UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Investigating the impact of career development on employee performance at the Namibia Airports Company
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of career development on
employee performance. The study was conducted at the Namibia Airports
Company (NAC) office in Windhoek, with 78 respondents. The study employed
a mixed-methods research approach to validate the findings generated by each
method through evidence produced by the other. The mixed-methods approach
helped the researcher to better understand and interpret the results. Data was
collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. The questionnaire was
administered to employees through email and an online platform, survey
monkey. Interviews were conducted among five executives and five middle
managers who had more experience and information on staff issues. Data
collected was analysed using thematic analysis for the qualitative data with the
help of ATLAS.ti and descriptive statistics as well as factor analysis for the
quantitative data. The results were presented in the form of tables and figures.
Contributing factors to poor employee performance despite the provision of
career development by the company were found to be lack of promotion, either
when opportunities were availed or after completion and obtaining qualifications,
sub-standard leadership skills among supervisors, lack of motivation as well as
unfavourable working environment to some employees, however this was found
to be different to the results obtained for qualitative analysis for middle and
executive management which indicated to have promotion and salary increment
for employees in the company. Qualitative analysis grouped the activities
employed by the company to increase employee performance as motivational
activities, working environment, leadership skills, training and development as
well as promotional activities. The study recommended that training should be
provided to enable employees to gain the necessary skills to perform their roles
better, thereby increasing productivity. That Management and leadership training
should be the organisation's primary focus because it will help employees achieve
optimal career growth
Stakeholders` perceptions of the outcomes of translocated Eland in Nyae Nyae conservancy, Namibia
No full textTranslocation of wildlife species from one area to another is a conservation tool that
contributes to the restoration of depleted populations, augments declining populations, or establishes of new populations. This paper documents one of the first studies examining in detail stakeholders’ perceptions of the factors influencing the outcomes of translocations of wildlife into a community conservation area, using the case of eland (Taurotragus oryx) translocations into the Nyae Nyae Conservancy in Namibia. The translocations took place between 2000 and 2005 as part of the national community-based natural resource management programme and were monitored through annual waterpoint counts. These data on perceptions were collected through a household survey and focused group discussions involving community members and leaders and key informant interviews with external stakeholders. Community members’ perceptions could not confirm that the translocated eland decreased or increased, however, reflected that eland individuals moved away from the release site soon after translocation to more distant locations further away from human settlements. The outcomes of the translocations were perceived to be most strongly associated with anthropogenic factors compared to habitat or environmental factors. However, stakeholders exhibited divergent perceptions regarding which of the anthropogenic factors was of most importance, particularly with respect to the roles of the different types of hunting, and to a lesser degree, the role of traditional burning of landscapes on translocation outcomes. The paper illustrates the complexities associated with translocations of wildlife into community conservation areas compared to state protected areas, given the strong influence of human disturbances on translocation success. It highlights the importance of understanding the social factors influencing how and why translocated individuals may adapt well or poorly to their new environment. Building this understanding is essential to improving the outcomes of similar translocations in the future
Techno-economic comparison and environmental impact assessment of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal solar system and a thermosiphon solar thermal hot water system with electric back up element, under Windhoek, Namibian conditions
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Renewable Energy)Lack of accessible data on technical and economic evaluation of thermosiphon solar water heater (TS-SWH) and hybrid photovoltaic thermal (PVT) water heaters under Namibian conditions is limiting options available to decision makers on locally economic and opportune systems. This study compares the technical, economic aspects, and environmental impacts of TS-SWH and PVT water heaters. The TS-SWH installed in Otjomuise suburb, in Windhoek, were compared to PVT studied by others, in the UK and India. TS-SWH data was collected by Namibia Energy Institute using measuring instruments coupled to the systems. Both TS-SWH and PVT systems have the same technical make up, but the PVT system has solar PV cells on its collector. The findings of this study are that global radiation plays a major role in the operation of both solar water heaters and has influence on other parameters. TS-SWH of 1.2 m2 collector area results in about 6.3t of avoided CO2 as opposed to the PVT of the same aperture area that results in about 12.8t of avoided CO2 over their life span of 20 years, by interpolation of results by Herrando et al (1). PVT systems are cost effective, they cover domestic hot water demand completely and generate electricity simultaneously, in comparison to TS-SWH of same aperture area. TS-SWH has shown a solar fraction of 100%, specific solar energy yield of 470 kWh/m2 annually and return on investment of 7.7 years, in comparison, a PVT system has solar fraction is of about 68.6%, payback period of more than 20 years (2), a better energy yield of about 515 kWh/m2 annually and cogeneration efficiency of 66% (3). Installation of PVT systems for both domestic and commercial use country wide is recommended to reduce electricity demand and environmental impacts arising from generation of electricity from conventional methods. A study of PVT systems installed in Namibia and analysis of all year round data for TS-SWH is recommended for more reliable comparisons
Analysing the impact of the external debt on real exchange rate in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Development FinanceThe relationship between external debt and real exchange rate is multifaceted. Namibia is not
excluded from this spectacle as concerns are escalating about the fast-increasing of external
debt and its implication on the real exchange rate in the long run. However, counter arguments
accentuate that ifforeign borrowing is for stimulating economic growth via increased economic
earnings, then external debt growth might not pose a problem to the economy.
This study examined the impact of external debt on real exchange rate in Namibia using annual
time series for the period 1990 to 2019. The study employed a time series econometric model
to examine the nature of the relationship that exists between external debt and real exchange
rate. The augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was utilized in testing the unit root
characteristics of the series and to determine the order of integration. All variables with the
exception of debt service payment were found to be non-stationary in levels but became
stationary at their first differences. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration
framework was also employed to determine whether there is a long run relationship among the
variables. The ARDL bounds test results confirm the presence of a long run relationship among
the variables. The empirical evidence show that an increase in external debt appreciates the
real exchange rate while real money supply, lagged debt service payment, foreign reserves and
real income depreciates the real exchange rate. However, real income, and foreign reserves
only depreciates the real exchange rate in a short run. External debt and real money supply are
the only variables that significantly impact the real exchange rate both in a long run and short
run. This indicates that both external debt and real money supply partially drives the real
exchange rate in Namibia. Thus, the implication of these results for the Namibian Government
is that, since borrowing secures much-needed funds to aid development, a hefty external debt
load can also impact real exchange rate which will ultimately dampen economic growt
Analysing the relationship between financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)This study analyses the relationship between financial literacy and the use of
financial products in Namibia. The objectives of the study were: to examine
the determinants of financial literacy as well as examine the effects of financial
literacy on the use of financial products in Namibia. This study was important
because it provides financial institutions and policy makers with an insight on
how to promote financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia.
The data used in this study were sourced from the Namibia Financial Inclusion
Survey of 2017. The study employed the ordinary least squares (OLS) model to
estimate the determinants of financial literacy and the probit model, and an
instrumental variable probit (IV Probit) to examine the impact of financial
literacy on the use of financial products. The study focused on individuals aged
16 years and older, the legal age that allows individuals to own formal financial
products in Namibia. The results suggest that age, gender, location, formal
education, access to television, participation in household financial decisions,
access to mobile phone and being a member of a savings club significantly
influences the level of financial literacy. The study found that a one index point
increase in financial literacy increases the probability of having a savings
account by 96%age points and the probability of having a bank account by
89%age points. For the individual measures of financial literacy, the results
suggest that a unit index point increase in financial attitude, financial
knowledge, and financial awareness increases the probability of having a saving
account by 32, 15 and 55 percentage points and the probability of having a bank
account 21, 41, and 16 percentage points, respectively. Similarly, a one index
increase in financial literacy increases the probability of having access to credit
by 52%age points and the probability of having access to insurance by 89%age
points. For the individual measures of financial literacy, a unit index increase in
financial attitude, financial knowledge, financial confidence, and financial
awareness increases the probability of having access to credit by 17, 20 and 11
percentage points and the probability of having access to insurance by 27, 45
and 15 percentage points, respectively. The study recommended that the
Government of Namibia, in conjunction with the Financial Literacy Initiative as
well as various stakeholders and experts, should work on developing a national
policy on financial literacy
Cities of entanglements: Social life in Johannesburg and Maputo through ethnographic comparison
No full textCities invite attention because of the multiplicity of lifeworlds and encounters they engender. Whether approached from an anthropological, sociological or political vantage point, the “urban question” renders itself to a miniature of various encounters. Since Castells’ ([1972] 1977) classic work, “the urban question” — a reformulation of urbanisation as a capitalist project that emphasises the centrality of the city — has attracted significant attention by critical urban scholars. Scholars who expanded on Castells’ classical argument (for example, Brenner 2019; Merrifield 2014; Wacquant 2008) suggest that urban life is replete with unending pathways that leave us with more questions than answers
A multilevel logistic regression analysis on suicide ideation and associated factors among school going adolescents in Namibia
No full textA mini-thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the Degree of Master of Science (Biostatistics)Suicide accounts for many deaths worldwide making it the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. Suicide ideation leads to mental health disorder and has been shown to “spread” suicidal thoughts to others. Consequently, adolescents who reported suicidal ideation at an early age are more likely to later attempt suicide. The objective of the study was to estimate prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation among school-going adolescents in Namibia. The
study analyzed secondary data from the Namibia Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) of 2013 (N= 4 531). A multilevel logistic regression, which allows for the incorporation of group level effects (school and grade) and estimation of interactions, was used to establish risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. 32% of the school-going adolescents indicated they had considered suicide at least once in the previous 12 months. Age (p = 0.025), sex (p = 0.025), dietary behaviour (p = 0.035), violence (p-value < 0.001), mental health (p = 0.002), drug use (p
= 0.008) and tobacco use (p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with suicide ideation.
Results suggest significant school level effects with a VPC of 0.0454 and grade level effects witha VPC of 0.0231. Due to a small number of grades and schools, the maximum likelihood estimation may have produced unstable estimates and therefore, future researchers may use a Bayesian approach. Future researchers can also make use of multilevel multinomial logistic regression modelling instead of the multilevel binary logistic regression modelling that was used in this study
Towards the use of undervalued African truffle and pearl millet to modulate glucose release in crackers
No full textIndigenous and underutilized food resources can play a role in nutrition. Pearl millet, an underutilized cereal, has slowly digestible starch. However, it hardly features in many diets possibly due to its limited diversified use in high-value convenience food products. some mushrooms also improve postprandial glycaemic responses. this study investigates the effect of compositing Kalahari truffle (KT) with fermented pearl millet and bread wheat flour on the nutrient and in vitro starch digestibility of the crackers. Fermented whole grain pearl millet flour was mixed with bread wheat flour (1:1). KT powder was added to comprise 5, 10 and 15% of the composite flours. KT incorporation significantly increased the cracker's protein and significantly reduce their in vitro starch digestibility
An investigation into the influence of demographic factors on market strategies for life insurance demand: A case study of Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration management strategyThis study aimed at investigating the influence of demographic factors on market strategies for life
insurance demand in Windhoek, Namibia. The main objective was to investigate the impact of
demographic factors on market strategies for life insurance demand in Namibia, and the specific
objectives were to determine the effect of age, sex, level of education, and marital status
(demographic factors) on life insurance demand, to formulate demographically inclusive life
insurance market strategies and to make a recommendation with regards to the impact of
demographic factors on market strategies for life insurance demand in Namibia.
The study population was Windhoek residents, with a sample size of eighty from the public and
twenty from the selected insurance companies. The study used quantitative research and a causal comparative research design. The research was conducted through self-administered
questionnaires, consisting of eight sections. Data analysis and discussions were done through
graphs, charts, and tables. This was to interpret, read and understand the results easily. The study
found that demographic factors do affect the uptake of insurance and current strategies used by
insurance companies and it was also companies, and it was also revealed that insurance companies
needed to produce new or more strategies to benefit and attract more customers.
Furthermore, the study concluded that based on the findings, demographic factors do affect
insurance uptake. There are no specific policies designed to satisfy certain individuals
demographically, since all policies are generalised by insurance companies. Cultural attitudes and
values, religion, and language have impacted insurance uptake and should be considered when
motivating people to purchase insurance. Lastly, insurance companies need to find ways to attract
low-income individuals and make their packages understandable to all.
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Based on the findings, the study made several recommendations which include; encouraging
insurance companies through NAMFISA to sensitise the public on the different benefits of
insurance and insurance products available on the market, simplifying insurance policies to make
it easy for individuals to understand, and have insurance companies open up more offices across
the country to reach more people. Another area to look at would be how religion and cultural
beliefs affect the uptake of insurance in the rural areas of Namibia. This would help them
understand the people more and be able to design insurance packages specifically for the
Quality of diabetic care among patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 at Oshikuku hospital in Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy)Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a major public health problem worldwide, including in Namibia with an estimated prevalence of 5.4 %. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends quality care which includes promotion of blood glucose (BG) control, diet, physical activity, monitoring of blood pressure (BP), lipids, regular screening for T2DM complications, education on diabetes, and self-care practices. The study aim was to assess the quality of care offered to patients with T2DM, describe glycaemic control of patients and serve as a gap analysis to identify areas that need improvement. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated diabetes quality measures including glycaemic control, co-morbidity management, diabetes knowledge, and self-management activities amongst outpatients at Oshikuku District Hospital in Namibia. Data was collected from health record review and patient interviews using a standard questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Diabetes control was defined as an A1C <8%. Predictors of diabetes and hypertension control were determined through binary and logistic regressions. The groups were assessed for any variable differences, using Pearson’s Chi-square test. The confidence level was set at 95% and the p-value at <0.05. A correlation analysis was done on knowledge and treatment outcomes. This research was approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Results: A total of 108 patients with T2DM were recruited, however only 84 had available A1Cs and were included in the analysis. All were Namibian. Most were female (63.1%) and married (81.0%). Few had tertiary level education (6.0%). Many were unemployed (59.5%), and pensioners (58.3%). Most (60.7%) had poor glycaemic control with an average A1C of 10.24%. Fewer than one-third of patients had annual monitoring for A1C (29.8%) and lipids (29.8%). Fewer than 25% were prescribed statins. Most (82%) had hypertension with few (16%) at goal. Foot (11.9%) and eye examinations (13.1%) were performed infrequently. Many (69%) had low diabetes knowledge. The only factor found to predict poor glycaemic control was a BMI greater than 25 (OR=1.2).
Conclusion: The quality of diabetic care at Oshikuku Hospital was below for all markers of quality including A1C testing and control, co-morbidity management, and self management. Hence there is need to develop interventions to improve the quality of care, which may ultimately improve treatment outcomes