Vol 4 Issue 2 October 2016-March 2017

Abstract: The study examined the effects of inflation rate on aggregate bond performance in Nairobi securities exchange in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population being all age of the bond in Kenya. The population also comprised of all finance manager of corporations with bond issued in Kenya. The sample size entailed bond trading in NSE between 2011 to 2015 with a tenor of 1 to 5years. The primary data was collected through questionnaires to the staff in these listed companies. Secondary data was obtained from company financials statements, CMA, NSE, KNBS and CBK data. Data was analysed using multiple linear regression model and the results and findings shows that the macroeconomic indicators have effects on aggregated bond performance. Inflation rate was found to positively affect the aggregate bond performance in Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya. The study therefore concluded that inflation rates significantly affect the aggregate bond performance. This will then have a significant impact on the bond performance traded in NSE thusand eventually improve economic growth. Keywords: Inflation Rate, Aggregate Bond, Performance, Securities Exchange. Title: Effect of Inflation Rate on Aggregate Bond Performance in Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya Author: Nancy W Kariuki, Dr. Assumptah Kagiri International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study therefore, sought to establish the influence of the level of community awareness public participation in budget formulation process in Kenya. The sample size consisted of 194 participants. This sample was drawn from a population of 377 participants who took part in past (2015/2016) Turkana County budget formulation process Ten participants from each ward of the 30 wards in the county and 30 ward administrators,6 sub-county administrators and 41 county executives and assembly members in charge of finance and budgeting committee. The participants were drawn from 30 wards of the six constituencies namely Turkana North, Turkana West, Turkana Central, Loima, Turkana South and Turkana East constituencies. The sample was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data for frequencies and percentages distribution tables and mean. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistics mainly correlation and linear regression. The results revealed that the hypothesized variables had a statistically significant effect on the formulation of the budget process in Turkana County. The study recommends’ the extension of similar studies in other counties in the Country. Keywords: Community Awareness, Public Participation, Budget Formulation. Title: Influence of the Level of Community Awareness Public Participation in Budget Formulation Process in Kenya Author: Peter Ekai Lokoel, Dr. Jaconia Okello, Wilberforce Senelwa International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study set to establish the relationship between process improvement and financial performance in middle tier commercial banks in Kenya. This study adopted three theoretical foundations: the management theory; resource-based theory and; customer responsiveness theory. It focused on all the 7 middle tier commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The sample for the study was obtained through proportionate stratified sampling. Out the 140 respondents targeted, 131 responded. From the study findings, it is evident that the strategic plans lead to process Improvement. Indeed a strategic plan integrates various processes in the organization so as to enhance effectiveness and efficiency across the organization and this enhances performance in the bank. It is vital to study other benefits of successful implementation of strategic plans in organizations. Keywords: Process Involvement, Financial Performance, Middle Tier Banks. Title: Link between Process Improvement and Financial Performance in Middle Tier Commercial Banks in Kenya Author: Eucabeth Kiana, Dr. Jane Omwenga International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The General objective of this research was to assess the effect of bank specific factors on the liquidity risk of commercial banks in Kenya. The specific objective of this project was to establish the effect of capital adequacy, bank size, non-performing loans and profitability on liquidity risk of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted secondary data analysis research design. The observations used were date from January the year 2011 to December 2015 and included 60 monthly observations. The population was composed of all the 42 licensed commercial banks in Kenya. The data was obtained from Kenya National Bureau of statistics, the central bank and audited financial statements of individual banks. Multiple regression was employed as the analytical tool. The study was driven by the absence of laborious studies that address the dynamics of the liquidity risk in commercial banks in Kenya. The research was also motivated by the mixed results that various previous researchers got for the same types of the variables. The results revealed that there was a strong and statistically significant influence of the various bank specific factors on the liquidity risk of commercial banks in Kenya. Only Non-performing loans were found to have a positive effect on the liquidity risk. Other factors that is, Capital Adequacy, Profitability and Bank size were found to have an negative relationship with the liquidity risk. Keywords: Capital Adequacy, Profitability, Bank Size, Non-performing loans and Liquidity risk. Title: Effect of Banks Specific Factors on the Liquidity Risk of Commercial Banks in Kenya Author: Kosgey Cecilia Cheruto, Dr. Willy M. Muturi International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main objective of the study is to determine the moderating effect of information sharing on the relationship between supply chain linkages and procurement performance among county governments in north rift region. The specific objectives of the study were: To determine the effect of customer linkages on procurement performance, to establish the effect of supplier linkages on procurement performance and to determine the effect of internal linkages on procurement performance. The study was informed by transaction cost economics theory resources based view theory and cox theory. The study adopted the explanatory research design. The study unit of analysis was 354 employees in procurement departments drawn from 6 county governments in North Rift. The study conducted a census survey on target population of procurement employees of County governments. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data for dependent and independent variables. To test for reliability of research instrument, the researcher used the internal consistency technique by employing Cronbach Alpha value. Descriptive and inferential statistics was also used to classify, analyze and interpret the data. Correlation analysis was used to test linear relationship, while multiple regression models were used to analyze data in order to test the hypotheses for the study. Data was presented using tables. The study found that customer linkages, supplier linkage and internal linkages have a positive and significant effect on procurement performance. The study concludes that customer linkages, supplier linkage and internal linkages are key determinants of procurement performance. There is need for firm managers to understand and find ways to effectively manage these interactions. Suppliers should also be allowed to contribute product ideas and also participate in the design phase of the firms’ product for the purpose of product improvement. There is need for firms to integrate their system so that they can have information flow within the firm. Keywords: Supply chin linkages, Procurement Performance. Title: Effect of Supply Chain Linkages on the Procurement Performance of County Governments in North Rift Region Author: Meshack Oreu Tankoi, Dr. Mike Amuhaya Iravo, Mr. Robert Wamalwa Wandera International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the key management factors on the performance of hotels in Kenya. The specific objectives were; to evaluate the effect of organizational leadership on the performance of hotels, to assess the effect of organizational communication on performance of hotels, to evaluate the effect of organizational culture on the performance of hotels, to determine the effect of organizational structure on the performance of hotels. The study used Cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was all the 31 licensed hotels in Nairobi County. The sampling frame for this study was all the 31 licensed hotels in Nairobi as per the Kenya tourism authority listing. The sample size for the study was composed of 93 respondents. The key data collection instrument was the close-end questionnaire. The data was analyzed with the help of multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that organizational leadership, organizational communication, organizational culture and organizational structure had a positive and a statistically significant effect on the performance of hotels in Kenya and especially in Nairobi County in Kenya. All the coefficients of the independent variables were also positive. The study, recommended that the management should come-up with strategies that that focus on the management factors that affect the performance of hotels in Kenya. Keywords: organizational culture, organizational structure, organizational communication, organizational leadership, hotel performance. Title: The Effect of Selected Management Drivers on the Performance of Hotels in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi County Author: Kamau Beatrice Wangari International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Project planning is part of project management which relates to the use of schedule, it also involves systematic sequencing and scheduling tasks comprising a project, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the influence of local community in Project Planning on the sustainability of projects in Trans Nzoia County. The main problem in the study is that lack of Community participation is a key ingredient in poor delivery of good planning outcomes. Community involvement can assist in the identification of local needs and problems, inform policy-making, and provide feedback on service delivery while at the same time fostering a sense of local ownership towards the projects. However, in practice, effective community involvement in the planning process is often neglected and the benefits remain unrealized, lack of knowledge as to how to engage the community. Either way, the results can be disastrous (that is, lack of community involvement can result in a loss of money and other resources, legal suits, disgruntled citizens giving negative to the media, non-acceptance of the project, and a non-sustainable projects we commonly refer to as white elephants). As long as choice-of-technology decisions are made by an outside agency, community demands cannot be met, even if such demands have been duly assessed (Narayan, 2005) This study particularly focused on finding out the reason why a project like that aimed at providing water, a basic need, may fail to succeed as it were despite being aimed at providing a basic need. the specific objectives of the study are: to establish the influence the involvement of the community in community project design on projects sustainability, to find out the influence of the involvement of the community in standard setting on projects sustainability, To determine the influence of involvement of the community in resource mobilization on projects sustainability ,To establish the influence of involvement of the community in project monitoring on projects sustainability. The study is set to benefit Project managers to be aware of the importance of involving the community in the planning of their projects, frequency with which community based projects fail should be reduced as the project management will learn the importance of involving the community in project planning, The goals of subsequent projects was understood and clearly defined ,it will also benefit other researchers in the same field with new insight to support their arguments and hence improve knowledge base, the