Indexing

Abstract: As home based working grows in the India, more evidence is needed of how working from home shapes the employment relationship and the implication this may have for those line managers responsible for a home based work force. Work-home balance issues have become a very important challenge for both management and employees in the 21st century. This paper is to examine work-home balance practices from a management perspective. This is a research in relation to work-home balance practices. It found that the needs of the organization are supreme with profitability considerations being the main driver of work-home practices and benefits. While the majority of managers agree that people work best when they can balance their work and home life. There is evidently a gap between the theory and practice. The interdependent relationship between home and work needs urgent attention as this not only impacts on the quality of working life but on the individual and on the greater good of society. Management would do well by broadening their perspective, not just considering the needs of the organisation but also the employee’s home life. Organisation requires greater productivity so there should be happy employees.

Abstract: Many organizations, including those in the public health sector, are experiencing and managing change which may be either planned or emergent. The performance of Trans Nzoia County has been reproached particularly in the wake of go-slows and strikes of the health labour force in recent times. The broad objective of the study was to assess the factors influencing the strategic implementation of devolved health services in Trans Nzoia County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To establish the effect of budgetary support on strategic implementation of health services, to examine the effect of health policy on strategic implementation of health services, to determine the effect of health legislation on strategic implementation of health services, and to determine how management support affects strategic implementation of health services. The study was guided by both Ansoffian theory and management theory. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was the 1240 employees working with Trans Nzoia County. A sample of 89 respondents was drawn from the target population using stratified random sampling method. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The instrument was pilot tested before its use to collect data for the main study. The study assessed both validity and reliability of the instrument. The collected data was processed and analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social software. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that budgetary support has a positive significant effect on strategic implementation of health services. Health policy had a significant positive effect on strategic implementation of health services. The study found a positive significant effect of health legislation on strategic implementation of health services in Trans Nzoia County. Management support had a positive and significant effect on strategic implementation of health services in Trans Nzoia County. It was therefore concluded that budgetary support, health policy, legislation on health care, and management support what are the factors that determine strategic implementation of devolved healthcare services.

Abstract: Mortgage financing over the years has been a preserve for mortgage financing companies but with time, commercial banks have started engaging in mortgage financing. An efficient housing finance system has significant importance both in meeting the housing needs of individuals and in reinforcing the development it is practiced by banks in Kitale and to figure out there short coming in mortgage financing do affect the performance of banks. The objectives of the study were to establish the effects of mortgage financing on Financial Performance of commercial banks in Kitale. The study had four specific objectives establish effects of repayment period, interest rates, income levels of borrowers and valuation cost on performance of mortgage financing in Trans Nzoia County of financial performance of commercial banks in Kitale. The study adopted descriptive research design which assists to examine the effects between mortgage financing and financial performance of commercial banks. The target population of the study was 16 Commercial Banks as they fulfil all characteristics and legally accepted by the Central Bank of Kenya. A census was applied as the method of systematically acquiring and recording information from the population. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyzing the data. After receiving questionnaires from the respondents the responses were edited, classified, coded and tabulated to analyze quantitative data using statistical package for social science (SPSS 21). Tables and charts were used for data presentation for easy understanding and analyzes.

