Strategic Management Practices and Service Delivery. The Example of Kakamega County, Kenya

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.0 Introduction

1.1. Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1.5 Significance of the Study

1.6 Scope of the Study

1.7 Limitations of the Study

1.8 Conceptual Framework

2. Literature Review

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Theoretical Review

2.1.1 Knowledge-Based Theory

2.1.2 Institutional Theory

2.2 The Concept of Strategic Management

2.3 The Concept of Service Delivery

2.4 Empirical Review of Literature

2.4.1 Effect of Supplier Management Practises on Service Delivery

2.4.2 Effect of Human Resources Management Practices on Service Delivery

2.4.3 Effect of Technology Adoption on Service Delivery

2.4.4 Moderating Effect of Environmental Factors on the Relationship between Strategic Management Practices and Service Delivery

2.5 Knowledge Gap

2.6 Summary of Literature Review

3. Research Methodology

3.0 Introduction

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Area of the Study

3.3 Target Population

3.4 Sampling Procedure and Sample Size

3.5 Instruments of Data Collection

3.6 Piloting

3.6.1 Validity of the Research Instruments

3.6.2 Reliability of the Research Instruments

3.7 Data Collection Procedures

3.2.1 Response Rate

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation

3.9 Ethical Considerations

4. Results Presentation, Analysis and Discussion

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Descriptive Statistics

4.2.1 Background Information

4.3 Inferential Statistical Analysis

4.3.1 Correlation Analysis

4.3.1.1 Relationship between Suppliers Relations Management and Service Delivery

4.3.1.2 Relationship between Human Resource Management and Service Delivery

4.3.1.3 Relationship between Technology Adoption and Service Delivery

4.3.1.4 Moderating Effects of Environmental Factors on the Relationship between Strategic Management Practices and Service Delivery

4.3.2 Regression Analysis

4.3.2.1 Regression results of Supplier Relations Management and Service Delivery

4.3.2.2 Regression analysis of Human Resource Management Practices and Service Delivery

4.3.2.3 Regression Analysis of Technology Adoption and Service Delivery

4.3.2.4 Regression analysis of the Strategic Management Practices and Service Delivery

5. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary of Findings

5.2.1 Research objective one

5.2.2 Research objective two

5.2.3 Research objective three

5.2.4 Research objective four

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendations

5.5 Suggestions for Further Studies

Research Objectives and Focus

This thesis investigates the impact of strategic management practices on service delivery within Kakamega County, Kenya. It explores how specific management techniques influence the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of public service provision, while considering the moderating influence of the political and legal environment.

• Effect of supplier management practices on service delivery.
• Influence of human resource management on county service quality.
• Impact of technology adoption and automation in public administration.
• Moderating role of environmental factors such as law and politics.
• Assessment of organizational performance models in the public sector.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction: Outlines the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, and the conceptual framework for evaluating strategic management in Kakamega County.

Chapter 2: Literature Review: Examines theoretical foundations like the Knowledge-Based and Institutional Theories and reviews empirical evidence regarding supplier relations, human resource practices, and technology adoption.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology: Details the descriptive survey design, sampling techniques, and statistical methods used to collect and analyze data from county staff.

Chapter 4: Results Presentation, Analysis and Discussion: Presents the descriptive and inferential statistical findings, including correlation and regression analyses confirming the significant impact of strategic practices on service delivery.

Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizes the key findings, concludes that strategic management significantly influences service delivery, and offers recommendations for policy improvements in the county.

Keywords

Strategic Management, Service Delivery, Kakamega County, Supplier Relationship Management, Human Resource Management, Technology Adoption, Public Sector, Devolution, Environmental Factors, Organizational Performance, Accountability, Transparency, Kenya, Public Administration, Efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research examines the effectiveness of strategic management practices—specifically supplier management, human resource management, and technology adoption—in enhancing public service delivery in Kakamega County, Kenya.

What are the primary thematic areas covered?

The study centers on three main strategic pillars: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Human Resource Management (HRM), and Technology Adoption, all moderated by environmental factors such as law and politics.

What is the main objective of the thesis?

The primary goal is to assess how the application of modern strategic management techniques can transform bureaucratic public sector functions into more responsive, innovative, and efficient service delivery systems.

Which scientific methodology was applied?

The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilizing stratified random sampling to select a sample of 124 respondents from a population of 381. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 with both descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression analysis.

What topics are discussed in the main section?

The main sections cover the literature review, research methodology, and extensive results analysis, where the author tests four specific research hypotheses regarding the individual and combined effects of management practices.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

The work is characterized by terms such as Strategic Management, Service Delivery, Devolution, Technology Adoption, and Public Administration within the context of the Kenyan county government system.

How do environmental factors influence the findings?

The research concludes that environmental factors, particularly politics and legal frameworks, act as moderators that can either support or sabotage strategic management, noting that corruption and political patronage often hamper the effectiveness of these practices.

What is the specific significance of technology in this study?

The study highlights that technology adoption, such as digital portals and automated transaction processing, significantly improves the speed, quality, and accuracy of services, thereby directly benefiting the citizens.