study was carried out in Trans Nzoia County a case of county government of Trans Nzoia. A total of 336 respondents was involved in the research out of the respondents each will give their responses composed of project managers, project team, project sponsors and community members, the study was undertaken during the months of August and September 2016 to establish the influence the involvement of the community in community project design on projects sustainability, this study will use a case study research design. A total number of 200 respondents were sampled using stratified sampling and systematic sampling technique. The researcher used questionnaire as the main data collection instruments. The data collected was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics in order to determine their frequencies and percentages. The R square value shows that 65.35% of Variation in project sustainability was explained by a combined effect of the moderating variable on the other independent variables. From these results, it be seen that the moderating variable has a combined moderating influence on project design, standard settings, resource mobilization and project monitoring and valuation. The findings were that there is a significance improvement on the value of R-squared for the model without the moderating variable which is 60.67% to 65.35% for the model with moderating variable. Hence we reject the null hypothesis of no moderating effect at 5% level of significance Keywords: Project planning, community participation, project design, community involvement, design, implementation, standard setting, monitoring and evaluation. Title: Influence of Local Community Involvement in Project Planning on the Sustainability of Projects in Trans Nzoia County Author: Wanyonyi Wenga Rogers, Dr. Mike Iravo, Mr. Robert Wamalwa Wandera International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study aimed at examining the effects of information communication technology integration on supply chain performance at aluminium Africa limited in Tanzania. The management and employees of ALAF Company limited were used as the target population. The study targeted 500 employees of ALAF Company limited but only 50 respondents were included in the sample population and stratified random sampling was used to select the sample size. Questionnaires and interview questions were the major instrument for data collection. The quantitative data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Correlation analysis was employed to establish the relationship between variables of the study. ICT integration had a significant contribution to supply chain performance at aluminium Africa limited. The study concluded that the firm should be integrating ICT strategically by embedding it with core activities of the firm. Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Integration, Supply Chain, and Performance. Title: Effects of Information Communication Technology Integration on Supply Chain Performance at Aluminium Africa Limited in Tanzania Author: Sophia Paulo Juma, Dr. Noor Shale International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economic development of a country. However, existing research in Kenya indicate that their survival rate is low. To address the constraints of SMEs performance, most practitioners and scholars have suggested the use of innovation, technology, knowledge management, human capital and intellectual capital. Indeed, there is little research on how social capital can improve the performance of SMEs. Further, the role of charismatic leadership and social capital in SME performance remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the main objective for this research was to investigate the moderating role of charismatic leadership on the relationship between social capital and performance of SMEs. The specific objectives of this study were: to investigate the effect of social capital indicators on SME performance and to examine the moderating role of charismatic leadership on the relationship between the social capital indicators and SME performance. The study employed explanatory research design and data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. It targeted the top managers of 5,100 SMEs in the four Counties in Western Kenya. Stratified sampling was used to determine the sample size of SMEs from both service and manufacturing sectors and then simple random sampling was done to select the SMEs. In total, a sample of 357 was used in the study. A pilot study was carried out in Kisumu County. Instrument reliability was tested on the pilot study and all the instruments yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha above 0.6. Data was coded, entered into SPSS 20 program and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was done to ensure content, construct and discriminant validity. Hierarchical multiple regression model was used to test the hypotheses. The results reveal that the social capital indicators; social network (β=.104, p-value=.024), trust (β=.106, p-value=.026) and co-operation (β=.202, p-value=.002) had a positive and significant relationship with SME performance hence hypotheses 1, 2 and 3 were not supported. The study further revealed that charismatic leadership moderates the relationship between social network and SME performance (β=-.1073, p-value=.016) thus hypothesis 5 was not supported. However, charismatic leadership does not moderate the relationship between; trust and SME performance (β=-.134, p-value=.140) and; co-operation and SME performance (β =.188, p-value=.122) thus hypotheses 5 and 6 were supported. In conclusion, social capital of a top manager plays a significant role in SME performance and that the charisma of the manager in relation to social network only, influences SME performance. The findings are therefore invaluable to the SME sector in relation to development of social capital of the managers which play a significant role in firm performance. Further recommendation from the study is that firms should take a proactive approach towards promoting, building and maintaining social networks coupled with trust and co-operation a mong their structures. The findings informs practitioners both in the public and private sector to factor in social capital particularly social network coupled with charismatic leadership attributes when sourcing for managers to efficiently run SMEs. Keywords: Social capital, charismatic leadership performance of SME’s, western part of Kenya. Title: Social Capital, Charismatic Leadership and Performance of Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Western Part of Kenya Author: Hesbon Nangabo Otinga, Loice Maru, Daniel Tarus International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The construction industry is one of the most important industries for the development of infrastructure and economy of a Nation. It is therefore important that adequate measures are put in place to ensure quality in the sector. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stakeholder involvement factor on quality of projects in Nakuru County, Kenya. Main aim of this study was to find out the factors that affect project quality in building construction projects in Nakuru County. The instrument of data collection was questionnaires. The target population consisted of 32 construction companies in Nakuru. The unit of analysis was ongoing and completed projects implemented by the construction companies. The target population was 147 project implementation teams consisting of Project engineers, project managers and project contractors in each of the 32 companies selected through random stratified sampling and thus the study had a total of 96 who formed the sample size out of which 87 respondents returned the questionnaires representing 84% response rate. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Under stakeholder involvement , stages and methods of involvement had a strong and significant positive relationship (r = 0.844, p < 0.05) with project quality. This showed that that the variations around the means in stakeholder involvement are about 84%. The overall regression model gave R2 of 0.102. This showed that that the variations around the means in stakeholedr involvement factor is about 10%. Keywords: Nakuru County, Construction, stakeholder involvement and project quality. Title: The Effect of Stakeholder Involvement Factors on Project Quality among Housing Construction in Nakuru County, Kenya Author: Karen. A. Shipuku, Shadrack Mbithi International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This research discussed medical insurance fraud in Kenya with a primary focus on investigating the effect of firm specific factors on medical insurance fraud in Kenya. The study was guided by four independent variables which included: ICT, internal control, professional experience and motivation of employees. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of interest in this study comprised of all 170 unionisable staff members as well as the management staff of the selected insurance companies. The study utilized a sample size of 65.Primary data was collected using semi structured questionnaires containing both closed and open ended questions to allow variety. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition the study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. The study concluded that though the medical insurance companies have invested a lot of money in the fraud prevention tools, they have not directed that investment to adopt standard online identity. The study concluded that the aspects of security controls such as passwords, protection of customer privacy, risk management framework and restrictions &control over transactions influence the fraud in the medical insurance company. This study therefore recommended that the insurance companies should direct their funds toward adopting standard online identity as well as investing in latest technology that counter imaging technique and other sophisticated gadgets that are used to commit medical insurance fraud. From the study findings and conclusion, the study also recommended that the top management in the medical insurance companies should ensure that they fully support fraud detection policies by allocating enough resources to acquire latest technology that counter imaging techniques used to commit fraud. Keywords: Risk, firm specific factors, medical insurance company. Title: Effect of Firm Specific Factors on Medical Insurance Fraud in Kenya Author: JUSTUS MAUNDU, DR. WILLY MUTURI International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study is about the effect of competitive strategy on financial performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda because, without effective competitive strategy manufacturing organization is bound to perform poorly since competitive strategy is a road map for the organization to follow. The researcher intend to achieve this by use of three specific objectives namely; to examine the effect of product differentiation strategy on financial performance of Bralirwa; to examine the effect of cost leadership strategy on financial performance of Bralirwa; to examine the effect of expansion strategy on financial performance of Bralirwa. The population size was 120 and sample of 52 respondents were taken. Both primary and secondary sources with their relevant tools like questionnaire and documentary analysis were used in order to come up with required data. Data was processed by use of SPSS and analyzed by use of percentages, mean and standard deviation. The relationship between the variables was established by use of Pearson correlations module. The tables of the findings explain how; Bralirwa has different competitive strategies like product differentiation strategy which make it differentiate its products according to the status of customers. Cost leadership strategy which consist of logistic technology which track its products movement and maintain product security, manufactures goods at a low cost, enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology which reduces cost, inventory management technique to reduce organization costs, and lastly the company has customer management system which reduces organization cost. Business focus strategy which consist of spreading products across the country, entering into franchise with other companies like Heineken and Coco-cola