Abstract: The study examined the factors affecting utilization of credit facilities by banks customers at Kenya Women Finance Trust Bank in Trans Nzoia County. The objectives of the study were; to evaluate the effect of cost of credit on credit utilization by customers, to find out the effect of collaterals on credit utilization by customers and to examine the effect of loan repayment period on credit utilization by customers of Kenya Women Finance Trust Bank in Trans Nzoia County. This study is of significant to financial institutions as a whole to find out the best measures and methods to be used on the factors affecting utilization of credit facilities by banks customers. The study employed stratified and simple random researcher to select the respondents for the study. The researcher used a survey research design because it gave in depth information of the study area and gives out the wanted information of which the researcher is looking on. The target population included banks customers and credit officers . Researcher used questionnaires to collect data. After data collection, it was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis and it was coded, organized and presented using frequency tables and percentages. The study found that there is a significant relationship between cost of credit and credit utilization by customers (β = 0.669, p = 0.000), there is a significant relationship between collaterals and credit utilization by customers (β = 0.468, p = 0.000) and there is a significant relationship between loan repayment period and credit utilization by customers (β = 0.0.281, p = 0.000). The study concluded that a majority of customers visiting the facility had applied for credit facilities with the institution. The processing of the loan took a considerably short period with a majority having their loan processed within 7 days and therefore viewed it as an institution that is good in advancing credit facilities and were therefore inclined to utilize credit from the facility in the future as they found the interest rates of the bank to be reasonable. On the effect of cost of credit on utilization of credit facilities the study concluded that the fluctuation in rates affects credit utilization, On the effect of collaterals on utilization of credit facilities the study concluded that in case of defaults of the loan, all parties understands the impact to the collaterals. On effect of repayment period on utilization of credit facilitib1es, the study concluded the repayment period attached to the different loans affected their utilization. On utilization of credit facilities at Kenya Women Finance Bank, Trans Nzoia County the study concluded that a majority of the customers maximized their ability to get credit. The study made the following recommendations; the creditors of the bank should be involved in the decisions of the rates to be charged to the loan facility, the institution should make the interest rates and any other costs associated clear to their customers and the institution should utilize records of good credit scores and repayment to improve the client loan uptake.

Abstract: The ability to implement strategies successfully is important to any organization. A successful strategy implementation is a challenge that demands patience, stamina and energy from the people involved. Without implementation, even the most superior strategy becomes useless. The study focused on establishing factors affecting strategy implementation process in microfinance institutions in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of organizational culture in strategy implementation process, to establish the effect of resource allocation in Microfinance Institutions, to determine the extent to which organizational structure affect the implementation of strategy and lastly to assess the effect of communication on effective strategy implementation process. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of this study were 150 employees of Kenya Women Microfinance Bank, Trans Nzoia County who were administered the questionnaires. The sample size was 75 respondents.  The questionnaires helped in gathering information. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). H0: There is no significant influence of organization culture on the strategy implementation process. The study rejected the null hypothesis (β =0.239, P = 0.001). H1: There is significant influence of organization culture on the strategy implementation process. The study accepted the alternate hypothesis (β =0.239, P = 0.001). 
H0: There is no significant influence of resource allocation on the strategy implementation process. The study rejected the null hypothesis (β = 0.687, P = 0.000). H1: There is significant influence of resource allocation on the strategy implementation process. The study accepted the alternate hypothesis (β = 0.687, P = 0.000). H0: There is no significant influence of effective communication on the strategy implementation process. The study rejected the null hypothesis (β = 0.387, P = 0.000). H1: There is significant influence of effective communication on the strategy implementation process. The study accepted the alternate hypothesis (β = 0.387, P = 0.000). The study concluded that culture of the organization was influential in the strategy implementation process of the organization. The study concluded that resource allocation of the organization affected the strategy implementation process. This is attributed to the fact that resources are crucial for the successful. The study also concluded that communication within the organization influenced the strategy implementation process. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made; Organizations should adopt coordination by the administrators of strategy in order to ensure that the strategy implementation process is a success. The organizations should clearly communicate and disseminate information about the organizational developments to all employees.

