BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ON SUPPLY CHAIN RESPONSIVENESS AND AGILE PERFORMANCE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

Purpose: This study examine how BIS implementation affects the agile efficiency of the supply chain with the logistics industry's supply chain responsiveness. As a variable for assessing the relationship and effect on agile efficiency, business intelligence competence (managerial competence, technological competence and cultural competence) and supply chain responsiveness will be investigated. Methodology: A survey questionnaire comprised of 39 questions using the purposive method of sampling used to select the target group and replied to the survey with the outcome of a total of 50 respondents, via SPSS, the data was further analysed to examine the relationship between all variables. Findings: The study finds that (1) business intelligence competence has a significant positive impact on the response to the supply chain, (2) business intelligence competence has a significant positive impact on the supply chain's agile performance, (3) responsiveness to the supply chain has a significant positive impact on agile performance. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study contributes to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the business operation of the 3PL service provider, government customs and port department.

EFFECT OF GREEN PRODUCT DESIGN AND INSTITUTIONAL PRESSURES ON MANUFACTURING FIRMS PERFORMANCES IN MALAYSIA : IMPLEMENTATION OF REVERSE LOGISTICS PRODUCTS

Purpose: This study is to explore the empirical analysis of green product design and institutional pressures on firm’s performances by employing from ISO14001 certified electrical and electronic manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Methodology: The study has collected the data from the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) manufacturing firms in Malaysia certified with ISO 14001 through online survey questionnaire from the FMM-MATRADE Industry Directory for Electrical and Electronics 2019/2020, the sampling frame is 177 companies and a sample size of 122 with 89 return response using convenient sampling. Findings: The results indicated that design for disassembly is necessary to produce valuable inventories from every product except of disposal whereas design for environment has slight influence on repair and disposal activities. As the evidence show that green product design, institutional pressure and reverse logistics product are inter-related, firms ought to undertake environmentally proactive approaches to generate benefits for the firm’s overall performances. Conclusion: The study concludes that the green product design, government, customers and competitors have statistically significant positive influences on reverse logistics towards firms’ performances. Recommendation: Future study should consider the inclusion of non-ISO14001 certified E&E manufacturing companies to expand the sampling frame to obtain greater generalizability of findings. Additionally, future studies ought to investigate the effect of other predictors such as liberalized return policy Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Since manager’s decisions and interactions take place within a social network that is affected by stakeholders, a theoretical perspective that accounts for the impact of the social climate, rather than simply the economic, rational perspective alone, is more encompassing and may better explain organizations’ behaviors.

EFFECTS OF ECOLOGICAL DESIGN SYSTEMS ON SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION OF TEA FACTORIES IN NANDI COUNTY

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ecological design systems on sustainable environmental conservation of tea factories in Nandi County. The study was guided by transaction economic cost theory. Methodology: The study used explanatory research design to help in exploring research questions with varying levels of depth. A semi-structured questionnaire with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a five-point scale was used to collect primary data. A pilot study was conducted in Eldoret Kiptagich tea wholesalers to test the validity of research instrument, Cronbach’s alpha formular was used to test reliability. The analysis technique included both descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, percentages & frequencies) and inferential which included multiple regression analysis conducted at 95% confidence level with significance levels of 0.05. Data has been presented in tabular format. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that ecological design practices had positive and significant influence on sustainable environmental conservation of tea factories in Nandi county (β =0.113; p<0.05). The study concluded that ecological design, reverse logistics, green production and green procurement are the predictors of sustainable environmental conservation of tea factories in Nandi county. The study recommends that more participation of national government on implementation of sustainable environmental conservation is necessary to ensure that the future generation is well taken care of by ensuring the four-bottom line of sustainable supply chain are practiced. The study also recommends tea processing firms and other manufacturing firms adopt GSCM practices in their supply chain operations. The study suggests that further studies should be conducted in processing firms other than tea processing firms. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Further studies can be conducted to relate GSCM with individual aspects of performance such as Economic, Environmental and Social and future other replica studies can be done on the areas of ecological design on sustainable performance.