limited, opening its products to international market and lastly, introducing different product according to its different customers. Table 4.14 gave the relationship between competitive strategy and financial performance of Bralirwa whereby the respondents N is 52 and the significant level is 0.01, the results indicate that independent variable has Positive high correlation to dependent variable equal to. 907** and the p-value is .000 which is less than 0.01. When p-value is less than significant level, therefore researchers conclude that variables are correlated. This means that there is a significant relationship between competitive strategy and financial performance of Bralirwa by 90.7. Keywords: competitive strategy, financial performance, manufacturing companies, Rwanda, Bralirwa. Title: EFFECT OF COMPETITIVE STRATEGY ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN RWANDA: A CASE OF BRALIRWA Author: Innocent Tumwine, Dr. Kule Julius Warren, Dr. Mbabazi Mbabazize International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The general objective of this study was to assess the influence of strategic employee relations practice on organization performance of Nairobi Securities Exchange listed companies in Kenya. The study also sought to determine the moderating effect of organization size on the relationship between strategic employee practices and performance of the organizations. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design that incorporated quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population for this study consisted all the 62 companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) as at December 2014 from which primary data was collected using questionnaires administered to human resource and finance managers alongside secondary data on performance collected using a data collection sheet. Descriptive statistics was used aided by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 24 to compute percentages of respondents’ answers. Also, analysis was conducted using quantitative approach. The study found out that strategic employee relations practice influence positively organizational performance. The study identified commonly practiced employee relations in organizations such as provision of benefits, training and development, staff welfare facilities like transport, insurance and sports facilities, team building activities, equal and impartial employmeny policies, suitable working conditions, work life balance initiatives and salary design and structures. The study therefore recommends that organizational managers should initiate and reinforce various employee relations to enhance their performance and value. Keywords: Strategic employee relations practice, Organization performance, NSE. Title: INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PRACTICE ON ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE OF NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE LISTED COMPANIES IN KENYA Author: Peter Chemwile, Gregory Namusonge, Mike Iravo International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: The strategies of creating sustainable development for small and medium enterprises are very important. They are not just useful for the enterprises but also for the sustainable of the society. This paper discusses several differences for small and medium-sized enterprises to optimize the sustainable development of the incentive mechanism: (1) becoming valuable sustainable investment targets for larger firms; (2) creating highly competitive networks of sustainable SMEs in market spaces where large enterprises are less successful; (3) becoming highly efficient suppliers in global supply chains through sustainable practices. However, some successful mode of the sustainable development of small and medium enterprises rapidly, network of small and medium-sized enterprises will be essential to solve system problems, including industrial ecology, enterprise global supply chain resilience and sustainability. Small and medium enterprises represent most of the enterprises; the rapid development of communication technology allows the formation of different route network. Keywords: Sustainability; Small and medium sized enterprise (SMEs); Sustainable supply chain management; Resilience; Industrial ecology. Title: Strategic Development of Sustainable and Value Creation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Author: HaiJiao Cui, Qiao Ming Li International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals

Abstract: This study sought to find out the way and manner clothing purchasing decisions by homemakers in the Shama district of Western region in Ghana were carried out. The investigation captured one hundred (100) households who were given questionnaires to respond to. Data were collected through primary source using structured questionnaire and purposive random sampling technique. The research objectives were to find out the factors affecting clothing purchasing decision of homemakers and the processes that homemakers go through in order to arrive at such clothing purchasing decisions. The study also sought to bring to light the challenges that homemakers faced when making clothing purchasing decisions. From the responses given, it was realized that respondents considered the following factors in order of priority when making clothing purchasing decisions: The appearance of the clothing, the price of the clothing, the comfortability, durability and fit of the clothing. The study also revealed challenges like educational background inhibiting the clothing purchasing decisions and cultural differences. From the results of the study, the researchers recommend that, in order to get true value for their money, consumers thus homemakers in the Shama district should consider the durability and price of the clothing above other factors. Keywords: clothing; purchasing; decision; practices; Ghanaian homemakers. Title: CLOTHING PURCHASING DECISION PRACTICES OF GHANAIAN HOMEMAKERS: A CASE STUDY OF THE SHAMA DISTRICT OF WESTERN REGION, GHANA Author: Abdul F. Ibrahim, Thomas O. Asare, Daniel K. Asare International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Research Publish Journals