EFFECT OF THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRATEGIC TRANSPORT INTEGRATION AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY OF MATATU SACCOS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of the regulatory environment on the relationship between strategic transport integration and sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: The study was guided by Positivism philosophy while descriptive research design was adopted. The target population was 177 Sacco Managers and two representatives, one from MOT and other from MVOA respectively. The whole population of 179 respondents was used in the study hence; the study employed the census approach. The questionnaire was pilot tested on 18 respondents who were selected randomly. The study applied Cronbach's alpha and the results displayed a high level of internal consistency hence infers that the research tool used in the study was reliable. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire, which were dropped and picked later. A semi-structured interview guide was also used. Data was analysed using descriptive and SPSS Version 24. Results: The findings indicate that there exists a statistically significant, positive effect of strategic integration on sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya. The R square in the moderated models changed from 71.3% to 80.9% indicating 9.6% increase in variation as a result of the regulatory environment moderating effect. Further, the increase was statistically significant; this implies that regulatory environment does significantly moderate the effect of strategic integration and sustainable mobility of Matatu Saccos in Nairobi County, Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that both the Ministry of Transport and Sacco management develop a punitive measure to curb corruption. The other recommendation is that they should also develop regulatory policies to ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected to confirm their minimum road worthiness to increase safety and increase passenger comfort. This will also promote green environment that will reduce the health hazards of vehicle emission. Additionally, the policy can enhance traffic discipline which is poorly enforced. and also provide basic statistics on transport system.

THE IMPACT OF MOBILE BANKING APPLICATION ON CLIENT INTERACTION WITH YEMEN BANKS

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyse the impact of a mobile banking application on client interactions with banks in Yemen. Methodology: Data were collected using structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlation values were used to report the results. This paper coverers the barriers and the factors that might affect badly on the performance of the mobile banking services in the Yemen banks industry. Findings: The findings of this study show that the traditional method of banks is changing; the entire system of banks has been changed from the traditional old way to the advanced way, and The traditional way is a paper-based banking provider while the new way is to use the technology as a method to enhance the performance of the banks such as the usage of mobile banking. In addition, the result of this paper is that there is a link between the user stratification and supportive access factor, and they are related to mobile banking. However, recently mobile banking is being adopted scientifically in recent years as most of the systems are become computerized and mobile phones are being in the market more than computers. Although, the emerging new technology to the banks' services market is exposed to barriers to the adoption of mobile banking services. The results of this current study will provide insights into the factors that affect the successful uptake of mobile banking services among clients of Yemeni banks.

THE MODERATING EFFECT OF AGE ON FIRM’S INTERNAL DETERMINANTS OF TRADE CREDIT OF LISTED FIRMS IN KENYA

Purpose: Trade credit is one of the main sources of funding for global companies. The importance of trade credit can also be seen from the proportion of investment that is financed through it. Despite the potential importance of trade credit, limited attention has been paid to its role and use, especially in developing countries. The main aim of the study was to establish the determinants of trade credit and moderating role of the age of the firms listed in Nairobi securities exchange. Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory research design which was guided by both the transaction cost and the credit substitution theories. The study was based in firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange for the period 2012 to 2013 and used document analysis to collect secondary data from the company’s annual report. Data were analysed through the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics methods. Results: The study findings indicated that debt levels (β1 = 0.5422, ρ<0.05), liquidity (β3 = -0.0275, p < 0.05) and inventory (β4 = -0.0399, p < 0.05) have a significant effect on firm trade credit with an explanatory power of 56% (R2 = 0.5695, p< 0.05), while collateral (β2= -0.1363, ρ > 0.05) have an insignificant effect. On the other hand, firm age has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between determinants and trade credit. In particular, firm’s age has significant interaction effect on debt level (β6 = -2.3609, p < 0.05), the interaction effects on liquidity (β8 = -2.4649, p < 0.05). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Theory: Firms need to establish a well-defined trade-credit granting criteria to assess the creditworthiness of the buyers to avoid default risk or late payment by buyers. Firms should be cautious while pledging an asset as collateral since the bank has exclusive access to pertinent information. Also, firms should hold liquid assets to meet their financial obligations. There is also a need for firms to transform the raw material supplied into finished goods so that suppliers’ advantage in repossessing and selling supplied goods is reduced. The study also contributes to credit substitution theory by indicating the possibility of using internal equity or external debt financing that cannot be undervalued in the market.

Inventory Management and Financial Performance of Private Hospitals: A Positivist Evidence from Western Uganda

Purpose: This study set out to empirically examine the relationship between inventory management and private hospitals' financial performance in Western Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a positivist approach and a cross-sectional research design to collect data from 32 Private hospitals in Western Uganda. The study used a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data and simple linear regression for data analysis. Findings: Results revealed inventory management as a significant predictor of private hospitals' financial performance in Western Uganda. The study recommended that private hospitals adopt robust and scientific inventory management systems and models that aim to optimise stock levels and minimise costs if they are to achieve substantial financial performance. Contribution to Practice and Policy: The study has deep-rooted the urgent need for private hospitals to adopt more stringent inventory management systems that will ensure adequate stock levels, minimise costs and enhance superior financial performance. However, the study was positivistic, thus subject to methods bias that could have affected the results' validity.

