The university sector has become increasingly competitive in recent years, prompting a surge in scholarly interest among researchers and academics. Due to the intensity of competition, universities deploy various competitive strategies aimed at mitigating against these challenges and thereby enhancing their performance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of differentiation strategy on the performance of chartered private universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on Strategic Balance Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and targeted 18 Chartered Private Universities with a target population of 870 senior university managers. Using statistical formulae, a sample of 274 was obtained and which was allocated using proportionate stratified sampling. Thereafter, simple random sampling was used in targeting respondents in each university. The study used structured questionnaires to collect data. The tool was piloted to ensure it met both validity and reliability requirements. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of SPSS. The study established that differentiation strategy [r=.491**, p=.000], had a moderate and positive correlation with performance of chartered private universities. The R-square value of 0.241 indicates that differentiation strategy explains 24.1% of variation in performance of chartered private universities. We concluded that differentiation strategy was significant predictor of performance of chartered private universities. We recommend the need for private universities to align their product differentiation strategies to market needs and to tailor their price differentiation strategies in order to develop and implement competitively priced programs.
Cost Leadership Strategy and Performance of Chartered Private Universities in Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Pages 10-16
William Kipkemoi Kimno || Dr. Josphat Kwasira || Prof. Peter Njuguna Mwaura
Universities play a crucial role in fostering economic growth; however, private universities in Kenya face multiple challenges, including concerns over the quality of education, financial instability, competition, which directly impacts their performance. Private universities have thus implemented various competitive strategies though their effects have not been fully established. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of cost leadership strategy on the performance of chartered private universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on Transaction Cost Economics Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and targeted 18 Chartered Private Universities. Respondents targeted were deputy vice chancellors, deans, head of departments, directors and campus directors who totaled 870. Using statistical formulae, a sample of 274 was obtained and which was allocated using proportionate stratified sampling. Thereafter, simple random sampling was used in targeting respondents in each university. The study used structured questionnaires to collect data. The tool was piloted to ensure it met both validity and reliability requirements. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of SPSS. The study established that cost leadership strategy [r=.552**, p=.000], had a moderate and positive correlation with performance of chartered private universities. The R-square value of 0.305 indicates that cost leadership strategy explains 30.5% of variation in performance of chartered private universities. We concluded that cost leadership strategy was significant predictor of performance of chartered universities. Were commend the need for private universities to continuously upgrade their cost control regulations and cost reduction initiatives.
The Moderating Effect of Customer Perceived Value on The Relationship Between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry in Cabadbaran City Original Research Article Country Philippines
This study investigates the relationship between service quality, perceived value, and customer satisfaction in the hotel industry in Cabadbaran City. Drawing upon the Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT) and relevant literature, a conceptual framework is developed to guide the research. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey from hotel guests, yielding a sample size of 150 respondents. Descriptive analysis reveals that both service quality and perceived value are perceived very positively, with mean scores falling within the "Very High" category. Furthermore, correlation and moderation analyses demonstrate a significant positive relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction, as well as a moderating effect of perceived value on this relationship. Specifically, the combined impact of service quality and perceived value on customer satisfaction is found to be greater than the sum of their individual effects. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining high service quality standards and delivering perceived value-added services to enhance overall customer satisfaction in the hotel industry of Cabadbaran City. The study contributes to theoretical understanding and offers practical insights for hotel managers to optimize service delivery and foster greater guest loyalty.
