Critical Analysis of Competitive Strategies on Performance and Market Positioning: A Case Study of Middle Level Colleges, in Mombasa County.

Today, service organizations are shifting their focus from “transactional exchange” to “relational exchange” for developing mutually satisfying relationship with customers. Extended relationships are reported to have a significant impact on transaction cost and profitability, and customer lifetime value. Serving the customers, in true sense, is the need of the hour as the customer was, is and will remain the central focus of all organizational activities. An institution’s competitive behavior is an important area for any manager, director, principal, and policy makers. Among the explanations of firms' behavior is Michael Porter's Generic model. The researcher has presented this model in comparison with Porter’s five competitive forces of the industry. In the researchers’ comparative discussion, the use of Porter's model to evaluate firms' competitive behavior is supported. The major aims of the study was to identify and analyze the competitive strategies adopted by the Middle Level Colleges in Mombasa County, and whether they enhance performance and help in attaining market position. And lastly to determine the challenges faced by these colleges when implementing competitive strategies. In this study the target population encompassed colleges located in Mombasa County amounting to 33% of the total population of 62 MLCs The focus has been on 6 public and 14 private colleges that offer both university and non university courses. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data using the drop and pick method. The data collected was processed by first editing, coding, classifying and tabulation. The researcher analyzed the data processing with the aid of Microsoft excel 2007-integrated package and the SPSS software. Some recommendations that the study made includes the imposition of manager’s originality and creativity. Constant improvement, what the Japanese call Kaizen, is the only way a firm would sustain its long term competitive advantage and success. It is necessary for managers/ directors to develop strategies having unique details and deviations from the studied approaches to obtain superior performance. Keywords: Competitive behavior, Competitive strategies, Generic models

Utilization of Non-Governmental Organisations Funds in Planning and Development of Primary Schools in Mtito-Andei Division, Makueni County, Kenya

The study was designed for the purpose of establishing the extent of partnership between primary schools and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on development agenda and any challenges resulting from the partnership in regard to planning and implementation of school projects. The partnership is based on the support given by NGOs which comes in form of funds and expertise in Mtito-Andei Division. The study was a descriptive survey. Systematic sampling was used to select the schools to participate in the study. All the Head teachers of the sampled schools participated as respondents in the study. Stratified sampling by proportional allocation was employed to ensure participation of respondents by gender. Simple random sampling was then used to select 50% of the selected schools’ teacher population (excluding Head teachers) to participate in the study as respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the head teachers and teachers who participated in the study. The questionnaire was subjected to a pre-testing process to ensure validity and reliability. The researcher presented the questionnaires to the respondents after seeking and acquiring permission from the management of the institutions where they worked and the respondents answered the questions. The researcher filled in data on a checklist about the observable physical structures in the schools studied. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics; frequencies and percentages. The study findings revealed that, schools partnered with NGOs in the project planning stage toward utilization of NGO funds. Utilization of Non-Governmental organization funds in planning and development of primary schools evidenced by different projects with construction of latrines (health and sanitation), construction of water tanks, provision of school uniform, capacity building and in-service training being prominent programs in which respondents indicated partnership.  Other areas of school development that did not seemingly attract such kind of partnership included construction of classrooms, provision desks and provision of instructional materials. A positive perception was established from teachers and head teachers as far as time spent and non-interference with systematic school planning and management was concerned, Head teachers however raised issue with parents’ ability to sustain the NGO – school partnership through their contribution towards the partnership. Results on physical observable structures indicated that majority of the schools examined did not have most of the structures indicated in the checklist. The researcher recommended the need for school stakeholders to create a favourable partnership environment between them and Non-Governmental organizations. Sustainable parent contribution to NGO/school partnership was recommended by firstly carrying out needs and capability assessment among parents in order to ensure that their contribution emanates from their ability to provide rather than what is allocated to them by development partners. A further study should be carried out on the factors affecting effective partnerships between NGOs and primary schools in facilitating sustainable school development.   Key Words: Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Fund Utilization and Implementation Challenge

Alternative Sources of Financing Secondary School Education in the Rural Counties of Kenya: A Case Study of Kisii County, Kenya.

