Abstract: Marketing strategy remains a critical driver of customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the banking industry globally. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of marketing mix strategy on customer satisfaction of commercial banks customers in Kenya. Correlational research design was employed through cross sectional survey. 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. Primary data was collected through use of questionnaires validated through a pilot study of 15 customers. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient was 0.799.The results revealed that marketing mix strategy significantly contributed to customer satisfaction (β=0.650, p=0.000) implying marketing mix strategy initiatives increases levels of customer satisfaction. Study concludes: marketing mix strategy contributes positively to customer satisfaction Study recommends: bank management to maintain a good blend of marketing mix strategies that will lead to high customer satisfaction levels. Study provides a marketing mix strategy model that will aid in improving customer satisfaction.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of human resource policies on employees’ performance in the banking sector with a specific reference to the Co-operative bank of Kenya. Descriptive research design was employed in the study.
The study showed over half of the respondents (52%) agreed that, HR recruitment policy had helped in new role adjustment. In addition, majority of respondents whose data had the highest mean of 2.7, felt the policy had also provided opportunities for development and career progression as a motivation for achievement of targets. It was also established that 72.2% of the respondents agreed that, HR appraisal policy supported employees’ performance.  HR compensation policy findings showed majority (85%) agreed that, the policy enhanced an organization’s competitive edge in the labour market. The study concluded that recruitment policy influenced employees’ achievement of set targets and appraisal policy affected employees’ performance.
Recommendation resulting from the study is one, the organization creates more awareness on HR recruitment policy by educating new recruits on the same and follows up to ensure those tasked with orientation of new job roles follow the policy’s guidelines in totality. It further recommended, preset penalties for managers found to be unfair in their assessments. Lastly, the study recommended maintaining of a compensation policy which is transparent and fair to both the new talents and current staff in the organization. Fairness across board tends to build a sense of trust which subsequently inspires employees to work hard and perform well.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review literature and put together the available innovation and technologies within three (livestock, dryland farming and alternative livelihoods) areas of possible way of improving life by the pastoralists in Kenya. The document is divided into three chapters capturing livestock, dryland farming and alternative livelihoods.
Innovation and technologies in livestock captured include; improved livestock breeds, dorper sheep, boer goats, feed resource improvements, integration of forage legumes into cereal production systems, integration of forage legumes into cereal cropping systems, silage making, hay making, use of bunched herding to restore degraded rangelands, community-based animal health workers, movable house for kids and lambs, modified chumvikuria for camels, hemp cooling technology for camel milk marketing, donkey carrier for hygienic transporting camel milk in pastoral areas, evaporative charcoal milk cooler, participatory market chain approach technology, ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis as low-tech tool to enhance small ruminant production, and improved reproductive techniques.
Dryland farming innovation and technology captured here include; drip irrigation, fog harvesting, rain water harvesting, slow-forming terraces, m-fodder technology, use of animal impact to restore degraded rangelands, mango grafting technology, conservation agriculture-ca, crop diversification and new varieties, biotechnology for climate change adaptation of crops , agro-forestry, evergreen agriculture, community-based agricultural extension agents, farmer field school, FFSS, kitchen gardens, hydroponic fodder, mango harvesting tools, ethiorirab bee hive, biogas, microdams/waterpans, and improved dryland crop varieties
Alternative livelihoods for pastoralists included in this review are; honey production, ethioribrab’ hive, biogas, gum arabic, poultry farming, green charcoal making, and tanning.

