Vol 4 Issue 2 October 2016-March 2017

Abstract: This paper discusses the concept of knowledge management and its relation and impact on organizations within Information Technology (IT) consultancy and professional practice. Among the issues that are highlighted in this paper are the relation of knowledge management and its relevancy to IT consulting practice, why knowledge management is increasingly getting and being in the spotlight and how it impact businesses. Based on the discussed parts, this study has highlighted the importance of knowledge management in an organization. Additionally, the technologies, challenges and solutions for knowledge management are discussed. The advisory from IT consultants’ emphasis on what businesses need to get, and that is an expert’s insight before they truly understand and adopt knowledge management and making investments on this on-demand technology, as there are some challenges and issues in regards to KM that businesses need to be aware of and ready for.

Keywords: IT Consultancy, Knowledge Management, Information Technology (IT), Consultancy Services, Impact.

Title: Knowledge Management and Its Impact on IT Consultancy

Author: Nur Izzati Bt Ahmad Nasir, William Norris, Jamaludin Ibrahim

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: most people thrive on feeling appreciated. You can improve employee morale by showing your appreciation in simple ways, such as rewarding an employee by saying, “job well done,” or, “thank you for the good work.” Morale is a mental and group phenomenon which determines the individual’s willingness to co-operate in any organization. It is a human behavior in which a person derives his total satisfaction in his general environment. It indicates the happiness of the employees with the organizational environment with their full interest towards the organization.

Keywords: Employee Morale, Motivation, Employee Efficiency, Employee satisfaction, Productivity, Communication, Leadership.

Title: Organizational Morale

Author: SIRTAJ KAUR

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study x-rayed the drivers of customer switching behavior in Nigerian banking industry using an adapted version of Keaveney (1995) model. A sample size of 185, was determined using the Cochran formula. Respondents were drawn from the customers and staff of ten selected deposit money banks in Imo state. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used to test stated hypotheses.  It was discovered through the study, that service quality, price and involuntary actions significantly drive switching behavior among bank customers in Imo State. It was equally revealed that reputation and promotion do not significantly drive switching behavior among bank customers in Imo State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that banks should focus more on service quality and also give adequate attention to price. Thus, the interest rates charged or given should be carefully monitored while adequate, timely information should be given to customers on reasons for changes.

Keywords: x-rayed, Cochran formula.

Title: Drivers of Customer Switching Behaviour in Nigerian Banking Industry

Author: Onyeagwara Chukwuemeka. O, Agu Godswill Agu

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study sought to explore the influence of project management information systems on the implementation of ICT projects in the banking industry in Kenya in order to improve pace of implementation and draw important lessons for future projects. Three theories relating to the implementation of ICT projects which include, the Contingency Theory, Theory of Reasoned action and The Technology acceptance model were explored. The study was grounded on the Technology acceptance model as this Theory provides more insight on the factors influencing implementation of ICT projects. Descriptive research design was used to gather primary data by use of questionnaires.  A sample size of 60 employees was selected from a target population of 176 employees from the five selected banks in the banking industry. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the banks and departments while simple random sampling was used to select individual respondents.  Data was analyzed by use of SPSS v 22.0 and presented in form of tables. From the data analysis, it was established that PMIS influences the implementation of ICT projects. PMIS were found to be the most influential with a mean score of 4.4. Given that the study focused only on five banks within Nairobi region, the results may not be applicable to all Banks in Kenya. It is recommended that a study be done cutting across all the banks in the country that would allow for broader generalization of findings.

Keywords: Project Management Information System, Banking Industry, and Information Communication Technology.

Title: Influence of Project Management Information Systems on the Implementation of Information Communication Technology Projects in the Banking Industry in Kenya

Author: Alex Wambua Muthike, Dr. Assumpta Kagiri, Dr. Kinyanjui Nganga

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study examined the effects of task identity on the performance of employees of the supreme court of Kenya. A cross-sectional survey and a case study were employed. A sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents was selected to participate in the study. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The study used two factor theory, the job characteristic model and the ERG theory to be able to support the study and show the relationship between the objectives and the study that was conducted in regards to how it affected the employee performance in the judiciary. It was realised that majority of the respondents were in strong agreement that their job was designed in such a way that it had a beginning and an end. This led to the confirmation that task identity affected employee performance in that there were some duties which needed more than one person to fulfil hence everyone had a part to play so that eventually when they all finished their tasks the tasks would all be combined in to one finished product hence marking completion of the task. So everyone had to be at par for their tasks to be completed or else if some completed and others did not then the job would be incomplete. This would affect their performance levels.

Keywords: Task Identity, Performance, and Judiciary.