Oil Prices, Economic Growth, and Inflation Dynamics in Morocco: an Ardl Bounds Test Analysis Original Research Article Country Morocco
This study examines the dynamic relationship between international crude oil prices, broad money supply, economic growth (GDP growth), and inflation with-in the Moroccan economy, utilizing annual time series data, with the primary aim of ascertaining the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship and quantifying both the long-run impacts and short-run adjustment dynamics among these key macroeconomic variables for Morocco, a net oil-importing country. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) boundstest approach to cointegration served as the core analytical framework. Prior to cointegration testing, the station- arity properties of all variables were assessed using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller(ADF) unitroot test, and an Error Correction Model (ECM) was subsequently estimated to capture short-run dynamics and the speed of adjustment. Granger causality tests were performed to evaluate predictive relationships, and rigorous diagnostic tests, including checks for parameter stability, residual normality, serial correlation, and heteroskedasticity, were conducted to ensure model robustness. The ADF tests revealed a mixed order of integration among the variables, confirming the suitability of the ARDL methodology, and the ARDL bounds test provided strong statistical evidence rejecting the null hypothesis of no cointegration, thus establishing a stable long-run relationship among the variables. Long-run estimates indicated that broad money supply exerts a statistically significant positive influence on inflation, while crude oil prices and GDP growth did not demonstrate significant long-run effects on inflation in this model. The ECM estimation yielded a highly significant error correction term, confirming cointegration and indicating a strong adjustment mechanism towards long-run equilibrium. Short-run results highlighted significant positive impacts from GDP growth on inflation changes and substantial inflation persistence, while Granger causality tests suggested limited short-term predictability between most variable pairs, apart from unidirectional causality from GDP growth to broad money. The estimated model successfully passed all diagnostic checks. This research offers updated empirical insights into the determinants of inflation in Morocco using a robust methodology suitable for mixed integration orders, quantifying the significant long-run role of monetary aggregates versus the statistically insignificant direct long-run impact of oil prices and growth, thereby providing valuable information for monetary policy formulation and macroeconomic management in Morocco.
The Influence of Risk and Trust on Buying Behavior of Online Consumers in Tagum City Original Research Article Country Philippines
The growth of e-commerce has transformed consumer behavior globally, including in an emerging urban city like Tagum. The study examined how consumers in Tagum City make their online purchases based on their perceived risk levels and trust in the process. The research analyzed six risk domains, which include financial risk, product risk, security risk, time risk, social risk, and psychological risk, as well as domains of trust such as competence, predictability, and goodwill. The study also examined online buying behavior through personal, psychological, and social factors. Quantitative data were gathered from a sample of online consumers in Tagum City using adapted and modified questionnaires. The study revealed that the level of risk among online shoppers in Tagum City is high, with financial, time and product risks being the most remarkable. Inferential analysis showed that domains of risk, except psychological risk, significantly influenced online buying behavior. Additionally, trust also influenced online buying behavior, with competence emerging as the strongest predictor. Overall, the study's results suggest that while risk remains a barrier for consumers to participate in online shopping, building consumer trust can lessen or mitigate this effect significantly. Thus, findings provide practical implications for online businesses, digital marketers, platform developers, and policymakers in formulating guidelines, enabling them to increase customer trust, lower perceived risks, and create an inclusive digital and sustainable economy.
The Effectiveness of Existing Government local Initiatives in Supporting the Development of Businesses at the Barangay Level in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Original Research Article Country Philippines
Pages 78-91
Dr. Alex L. Señara || Dr. Jeddah Q. Justol || Herson D. Bation || Joresa Sabellina Lim
This analysis of Tagoloan's entrepreneurial ecosystem reveals a generally positive perception of existing support programs, including financial assistance, training, business registration, mentorship, market access, and tax incentives, contributing to business growth and job creation. However, findings consistently highlight areas for enhancement across these initiatives. Recommendations include implementing more granular evaluations and targeted outreach for financial aid, enhancing business management skills training and workshop duration, streamlining registration processes and cost transparency, structuring mentorship with clearer goals and confidence-building, broadening market access program inclusivity, strategically aligning tax incentives with growth and diverse business needs, bolstering overall economic activity and future business confidence through targeted support, fostering stronger local business-resident linkages to enhance community-wide economic impact, and refining support programs to better incentivize hiring across a wider range of skill levels. Implementing these recommendations, informed by further investigation and stakeholder feedback, will be crucial for maximizing the effectiveness and inclusivity of Tagoloan's entrepreneurial support system, fostering sustainable economic development within the local context of Northern Mindanao, Philippines.
