UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Investigating the impact of internal control on financial performamce at the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Science (Accounting and Finance)The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of internal controls on financial performance at the Namibia Student Financial Assistant Fund. The regulation and institutional framework have improved significantly over the years and define internal control as all the policies and procedures adopted by the management of an entity to assist in achieving management objectives of ensuring as far as practicable, the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to management policies that should be adhered to, yet still NSFAF, in particular is faced with lots of challenges. It is against this background that this study was conducted. The objective of the study include: to identify the factors that will affect the choice of the internal control measures at NSFAF; examine the impact of internal control on monitoring the student funds records at NSFAF; to examine the impact of internal control on the achievement of operational goals at NSFAF; to establish the relationship between internal control and financial performance of NSFAF. Related literature was reviewed. The study adopted the pragmatism research philosophy with the purpose of improving the researcher`s knowledge on the approaches and that was also in line with the research topic as the approach was the most appropriate to improve the reliability and validity of the research findings. The study sought to get an in-depth understanding of the impact of internal controls on financial performance at NSFAF using a mixed method approach which achieved by using a cross sectional survey design through a survey and conducting of interviews. The study population was 70 staff of NSFAF Windhoek. The census technique was adopted for the quantitative part of the study. Data obtained from the survey was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The data was presented using statistical tools such graphs, pie charts, and tables. In analysing and presenting the results, descriptive statistics tools were used in order to give the researcher a quick and clear impression of the location of the data. The finding revealed that from the start of NSFAF, the internal controls were considered ineffective and unsatisfactory due to the ineffectiveness in the administration of the fund, lack of proper mechanisms for loan recovery and low recovery and high default rates by students. It is recommended NSFAF to adopt COSO framework, organisation to contact regular system review and the Government of Namibia as policy ii maker and the funder of NSFAF, should revise the policy on which NSFAF is governed, as effective implementation is lacking
An assessment of the state of science journalism in Namibia : A case study of the Namibian, Namibian sun, and New Era newspapers
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in media studiesScience journalism is a form of reporting that conveys news about science-related topics in a
simplified manner. Fields vary from health, environmental and animal science, amongst others.
As this field gradually broadens, the duty of science journalists to communicate verified
information to ordinary citizens has been amplified. Equally, this underpins the need for
scientists to communicate their work to the public, and take their work beyond academic circles
to the layman. This is often done by science journalists who have the expertise to report
scientific news in a fashion that is less technical. The main objectives of the study were to
assess the criteria used by the Namibian print media to determine the newsworthiness of
science news, and to determine the challenges and opportunities for the media in the science
journalism field. Furthermore, the study sought to examine the perceptions that scientists have
of the media. The study aimed to contribute to bridging the gap between scientists and the
public. This thesis includes an analysis of qualitative data collected from newspaper editors
from Namibia’s main newspapers. In addition, quantitative data were collected from scientists
in different fields. The key findings revealed that there is a communication gap between
journalists and scientists, stemming from mistrust and generally the lack of appreciation for
each other’s profession, which ultimately has an effect on the public’s consumption of science
news. It is recommended that various activities and tools be put in place to strengthen relations
between the media and scientists and ensure accuracy in the popularisation of scienc
Challenges faced by mathematics teachers in teaching secondary school learners with visual impairment in the Khomas region
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Mathematics)In recognising the importance that Mathematics as a subject play in fulfilling the Namibian Vision 2030, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (2010) made Mathematics a compulsory subject in schools in the year 2012 for all learners at the Senior Secondary School level, including learners with visual impairment (LVI). Hence, this study's primary purpose was to investigate the challenges faced by Mathematics teachers in the Khomas region when teaching learners with visual impairment in a Special Secondary School in Namibia. This study employed Bruner's theory of constructivism as a theoretical foundation. Furthermore, the study adopted a qualitative approach with a case study research design, in which one secondary school was selected as a research site. The study sample consisted of six participants: two Mathematics teachers from Grades 8-10 and four Grade 8-10 learners with visual impairment. The participants were purposively selected using a homogeneous sampling strategy to describe the visually impaired learners' subgroup for this study. An observation schedule and a semi-structured interview guide were used as data collection instruments. The study revealed that Mathematics teachers at special schools have the knowledge, experience, and skills to teach Mathematics to visually impaired learners. However, changes in the teaching environment can affect the teaching and learning process. If the curriculum's implementation is not well planned, it can be difficult for teachers at special schools to teach effectively and efficiently as they have to go beyond ordinary teaching in the lesson's creativity. Hence, the study recommends effective teaching and learning at special schools and for learners with visual impairment. Furthermore, there should be teaching and learning materials accompanied by assistive devices
Factors associated with relapse among mentally ill patients at intermediate hospital Oshakati, Oshana Region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Nursing ScienceMany patients suffering from mental illness receive treatment as outpatients, with their caregiver’s taking responsibility for their continuing care. Relapse due to mental illness has an impact on societal costs and many of these patients experience relapse throughout their life. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with relapse among mentally ill patients according to the patients and their caregivers’ views at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Oshana Region, Namibia. This study employed a quantitative, cross sectional and analytical design to determine these factors. Data from caregivers were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and researcher administered questionnaire was used for patients. Respondents were recruited from the Outpatient Department at Oshakati Psychiatric Unit. A total of 396 respondents were sampled in the study by means of simple random sampling. Based on the information given by respondents, SPSS software was employed to summarise, evaluate, and analyse numerical information. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the greatest predictors for relapse on mentally ill patients at IHO. The dependent variable (relapse) and independent variables (factors) were entered into bivariate logistic regression to determine statistical association between these variables. Findings revealed that non-adherence to medication due to side effects, and the non-availability of medicines at rural areas makes it costly to travel, thereby leading to relapse. Substance use and lack of health education were found to be associated with relapse by both respondents group. The results show a strong correlation between stressful life events and relapse. Visual hallucination, inability to sleep were found to have an association with mental illness relapse (OR 2.94, 0.03 and OR, 0.22, p=0.00 respectively). Based on these findings, recommendations were made as follows: proper health education, home visits and provision of atypical antipsychotic
Factors associated with stillbirths during intrapartum care at the Windhoek central hospital and intermediate hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Nursing ScienceIntrapartum stillbirths account for 1.3 million deaths worldwide, which is half of all stillbirths occurring during labour and delivery. NSA (2020), states that the current stillbirths’ rate in Namibia is not calculated due to the limitations of data. The present study investigated factors associated with stillbirths during intrapartum care at the Windhoek Central Hospital and Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. A quantitative, descriptive and retrospective study was used on a total population of 186 patients’ records of babies who died during labour and delivery. The sample and the population were the same (186 patients’ records). Data were collected by means of a structured checklist, analysed with SPSS 27, and presented as descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions of study variables. Furthermore, bivariate analyses in the form of Pearson Chi-Square test of association were obtained to determine whether there exists a significant association between variables. The study concluded that there was no association between the sociodemographic and obstetric factors, (mother’s place of residence, mode of baby delivery, presentation of a baby, mother’s age and gestational age) with stillbirths during intrapartum care. The study also found that there was a significant association between a fetal factor (placenta abruptio) and intrapartum stillbirths. The study also concluded that there was a substantial association between the modifiable factor (delay to provide care once the mother arrived at the health facility) with intrapartum stillbirth. The study also concluded that intrapartum stillbirths accounted for one third (30%) of the overall stillbirths in the study settings. Recommendations for further research to study the quality of intrapartum care given to women would provide a better indicator of the quality of maternal and new-born health services. With one-third of stillbirths occurring intrapartum, perinatal death evaluations (audits) should be encouraged and strengthened at the facility level. Standards for ANC and intrapartum care services should be strengthened to improve labour monitoring and quality care
A bibliometric analysis of research at the University of Namibia
No full textThesis presented in (partial) fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch UniversityBibliometric analyses of journals and research institutions have been carried out in several studies and countries.
These studies mainly use mainstream bibliographic databases (Scopus and Web of Science [WoS]) as the primary
sources for their bibliometric analysis. However, such studies are yet to be conducted for Namibian journals,
research institutions, and Namibia as a country. Much more, bibliometric analyses and mapping to examine the
research output of a research institution in Namibia are yet to take place. In addition, no existing bibliometric
studies in Africa have combined data from Scopus, WoS, and Institutional Library Repositories. This thesis
addresses these limitations within a study on research output, specifically, the evaluation of the University of
Namibia.
In order to achieve this aim, this thesis conducted a bibliometric analysis of the University of Namibia (UNAM)’s
research output for the duration of (2010 to 2019). The investigation included various research aspects such as the
volume of research output, authorship patterns, and whether the publication outlets are national or international.
In doing so, the study developed the first comprehensive database of UNAM’s research output from 2010-2019
and the first such knowledge database in Namibia. Data for the bibliometric analysis were obtained from three
bibliographic databases: UNAM-IR, Scopus, and WoS. UNAM-IR was added to reflect the value of using
institutional research databases as additional bibliometric data sources. Patterns of research production and
research collaboration of UNAM staff members were profiled. This enabled the identification of the collaboration
patterns of UNAM staff members as depicted in the publications. The author-level analysis compared the
percentages of articles with research collaboration and the authors involved in research and publication.
The study’s results can potentially enrich further bibliometric studies on research evaluation for other research
institutions in general and in Namibia particularly. They equally have the potential to further the national
bibliometric studies for Namibia as a whole. The developed comprehensive database of UNAM’s research output
can also be used as a background for developing a national knowledge database. However, the study’s most
significant contribution is integrating two mainstream bibliographic databases (Scopus and WoS) with the UNAM IR to create a new database of Namibian-authored articles. Fittingly, recommendations with a view of further study
and research policy generally and specifically for UNAM have been mad
Exploring challenges in implementing performance management systems in the ministry of health and social services in the Kavango East region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of business administration management strategyThe study explores the challenges in implementing performance management systems in
the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Kavango East Region. Performance
management systems typically include performance appraisal and employee development.
In the context of Namibia, the performance management system was launched and
implemented by the public services following approval by Cabinet in August 2011. The
study aimed to assess the challenges faced in the implementation of a performance
management system in the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Regional
Directorate of the Kavango East Region. Using a qualitative approach, the study focused
on the employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Regional Directorate
of Health in the Kavango East Region, representing different levels, namely: the
management and general employees. A total of 18 participants were reached through the
use of interview guides to obtain data. The main findings showed that both general
employees and managers have a good understanding of PMS. However, the
implementation of PMS was rated ineffective due to challenges such as a lack of training
on how to use PMS in the organisation, lack of knowledge and skills, poor design, and
poor involvement of the management in enforcing PMS. However, the results indicated
that there was a relationship between the implementation of PMS and organisational
performance. Findings from respondents in this study also indicated lack of resources and
lack of performance target implementation as other challenges to implementation. The
study recommends that the best way to implement the PMS at the Regional Directorate of
Health in the Kavango East Region is to use a variety of models, most of which only the
management can determine and decide o
An investigation into the survival strategies of small and medium enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohangwena region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of business administrationThe study revealed that many Ohangwena Region (Namibia) SMEs business
owners devised many ways to remain afloat in our businesses such as
advertising through Facebook, WhatsApp, Tik Tok and others. It was further
noted that they resorted for grouping into smaller groups and asking for one
transporter to carry their stock from Windhoek. As a survival strategy. This
served them transport costs, Covid-19 protocol clearances as well as funds for
accommodation and refreshments to and from Windhoek. It was also
discovered that networking with other competitors, e-marketing, consulting
business gurus, cutting down the staff, introducing short working hours as well
as down-sizing their operations ensured their survival during the pandemic.
However, despite the strategies employed, it was discovered in the data that
some SMEs found it difficult for their businesses to stay afloat. Thus, it impacts
on transactions in the market. Various elements affected included restaurants,
markets, shopping centres, online transportation and SMEs. It was therefore
advised that businesses, particularly such negatively impacted SMEs should
explore the use of network communication platforms such as Facebook and
WhatsApp, if they are to overcome the supply chain disruption challenges
caused by COVID-1
An investigation into factors affecting the financial sustainability of the Game Products Trust Fund of Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- FinanceThis study investigated the factors affecting the financial sustainability of the Game
Product Trust Fund (GPTF). The exploratory study adopted a qualitative research
approach. Data was collected from five participants who made up the population of the
study. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed through thematic
analysis. The five participants were the GPTF fund manager and four members of the
board of directors. The study found that financial sustainability is important to the GPTF.
Also, while the fund has managed to remain financially sound, there are factors such as
overreliance on trophy hunting for revenue, inadequate internal controls, and economic
challenges that affect its financial sustainability. The study recommends diversifying
revenue streams, strengthening internal financial control measures, and reviewing
expenditures to reduce costs as measures for enhancing financial sustainability. The study
was limited in scope and did not include other stakeholders of the GPTF. Hence, there is
an opportunity for further research incorporating the perspectives of the GPTF
stakeholders as well as implementing quantitative or mixed methods to produce
generalizable result
An investigation into the impact of performance management system on service delivery : A case study of the office of the prime minister, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration management strategyThe study aimed to fill a gap in the existing literature by examining the impact of
performance management systems on service delivery and employee performance.
Utilizing a rigorous quantitative research design, a simple random sample of 198
employees from the Office of the Prime Minister was selected to respond to both printed
and online questionnaires. The research objectives were to determine the impact of
performance management systems on service delivery, examine the effects of PM
systems on employee performance, and determine the relationship between employee
performance and service delivery. The results of the study provide compelling evidence
for the impact of performance management systems on service delivery and employee
performance. The findings indicate that effective performance management systems
have a significant impact on service delivery and employee performance, with improved
employee performance leading to enhanced service quality delivery. The study also
revealed a positive relationship between employee performance and service delivery,
suggesting that organizations that invest in performance management systems can expect
to see improvements in both employee performance and service delivery outcomes. The
study provides a roadmap for organizations on how to design and implement effective
performance management systems that can have a positive impact on employee
performance and service delivery outcomes. This study will be of great interest to
practitioners, policymakers, and academics in the fields of human resource management,
service delivery, and performance management. The study's methodology, results, and
conclusions will be of significant value to organizations looking to improve their
performance management systems and enhance their service delivery outcome