Vol 6 Issue 1 April 2018-September 2018

Abstract: Corporate communications, also known as Public Relations, (PR), has over the years grown into a progressively significant utility in business organisations. This article presents results of empirical study conducted on six Namibian business organisations. The paper used both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection. The main aim of the study was to determine the roles of public relations officials and the overall impact of corporate communications on the overall strategic planning process of an organisation.

Keywords:  Corporate communication, Education, Public relation, Business organisation and Strategic function.

Title: Corporate Communications as a Strategic Function in State Owned Enterprises: A case study of Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)

Author: Sitali Brian Lwendo, Viola Karungu Unengu, F. Kandjeo

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Under a project on Strengthening Innovations and Technology Dissemination for Sustainable Development in Cereals, Cocoa and Coffee Value Chains in Western and Eastern Africa implemented in Ghana, a baseline survey was conducted to provide an inventory of existing and potentially exploitable knowledge and technologies in the cocoa production value chain in the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. The aim was to improve cocoa production and strengthen human resource and knowledge exchange on best practices and procedures in sustainable cocoa production along the value chain. Two research methodologies were used, first, literature search on reports, journal articles and books was conducted to determine the range of technologies that had been reported and secondly, interactions with staff of MoFA, COCOBOD and CRIG, and research scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders in the cocoa production value chain to ascertain the scope of technology development and application in cocoa farming in   Goaso, Tepa, Maabang and Bechem cocoa areas. A stakeholder workshop was organized to validate the results obtained from the desk review and field interviews. Proven technological protocols identified by all stakeholders during the study to increase the productivity of the crop in Ghana were the use hybrid seeds, good husbandry practices, disease and pest control, harvesting and postharvest management. However, as a result of the prevailing economic, educational, socio-cultural, institutional and infrastructural constraints, many smallholder farmers in the rural communities were unable to take advantage of these novel technologies and innovations to increase cocoa production in the country.

Keywords: Innovation, proven technologies, inventory, dissemination, baseline survey.

Title: INVENTORY OF EXISTING AND EXPLOITABLE KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNOLOGIES ON COCOA IN GHANA

Author: Agyei-Ohemeng, J., Opare, P., Obeng-Ofori, D.

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Cash budgeting should ensure that organizational expenditures match planned cash flows. The study sought to examine the role of Cash budgeting in improving organizational performance of private business firms in Uganda. The study adopted a correlation, descriptive and analytical design, with both quantitative and qualitative approaches being used. Data was collected by use of questionnaires which was self administered. A sample of 115 was chosen, the findings indicated the correlation between cashing budgeting and organizational performance (r = .638) which showed a strong association between the two variables. In addition (Adjusted R Square = .402) indicated that cash budget in the institutions investigated influences about 40.2% of the entire organizational performance. The findings also indicate that cash budgeting stabilizes profitability levels, ensures that organizational expenditures are kept in line with planned cash flows, which also enhances the capacity to predict the likelihood of excess cash. The study recommended that business organizations should focus on profitability levels more than struggling to meet their financial obligations. Performing organizations should establish sound liquidity management practices and should endeavor to employ strategic plans in realizing organizational objectives.

Keywords: Cash Budgeting, Organizational Performance.

Title: Cash Budgeting and Organizational Performance of Private Firms in Uganda: A Case of Kabale District, Western Uganda