Abstract: This research topic was set to knowing the influence of poverty reduction strategies on the attainment of education goals in Lodwar Town of Turkana County targeting a population of 133 respondents. The objectives of the study were to establish the efforts put in place by both the governments and private sector. The specific objectives were; to establish the effect of school feeding programmes on attainment of education goals, to find out how sponsorships influences on attainment of education goals, to find out how medical assistance influences attainment of education goals, and to determine how life skills trainings influences attainment of education goals the study used. The researcher used random sampling design for data collection. The researcher targeted the Lodwar Municipality area specifically Kanamkemer, Napetet, Nakwamekwi, Soweto and Kawalase areas of the Lodwar Town. The population was sampled using stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were adopted as the main data collection tool. Lastly data collected was presented using descriptive statistics which involved using tables and regression analysis was used  and the study established the finding of the study were The correlation results indicated that School feeding programme has significant strong positive effect on the performance of NGOs with R = .716, p< .01 at 99.0% confidence level. Regression analysis showed that School feeding programme significantly accounted for 51.2% of variation in performance of NGOs with F (1, 80) =82.911, p<0.05. The findings revealed that school feeding program had a mean of 4(agree) and standard deviation of 0.77639 revealing that liquidity management have an effect performance of NGOs. Sponsorship like regular analysis of NGOs cash flows, regular of analysis of cash outflows, analysis of NGOs liquidity position and comparison of near cash with cash payment obligations. The correlation results indicated that asset management has significant strong positive effect on the performance of NGOs with R = .693, p< .01 at 99.0% confidence level. Regression analysis indicated that sponsoring significantly accounted for 48.1% of change in performance of NGOs with F (1, 80) =73.126, p<0.05.. The findings indicated Medical assistance had a mean of 3 with a standard deviation 0.88. Medical assistance like up to date asset register, depreciation of assets, provision for depreciation of assets, procedure for disposing asset nearing the end of life and assets are kept in the best condition until disposal. The correlation results indicated that asset management has significant positive moderate effect on the performance of NGOs with R = 0.522, p<0.01 at 99.0% confidence level. Regression analysis showed that asset management significantly accounted for 27.2% of variation in performance of NGOs with F (1, 80) =29.513, p<0.05. Life skills trainings with mean of 3(Quarterly) and standard deviation of 0.65074 indicated that Life skills trainings were mainly done quarterly. The correlation results showed that sponsorship has significant positive moderate effect on the performance of NGOs with R = .501, p< .01 at 99.0% confidence level. Regression analysis showed that Life skills trainings significantly accounted for 25.1% of change in performance of NGOs with F (1, 80) =26.521, p<0.05.

Abstract: This study sought to establish factors affecting management of performance appraisal among public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West Sub-County. The study sought to find out effects of training, professional ethics practices, monitoring and evaluation capacity in performance appraisal and the effect of ICT use on performance appraisal. The study used a cross sectional survey research design. Data was collected from a sample of 42 schools out of 94 schools. The respondents were 42 Principals, and 122 teachers who are committee members. Likert scale questionnaire contained closed ended questions whereas the open ended questions solicited more answers from the respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive analysis was used as well as inferential statistics which included Pearson’s correlation coefficient and ANOVA. Data which was categorical was presented as frequencies with their corresponding percentage. This study has described a number of topical issues related to performance appraisal in public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West Sub-County. In summary, the first objective revealed that the committees of public schools within Trans Nzoia West Sub-County have inadequate training on performance appraisal regulations and procedures. The committee members highlighted that vigorous training be conducted on performance appraisal. For the second objective, the findings showed that professional ethical practices ought to be entrenched among members of the committee. On the third objective, the researcher concludes that even though ICT use has never been fully adopted for performance appraisal in public schools, its implementation would lead to proper functioning of appraisal functions and speeds up performance appraisal activities and hence brings efficiency and integrity.  On the fourth objective the findings was adopting Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks for performance appraisal in schools, the Ministry of education should ensure that the  functions of performance appraisal are monitored and evaluated frequently and appropriately.

