Abstract:The paper titled: Internal Control System and Fraud Prevention in the Public Service of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The research design adopted was Cross Sectional Survey, Sample size was forty-eight (48). Data was collected by primary source, questionnaire. Analysis of data adopted the Spearman Rank order correlation aided by the statistical package for social sciences. It was found that very strong relationship exists between Internal Control and Fraud, Safeguarding of assets is significantly related to asset misappropriation and there is a significant relationship between management integrity/ethical value and employee embezzlement. In conclusion, the attainment of organizational objectives depends largely on how strong and effective the internal control system is in place. The recommendation is that the public administrators should ensure that effective internal control system is in place, since strengthening internal control will minimize fraud.

Abstract:The purpose of the study was to analyse the influence technological innovation on public sector performance in Nairobi City County Government. 
Methodology: The study used both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study targeted the 32,099 civil servants operating in respective public sectors. This study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaire method. From the research population, a sample of 384 respondents was selected and administered with questionnaires using a drop and pick method. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the data using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). 
Results: The study found that 34.8% of the variation in public sector performance in Nairobi City County Government. The results of coefficients to the estimates was 0.005 hence significant at the 0.05 level of significance. This indicated that technological innovation positively and significantly influence public sector performance in Nairobi City County Government.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings of this study are useful to the county government and policy makers to seek policies that will incorporate adoption of technological innovation for public sector performance.

Abstract:The study indicated the empirical reflection on employee’s emotional intelligence and organizational commitment in private hospitals operating in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The research design was a survey/cross-sectional. The sample frame was 195 workers in 19 registered private hospitals operating in Port Harcourt. The research instrument was tested for validity and reliability. The study developed and tested ten hypotheses. Emotional intelligence (E.I) was proxy by self awareness, self management and social awareness. Employee commitment was measured by affective commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment. The result of the tested hypotheses with the aid of SPSS version 20 shows that there is a very strong relationship between employee’s emotional intelligence and organizational commitment moderated by written rules and procedures (formalization). The researchers therefore, recommends that private hospitals operating in port Harcourt should intensify effort at developing their workers self awareness skill, social awareness skill, self management skill, through training and retraining of the workforce so that workers commitment to the organization would improve and the organization could position itself for competitive advantage.

Abstract:The main element of innovation is the organizational culture aligned with the organizational model. Furthermore is a factor to attract creative personnel and to provide qualitative services. We will examine the organizational change of an international model but there are potentional problems during the transformation and on the implementation of a new management. Local management be able to cope with changes of internal, external environment and new strategies. Decisions and procedures are taken from different views of Mother Company. Regarding Human Resources Management and following standard procedures we could have quality management.

Abstract:Forecasting volatility is an essential step in many financial decision makings. GARCH family of models has been extensively used in finance and economics, particularly for estimating volatility. The motivation of this study is to enhance the ability of GARCH models in forecasting the return volatility. A hybrid model was proposed based on EGARCH and Artificial Neural Networks to forecast the volatility of Inflation rate in Nigeria. The estimates of volatility obtained by an EGARCH model are fed forward to a Neural Network. The input to the hybrid model is complemented by historical values of other explanatory variables. The forecasts obtained by the hybrid model have been compared with those of EGARCH model in terms of closeness to the standard deviation of the Monthly returns. The computational results demonstrate that the hybrid model provides better volatility forecasts.

Abstract:This paper sought to establish the role of competitive advantage and managerial capabilities on performance of alcohol firms in Kenya. The study focused on competitive constructs of quality of goods, ability to introduce completely new products and services, ability to modify existing products to meet unique customer needs and alteration of products with new features. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based Theory (RBT). The study adopted a qualitative research design of cross sectional type. The population was 25 local firms registered by Kenya Revenue Authority by 2012 and approved by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, (NACADA) by 2015. A saturated sample consisted of 100 respondents to get primary data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to determine the relationship between scope of strategies and organizational performance. Findings revealed that there was a fairly positive relation between scope of strategies and organizational performance.

