The Role of Behavioral Competencies in Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Firm Performance: The Moderating Influence of Internal Integration.

This study examines the mediating role of supply chain resilience in the relationship between behavioral competencies and firm performance, as well as the moderating effect of internal integration on the link between supply chain resilience and firm performance. An explanatory research design was employed, utilizing a purely quantitative approach. Data were collected from 227 healthcare delivery firms in the Ashanti Region of Ghana using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The results reveal that behavioural competencies have a positive and significant impact on supply chain resilience, which, in turn, positively and significantly influences firm performance. Moreover, supply chain resilience significantly mediates the relationship between behavioural competencies and firm performance. Additionally, internal integration was found to positively and significantly moderate the relationship between supply chain resilience and firm performance. This study offers valuable insights into how behavioural competencies contribute to supply chain resilience and, ultimately, to firm performance. It also highlights the critical role of internal integration in strengthening the impact of supply chain resilience. The findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and managerial practice within the context of healthcare supply chains

Constraints to Green Supply Chain Management in South Africa’s FMCG Sector: A Case Study Approach.

Organizations across various sectors including those in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry are increasingly recognizing the importance of adopting green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in their operations. This article aims to explore the specific constraints encountered by an FMCG factory located in Durban in implementing GSCM practices, and to examine the strategies the factory employs to mitigate these challenges. The study adopts an exploratory research design, utilizing primary data collected through eight semi-structured interviews conducted with key personnel at the factory. A purposive sampling approach guided the selection of participants. The findings reveal that GSCM constraints fall into four main categories: green procurement, green manufacturing, green transportation, and product recovery. In response to these challenges, the factory has implemented measures such as aligning its green supply chain goals with broader business objectives and prioritizing waste reduction initiatives. Recommendations from the study include strengthening supplier relationships and fostering a workplace culture that encourages employee engagement with environmental sustainability efforts. Given the limited research on GSCM barriers within the South African FMCG sector, this study contributes to the academic discourse by highlighting actionable areas for improvement and offering practical insights for industry stakeholders

Determinants Of Credit Accessibility in the Informal Sector: The Case of Smallholder Businesses in Migori County, Kenya

The informal sector, estimated to constitute 98% of businesses in Kenya, represents 83% of total employment and created 768,000 new jobs which represent 90.7% of total new jobs created in 2019 alone. Despite the critical role played by the sector in job creation and employment, it is faced with numerous challenges and constraints one of them being access to credit. Access to credit does not only have adverse effects on the informal smallholder businesses alone but on the entire economy. The study seeks to analyze the determinants of Socio-Economic and the Institutional factors on credit accessibility in the informal sector for the smallholder businesses in Migori County. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Targeting 4,756 traders in total, a three-stage stratified random sampling method was employed to select the smallholder traders in the study area represented by a sample size of 476 businesspersons. Structured questionnaires and interview schedules were developed, pre-tested and used for collecting quantitative data for the study. Piloting of the study was carried out to ascertain the validity and reliability of the data collection instrument. The targeted sample smallholder businesspersons successfully interviewed were 446 in total, representing a response rate of 93.70%. Descriptive statistics and the logistic regression model were used in analyzing quantitative data. The output from the study model indicates that 245(54.9%) of the sampled businesspersons were credit users whereas the remaining 201(45.1%) were non-credit users. Experience in credit use, one of the socio-economic factors expected to influence credit accessibility was statistically significant and positively related to credit access at 1% probability (.335, p = .001), in line with the prior research expectations. Even though positively related and consistent with the a priori expectation, the contribution of the propensity to take risks (attitude towards risk) by the smallholder businesspersons was insignificant (.515, p = .743) at 5%. However, all the institutional factors were found to be statistically insignificant and negatively related to credit accessibility. Even though consistent with the a priori expectation, the contribution of distance from credit source in the prediction of the model was insignificant at 5% (-.034, p = 0.215). Membership by the smallholder businesspersons to multi-purpose cooperatives and or business associations was negatively and insignificantly related to credit access by the same group in the study area, contradicting the a priori expectation (-.274, p =.529). The outcome of the study would be useful to policy makers, Micro-Financial Institutions, academicians and future researchers in identifying innovative options and institutional arrangements that would serve as an input for formulating credit policy and advancing arguments in future research. The study concludes that a large number of the informal sector smallholder businesspersons have never accessed credit which implies a very huge potential demand for credit

Strategic Congruence on The Performance of Non-Profit Organizations in Kenya: A Case of Compassion International Child Development Centres in Nyanza Region

