MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN KENYA: CASE STUDY OF ALLIED PLUMBERS LIMITED.
(management university of africa, 2020-03) OGETO EVANS OMARI
This study sought to examine the significance, roles and contributions of strategic management practices and organizational performances in the construction industry in Kenya, with a focus on Allied Plumbers Limited. The research objectives were to identify the effect of strategic infrastructure management, to examine influence of strategic human resource management, to establish strategic procurement contribution, and to determine strategic information system contribution to Organizational performance. Scope of study was employees of Allied Plumbers limited Nairobi. The study was based on competitive Advantage theory as anchor theory, supplemented with Core competence (innovation) and Contingency theories. The study explored various literatures related to variables of study and identified research gaps and suggested strategy to mitigate the same. Descriptive research design was used as the researcher sought to study a specific situation, as it sought to establish the roles and relationship between aspects of the study. The target population were employees of Allied Plumbers limited drawn from planning and finance, human resource and administration, procurement, engineering and operations, tendering and contracts, and site and construction departments. The study used Yamane formula to come up with as sample size of 47 respondents from a target population of 53 employees. The questionnaire was used as data collection instrument for the study. Data analysis technique was descriptive statistics with aid of statistical package for social studies (SPSS); inferential statistics was used with multivariate regression analysis to identify a mathematical relationship between the variables. A Likert scale was used to measure indicators. Descriptive statistics method was applied to analyze quantitative data where data was scored by calculating the percentages, mean’ and standard deviation. The study found out that with strategic infrastructure management, human resource management, procurement and information systems in place, influences organizational performance. The study concluded that organization has in place requisite strategic infrastructure management and information systems but not fully embracing strategic human resource management and delegation of procurement authority is at minimal. From the findings the study recommended that organization need to enhance all its strategic management practices, and more so to put more emphasis on strategic human resource management policy to focus on talent management, training and development, employee engagement, and succession planning for the organization to be innovative, have smooth transition, delegate procurement authority, timely completion of projects, and gaining and having a sustainable competitive advantage in the construction industry. The study recommended that further study need to be carried out in other related constructions organizations and other sectors of the economy in out of the country to ascertain and relate the findings.
DETERMINANTS OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL TRAINING COLLEGES IN KENYA.
(management university of africa, 2020-08) JANET NG’ENDO NGARI
Public procurement uses a significant proportion of taxpayer’s money hence it is necessary for governments to ensure public procurement process are efficient while observing high standards for quality service delivery and safeguard of public interest. Thus, this study was set out to establish the determinants of public procurement in Tertiary institutions in Kenya with a specialized focus of Kenya Medical Training College. Specific objectives were to: determine procurement planning influence on performance of public procurement; establish influence of information technology on public procurement performance; finding out political influence on public procurement performance and assess influence of staff competence on performance of public procurement. This study adopted a descriptive research design so as to gather information from demographic groups; and to lay emphasis on determining the level of frequency with which variables could be expressed or the extent which variables co-varied. The study’s target population was 285 heads of procurement, finance officers and their assistants at KMTC. Size of the sample constituted of 166 respondents who were selected with the help of a stratified random sampling approach. The study used primary sources of data that was collected using semi-structured questionnaires having both open-ended and closed questions. Questionnaires were administered to the respondents using a ‘drop and pick’ method at an agreed time with the researcher. Data was analyzed using quantitative analysis methods namely, descriptive analysis and inferential analysis. Under descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were utilized to summarize the pattern of variables while regression analysis was utilized to test hypothesis and associations between variables. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized for data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Data was presented in form of graphs, tables and pie-charts followed by prose interpretation of findings. The study found that information technology, procurement planning and staff competence were significantly linked to performance. However, political influence was insignificantly linked to procurement performance. The coefficient of determination was satisfactory (56.3%) and overall regression model significant since its p-value was below 5% (0.000). Correlation results established that information technology and procurement planning were strongly correlated to procurement performance while staff competence and political influence were moderately and weakly correlated to procurement performance. The study recommends the need to continue investing in technological innovations and integrating procurement systems. These technologies should be integrated with business processes and supply chain channels to lower cost and enhance efficiency. There is need for public organizations to sponsor their staff for development and training programs to improve their skills and boost their efficiency and creativity in their work. Also, public organizations should institute plans to ensure that funds for procurement can be channeled through effective methods that facilitates efficient delivery of goods, services and works.
SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION AND PERFORMANCE OF HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA, A CASE STUDY OF RED CROSS SOCIETY, NAIROBI
(MUA, 2023-10) JOSEPH MATIVO MULWA
The main objective of the study was to examine the effects of supply chain integration on performance of humanitarian organizations in Nairobi County. The research was done at Kenya Red Cross Society in Nairobi County. The research was led by ensuing variables like internal integration, external integration, beneficiary integration and finally influence of human capital efficiency on the performance of humanitarian organizations in Nairobi City County. The research was based on Resource Based View Theory because this theory elucidates that identification as well as possession of inner planned resources underwrites to a company’s aptitude to make as well as espousing a modest gain and expand SC recital. The study was also supported by Partnership Model and Contingency Theory. The research espoused a descriptive research design to offer the general plan in lieu of gathering as well as analyzing data to get enough knowledge on topic from the respondents. The target population of the research was 300 respondents and the investigator targeted a sample size of 90 respondents which is 30% of the entire population. The scholar used a simple random sampling method for the study. The researcher used questionnaires to gather information and were analyzed and presented through tables and figures. The analysis was done through presentation of the (SPSS) software. The investigation similarly used the regression analysis to establish the connection amidst the dependent and the independent variables. The coefficient of determination implied that the set of independent variables in this research accounts in lieu of 52% of disparities in the Supply chain integration and performance of humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The remaining percentage (48%) is accounted for other variables outside the model. The outcome shows that acquaintance as well as information concerning the independent variables offers a great share of information concerning performance of humanitarian organizations in Nairobi County. The study recommended a vigorous as well as operative Internal Integration by solidification their competences in the system, data, as well as process amalgamation before they can participate in meaningful external integration. The investigation similarly advocates for the Red Cross Society to ponder participation as well as communication of their procedures to suppliers to upsurge their buoyancy in the process and bring them on board to comprehend the facility’s necessities and make them committed to conveying the facilities’ prospects. Consider integrating as part of their client amalgamation procedure, the assortment, as well as distribution of crucial data of the respondents. A conclusion made by the investigation is that supply chain integration has momentous influence on enactment of humanitarian aid organizations in Kenya. The results of this investigation posited out that humanitarian aid organizations have actual communication amid all the supply chain cohorts. Sharing information permits humanitarian aid establishments to decide on better selections and to make well-versed choices in the occurrence of difficulties or tragedies.
DETERMINANTS OF COMPETITIVENESS OF PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS IN KENYA: A CASE OF AUTOSTERILE EAST AFRICA, KENYA
(MUA, 2020-10) MARGARET WAMBUI KAMAU
This study investigated the determinants of competitiveness of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kenya: a case of Autosterile East Africa, Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine how economic growth, management efficiency, business environment efficiency and business facility infrastructure influence competitiveness of locally manufactured goods in Autosterile East Africa, Kenya. This study used descriptive survey design. This study used census sampling to involve 69 respondents; 8 top level employees, 22 middle level employees and 39 lower level employees in Autosterile East Africa. Questionnaires used in the survey formed the primary data and was analyzed by use of Statistical Packages for Social Science version 25. Multiple regression analysis was done to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study findings found out that economic growth, management efficiency, business environment efficiency and business facility infrastructure all have a positive relationship with competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. Business environment efficiency was the most significant determinant of competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. From the findings, it was highlighted that a large number of respondents agreed that the GDP has influenced the competition among our competitors a mean of 1.23 and a standard deviation 0.12. A large number of respondents agreed that organization structure of firms dictates its competitive advantage over other firms as shown by a mean of 1.22 and a standard deviation 0.15. A majority agreed that demand for goods and services influences competition of goods and services as shown by a mean of 1.58 and a standard deviation 0.29 while a large number agreed that political stability has an impact in competition among firms as shown by a mean of 1.68 and a standard deviation 0.64. The government of Kenya need to boost the Economic Growth in order to enhance the competitiveness of Locally Manufactured Goods. This can be done by providing subsidies to business owners and fund the SMEs in starting up business. The locally manufactured goods firms should enhance their management efficiency so as to better their competitiveness of their locally manufactured goods. This can be done by the firm’s management developing leadership structures that are efficient.
COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF PLASTIC PACKAGING INDUSTRIES IN KENYA: A CASE OF COCA-COLA BEVERAGES KENYA PREFORM MANUFACTURING PLANT
(Management University of Africa, 2024-10) MAUREEN MUKAMI IKUNYUA
Plastic packaging industries are critical instrument for job creation, poverty alleviation, and agents for economic development of the country. Its aesthetic qualities, robustness, affordability, and ease As a result, the nation's demand for plastics have increased. However, despite evidence of the risks that plastic waste poses to the Environmental sustainability, water resources, food security, and public health nexus, nearly half of the world's plastic waste comes from packaging materials. According to a number of sources, Kenya produces about 18 million tons of plastic, both unprocessed and processed, whereas the continent of Africa imported 117 million tons. The last three years have seen a six-fold growth in plastic imports and usage in Kenya, which has raised the issue of producing sustainable plastics and managing trash and product packaging. The study sought to explore the competitive strategies and performance of plastic packaging industries. The specific objectives are to assess the influence of cost leadership strategy; differentiation strategy; cost focus strategy and differentiation focus strategy on the performance of plastic packaging industries. This study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of 100 employees from CCBK-PMP. A sample size of 50 respondents was chosen through stratified random sampling for analysis. Questionnaires were the primary means of gathering data for the research project. A pilot test was conducted before distributing uestionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. in particular, percentages, means, and averages. SPSS version 24.0 and simple spreadsheet-based tabulations and report presentations were the data analysis tools. Through inferential statistics, the link between the variables was determined. The study determined that the cost-focus strategy had the most impact on CCBK-PMP’s performance. The analysis confirmed that performance was significantly impacted by differentiation focus and differentiation strategies as well. It was noted that the cost leadership strategy had minimal effect on the success of CCBK-PMPs among the competitive strategies. The research advises the management of CCBK-PMP to pursue a cost-focused strategy, which emphasizes gaining an edge over competitors through specializing in a niche market segment by maintaining a lower cost in the niche. By focusing on a particular customer group or geographic area, CCBK-PMP can develop offerings and solutions specifically designed to meet the demands of that niche while keeping costs low. This approach allows the company to outcompete rivals within the targeted market while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness, rather than attempting to maintain the lowest costs across the entire industry. The study further recommends that future research should investigate how adopting sustainable approaches such as incorporating sustainable resources, reducing waste, and enhancing energy efficiency could impact competitive strategies and performance within the plastic packaging industry. This aligns with the observed correlation between cost-focus strategies and performance. Specifically, cost-focus strategy, when combined with sustainable practices, may yield competitive advantages by reducing operating costs and responding to increasing market demands for environmentally responsible practices. Policymakers and industry leaders are encouraged to consider these findings when crafting policies and setting industry standards to foster a more sustainable, cost-effective plastic packaging sector.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF AGRO-VETERINARY BASED INDUSTRIES. A CASE STUDY OF HIGHCHEM AGRO-VETERINARY DIVISION
(MUA, 2025-10) EPHRAIM M NDARATHI
The Agro-veterinary industry in Kenya is vital in supporting agricultural sector’s productivity through veterinary and agrochemical solutions. However, recent sectoral reports indicate that firms, especially in the Agro-Veterinary Division of HighChem Group face intense competition from cheaper imports, declining market share and inconsistent performance in terms of innovation uptake and profitability. Despite its leading position in the sector, HighChem Agro-Veterinary Division (HAVD) continues to grapple with performance challenges in an increasingly regulated and competitive environment. This raises concern on whether the division effectively leveraged strategic management practices to enhance competitiveness and drive growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of selected strategic management practices; strategic innovation, product differentiation, resource allocation and cost leadership on the performance of HAVD. The study was anchored on the Blue Ocean Strategy, Porter’s Five Competitive Forces and the Resource-Based View. The exploratory research design was adopted in the study. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 116 respondents drawn from a population of 166 across the eight national regions. From a response rate of 72.4% (84 responses) the descriptive statistics revealed that strategic innovation (M = 3.75), cost leadership (M = 3.89), resource allocation (M = 3.71) and product differentiation (M = 3.88) were the most prominent. A multiple linear regression model was employed to test the hypotheses. The regression results showed that all four strategies had positive and statistically significant effects on performance with strategic innovation (β = 0.2878, p < 0.001), resource allocation (β = 0.4874, p < 0.001), cost leadership (β = 0.5095, p < 0.001) and finally product differentiation (β = 0.6477, p < 0.001). The model was highly significant with F = 272.35 and p < 0.001) with an R² of 0.883 demonstrating that the four predictors explained performance to an accuracy of 88.3%. The findings showed that product differentiation had the strongest effect on performance, followed by cost leadership strategy, effective resource allocation and strategic innovation respectively. Therefore, HAVD’s performance is seen to be greatly enhanced hrough investment in high-quality products, distinctive, capacity development and cost efficiency. These results offer practical insights to managers in agro-based divisions and firms and contributes to empirical literature through bridging a gap in strategy-performance research within the East African agro-veterinary sector.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PARASTATALS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF COMMUNICATION AUTHORITY OF KENYA.
