Operations Management Practices and Performance of Agricultural Non-governmental Organizations in Nairobi County
Abstract
This study sought to determine the operations management practices applied by
Agricultural NGOs in Nairobi County. To accomplish this goal, the study was guided by
the following research objectives; determine the extent of application of operations
management practices by Agricultural NGOs in Nairobi County; identify the challenges
faced by Agricultural NGOs in Nairobi County applying OM practices; establish the
relationship between OM practices and performance.
The study used an exploratory research design. The main focus of this study was 41
Agricultural NGOs in Nairobi County. A census was carried out due to the relatively
small number of agricultural NGOs in Nairobi. This gave a good appreciation of the
operations management practices that are applied. The study made use of primary data
collected through a closed questionnaire whose respondents were heads of department or
country.
This study concluded that Operations Management Practices implementations have a
positive effect on performance in agricultural NGOs operating Nairobi County. Findings
show that OM practices reinforce operations management by increasing efficiency and
improving effectiveness. The findings further suggest that the type of activities and
programs run by the organization determine the level of operations systems development.
Engaging in development humanitarian operations as opposed to emergency operations
gives an opportunity to build operations systems that can guide the running of the
organization due to the reduced pressure in project implementation. Further studies can
be carried out to establish whether poor performance of NGOs as a result of limited
financial allocation to operational costs is causing declining donor fund in the developing
countries despite rising needs.
Publisher
University of Nairobi