Utilization of printing technologies in enhancing productivity at The Kenya Literature Bureau

Abstract

Technological innovations, adoption and use of new printing technologies are key to the growth and development of the printing industry. They contribute immensely in terms of productivity where better quality print products, faster output and efficient printing processes and services can be achieved. Despite this fact, adoption and use of new or improved technologies in the printing industry in Kenya hasbeen low. The aim of this study was to explore the kind of printing technologies being utilized to enhance productivity at the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) with a view to proposing measures for improvement. The objectives of the study were to: establish the range of printing technologies available at the KLB; determine the professional training levels of staff in using printing technologies at the KLB; assess perceptions of staff in using the printing technologies at the KLB; analyse the effect of new printing technologies on productivity; examine the benefits and challenges of the new printing technologies at the KLB and suggest measures for improvement. The study was guided by resource based theory and Technology Acceptance Model. A mixed method approach was used in data collection, whereby both qualitative and quantitative data was obtained from a study population of 300 KLB staff, out of which, 56 respondents were purposively selected from Production Department to take part in the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis. The key findings were that KLB mainly uses the old conventional litho printing technologies which undermine productivity; they have little adoption to the new printing technologies and there is need to retrain/expose their staff. Despite the high perception rate (91.7%) on the usefulness of new printing technologies and staff concurrence that quality, effectiveness and efficiency are some of the key benefits they bring a long, there is a disconnect between “perception and the real situation”, meaning therefore that the printing technologies used in the organization‟s printing press need improvement. The study concludes that customers demand convenience, better utility, and greater value for their money, which makes it necessary for the printing industry to keep on improving the quality, capacity and efficiency of their products and services and this depends on the kind of technologies used. The study recommends that KLB should replace the old equipment and the government should consider zero rating import duties on new printing technologies as a way of encouraging printing firms to adopt the new technologies. Also, staff training in the printing industry should be continuous and supplemented through exhibitions, workshops and seminars as a way of creating awareness of the new technologies and developments as well as an intensive educational experience in a short period of time, when the time for a more comprehensive effort may not be available.