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of strategic congruence on the performance of non-profit organizations in Kenya: a case of Compassion International Child Development Centres in Nyanza Region. Methodology: The study used a descriptive research design and focused on three clusters in Nyanza region with 47 Child Development Centres (Migori 13, Kisumu-Siaya 18 and Homabay 16) with a target population of 149 staff. The staff were the unit of observation, while the CDCs was the unit of analysis. The population was sampled using stratified random sampling to achieve 109 CDC staff, with an additional 10% incorporated to address non-response, resulting in a new sample size of 121. Data was collected using questionnaires, and pre-testing of the questionnaire was conducted on 10% of the total main sample, targeting 12 CDC staff, to ensure validity and reliability. Validity was determined using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, while reliability was tested using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with a threshold of 0.7. The study analyzed data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Key statistical measures included beta values, p-values, R², and t-values, with a significance level of p<0.05. The overall results were presented using database tables, visualizations, patterns, and charts. Results: The findings show that environment congruence has the strongest positive impact on organizational performance, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.634 and a standardized Beta of 0.426 (p < 0.001). Strategic leadership follows with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.352 and a Beta of 0.347 (p < 0.001). Cultural congruence, while still significant (p < 0.001), has a weaker effect with a coefficient of 0.168 and a Beta of 0.253. Structural congruence also positively affects performance, with a coefficient of 0.211 and a Beta of 0.209 (p = 0.005). The regression model confirms that environment congruence and strategic leadership are key predictors of performance. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study contributes significantly to both theoretical frameworks and practical knowledge within the field of strategic management, particularly concerning non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Kenya. By examining the effect of strategic congruence on the performance of Compassion International Child Development Centres (CICDC) in the Nyanza region, this research provides insights that enhance understanding of how alignment between organizational strategies and external environments can influence effectiveness and impact. The study's theoretical contribution lies in its extension and validation of established frameworks within strategic management, particularly in the context of non-profit organizations (NPOs). By anchoring the research on Dynamic Capability Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, and Organizational Theory, the study elucidates how strategic congruence—defined as the alignment of an organization’s goals, activities, and resources with its mission and external environment—affects performance outcome

Digital solutions to overcome logistics challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Improved logistics performance is widely recognized as a key driver of economic growth. The digitalization of logistics encompassing advanced tracking systems, digitized information flows, artificial intelligence, and automation has significantly facilitated global trade. Despite these advancements, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, which heavily rely on commodity exports, continue to face considerable challenges. These include inadequate policy frameworks, substantial infrastructure deficits, and persistent trade barriers, all of which contribute to fragmented supply chains and hinder economic development. This study investigates the prevailing logistics challenges in SSA and explores the region's potential to bypass traditional supply chain limitations by adopting digital technologies. A systematic literature review, based on predefined criteria, analyzed 287 academic articles to identify recurring challenges and emerging solutions. To enrich these findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with logistics service providers operating in the region. The interviews revealed that human capital development is crucial for successful digital adoption. Furthermore, enhancing infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacity emerged as critical enablers for driving logistics-led economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Stakeholder Identification and the Performance of CIKAPS in Busia County

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the impact of stakeholder management on the performance of CIKAPs in Busia County, Kenya. Methodology: It employed a descriptive research design and focused on 52 CIKAPs staff members within the county. A comprehensive survey was conducted, encompassing all 52 staff members, using questionnaires as the primary data collection tool. Data was coded by assigning numerical values to responses and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The research utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics to process the data, employing descriptive measures like means, variances, frequencies, standard deviation, and median, among others, to provide a summary of the dataset. Qualitative data was subjected to content analysis. Quantitative results were presented using charts, statistics, graphs, and diagrams, while content analysis findings were conveyed through narratives. Results: The study indicated that stakeholder identification is positively and significantly linked to project performance (β = 0.318, p = 0.023). Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: There is need to conduct a comprehensive stakeholder analysis to identify all relevant stakeholders involved in the projects. This should include individuals, organizations, and community groups that have an interest or influence in the project outcomes. The study also recommends the CIKAPs to use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gather information about stakeholders' needs, expectations, and concerns. The study also recommends the CIKAPs to regularly review and update the stakeholder identification process to account for any changes or new stakeholders that may emerge over time

Emerging technological trends in supply chain management: A trend analysis based on the fresh connection simulation.