Author: Dr. Marus Eton, Fabian Mwosi, Dr. Patrick Benard Ogwel

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Commercial banks play a vital role in the allocation of capital resources and risk sharing of future flows in any given economy or country. However, the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya has been on the decline and this has raised concerns in all corners of the financial sector Monetary policy has a direct impact on the banking sector. The link between monetary policy and bank financial performance has gained prominence following the Great Financial Crisis. A number of studies have been conducted on monetary policy and financial performances of commercial banks in developed countries. Similarly, a few studies have been carried out on monetary policy and financial performances of commercial banks in Kenya. This study sought to examine the effect of monetary policy on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study made use of annual panel data while focusing on Commercial Banks in Kenya for the period 2012 to 2016. Causal research design was adopted where the study made use of panel data which was analysed within the framework of a panel regression model. The findings of the study show that Central Bank Base Rate has a negative and insignificant effect of financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Secondly, the findings of the study indicated a positive and significant effect on money supply on financial performance of commercial banks. Thirdly, the findings of the study provide evidence of a negative and significant effect of Cash Reserve Ratio on financial performance of commercial banks. Furthermore, the findings of the study show that inflation has a negative and insignificant effect on commercial banks in Kenya. Lastly, the findings of the study indicated a significant moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between monetary policy and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommends that the Central Bank of Kenya should study and incorporate the ever changing operating environment of commercial banks when making changes or adjustments in the money supply. In addition, the Central Bank of Kenya should be cautious when changing the cash reserve ratio especially when increasing the Cash Reserve Ratio as it increase leads to a decrease in the amount of cash available for commercial banks. Furthermore, the management of commercial banks should embark on activities that will lead to high assets volume. These activities include lower interest rate to attract borrowers and better customer relationship to retain customers.

Keywords: Monetary Policy, Central Bank Base Rate, Cash Reserve Ratio, Money Supply, Bank Size, Inflation, Financial Performance and Commercial Banks.

Title: MONETARY POLICY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA

Author: Gladys Mugure Kimani, Dr. Jeremiah Koori

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study aimed at assessing the effects of credit evaluation practices and profitability of Co-operative Bank in Kenya. The study population comprised of 94 staff from various management levels in the Bank. The study employed descriptive research design and employed a stratified proportionate sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires. The results of statistical analysis showed that credit evaluation practices positively affect profitability of Cooperative Bank, Kenya. The study recommends that creditors and lenders should use various tools in finance in order to evaluate credit the potential borrower credit worthiness. The bank should provide the lender information about various risk factors related to the loan applicant before providing the loan.

Keywords: Credit Evaluation Practices, Profitability.

Title: CREDIT EVALUATION PRACTICES AND PROFITABILITY OF COOPERATIVE BANK, KENYA

Author: George Abuta Abuga, Mr. Gerald Atheru

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of students in Masaba North Sub-County. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Target population was 32 secondary schools in Masaba North sub-county. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 11 secondary schools. Twelve form three students were sampled using class register from each of the 11 schools sampled.  Eleven principals and 11 guidance and counseling teachers from each sampled school were used as respondents. A total sample size of 154 respondents was used. The study used questionnaires and interview schedule to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program and presented using descriptive methods such as frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages and presented as tables and figures. The study concluded that drug and substance abuse among the students led to school drop outs, strained relationship with other students, lack of interest in studying, truancy, low concentration span and healthy problems such as anxiety, headaches, feeling sleepy and confusion  leading to declining academic performance. The researcher recommended that schools should develop a drug policy, to create awareness of the effect of drug abuse among students and lias with all educational stakeholders so as to improve student’s academic performance. Although the Ministry of Education has integrated drug abuse in some subjects, it should also consider developing a curriculum on effects of drug abuse. This will ensure that all students are informed about consequences of drug abuse in order to make informed judgements.

Keywords: Drug, Truancy, Anxiety, Questionnaire, Masaba, Respondent.

Title: Effects of Drug Abuse on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Masaba North Sub County, Nyamira County, Kenya

Author: Jared Ombaba Okari, Alice Masese

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Companies now face more challenges as the turbulence in the environment continues. Getting and maintaining loyal customers for higher organizational performance is critical for survival and growth. This study aimed at identifying the effect of the customer relationship marketing on organizational performance in the crop protection industry, with a case study of RealIPM Company. There have been prices adjustments due to competition, promotional material and rebranding and all this efforts are part of the processes that help in building long term relationships with the customers and by nature of it, it only serves as a short term strategy to attain competitive advantage. The specific objectives were to establish the effect of customer relationship processes, investigate the effect of customer loyalty and examine the effect of brand values on organizational performance. This study was anchored on commitment-trust theory, customer loyalty theory and brand values theories. The study adopted descriptive research design. The target population was 185 employees from which a sample size of 55 respondents was selected using stratified sampling technique. The instrument of data collection used was the questionnaires. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics carried out included the mean, median, mode and standard deviation.  Inferential statistics were also carried out to enable generalization of the findings. Regression analysis and ANOVA were carried out. Qualitative data was presented in the form of descriptive notes while quantitave data was presented in the form of tables and figures. From the findings, customer relationship process, customer loyalty and brand value were found to have a positive and significant influence on organizational performance.  A unit change in customer relationship process, customer loyalty and brand value lead to 0.768, 0.722 and 0.504 units of positive change respectively on organizational performance. It was concluded that customer relationship marketing is important for organizational performance and therefore the study recommends more investment on research and development on ways to make the relationship with customers to last as long as possible. In addition, the organization should express appreciation and reward employees as well as loyal customers through solid reward programmes. Channels of communication should also be widened to use of technology available for fast response and brand value growth. Organizations should also embrace the international standards and guidelines on production of quality products to gain brand value from their customers and be able to compete effectively.

Keywords: Customer Relationship Processes, Customer Loyalty, Brand Values, Commitment-Trust Theory.

Title: CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MARKETING AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CROP PROTECTION INDUSTRY: CASE OF REALIPM LIMITED COMPANY IN KENYA

Author: Peter Nkanata Muriungi, Dr. Mary Ragui

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study generally aimed to determine the operational business challenges of the money transfer agencies, how the money transfer agencies cope with the business challenges, and ascertain the management styles employed by the money transfer agencies in Naval, Biliran. Employing the descriptive survey method of research covering 22 supervisor and employees of money transfer agencies in Naval, Biliran.  Failure to match the account number to account name got the highest weighted mean of   4.29, or was described as “Very Much Encountered”. The finding of solution through the help of the other employees/supervisor obtained the highest mean of 4.50 or was interpreted as “Extremely Agree”.  While the consultative management style employed in dealing with the challenges obtained the weighted mean of 4.29 or was interpreted as “Extremely Agree”.  The money transfer agencies should continuously upgrade and evaluate their management styles as a basis for their own development.  The employees and supervisors should be sent to trainings relevant to their functions in order to gain much insights in strategies and styles in managing and resolving conflicts in their respective agencies.  Seminars and symposia in enhancing the skills of the supervisors more specifically in the decision-making should be implemented.  Supervising, public-relation, and conflict management skills should be conducted in the local station to minimize travel expenses.

Keywords:  assessment; challenges; management styles; money transfer agencies; naval, biliran.

Title: ASSESSMENT OF CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT STYLES EMPLOYED BY THE MONEY TRANSFER AGENCIES IN NAVAL, BILIRAN

Author: Dr. Vicente Q. Solteo, Jr.

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The retail sector has become one of the most extraordinarily complex, sophisticated and revolutionised industries of the late modern age. With the proliferation of globalisation and demographic shifts, technology such as mobile devices, tablets and super-speed broadband, and the concurrent expansion of e-commerce and social networking, the retail environment faces a multitude of challenges. It is within this context that marketing seeks to understand optimal strategy to meet the needs, wants and desires, of this continually evolving retail customer base. This paper will address this through a systematic review of theory concerning the influence of internal and external variables on customer decision-making behaviour in relation to the retail purchase process for high-involvement products. This will be achieved in the milieu of the aforementioned global market conditions, and the various academically advocated internal retail brand purchasing process typologies.

Keywords: retail environment, internal and external variables, customer buying behaviour.