Title: Effects of Task Identity on the Performance of Employees of the Supreme Court of Kenya

Author: Gerald Omondi Nyabundi, Dr. Assumpta Kagiri

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Proportional runs volatility model is an innovation from the requirements volatility model that is employed in the Computer Science discipline and has the potential of measuring historical stock return volatility. This research employed balanced panel data consisting of monthly closing stock price data for a sample of 21 stocks listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange that were selected using purposive sampling method from a population of 56 stocks during years 2001 and 2010. Historical stock return volatility was then measured using the proportional run volatility and standard deviation metrics for comparison purpose. The results were presented graphically and using inferential statistics including: Pearson’s correlation and t-test tabulations. The findings indicated that graphically there seems to be some similar behavior in the relationship between the curves of proportional runs and standard deviation models. As per the Pearson’s correlation analysis, there appeared a moderately strong relationship. However as pet the one sample t-test analysis, there was a significant difference between the proportional run volatility and standard deviation metrics. The conclusion was therefore that there was mixed findings as to whether the proportional runs volatility metric has the potential of measuring historical stock return volatility in a manner similar to that of the standard deviation metric.

Keywords: Historical stock return volatility, proportional runs volatility model, standard deviation.

Title: Test of Proportional Runs Volatility Model As a Measure of Risk in Kenyan Listed Stocks

