TEACHER EFFECTS ON HIGH SCHOOLACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT SCORES: A CASE STUDY OF BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA

ABSTRACT This study sought to analyze teacher effects on high school academic achievement scores in Busia County, Kenya. The study was based on the education production function theory. A descriptive survey research design was employed. A sample of 236 teachers and 755 students was used. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect data and test re-test was used to ascertain reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics namely; percentages, frequencies, mean, and standard deviations were used to carry out preliminary data analysis. Inferential statistics specifically correlation and regression coefficients were then used to test hypotheses. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to model effect of selected teacher variables on school academic achievement scores. Findings of the study were presented in tables and figures. Findings of the study suggested that the number of teachers, teacher commitment and teachers covering missed lessons had statistically significant effects on school academic achievement scores. Key words: Teacher Variables, Academic Achievement Scores, Kenya

INFLUENCE OF LIQUIDITY ON FIRM PROFITABILITY, A CASE OF INVESTMENT FIRMS LISTED IN NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE (NSE), KENYA

ABSTRACT Liquidity and firm profitability are the critical indicators of the performance of firms in any given sector. Liquidity ratios such as current ratio, cash ratio and quick acid test ratio are used to measure the ability of a firm and meet its short-term maturing obligations. Margin of safety is determined by the level of the ratio. Profitability ratio are concerned with the relative profit and efficiency of utilization of service resources of a business. This study was guided by three specific objectives; the correlation between the current ratio and profitability of investment firms listed in (NSE),Kenya, the correlation between the quick acid test ratio and profitability of investment firms listed in (NSE),Kenya and the correlation between the cash ratio on profitability of investment firm listed in NSE Kenya .Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Investment (ROI) were used as measures of the performance of listed investment firms in (NSE),Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study consisted all the investment firms listed in (NSE).The sampling technique was non-probability sampling technique for the all the investment firms listed in (NSE).The secondary data in the form of the annual reports and Accounts for the years 2014-2018 were be used. Simple correlation analysis was used to test the hypothesis at 10% level of significance. Analysis of data was tabulated and presented using frequency tables' percentages and explanations. A multi linear regression model was used to establish the relationship between independent and Dependent variables. The overall findings of the study indicated that: There is no significant positive correlation .between cash ratio and profitability; there was no definite significant correlation between acid-test ratio and profitability; there was a significant positive correlation between current ratio and profitability. The researcher recommends that corporate entities should not pursue extreme liquidity policies at the expense of their profitability, that is, they should strike a balance between Liquidity and profitability. Key Words: Liquidity, Profitability, Performance, Margin of Safety, ROA, ROI

SURVEY ON STUDENTS' PERCEPTION ON UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIVENESS TO ADDRESSING THEIR CONCERNS

Students' experience in institutions of higher learning can be a factor of make or break for the institution. Good students' experience is a great marketer of the institution through referrals of word of mouth by alumni and bad experiences can be great de-marketer. It is important that the universities strive to deliberately improve on students' experience. Research indicates that great students' experience in universities promotes peaceful co-existence, enhances academic performance and minimize disruption to teaching and learning. Enhanced students experience is directly proportional to good handling of students' complaints as they may come up from time to time. The study was guided by the following objectives: What are the major students concerns in the universities in Kenya? Is the University leadership aware of the students concerns? How does the University leadership address the major students concerns? A survey was conducted, data was randomly collected using digital google forms questionnaires. A total of 167 respondents participated in the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. Quantitative data was analyzed directly using the google forms application as responses were received. Qualitative data was analyzed by creating themes and developing a narration. Results show that the major students concerns are: Stressful/traumatic experiences, academic issues and social issues. The findings also reveal that the university leadership is aware of the concern however there are serious lapses in addressing students' concerns. The lapses are systemic, policy related, legislative, leadership, governance resulting to unsatisfying or no responses. The study recommends that there is need for timely feedback by University leadership on the key students concerns. Further there is need for a structured platform of feedback that is interactive and friendly. These include but not limited to dialogue; constant monitoring of student needs in order to improve the general students' experience in universities.