(MUA, 2025-11) SARAH CHEPCHUMBA
This study explored how Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices influence organizational performance at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The research adopted a cross-sectional census design involving 155 employees directly engaged in procurement and operational functions. Four key SSCM domains were examined—green procurement, waste management, resource efficiency, and ethical sourcing—while performance was assessed through indicators of cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. The findings revealed that sustainability practices are increasingly integrated into CA’s operations, though their maturity varies. Green procurement and ethical sourcing emerged as the strongest performance drivers, demonstrating clear links to efficiency, transparency, and institutional credibility. In contrast, waste management and resource efficiency were less developed and contributed minimally to measurable outcomes, reflecting operational rather than strategic application. The regression model explained a meaningful share of performance variance (R² = 0.288; adjusted R² = 0.269; F, p < .001), confirming that SSCM practices collectively influence organizational results but require balanced implementation. The study concludes that while procurement reforms have already yielded tangible benefits, operational sustainability must be strengthened through improved monitoring, accountability, and capacity building. It recommends embedding sustainability criteria and life-cycle costing into procurement, enhancing supplier verification, and establishing departmental dashboards to track energy, water, and waste metrics. Overall, the research affirms that institutionalizing SSCM within Kenya’s public sector can advance both performance efficiency and the broader national sustainability agenda.
DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMIZATION AND NUTRITIONAL FOOD SECURITY FOR FRESH PRODUCE IN NAIROBI COUNTY: A CASE STUDY OF KIBRA SUB-COUNTY
(MUA, 2025-04) INGOLO JOSPHINE ALUKO
Kenya’s fresh produce supply chain faces significant challenges, including poor market access, inefficiencies in distribution, and high food loss rates, all of which impact food security and nutrition. This research investigated digital supply chain optimization on food security and nutritional outcomes within Kenya’s fresh produce sector. The specific objectives of the study included determining the impact of digital logistics integration, assessing the effects of digital market linkages, and evaluating digital traceability and information sharing’s influence on nutritional food security. The study was grounded under four theories with systems theory being the anchor theory supported by supply chain management integration theory, resource-based view theory, technology acceptance model theory and food security framework. A cross-sectional research approach was used, targeting a study population of 398 respondents obtained using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representativeness across the different segments. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews with stakeholders, this research determined the efficacy of digital supply chain technologies in mitigating food security and nutrition challenges and enhancing access to nutritious fresh produce. Data gathered was analyzed using statistical techniques, including descriptive and regression analysis to determine the relationship between digital supply chain optimization indices and food security and nutrition indicators. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis while quantitative data was coded and analysed using SPSS version 28 respectively. Data collected was entered into a spreadsheet for summarization and from which relevant tables and figures were populated for presentation. Ethical considerations were also observed during the study. A pilot study was conducted using 40 participants to refine the survey instruments and 319 respondents participated in the survey. The findings revealed that digital logistics integration had the strongest positive impact (β = 0.65, p < 0.001), explaining 42.3% of variance in nutritional food security through improved delivery efficiency and reduced post-harvest losses. Digital market linkages showed significant influence (β = 0.60, p < 0.001), facilitated by mobile platforms like Twiga Foods, Wasoko, Taimba and M-Pesa, though adoption was constrained by low digital literacy (30%) and unreliable internet (45%). Digital traceability systems (e.g., blockchain, IoT) had limited adoption (3.1–4.7%) due to infrastructural barriers, while digital transparency enhanced decision-making but lacked regulatory frameworks. The study concluded that digital supply chain technologies collectively explained 67.2% of nutritional food security variance (R² = 0.672), with affordability and accessibility remaining critical challenges. Recommendations included investing in community Wi-Fi hubs, low-technology traceability solutions (SMS-based systems), and digital literacy programs tailored to Kibra’s low-income population. The research contributed to policy and practice by highlighting scalable interventions to bridge supply chain gaps in urban informal settlements, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and Kenya’s Food and Nutrition Security Policy. Further investigation is warranted in light of the study's results, recommendations, and conclusion. This additional research should aim to corroborate other factors that were not examined in this study and offer fresh information to validate the current findings.