EFFECT OF THE SUPPLIER SELECTION ON SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF NANDI

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplier selection on the supply chain efficiencies in the county Government of Nandi. The study was guided by the following theories: transaction cost theory and the contingency theory. The study employed an explanatory survey which was cross-sectional in time dimension. Methodology: A proportionate stratified random sampling based on departmental section was utilized. The primary data collection procedure involved a survey where a self–administered questionnaire was used. With reference to content validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by a panel of experts before pilot testing was done. Once the data was cleaned, sorted and entered, it was analysed through the use of descriptive analysis (frequency distribution, means, standard deviation) with the data being presented in tabular and pictorial format. The inferential statistics (multiple regression), will be conducted at 95 per cent confidence level with significance levels of 0.05. The results were displayed using tables. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that supplier selection practices had positive and significant influence on supply chain efficiency, Kenya (β =0.114; p<0.05. The concluded that supplier selection is the predictor of supply chain efficiency of county government of Nandi. The study recommended that the county government of Nandi other organizations at large should show more commitment in SRM by having systems to monitor and appraise and evaluate performance at a strategic level. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study could be replicated in other industry sectors of the economy to build on the body of knowledge of supplier selection on performance of organizations.

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND PERFORMANCE OF FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURERS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between logistics management systems and supply chain performance of fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers in, Kenya Methodology: The study used descriptive research design was The study targeted the operations managers of the 51 FMCG manufacturers located in Nairobi. The sample size was 51 respondents who were selected using the census method. Questionnaires were used for data collection. For comprehension, logic and relevance, 5 respondents were used in pre-testing the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze quantitative data. In order to test the significance of the effect of the predictor variables on response variables, the study used multiple linear regressions. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and presentation of the findings done using figures, tables and charts. Results: The study found that warehouse management systems positively and significantly influences Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya; inventory management systems positively and significantly influences Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya; transportation management systems positively and significantly influence Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya; clearing and forwarding management systems have positive significant relationship with Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya; and information technology has a positive significant influence on the relationship between logistics management systems and supply chain performance of FMCG manufacturers in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends management of the company to ensure they remain informed on the changes in the market to ensure that their warehouse management system is up-to-date and therefore avoid process redundancy and inaccurate inventories. There is a need to use strategic approach in practices of managing logistics by embracing modernized technology and training of employees on the use of the same. Companies should automate their scheduling process this will lead to fewer interventions by the management and therefore lowering any chances of delays. It is also important for the government to ensure that there are clear regulations by custom department and ensure that the employees in this department are well knowledgeable of their task and are well organized and motivated to conduct their duties.

INFLUENCE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT ON PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA

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.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STAFF COMPETENCY AND IMPLEMENTATION LEVEL OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN THE DEVOLVED GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between staff competency and implementation level of public procurement regulatory framework in the devolved governments in Kenya. Methodology: The study used descriptive design. The population targeted was 47 devolved governments in Kenya. The study adopted census because of the small size of the population. A structured questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The study also undertook a pilot test on the instrument’s reliability and validity in the 3 counties; Nyamira, Kisii, Homa-Bay Counties where nine (9) respondents were engaged in the pilot study. Cronbach’s co-efficient Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to measure the reliability and validity respectively. The data was cleaned and coded then entered into SPSS 25 to be analyzed. The use of descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis was considered. Study engaged the key informers from the 44 county Governments who positively responded hence achieving 100% response rate. The statistical tests were also done in the study. Presentation of data was in form of charts and tables as deemed appropriate. The study also used ANOVA to analyze the degree of relationship between the variables in the study. Results: The findings of the study indicate that there was a positive significant relationship between Procurement Staff Competency and implementation level of public procurement regulatory framework in the devolved governments in Kenya. The findings were found to be significant as the p-value of 0.00000 which was less than 0.05. This means that Procurement Staff Competency significantly affects positively Implementation level of public procurement regulatory framework in the devolved governments in Kenya. The findings therefore, implied that procurement staff competency was an important factor in determining the level of implementation of public procurement regulatory framework in the devolved governments in Kenya Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended the adoption of procurement staff competency as a way of improving the implementation level of public procurement regulatory. The study therefore, recommended that the county government to heavily invest on procurement staff capacity building as an important factor in improving the level of implementation of public procurement regulatory framework in devolved governments in Kenya. Since some staff members lacked technical skills beyond secondary education, the study recommended that the county governments need to identify, support and organize in-service training for the procurement staff officers to improve on their knowledge and skills capacity. The study found out that Competency theory model was applicable in the study and can provide more knowledge to future researchers and scholars.