Abstract: The overall objective of this study was to find out the extent to which pharmaceutical industry in Kenya get adequate media coverage. Print media in this study focused on the two major daily newspapers that have the widest coverage in Kenya. The findings of this study benefited the researcher, the Pharmaceutical companies, the Regulator (PPB) and the Media houses.
Research design used in this study was descriptive and explanatory studies. The population used in this research was the entire population of the thirty-seven (37) licensed Pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kenya. These companies ideally represented the Pharmaceutical Industry in Kenya as most of them are also licensed as distributors and wholesalers for pharmaceutical products.This study applied primary data collection methods and the variables were analysed using descriptive statistics by using percentages and frequency distribution. The results were presented using bar charts. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software.
Findings on whether the Pharmaceutical industry in Kenya got adequate print media coverage established that, the pharmaceutical industry did not get frequent media coverage and the content of the coverage is inadequate and biased. Slightly over half of the respondents (58.3%) were of the view that the pharmaceutical industry did not get regular print media coverage in Kenya, while only 16.7% were in agreement that print media coverage of the pharmaceutical industry is quite frequent. It was also clear that an overwhelming number of respondents (67%) felt that the industry received inadequate (insufficient) print media coverage compared with 8% that were of the opinion that the industry received very adequate print media coverage. Whereas 25% of the polled pharmaceutical companies did not respond, 58.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that the content of print media coverage of the Industry was biased. Only 16.7% of the respondents offered that pharmaceutical companies enjoyed balanced (relevant) print media coverage regarding content.
The study found out that print media publicity mostly led to change or reinforcement of regulation in the Industry by the regulator. This was reported by 37.5% of the respondents, although 29.2% of the respondents held the opposing view. Positive or negative publicity leads to regulatory action as was supported by 65% respondents. Only 10% of the respondents opposed this view. It was also established that 60% of respondents felt that corporate image did influence public relations between a pharmaceutical company and the Industry regulator and 10% opposed the view. Overwhelmingly, 58.3% of the pharmaceutical companies were of the view that print media information about the industry was fairly informed and fairly presented. Some 16.7% were oposed to this view. Improving publicity by stringent regulations was favoured by 46% who confirmed that this can be done, while 29% did not think so. Improving publicity by engaging PR firms were represented by 54% and 21% opposed the view. In addition improving publicity by engaging media houses directly was favoured by 46% while 29% were negative about this assertion. Engaging association bodies’ to improve publicity was represented by 67% while 8% were of the contrary opinion.
This study concluded that the Pharmaceutical industry does not get frequent print media coverage. The content of the print media coverage is inadequate, biased and inaccurate. Intensed publicity should be done by media houses, PR firms and association bodies on behalf of pharmaceutical industries.
Recommendation on coverage is that, print media houses should consider having health/Pharma journalism and have trained journalists that can adequately report on health and pharma related issues. Health journalism will also adequately cover issues in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Health/Pharma Journalism will promote frequent publicity for the pharmaceutical Industry and support the Industry in building a relationship with its customers. To correct the inadequacy in the content of media coverage, the study recommends that the industry should improve media relations.
The study recommends that the Industry’ association bodies such as Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (KAPI) and Federation of Kenya Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FKPM) should be given the responsibility of engaging with media houses to ensure that the Pharmaceutical Industry is given fair print media coverage.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to establish effect of age diversity of board members on performance of non-governmental organizations in Kenya. The scope of the study covered both local and international NGOs in Nairobi County. The Directory of Development Organizations identified that 702 NGOs are registered in Nairobi, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design and adopted questionnaires as its data collection tool. A sample of 84 respondents was targeted.
The findings established that age diversity of the board members in their organizations was of low consideration shown by a mean of 2.8438 for and a standard deviation of 0.51490. Age diversity in boards positively impacts social performance as indicated by the mean of 3.3125 with a standard deviation of 0.73780 showing no much variance of the responses given from the mean response calculated.  Age diversity in board members improves the overall level of knowledge of the organization at the age level (mean = 3.4688; std. dev. = 0.76134). Age diversity in board members broadened the debate within boards and helped to avoid the danger of narrow group thinking as indicated by a mean of 3.7812 with a standard deviation of 1.12836
In conclusion, regression and correlation analysis showed that indeed there was a relationship between age diversity and organizational performance (increase in; donations, project management and supervision, varied activities and employee workforce). The study recommends that the board composition should incorporate varied age groups.