Provision of quality secondary education is important in generating the opportunities and benefits of social and economic development as envisaged in vision 2030. The educational needs for secondary education have increased due to the introduction of Free Primary Education in 2003 and the increased transition rate. Secondary enrolment has grown from 0.9 million in 2004 and is expected to reach 2.7 million by 2015. This will require that the government commits more resources towards secondary education sub-sector in recurrent and physical infrastructure expansion. Public financing is predominantly recurrent expenditure that goes to salaries while the proportion of secondary non-salary expenditure, including bursaries and development was estimated at 6.5 percent, implying high household financing mainly through user charges. One way of helping mitigate this will be through schools initiating alternative sources of income and try to make up for the gap in their budgetary deficit. This study was conducted to identify the alternative sources of financing secondary school education in Kisii County and their influence on management of those schools. It also sought to identify challenges facing schools in financing secondary education and the impact of alternative sources of income on the school budget. It employed a descriptive survey design. The study sample consisted of thirty school principals and their bursars; purposively selected from schools that were at least eight years old, five from each of the six districts in Kisii County, six DEO’s, six DQASOs and three District Schools’ Auditors. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the school principals, while   interview schedules were used for bursars, DEO’s, school auditors and district quality assurance and standards officers. The research also sought to find out how the income generated was used by the institutions. This research was guided by the two theories; the systems resource model and the human capital theory. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected on alternative sources of income, effects of access, retention and management of secondary schools in Kisii County. Findings of the study revealed that the dominant sources of financing secondary education were; service based incomes (20%), commercial based (35%) and agricultural based (45%. Further findings revealed that earnings from this sources enhanced management in secondary schools through salary remuneration for BOG teachers, support staff and student motivation. Part of the revenue was used to purchase more teaching and learning materials and improvement of physical facilities. The Ministry of Education should therefore formulate policies on how schools can implement alternative sources of financing secondary education to reduce overdependence on government and donor funding. Key Words: Alternative sources, Financial Challenges and Secondary enrollment

To Investigate Factors Affecting the Performance of Students on Distance Learning Mode

Distance learning programme enhances equitable access to higher education in Kenya. Distance learning was initiated at the University of Nairobi nearly two decades ago to enable teachers upgrade their skills for improved service delivery. Learners in this programme are expected to finance their education their education from own resources. However, the rising cost of living delays completion of the programme by up to 30% as resources are diverted to cater for immediate family needs. Although HELB was established to further higher education, limited financial support from the exchequer makes it difficult to provide assistance to learners outside regular academics programmes. The study was guided by the following objectives; assess the impact of socio-economic, academic and professional background of learners on ability to finance distance learning; establish various modes of finance adopted by learners; explore the challenges faced under the programme and coping mechanisms; evaluate the effectiveness of various funding strategies in terms of accessibility, affordability and adequacy, as well as determine the cost efficiency of distance learning. In addressing the objectives, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. These included a survey, in depth interviews and desk review to source requisite primary and secondary data impediments to effective participation in the DL included meagre incomes, inadequate time to engage in Income Generating Activities (IGAS), high cost of residential fees, and inadequacy of learning materials. In addressing the issues, a number of coping mechanisms such as disposing off properties, suspending personal development projects, venturing into IGAS such as operating nursery schools, grocery shops, cyber cafes, welding workshops and farming among others were adopted. The study findings revealed that degree programmes by this mode arose from effective cost management practices and distance learning methodologies adopted. Based on the findings, the researcher has however suggested a list of recommendations that will improve the relationship between the dependent and independent variables

The Role of the Government in the Performance of Small Scale Enterprises in Dar es Salaam

For the past quarter century the widespread use of the term “SME” in the determination of economic development policy has implied first, that the segment of businesses occupying the space between microenterprises and large firms presents opportunities and challenges that are distinctly different from those of the other two groups. The claim that “SMEs are the backbone of the economy” has become virtual boilerplate for papers, presentations, and popular articles on private sector development. Almost invariably, however, this claim has been made in the absence of any rigorous data to support it and often without an effort to understand what an SME is.The aim of the study was to assess the role of the government in improving the performance of Small scale Enterprises (SE’s). In order to fulfill the aim of the study, the researchers focused on issues relating to the legal framework within which SE’s operate, government supported Business Development Services(BDS) and their impact on the growth of SE’s and lastly, the state of the physical infrastructure and how it facilitates the growth of SE’s.  The study carried out both theoretical and empirical literature review which revealed that there was a definite relationship in a nation’s legal framework and the growth of SE’s.  The literature review also showed that BDS and infrastructure were important aspects that determined the growth of SE’s.  The study used a sample of 13 units of SE’s in Dar es Salaam region. Respondents were chosen from each district -Ilala, Kinondoni and Temeke. The sample included all categories of SE’s representing almost all types of businesses. Primary data were collected using questionnaires.  Secondary data was also used in the research.  This data was obtained from SE records, government profiles of SE’s and the various policies relating to SE’s.  The collected data was edited, coded and tabulated.  The data analysis was done using simple statistics and in particular percentages.  This data was then presented in tables. The findings of the study showed that the legal framework in general was poor and complex and thus unsupportive to the development and growth of SE’s.   However, individual components of the legal framework such as licensing and registration were seen to be effective in contributing to the growth and development of SE’s.  The results of the study also showed that the BDS offered to SE’s by the government have done little to improve the growth of SE’s.  Most the respondents indicated that the entrepreneurship training was appropriate but it was offered in major cities which was out of reach for many SE’s that were not based in these cities.  Further, the respondents indicated that the costs relating to the training were also very high. Finally, the study showed that the current physical infrastructure was not supportive to SE’s development.

Analysis of the Impediments influencing the Management of Special Needs Education in Inclusive Settings in Primary Schools in Embu County, Kenya.

In recent times there has been a growing support of inclusive education worldwide, formation of numerous commissions, change of policies and education systems, support from NGO’s and group activists all advocating for better lives for persons with special needs, (PWSN) however it has been observed that the PWSN still face stigmatization, exclusion/seclusion from meaningful participation in the economic, social, political and cultural lives of their communities. This study sought to analyze the impediments influencing the management of  special needs education in inclusive settings in primary schools and to make an assessment of the situation on the ground with a view to making suggestions and recommendations on how to overcome the reasons for effective and efficient management of inclusion so that the persons with special needs can access all the essentials of life and so live a meaningful life. The study adopted a survey design. This study was conducted in Upper Embu County which is made up of three districts, Embu West, East and Embu North. The target population was a total of 180 respondents from 60 schools practicing inclusion. The study collected both primary and secondary data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis of data and for descriptive analysis, percentage and frequency distributions were used. The study concluded that inclusive education is available. Disagreement on whether to practice inclusion or not featured as factors. Causes of retardation for effective management of special needs education in inclusive settings in primary schools of Embu County were diverse, covering all the aspects of learning from labeling, cultural factors, policy issues, curriculum, staffing, learning and teaching resources, the children themselves, attitudes, professional and parental disagreement among others. The study also concluded that although the schools in Embu County have physical and human resources, the resources do not respond and match to the needs of special needs education. The MOEST to come up with a national policy on implementation of IE which will address all the noted difficulties. Keywords: Special Needs Education, Inclusion, Management

An Investigation into the Factors that Affect Performance of Youth Group Income Generating Projects in Kenya: A case of Taita District.

The mobilization of youth in Kenya and growth of youth group enterprise projects took centre stage in the last four years with the creation of Ministry of youth affairs and sports in the year 2005.   The Department of Youth development was established in January 2007 with an aim of spearheading the general empowerment of the youths with key objectives being; promoting Youth-owned Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) projects, promoting thriftiness and self-reliance among the youth, promoting an entrepreneurial culture among the youth, and promoting marketing of Youth Products and Services. (The national youth policy 2007). The study aims at broadening understanding about the factors that influence performance of various youth group income generating projects in Taita district. It also aimed at giving remedial measures to the problems faced by youth group initiated projects so as to improve their performance and realize their goals. The objectives included identification of the extent to which youth group management/leadership skills affect the project performance; establishing whether the nature of project activities undertaken by the youth affect the overall performance; determining if the planning and control of funds affects the performance of the youth group projects; investigate whether the support given by the government and other organizations affects the performance of youth group projects. The study was limited to youth group initiated projects which are income generating in Taita district, Coast Province.  A survey was conducted on sampled youth group projects in Taita district. The study concentrated on analyzing the factors affecting the overall performance of youth group initiated projects in Taita district. The groups were stratified according to their categories of projects/activity. From the targeted population a random sample of 60% was taken from each category to give a total sample of 35 projects. Data for the study consisted of primary data collected by use of questionnaires and secondary data based on youth group performance reports submitted to the respective group coordinators to the Provincial director in the Ministry of youth affairs, department of Youth development. The data was analyzed using statistical package of social sciences software and findings was presented in form of tables, charts and figures. Keywords: Performance, Projects, Youth Developmen

Analysis of Information and Communication Technology on Service Innovation and Competitive Advantage: A case of Commercial Banks in Kenya.

