Reviewed Journal International of Business Management [ISSN 2663-127X]

ADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: A CASE OF ERP SYSTEMS AS ADOPTED BY SELECTED PARASTATAL SECTORS

2025-01-04T04:58:45-06:00

The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is an effective tool used to transfer and enable share data among different business partners. Although ERP software can seem complex and comprehensive, the software enable organizations to manage and integrate all their business functions and processes in a detailed and innovative manner. Technological advancement has fundamentally transformed operational efficiencies, leading to faster and more effective service delivery. This study explored the advantages of adopting ERP systems within selected prarastatal organizations, emphasizing the public sectors transition towards a more responsive supply chain processes. The primary objective was to investigate the advantages of technological advancements adopted by selected public sector organizations. Specific objectives included identifying the advantages of ERP systems in supply chain management and to examining the challenges encountered during ERP adoption. The research was guided by public service logic theory and stakeholder theory. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing purposive and stratified sampling methods to survey managers and procurement officers in Kenya. The target population comprised managers from various organizations. The findings revealed that ERP system adoption and usage enhances organizational performance in service delivery. The study recommended increased training for personnel to maximize the effectiveness of ERP systems in improving service delivery.

LEVERAGING STRATEGIC EXECUTION PROTOCOL FOR COMPETITIVENESS OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA

2025-01-07T20:08:25-06:00

The Kenyan banking industry is transforming rapidly, driven by dynamic market conditions, regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations. This study investigated the influence of Strategic Execution Protocols (SEP) on the Competitiveness of commercial banks in Kenya. Guided by Competence-Based Theory and the Balanced Scorecard Framework, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach combining descriptive and explanatory research designs. The target population comprised top- and middle-level managers from 39 commercial banks, with data collected from 39 top-level managers and a random sample of 141 middle-level managers using semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot test confirmed the research instruments' reliability (r = 0.96) and construct validity (KMO = 0.746). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that SEP significantly influences the Competitiveness of commercial banks (β = 0.502, p < 0.05). Key SEP components—strategic cognitive adaptability, effective strategy deployment, and goal alignment—emerged as critical drivers of enhanced performance. These components enable banks to adapt to market dynamics, implement strategies efficiently, and align operational actions with overarching goals. The study also highlighted the importance of clear action plans, alignment of strategic initiatives, and systematic progress tracking to ensure effective execution. Banks with robust SEP mechanisms exhibited greater adaptability, cohesive alignment, and competitive resilience in navigating dynamic market environments. The study concluded that effective strategy execution protocols are essential for maintaining Competitiveness in a rapidly evolving banking industry. Kenyan commercial banks should prioritize translating strategic goals into actionable initiatives, monitoring progress regularly, and aligning operational activities with strategic objectives. Banks can strengthen their competitive positioning and improve market performance by enhancing SEP components and fostering a culture of adaptability and strategic alignment. These findings provide valuable insights into strategic management practices in the banking sector, emphasizing the need for a structured and dynamic approach to strategy execution.

INFLUENCE OF STAKEHOLDERS’ IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA ON EFFECTIVENESS OF GOLF RING ROAD PROJECT IN RWANDA