Author: James N Ndegwa

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The study focused on the effect of Non-Performing Loans on financial performance of commercial banks operating in Kenya. A descriptive survey and empirical research designs were adopted by the study where the target population comprised 44 commercial banks in Kenya. The study used a census of all commercial banks licenced by Central Bank of Kenya. Data sheets were used to collect secondary data from the central bank supervisory reports and banks published audited financial statements for the last five years 2011-2015. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics which include the use of standard deviation and means. Inferential statistics included Pearson correlation, Multiregression and ANOVA. It was established that nonperforming loans had a statistically significant effect on financial performance proxied by ROA (β1= -7.042, t = -.968, p = .002 and α = 0.05). Other bank specific factors including Bank size, capitalization operating costs had a statistically significant effect on financial performance proxied by ROA. However; liquidity had a statistically insignificant effect on financial performance proxied by ROA. Outcome of this study would enable management of commercial banks in Kenya adopt feasible mechanisms to control the growing problem non-performing loan. Keywords: Financial Performance, Non- performing loans, commercial banks and liquidity. Title: Non-Performing Loans and Financial Performance of Banks: An Empirical Study of Commercial Banks in Kenya Author: Lucy Mumbi Chege, Dr. Julius Bichanga International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Two burning issues of today’s aircraft OEMs are Long order book entry under very less profit margin and loosing sailing power to powerful buyers are addressed in this model as single point solution. In current scenario most of the aircraft orders are considered on the first come first serve basis and rejections are carried out in long running negotiation table. This scenario dragged today’s industry under these two issues. This model will gradually help the strategic team to take acceptance or rejection of an order on instant basis supported by long statistical order history data and future forecast in statistical platform or at least will give enough confidence on negotiation table to the selling side. This model will also be able to gradually build up the market power to the OEMs from high profile buyers for the sake of a stable future of aircraft industry. Keywords: Rationing Aircraft Orders, OEMs. Title: Rationing Aircraft Orders - A strategic Solution to Long Order Book at Maximum Profit Margin Author: Uttiya Mukherjee, Prof Narasimhan M S International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This paper relates to the perception of different Management Courses conducted by different Business Schools in West Bengal. The students who are basically from the Middle Income Group (MIG) background were asked to give their opinion about the quality or placement potential of the courses. The analysis of the problem gives us the variance between the dependent variable (rating) and the independent variable (courses). Four Management Courses are considered conducted by various Management Institutes. At random respondents are asked for their preference on the scale of 10 (1 = not liked at all, and 10 = liked very much). One-way Analysis of Variance is done with rating as the dependent variable and the courses as independent variable and the educational background as the blocking factor. Study reveals that the mean rating of the courses are different, and the educational background of the respondents don’t have any influence on their rating. Keywords: Management Courses, ANOVA, Randomized Block Design, Business Schools, Variance Study. Title: An Empirical Study on Various Management Courses in West Bengal: Students’ Perception Author: Prof. Jayjit Chakraborty International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main purpose of this research project was to examine the effect of working capital management on the financial performance of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The specific objectives of this study was to determine the effects of average collection period and leverage on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms at NSE. Firm performance was measured using Return on Assets (ROA). This study used descriptive research design to describe the effects of working capital management on financial performance of listed manufacturing firms at NSE, Kenya. The target population was all the 9 listed manufacturing Companies which are listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange as at December 2015. A census of the 9 firms listed manufacturing at the Nairobi Securities Exchange from year 2011-2015 was the sample. This research project utilized secondary data, which was collected by use of content analysis obtained from the annual financial statement reports of listed firms for period ranging from 2011 to 2015. The collected data was entered into the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24.0) and multiple regression analysis method was used to analyze the data. By use of Pearson’s correlation, Return on Assets was negative related to Average Collection Period and Leverage. Regression model revealed significant effect and negative relationships among Average Collection Period and leverage. Keywords: Working Capital, Cash Conversion Cycle, Average Collection Period, Leverage. Title: Effect of Working Capital Management on Financial Performance: A Case Study of Listed Manufacturing Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya Author: Muia Vincent Makau, Banafa AA, Mwanzia M. Stephen International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Energy sector is one of the basic infrastructural sectors. Depleting resources and growing pollution of environment due to energy use has necessitated optimum use of its resources. In a growing economy like India, the need and demand for Energy sectoral growth is imperative. As the economy is showing growth prospects, whether this growth helps in corresponding sectoral improvement in the energy sector is the main focus of this paper. The objective of this study is to find the causal relationship (if it exists) between GDP growth and energy production / consumption. This study uses the formal tests of causality developed by C. J. Granger, taking secondary data of energy production, consumption and GDP growth of India from 1990 to 2014. The results of granger casualty test show that there exists a feed – back causality between energy production / consumption and GDP growth. Keywords: Economic growth, Energy Production / Consumption, GDP, Stationarity, Granger causality. Title: A Study of the Causal Relationship between Energy and Economic Growth in India Author: Dr. Aleykutty Robert International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The general objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the organisation’s marketing purpose on the adoption of social media marketing by hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A total of 51 respondents from both public and private hospitals were used as the sample size for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Cronbachs Alpha, Correlation, Regression and Analysis of Variance was done. This study tested the null hypotheses that marketing purpose does not have a significant effect on the adoption of social media marketing by hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Hypothesis testing using p-value approach was done to give the strength of the decision to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. The study found that there was a positive and significant relationship between marketing purpose and adoption of social media marketing by hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study, therefore, recommends that for hospitals to adopt social media marketing successfully, they must have a clear marketing goal or purpose which is important in achieving their marketing strategic goals. Keywords: healthcare communication, social media, marketing strategic goals, hospital marketing. Title: Marketing Purpose as a Determinant of Adoption of Social Media Marketing By Hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya Author: Eunice Mwangi, Dr Mike Iravo, Dr Agnes Njeru International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The general objective of this study was to examine the effect of the user attributes on the adoption of social media marketing by hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. A total of 51 respondents from both public and private hospitals were used as the sample size for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Cronbachs Alpha, Correlation, Regression and Analysis of Variance was done. This study tested the null hypotheses that the user attributes or the hospital’s marketers attributes do not have a significant effect on the adoption of social media marketing by Hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Hypothesis testing using p-value approach was done to give the strength of the decision to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. The study found that there was a positive and significant relationship between user attributes and adoption of social media marketing. The study, therefore, recommends that for hospitals to adopt social media marketing successfully, they must evaluate the capabilities of their marketers prior to engaging them to adopt and manage social media marketing in their hospitals. Keywords: social media analytics, healthcare communication, social media, user attributes, hospital marketing. Title: The Effect of User Attributes on the Adoption of Social Media Marketing by Hospitals in Nairobi City County, Kenya Author: Eunice Mwangi, Dr Mike Iravo, Dr Agnes Njeru International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Information Communication Technology is an integrative subject, which is an important determinant of operational excellence in any manufacturing entity. The purpose of manufacturing is to produce value in form of products and services, through different processes and activities, which are performed by a network of organizations both upstream and downstream. These processes form an integrated supply chain where raw materials are converted into final finished products for the end consumer. It is absolutely essential for manufacturing entities to be thoroughly aware of the information communication technology capabilities and understand the impact that it might exert on the overall performance of the organization Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Information communication technology capabilities on firm performance of manufacturing entities in Kenya. The population of interest for this study was manufacturing firms within Nairobi and its environs. A sample of 69 manufacturing entities was randomly selected to participate in this study. Data was collected using questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used aided by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 24 to compute the response. The study recommends that the management of manufacturing entities should exploit Information communication technology capabilities on the day to day operation with the aim of ensuring financial viability and a competitive edge over other market competitors thus attaining superior firm performance. Keywords: Information communication technology capabilities, firm performance and manufacturing entities. Title: Influence of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Capabilities on Firm Performance of Manufacturing Entities in Kenya Author: Eric Namusonge, Elegwa Mukulu, Mike Iravo International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Developing a precise model for forecasting gold price is critical because of its unique features. Hence, continued research is directed to improve forecasting models employing a variety of techniques. In previous researches, ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) and MLR (Multiple Linear Regression) model we have incorporated both heteroskedastic concept and learning past prediction errors. In this paper an enhanced ANFIS-GARCH model is proposed to overcome the above issues and compared with the Existing models. ANFIS-GARCH is comparatively good and robust than Existing models. ANFIS-GARCH has the capability to integrate and simulate knowledge from quantitative and qualitative source to model the behavior changes in the prediction. The coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) are utilized to evaluate the performance of developed model. Keywords: Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH), Gold price, Forecasting, US dollar, Inflation, ARIMA model, MLR Model. Title: An Adaptive Network Based Fuzzy Inference System for the Prediction of Gold Price Using Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) Method Author: Dhanalakshmi. P.M, P. R. S. Reddy International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals