LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

This study examined the influence of Learning Management System (LMS) strategy on the performance of private universities in Kenya. Guided by strategic management theories, particularly the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Transformational Leadership Theory, the study conceptualizes LMS capability as a strategic digital resource that enhances academic delivery, operational efficiency, and institutional competitiveness. A descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted, targeting faculty, administrative, and ICT support staff in selected private universities. Stratified random sampling was employed, yielding 237 valid responses. Data were collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Binary logistic regression results revealed that LMS strategy had a strong, positive, and statistically significant influence on university performance (B = 2.846, Wald = 54.219, p < .001). The model demonstrated substantial explanatory power (Nagelkerke R² = .641) and high predictive accuracy (90.7%). The odds ratio (Exp(B) = 17.23) indicates that a one-unit improvement in LMS strategy increases the likelihood of high university performance by over 17 times. The study concludes that a well-integrated, reliable, and user-centered LMS significantly enhances academic, operational, and financial performance of private universities in Kenya. The study recommends strategic investment in LMS infrastructure, faculty training, and continuous system optimization.