BUSINESS PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR IN KENYA

ABSTRACT This study sought to establish Business Process Reengineering (BPR) strategies used by telecommunication companies in Kenya to enhance their service delivery to gain competitive advantage, and to explore the influence of BPR strategies in the telecommunication companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on the following theories, Resource-Based, the Open Systems and Stakeholder. The study used a descriptive cross sectional research design targeting thirty five telecommunication firms in Kenya. Data was collected through structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that most of Telecommunication companies have used various BPR strategies such as Teleconferencing technologies, computerized performance measurement and reporting system, shared Information Technology infrastructure and computerized procurement system. Findings show that after BPR implementation the telecommunications firms were able to increase efficiency of customer service, quality of products and workforce, elimination of non-value adding process, reduction in inspection time, moving time and waiting/queuing time. The study recommends that Telecommunication companies should fully automate their operations besides replacing obsolete technology equipment with modern ones. BPR efforts should be implemented in the most effective manner through sound management and leadership; this is because top management commitment, support, championship, sponsorship, and effective management of risks are the most noticeable managerial practices that seem to directly influence the success of BPR execution. The study recommends that most companies should be cautious when re-engineering in order to avoid downsizing without figuring out how to reduce the workload. Key words: Business Process Reengineering, Telecommunication companies, management support, employee commitment, ITinfrastructure.

ASSESSMENT OF UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION PRACTICES IN KENYA: SETTING, MODERATION AND MARKING

Examinations play a critical component of the education system. This study sought to assess the University examination practices in Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to establish the procedures involved in setting University examinations in Kenya, to assess the procedures on marking University examinations in Kenya and to establish the procedures on moderation of University examinations in Kenya. The study targeted all the 74 chartered Universities in Kenya. Stratified sampling was adopted. The sample was made up 10 Universities comprising of 5 Public Universities and 5 Private Universities. Findings of the study revealed that majority of Universities in Kenya administered sit in examinations set and marked by course lecturers who had not been trained to perform such activities. It was concluded that there was need to reform University examination policies and guidelines in Kenya. The study recommended that Universities should embrace online examinations and other contemporary examination practices such as screen marking. Keywords: Practices, Examinations, Assessments, University, Kenya

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT EFFICIENCY AND COMPETTIIVENESS OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED GOODS BY AUTOSTERILE EAST AFRICA, KENYA

Absrtact This study investigated the influence of business environment efficiency on competitiveness of locally manufactured goods by Autosterile East Africa, Kenya. This study used case study design. This study sampled 69 respondents, including 8 top level employees, 22 middle level employees and 39 lower level employees in Autosterile East Africa. Census sampling was used to select the respondents. Secondary data was obtained from the Autosterile East Africa publications that touches on determinants of competitiveness. Questionnaires used in the survey formed the primary data and was analyzed by use of Statistical Packages for Social Science version 23. Linear regression analysis was done to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study findings led to the conclusion that business environment efficiency have a positive relationship with competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. The findings revealed that business environment efficiency is significant determinant of competitiveness of locally manufactured goods. It was found out that the demand for goods and services and political stability influences competition of goods and services. The regulations dictate the competition among companies and supply of goods and services controls a firm's competitive advantage. Keywords: Business environment efficiency, competitiveness, Locally manufactured goods, Autosterile East Africa.

PRODUCT INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE OF LARGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN KENYA: A CASE OF BAMBURI CEMENT LIMITED (LAFARGE HOLCIM)

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.

