Strategic Management Research In Kenya: A Study Of Master Of Business Administration Projects, School Of Business, University Of Nairobi

Abstract

Research in strategic management has changed over the years; research methodologies have been influenced by the dominant theoretical framework of the time. Early strategy scholars preferred the case method on planning formats in large and private manufacturing firms. Over time research in strategic management have changed to require multiplicity of methods and covers every industry. The objective of the study was to determine the strategic management research trends in Kenya as shown in Masters of Business Administration projects, School of Business, University of Nairobi. The researcher collected primary data from completed and submitted masters of business administration projects for period 1998 - 2012, school of business, university of Nairobi. A total of 1257 projects were selected for the study of strategic management research over the 15 years period. The literature review focused on theories anchoring strategic management research and evolution of strategic management research. Dominant theories anchoring strategic management have influenced research in designs in the field from time to time. The study found that strategy implementation, strategic response to environmental changes and competitive strategies/ advantage constituted 69% of total strategic management research projects. In addition it was observed that private firms formed 69% of researched organizations, government departments at 27% while nongovernmental organizations, hybrid and religious organizations only 4% of projects selected for study. In terms of research design, case studies were the majority at average 62% and survey at 38%. Banking industries had more firms researched than any other industry in Kenya at any average of 28% per year. Others were distributed as follows: telecommunications 8%, health 9%, education 7%, energy and petroleum 7%, manufacturing and allied services 9%, transport 8%, commercial services 6%, insurance 6%, agriculture 7%, hospitality, tourism and others industries 5%. The study has elements from the theory and previous studies. For example Furrer, Thomas and Goussevskaia (2008), studying the evolution of strategic management identified six main issues: strategy and its environment, strategy process and top management, corporate strategy and financial models, growth and market entry, industry and competition and the resource-based view of the firm. In this study, main themes identified strategic management practices, strategy implementation, change management, responses to environmental changes and competitive advantage with responses to environment and competitive advantage on the rise. The study recommends that more research be done on non-governmental organizations and religious institutions to reflect their influence in Kenya society. In addition it recommends that longitudinal studies especially on resource-based view of organization be introduced and supported by the school of business. The study has suggested that further similar research could be done on MBA programs in other university for comparison purposes.