Vol 5 Issue 1 April 2017-September 2017

Abstract: To achieve a common purpose, organizations as the systems are composed of individuals whose activities are coordinated deliberately. Both affecting the activity of organization and locating outside of organization’s boundaries, an environment consists of political, economic, technological and social factors. The long term activity of an organization depends on the interrelated relations with the environment. In other words, for the survival and continual activity, an organization must adapt to its environment, and must agree its interest and target with the environmental factors. Therefore, the organization has to meet the requirements and demands of environment. Regarding this, the main purpose of this review article is to indicate the importance of organization-environment relations. Article has theoretical and practical value for academic and management practitioners as it encompasses literature that theoretically explains organization-environment relations.

Keywords: organization, environment, contingency theory, population-ecology, resource dependence theory, institutional theory.

Title: Evaluation of Organization-Environment Interaction in the Context of Organization Theories

Author: JEYHUN TALIBOV

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Recently, the world has started showing concern about environmental and humanitarian issues such as controlling the production of ecologically harmful products. Through a survey of 200 Australian consumers, this report aims to explore their awareness of environmental issues and willingness to adopt eco-friendly habits. The survey results indicate that Australian consumers have a reasonable level of environmental awareness, though it is not enough to change their actual consumption behaviour. The possible reasons behind this could be the lack of credibility of companies marketing green products, consumer preference for traditional goods and the low quality of green items. The report recommends that governments promote the idea of green marketing among consumers and distributors, like imposing laws on companies to produce ecologically friendly products.

Keywords: Environmental and Humanitarian Issues, Australian Consumers.

Title: To What Extend the Environmental Issues Control and Impact Consumers Behaviors

Author: Mohammad AbdulRahman Almaghrabi

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Foreign Direct Investment plays vital role in the international economy after the Second World War. Most of studies examined how foreign direct investment contribute to their economic development at that time they identified some of factors restrict foreign direct investment contribution to the economy. Therefore current study examined relationship between exchange rate and foreign direct investment using secondary data .Independent variable was Exchange rate, dependent variable was foreign direct investment. Researchers used monthly basis data from the period of January 2003 to December 2015 and collected data were analyzed using statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, correlation and regression analysis are conducted to identify the relationship. According to results of Pearson correlation analysis and coefficient analysis had supported to prove the hypotheses. Based on the findings of Pearson correlation analysis, there is a relationship between the exchange rate and Foreign Direct Investment. According to coefficient analysis, United State Dollar exchange rate has positively related with Foreign Direct Investment and negatively related with Japan Yen. And also Euro and Pound Sterling partially related with Foreign Direct Investment. The findings of this study would suggested that to attract more Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka the governments need to make policies such as monetary policy to maintain the stable exchange rate.

Keywords: Exchange Rate, Foreign Direct Investment, Sri Lanka.

Title: The Effect of Exchange Rate on Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka

Author: H.H. Dedunu

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The dominant issue surrounding corporate management today is the concept of corporate profit maximization in relation to corporate social responsibility. The idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a vision of corporate accountability to an array of stake holders which includes shareholders, employees, customers, environmental protection, civil society and the communities. CSR is intended to be an inbuilt and self-regulating mechanism fostering corporate adherence to laws, international norms, and ethical standards and codes of responsibility. Through this mechanism, it is assumed that as a business maximizes profits, it will accept the spillovers of their activities and actively seek to protect, encourage community growth, development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of consequences. The recent corporate scandals have increased public mistrust of corporations as to their ability to maximize profit and at same time be socially responsible.. In this paper we seek to answer the question, “Can a corporation continue maximizing profit and at the same time pursue social responsibility initiatives? We drew on different theories of corporate social responsibility in answering this question. A case study approach was used in this study. The companies studied were Wal-Mart Stores and AXA Group. These companies were selected based on their strong emphasis and commitment to corporate social responsibility. The result of the study indicated that both companies are actively engaged in various social responsibility initiatives both domestically and internationally. The Gold medal award received by Wal-Mart accentuates its overall success in the implementation of its sustainability corporate strategy in which in it ties its profitability strategy to its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Keywords: Corporate, social, responsibility, maximizing, profit, stockholders, community, development, scandals and sustainability.

Title: Profit Maximization and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Case of Wal-Mart Stores and AXA Group

Author: Professor William Kwame Dadson

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises SME’s especially those owned and managed by women face great challenges when it comes to sourcing for capital for growth and start up. A global Markets institute study notes that Women-owned SMEs face barriers to business entry and growth due to limited access to capital, weak property rights which manifests through lack of collateral together with discriminatory laws and customs that directly affect women in business. Also noted is that women owned enterprises faces broader challenges that results from macroeconomic and microeconomics challenges caused by national policies that are beyond the control of non-state actors. This research paper looks critically at how countries have innovated their national micro economic policies to promote the inclusion of women in finance and specifically how interest capping in the Kenyan finance sector has affected women owned SMEs to access funds for capital.

