14 research outputs found
A study to investigate the uptake of digital technology in Ruben FM radio station
Having realized the potential of digital technologies, radio stations in Kenya have embraced technology to improve âinteractivity with their listenersâ. However, the extent to which digital technologies are used at radio stations and existing challenges and opportunities in uptake is yet to be established. The research\u27s primary goal was to investigate technology uptake in Ruben FM radio stations. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent of use of the existing digital technologies in Ruben FM radio station, explore other digital technology opportunities for uptake in Ruben FM radio station and establish challenges facing digital technology uptake in Ruben FM radio station. The study was based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The target and sample size were 20 employees at Ruben FM. The primary data was collected using both questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data generated from open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussions were analysed using content analysis. The study established that existing digital technologies are used daily to a greater extent at Ruben FM, including social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram and YouTube, podcasts, and radio websites. The study found various challenges facing digital technology uptake by Ruben FM radio station. These include power supply interruptions and limited access to the internet, among others. The study recommended that the management of Ruben FM radio station should ensure the installation of a backup generator to solve power supply interruptions. The study also recommended that the management of Ruben FM radio station should create an offline radio mobile app that will enable more people with android phones to access radio programs without using the internet
An Assessment of the Organizational Culture Change on Organizational Performance
Culture change has indeed become an imperative for organizational competitiveness and effectiveness. Forces like globalization and internationalization of public issues contribute to expanding the flow of labour across national boundaries and facilitate constant exchange of materials, as well as culture change. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of organizational culture change on organizational performance using the Kenyan Immigration Department as a case study. The objective of the study was to find out how the organizational culture change affects public sector organizations in developing countries using the Kenyan experience.The research methodology adopted a descriptive survey design and the study used both quantitative and qualitative data that described cultural change at the immigration department of Kenya in Nairobi. The study collected both primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered using structured and semi-structured questionnaires where the respondents were issued with the questionnaires to respond to questions.The study established that a culture change acts as a driving force of development in an organization and leads to a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. It helps to improve the organization's performance in the marketplace. It also came to the researcherâs attention that most of the organization did not engage staff members fully in promoting togetherness in the work environment, and that the identity has played a functional role in the organizational culture among employees from diversified groups to a great extent. The study recommended that organizations should improve their organizational culture in order to properly manage workplace diversity so as to improve performance. This will encourage teamwork in the organization and enhance organizational performance. The study further recommended that the organizations should streamline internal communication in order to enhance performance. Keywords: Culture change, Workplace culture change, Organizational performanc
An Assessment of the Contribution of Credit Reference Bureau Regulation towards Mitigating Credit Risks in the Kenya`s Banking Industry
In Kenya, the use of Credit Reference Bureaus to mitigate credit risks is a new concept. The purpose of this study was to carry out an analysis on the contribution of credit reference bureaus in preventing credit risks in Kenyaâs financial sector. This study also sought to evaluate the extent to which credit reference bureaus regulation has been implemented by commercial banks and to establish any challenges facing credit reference bureaus in Kenya. In chapter three, the case study approach using descriptive design that investigated the concept of applying credit reference bureau in the prevention of credit risks was used. Questionnaires and interviews as instrument of data collection were used. Data was analyzed by SPSS computer program and presented by use of tables, percentages and figures. A regression relationship was generated to show the extent to which each dependent variable was influenced by the independent variable. This was shown by the coefficient of the independent variable in each case. A correlation analysis was also performed to find how the variables are related to each other in the model. The research findings in chapter four found out that the Credit Reference Bureaus concept contributes towards reduction of credit risks and that implementation of Credit Reference Bureaus regulation has gained general acceptance substantially in Kenya. The study also revealed that lack of awareness and non-compliance are currently the major challenges of Credit Reference Bureaus regulation in Kenya. In chapter five, the study recommends that the Credit Reference Bureaus regulation be extended to all sectors that handle credit transactions. There is need for our present Credit Reference Bureaus firms to link with other regional Credit Reference Bureaus firms in other countries. The study further recommends that membership to the Credit Reference Bureaus should be mandatory and enforceable and awareness campaigns to sensitize the public and companies that offer credit transactions should be carried out by the stakeholders