PROCUREMENT PLANNING PROCESS AND ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE IN THE ENERGY SECTOR IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
(management university of africa, 2024-10) SAHARA ISSACK ALI
The aim was to examine procurement planning processes on organization performance at Geothermal Development Company, and establish the influence of supplier selection, need identification, cost estimation, and quality specifications on organization performance at the Geothermal Development Company. Because it will highlight the importance of widely used organizational performance and promote awareness of it. In their efforts to design work schedules that will complement the organization's strategic aims, academics and government stakeholders may find the results to be a useful reference tool. The Geothermal Development Company and other government institutions will find the findings important in determining whether the institution's procurement planning process needs to be addressed. The study's fundamental anchor theory was goal-setting theory, which is backed by institutional theory and a resource-based view. Utilizing stratified random sampling, using a descriptive research methodology, 232 people were selected as the sample size out of 550. Questionnaires were used in the process of gathering data. Ten randomly chosen employees from the target population participated in the pilot project. SPSS version 27 and basic statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. Tables were used in the data presentation. Inferential statistics, regression analysis and correlation, were utilized to show the relationships between the variables. Documentation of ethical guidelines, including all correspondence, study dates, and data collection locations, shall be done. The regression is based on the organization's performance and procurement planning process as predictors. The findings demonstrate a positive correlation with R = 0.702 and R2 = 0.492, meaning that changes in each of the predictor categories could account for 49.2% of the variance in the organization’s performance, the variances of the elements not included in this analysis account for the remaining 50.8%. The study’s findings demonstrated the significant impact of the predictor elements on the organization. The model indicated that the predictor variable with the biggest influence on the quality specification was supplier selection., followed by cost estimation, need identification, and quality specification, which had the least influence on the organization's performance. Study recommends that GDC management recognize that procurement planning practices are not static and that preparation of cost estimation and forecasting in order to enhance performance, needs should be determined, tendering procedures should be established, budgets should be estimated, and user departments should be involved. This will contribute to the upkeep of ethical procurement practices as well as the attainment of high standards of efficacy and efficiency. Additionally, as most projects have overruns, timeframes must be adhered to as intended in order to prevent delays in the supply and execution of services. In order to ensure that procurements are successful, GDC management should make sure that appropriate procedures are put in place during planning, with input from procurement staff and the user department, and that progress reports are escalated for required action. Further investigation into other variables is required to account for the remaining change in purchase planning procedures. based on the findings of this investigation, the conclusion, and the advice that came after. This additional research should aim to corroborate the findings of the current study and offer fresh data.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA
(management university of africa, 2024-10) FAITH MWENDE
Social sustainability remains a significant challenge among microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya, particularly in ensuring long-term social impacts that benefit low-income populations. Notably, these institutions struggle with integrating social goals, such as poverty alleviation and financial inclusion, alongside their financial objectives. For instance, despite a substantial growth in the sector, only 39% of the rural population in Kenya including Kitui County is served by MFIs, indicating a gap in reaching marginalized communities. This limited outreach, coupled with high-interest rates averaging 30%, raises concerns about the institutions' ability to contribute to the social well-being of vulnerable groups, thus hampering social sustainability. Therefore, this study’s general objective was to examine how strategic management practices influenced the social sustainability of microfinance institutions in Kitui County, Kenya. The study also investigated how Kitui County, Kenya's microfinance institutions' social sustainability was affected by strategic planning, strategy execution, and strategy evaluation. The study also looked at the ways in which organizational traits in Kitui County, Kenya, affected the relationship between social sustainability and strategic management techniques in microfinance organizations. The study was anchored on the Triple Bottom Line Theory, Delta Model, and the Resource-Based View Theory. A descriptive survey research design was used for this investigation. The target population were 5 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Kitui county and 150 leaders. A census method was used to select all the leaders and MFIs to form the sample size. Questionnaires were used in the collection of primary data. Quantitative analysis was applied to the acquired data. The study used version 24 of the Statistical Package for Social Services to condense the quantitative data into frequencies and percentages. The data was described using percentages, means, and standard deviations, and displayed using tables, pie charts, and figures. To make inferences about the data, multiple regression analysis and correlation were employed. Inferential statistics were used to determine the relationship between the dependent variable (social sustainability of MFIs) and the independent variable (strategic management practices). From the findings, it was established that strategic management practices addressed 39.2% of the social sustainability of MFIs in Kitui County. Moreover, strategic planning (b=.617, p value=0.000<0.05), strategy implementation (b=.819, p value=.000<0.05) and strategy evaluation (b=.254, p value=0.013<0.05) had a positive and significant influence on the social sustainability of MFIs in Kitui County, Kenya. It was concluded that the indicators of strategic management practices had a statistically significant influence on the social sustainability of MFIs in Kitui County, Kenya. Numerous parties, including the government and financial regulatory agencies, donors and investors, MFI clients and beneficiaries, and academics, will find this study to be significant. This study recommends that the management of the MFIs in Kitui County should dedicate more time and resources in strategic planning and implementation. The management of the MFIs should ensure that their employees are conversant with the overall strategic vision/Mission, goals and Objectives of the MFI’s.