Abstract:The contents of this research paper will analyse the correlation between earnings and education in Somalia, study will also consider variables that might have an influence on income other than education such as experience, gender and health problems. The research paper will empathize and explore the correlation between educational attainment and the level of earnings. Moreover, the research paper will also try to find whether there are other factors that have an effect on earning-Education correlation.
The study will use cross sectional data from World Bank (WB), United Nations Fund for Population Fund (UNFPA), Ministry of National Planning and International Cooperation(MNPIC) and Kimetrica. The method of choosing the who is going to take part in this study is going to be simplified. The data will be analysed by using SPSS, multiple regression analysis, Pearson correlation test and other econometric tests will be conducted. 
This cross-sectional research paper is subject to change if more advanced and highly structured but a similar research shows a different result related to income-education correlation. Such changes can be led by the improvement in education system, government policies related to minimum wages and sometimes but not always the gender distribution of the population.
Keywords:Human capital, Education, Income, Somalıa and ınequality.
Title: Impact of Education on Economic Development in Somalia
Author: Asst. Assoc. Dr. Erol BULUT, Ahmed MOHAMUD
ISSN 2394-7322
International Journal of Novel Research in Marketing Management and Economics
Novelty Journals

Abstract: In today's business world, many businesses are facing increased pressure from their competitors, shareholders and surrounding environments than before. As a result, organizations that wish to continue in operation have to adopt different strategies for its long-term sustainability whiles maximizing shareholders’ value. However, corporate social and ethical responsibilities have become a superior expectation rather than a differentiation strategy to gain organizational legitimacy (Bruhn-Hansen, 2012). Therefore, this study critically examines the corporate strategy, governance and ethical practices of a very successful global organization PepsiCo Inc. and how it has been successfully managed in today's global business environment. In this regard, Porter’s five forces and SWOT analysis were used as the major analytical tools for the study. The main source of data used was secondary data which focused on information from books, the Internet, and articles from scholarly journals.
The study has revealed that, the company over depend on its domestic market especially in North American countries in marketing and selling of its products. Based on the findings, PepsiCo Inc. needs a more comprehensive ethical policies to ensure the production of a healthier and safer products, and must also not fail to consider socio-cultural factors in the context of its operations especially in its advertisement. The study concluded with the view that PepsiCo must improve upon its CSR, corporate strategy, ethics and corporate governance policies in order to produce outcomes which will satisfy stakeholders’ interest positively.

Abstract: The study examined the effects of product innovation on corporate image a case study of Duraplast Ghana Limited. The study sought to explore answers to the research objectives which were on: to determine the aspects of product innovation which Duraplast applies, to assess how product innovation influences buyer behavior, finally, to examine how product innovation helps in forming perception about organization. The study used questionnaires as the main data collection tool to solicit information from the respondents. Primary and Secondary sources were both used for facts gathering. The study revealed that, the company is very innovative in quality products, and applies brand extension as the main aspect of product innovation. However, it lacks intensive advertisement. Based on the research findings, some relevant recommendations were made and finally conclusion.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of low patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods on economic growth of Nigeria, using textiles products as a case study. One hundred and seventeen respondents comprising manu- facturers, marketers and consumers of locally manufactured textiles were interviewed through self administered questionnaire. Using statistical method of chi-square, t- test, correlation, and regression analyses, the results showed that while Nigerians are fairly satisfied with made-in- Nigeria goods due to low quality, the goods are also not well publicized by the marketers. The study also confirmed that there exists no variation between male and female preference for foreign products. Implications for marketing management for domestic promotion campaign and directions for further studies were also addressed.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of electronic technique on the quality of provided services of the Jordanian insurance sector from the viewpoint of its personnel. The results found that the personnel’s evaluation is positive. The same applies to the electronic technique of all its dimensions. Statistically speaking, there is a positive relationship (α = 0.05 or less) between all the dimensions used in this study and the quality of insurance services. Further more. Depending on these conclusions, which the study reached, a number of recommendations were presented with these conclusions the most important is the necessary of using  information systems and networks, telecommunications and the development of the necessary techniques and followers of modern methods of marketing such as the use of websites and e-mails and advertising on well-known sites and use search engines, in the promotion of insurance services and to replace it gradually rather than traditional means, which has become a thing of the past in the present.

Abstract:In Kenya mobile network providers are currently experiencing stiff competition and each firm is struggling to retain their customers. Customer relationship management especially customer retention has become an alternative means for organizations to build strong, ongoing associations with their customers. This study sought to determine the effects of customer relationship management on customer retention in Airtel mobile company in Kenya. The aspects of CRM that were examined include, the effect of customer recognition practices and technological systems on customer retention in Airtel mobile company. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were used to collect the data from 281 respondents. Descriptive and content analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that Airtel mobile company has not embraced any of the customer recognition practices that were examined. Moreover, Airtel has embraced technology to retain customers. It has an effective IT department to compute customer data, it has also improved its network coverage and internet coverage and network is strong compared with that of their competitors in the mobile market. The study recommended the need to increase focus in customer recognition practices in order to enhance relationship between the company and its customers.  
Keywords:Customer Relationship Management, recognition practices, technological systems and customer retention.
Title: Effects of Customer Relationship Management on Customer Retention in Mobile Telecommunication: A Case of Airtel Kenya in Nairobi City County
Author: George Onyango Agumba, Dr. Caleb Kirui, Dr. Patrick Gudda
ISSN 2394-7322
International Journal of Novel Research in Marketing Management and Economics
Novelty Journals

Abstract: Supermarkets are in the dubious position of providing products that customers need on an everyday basis, while also needing to offer prices that are low and appealing enough to draw customers inside to buy. For this reason, many supermarkets opt for more complex strategies to ensure profitability while still appealing to price-conscious consumers.
Objective:  Factors influencing pricing strategies among supermarkets in Nairobi city. Specifically, the researcher sought to establish the influence of competition, VAT, demand and type of products on the prices in supermarkets.
Design: Cross sectional survey.
Participants: Middle and top managers of supermarkets in Nairobi city involving 5 top and 5 middle level managers in each of the supermarkets.
Results: Majority (75%) of the respondents in the study indicated that rivalry among supermarkets in the study area was high. Majority (88%) of the respondents agreed that their supermarket faced rivalry from other businesses that offer the same primary services to the same customer base. An overwhelming majority (96%) agreed that their supermarket faced rivalry from other businesses which offer services slightly different products and services, but target the same group of customers. Correlation analysis showed that competition had a strong positive correlation (r=0.73, p<0.05) with pricing. The study found that Majority (92%) of the respondents in the interview felt that the rate of VAT was high. Majority (85%) of the respondents in the study indicated that the number of VATable products was very high with 64% indicating that the number was very high. All (100%) respondents agreed with 89% strongly agreeing that their supermarket adhered to VAT regulations. VAT had a strong positive correlation (r=0.64, p=0.004) with pricing. Majority (58%) of the respondents indicated that the rate of demand for products and services sold in their supermarket was very high. Majority (85%) of the respondents indicated that demand had large effect on pricing strategies with 50% indicating that the effect was to a very a large extent. Demand had moderate positive correlation (r=0.55, p>0.05) with pricing. That all the supermarkets in the study sold groceries, electronics, clothes, shoes and mobile phones and accessories. Home utensils and pharmaceutical products were also sold by a majority of supermarkets in the study. An overwhelming majority (98%) of respondents indicated that the brand of product affected its pricing. There was no relationship between type of product (F= 0.363, p=0.708) and pricing.
Conclusion: The study concluded that there exist various factors that influence pricing strategies of supermarkets in Nairobi city. These factors include competition, VAT, demand and type of products. Overall, competition had the greatest influence, followed by VAT. Demand had a modest influence on pricing strategies whereas type of products had little influence. It was recommended that supermarkets should invest in market research to better understand the needs of the market and therefore offer the type of products that are highly sought by customers.

