| dc.description.abstract | An organizations success is very much determined by its ability to appropriately respond to the fast changing environment. Gone are the days of protected market and dominant market positions. The firm's environment is turbulent. In turbulence environment real time response is very important for the success of the organization. This case study sought to establish the responses that Rift Valley Railways has adopted to cope with competitive environment.
Data for this study was primary, collected by the researcher through personal interviews at corporate levels. A total number of ten members of management team were interviewed.
The findings were analyzed through the content analysis technique. The findings generally indicate that the external environment for Rift valley railways experienced changes for the period under study. The scope of the changes covered was; political, economic, social and technological. The key political changes were the recent political instability and policy changes on axles load, economically high inflation rates and trends impacted negatively to set budgets and the instability of the forex. The technology front was faced with the demand for more effective ways of monitoring customer goods in the system and the need to network Stations to increase efficiency and cut down on costs.
The organization needs to formulate sustainable competitive strategies to defend its market share and realize success in the railway sub industry.
Rift valley Railways responded to each of the changes in a unique way. The organization has put in place a strategic plan to guide and integrate its corporate operations. Other responses deployed are adopting of superior technology, strengthening of the organization internal capabilities and competences, collaboration, human resource development, corporate image and marketing strategies. The external environment plays a significant role in the existence of players in the transport industry. This role has continued dictating the way the way firms run their business in term of strategy. The case
of rift valley railways demonstrates a firm that has played its level best catch to changes in external environment with some degree of success.
The study recommends that a study should be carried out to find how effective these responses are to enable Rift Valley Railways to achieve its vision. An empirical study should also be carried out to establish which firms don't respond to changes in external environment. This will serve to explain whether there are exemptions to the results obtained by this study | en |