Abstract: Transportation in general, among other modes, and road transport in particular is the most widely used transport sector all over the world. Road Transport plays a vital role in the process of economic development of any state. In hilly state it is considered to be the life line of people. A large number of people in Himachal use road transport system every day to get to work etc. In Himachal Pradesh where the other transportation means are negligible, the road transport acquires added significance, which has changed the life of people. But Himachal road transport sector is facing certain challenges. There is also a prevalence of poor quality of services in the sector which makes the road transport passengers of the nation dissatisfied. Therefore, objective of study deals with passenger’s satisfaction with regards to Himachal Pradesh road Transport Corporation. To attain this objective, a descriptive survey research design was used. The probability sampling was used. The data sources included primary and collected from the 400 respondents.  Eight service quality instruments were constructed: “Passengers comfort, punctuality and regularity, safety and reliability, satisfaction with driver/conductor and social responsibility” to determine the passenger’s satisfaction. The findings imply that passengers are not acquainted with basic services. In conclusion, the quality of services and knowledge and skill of drivers and the ethics of service providers need to be intervened. Therefore, limited service in quality dimensions lead to customers’ dissatisfaction at transport sector.

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to determine effects of ERP implementation on performance in supply chain management sector with special. Reference to the Coca Cola company ltd .ERP in many organizations has been adopted and thus has helped to increase efficiency and smooth running of the operation in the organizations. The study objectives were to find out the effects of ERP on cost reduction, the efficiency in lead-time, the behavior of the employees on cultural change due to ERP implementation and the way the organization will be able to plan and forecast on future activities with help of ERP implementation. The study involved a survey and data collection using both semi structured and unstructured questionnaire which were administered through personal interviews. Thus, the study adopted descriptive design which helped the researcher to gather the necessary information from the targeted respondents.The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population consisted of 270 employees in the Coca-Cola Company Nairobi. Stratified sampling was adopted whereby a sample 20% of the employees from each department which gave a sample size of 57 respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in the collection of data for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the analyzed data presented by charts and tables for ease of understanding the results. The study findings indicated that change in performance of organizations Supply Chain can be explained by four predictors namely Cost reduction, Lead - time, Culture effects and Planning and forecasting, an implication that the remaining of the variation in performance of organizations Supply Chain could be accounted for by other factors not considered in this study.From the findings, ERP implementations was found to  have a positive impact on  Cost reduction, Lead - time, Culture effects and Planning and forecasting. ERP implementations have effects on cost reduction since there is adequate preparation in ordering and purchase of goods thereby enabling the organization to enjoy economies of scale. With implementation of ERP cost reduction will be created since expenses such as abrupt ordering will not occur.The study recommends that organizations should adopt ERP systems since it helps to increase production, efficiency, smooth flow of operation and increase motivation in employees. The organization will be able to predict lead-time of supplies and therefore there will be no cases of stock out of goods. Employee culture will be affected positively and cohesive relationship will be realized in the organization. Also the organization management will be able to plan and forecast on organization procurement activities and therefore be able to run the organization affairs smoothly.

Abstract: Kenya prison rehabilitation strategies are strategies that are used in reforming offenders in prisons. The programs consists of training activities which include vocational training such as carpentry, masonry, tailoring and building that are carried out to reform offenders. The researcher adopted a case study design. It targeted a sample of 150 inmates through snow ball and stratified sampling. Data was collected through administration of questionnaire to the selected respondents. Descriptive statistics such as tabulations, frequencies, percentages were used to summarize, describe, analyze, and present the statistical information of this study. Correlation and regression analysis were used to establish the strength and causality of the study variable relationships especially in meeting the study objectives. Data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis to determine relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Correlation and regression analysis were used to establish the strength and causality of the study variable relationships especially in meeting the study objectives. The study findings concluded that industry skills training for the inmates contributes greatly towards reformation of inmates and that increasing the education level of inmates does necessarily contribute significantly to reformation of inmates. The study established that spiritual emphasis of the life of inmates significantly contributes to the reformation of inmates.

Abstract: This paper aims to bring to attention of the future challenge of Islamic insurance (Takaful) in Malaysia. Malaysian takaful industry has experienced rapid growth and transformation since it was first introduced 20 years ago. From an industry that has only one takaful operator with limited basic products, it is now growing to be a viable industry that has been integrated into the mainstream the financial system. This had been achieved through the intensive efforts of the Bank and takaful operators in developing the industry dynamic, resilient and efficient.