Abstract: CRM and CE are not the same; they are, in fact, mutually exclusive of each other. Although they might seem to bear some resemblance in their monikers arising from common roots (both tools are used to capture customer data, generically speaking), they have separate operational goals and come with functionalities unique in their own way. CRM software helps a business integrate sales, marketing and customer support by analysing customer data. An ideal CRM provides the analysis of sales cycles, marketing campaigns, customer acquisition strategies and other customer interaction, the time spent by the customer engaging with your business, the cost of each transaction, the quantity of products/services purchased and so on. A CRM records raw, unsorted customer information from various channels such as website, E-mail, brick and mortar stores, before disseminating this information along with the insights gained into various departments such as Sales, Marketing, etc.
Customer Experience (CE) is the collection of processes a company uses to track, oversee and organize every interaction between a customer and the organization throughout the customer lifecycle. The goal of CE is to optimize interactions from the customer’s perspective and, as a result, foster customer loyalty. Highlighting the phrase ‘customer’s perspective’ here as it makes all the difference. A CE is engineered to collect experiential data from customers – it involves listening to customers, their feedback and viewpoint and then using this information to discover customer insight and optimize the customer journey accordingly.
Customer Centricity (CC) is not just about offering great customer service, it means offering a great experience from the awareness stage, through the purchasing process and finally through the post-purchase process. Customer Centric is a way of doing business with your customer in a way that provides a positive customer experience before and after the sale in order to drive repeat business, customer loyalty and profits. And a customer-centric company is more than a company that offers good service.
The goal of customer-centric CRM is to optimize customer value. It treats relationship marketing as a continuum as opposed to treating it as a means to an end. Companies that view CRM as mere software end up automating business processes, instead of using the tool to optimize customer transactions and improve buyer experience.
CRM is fundamentally essential for the future of the company. CRM technologies enable the company to understand customer behavior better, predict their future behavior, deliver customized customer experience, and establish long-term customer relationships. However, considering that CRM is only limited with technology would be a big mistake for the company. Companies cannot deliver outstanding customer value, service, and experiences only through investing in CRM technologies. Strategic integration of CRM into company culture and operating processes are required to deliver superior customer service and experience. In the absence of CRM strategy, companies fail to harvest the benefits of CRM. The main purpose of this study is to explain the relationship between CRM, Customer Experience and customers’ centricity, this study ends that CRM is important tool to enhance customer experience in order to a achieve customer centricity.

Abstracts: Customer relationship management (CRM) has a growing popularity and is becoming one of the hottest academic and practical issues in the business field. Due to the competitive environment, CRM is a crucial element for firm performance. However, there is limited research that reveals the relationship between CRM dimensions and customers’ satisfaction. This study serves to clarify the relationship between CRM dimensions and customers’ satisfaction, and use of this relationship to answer the following question “to what extent is the CRM dimensions (customer orientation, CRM organization, knowledge management and technology based CRM) could affect customers’ satisfaction?” The data collection utilized quantitative methods. Questionnaires were distributed to 286 customers. Multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The result of this research showed that the implementation of CRM dimensions is more likely to improve customers’ satisfaction; three independent variables, namely knowledge management, CRM organization and customer orientation, were found to be significantly associated with the customers’ satisfaction in telecommunications companies in Sudan, while technology base CRM found to not have a significant. In multiple regression analysis, H1: There is positive significant statistical relationship between Customer orientation and customers’ satisfaction, H2: There is positive significant statistical relationship between CRM organization and customers’ satisfaction and H3: There is positive significant statistical relationship between knowledge management and customers’ satisfaction were accepted, while H4: There is positive significant statistical relationship between technology based CRM and customers’ satisfaction was rejected. Customers’ satisfaction will be affected by CRM dimensions. The findings of the study contribute enormously to the body of knowledge, as it provides a model to be used for explaining effect of the CRM four dimensions on customers’ satisfaction.