Abstract:This paper examined the influence of scope of strategies and specific product dimensions on performance of firms in the alcohol industry in Kenya. Previous studies dwelt on effect of limited aspects of strategic change such as marketing leaving out critical aspects like financial, distribution and cost control strategies. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based Theory (RBT). The study adopted a qualitative research design of cross sectional type. The population was 25 local firms registered by Kenya Revenue Authority by 2012 and approved by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, (NACADA) by 2015. A saturated sample consisted of 100 respondents to get primary data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to determine the relationship between scope of strategies and organizational performance. Findings revealed that there was a fairly positive relation between scope of strategies and organizational performance.

Abstract:Marketing strategies literature show that cost leadership strategies are important drivers of performance and competitive advantage among firms. However, there is no literature about radio broadcasting firms, the association of cost leadership strategy with performance of radio broadcasting firms. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between cost leadership strategy and performance of the radio broadcasting firms based in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study employed a correlational research design and the population of study constituted a total of 35 top managers and middle level managers from the three radio firms operating in Kisumu County. The findings were that the association between cost leadership and performance were positive and significant, that is, (r = 0.475, p = 0.008, n= 30) meaning that use of cost leadership strategies influences performance positively. The study concludes that use of cost leadership strategies associates with performance positively. Recommendations of the study are that management of radio broadcasting firms should intensify use of cost leadership. The results of this study will be important to the radio broadcasting firms by helping them adopt marketing strategies that would enhance their performance. To the industry policy makers, the study will help to identify the appropriate marketing strategies for survival in the competitive business world.

Abstract:Coffee production has much potential in improving livelihood capabilities among small scale coffee farmers in coffee growing areas. However, scholars debate on the importance of coffee production for the livelihoods of small scale coffee farmers are of no doubt. As a response to the debates, this paper analyzes coffee production and its implications among small scale farmers’ livelihoods in Hai and Arumeru Districts, Tanzania. Specifically, the paper was intended to: examine the effect of socio-demographic characteristics on coffee production among small scale farmers, assess coffee production fluctuations among small scale coffee farmers and determine the influence of attitudes of small scale coffee farmers on coffee production. The paper adopted a cross-sectional study design in collecting primary and secondary data whereby, 250 small scale coffee farmers and 12 key informants (agricultural officers and ward executive officers) were interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and principle component analysis. The results showed that coffee production among small scale coffee farmers had been dwindling from time to time and therefore affecting the livelihoods of small scale coffee farmers particularly in acquiring basic human needs of the required quality and quantity. It was also found that proper performance in coffee production was closely linked to proper performance of other sectors in the economy among small scale coffee farmers. In addition, it was found that small scale coffee farmers’ attitudes have a direct implication on the amount of coffee to be produced. It is recommended that coffee production has to be improved by putting more emphasize on youth participation on coffee production so as to pave way for the improvement of livelihoods among small scale coffee farmers due to its importance in their daily lives.

Abstract:Marketing strategy remains a critical driver of customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the banking industry globally. Despite this, commercial banks in Kenya are yet to attain required customer satisfaction levels. This is evident in the low average customer satisfaction index (CSI) which dropped from 67% in 2011 with a downward trend to 60% in 2015 way below the Kenyan banking industry benchmark of 77%. The main purpose of this study was to determine the level of service quality provided by commercial banks in Kenya. The target population was 1,072,500 customers of commercial bank customers in Nairobi. A sample of 384 was drawn using proportionate stratified sampling technique to constitute 242 retail, 81 business and 61 corporate customers. The results revealed that the level of service quality was relatively good (M = 4.00, SD = 0.32) in a scale of 1 to 5 meaning banks provide good service quality levels. Study concludes that banks provide satisfactory levels of service quality. Study recommends that aspects related to empathy construct of service quality dimension should be improved.