Abstract: Today’s young generation are considered to be the centre and the basis for future generations because of several reasons. Jean McDougall and David Chantrey (2004) are of the opinion that this generation between the ages of 8 and 14 years are the controlling entities of the future. From business point of view this segment of market is considered to be the most profitable segment because they have ample of money to spend on. They are growing fast; know their own minds and growing with distinctive attitude. They have obsession towards advanced gadgets and they even can’t think of  their life without   cell-phones in their pockets, laptop bags on their shoulders and their day doesn’t start without chatting on ‘facebook’ or ‘orkut’.  Although advance technologies are quite essential in this fast moving era but addiction to such gadgets can cause health hazards as well as social imbalances. 

Abstract: Earnings management has gained global recognition. Yet, it is still not clear what determines earnings management within the context of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the determinants of earnings management of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Correlational research design was adopted in order to ascertain the relationship between the identified determinants of earnings management and earnings management. A sample of seven (7) oil and gas firms was seven out of a population of fifteen (15) firms. The study covered a period of six (6) years from 2010 to 2015.  Secondary data were gathered from the published annual reports of the selected firms.  The data were analysed using multiple regression analysis through Stata. Results from the analysis show that external sector specialization has positive and significant effect on earnings management of listed oil and gas firms while external audit tenure and audit committee gender have negative and significant relationship with earnings management of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria.  However, the study found that there is no significant relationship between external audit fees and earnings management of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Therefore, it was recommended that oil and gas firms should ensure that, after a certain period of time, they change the services of auditors that specialize in auditing the oil and gas sector; the oil and gas firms should be encouraged to utilize the services of auditors with long tenure; and that the oil and gas firms in Nigeria should be encouraged to continue to engage the services of more female audit committee members.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of public procurement management on quality service provision among the state corporations which is effectively enabling providers of services and goods to the public to achieve higher standards. The specific objectives were: to establish how the procurement legal guidelines improve the quality of goods and services provided to the public by state corporations; to establish how the procurement institutional framework improves the quality of goods and services provided to the public by state corporations; to establish how laid procurement procedures improve the quality of goods and services provided to the public by state corporations and to establish how the management environment among state corporations affects quality of goods and services provided to the public by state corporations. The research employed a descriptive research design that used survey methods. The study focused on 64 of the 127 state corporations in Kenya selected using systematic random sampling. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The results indicate that the legal procurement guidelines had a moderate contribution towards the quality of goods and services provided. The procurement institutional framework contributed to the quality of goods and services to a great extent. The procurement procedures had a moderate contribution toward the quality. The management environment moderately contributed to the quality. The quality of goods and services provided to the public was low. The study recommends improved enforcement and strengthening of the adherence to laid down procurement procedure; the existing institutional framework should be changed to support the provision of high quality goods and services and there should also be a change in the general management environment with focus on the culture, leadership and worker motivation of quality on provision of high quality services and goods to the public.

Abstract: Vandalisation of oil pipelines with its resultant effects of oil spillage, and fire explosion appears to have led to death toll. This has become a nightmare to the Nigerian government on how the menace could be curbed. This prompted the study on pipeline vandalisation and its implications on oil host communities of the Niger Delta between 2003 and 2015. Specifically, the study determined the effect of incidences of oil pipeline vandalisation and fire explosion on death tolls in the oil host communities. The theoretical thrust of the paper was the “frustration-aggression theory (FAT)” of John Dollard. Pre-formulated tables which are contemporary from oil producing and oil regulatory firms as well as other institutions in the oil industry in the Niger Delta were obtained and systematically analyzed. The study adopted 'ex-post facto' research design because of its analytical anchor on already documented events. Regression and correlation were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the incidences of oil pipeline vandalisation and fire explosion insignificantly contributed to death tolls in the oil host communities of Niger Delta.
Keywords: Oil Pipeline Vandalism, Oil Host communities, Death Loss, Niger Delta, Community Development.
Title: Pipeline Vandalisation and Its Implications on Oil Host Communities of the Niger Delta (2003-2015)
Author: Professor Patrick L. Akpan, Ufomba, Rex Eze, Ibekwe, Christopher Chimaobi, Ufomba Akudo Judith
ISSN 2349-7807
International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM)
Paper Publications