Abstract: The trend toward “survival of the fittest” in the market place means each individual customer is more critical, making relationships and services offered more important than ever before. Similarly each client has a greater impact each SME’s bottom line. This paper focuses on (1) the importance of joint ventures and strategic alliances in the automotive sector, (2) the driving forces of the need for joint ventures and strategic alliance and (3) the relative importance of factors in the success of these joint ventures and strategic alliances in this sector. 120 respondents, registered and unregistered SMEs in Masvingo town, were used to collect data. Questionnaires and interviews are the main instruments used in data collection. The research found out that of the 120 firms used as a sample, only 20% were registered while the rest were operating informally. On average each firm employed 5 – 15 workers, auto - electricians, panel beaters, spray painters and motor mechanics. Research also found out that SMEs rarely form joint ventures and strategic alliances despite the growing need for that. The main reasons being related to interpersonal relationships like lack of trust, control, communication, commitment, and ability of managers to work together as a team. More so there is an acceptable or optimal number of partners within a given joint venture. They must not be too small nor too many. Research also found out that vertically structured joint ventures and strategic alliances are mainly dominated by SMEs or organisations with complementary skills, experience of members working together, personnel stability, and a high level of company commitment. Research found out that joint ventures and strategic alliances results in, increase in competitiveness, facilitate access to unfamiliar or untapped markets, risk sharing, economies of scale, shared technology, and decreased costs. The government also benefit from job creation, increase in tax revenue and may solve the current liquidity crunch in the country if SMEs formalise their operations. The researcher also suggests that the government should help in accelerating and improving the successful outcome of joint ventures. Firms are not encouraged to take on higher risk and longer-term joint ventures and strategic alliances without government involvement. Moreover, the government should provide funding during the critical stages, helps joint ventures to overcome barriers and then helps firms to run more smoothly.

Abstract: This study focused on the role of internet marketing in lead generation to small enterprises in Nairobi Central Business District. The study objectives were to establish the extent to which small businesses are using different marketing strategies to generate leads and to identify the key challenges small businesses face while implementing internet marketing strategies for lead generation. The research was a descriptive survey with a sample size of 52 small enterprises. Primary data was collected using questionnaires from small enterprises along Moi Avenue, Nairobi Central Business District. The results of the study reveal the extent of internet marketing and its usage for generating sales leads for small enterprises. The study established that whilst businesses understand the value it brings for new customers, they do not put in place internet marketing strategies for sophisticated use other than using it for interacting with customers.  Accordingly, the lack of finances to invest in internet marketing integration as well as lack of skilled IT personnel topped the challenges highlighted in the study.

Abstract: The viability of International Communication (IC) has immensely increased due to globalization, liberalization, and multination corporations which have increasingly erupted. It has become imperative for private individual companies, financial institutions, governments and international organizations to develop effective means of communication in order to conduct their smooth business. The acceleration from advancement of Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) has made it possible for them to have successful IC. However, the difference comes from different cultural set up in different countries. This paper is an attempt to explore the factors behind cultural variations, examine means of developing intercultural communications and controlling oral-written communication in global business context. The paper also aims to examine briefly the case of Kenya on the context of culture and International Communication. The paper suggest that, in the current global village, IC is mandatory for all those aspiring to take their business global or work in globally set up institutions or corporations. Also the success of any global business will lie on understanding the fundamentals of different cultures especially within the reach of business or new markets and which opens an avenue to effective communication. Effective international communication destroys more international boundaries and extends the scope for international business for better living of global inhabitants.

Abstract: The paper examines the impact of access to safe drinking water and material wellbeing on quality of life using a panel sample of twenty three (23) African countries for the period of 2008 – 2014. The paper employed fixed effects and random effects model to estimate the variables under investigation. The Hausman specification test of 1978 was applied to select the appropriate and better model for the estimation where fixed effects estimation was chosen over random effects estimation. The findings revealed that material wellbeing and access to safe drinking water had positive and statistically significant impact on quality of life in the countries over the period of the study. Consequent upon the major finding, the following recommendations are given; the need for the countries to ensure enabling environment such as constant supply of electricity, good transportation systems, law and order enforcement, etc. to smooth the affairs of businesses and attract more foreign investors to the region so that more output would be realized and a long way improving quality of life.