Title: RETAIL ENVIRONMENT AND CUSTOMERS’ DECISION MAKING STYLE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author: Okoro, Ama Omaka, Ikechi, Ann, Okorie, Chiyem

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The vision 2030 framework identifies small and medium enterprises sector as a major engine towards the achievement of middle income status in Kenya due to its role in creation of employment and economic growth.  However, the framework is concerned on the high degree of business closure and shrinkage among these ventures. Kenyan small as well as medium sized ventures have a high failure rate with many of them failing within the first three years of operation. Generally, studies show that in Kenya, these ventures continue to have poor performance and face stiff competition from large firms. This dismal performance of small and medium enterprises could be attributed to approaches used by these businesses to counter obstacles which influence the quality of decisions and performance of enterprises given that individual enterprises were responsible for their survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of strategic financial management on the performance of SMEs in Wajir South Sub County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, targeting all the 1123small and medium enterprises owners in Wajir South Sub County. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Multiple regression equation was used to determine the strength and directions of the relationships between the variables. The study found that strategic financial management positively and significantly affected the performance of small and medium enterprises in Wajir South Sub County. The study concluded that if the performance of the enterprises under study was to improve greatly, the business owners had to address the issues related to strategic financial management so as to improve the level of strategic management in these businesses and in this way, enhance their performance. The study recommends that SMEs in Wajir South Sub County, Kenya should develop strategic plans which outline the strategies to be applied by enterprises in different areas so as to improve their strategic outlook and that the businesses should actively work on building impressive business profiles so as to gain the trust of financial institutions which will enhance their access to financing.

Keywords: Strategic Financial Management, Organizational Performance, SMEs.

Title: STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN WAJIR SOUTH SUB COUNTY

Author: Mohamed A. Yunis, Dr. Janesther Karugu

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations  

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: For firms to succeed in a competitive global environment, they need good strategies. Organizations requires to have strategies that will enable them gain the competitive edge in order to outperform their competitors and be able to cope with the needs of the environment they are subjected to. The increase of telecommunication firms in Kenya has resulted to stiff competition. These firms seek to fully exploit the opportunities open to them so as to enjoy competitive advantage. The study focused on how cost leadership strategy influences the performance of mobile payment services in Kenya. This study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population was 135 respondents. A census method was used to select the respondents. The data collection tool was questionnaire. Data was quantitatively analysed using descriptive statistics. The strategy on cost leadership was found to have a positive and significant influence on the performance of mobile payment services in Kenya. The study recommends that the Safaricom Kenya limited should focus on putting their products and services at the possible lowest cost so as to utilize all means in gaining a cost advantage.

Keywords: Cost Leadership Strategy, Performance, Mobile Payment Services.

Title: COST LEADERSHIP STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF MOBILE PAYMENT SERVICES IN SAFARICOM KENYA LIMITED

Author: Phyllis Nyambura Mungai, Mr. Obere

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Corporate governance is considered as most crucial instrument to improve the efficiency of the firm. The aim of corporate governance is to safeguard the interest of shareholder and maximizing the shareholding value. It maximizes the shareholding value in ethical manner in all transactions with the customer, shareholder and stakeholders of the banks. The aim of the paper is to analyze the effectiveness and relationship between corporate governance and financial performance in selected private sector banks in India listed in exchanges.  The study utilizes the secondary data obtained from annual reports and other web sources for the period of three financial years (2014 to 2017).  The generated data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and ordinary least square regression using Excel. EPS, ROA and ROE are used as a variable in case of financial performance and Composition of board and Board committee is taken in case of corporate governance. From the analysis, the study results that there is no significant relationship and dependence on financial performance and corporate governance in the selected private sector bank. As the scope of study is limited to few private sectors banks, a further research could be measured by analyzing the reports of more banks for a period of time.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Financial Performance, Composition of Board and Board Committee.