This paper explores emerging technological trends in supply chain  management and evaluates their potential applications within The Fresh Connection simulation. As supply chains evolve in response to digital transformation, innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics (BDA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain have become critical tools for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and strategic decision-making. Drawing from recent literature and simulation insights, this study identifies how these technologies can be leveraged to improve operational performance in virtual supply chain environments. The analysis highlights the benefits and limitations of each technology, with specific recommendations for integrating them into The Fresh Connection. Although implementation challenges such as cost remain, the findings underscore the importance of embracing innovation to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing global logistics landscape

A Meta-Analysis on Solutions to Credit Crunch in Kenya: Lessons from Other Countries

Purpose:  The current study, based on the lessons from other countries, seeks to establish the gaps that need to be filled and establish the trends in the solutions to credit crunch. The study therefore seeks to find the best course of action that Kenya can adopt as a solution to credit crunch. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop literature review method (desk study). This involved an in-depth review of studies related to credit crunch and the solutions adopted drawing evidence from several countries globally and regionally. The research was focused on acquiring theoretical and empirical knowledge/evidence about the solutions to credit crunch. Various databases (Google, Scopus, Science direct, Ebsco, Sage journals, Google scholar, Emerald insight among others) were sought and filtration done based on the key words of the study. The main Key words were ‘Credit crunch’ and ‘Solutions/interventions to credit crunch’. After an in-depth search into the top key words, the researcher arrived at 23 articles that were suitable for analysis. Analysis was done using Excel where the study presented the findings in form of figure and Tables. Results: In a credit crisis, actions by central banks via public liquidity injections to banks may not reach the real side of the economy if banks do not have enough capital, prefer to hoard liquidity or to invest in safer assets such as government debt. The study likewise finds that lowering of interest rates and well as fiscal policies are good measures to be adopted by the governments in order to cushion the economy from the breakdown. However the study discourages the raising of the prices that is the interest rates since them discourage investors and thus plunge the economy deeper into the credit crunch. Direct injection of money into the economy was noted as a way to heal chronic failures in the market especially when the money supply is very low and the banks fail due to limited assets.  Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concludes that the Kenyan government and the Central Bank of Kenya needs to strengthen its fiscal and monetary policies and instruments in order to manage its economy and safeguard it against credit crisis. Thus, the involvement of the government in the affairs of the economy is very Key but the government needs to proceed with caution since the economy is a free market. Since increase in interest rates were found to negatively impact on credit crunch by constricting liquidity, the government need to address the interest rate capping since in the long run it is not a solution to inflation as well as credit crisis

Research Philosophy: The Roadmap to Project Management

Purpose: This paper underscores how research philosophy shapes key elements of project management, including methodology selection, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It highlights that project managers must critically examine their research philosophy and align it with the objectives and nature of their projects. The resulting synergy ensures that projects are grounded in a robust philosophical foundation, enhancing their rigor, relevance, and impact. Design/ Methodology/Approach:  The paper adopted the desktop literature review method. Thus, the paper was purely qualitative, drawing its findings from secondary sources of information. Findings: This article presents the concept of research philosophy as an essential guide for navigating the complex terrain of project management. It highlights the interdependent connection between research philosophy and project management, underscoring the role of a clearly defined research philosophy in equipping project managers to make educated choices, tackle obstacles, and steer projects toward favorable results. In the end, research philosophy not only influences the research journey but also acts as a guiding principle that directs project managers toward proficient approaches, perceptive evaluations, and valuable contributions to the realm of project management. Contribution to policy and practice: The paper contributes to the formulation of guidelines and policies that emphasize the integration of research philosophy in project management approaches. Policymakers can consider recommendations derived from the study to establish a framework that encourages project managers to adopt well-defined research philosophies aligned with project objectives. The study sheds light on how specific research philosophies can enhance sustainable project management practices. This insight could influence policy development by promoting the incorporation of sustainable principles into project management strategies. Findings from the research could lead to the development of policies that prioritize research-based risk assessment and mitigation strategies. By recognizing the significance of research philosophy in understanding project risks, policymakers can advocate for its inclusion in project management policy frameworks

Collective Finance Models for Sustainable Water Projects

Waterbasin management is an exemplar problem of collective action, since many actors influence and are influenced by changes in a waterbasin. The present paper uses the example of finance of control of surface water run-off as an instance of (potential) collective action involving finance. Five innovative financing schemes for new waterbasin management infrastructures are assessed with respect to the actors who provide the finance and how the projects are governed: 1) financing through taxes; 2) third-party financing; 3) financing by stakeholders; 4) financing through full- cost pricing; and 5) financing by developers and/or landowners