2025-01-14T12:16:04-06:00

Researching how the decision-making principles of stakeholders affected the success of the Rwandan golf ring road project was the overarching goal of the study. Study objectives included assessing the impact of data-driven decision-making on the effectiveness of the Rwandan Golf Ring Road Project. The research was anchored by Stakeholder Theory. Out of 105targeted professionals, the sample size of 84 respondents was determined by use of Slovins formula. A mixed method approach including qualitative and quantitative was used. A descriptive survey design was used which allowed collection of both qualitative and quantitative data for triangulation. Both primary and secondary data was collected. Data collection instruments included designed questionnaires. Pilot study was carried at Engine Rwanda where 13 questionnaires were distributed at different times. Data analysis procedures was considered after collecting data and the researcher used SPSS version 25 software to obtain the tables of descriptive statistics and correlation and the influence was demonstrated statistically. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and integrated with quantitative information. The findings highlight strong positive perceptions of stakeholder identification criteria and project effectiveness in the Golf Ring Road Project. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements emphasizing adequate stakeholder engagement, diversity, fair representation, and efforts to include marginalized groups, as reflected in high mean scores (ranging from 4.19 to 4.46). The results underscore the project’s success in stakeholder engagement and environmental considerations, contributing to enhanced effectiveness and sustainability. The Golf Ring Road Project demonstrates a commendable level of stakeholder engagement, inclusivity, and commitment to sustainable construction practices. It is recommended that future projects enhance mechanisms for resolving conflicts of interest, further amplify marginalized voices, and ensure ongoing stakeholder collaboration to sustain these positive outcomes.

EFFECT OF SOURCING FLEXIBILITY ON COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AMONG KENYAN SMALL-SCALE IMPORTERS WITHIN GIKOMBA MARKET, NAIROBI COUNTY KENYA

2025-01-22T18:38:45-06:00

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of sourcing flexibility on competitive advantage among small-scale importers in Gikomba Market, Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study comprised 1,500 licensed small-scale importers at Gikomba Market, and the sampling frame was obtained from The Nairobi Importers and Small Traders Association (NISTA). The sampling technique used was stratified sampling, selecting 316 importers. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained closed-ended questions, scored and rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data cleaning and analysis were performed using SPSS Version 25.0 software, and descriptive and inferential statistics were generated. The descriptive results included means and standard deviations, while the regression results were based on the Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression models. Finally, the output of the analysis was expressed as frequencies and percentages, with the results presented in tables and charts.

Results showed that a range of suppliers ensured consistent product quality (mean = 3.67). Participants agreed that reducing delivery time lowers costs and enhances competitiveness (mean = 3.82). Furthermore, supplier switching costs were found to be moderate, with 43% agreeing that easy transitions between suppliers improve competitive positioning (mean = 3.84). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.774, p < 0.05) between sourcing flexibility and competitive advantage. Regression analysis confirmed a strong relationship (R = 0.774, R² = 0.599, p < 0.05), indicating that an increase in sourcing flexibility leads to a corresponding increase in competitive advantage.

The study concludes that lead time reduction plays a critical role in enhancing cost efficiency and competitive pricing. The study recommends regularly evaluate suppliers' reliability to ensure quality and timely deliveries by establishing performance metrics and conducting quarterly reviews. Further studies could investigate the effect of supplier switching costs, as these may significantly influence supply chain flexibility.

MODERATING EFFECT OF PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT ON THE INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES PRACTICES ON EXTERNAL LABOUR MOBILITY IN PUBLIC LEVEL FIVE HOSPITALS IN KENYA

2025-01-24T02:04:39-06:00

Human resources for Health are a strategic asset in the implementation of the universal health care coverage and their motivation, attraction and retention is instrumental in attaining the set goals and objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of strategic health and safety practices on external labor mobility in public level five hospitals in Kenya. The study adopted the mixed research design method involved a variety of analytical methods. Heinrich’s Domino theory was used to explain the relationship between the variables under study. The study targeted a population of 4,388 medical officers and nurses in the fourteen public level five hospitals in Kenya, from which a sample of 353 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling methods while purposive sampling technique was used to select the eight (8) public level five hospitals representing the former provinces in Kenya. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential methods. The findings of this research indicated that strategic health and safety was not a significant predictor of external labour mobility. The study recommended that the Government of Kenya (GoK) and the County Governments should offer sponsorship programs to the human resources for health; provision of personal protective equipment/gear and adequate working conditions to protect themselves against occupational diseases and loss of life; formation of health and safety committees in the health facilities. Future researchers should focus on other strategic human resource management practices influencing external labour mobility especially on generational groups.