Keywords: Capping rate, women, Central Bank of Kenya, SMEs.

Title: Financial Inclusion of Kenyan Women in Business an Analysis of Structural Effect of Monetary Policy Innovations to Access Finance

Author: Obadiah Wambua, Kelly Mataiyan, Jane Gatobu, Mercy Maritim, Nge’no Kwa

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: This study investigated the impact of monetary policy on Kenyan economic growth. Monetary policy constitutes both the rules and targets set by the central bank to achieve the ultimate objectives of the economy. However their effectiveness depends on the transmission channels of monetary policy which include interest rate, exchange rate, credit to private sector and money supply (M2). To achieve the objectives of monetary policy geared towards the economic growth which was the economic growth the monetary policy implementation depended on monetary policy frameworks. The study took an explanatory nature in trying to relate the policy reactions functions to monetary transmission channels, by emphasizing their interdependence on the actual conduct of the monetary policy. However even with the implementation of this policy on Kenyan economy, its impact is not fully depicted by the trending results of the Kenyan GDP. The main objective of the study was to find out how transmission of money through monetary policy tools in Kenya related with the performance of the Kenyan economic growth.  The study used secondary discrete data for the period of 1991-2012 whose main source is the Central Bank Of Kenya which is the Monetary Authority in the country. A descriptive data analysis was applied so as to take into account the dynamic financial changes that took place in the Kenyan economy of which some of those situations include the financial liberalization that took place in 1991 to the likes of the Kenyan shilling highest depreciation rate against the US Dollar in 2011 among other financial changes. Through a multivariate regression analysis, the trends of the monetary policy transmission channels which included Interest rate depicted by Central Bank Rate  (CBR), Exchange Rate (EX), Credit to private Sector (PSC) and Money Supply (M2). The results showed that indeed there was an effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable though whereby Interest rate, exchange rate and credit to private sector depicted a negative effect while Money supply showed a positive effect in the short run. As a result of those variances on the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable, the researcher recommended some policy recommendations for better long run performance and growth of the Kenyan economy.

Keywords: Real Gross Domestic Product, Economic Growth, Central Bank Rate, Balance of payment, Tools of Monetary Policy, Transmission channels, Monetary policy frameworks and Error Correction Model.

Title: EFFECT OF MONETARY POLICY ON KENYAN ECONOMIC GROWTH

Author: GACHINI, S.K.

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Economic growth has become a subject of great discussions and debates all over the world. This is because it is a global necessity for alleviating poverty. The Kenyan economy has been experiencing mixed growth levels since independence. With the launching of the Vision 2030 Programme in 2008 that is expected to steer Kenya to a middle- income country, improving the growth rate in Kenya is of paramount importance. The main objective of this study was to examine macroeconomic determinants of economic growth in Kenya. Specific objectives were to determine the effects of inflation rates, gross fixed capital formation, exports, government expenditure, and foreign direct investments on economic growth in Kenya. The method of study adopted  in this study is a causal relationship research design. The study utilized secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Economic surveys, World Bank Development Indicators, Kenya National Bureau of statistics and other written materials. The study period spanned from 1971 to 2011. The time series properties of the data were, first, analyzed using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test and then tested for Cointegration using the Engle Granger test. The empirical results derived indicate that all the variables of interest were stationary at level allowing Ordinary Least Square (OLS) analysis to be used to analyze data. The study also found that there is a Cointegration relationship between GDP growth and its macroeconomic determinants. Findings from the study show that government expenditure and GDP for the previous period were significant in influencing economic growth in Kenya. Inflation and exports had weak inverse and positive relationships with growth respectively, both of them statistically significant at 10 percent significance level. Foreign direct investment and gross fixed capital formation, though their coefficients were positive had no significant effects on economic growth at 10% significance level. The implication for policy is that in order for Kenya to foster and sustain growth, closer attention should be given to factors that promote exports, pursuance by the monetary policy authorities of the objective of maintaining inflation rate to single digit, and for the government to continue spending on the productive sectors of the economy such as provision of health care, education, infrastructure, and water and sanitation.

Keywords: Economic growth, Gross domestic Product, Gross fixed capital formation, General Government Final consumption expenditure, Exports, Foreign Direct Investments, Inflation.

Title: A STUDY ON MACROECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN KENYA

Author: GACHINI, S.K.