Working Capital Management and Financial Performance of Private Hospitals in Western Uganda: The Mediating Effect of Competitive Advantage

Purpose: This study aimed at examining the mediating effect of competitive advantage in the relationship between working capital management (WCM) and the financial performance of private hospitals in Western Uganda. Methodology: The study adopted a positivist approach and a cross-sectional research design to collect data from 32 Private hospitals in Western Uganda. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from hospital administrators, accountants, storekeepers and pharmacists in private hospitals who were purposively selected. Hierarchical multiple regression was used for data analysis. Findings: Results indicate that competitive advantage is a significant mediator in the relationship between working capital management and private hospitals' financial performance in Western Uganda. Unique Contribution to practice and policy: The study has deep-rooted the urgent need for private hospitals to adopt more innovative strategies to attain a competitive edge and hence superior financial performance. However, the study was positivistic, thus subject to methods bias that could have affected the results' validity. Keywords: Working Capital Management, Competitive advantage, financial performance

A retrospective analysis of organizational change: A case study of Octaware Technologies

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to describe the change events as a case study in Octaware Technologies and analyze the change events utilizing the constructs of organizational development in order to get a better understanding of the change in an organization. Methodology: This study was conducted using a qualitative case study method to analyze the organizational change event in Octaware Technologies. Findings: The study revealed that the external environment of regulatory and economic change are the key drivers of organizational development in the company. The findings also highlighted that the organizational development of the company is demonstrated by its learning culture and outstanding management processes. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: The results of the study make two contributions to the literature. First, the author sheds light on the underlying change that leads to the improvement of the specific construct of organizational development. Second, the author presented an empirically validated model conceptualized from a theoretical framework of organizational development.

MICROFINANCE SERVICES AND THE GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE ENTERPRISES: EVIDENCE FROM THE COMMUNITY CREDIT COMPANY IN THE DOUALA MUNICIPALITY, CAMEROON

Purpose: This paper assesses the role of microfinance services on the growth of small and medium size enterprises in Douala, Cameroon. Methodology: The paper adopts a mixture of Survey Research and a causal research design. Data were collected mainly through likert scaling questionnaires administered effectively to 57 customers of CCC Plc selected at random. Multiple regression analysis and product moment correlation techniques were used with associated statistical tests (Pearsons, student- t, and ANOVA or F tests). Findings: Considering three business growth enhancing microfinance services: loans, savings and assistance, it was found that loans granted by MFI and Saving service are paramount for the likelihood of SMEs in Cameroon. The effects of saving and loans were positive and highly significant in contributing to the profitability as well as return on assets of the small enterprises. Assistance given by MFIs had positive relation but was not very significant as there are not actually put in place given that Most MFI are profit outfits. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Important recommendations emanated from the results. One of such proposal is that the cost and conditions of savings and lending by MFIs should be relaxed as an instrumental strategy to foster the growth of SMEs. Keywords: Microfinance services, growth of SMEs, regression analysis, Cameroon

CONTROL ENVIRONMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVES (SACCOs) IN MID-WESTERN UGANDA

Purpose: To establish the relationship between control environment and financial performance of SACCOs in Mid-Western Uganda.Methodology: A cross-sectional research design and positivist paradigm were used to collect data from 93 SACCOs in Mid-Western Uganda. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. Correlation and standard linear regression analyses were conducted.Findings: The study findings reveal a strong, positive and significant relationship between control environment and financial performance of SACCOs in Mid-Western Uganda.Unique contribution to practice and policy: This study emphasizes the need for top management to emphasize the importance of designing and implementing effective and efficient control environment. In addition, the government of Uganda needs to review its strategies that are geared at ensuring that SACCOs achieve sustainable financial performance

CORPORATE BOARD SIZE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANIES IN UGANDA

The purpose-The paper seeks to compare the corporate board size and the financial performance of private companies in Uganda.Methodology-The paper adopted a positivist paradigm besides a cross-sectional study design. Researchers gathered quantitative data from 394 companies in Western and Central Uganda. An open questionnaire was administered to board members and executives from companies. Pearson correlation and standard regression techniques were used for data analysis.Findings-A significant positive relationship between the performance of the firm and the board size among private companies was established from the findings.Unique Contribution to Practice and Policy-This study will provide a precise and direct understanding of the relationship between board size and performance.The practical implications-The study recommends that private companies should recruit large boards of directors due to their diversified skills and connections that increase firm value.Research limitations-The study falls short of examining the influence of other characteristics of the board, such as composition, and leadership structure, on financial performance but solely concentrates on the board size. Besides, it was cross-sectional and generalized all private companies without considering industry-specific factors that could have changed the results.Originality/value-This is the first study that focuses on exploring the comparison between the corporate board size and the financial performance of private companies in Uganda.

DIRECT INDIVIDUAL BASED PARTICIPATION AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NAIROBI CITY WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The main purpose of the research was to examine the level of service delivery at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company and how direct participation can be leveraged to foster the delivery of the company servicesMethodology: The research was premised on a descriptive research design with convenient random sampling being utilized. The research data was collected using a structured questionnaire with the collected data being analyzed using descriptive and correlational analysis.Findings: The findings confirmed a strong positive association between direct participation through; delegation of work duty, involvement in setting up work plans, participation in decision making, setting up of individual goals all contributed to positive increase in service delivery.Unique Contribution: The study offers invaluable insight into the service delivery of the state parastatal and highlights how personnel participation has been integral in enhancing the level of corporate service delivery