scholarly journals RE-ENGINEERING STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF LARGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-118
Author(s):  
Jacob Kithinji ◽  
Gladys Rotich ◽  
Allan Kihara

Purpose: Most of the large manufacturing firms in Kenya have been experiencing declining performance in terms of revenue, sales and the profit margins for more than a decade. This has seen some of the large manufacturing firms in the country consider strategies such as relocating or restructuring their operations, opting to serve the local market through importing from low-cost manufacturing areas instead of adopting turnaround strategies. This therefore prompted a question on whether turnaround strategies such as reengineering strategy are effective for the manufacturing firms; hence the motivation of this study. Methodology: This study was informed by theory of constraints. A descriptive research design was adopted while 708 large manufacturing firms in Kenya registered under the Kenya Association of Manufacturers were targeted. The sample size for the study was 249 firms selected randomly from all the 14 sectors of the manufacturing industry in Kenya. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, while mean, frequencies and percentages were used to describe the data. Correlation and regression analysis were done to show direction, magnitude and significance of the association between the variables. Findings: The findings revealed that re-engineering strategy had significant and positive influence on the performance of large manufacturing firms in Kenya. The findings further revealed that organizational culture had significant moderating effect on the relationship between reengineering strategy and performance of large manufacturing companies. The study concluded that reengineering strategy as one of the turnaround strategies positively influenced the performance of large manufacturing companies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is therefore recommended that the management of large manufacturing firms uphold reengineering strategy in order to enhance performance.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Bayo-Moriones ◽  
Alejandro Bello-Pindado

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact on manufacturing performance of human resource management (HRM) practices across two job levels within manufacturing firms in Argentina and Uruguay: that of line managers and frontline workers. HRM practices are categorised into three bundles defined by the AMO theoretical framework: ability, motivation and opportunity.Design/methodology/approachThe article uses data from a survey to 301 manufacturing plants in Uruguay and Argentina. Given the characteristics of the dependent variable, linear regression models have been estimated in order to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that the ability and opportunity bundles for line managers are positively associated with manufacturing performance. However, only the motivation bundle affects manufacturing performance for frontline workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations are the use of cross-sectional data, the focus on two specific countries and the analysis of two employee categories that are not completely homogenous. The paper extends the contingency perspective in HRM by examining the relevance of job level as a contingent factor in the HRM-performance relationship in the manufacturing industry.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that manufacturing companies should target HR investments more towards line managers than to frontline employees. More specifically, they should concentrate efforts on the ability and opportunity bundles.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the very limited empirical evidence on the impact of HRM differentiation on firm performance by analysing sub-dimensions in a context not previously analysed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 128-140
Author(s):  
Chiekezie Njideka Rita ◽  
Egbunike Patrick Amaechi ◽  
Odum Austin Nwekemezie

This study-examined the extent of adoption of competitor focused accounting (CFA) in selected manufacturing firms listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange with a view to establishing whether there are differences in financial performance of the firms. The study is descriptive in nature and uses survey techniques. Accordingly, two-hundred and twenty four (224) key respondents in the Nigerian manufacturing industry were surveyed. This is complimented with secondary data collected from annual accounts and reports of fifty six (56) manufacturing companies listed in the Nigerian stock exchange. In addition to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (F- Ratio) and scheffes’ (fs) test were used in analyzing collected data. The result of the study revealed that 14 companies representing (25%) were non-adopters of competitor focused accounting methods, 36 (64.3%) were partial adopters while 6 (10.7%) were full adopters. In addition, the mean financial performance of full adopters of CFA methods was 25.1 greater than that of partial adopters and also 45.71 greater than non-adopters. This shows a large difference. On the other hand, partial adopters’ mean financial performance was 20.61 greater than that of non adopters of CFA methods. However, this study proves that the practice of CFA in Nigerian manufacturing companies is still below average and the necessity to improve this situation is the current challenge. Manufacturing firms in Nigeria should give priority to strategic management accounting and it sub-divisions especially CFA in other to enhance its competitive edge over competitors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-76
Author(s):  
Marija Nikodijević ◽  
Blagoje Novićević ◽  
Milovan Rogan

Abstract The basic indicators of manufacturing industry’s level of development are still at an unenviable level, although it provides the majority of tradable goods of Serbian economy and has the most significant share in gross domestic product. This state of the manufacturing industry in Serbia is the result of an unstable macroeconomic environment and institutional insecurity, as well as an inadequate management approach in companies of this sector. Taking into account the situation, there is an obvious need to change management approach in these companies, which includes improving their budgeting processes and systems. Budgeting, as a management instrument, has become important in companies in Serbia only in the last decades, that is, after the change of the economic system. The results of the conducted empirical study, aiming to perceive the current state and relevant management attitudes regarding the implementation of certain budgeting concepts in manufacturing companies in Serbia, are presented in this paper. The study aims to determine the current presence of certain budgeting concepts, as well as which concepts the management of the sample companies intends to implement in the future, since it considers them an appropriate and a good solution for its company, taking into account the specifics of its environment and business. The presented results will show whether manufacturing companies in Serbia follow global trends in budgeting practices that relate to the implementation of modern budgeting concepts with flexibility, customer focus and performance based as their key features.


Author(s):  
Kimberly Mwaura ◽  
Washington Okeyo

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for cement in Kenya has attracted new entrants into the market, increasing competition amongst producers of cement. This study finds out the role of product innovation on performance of large manufacturing firms, a case study of Bamburi Cement Limited. The study was guided by Innovative Firm theory, theory of Dynamic Capability, Resource Dependence Theory and the Institutional Theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study's population entailed all workers of BCL serving in 6 departments in the Corporate Office, Industrial Area and also in Athi River. The departments include Innovation and Technical Services Department, the Commercial Department, the IT Department, Human Resource Department, Production & Maintenance Department and the Finance Department. A total of 470 employees formed the target. The Yamane formula (1967) was applied to obtain the sample for the study. From the 470 workers 216 of them were to be obtained from the targeted departments. A Stratified random sampling was applied for proportionately selecting the 216 sample of employees from the population targeted. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and presented in different themes. The study concluded that there exists a positive relationship between product innovation strategy and performance of large manufacturing firms. Therefore, large manufacturing firms should continually embrace product innovation as this strategy provides a framework for creating new products and improving the performance. Manufacturing companies need to implement policies that encourage a process innovation culture. Keyword: Product, innovation, research and development, performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-106
Author(s):  
Anne Wanjiru Njoroge ◽  
Mr. Onserio Nyamwange

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges of import logistics outsourcing by manufacturing firms in Nairobi CountyMethodology: The research design of this study was a sample survey of the importers in the manufacturing industry as per the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The total population of the companies in the manufacturing industry in Nairobi was 455 manufacturing firms. Primary data was collected via self-administered questionnaires with both open ended and closed questions that were designed to elicit specific responses for qualitative and quantitative analysis respectively. The data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics.Results: The results indicated that the important reasons of outsourcing were satisfactory in explaining the decision by manufacturing companies to outsource. The reasons of outsourcing are a key determinant in deciding to outsource import logistics. The extent of challenges the importers face when importing services also determined the decision to outsource in the firms.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the manufacturing firms should put more focus on core business functions and ensure reduction of overhead costs. They should take advantage of external expertise and experience and put measures to improve internal capabilities and expertise. The firms should reduce the total overall costs and where third party logistics providers provide a better service contract them. They should also emphasize on improved customer focus put measures to enable them compete effectively in the market.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-515
Author(s):  
Zafer Adiguzel ◽  
Fatma Sonmez Cakir

Objective of the Study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between the variables of diversity management, charismatic leadership, innovation speed, innovation performance, and company performance.Methodology/Approach: A survey study was conducted with 427 employees (both technicians and engineers) working at companies that operated in the manufacturing industry in the scope of the research purpose. SPSS 25 and SPSS AMOS programs were used incrementally, and the acquired data were evaluated and analyzed.Originality/Relevance: In this research, white-collar workers constituted our sampling group because they play a key role in product innovation. While gathering the analysis data, the first 500 companies registered in Istanbul Chamber of Industry were determined, and manufacturing companies operating in Istanbul constituted the main part of the study.Main Results: As a result of the analysis, it is understood that diversity management and charismatic leadership have a positive influence on innovation and performance.Theoretical/Methodological Contribution: In terms of innovation and company performance, the study revealed the mediation effect of charismatic leadership linked to diversity management.Social/management contributions: In order for organizations to carry out creative and innovative activities, it is very important to effectively manage different ideas and thoughts within organizations. In fact, charismatic leadership positively affects employees, helping them to perform better. Therefore, employees must be actively involved in order to successfully carry out innovation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-28
Author(s):  
Fatuma Rajab ◽  
Patrick Ngugi ◽  
David Kiarie

