School of Business and Economics

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Firm Characteristics and Performance of Private Health Insurance Sector in Kenya
(Journal of Business and Strategic Management (JBSM), 2020) Kang’e, McDonald; Eng. Dr. Thomas, A. Senaji; Dr. Risper, Orero
Purpose: This study sought to establish the influence of firms’ characteristics as determinants of transient advantage on performance. Specifically, the study looked at the influence of firm age and firm size on the performance of insurance firms in Kenya. Methodology: This study employed descriptive research design targeting all the 19 insurance companies that offer health insurance products as at end of December 2017. Secondary data was collected on the firm characteristics (firm age and firm size) and the performance of health insurance (Gross Weighted Premiums and Underwritten Results). Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted to show the relationship between the variables. The analyzed data was presented by use of bar charts, graphs and frequency tables. Inferential statistics were done including correlation regression and ANOVA. Results: The study revealed that firm size had a positive relationship between age and firm performance that was statistically significant. The study also revealed that firm age had a positive relationship between age and firm performance that was statistically significant. Conclusion: Age of a company is a quality that has been identified in this study as a factor which enables a company to gain capabilities which enable it to exploit transient advantage. It has been observed that the age of a company enables it to gain experience and learning which makes it able to overcome the effects of a rapidly changing business environment. With time these companies also gain a reputation placing them above their competitors. Age, alone, may not guarantee the performance of a company. Other factors have to accompany longevity for the firm to be able to exploit transient advantages and improve its performance. This can be proven by the fact that there are firms that had been in the sector for over three decades yet they control a small portion of the market share. This may be because the benefits of accumulated knowledge can be overcome by the inertia, inflexibility and bureaucracy brought about by routine, rules and organizational structure. Contributions to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that firms should form partnerships with other firms to enhance cheaper resource outsourcing and offset the disadvantage which comes with firm age and firm size thus increasing firms’ profitability. It was also recommended that strategic partnerships should be adopted to enhance new market penetration and faster growth due to pooling of resources. It is further recommended that the age and size of an organization must be well supported by agility to enable the firm exploit transient advantages and that firms must use the financial muscle and experience gained over the years to take advantage of waves of opportunity
Job Availability and Entrepreneurship Education among Undergraduate University Students in Kenya
(International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management (IJEPM), 2020) Bilha, Wambui Ngigi; Dr. Evangeline, M. Gichunge; Dr. Risper, Orero
Purpose: The purpose this study was to ascertain the connection shared by job availability factors and entrepreneurship education as a specialization among undergraduate students within universities in Kenya. Methodology: This research was designed as a descriptive survey, correlation quantitative research. The study population of 2,043 students was drawn from 3rd year undergraduate business students who had already selected their areas of specialization. The Krejcie & Morgan sample formula for finite samples was used to yield a sample of 327 students that participated in the research. Questionnaires were the primary data collection instrument and the collected data was modeled through regresssion model and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: Job availability and entrepreneurship education are positively and significantly related (β =0.406, p=0.000). Therefore, a unit increase in job availability would lead to increase in preference for entrepreneurship education by 0.406. Factors like career utility, probability of advancing in one’s occupation, flexibility in terms of work-life balance; economic growth and stability; and the unemployment levels in Kenya are the major driving forces in determining an area of specialization for students. Unique contribution to policy and practice: The study recommends that students should look at themselves as a consolidation of traits and skills and not just an occupation. This will help them achieve major skills an entrepreneur which are versatility, agility, innovativeness, determination, relationship and communication skills, the ability to constantly study and improve on previous drawbacks, and the ability to manage work, time, and money.
Self Actualization and Entrepreneurship Education among Undergraduate University Students in Kenya
(Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management (JEPM), 2020) Bilha, Wambui Ngigi; Dr. Evangeline, M. Gichunge; Dr. Risper, Orero
Purpose: The main objective of this paper is to ascertain the connection shared by self actualization factors and entrepreneurship education as a specialization among undergraduate students within universities in Kenya. Methodology: This research was designed as a descriptive survey, correlation quantitative research. The study population of 2,043 students was drawn from 3rd year undergraduate business students who had already selected their areas of specialization. The Krejcie & Morgan sample formula for finite samples was used to yield a sample of 327 students that participated in the research. Questionnaires were the primary data collection instrument and the collected data was modeled through regresssion model and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Results: Self-actualization and entrepreneurship education are negatively and significantly related (β =-1.459, p=0.000) The results therefore show a rejection of the null hypothesis therefore meaning that self-actualization has a significant effect on entrepreneurship education specialization. Unique contribution to policy and practice: It is found that person inputs like self-fulfillment and identity are critical in deciding the career path that a student will take. It is therefore prudent for parents and people who view themselves as role models for students to first appreciate entrepreneurship as a worthy career path. Educators should be diligent in highlighting the benefits and esteem associated with choosing such a career path. Students should be exposed to knowledge of entrepreneurship as a valid career choice from an early age so that they may develop a strong sense of identity as they make their choices.