Contract Management Risks and Performance of Kenya Rural Roads Authority Projects in Turkana County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Contract management risks manifest in uncertainties that can influence the effectiveness of acquiring necessary inputs for project. They introduce variability into the procurement process, challenging the consistency and reliability of project delivery. Undesirable performance of projects has remained persistent challenge among parastatals in Kenya. This issue is particularly evident in the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) construction projects, where delays, cost overruns, and quality concerns are common. These challenges underscore the possible existence of procurement risks, contract management risks in particular that undermine the performance of projects. The current study assessed the effect of contract management risks on performance of Kenya Rural Roads Authority projects in Turkana County, Kenya. The study employed an explanatory research design within a positivist paradigm. The target population included 40 projects in Turkana County. Each project contributed three respondents: a project manager, a contractor, and a community representative, totaling 120. A sample of 95 was determined using Yamane’s formula. Simple random sampling was used to select participants. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was aided by SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics included means, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics involved Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Results were presented in tables. Descriptive findings indicate that contract management risks affect the performance. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationship, with coefficients of r = 0.710**. This means that contract management risks affects the performance of projects by KeRRA projects. Regression analysis showed an R² value of 0.505, meaning contract management risks explain 50.5% of the variation in project performance. The study concludes that procurement risks significantly affect the performance of KeRRA projects. In conclusion, contract management and communication risks lead to project delays, increased costs, and work disruptions due to misunderstandings, specification errors, and supplier conflicts. The study recommends that KeRRA standardize contract terms and maintain regular communication with all parties to minimize disputes and improve project performance.
Value-Driven Agility and Premium Revenue Growth of
Insurance Companies in Nairobi County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Value-driven agility in strategic planning align enhance adaptability and enable effective decision-making in rapidly changing markets. By embedding value considerations into iterative planning processes, insurers navigate market volatility, emerging risks, and evolving customer preferences to maintain sustainable performance. However, insurance companies in Kenya continue to face performance challenges, particularly in achieving sustainable premium revenue growth. The current study examined the influence of value-driven agility on premium revenue growth of insurance companies. The study was anchored on dynamic capabilities theory. A descriptive research design was utilized, helping in generating reliable and valid insights into the specific relationship between value-based agility and premium revenue growth. The target population comprised the 42 insurance companies operating in Nairobi County. The managers comprising operations managers and marketing and customer experience managers from each insurance company were targeted. Thus, the researcher involved 2 respondents from each of the companies hence the total of 84 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential methods with aid of Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results were presented in tables. The descriptive findings revealed that value-driven agility has a positive influence on the premium revenue growth of insurance companies. This means that insurers that align strategic responsiveness with value-based priorities are more likely to achieve improved revenue growth. Further, it was found that relationship between the value-driven agility and premium revenue growth was significant (r=0.680**; p=0.000). The findings indicate that increased adoption of value-driven agility contributes to higher premium revenue growth, as it helps insurers prioritize customercentric strategies that enhance satisfaction. Regression analysis findings showed that value-driven agility accounted for 46.2% of the variation in premium revenue growth (R² = 0.462), with a one-unit increase in value-driven agility resulting in a 0.624-unit rise in premium revenue. The t-value (t = 7.236; p = 0.000) confirmed the statistical significance of this relationship at the 95% confidence level, affirming that value-driven agility significantly influences premium revenue growth in insurance companies. The study concludes that value-driven agility is essential for improving the performance of insurance companies, particularly in boosting premium revenue growth. It enables insurers to better align their strategies with changing customer needs and preferences. The study recommends that insurance companies adopt a customer-centric approach. By embedding customer value into strategic decisions, insurers can better meet market demands, enhance policyholder satisfaction, and ultimately drive sustained growth in premium revenue
Debt Financing Decisions and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Companies Listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Debt financing decisions shape the firm's cost of capital and risk exposure. Specifically, an optimal debt structure drive returns and support long-term growth. Nonetheless, manufacturing firms in Kenya continue to experience inadequate financial performance, characterized by operational inefficiencies and constrained growth. It is against this challenge that the present study examined the effect of debt financing decisions on the financial performance of manufacturing companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya. The research was anchored on pecking order theory. The researcher employed a descriptive research design, chosen for its objective to depict and characterize phenomena or groups without influencing them. The target population was the 7 manufacturing companies listed with Nairobi Securities Exchange. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential methods. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) aided the analysis, and the results were presented through tables. The descriptive findings established that debt financing decisions affect the financial performance to a great extent. The correlation analysis revealed strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between debt financing decisions (r=0.755**, p=0.000) and the financial performance. It thus revealed that debt financing decisions significantly affect financial performance. The regression analysis results show that the coefficient of determination was (R² = 0.570) implying that 57% of the variation in the financial performance of manufacturing companies was explained by debt financing decisions. The study concluded that a company's approach to structuring and managing its debt including the balance between short- and long-term borrowing, interest commitments, and overall leverage directly influence its profitability, return on assets, and overall financial performance. The study recommends that manufacturing companies evaluate the balance between debt costs and financial risk, optimize their debt ratios, and continuously monitor their debt structure to effectively manage financial risk and enhance financial performance.