Abstract:Management of resources is very crucial to every work organization. of all the resources that companies and work organizations are keen to observe, human resources rank the first. This study aimed at investigating the motivational factors affecting employee’s performance, and to address possible solutions that may enhance employee’s performance at Vick Fish Company ltd. The study employed a case study design to enable the researcher to be flexible in acquiring data as it employed more than one technique and a simple random sampling was employed which gave an equal chance for each individual to appear. The study results reveal that motivation and performance are inseparable since employees need more than money to make sure that they have morale for work. Consistent with the findings, the study recommends that the company should have clear and well defined motivation schemes which are more strong compared to the existing one that will encourage employees at Vick Fish Company and other industrial sectors to increase their morale and improve their performance towards better performance of the company.

Abstract: Scheme design is critical for defined contribution scheme and the role of the regulator very important. Members are likely to end up with low benefits if the regulatory environment is not supportive to enhanced benefits. Scheme design should be carefully considered in establishment and review of defined contribution schemes to deliver adequate benefits to members. Based on modern portfolio and the life cycle theories, the study investigated the key regulatory factors affecting occupational defined contribution schemes in Kenya. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire administered to scheme administrators in the sample. A logistic econometric model was applied to evaluate the regulatory factors affecting scheme design. Most schemes had undergone some form of design change since inception, with the overriding change being conversion from defined benefit to defined contribution. In addition most schemes did not target any level of pensions to their members and paid pension through purchase of annuities. Further, most scheme administrators reported that their scheme was poor. The results also revealed that the key regulatory factor affecting scheme design was the existence of a separate public pillar. Gender was important but was mostly associated with poor scheme designs.

Abstract:The general objective of the study was be to assess the challenges facing private medical Insurers in claims management in Nakuru town. The specific objectives were to determine the challenges facing in-patient and out-patient claims management. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with data collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Questions were closed ended. The data collected was arranged systematically and coded to facilitate analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly means. The main challenge facing outpatient medical insurance was falsification by medical insurance providers and fraud by members covered. For in-patient, the main challenge was falsification by service providers in relation to exaggerated billing and periods of admission longer than would be necessary.

Abstract: Access to quality healthcare has been a long term policy issue in Kenya, as well as in many countries globally; both developed and developing ones alike. The exponential growth of the private health care sector is a matter of concern to those in policy making positions. This study therefore intended to find out the determinants of demand for healthcare services in private hospitals in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to analyze the trends of utilization of healthcare services in private hospitals in Kenya; and to establish the determinants of demand for healthcare services in private hospitals in Kenya. The study explored the determinants of demand by using binary probit regression model which lies on an interval of between 0 and 1. The study utilized the Kenya Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey of 2013, which consists of household-based cross sectional survey data on expenditures and utilization of health care services. The study employed an econometric model to determine their relationships with demand for health care services from private hospitals. At 5% significance level, the study revealed that an additional year increased the probability of demand for private hospital care by 0.0024% holding other factors constant. This means that as one gets older, the likelihood of using private health facility is high. This may be associated with improved quality care, economic status or factors associated with bypassing hospitals. In addition, the study found that at 1% level of significance, an extra level of education led to a statistical significance increase in probability of demanding private hospital care by 5.75% at ceteris paribus.The study indicated that individuals with access to health information through mass media had high likelihood of increased demand for private hospital care at 10% level of significance by 2.58% holding other factors constant.

Abstract:Marketing is the single point of accountability for growth, identifying& developing new customers, new offerings & new market profitable growth. Marketing strategy should focus on products & services which meet customers’ needs & developing long term relationship with them. This paper aims to analyze the impact of marketing strategies adopted by MTR FOODS Pvt. LTD to the consumers in this area. Sample of 100 consumers was randomly selected & data was collected by pre structured questionnaire & analyzed. The study reveals the fact that selling of food products at affordable prices attracts more consumer & stress the need of implementing additional marketing strategy to increase the sale.