Challenges of Strategy Implementation and the Performance of Zetech University in Kenya

Chedeye, Linet (2015) Challenges of Strategy Implementation and the Performance of Zetech University in Kenya. Masters thesis, University of Nairobi.

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Abstract

Strategic Planning is an area no business can ignore today. It involves anticipating the future and positioning the organization in such a way that it takes advantage of the changes likely to happen. Inorder to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization strategies ought to be formulated in the best way possible.This in itself may not enable the organization to achieve the desired results if the strategies being pursued are not effectively implemented. Strategy implementation is not an easy task in any organization and so to speak various challenges stand in the way of organizations results.Well implemented strategies lead to success and the vice versa is also true, hence it goes without saying that challenges to strategy implementation affects an organization‟s performance. This research has looked at some of the challenges and possible solutions to this problem. The researcher studied the case of Zetech University to help build a picture of what it is like to run such a program in the organization. The study collected data from various staff within the university who are essentially involved in Strategy Implementation and Formulation processes of strategic management. This included deans of faculties, heads of departments and divisions within the university as well as lecturers.The data collected involved both structured and unstructured interviews, and it was aimed at approaching the subject with an open mind. This method of data collection was advantageous because the researcher applied little if any influence on the process. Essentially, the process flew on its own, and there was a possibility of the researcher discovering something he was not aware of. Textual data was then collected in the form of field notes and was analyzed through content analysis. It was found out that ZU faces some challenges to strategy implementation and hence influencing performance. The key finding was that the organization needs to deepen communication across all levels of the organization to enhance strategy formulation and implementation. Above all, there is need to invest in the human resources and further motivate them to get them put forth the required levels of effort to make the whole process successful. The organization is mitigating the challenges through proper sensitization about its strategies as well us using participatory approach to strategy formulation and implementation. It is also putting in place various programs to motivate staff hence achieve better results. It is recommended that further research be carried out to look into the issue of organization culture and its effect on implementation of strategies. This study has huge implications on the existing policies, theories and practice of strategy implementation, its challenges on organizational performance both for Zetech University and the industry at large. For Zetech University, there will be immense need to sensitize the staff on its strategies. This agrees strongly with Chafee‟s Linear approach (Chafee, 1985). The study also prompts changes on communication policies so as to allow easy flow of information in order to enhance the penetration of information regarding strategy formulation and implementation as supported by the study by Hrebnia (2006) as cited earlier. To the industry, the study provokes Universities to look at the motivation of staff as a key aspect to successful strategy implementation as noted by RBV arguments by (O‟Regan and Ghobadian, 2004). Thus, coming up with good strategies through proper planning with much emphasis on time factor as alluded by (Fajourn, 2000) in the Mechanistic and Organic Theory is not enough. The workforce is the most important resource in organizations and without motivating them, performance will be below par.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	Africana
Depositing User:	Mr Nahum Osman
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2016 11:24
Last Modified:	29 Jun 2016 11:24
URI:	http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/595

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