Linkages Between Sustainable Biodiversity and Cultural Values: A Case Study of Ramogi Hill Forest and Its Environment
The study investigates how Luo belief system and a more inclusive ecosystem approach contribute to sustainable biodiversity of Ramogi Hill Forest and itâs environ.We adopted descriptive survey research design for this study. The target population was 6,490 comprising Luo elders, elites and youth leaders. A sample of 330 was drawn through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect data through face to face interviews with informants and was analysed qualitatively. The response rate was 85% which was considered reasonable enough for statistical generalizations. Secondary data was obtained from existing literature, reports and journals based on the study area.The findings of the study show that the Luo people of Ramogi Hill believe that the earth is a self-regulating complex super organism, the ecosystem processes are linked and humans are part of the system and so humans do not exist in isolation. The study demonstrates that the biodiversity in Ramogi Hill and its environs is part of complex historical interactions among bio-physical and social-cultural systems. Protecting these areas, by isolating them, will certainly create resentments and resistance among those who cultivated these forest landscapes for generations. Therefore humanityâs collective knowledge of biodiversity and its use and management resides in diversity of culture which helps to strengthen cultural integrity and values. This advocates for incorporation of indigenous knowledge and livelihoods into conservation policy. Indigenous people should not be treated as passive objects in central state dominated activities related to the use and conservation of natural resources.The study has empirically brought out the need for policymakers to incorporate cultural and religious values and indigenous knowledge in measures to maintain biodiversity and promote sustainable use of natural resources to accelerate socio-economic development. Keywords: Kenya, Ramogi Hill, biodiversity, sustainability, conservation, preservation, spiritualit
Strategic Innovation and Performance of Public Universities in Kenya
The current business environment is dynamic, turbulent and unpredictable. The success of business in such environment is depended on its adaptability to respond to environmental change. Strategic innovation is a strategic tool that can be used to align the firmâs resources and capabilities with opportunities in the external environment in order to enhance survival and long term success of the organization. This study aimed at finding the relationship between strategic innovation and performance of public universities in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the nature of strategic innovations in the universities and determine the influence of strategic innovations on the performance. The population for the study was the public universities in Kenya from which the sample was selected. The researcher adopted descriptive survey design. Data to establish the relationship was obtained with the use of structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using multi hierarchical regression model. Mean and standard deviation were also calculated and the results presented in form of tables. The researcher obtained a 63% response rate which was deemed valid for analysis. From the analysis it was established and concluded that indeed there existed a positive relationship between strategic innovation and performance of public universities in Kenya. The study was limited to the influence of strategic innovation on the performance of public universities in Kenya. The researcher recommends that future research should focus on other analysis tools and such studies have to include other institutions that are not necessarily public universities. The implication of the findings is the need for the management to align strategic innovation strategy with the wider business strategy. They have to demonstrate their capability in understanding the customer insights and offer new and significant value if their long term success and survival is to be guaranteed. Keywords: Strategic Innovation, Knowledge Creation, Organizational Performance, Public Universities in Kenya
Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Urban Soils and the Implications to Consumers Health
