Leadership style, resource availability and performance of small and medium enterprises in Kenya: A case study of Varomatech Limited, Nairobi

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between leadership style, resource availability and performance of small and medium enterprises. Specifically, the study focused on determining how leadership style and resource availability affect the performance of the small and medium enterprises. The results of the study sought to benefit the small and medium enterprises, customers in the small and medium enterprises as well as other scholars and researchers. The study was triggered by high variation and high record of defective in the industry as evidence by Toyota recall of 8.8 million vehicles due to problems with the accelerator. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 482 staff at Varomatech Limited which is one of the small and medium enterprise. During data collection, 145 staff working in the organization were sampled using stratified simple random sampling. Questionnaires were physically administered to the sample population. A pilot study was conducted to test the accuracy of the research instruments to ensure reliability and validity of research data. Descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation was used to analyse data. The relationship between independent and dependent variables was determined using regression model using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Research findings were presented using graphs, pie charts and frequency tables. The research findings indicate that resource availability explains 53.6 percent of organizational performance at Varomatech Limited. The research findings further indicated that leadership style did not have statistical significant impact on performance at Varomatech Limited. The study therefore concluded that resource availability had positive and significant impact on performance at Varomatech Limited. The researcher therefore recommends that top management should determine the optimal resources needed and provide those resources for effective performance

Managing change in media transition from print to multi-platform delivery: A case of Kenyan newspapers

Emerging challenges of the Internet and digitization on print media has resulted in loss of circulation and advertising revenue, job cuts and sometimes, closure of media companies. In the midst of these challenges is the pressure on the print companies to transition to multi-platform delivery. Whereas it is generally stated that developing economies still exhibit a prospering newspaper industry, the challenge of the Internet and digitization has been found to affect most Kenyan media. This paper involved literature review and document analysis to investigate the trends that have compelled newspapers in the first world to transition to Internet and digitized modes of news delivery, in order to understand the strategies that have bolstered management of this change process. Specific objectives were to investigate how digitization has affected profitability of media houses in Kenya and secondly, to find out the strategies that media houses use to cope with challenges resulting from Internet and digitization. The paper found out that most of the newspaper readership traffic has migrated to the Internet, with content increasingly being delivered through electronic devices such as computers, smart phones, e-readers and tablets; and that the print media have managed to continue surviving the Internet and digitization threats due to effective use of new media management models, and strengthening of technical and leadership skills of the media managers. The paper concludes that there is need for the print media to devise an appropriate change process to effectively counter the effect of Internet and digitization on content and revenue. Among recommendations of the paper is that empirical research be conducted in Kenya to establish the extent to which digitization and Internet has affected its traditional business model to inform the process of change

Entrepreneurial innovation processes and firm performance in Kenya: A case of SMES in Nairobi County

Despite their contributions to income and employment creation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in general are currently faced with many problems. These SMEs are facing tough business environment characterized by competition and dynamic change in customers' demands and preference. As a consequence, most SMEs do not survive up to their fifth birthday. The study therefore sought to establish the effect of innovation on performance of entrepreneurship businesses with a focus on Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County. The specific objectives that guided the paper were to establish the influence of product innovation on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County, to determine the influence of process innovation on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County and to establish the influence of market innovation on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi City County. It employed a descriptive research design. The target population was about 10,000 SMEs in Nairobi City County. Fisher's formula was used to calculate a sample of 106 SMEs. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample and questionnaires were the main instrument for data collection. Regression analysis results showed that product innovation, process innovation as well as market innovation all were positive and had statistically significant relationship with performance of entrepreneurship businesses in Nairobi City County. The study recommends that SMEs firm should produce new products and services that are specifically tailored to suit market needs, adopt a step by step technique when designing product and services for guaranteed quality and that they need to pursue market innovation strategies that focus on product customization and customer intimacy in delivering their products and services while at the same time cultivating relationships with a small number of captive customers

Technological innovations and entrepreneurial growth in developing countries

This paper set out to review studies that have been done in the area of technological innovation and the growth of entrepreneurship in developing countries. Specifically, the review aimed at examining the challenges facing entrepreneurial growth in developing countries and develop a conceptual foundation that demonstrates the synergy between entrepreneurial growth and technological innovation in developing countries. The literature review found out that entrepreneurial growth in developing countries face challenges associated with the entrepreneurial environment and the individual capacity of entrepreneurs. However, even beyond these, entrepreneurial growth in developing countries still faces a distinct lag in the diffusion of technological innovations from developed countries. This is partly due to low and falling levels of investment in R&D and huge bureaucracies in government procedures. The study concluded that technological innovation has a positive role in entrepreneurial growth in developing countries and thus investment in building the capacity of entrepreneurs, partnerships and collaborations that stimulate technological innovations are critical if the benefits that entrepreneurship offers are to be realized

Climate adaptation partnerships for enhanced adaptive capacity: The case of fodder production among the communities in the lower Eastern Kenya

