DRIVERS OF STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE OF STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY IN SUSTAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Edward Kiprotich Lang’at - Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Lawrence Odollo - Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Transport growth is incredibly fast due to global demand and gradually becoming competitive equally struggling to improvement and sustain a competitive advantage. In addition, there is a high demand for worldwide high-speed railway (HSR) systems. There is need for rail businesses to define and adopt strategic approaches. The improvement of great capability Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) transport system aimed at addressing the existing challenges of railway transport services in Kenya. The study aimed at exploring drivers of strategic performance of standard gauge railway in sustaining competitive advantage in Kenya. The study based on dynamic capability and Competitive Intelligence theory. Descriptive research design was used using Stratified sampling to sample a population of 100 respondents consisting of manager in commercial, planning, operations, rolling stock, operation control Centre manager and major clients. Structured questionnaires were administered and data was analyzed using SPSS as descriptive statistical tool. Multiple regression and correlation analysis was used to show the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The study had 100% response rate where the respondents were operations managers who have less than 3 years of work experience and majority manage and operate within Nairobi region. The study concluded that SGR need to involve the staff in execution and decision making meetings, offer workshop/training. The study recommends adoption of continuous improvement focusing on rapidly changing environments and continuously utilization of risk assessments and reporting mechanisms. Investing in SDF and strong management follow up and commitment. Allow benchmarking and streamline all operation to achieve greater performance and sustain its competitive advantage.