Elevated levels of metals due to anthropogenic activities are a cause of environmental concern because of their effects on human health. Eldoret Municipality, in Kenya, is one of the fastest growing municipalities with both industrial and agricultural developments. The study aimed at determining the concentration of five elements namely zinc (Zn), lead (Pd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in five sample sites within the municipality and established the possible health risks in the residents. Measured concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Cd in surface horizon soils were used to estimate the geochemical load indices and their spatial distribution. Four soil samples were collected monthly from each sample site on the same farms totaling 200 soil samples. The samples were dried, ground and sieved for metal digestion using varied acids in the laboratory and analysis was done against metal standards using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Only Cd concentration (0.0286mg/kg) in all sites was above the recommended unpolluted soils. Epidemiological data were obtained from the residents and hospitals to establish associated health risks. Determination of metalsâ combined effects using multivariate Principal Component Analysis showed that varying concentrations of Zn and Pb tended to increase incidences of cancer, hypertension and stroke. Metals Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations correlated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Awareness rising to residents of Eldoret Municipality on high Cd concentration in the soil and use of alternative forms of fertilizers and related chemicals with low Cd content is recommended. Keywords: Elements, Human Health, Spatial Distribution, Urban Soil
An In-Depth Analysis of the Altmanâs Failure Prediction Model on Corporate Financial Distress in Uchumi Supermarket in Kenya
Many firms in developing and transitional economies are in financial distress situation, due to low level of debt service coverage. The study of financial distress has become a significant global issue after the global financial crisis of 2008. The soaring global financial crisis which has resulted to increased cases of business failures resulting from the effect of bankruptcy as well as insolvency. This study therefore was conducted with the objective of Altmanâs failure prediction model in predicting corporate financial distress in Uchumi Supermarkets in Kenya. The study sourced data from secondary sources. The data was obtained from financial reports, library, and organizationâs records such as in-house magazines, journals, publications as well as website and other resourceful information available at the Uchumi supermarket secretariat for 5 years from 2001 to 2006. The data extracted include ratios such as current assets and liabilities, total assets, retained earnings, earnings before interest and taxes, book value of the equity and sales. Data analysis involved preparation of the collected data, coding, editing and cleaning of data in readiness for processing using SPSS and Microsoft office excel. In the analysis, Multivariate Discriminant Analysis (MDA) statistical technique as used by Altman (2006) was adopted. Altman (2006) is of the opinion that ratios measuring profitability, liquidity and solvency are the most significant ratios. The study has established that the Altman failure prediction model was appropriate to Uchumi supermarket as it recorded declining Z-score values indicating the company experienced financial distress and that is why the company was delisted from the NSE in 2006. In line with these results, the study has recommended that; the policy makers of Uchumi supermarket should continuously adopt the use of Altman failure prediction model in order to determine the growing of the company and the state in which the company occurs as recommended by the Altman model in which there are safe zone, grey zone and distress zone. This study highly recommends to the potential investors in companies to use the Altman failure prediction model as an assessment tool. The results could raise certain questions about the state of a company and could ultimately result in an investor investing or purchasing a company that is profitable and well-managed company since declining Z-score values depicts a failing company. Keywords: Financial Distress, Financial Ratios, Altmanâs Failure Prediction Model.
Assessment of Micro Financial Institution Funding on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Murangâa County-Kenya
The fundamental purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Micro finance Institutions (MFIs) funding on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural Murangâa. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting the 50 SMEs that constituted the sample size of the research. Structured questionnaire was designed to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data which involves simple percentage graphical charts. Illustrations were tactically applied in data presentations and analysis. The findings of the study reveal that elements i.e. technology, management, training and financing were very crucial much as MFIs funding benefitted the SMEs even though only few of them were capable enough to secure the loan amount needed. Interestingly, majority of the SMEs acknowledged positive contributions of MFI funding towards promoting their market excellence and it is recommended that further research be carried out in other industries and countries in order to show whether thereâs any link between MFI funding and performance on SMEs. Keywords: Microfinance, Micro Finance Institutions, Small and Medium Enterprise
Assessment of Credit Reference Bureaus on the Management of Nonperforming Loans in the Banking Industry in Kenya A Case of Nairobi County