Title: A STUDY OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED PRIVATE SECTORS BANKS IN INDIA

Author: D.DEVIPRIYA

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study generally aimed to determine the conflict management styles of the school administrators in Naval districts, Naval, Biliran. Employing the descriptive survey method of research, 20 elementary school administrators, 40 teachers and 40 parents from the North and South districts of Naval were involved as subjects. Most of the school administrators in Naval districts are in the middle age (30-49 years old). The male population is twice the female which means that the female school administrators predominate their male counterpart. Among the school administrators, only one has earned units in doctorate degree, while only four has completed their master’s degree.  Most of the school administrators have been in the service for 6-10 years. Of the 17 school administrators, only three (3) have attended trainings; two in the division and one in the district. The results revealed that most of the school administrators have not attended any training at all. The elementary school administrators in Naval districts “often” employed strategies and styles in managing conflicts.  The general perception of the teachers and parents validate the administrator’s claim that he “often” employed strategies and styles in managing conflicts in their schools. The administrators should continuously upgrade and evaluate their management styles as a basis for their own development. 

Keywords:  assessment; conflict management styles; school administrators; naval districts.

Title: AN ASSESSMENT OF CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STYLES OF THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN NAVAL DISTRICTS, NAVAL BILIRAN, PHILIPPINES

Author: Dr. Vicente Q. Solteo, Jr.

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study investigated employee creativity and organizational resilience in manufacturing organizations in Rivers State; it involved the adoption of two dimensions of employee creativity and three measures of organizational resilience which guided the researcher in developing six research hypotheses. Based on the hypotheses, the various dimensions and measures as well as their relationship were discussed in the review of literature section of the study. One hundred and twelve (112) copies of the research questionnaire were distributed to respondents based on the sample size determined by the Taro Yamen’s formula, however, only ninety (90) copies were used in our analysis representing a response rate of 80.4%. The analysis was carried out using the Pearson’s Product Movement Correlation coefficient statistical tool with the aid of statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) version 22.0 and the result revealed a significant relationship between the dimensions of employee creativity and the measures of organizational resilience used in this study. Based on the findings, the study recommended thus; organizations should create an enabling environment which encourages employee creativity and innovative capacities. The organizational atmosphere should be structured by management in such a way that appreciates and recognizes employee efforts and contributions to the organization’s resilience.

Keywords: Employee Creativity, Organizational Resilience, Cognitive Abilities, Employee Knowledge, Organizational Learning, Adaptive Capacity, Dynamic Capabilities.

Title: EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE IN MANUFACTURING ORGANIZATIONS IN RIVERS STATE

Author: KUMANWEE, FELIX TOMBARI

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

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Abstract: Performance of construction projects in Kenya is a matter of great concern to stakeholders, as most of the construction projects have experienced delays and cost overruns which have adversely affect their performance.  Construction projects are very prone to risk which have the significant impact on their performance in terms of time, cost and quality. As the size and complexity of construction projects increases, ability to manage risk throughout the construction process has become a key element of preventing the negative impact of risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of risk transfer strategy on the performance of construction projects in public Secondary schools in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design while judgmental or purposive sampling technique was used to select public secondary schools in Murang’a County to participate in the study. The study used primary data which was gathered by administering questionnaires. Then the data was summarized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistical involved the use of frequencies tables’ standard deviation, mean and mode while inferential statistics included the use of regression analysis to analyze quantitative data. The risk transfer strategy was found to have weak influence on performance of construction projects since it had highest beta coefficient value (0.265). The analysis of research findings led to conclusion that risk transfer strategy has a significant influence on performance of construction project in secondary schools. Furthermore, correlation analysis of risk transfer strategy and performance shows positive correlation. This study strongly recommends more studies in public secondary school, colleges and universities in other Counties in order to ascertain the in influence of risk management and performance of construction projects in education sectors

Keywords: Risk Transfer Strategy, Construction Projects, Performance

Title: RISK TRANSFER STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA

Author: Kimani Peter Macharia, Dr. Kirui Caleb

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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