Crop and livestock production are major subsectors of agriculture upon which most rural households in Kenya depend for their livelihoods. However, these subsectors are the most affected by climate variability and change, especially in the dry lands. Drought which is one of the major manifestations of climate change has become more common and frequent with adverse effects, leading to massive crop failures and livestock mortalities. Various stakeholders and institutions have been involved in a number of multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary programs aimed at enhancing adaption to climate change among the local communities particularly in the dry lands of Kenya. A desktop based study was adopted for in-depth literature review to evaluate partnerships that various stakeholders and institutions have adopted and how they have impacted adaptation to climate change in Kibwezi sub-county, in the lower eastern dry lands of Kenya. This study found that the local community members, KALRO, FAO of the United Nations, and the national and county governments have collaborated and partnered at various levels in not only to enhance fodder production and marketing for improved spatial-temporal availability of pastures for livestock but also as an alternative source of income through the sale of hay and grass seeds. This intervention will enhance adoption of fodder technologies and productivity

Internet of Things (IoT) and quality of higher education in Kenya; A literature review

African governments have declared the twenty-first century 'as a knowledge era'. Kenya in particular, education more so university education is expected to play an increasingly greater role in socio-economic development by training skilled manpower and producing and disseminating the knowledge required for a knowledge-driven economy. As such, this education—technology relationship has been spotlighted as part of education policy and practice. Complaints about falling education standards, unemployable students, redundant curricula and backward institutional organisation, have therefore been punctuated by the debates about the role and place of technologies in the classrooms. Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing network of a variety of different 'connected things.' Use of IoT in academics is a new wave of change that has brought new opportunities and possibilities for the improvement of both teaching/learning process and educational institutions' infrastructure. The study recommends that the enterprise architecture in the institutions of higher learning need to reduce latency time because of the demand for content in instructional technologies. There is need to develop new strategies that consider an individual's privacy, choices and expectations, whilst still promote innovation in new technologies and services. Higher education must come up with new ideas to finance an information technology infrastructure and services

Corporate social responsibility practice and organizational performance of Nzoia Sugar Ccompany Limited, Kenya

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategy used by organizations to achieve their Performance as well as benefit the community. Nzoia Sugar Company is one of the organizations that embrace CSR practice and therefore it is expected to have good performance. The company experiences challenges such as inadequate supply of raw materials as a result of inefficiency in payment of suppliers and limited profits as a result of less sales, among others. The purpose of the study was to examine how corporate social responsibility practice affected organizational performance. The study was guided by stakeholder theory which puts emphasis on the need for organizations to secure the interests of stakeholders and shareholders. Data collection was done by structured and semi-structured questionnaires and interviews guides. The reliability of the instruments was checked by use of Cronbach's alpha which was 0.78 that was high enough, while validity was checked by use of content validity index whose value was 0.66. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to establish the relationship between the variables. The test was conducted at p< 01 and p< 05 significance level. The results indicated that sponsorship of sports had the highest influence on performance with correlation of r = 0.761, followed by educational support with r = 0.672. Promotion of community health and supporting income generating activities had r = 0.488 and r = 0.540 respectively. Findings provide insights about the type of CSR activities that may be important in influencing performance of companies. The company can also make their CSR practice known to the community and beyond through advertisements

Challenges facing street families rehabilitation programmes in Kenya: A case study of Nairobi county

The phenomenon with of people working and living on the street is a growing social problem in both developing and developed countries. The overall objective of this study was to explore the challenges facing street families rehabilitation programmes in Kenya. Specifically the study sought to investigate the socio-economic, environmental and caregiving challenges in the rehabilitation of street families. The study was guided by medical theory of rehabilitation. The study used simple random sampling that sampled 125 respondents out of the 250 rehabilitation centers supported by the Street Families Program. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, coded, keyed and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. Analysis of study findings established that families are facing an array of challenges occasioned by the erosion of the traditional extended families coupled with rapid urbanization. As a result, these boys and girls are stripped of their childhood and sent to the streets to live without parental care. It is here that they are exposed to constant hazards, both physically and psychologically; and this leads to their early exposure to vices, such as drugs, sex and criminal activities. This results to high rates of recidivism and low reintegration rates to their communities. The study strongly recommended that caregivers should be trained on skills on how to provide rehabilitation services. A training manual should be developed to deal with the issue, which can be used as a tool for training of trainers. The physical and environmental challenges facing rehabilitation of street families should be addressed to increase the suitability of rehabilitation centers by provision of recreational and adequate facilities for their development. Besides, rehabilitation centers must address individual needs, such as counseling and guidance, food, shelter and training to those in rehabilitation programmes. The caregivers need to be given training in psycho social skills and continuous counselling for the to effectively manage the rehabilitation programs

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POWER SUPPLY INTERRUPTIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN MACHAKOS COUNTY