EFFECT OF WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE OF FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURERS IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of warehouse management systems on supply chain performance of fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers in Kenya Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. The unit of observation was the operations manager of the 51 FMCG manufacturers located in Nairobi. The sampling frame of the current study consisted of operations managers in the manufacturers of the FMCGs in Nairobi. The study used the census method to select 51 manufacturers of the FMCGs in Nairobi, thus the sample of the study was 51 respondents. Primary data was used in the study. The study used questionnaires to collect data. Mixed methods technique of analyzing data was used where both descriptive and inferential analysis were used. The data collected from the field was analyzed using SPSS 23 program. The questionnaires were referenced and the items in them coded for easier data entry. The presentation of the findings was done using tables. Results: The study found that warehouse management systems positively and significantly influences Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya. The study found that the respondents were in agreement that warehouse management system helps to reduce picking errors; warehouse management system facilities the maximum use of storage space; warehouse management system helps to optimize stock control; warehouse management system improves work productivity; and that warehouse management system guide workers through risk assessments and flag up warehouse safety requirements. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that when warehouse management systems are improved, supply chain performance of the company improves as well. The study recommends management of the company to ensure they remain informed on the changes in the market to ensure that their warehouse management system is up-to-date and therefore avoid process redundancy and inaccurate inventories. There is a need to use strategic approach in practices of managing logistics by embracing modernized technology and training of employees on the use of the same.

INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC E-PROCUREMENT PRACTICE ON PERFORMANCE OF DEVOLVED SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of strategic e-procurement practice on performance of Devolved systems of government in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population was all the 47 devolved systems of government. The sample size was the 10 counties namely; Garissa, Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, Marsabit, Murang’a, Bomet, Nairobi, Kiambu and Homa Bay specifically employees working under finance and procurement department. The study adopted stratified random sampling to pick 186 respondents from finance and procurement department. Data was collected by using questionnaires Descriptive and inferential statistics was used aided by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 24 to compute percentages of respondents’ answers. Hypothesis testing was carried using multiple regression analysis and standard F tests. The results were presented using tables. Results: The study findings revealed that Strategic e-procurement practice explained 49.6% of the total variations in performance of devolved systems of government in Kenya. Further, results indicate that the overall model was statistically significant as supported by a p value of 0.000. This was supported by an F statistic of (F=155.245, p<0.05) and the reported p value (0.000) which was less than the conventional probability of 0.05 significance level. The standardized regression coefficient for Strategic E-procurement was 0.704. This indicates that a unit increase in the Strategic E-procurement would result in 70.4% increase in the performance of Devolved systems of government in Kenya this implied that there is a strong positive relationship between Strategic E-procurement and performance of Devolved systems of government in Kenya . Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Based on the findings, the study recommends that devolved systems of government should adopted e-procurement system and automate all procurement operation procedures to enhance smooth work flow and hence improve efficiency the study further recommends that Devolved systems of government should adopt e-procurement for various uses such as in the standardization of services for representation in the catalog, sourcing goods and services globally, as way of reducing costs in areas such tendering processes, payment and contract management. But management should be aware and cautious that e-procurement is capital intensive in terms of acquisition and laying down the required infrastructure and highly perishable. Thus the study recommends that strategic e-procurement practice should be implemented within the legal framework of public procurement acts and regulations because it moderate has positive correlation with the performance of Devolved systems of government in Kenya. The findings are in harmony with technology acceptance model which suggest that emerging technologies cannot improve organizational effectiveness and performance if the change has not been accepted by the users. Therefore first it’s crucial for the users to accept the new technology (e-procurement) so as to reduce administrative costs, possible broadening of suppliers’ base, and easy access to preferred goods. In conclusion technology acceptance model can be used by future scholars.

ADOPTION OF SUPPLY CHAIN DRIVERS ON SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUNDED PROJECTS IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF BUNGOMA

Purpose: The focus of the study was to analyze the influence of supply chain drivers on performance of National Government Constituency Development funded projects in Bungoma County. Methodology: Based on pragmatic worldview the study employed descriptive research design. The target population of the study consisted of five prequalified accredited service providers’ contractors in Bungoma County with a total composition of 293 staff from which a sample size of 169 was drawn from the entire population.The data collection tool was the questionnaire which was subjected to pre testing through piloting before actual data collection. The data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of SPSS tool and presented by use of tables. Correlation analysis was performed to establish the relationship between variables and multiple regressions to determine the cause effect of the variables. Findings: Result of multiple regressions revealed that supply chain drivers jointly and independently influence performance of NGCDF funded projects in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study findings showed that all study variables (ICT β=0.136, p<0.05, material management β=0.140, p<0.05, supplier selection β=0.317, p<0.05 and contract β=0.280, p<0.05 were significant to performance of NGCDF funded projects in Bungoma county. Therefore the study concluded that supply chain practices of ICT, material flow, supplier selection and contractual capacity affects the performance of funded projects. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the county government management in Kenya need to invest in constant training of their employees on effective supply chain practices to enhance their performance and appropriate measures put in place that ensure that potential risks regarding contract management and detected in advance and mitigated to enhance operational performance.