Abstract: The Kenyan CDF was introduced in 2003 during the Kibaki regime. It was designed to support constituency-level, grass-root development projects. It was aimed to achieve equitable distribution of development resources across regions and to control imbalances in regional development brought about by partisan politics. However there are increasing concerns that the funds are not being utilized optimally. The general objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of the performance of CDF projects in Mombasa County while the specific objectives of the study were: To determine the influence of project managers in the performance of CDF projects in Mombasa County; to determine the influence of project team training on CDF project performance in Mombasa County; to establish the influence of stakeholder involvement in project management on CDF project performance in Mombasa County. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The target population for this study consisted of 200 CDF projects in Mombasa County. The project coordinators and mangers provided information on the projects. The CDF beneficiaries provided information on the success of these projects. Out of a target population of 200, the researcher selected 60 respondents using stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaires and observation checklists. Qualitative data was analysed by organising it into categories on the basis of the themes, concepts or similar features. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Finally Multiple Linear Regression model will be employed to establish the significance of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The findings will be presented using tables and charts. The computed data was then analysed using descriptive statistics. The data analysed was presented using frequency tables which enabled the researcher to easily interpret the findings of the research. Findings from the study showed that project managers, project team training, stakeholder involvement and monitoring and evaluation were the key determinants influencing the performance of CDF projects in Mombasa County. The study drew conclusion that stakeholder’s involvement is the major factor that determines most the performance of the CDF projects with a coefficient of 0.604, then followed by project manager with a coefficient of 0.205, then monitoring and evaluation with a coefficient of 0.171 and finally project team training with a coefficient of 0.104. The study recommended that Constituency Development Fund Committees should recruit professionally trained and competent managers with effective project management skills, the project implementation staff should be continuously trained on new and emerging practices in project management. Project implementation team should be comprise of professionally qualified staff with human resource capacity to enhance successful project implementation. The Constituency Development Fund Committees should improve the level of stakeholder participation in project implementation by always involving community members in the implementation of CDF projects. Effective project monitoring and evaluation methods should be employed by the Constituency Development Fund Committees and the government should enforce the implementation of regulations that guide in use of CDF.

Abstract: This study is on the effect of stock market listing on financial performance of companies listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The specific objectives of the study determining how the nature of business industry and size of companies affected their financial performance, how government policy effected through Capital Markets Authority (CMA) influenced financial performance of companies listed in NSE, how management of the companies listed in NSE affected their financial performance, and how availability of information influenced the financial performance of companies listed in NSE. The Population of the study as well as the target population was a census of all 61 listed companies at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) as at 31st December 2012. This study established that in general stock market listing affects different profitability ratios in different ways. Some improve as a result of stock market listing while others deteriorate.

Abstract: According to UN, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. CSR is an approach which helps a company to achieve a balance of economic, environmental and social constraints popularly known as “Triple-Bottom-Line- Approach”, by addressing the expectation of shareholders and stakeholders at the same time. The HR Manager is responsible to a wide ranging group of employees, communities, and   investors. With the impact of information technology and globalization there has been a change in nature of these affairs which is affecting   corporate performance. As Hilton and Gibbon (2002) said that Corporate Social Responsibility requires Corporate Social Leadership. This concept has achieved greater consequence due to its importance for growth of the society and its people in particular. This article aims at studying the role of Leadership for CSR, the Leadership practices for CSR Leaders and to study the implication required in converting managers to CSR Leaders. The study is poised basically from journals, conference proceedings, business article etc. The aim of article is to emphasize the importance of CSR leaders towards the progress of the society and for a better planet.