The importance of power supply to economic development of any nation cannot be overemphasized. Availability and access to reliable electricity supply has a rippling effect on productivity of manufacturing firms. Power supply in Kenya is generally known for its unreliability and high disruption costs that affect production efficiency and competitiveness. Unreliable power leads to disruptions in production, loss of perishable goods, damage to sensitive equipment and loss of orders. According to Economic Survey 2017, the number of power interruptions in Machakos County sector rose from an average of 7 cases a month in 2015 to an average of 13 cases a month in 2016. The study examined the relationship between power supply interruptions and manufacturing companies‟ financial performance in Machakos County. The research objectives were to determine the effect of scheduled maintenance, effect of equipment vandalism, the effect of response time and effect of interruption repair cost on financial performance of the manufacturing companies. The study was guided by Control Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Resource Dependence Theory and Modern Theory of Cost. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population constituted the 69 manufacturing firms in Machakos County. The study used census approach to sample production manager from each manufacturing firm. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 to generate both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. A multiple regression model was employed to depict the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. The statistics generated included both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequency tables, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics included correlation analysis and multiple regressions. The results were presented in form of tables. The study found that scheduled maintenance and financial performance are positively and significantly related (r=0.243, p=0.001). The results indicated that equipment vandalism and financial performance are negatively and significantly related (r=0.211, p=0.021). It was also established that response time and financial performance are positively and significantly related (r=-0.155, p=0.012). From inferential statistics it was also clear that repair costs and financial performance are negatively and significantly related (r-0.128, p=.022). In conclusion, electricity is necessary for the operation of any manufacturing company and any interference with electricity supply makes manufacturing companies run into serious losses. From the results of this study, it is clear that companies suffer a great deal anytime there is power outage. As reported in this study, the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Machakos County are always affected by; scheduled maintenance by power utility, vandalism of electrical equipment, the response time by power utility staff to restore power and the cost the companies incur in terms of paying losses as a result of damage caused by power outage. Due to the important nature of electricity in the manufacturing industry, there is need to create clear policy framework protecting manufacturing companies from regular power outage which has an adverse effect on the operations of the manufacturing companies in the country. Scheduled maintenance by should be done in such a way that it does not interfere with the normal operations of manufacturing companies. The government and the utility company should ensure that there are vigilant groups formed to safe guard power equipment and power lines against vandalism which has become a major setback to the utility company in its attempt to maintain constant power supply

DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN PARASTATALS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF THE POSTAL CORPORATION OF KENYA

The management of a corporate invests in motivating employees so as to improve their performance. The main purpose of the study was to establish the determinants of employee performance in parastatals in Kenya; A case study of the postal Corporation of Kenya. The specific objectives were; to determine how employee motivation affects employee performance in parastatals in Kenya; to investigate how leadership styles affect employee performance in parastatals in Kenya; to establish the effects of working conditions on employee performance in parastatals in Kenya and to determine the effect of Job satisfaction on employee performance in parastatals in Kenya. The study was anchored on Hertzberg theory, Equity theory and Bargaining theory. The research adopted a descriptive research. The target population was 536 from which a sample of 107 employees was selected using stratified random sampling method. Primary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were edited and cleaned for completeness, accuracy and consistency. The research used statistics package for social sciences version 22 (SPSS) computer package for analysis. The data was analyzed for frequencies, percentages and regression analysis. The findings were presented in the form of tables and figures. The study found out that if employees are motivated, their performance will be high. The inferential results on effect of employee motivation on employee performance show R=0.697 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=0.486 and there was a significant effect between employee motivation on employee performance. (t=9.726, p<0.05). The inferential results on leadership styles on employee performance R=0.355 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=0.126 and there was a significant effect between leadership styles on employee performance (t=0.3793, p<0.05). The inferential results on effects of working conditions on employee performance show R=0. 355 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=0.126 and there was a significant effect on working conditions on employee performance (t=9.207, p<0.05). The inferential results on effect of job security on organization performance show R=0.477 indicating a strong positive correlation and R2=0.228 and there was a significant effect between job security and organization performance (t=4.067, p<0.05). From the study results it is was concluded that employee motivation increases the employee morale and thus increases performance. Training of the staff also has a higher role as a motivator in influencing employee productivity in the Postal Corporation of Kenya. Results of this study will increase the existing body of literature on employee performance and would enable future scholars to use this study to get information on their various research topics on this field. The findings of the study are important to government agencies in Kenya. The study will also benefit the Human Resource professionals. Most importantly, the study will benefit the Postal Corporation of Kenya‟s management. The emphasis should be on employee motivation by ensuring the employees are recognized so that their motivation is high. Employees at PCK should be given freedom to make decisions and they should also be involved in making decisions. PCK should ensure that proper communication channels are put in place, there is quality leadership from top management, the occupational health and safety measures that are already there should be followed and PCK should ensure the physical working conditions are conducive for working. Employees should be compensated for the overtime worked, they should enjoy the work they do at PCK, and also management at PCK should ensure that their employees have a sense of worth in accomplishing their work. PCK needs to ensure that employees are trained regularly so as increase their knowledge and skills