Purpose: The study sought to determine the influence of customer relationship management on performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya. Methodology: This study employed descriptive research design. The targeted population of this study was comprised of 499 manufacturing companies which are all located in Nairobi and its environs. In order to come up with a representative sample, stratified random sampling method was used since the population is heterogeneous. The stratified technique ensured that each sector in the target population has an equal chance of being selected. There were 217 respondents sampled from the 499 manufacturing firms out of 217,180 respondents returned the questionnaires for analysis. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires which were tested for validity and reliability using 10% of the total sample respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics and with the help of SPSS version 23 while qualitative data was analyzed descriptively. Linear and multiple regression models were used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. The information was presented using tables, charts, frequencies, percentages and graphs. Findings: The study established that there exists a positive influence of customer relations management on performance management of manufacturing firms in Kenya at 5% level of significant (β=0.595, P<0.05). This indicates that as customer relationship management increases to certain level then performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya also increases significantly and vice-versa Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the government of Kenya should create awareness of their policies through training of the key stakeholders for this organization. Customer relationship management requires to improve on quality production and lead time, manufacturing firms must also improve their customer relationship management. Since the quality of the products has not significantly improved for the last 5 years, more strategies must be put in place to incorporate technology which will aid to improve the quality and also maintain required lead time in these organizations. The study was guided by Social Exchange Theory which was beneficial in explaining the influence of customer relationship management and performance of manufacturing firms.


Author(s):  
Nasir Khan

To compete effectively in the global marketplace of the twenty-first century, manufacturing companies are trying to maintain a high level of flexibility and responsiveness to achieve agility and to remain competitive. Manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to improve productivity and quality while reducing costs. The new competition is in terms of reduced cost, improved quality products with higher performance, a wider range of products and better services all delivered simultaneously to enhance value to customers. In such environment providing good quality product at low cost for a medium scale industry has become very tough. To provide good quality product at low cost, small industries need a formulation of some manufacturing approaches like agile manufacturing to manufacture defect free products within their materials cost limit. Medium scale steel manufacturing industries like Magnum steel limited (MSL), banmore are facing problems of higher rejections in form of wastes so as to increase their cost. This paper aims to analyze the application of agile manufacturing in magnum steel limited in order to reduce wastages through implementing lean tools and techniques. An agility audit questionnaire is used for assessing the agility level of the company to identify the current level of performance within the company with respect to the key elements of agility. MSL’s agile experience is reported including a list of recommendation for improving its competitiveness to offer solution alternatives not only to the current problems but also to the ones that may be encountered in the future.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Anne Wanjiru Njoroge ◽  
Mr. Onserio Nyamwange

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges of import logistics outsourcing by manufacturing firms in Nairobi CountyMethodology: The research design of this study was a sample survey of the importers in the manufacturing industry as per the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The total population of the companies in the manufacturing industry in Nairobi was 455 manufacturing firms. Primary data was collected via self-administered questionnaires with both open ended and closed questions that were designed to elicit specific responses for qualitative and quantitative analysis respectively. The data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics.Results: The results indicated that the important reasons of outsourcing were satisfactory in explaining the decision by manufacturing companies to outsource. The reasons of outsourcing are a key determinant in deciding to outsource import logistics. The extent of challenges the importers face when importing services also determined the decision to outsource in the firms.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the manufacturing firms should put more focus on core business functions and ensure reduction of overhead costs. They should take advantage of external expertise and experience and put measures to improve internal capabilities and expertise. The firms should reduce the total overall costs and where third party logistics providers provide a better service contract them. They should also emphasize on improved customer focus put measures to enable them compete effectively in the market.


Author(s):  
Jesen Hardi ◽  
Deppy Supardi ◽  
Christopher Angelo ◽  
Nicko Farhan ◽  
Farrell CND ◽  
...  

The development technology is something that happens quickly and surely this is marked by the number of new manufacturing companies that are emerging and spreading throughout the world. In the manufacturing industry the most important thing that must always be maintained is production efficiency, but the majority of industries only pay attention to the efficiency aspects of their production activities without regard to the aspects of humans who work in the industry. Human resource scorecard (HRSC) is an appropriate measurement method in identifying and measuring the relationship between workers, strategy, and performance to produce a good company. This human resource performance measurement is looking at business units from four perspectives: financial perspective (F), the customer (C), internal business process (I), and learning and growth (L). Each perspective in HRSC weighted by Analytical Hierarchy process method and then calculated by Objective Matrix (OMAX) to identify which category needed an extra attention and need to be repaired. The end result of OMAX will be reviewed by management theory so the solution made in this analysis will produce the best end result that needed by the company. This measurement is very critical to the company because the competition between company is getting tougher nowadays. HRSC measurement was carried in PT OCM by describing the company’s vision and mission into human resource action whose contribution can be measured using AHP analysis in 4 perspectives: financial perspective with a weight of 0.396, customer perspective (employee) with a weight of 0.118, internal business perspective with a weight of 0.240, and growth and development perspective with a weight of 0.247 after that PT OCM use that measurement in OMAX method to determine what KPI needed extra attention and repairment, management based theory will be applied in that solution to give the best result.


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