The purpose of this study was to find out the role of (CRB) in the management of nonperforming loans in Kenyaâs banking industry. This study also sought to evaluate the effect of information sharing by Credit Reference Bureaus regulation on nonperforming loans and to establish the extent to which reputation collateral and blacklisting has on management of bad debt in Kenyaâs Banking industry. The study sourced data from secondary sources. The data was obtained from financial reports, library, and banksâs records such as in-house magazines, journals, publications as well as website and other resourceful information available for 5 years from 2008 to 2013,the duration when the CRB regulation has been in operation. A regression relationship was generated to show the extent to which each independent variable influenced the dependent variable. A correlation analysis was also performed to find how the variables are related to each other in the model. The research findings showed that the CRB plays a major role in managing nonperforming loans. Reputation collateral and blacklisting do have both positive and negative effect respectively on the management of bad debt in Kenyaâs Banking industry. In addition, CRB firms in Kenya should link with other regional CRB firms in other countries as to have information on credit histories of those crossing the borders. The study also revealed that lack of awareness and non-compliance are currently the major challenges of CRB application in Kenya. The study recommends that the CRB be extended to all non-banking sectors that handle credit transactions since this will reveal more credit histories of different borrowers. Keywords: Credit Reference Bureaus, Credit Histories. Nonperforming Loan
Understanding the Role of Institutional Incentives in Shaping Data Quality and Information Use in Devolved Health Systems: A Case of Health Information System Implementation in Kenya
Devolution, which is becoming common in developing countries, refers to the creation of subnational governments that are substantially independent of the national level. Devolved entities have a clear legal status, recognized geographical boundaries, elect their leaders and raise their revenue. Potentially, the process of devolution generates or modifies existing institutions. Arguably, the new institutions, the incentives they create, and the behaviour of agents in the face of these incentives affords or constrains the implementation of Health Information Systems (HISs). Identifying these incentives and proposing remedies to improve the HISs is the theoretical motivation of this study. The empirical foundation for this thesis comes from studying the implementation of the District Health Information Software (DHIS2) in Kenya. During its implementation, the country adopted a new constitution, which introduced the devolution of decision making to the lowest levels of the government systems. The study attempts to answer two research questions.
RQl: What institutional arrangements arise from the interactions between devolved health systems and the health information systems implementation in the context of advanced information technology?
RQ2: How do the institutional arrangements generated by the devolution of health systems create institutional incentives that shape the effectiveness of health information systems in terms of data quality and information use?
Using a longitudinal case study design, I collected data for this thesis from extensive desk reviews, participant observation notes from the implementation of the DHIS2 and key informant interviews. To understand the implications of devolution of health systems to the implementation of HIS, I drew upon concepts from institutional theory, particularly those relating to institutional incentives. Taking an interpretivist epistemological position, I used both qualitative and quantitative analytic approaches to understand the role of institutional incentives in shaping the effectiveness of the health information system in terms of data quality and information use in devolved health systems of developing countries.
The key findings from this study show that the use of advanced Information Technology (IT), specifically central server and cloud computing enhances data access, information sharing across all levels of government and facilitates the integration of fragmented HISs. By enabling data sharing between national and devolved governments, technology becomes a centralizing factor in a decentralized environment. Concerning the role of institutional incentives, I argue that simple and practical incentives improve accuracy, timeliness and completeness of data in information systems. For instance, in the free maternity project in Kenya, the national government reimburses hospitals for deliveries using HIS data. The number of hospital deliveries are therefore important to all stakeholders, explaining the observed high accuracy of data transfer from maternity registers to DHIS2. The quest for re-election of the local leaders is a major institutional incentive driving data demand and use for planning. This thesis contributes to the institutional theory, specifically the concept of institutional incentives by claiming that successful devolution of power and authority from national level to sub-national levels creates institutional arrangements, which generate institutional incentives that facilitate multiple individuals to utilize their time, skills and knowledge to jointly, create valued HIS outcomes such as high data quality for informed decisions. However, while there are many incentives at play in a devolved health system, it is also important to step back and examine how some of these incentives might impede rather than enhance HIS outcomes. For instance, elected local leaders receive more recognition from the electorate when they implement visible projects like constructing roads, buying ambulances and building new hospitals than by printing reporting tools for HIS