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Unemployment is a scourge affecting the youth of Mozambique. The concept unemployment is more perceptible when analysed from two different yet, related acquaintances of this scourge being underemployment and disguised unemployment. Underemployment occurs when employees work below their capacity or are underutilizing the knowledge they possess. Disguised unemployment refers to a situation where more people than required are engaged in a particular occupation, with very low levels of productivity. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered, to be the universal response for solving the problem of unemployment in Mozambique. A study was carried out in Greater Maputo – representing Mozambique as a whole, to determine the influence of SMEs in unemployment creation, and to make sure that by doing so SMEs were not fomenting underemployment and disguised unemployment. The research was carried out basing on quantitative methodology using face-to-face questionnaires. The study found that underemployment and disguised unemployment were rife in Mozambique, caused by unregistered and casual employees who worked at less than their deserved capacities, in larger numbers than needed, and at very low levels of productivity. It was recommended that more support was needed to make SMEs sustainable so as to manage more efficiently their workforce.

Keywords: Disguised unemployment, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Underemployment.

Title: Are There More Bad Jobs Than Good Jobs For The Youth In Mozambique?

Author: SAWAYA Alen, BHERO Shepherd

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Bad loans are one of the key causes of banks breakdown in Kenya commercial banks. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of Credit Policy on non performing loan in commercial banks in Kenya. The study employed descriptive research design where quantitative approach was applied. Data was obtained from 43 commercial banks in Kenya and analysed using SPSS by applying both correlation and regression to show relationship between the variables. The study recommends that Banks should develop credit procedures, policies and analytical capabilities and these efforts should be expanded into full credit management including origination, approval, monitoring and problem management tailored to the needs of each bank.

Keywords: Credit policy, Loan Nonperformance.

Title: Effect of Credit Policy on Non-Performing Loans: Case of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Author: Edah   Kavwanyiri, Dr. Shedrack Mbithi Mutua

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Workplace stress is to expected.  Stress is a natural human response to its environment. Stress itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Moderate level of stress is considered essential motivators. However, high levels of stress have the capacity to greatly impact physical and emotional health. It is these environmental changes that have made stress more pronounced. These days’ stress is ubiquitous. None can escape stress. In fact, stress has its origin in the body chemistry, which has remained unchanged since man came on the earth. As leaders, it is our responsibility to assess and manage levels of stress in the workplace to ensure a safe and productive work environment. The aim of this paper is to provide insight that will help the reader further improve his/her management competencies in managing stress in the workplace.

Keywords: job stress, stress management, workplace stress managerial performance, satisfaction, social life, conflict.

Title: STRESS MANAGEMENT

Author: SIRTAJ KAUR

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

UGC Journal No: 47920

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Abstract: The study estimated the impact of corporate governance on the performance (ROA and ROE) of listed manufacturing firms in Ghana. Quantitative, descriptive and correlational research approaches were adopted for the study. The annual reports of the listed manufacturing companies from 2011 to 2016 were used for the study. The‎ population for the‎ study is made up of all the fourteen Ghanaian listed manufacturing companies as at 31st December, 2016. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model was used to estimate the level of impact of corporate governance practices on the performance (ROA and ROE) of listed manufacturing firms in Ghana. The empirical evidence obtained indicated that three of the independent variables: Size of Board, number of Independent Directors and the presence of Audit Committee had positive and insignificant impacts on ROA. Additionally, the level of impact of Management Ownership on the ROA of the firms was positive and significant. However, all the independent variables: Size of Board, number of Independent Directors, the presence of Audit Committee and Management Ownership had positive and insignificant impacts on ROE. With regards to the control variables, the results indicate that the age of the firms positively and significantly impacts on ROA and ROE. Additionally, the evidence suggested that the size of the firms had a positive impact on both ROA and ROE, however, the level of impact of the size of the firms on ROA was insignificant. Additionally, the risk levels of the firms has a negative and significant impact on both ROA and ROE. Overall, the study provides evidence that there is a positive and insignificant impact of corporate governance on both ROA and ROE of the listed manufacturing firms in Ghana.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Board Size, Ghana Stock Exchange, Firm Performance, Return on Assets, Return on Equity.

Title: The Impact of Corporate Governance Practices on Performance of Manufacturing Firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange

Author: LAZARUS LANQUAYE LAMPTEY

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: One of the biggest challenges that most African securities markets such as Zimbabwe face is illiquidity. This paper investigates the extent to which illiquidity affects stock returns on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. We used a cross sectional regression model and regressed illiquidity on stock returns for 28 listed companies on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange for the period 2010-2013. The study found out that stock returns decline as illiquidity increases and there was a significant negative relationship between these two variables. The study also found the Amihud measure is an able measure of illiquidity on a developing market such as Zimbabwe as most stocks have higher values of ILLIQ of the Amihud measure of illiquidity.

JEL Classification: G11

Keywords:  Zimbabwe stock market, illiquidity, dollarized economy.

Title: Illiquidity and Stock Returns in a Dollarized Economy: Evidence from Zimbabwe

Author: David Chisunga, Peter Mazuruse, Chrispen Chirume, J Muvingi, Bridgetah Tariro Gaadzikwa

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The execution of an institution’s strategic plan ensures that there is institutional success, which is the achievement of institutional vision and mandate. The study sought to interrogate the various factors that influence the successful attainment of the vision. Heathfield (2015) identifies a number of challenges that might militate against the achievement of institutional objectives, but this paper argues that although there could be those challenges a lot could be done to ensure the institutional objectives are successfully attained. The researchers adopted a qualitative research methodology due to its ability to enable the researcher to access the deep-rooted experiences, perceptions and beliefs of strategy execution participants and stakeholders. A number of in-depth interviews were held with practitioners and their experiences and perceptions were sought. Further, focus group discussions were held in which participants shared their experiences and perceptions and were able to interrogate each contribution until its meaning and contribution to the study were comprehended. A process of trustworthiness was undertaken through detailed analysis of every input, a prolonged engagement with participants within the institution, the reference of transcripts to individual members for validation and the attainment of researcher trust over a prolonged period of time; this showed that data accessed and analysed truly reflected the perceptions and experiences of participants. The findings were that for successful execution of strategy the institution should identify institutional competences, use implementation guidelines, be able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, employ knowledgeable and engaged leadership and exercise prudential use of resources, among others. The study concluded that the whole institution should buy-in to the strategy for the achievement of set objectives to be realised. The researchers encouraged other researchers to carry out further work into this area.

Keywords: Open and Distance Learning institutions, strategic leadership.

Title: Establish the Criticality of Strategic Leadership in Strategy Execution in Open and Distance Learning Institutions: A Case Study of Open University

Author: Dr. Caxton Shonhiwa, Stanley Idanai Murangwa

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of career development practices on academic staff in Kenyan Public Universities in Coast region. The objectives of the study were to assess the influence of career planning, career advancement and training and development on academic staff in Kenyan public universities in Coast region. The research hypotheses were then formulated from the literature review. The study involved the three public universities with main campuses in the Coast region which are Taita-Taveta University, Technical University of Mombasa and Pwani University. The theoretical background of career development was analyzed to identify its relevance to the study. The conceptual framework was illustrated and the research variables discussed in depth. The empirical review of career development was analyzed to identify research gaps which the study sought to fill. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design of which the target population was the full time academic staff in the three public universities in Coast region totaling 577. The study adopted stratified random sampling after which purposive sampling was used to arrive at the sample size of 173. A Five Point Likert Type Scale questionnaire was used to collect primary data for the study. The questionnaires were then coded and responses analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the relationship between career development practices and academic staff performance. Analyzed data was then presented in tables, graphs and pie-charts. The study found out that career planning had a positive significant influence on academic staff performance in Kenyan public universities in Coast region. Further, the universities under study had programs that developed their academic staff for future positions, formulated self-assessment tools that helped their academic staff understand their career aspirations and had career succession plans. Career advancement had a positive significant influence on academic staff performance in Kenyan public universities in Coast region. Career advancement was based on competencies of academic staff, equity and merit. Training and development had a positive significant influence on academic staff performance in Kenyan public universities in Coast region. Further, the universities conducted training needs analysis to identify skill gaps, established training plans for their academic staff and supported training and development of their academic staff through awarding of study leaves and sponsorship. The current study looked at career development practices of training and development, career planning and career advancement; however there is need for further studies to identify other factors like succession planning and career guidance that affect career development in an organization.

Keywords: Career Planning, Training and Development, Career Advancement, Academic Staff Performance.

Title: The Influence of Career Development Practices on Academic Staff Performance in Kenyan Public Universities in Coast Region

Author: HARUN M. MWASHILA, DR. MARY P. IBUA, DR. WILLIAM K. KAZUNGU

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a business practice that involves participating in initiatives that benefit society. Companies should undertake different CSR activities with an intention to make significant social impact but there can be another reason behind CSR activities undertaken by the companies.  This paper highlights CSR Initiatives of companies like TATA, HPCL, SAIL, which includes facilitation of child education, immunization and childcare, plantation activities, creation of awareness of AIDS and other healthcare projects.   CSR has become the need of growing business. CSR in India has gone beyond merely charity and donations, and is approached in a more organized fashion. It has become an integral part of the corporate strategy. Companies have CSR teams that devise specific policies, strategies and goals for their CSR programs and set aside budgets to support them. These programs, in many cases, are based on a clearly defined social philosophy or are closely aligned with the company’s business expertise.  CSR Programs could range from overall development of a community to supporting specific causes like education, environment, healthcare etc.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility- CSR initiatives, Challenges of CSR.

Title: CSR Initiatives of Selected Companies in India: A Study

Author: CHANDRAPPA.M

International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations 

ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)

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