Business Model Transformation and Business Process Reengineering in Information Technology Companies in Nigeria

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between business model transformation and business process reengineering of information technology companies in Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional research survey. The population of the study was the 4 major information technology companies that met the capitalization base condition as listed in Nigeria Stock Exchange. Questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection and the pilot survey was distributed to 50 respondents to help ascertain the possible response outcome on the long run if the entire respondents are examined. A Cronbach alpha of 0.7 was used to determine the level of reliability of the research instrument. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Results The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between business model transformation and business process reengineering of information technology companies in Nigeria. The study specifically found that there is a significant relationship between business model transformation and process formation in information technology companies in Nigeria. Also, the study found that there is a significant relationship between business model transformation and enhanced capabilities in information technology companies in Nigeria. Finally, the study found that that there is a significant relationship between business model transformation and efficiency improvements in information technology companies in Nigeria. Based on the study findings, the researchers conclude that domain transformation significantly relate with business process reengineering in information technology companies in Nigeria. Unique contribution: The study recommends that preference to expertise can be emphasized through the acknowledgement and appreciation of skill and creativity within the workplace in a manner that recognizes and encourages knowledge development and skill upgrades within the organization, thereby driving competence in the workforce of the organization.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: In the Kenyan banking industry, the banks have adopted several strategies aimed at improving their competitive position in a highly competitive market. In reference to the aforementioned the general objective, this study specifically sought to examine how strategic alliances impact financial returns among Nairobi-based commercial banks. The current study specifically examined how brand marketing alliances, agency alliances, innovation alliances and technology alliances affect bank performance. Methodology: This study was based on Transactional Cost, Control Power and Resource Based View theories. The study utilized descriptive research design, that targeted all 39 fully operational commercial banks in Nairobi. The unit of observation was the operations/ relationship manager and the finance manager across each commercial bank. The sample population consisted of 78 respondents. Census sampling was adopted to enhance representation of the respondents. Primary and secondary sources of data provided data which was then be analyzed in SPSS 23 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study employed means, standard deviation, correlation and regression methods of analysis, with results being presented using figures, tables and other infographics. Results: An 85% response rate was received. The correlation results showed a positive and significant effect of brand marketing, agency, innovation and technological alliances on banks’ profitability. The regression findings revealed that jointly brand marketing, agency, innovation and technological alliances predict 38.3% of shifts in profits generated by the banks. The study concluded that brand marketing alliances, agency alliances and technology alliances had a significant effect on profitability, while innovation alliances had an insignificant effect. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that banks should constantly review their agency banking to ensure they are aligned to their financial goals. Lastly, commercial banks should strive to spur their research and development which can help drive their technological innovations.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENTIATION STRATEGY ON PERFORMANCE OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA

Purpose: Consistent high performance being their main objective, insurance companies are currently concentrating on development of strategies for ensuring enhanced sustainability and success. Differentiation strategy has recently received unprecedented attention as it enhances the capability of firms to expand, exploit emerging opportunities, manage threats and ultimately gain sustainable competitive advantage in today’s highly dynamic market. In Kenya, the present operational set up of the insurance industry is a dynamic one characterized with intense competition due to the presence of numerous insurance organizations selling diverse products and services. Major challenges include similarities in insurance products, differences in product valuations, increased brokerage, poor products’ perception and low quality of services provided by insurance firms. This study sought to establish the influence of differentiation strategy on performance of the insurance companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the influence of strategy scope, products perception, value based services and market experience on insurance companies’ performance, with the ultimate goal of providing tangible solutions to exiting differentiation challenges in the industry and beyond. Methodology: Using semi-structured questionnaires, primary data was collected from 55 registered insurance companies in Kenya. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS software, and inferential statistics including regression, correlation and ANOVA analysis were applied to establish the association between the dependent and the independent variables. Findings: The study found out that over 85% of the insurance companies had adopted the differentiation strategy at different magnitudes, which enabled development of products and services offering more value and great market experience, and were since enjoying enhanced competitive advantage. Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the insurance companies should scale up their differentiation by applying strong research and development skills, strong services and products engineering skills, strong creativity skills, good cooperation with distribution channels and strong marketing skills for remarkable performance.

Core Assumptions and the Competitive Advantage among Commercial Banks in Kenya

Purpose: This paper sought to examine the effect of verification of core assumptions on the competitive advantage among commercial banks in Kenya. Methodology: The target population for the study were directors or managers in-charge of planning or strategy in each of the forty banks in the country. Primary data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was tested for both validity and reliability and was found to meet the required threshold. . Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Analysis was done with the assistance of SPSS computer packages. Findings: A response rate of 77.5% was achieved in the study and this was adequate for analysis. The study found that verification of core assumptions has a β =0.472 and a p-value of 0.000 which indicates that it has a significant effect on the ability of banks to sustain competitive advantage. The study therefore concluded that verification of core assumptions must be carried out continuously to track their validity on which the company’s strategies are grounded upon. Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study therefore recommends that banks should raise the level of use of competitive intelligence in monitoring the competitive landscape to enable early verification of core assumptions. The study further recommends that banks should continuously monitor the various core assumptions that were considered during strategy formulation to verify their validity to enable the bank rapidly change the strategy, should the core assumption on which it was grounded on be found to be no longer valid.

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

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.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANIZATION RESTRUCTURING ON PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED MEDIA FIRMS IN KENYA

Purpose: The current study sought to establish the influence of organization restructuring on performance of selected media firms in Kenya. The study specifically sought to establish the influence of cost restructuring, governance reformation, downsizing and processes centralization on performance of selected media firms in Kenya. Methodology: The theories that guided the study includes Transaction Cost Theory, Agency Theory, Social Exchange Theory and Planned Change Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study comprised of three media firms in Kenya (Nation Media Group, Royal Media Services and Standard Group Limited). A total of 340 employees in the managerial positions of the selected media firms were targeted in the study. The study adopted Yamane (1967) sampling formula in acquiring a sample of 183 respondents. The study used quantitative data that was collected from respondents using 5 point Likert scales questionnaire with closed ended questions. A pilot test was conducted prior data collection to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study findings were presented in form of tables and figures for easier interpretation. Findings: The study established that Cost Restructuring, Governance Reformation and Downsizing positively and significantly influences performances of media firms and that increase in one indicator increases the levels of performances. Process Centralization was found to positively influence performance levels of media firms but to insignificant levels. Unique Contribution to Theory Practice and Policy: The study provided recommendations to the media firms to enhance their cost restructuring practices since the practice bears positive influence on performance, to capitalize on reforming their respective governance since the practice bears positive influence on performance, to enhance downsizing activity since the practice bears positive influence on performance and to partly focus on enhancing centralization processes since the practice bears positive but insignificant influence on performance.

Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation System Components on the Performance of National Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs): A Case of Global Aim Uganda

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system components on the performance of National Non-Governmental Organizations (NNGOs) in Uganda: A case of Global Aim Uganda. The study focused on the i) influence of organizational structure on the performance of Global Aim Uganda (GAU), ii) influence of routine M&E on the performance of GAU and the influence of utilization of M&E information on the performance of GAU. Methodology: The study used a cross sectional study design employing both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The population of the study consisted of the staff of Global Aim Uganda, implementing partners and project beneficiaries to which stratified random sampling was applied. 164 respondents (100% response rate) were reached for the survey and 15 respondents out of 17 (88.23% response rate) were reached for interviews. Qualitative data were collected using interview guides analyzed using content analysis and presented as text in normative form. Quantitative data was collected using researcher administered questionnaires. Responses were rated on a 5-Likert scale and were coded, cleaned and analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistic using SPSS software (version 20.0) presented in tables. Findings: Correlational analysis showed a significant and positive correlation between performance of Global Aim Uganda and organizational structure (r=.244**, p=.002, <0.05), routine M&E (r=.403**, p=.000, <0.01) and utilization of M&E information (r=.526**, p=.000, <0.01). Results from regression analysis revealed a non-significant and negative influence of organizational structure (β= -.013, p=.873, >0.05) on performance. While, there is a positive and significant influence of routine M&E (β=.199, p=.001, <0.05) and utilization of M&E information (β=.327, p=.000, <0.05) on the performance. The coefficient of determination (r2) between predictor variables and performance of Global Aim Uganda is 0.322 (32.2%). Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is need to strengthen the M&E system components. These can be done through improved internal reporting, broadening the functions of the M&E unit, incorporating aspects of M&E in staff roles and responsibilities, conducting project specific baseline surveys, starting to conduct project evaluations and increasing the utilization of M&E information in decision making. Further study should focus on the M&E capacity of the organization.

INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ON PERFORMANCE OF PROJECTS AMONG STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of public private partnerships on performance of projects among state corporations in Kenya with an aim of making recommendations to other institutions. Methodology: The researcher reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature and proposed to use the research methodology that addressed the gaps identified in literature as well as answer the stipulated research questions. This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The study prefers this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. The study employed stratified random sampling technique in coming up with a sample size of 127 respondents from a total of 187 target population. Structured and semi structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data gathered from the questionnaires administered was analyzed by the help of Ms Excel and SPSS version 22, while output was presented inform of frequency tables and charts. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to show the relationship between variables Results and conclusion: The response rate of the study was 87%.The coefficient of determination also called the R2 was 0.634. R2 value of 0.634 means that 63.4% of the corresponding variation in performance of commercial building projects registered by National Construction Authority in Kenya can be explained or predicted by (information technology adoption, strategic partnerships, customer experience management, team management) which indicated that the model fitted the study data.The findings of the study indicated that information technology adoption, strategic partnerships, customer experience management and team management have a positive relationship with performance of commercial building projects registered by National Construction Authority in Kenya.The findings of the study indicated that legal framework, stakeholder involvement, value for money and risk management have a positive relationship with performance of projects among state corporations in Kenya Policy recommendation: The study recommended that public institutions should embrace public private partnerships so as to improve performance of projects among state corporations and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

INFLUENCE OF COST LEADERSHIP STRATEGY ON PERFORMANCE OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN KENYA

Purpose: The study sought to determine the influence of cost leadership strategy on performance of the insurance companies in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed at establishing the influence of price of premiums, maturity period, market segment and nature of products. Methodology: The study adopted the descriptive research design method to ascertain and describe the characteristics of the variables. A sample size of 55 insurance companies was reached, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software, from which appropriate findings were presented. Findings: The study findings showed that the cost leadership strategy was largely applied in the insurance companies in Kenya, and most of them have realized great performance. Nonetheless, the study found that most insurance companies’ distribution channels for products are moderately entrenched and hence firms may not have been perfectly efficient in reducing associated costs. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that insurance firms should devote more resources to execution of cost leadership programs, adoption of effective premium pricing, and enhanced use of proprietary technology in enhancing the products’ quality. The study as well recommends that insurance forms should come up with effective strategies that will help them to gain a large market segment in Kenya in order to enhance their performance, as this will effectively help them in overcoming competition in their industry.

INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES ON PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS REGISTERED BY NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine influence of strategic management best practices on performance of commercial building projects registered by national construction authority in Nairobi City County, Kenya Methodology: A descriptive survey design was adopted by the study and a total of 289 commercial building projects registered by National Construction Authority in Nairobi City County was the target population, as shown in NCA (2020) directory. Using Kothari (2014) sample size formula, the study got 167 commercial building projects. This study used simple random sampling to get the firm. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The questionnaire was set in likert scale format to capture quantitative data. Data analysis entailed descriptive analysis such as means, frequency and percentages. Data was also analyzed through inferential analysis which entails correlation and regression. Statistical tests were conducted at five percent level of significance and the findings were presented through tables and figures. Results and conclusion: The coefficient of determination also called the R2 was 0.634. R2 value of 0.634 means that 63.4% of the corresponding variation in performance of commercial building projects registered by National Construction Authority in Kenya can be explained or predicted by (information technology adoption, strategic partnerships, customer experience management, team management) which indicated that the model fitted the study data.The findings of the study indicated that information technology adoption, strategic partnerships, customer experience management and team management have a positive relationship with performance of commercial building projects registered by National Construction Authority in Kenya. Policy recommendation:the study recommends that companies should embrace strategic management best practices so as to improve performance and further researches should to be carried out in other institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.