Resource Adequacy and Implementation of Government Funded Secondary School Construction Projects in Nakuru City, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Adequacy of resources is vital in the undertaking of projects. However, in Kenya, the implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools has faced significant challenges. These include prolonged timelines, poor workmanship, and incomplete facilities. The present study assessed the effect of resource adequacy on implementation of government-funded secondary school construction projects in NakuruCity, Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource-based view theory. A descriptive research design was used. The target population was the construction projects within 30 public secondary schools in Nakuru City. The secondary school principals, chairman of board of management, and chairman of parents and teachers association were the unit of observation. Descriptive findings show that the implementation of projects was affected by the adequacy of resources. The results of the correlation analysis reveal a significant relationship between resource adequacy and the implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools (r=0.634**; p=0.000) at a 1% significance level. This positive correlation indicates that an increase in financial, human, and material resources contributes to more effective project implementation. This underscores the importance of adequate resources in the implementation of projects. According to regression analysis results, the oefficient of determination was R2=0.402, indicating that the resource adequacy in terms of financial, material and human resources accounted for 40.2% variation in project implementation. Therefore, resource adequacy affected the implementation of government-funded construction projects in public secondary schools in NakuruCity. The study also concludes that access to sufficient material, financial and human resources minimizes the risk of interruptions or delays that may be occasioned by procurement issues. As such, effective implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools is dependent on resource adequacy.The study recommends that the government should allocate adequate financial resources at the start of each project to avoid delays or cost overruns to enhance effective implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools.
Supply Chain Process Mapping and Supply Chain Performance of Food Manufacturing Firms in Nakuru County, Kenya Original Research Article Country Kenya
Supply chain process mapping enables the visualization of workflows, allowing organizations to identify inefficiencies and improve overall supply chain efficiency. By systematically analyzing each phase of the procurement and distribution cycle, firms can detect redundant tasks, pinpoint bottlenecks, and eliminate activities that do not add value. In the food manufacturing firms’ supply chain, process mapping guide the flow of materials, information, and activities from sourcing to product delivery. However, Kenya’s food manufacturing sub-sector faces ongoing supply chain challenges, including low value addition and high production costs. Sector performance has stagnated, with real Gross Value Added rising only 1.3% in 2024, down from 1.7% in 2023. The contribution to GDP dropped from 7.8% in 2022 to 7.6% in 2023, pointing to inefficiencies within supply chains as likely contributors. The current research assessed the influence of supply chain process mapping on supply chain performance among food manufacturing firms in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by six sigma model. This study utilized a descriptive survey research design and the target population was 15 food manufacturing firms operating in Nakuru County. The study’s unit of observation included the personnel in the procurement/supply chain departments, comprising the 64 procurement managers, logistics officers, production managers, and warehouse managers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysis was aided by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). It was specifically analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods. The results showed that the correlation coefficient (r=0.505**; p=0.000) was significant at 0.01 level of significance. This demonstrates that there existed a significant relationship between supply chain process mapping and the supply chain performance. It implies that food manufacturing firms’ supply chain performance was influenced by the supply chain process mapping. As per regression analysis results, the coefficient of determination was (R2=0.255) indicating that supply chain process mapping accounted for 25.5% of supply chain performance. The beta coefficient (β = 0.356) implies that one-unit change in supply chain process mapping leads to a 0.356- unit change in supply chain performance. Additionally, the t-value of 3.920 with p-value= 0.000 confirm that this relationship was statistically significant. These results demonstrate that supply chain process mapping has a significant influence on the supply chain performance of food manufacturing firms. The study concludes that process mapping within supply chain reengineering reduces inefficiencies and lead times hence enhance supply chain performance of food manufacturing firms. The study recommends that food manufacture ring firms adopt integrated and regularly updated process mapping continuously improve the supply chain performance.
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