Competition in the banking sector has been heightened by the fact that, the cost of banking technology, once prohibitive, is no longer a barrier to entry into the industry. Because of developments in technology and general erosion of entry barriers into banking, it is easier for non-bank financial institutions to move into banking than banks to diversify out of financial services. The study examined how information and communication technology is adopted and managed to enhance service innovation practices and competitive advantage among commercial banks. The objectives included to ascertain whether information and communication technology adoption by commercial banks in Kenya enhances service innovation practices; establish whether service innovation practices enhances competitive advantage among commercial banks in Kenya; examine whether information and communication technology adoption is a strategic key in the attainment of comparative advantage; ascertain whether Commercial banks ICT strategic plan has supported business strategic plan in improving customer service and product offerings. The broadened understanding about service innovation as a critical organizational capability through which information and communication technology adoption can influence the competitive advantage of a firm. The study was limited to commercial banks within Kenya only and did not cover other financial institutions like investment banks, mortgage firms, and Micro-finance firms.  A survey was conducted on commercial banks in Mombasa. In the context of commercial banks, the study examined the effect of Information and communication technology adoption on competitive advantage through service innovation practices. A research framework and the associated questions were proposed. An empirical survey was conducted and questionnaires mailed to ICT Managers and Marketing Managers in thirty commercial banks in Mombasa, Kenya. Partial least square technique and Statistical package for social science (SPSS) technique were used to analyze the data. The study found that, first; Information and communication technology adoption has a positive and significant effect on service innovation in process. Second; Information and communication technology adoption has a positive and significant effect on service innovation in product. Third; Service innovation in process has a positive and significant effect on external competitive advantage. Fourth; Innovation in product has a positive and significant effect on external competitive advantage. Fifth; Service innovation in process has a positive and significant effect on internal competitive advantage, and finally; Service innovation in product has a positive and significant effect on internal competitive advantage. The study also found that many commercial banks have made moderate effort to align information and communication technology strategy with business strategy to improve customer service and product offerings. Keywords: Communication technology, Innovation, Competitive advantage

Turn-Around Strategy by Kwale International Sugar Company Limited

Turnaround strategic management philosophy revolves around short-term survivability while endeavoring not to compromise longer-term turnaround viability thereafter. The study sought to bring out clearly the strategies employed by Kwale Sugar Company Limited to revamp back to life after having collapsed for a very long period of time. The main objectives of the study included identifying the turnaround strategies adopted by the company and also establish the factors influencing the turnaround process. One of the important strategies included reorganizing, refocusing of the existing team under new leadership, turnaround management consulting support and the extensive support from turnaround interim managers. The study applied a case study since it is a research on one organization targeting senior managers as the respondents. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using interview guide as data instrument whereas secondary data was collected from the organization brochures, available documents and the web. Data was analyzed using content analysis and findings of the study were analyzed in prose. From the findings of the study, some of the many strategies employed by the Company to revamp back to business included financial restructuring, reorganization, strategic repositioning, modernization and asset reduction. Execution of the turnaround strategy faces immense complexities, pressure of limited time, information and resources, as well as uncertainty about the future which have to be addressed. As a conclusion, the study found out that various strategies need to be applied in plural to have a successful turnaround process. Keywords: Turn-around strategy and survival abilit

Socio – Economic Baseline Survey For Proposed Mining Of Niobium And Rare Earth Elements At Mrima Hill, Kwale County.

The overall aim of this survey is to provide baseline information on the socio-economic conditions of the communities living in Dzombo Location, the environs of Mrima Hill. The survey seeks to enhance understanding of the livelihood strategies these communities employ in meeting their livelihood needs. It also seeks to improve understanding of the problems they face in their efforts to secure food, education, health and a sustainable living. It further seeks to understand the perceptions of these communities with respect to the economic/livelihood opportunities linked to the proposed mining of Niobium and Rare Earth Elements in Mrima Hill. Background information on Mrima Hill and its environs that was considered to be of socio-economic relevance was obtained from various government offices at Dzombo and Msambweni. Information on the current socio-economic characteristics and conditions was obtained through administration of two sets of questionnaires. One was filled by community leaders while a more detailed one was filled by household heads. The data collected from primary sources was processed with aid of the Statistical Packaged for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Keywords: Socio- Economic Baseline and Niobium plus Rare eart