Influence of Relational Capability on the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Roselyn Buyiya, Prof Elegwa Mukulu, Dr Anaya Senelwa — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fulfilling developmental goals. This study aims to investigate the impact of relational capability on the performance of small manufacturing enterprises within Nairobi City County. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of environmental dynamism on the relationship between technological entrepreneurship and the performance of SMEs in this region of Kenya. The target population for this research comprised 425 SMEs registered with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers in Nairobi City County as of December 31, 2022. A sample size of 135 SMEs was determined using the Nasiurma (2000) model, with a focus on business owners and managers. To ensure representative sampling, the study utilized a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the research instrument's reliability and validity; internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha, and expert consultations enhanced the questionnaire's content and face validity. Data analysis and interpretation were carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The analysis included multiple linear regression to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables, alongside an F-test to evaluate the overall significance of the research model and its components. The findings indicated a significant relationship between relational capability (X₄) and the performance of SMEs, supported by regression model results (F (1, 118) = 84.885, p-value = 0.000), which confirmed that relational capability is a valid predictor within the model. Consequently, this study concludes that relational capability substantially influences the performance of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya.In light of these findings, the research recommends that the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, as the regulatory body for SMEs, develop a legal and regulatory framework that recognizes and supports these enterprises. This framework should facilitate easier licensing, supervision, and the adoption of standardized processes and procedures drawn from sector-wide guidelines. Furthermore, preferential treatment should be afforded to SMEs to promote their growth and enable their transition to more established manufacturing entities, a mandate that aligns with the objectives of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers Lastly, it is recommended that SMEs prioritize the establishment of robust customer relationships through effective customer relationship management to ensure long-term business

Project Management and Performance of Residential Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Mercy Oyier, Joshua Tumuti — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Project management help ensure the efficient and effective performance of projects. Consequently, in the last five years, Nairobi City County has witnessed numerous residential buildings collapsing due to poor project performance. Besides, limited studies have studied the project management practices that residential construction project managers should adopt to boost project performance as far as Nairobi city county is concerned. Therefore, the proposed study aims to investigate how project management practices affect the performance of construction projects in study area, especially in residential spaces. In realizing this aim, the study focused on realizing the objective of project stakeholder management on the performance of construction projects. The stakeholder theory informed the study’s variable. The variables examined were project stakeholder management (independent variable) and project performance (dependent variable). The descriptive research design guided the data collection and analysis processes. Data was collected from the targeted 50 residential construction projects completed within the last five years across Nairobi City County. The respondents comprised the targeted projects’ contractors, project managers and NCA employees. Semi-structured questionnaires were the primary data collection instruments, where the researcher administered questionnaires to the selected respondents to ensure the gathering of qualitative and quantitative data. 282 respondents participated in the study, who completed and returned the instruments after administration. A pilot test and the Cronbach alpha values for all the study variables met the recommended 0.70 threshold, guaranteeing reliability. The proposed study aimed to ensure that the questionnaires maintained great extents of sampling, construct, and face validity. The obtained data was analyzed using thematic analysis for the qualitative data and descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Findings indicated that stakeholder management positively affect project performance, with project resources scheduling having the greatest influence. The study emphasized the importance of effective resource allocation, timely regulatory compliance, and strong stakeholder engagement in achieving project success. Recommendations included adopting digital tools for resource management, appointing a regulatory liaison, implementing continuous quality improvement frameworks, and using digital platforms for stakeholder engagement. Future research could explore the influence of leadership styles and external economic factors on project performance.

Journal of Entrepreneurship & Project Management

Influence of Relational Capability on the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Project Management and Performance of Residential Construction Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya