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The impact of leadership development on employees’ performance: A case study of the Okahao Town Council, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administrationThe study examined the impact of leadership development on employee performance at the
Okahao Town Council in the Omusati Region, Namibia. The impact of leadership development
on employee performance cannot be overemphasised. The need for adequate coaching, training
and development, empowerment, participation and delegation are fundamental at promoting
efficient and excellent employee performance. Though studies on the role of leadership
development on employee performance has been well-research in other countries, less can be
said of Namibia. Therefore, this study‟s imperative was to examine the relationship between
leadership development and employee performance.
This study considered five factors of leadership development, i.e., coaching, training and
development, empowerment, participation and delegation. The data was collected through
questionnaires and focused on lower-and-middle-level employees. Interviews were conducted
with departmental managers and the Chief Executive Officer with questions tailored towards
determining, the relationship between empowerment and participation in decision-making and
employee performance, the relationship between authorisation and employee performance, the
relationship between education and development and employee performance among others. The
study sought to confirm if the five variables collectively as leadership development factors prove
a synergistic effect and increase the overall employee performance.
An extreme case sampling method was used to select the Okahao Town Council (OTC) among
other councils in the Omusati Region and in Namibia at a large. The study employed mixed
methods research to gather and analyse quantitative and then qualitative data in two consecutive
phases. Triangulation was used to integrate the two phases, and that enabled the interpretation of
the combined findings. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 28 using Cronbach‟s Alpha
coefficient of leadership development and employee performance to quantify the strengths and
correlation. The qualitative data was analysed and the presented as tables and graphs. Regression
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analysis was used to test the impact of leadership development on employee‟s performance at the
OTC.
Obtained results after analysing statistical data demonstrate that there is a positive and significant
relationship among leadership development and its dimensions. Authorisation and education and
development among leadership development dimensions are strong correlators of employees'
performance. Also, regression results analysis shows variables of authorisation, education and
development and empowerment among predictor variables (leadership development dimensions)
based on the highest significant level and coaching and participation in decision-making are not
inserted in analysis. Authorisation, education and development and empowerment variables
explain employees' performance score significantly. These variables are important in predicting
employees' performance. Therefore, it is concluded that authorisation, education and
development and empowerment have the highest impact on employees' performance,
respectivel
Experiences of Okahandja park informal settlement residents with the COVID-19 preventative measures in Khomas region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in public healthAbout seventy percent (70%) of Namibia's population comprises of people who live in
circumstances that provide limited protection against the Coronavirus disease (COVID 19). One of Windhoek's informal communities, Okahandja Park lacks access to potable
water, proper sanitation, and basic housing. It is also overcrowded. This study's goal was
to discover and characterise how Okahandja Park informal settlement residents experienced
the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The study used the Theory of Reasoned Action
(TRA) method and was qualitative. The study’s sample comprised of twenty-seven
residents from Okahandja Park who were older than eighteen years. The data gathered was
collected with high ethical standards in line with the University of Namibia’s (UNAM)
ethical clearance standards. Data was collected using four focus group discussions, in-depth
face-to-face interviews as research techniques. The Theory of Tesch, which produces
themes and subthemes, was used to analyse the data. The investigation found that the
Okahandja Park informal settlement residents were required to wear face masks at all times.
The local stores and clinic were overcrowded due to the long lines that resulted from a
limited number of people being permitted to enter facilities at a given time. Due to COVID 19, many citizens lost their employment since their employers could no longer afford to
pay their monthly salaries. During COVID-19, participants struggled to live due to a lack
of food and had to resort to a few coping techniques. Most of the inhabitants lacked
sufficient cosmetics to maintain their hygiene practices at home. The study concluded that
the WHO preventive measures during the lock down had both an adverse and favourable
influence on the Okahandja Park informal settlement residents. The study recommends that
public health measures for a pandemic like COVID-19 should be put in place, such that the
Office of the President in Namibia and significant NGOs provide food distribution
packages to vulnerable populations. In order to improve the informal settlers' abilities and
knowledge to run their enterprises successfully, the Namibian Ministry of Industrialisation,
Trade, and SMEs Development should offer them training and workshops on SMEs
developmen
The photon‐electrical conversion efficiency of dye‐sensitivesolar cells fabricated using a highly conductive silver‐nanoparticle/titania photocathode
No full textThe TiO2 thin film, Ag NP and three Ag‐NP/TiO2 composite thin films (COMP‐Agn;
n = 20, 50, and 75 Ag mol%) were successfully fabricated on quartz glass. The optical properties of the composite electrodes were investigated, and the results indicate a surface plasmonic resonance peak at 410 nm while the electrical resistivity of the composite thin films improved up to 6.9 × 10−5 Ω cm. The photo‐response threshold of the Ag‐NP/TiO2 composite thin films was enhanced and shifted into the visible and near‐infrared when the chlorophyll dye was adsorbed onto them. The hall effect was performed on the fabricated thin films and the charge carrier concentrate value confirmed that the Ag/TiO2 with Ag concentrate >45% are found to be p‐type. The n‐types were observed till the Ag content in TiO2 was increased up to 45 mol%. COMP‐Ag75 has a charge carrier concentration of 1.3 × 10−19 cm−3 as a p‐type electrode was then employed to construct a p‐DSSC. Such enhancement on photovoltaic activity can be attributed to the generated Z‐scheme system in the anatase/rutile phase‐junction Ag/TiO2 photocathode enhances the separation, diffusion, and transformation of electron/hole pairs inside the structure. This p‐DSSC exhibits a photon‐electrical conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.37%. The PCE recorded is equal to or greater than those of traditional high‐efficiency n‐DSSCs. This allows the creation of a new generation of photocathodic p‐DSSCs with
previously unheard‐of unprecedentedly high concentrations of Ag (up to 80 mol%)
evenly scattered in a TiO2 matrix, and this efficacy is the highest ever reported for a
p‐type working Ag/TiO2/chlorophyll/iodine electrode. This may enable the use of
this electrode as a component of photosensitizer tandem devices
Rhizobia inoculant effects on bambara groundnut growth and yield in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of science in microbiology in biological sciencesBambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is the third most significant food
legume in Africa after groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). It
is normally grown in poor soils, is drought tolerant, and has a high potential for nitrogen
fixation. Despite that, Bambara groundnut yields are on a gradual decline due to a
combination of abiotic and biotic stresses such as erratic annual rainfall and climate induced changes in soil microbial community compositions, which negatively impacting
food security. Thus, the application of rhizobial inoculants at planting significantly
improves yields in many leguminous crops. Moreover, symbiotic inoculants are mainly
used in developed countries to improve nitrogen fixation and improve productivity of
grain legumes. Sub-Saharan African countries like Namibia, however, still under-utilise
the above practice. Three (3) studies were conducted, of which two were conducted in
2021, and in 2021/22 season. The first study was on farmer’s appraisal, which was aimed
to assess Bambara groundnut production systems in Kavango East Region. Bambara
groundnut farming systems, farming inputs, and production constraints were explored in
the two constituencies in Kavango East region. Subsequently, an experiment in a
greenhouse of the ZERI at the University of Namibia using soil from the Kavango region
to ascertain how well the various Bradyrhizobium strains promote nodulation and yield
components among three varieties of Bambara groundnut was conducted. The study also
evaluated the strains that are most competitive to reach the roots and promote nodulation
in a given period. For the greenhouse experiment, the treatments included three different
Bambara groundnut varieties that were inoculated with two types of inoculants (MIX
inoculant with 7 Bradyrhizobium strains [1-7; 3B 4-1; 9-5, 36 1-1; 36 3-2; 55 1-1 and 60
2-1] and inoculant with Bradyrhizobium vignae 9-5 only), both of which were obtained
from the University of Bremen in Germany the third treatment was an absolute control.
The treatments were set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
In comparison to the single strain 9-5, the mixed strains were found to be more productive
and contagious (p=0.05). Moreover, the two inoculants outperformed the non-inoculated
cultivars in terms of plant height, shoot dry weight. The brown variety, which was not
inoculated, nevertheless, showed some nodules. Hence, in the next season (field
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experiment) the mixed inoculant strains of Bradyrhizobium were applied as single
inoculants. The field experiment was conducted at Mashare Agricultural Development
Institute (MADI) in Kavango East Region. The same three Bambara groundnut varieties
which were used in the greenhouse were treated with chemical fertilizer (urea), 7
Bradyrhizobium strains, and negative control with no treatment. After 130 days of planting
the cultivars were harvested and different yield parameters were assessed. The control
Var03 (red) yielded the greatest grain at 1311.7 kg ha-1
, followed by Var01 (brown) treated
with In1-7 at 1237.3kg ha-1
, while Var01 and Var02 (cream) inoculated with In36 3-2
yielded 1171.3kg ha-1
each. Based on the results, farmers are advised to consider
inoculating Bambara groundnut seeds with Bradyrhizobium strains prior to planting, as
this has been shown to have a positive impact on nodulation, grain yield, and biomass
production compared to using urea fertilizer which is expensive and environmentally
unfriendly. However, it is important to note that the control variety Var03 performed the
best, likely due to its compatibility with native soil rhizobia. Therefore, it may be
worthwhile for more studies to investigate and identify the unidentified strains used in the
study as potential bio-inoculants. Additionally, it is recommended that farmers monitor
the performance of different varieties in their specific soil conditions and choose the most
suitable one for their crop management. Finally, it is important to adhere to best practices
for inoculant application, such as using high-quality inoculants and ensuring proper
handling and storag
Investigating Mathematics teachers’ understanding and practices of learner-centered teaching in junior secondary schools within the Katima circuit in the Zambezi region of Namibia
No full textThis study investigated mathematics teachers’ understanding and practices of learner-centered teaching (LCT) in junior secondary schools within Katima Circuit in the Zambezi Region of Namibia. A qualitative study method was used and purposeful sampling procedures were used to select participants. Research instruments included open-ended interviews and recordings from twenty mathematics teachers in selected junior secondary schools in the Zambezi Region. Results of the study indicate that teachers understand the concepts of LCT and have adequate training and knowledge on the benefits and teaching approach in LCT due to the inclusion of the LCT methods in teacher education and other training workshops. However, the study also found that most mathematics teachers use only cooperative learning during teaching and learning mathematics. The study also identified significant challenges teachers face in implementing LCT, including overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and learners’ lack of motivation. Considering the above findings, the study recommends that the government and stakeholders support teachers with resources and further staff development opportunities
Investigating executive leadership succession planning and implementation in commercial public enterprises in Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Management ScienceA succession plan for executive leadership is critical to an organisation's growth and sustainability. Human resource managers in Namibia are challenged by harsh realities and current conditions for maintaining executive leadership. Commercial Public Enterprises (CPEs) in Namibia must be innovative and create effective executive leadership succession planning and implementation. The study investigated executive leadership succession planning in Namibia’s CPEs. The research adopted a convergent mixed method design in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected in a single phase, analysed separately, and compared the results if they confirm or disconfirm each other. The primary research objective of the study was to investigate succession planning in executive leadership of CPEs in Namibia. The secondary research objectives of the study were to investigate the factors that influence executive leadership succession planning in CPEs, to determine the effects of the factors that influence executive leadership succession planning in CPEs in Namibia, and to develop an executive leadership succession planning framework for CPEs in Namibia. The study comprised a total population of 210 participants, drawn from 22 CPEs in Namibia. Respondents to the online questionnaire survey were selected through a random sampling technique and a purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for in-depth interviews. Primary data were collected through closed-ended research questionnaires, and an interview guide was used to conduct the interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data in which correlation was performed to determine the relationship between and amongst variables of the study. To analyse the qualitative data, a combination of sentiment and content analysis was employed to facilitate the organisation of the unstructured text. This process entailed reading verbatim transcriptions of all interview sessions multiple times to gain a thorough understanding of the meaning and context. The major contribution of this study was the development of the novel Muadinohamba Succession Development Progression Framework, a tool for planning leadership succession in Namibian companies. The secondary outcome of the study showed that executive leadership succession planning and implementation in CPEs is influenced by education, mentoring, training and development. The research indicated that having charismatic executive leadership and utilising a transactional leadership style were deemed significant factors in maintaining the long-term success of an organisation, particularly in relation to fostering a culture of proper succession development. The study recommends further validation in future research of the Muadinohamba Succession Development Progression Framework that emerged from the study as an instrument that can guide the planning and implementation of executive leadership succession planning in CPEs in Namibia. Further research should also be conducted on the effect of executive leadership succession planning and implementation focusing on all levels of the organisation in CPEs in Namibia
Exploring factors associated with abortion in Walvis Bay community in Erongo region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of master of public healthWalvis Bay is one of Namibia’s districts, which recently recorded a significant
increase in the number of threatened abortion cases. For the period 2009 to 2015,
Walvis Bay town recorded an average 2000 abortion cases per year which accounts
for 4 to 6 cases per day for women aged between 15-28 years old (Erongo Health
Directorate’s Annual Report: 2014). Ninety-eight percent of the diagnostic abortion
(Threatened Abortion) conducted at Walvis Bay hospital, were treated with dilatation
and curettage in order to safely complete the abortion process whilst remaining 2%
was treated for other pregnancy disorders. The increase in abortions and increase of
maternal death due to bleeding is a big concern in the harbour town. Thus, the increase
in teenage abortion is becoming a public health concern that needs to be addressed.
The study purpose of the study was to explore factors associated with abortion in
Walvis Bay community. It was essential for a study to be conducted in order to
investigate the factors leading women to engage in unsafe abortions, and find an
amicable solution to help them access maternal health services, and help policy makers
to find solutions to address the abortion problem in the region.
A qualitative, phenomenological approach was applied. The researcher conducted in
depth interviews with key informants including community members, health care
workers and teenagers who had abortion. Population for the study was Walvis Bay
community of which key informants were made up of patients (abortion victims),
Social workers, doctors, nurses, community and religious leaders, secondary school
teachers and police officers working at women and child protection welfare. A non-
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probability purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants and a total of eight
participants were recruited and participated in the study.
The study findings revealed that there are several factors that contribute to abortion
such as burden to look after the baby while the mother is still at school, humiliation
by peers, fathers do not want the responsibility of pregnancies, some ladies have affairs
with married men, and some have multiple partners. These are some of the factors that
make young women to go for illegal abortion. Therefore, the researcher recommended
that health education programme should be strengthened to improve awareness, the
use of family planning, support system and creation of adoption centre
Namibia’s intractable land question
No full textOverall, the Namibian government has been cautious in its handling of land redistribution, despite the fact that the gross inequalities in access to and possession of land are a reflection of earlier colonial expansion
Modelling of conventional and microchannel delugeable tube bundle for a direct air-cooled steam condenser
No full textA dissertation report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of doctor of philosophy in mechanical engineeringThis study presents the thermal performance modelling of conventional and microchannel
delugeable tube bundle which incorporated into a second stage of the induced Hybrid
(Dry/Wet)) Dephlegmator (HDWD). Hybrid dry/wet dephlegmator was proposed to
replace a Conventional Dephlegmator (CD) of a direct Air-Cooled Condenser (ACC)
system, coupled to 30 MW steam turbine of a generating unit. The Conventional
Delugeable Tube Bundle (CDTB) thermal performance was modelled and configured
using one- and two - dimensional models by employing heat and mass transfer approach.
The geometric parameters for both first and second stages tube bundles of HDWD were
derived from that of CD of ACC system of the considered generation unit. Therefore, the
thermal performance of CDTB was optimised to ensure highest performance, and
appropriate geometric parameters that are corresponding to that of CD and available space
for installation. The best CDTB configuration’s performance was compared to similar
existing Delugeable Round Tube Bundle (DRTB) in literatures. When the tube pitch
varied from 25 mm to 38 mm, the DRTB’s heat transfer rate and air-side pressure drop
were found to be in the range of 1.4 to 2 times and 1.3 to 2.2 times that of CDTB,
respectively. The Microchannel Delugeable Tube Bundle (MDTB) thermal performance
was analysed using semi-empirical model, which comprises of microchannel heat transfer
and flow correlations. The size and geometric parameters of MDTB was equivalent to that
of CDTB, and the only difference was that, the MDTB has microchannel/ ports on the
steam-side. The MDTB thermal performance was found to increase as the hydraulic
diameter of the channels decreased. The thermal performance comparison of the CDTB
and MDTB at bundle, component and system levels was carried out. At all the levels, the
MDTB performance was higher than that of CDTB. However, this higher performance
came at expense of higher steam-side pressure drop. As the ambient air temperature
increased from 32 ℃ to 44 ℃, the MDTB’s heat transfer rate for 140 hydraulic
diameter was found to be 9 to 6 % higher than that of CDTB. The air-side pressure drop
variations between the two bundles were insignificant. Furthermore, the thermal
performance of HDWD incorporated with either CDTB or MDTB was compared to that
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of CD at component and system levels. At system level, and as the ambient air temperature
increased from 32 ℃ to 44 ℃, the heat transfer rate of the CD was found to be 27 % to 31
% less than that of HDWD incorporated with either CDTB or MDTB. The Air-side
pressure drop for HDWD was found to be about 41 % higher than that of CD.
Additionally, the steam turbine output and net powers were found to be higher when the
ACC was incorporated with HDWD than when CD was incorporated into AC
An analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on the banking sector in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- FinanceThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the global economy, causing major
disruptions as different countries entered lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus.
These disruptions led to various macroeconomic effects, which in turn directly impacted
banking institutions around the globe. The purpose of this research was to analyse the
effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the banking sector in Windhoek, Namibia.
To achieve the objectives of this study, a qualitative research approach was utilised
whereby, an exploratory research design was adopted. The researcher used interviews
and documents review as instruments to gather data and employed conceptual and
relational content analysis to analyse the data and used ATLAS.ti 22 to aid the data
analysis process. The results have shown that the pandemic came with a combination of
negative and positive effects in general. The negative effects have represented
challenges faced by the banking sector, whereas the positive effects represent
opportunities that open to the banking sector further confirming the claims from
different authors who conducted studies in the USA or European countries for instance.
The study has been however contradictory with claims from other authors, in terms of
cyber-security, as it was not found as a challenge in Namibia. The researcher as
recommended that commercial banks, maintain different measures adopted during the
pandemic such as the combination of working from the office and working from home,
invest more in digital platforms, and further improve their digital platforms where they
were certainly limited and make it even more efficient. For policy makers, mainly the
Bank of Namibia, the researcher did not have a particular recommendation to give has
the bank was very effective in taking significant measures and did everything on time to
avoid difficulties