issues gave a major reason why MFIs revenue was declining in Kenya. That is, in as much as they had different products, the specific client needs were not being met and if they were met, it was very expensive to maintain the products. The study recommends that the management of MFIs should commission a special committee of expert to review the requirement of each and every product being offered.Item Determining the Effect of Process Innovation on Financial Performance of Deposit Taking Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Laikipia County, Kenya(International Journal of Finance, 2023-04) Jillo, Safia Abdi; Rintari, Nancy; Moguche, AbelPurpose: To determine the effect of process innovation on financial performance of deposit taking saving and credit cooperative societies in Laikipia County, Kenya Methodology: The study used descriptive research design to collect data from nine deposit taking Saccos in Laikipia County. Specifically, the target population were 118 respondents who included 22 departmental managers and 96 support staff selected using census method. Notably, the study collected both primary and secondary data whereby primary data was collected in form of questionnaires from departmental managers and support staff. Secondary data was collected from financial reports such as income statement, whereby various financial ratios such as return on assets, return on equity, gross profit, net profit, liquidity ratio were noted. Further, the study conducted a pilot study in Bingwa Sacco in Kirinyaga County whose managing director, 3 departmental managers and 13 technical staff took part. The study also measured reliability using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient method while face, content and construct types of validity were measured. Further, SPSS software version 24 was used to analyze and generate various statistical reports whereby, in the analysis of the questionnaire, the study examined and generated descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean. Additionally, the study generated various linear regression statistics such as model summary and ANOVA of each independent variable. Thereafter the study generated inferential statistics to test the general model. Results: The results indicated that 92(82%) strongly agreed and 16(14%) agreed on a mean of 4.75, that there were effective complaint management processes which clients used in case of dissatisfaction. Further, 74(67%) strongly agreed and 17(15%) agreed on a mean of 4.23 that cheque clearance took less time since the system was able to process it faster. That notwithstanding, 74(67%) strongly disagreed and 21(19%) disagreed on a mean of 2.23, the Sacco management had invested a lot in equipping the Sacco with good working computerized systems. In addition, 65(58%) strongly disagreed and 31(28%) disagreed on a mean of 2.29, that the Sacco had established updated system checks to facilitate less downtime during financial transactions. Additionally, R was 0.864 while R-square was 0.747 at a Durbin Watson of 1.601. This meant that process innovation predicted 74.7% on financial performance which was positively correlated d at 1.601. Further, the p-value was 0.022 which was below than 0.05 and therefore, the study rejected null hypothesis. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concluded that Sacco’s bid to incorporate ICT to assist in financial transaction such as having enough servers and skilled staff was still low hence increased system downtimes. Consistent downtime exposed the client deposits to cyber theft since the hackers noted this weakness and used to their advantage to commit crime. Therefore, the Sacco management should invest in secure servers to protect client’s information from unauthorized access or use. This could also involve wither hiring new ICT personnel or sharpening the skills of the current ICT staff through training and development. Additionally, the Sacco staff should maintain a strict policy of ensuring that they do not issue passwords to anyone or leave their computers logged in in their absence even when there is a system failure to reduce cyber hacking. Further, the Sacco ICT management should expand their domains to ensure that there are minimal system failures to facilitate smooth flow of operations.Item Influence of Strategic Planning on the Organizational Performance Among Commercial-Based Parastatals in Kenya(Journal of Business and Strategic Management, 2023-04) Leral, Solomon Eramram; Rintari, Nancy; Moguche, AbelPurpose: To examine the influence of strategic planning on the organizational performance among commercial-based parastatals in Kenya. Methodology: The study used a descriptive research design to collect data on a target population of six (6) commercial based parastatals. The respondents were 45 departmental managers and 151 administrative staff. The study obtained the sample size of 40 departmental managers and 110 administrative staff using simple random method. They were issued with closed and open-ended. Further, pre-test study was conducted at Kenya Airways where 4 departmental managers and 11 administrative staff. Additionally, descriptive analysis, frequency tables and explanation were used to illustrate the results. Further, inferential statistics were examined using multiple regression and correlation analysis. Results: The dependent variable results indicated that 75(69%) respondents strongly agreed on the highest mean of 4.37 (SD of 1.04), that the management motivated the staff to go and get a higher academic qualification. Additionally, on a mean of 3.67 (SD of 1.32), 51(48%) respondents strongly agreed that the number of clients has been increasing for the last few years. That notwithstanding, 85(79%) disagreed on a mean of 2.22 (SD of 0.73), that the parastatals had enough cash to meet their financial obligations effectively. The independent variable results indicated that 38(36%) and 19(18%) respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively on a mean of 3.81(SD of 1.01), that strategic forecasting had significantly informed their strategic planning. This was closely followed by availability of resource allocation influenced employee motivation. This question had a mean of 3.55 (SD of 1.04) where 28(26%) respondents strongly agreed and 19 (18%) agreed on the sentiments. However, 39(36%) respondents strongly disagreed while 51(48%) disagreed that bench marking had always guided their strategic planning decisions on a mean score of 2.98 (SD of 1.04). The Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.700** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level indicating a positive correlation between strategic planning and organization performance. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The basis of the parastatals’ strategic planning was not supported by any bench marking but rather a specific individual’s knowledge and experience. Therefore, when the individual at any capacity left the parastatal, the remaining team did not have a clear way of formulating strategies or benchmarking them with other corporates. The study recommends that there should be developed processes of strategic planning which are well documented by the management and have a policy to guide on what should done, who should be consulted and when should that happen in case of eventualities. Further, the management should encourage work mentorship from senior management to junior employees to orient them on management issues. This would help the employees gather relevant skills and knowledge to make strategic decision, when need be, on behalf of the parastatal.