PORTER'S GENERIC STRATEGIES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANIES: A CASE STUDY OF VIVO ENERGY, NAIROBI, KENYA

ABSTRACT The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of Porter's generic strategies and firm performance in petroleum marketing companies using Vivo Energy Limited as a case study. The business environment in emerging economies has witnessed intense competition among firms. Petroleum marketing companies in Kenya have had to face such conditions in a competitive environment prompting the firms to develop strategies that match their capabilities to market demands. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine how leadership cost strategy and; focus strategy affect the firm performance of Vivo Energy Limited. The study was premised on the; resource-based view, competitive advantage and contingency theories. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 237 employees at Vivo Energy Limited. Stratified proportion sampling was used to obtain a sample of 108 respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the relationship between the study variables. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was checked to reveal the overall model significance. The study established that there was a positive relationship between the cost leadership strategy and firm performance. Analysis also revealed that focus strategy had a substantial positive correlation, establishing that focus strategy and firm performance are fundamentally related, and that the variation in firm performance can be explained by a unit change in focus strategy. The study recommended that the management of Vivo Energy Limited should adopt cost leadership strategy that is focused on gaining competitive advantage byselling their products at average prices to earn higher profits than competitors in the sector or below the average industry prices to gain market share. It also recommends that Vivo Energy should consider employing focus strategies that are concentrated on narrow segment aimed at achieving cost advantage or differentiation. Keyword: Cost leadership, Firm Performance, Focus strategy, Generic Strategies

SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE AGRIBUSINESS INDUSTRY IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF AMIRAN (K) LIMITED

ABSTRACT Globally, firms in the agribusiness supply chain have found it increasingly difficult to satisfy customers due to their ever changing demands. Firms must be quick in responding to market demands since customer requirements and market conditions keep on changing. The study examined the effect of inventory management and assessed the effect of collaborative relationships on organizational performance in Amiran (K) Limited. Descriptive research design was used and a census was done involving all the workers in the five departments of Amiran (K) Limited. Both quantitative and qualitative data was gathered and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative procedures. The study found that the organization has adopted inventory management techniques to improve efficiency and the overall performance. The study established that the organization is keen on collaborative relationships with suppliers and is open to sharing information with partners. The findings revealed that inventory management plays a significant role in enabling the organization to enjoy competitiveness and achieve operations efficiency. The study found that collaborative relationships helps the suppliers improve products quality and there is willingness of collaboration in strategic decision making. The study concluded that inventory management has enabled the organization to put in place proper material handling processes and there is a significant influence of collaborative relationships and organization performance. The study recommends that Agribusiness firms should come up with policy frameworks to facilitate the inventory management techniques implementation. Managers should also give special attention to information sharing through collaborative relationships in order to improve organizational performance. Keywords: Agribusiness, Market Demands, Organizational Performance, Supply Chain.

Influence of strategic planning and organizational resources on financial performance of state corporations: A case of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO)

Influence of strategic planning and organizational resources on the financial performance of state corporations. The study aimed to establish the influence of strategic planning and organizational resources on the financial performance of state corporations a case study of KETRACO with specific objectives being to examine how strategic planning and organization resources affect financial performance. The findings will be used as a reference point to other researchers in the same field. The study findings will be beneficial to the foundation of future studies and provided a critical examination and the knowledge generated by this study will enable scholars to improve and develop a better understanding of the subject. The study was anchored on adaptive leadership theory and reinforced by trait leadership theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of 385 respondents. Stratified proportion sampling was used to select 121 respondents. Questionnaires were used for data collection, and a pilot study was conducted on the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study established a strong positive relationship between strategic planning and financial performance (r= 0.548, p=0.000), and that strategic planning significantly influences financial performance. The regression analysis revealed a relationship R = 0.302 which showed a significant correlation and revealed that organization resources and financial performance are significantly connected, the study established a strong positive relationship between the organization resources and financial performance (r= 0.302, p=0.004). The study concludes that strategic planning statistically and significantly affects financial performance and that there is a positive relation between organization resources and the variations in financial performance can be explained by other study variables. The study recommends that KETRACO management should develop and formulate guidelines, governing structure, and strategic plans for effective implementation of organizational goals and objectives. Keywords: Financial Performance, Strategic Planning, Organization Resources, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited, State Corporations in Kenya.