UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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An investigation into the effects of reward practices on job satisfaction and employee performance in Namibia Post Office
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)The study investigates the effects of reward practices on job satisfaction and employee performance
in the Namibia Post Office (NamPost). More specifically, the study aims to determine whether
employees are motivated and satisfied with current reward practices. The company has failed to
keep up with new Namibia Post Office (NamPost)s and the company also has a high labour turnover. Emphasis is
put on reward systems and types of rewards, Maslow's (Hierarchy of needs), Herzberg's Two
Factor Theory, Vroom's Expectancy theory, Equity Theory, the Goal Setting Theory and Effort
Reward Imbalance. This study was quantitative in nature with the descriptive research design.
Disproportionate stratified sampling was used to draw a sample of 80 respondents for the study in
categories of clerical, Supervisory and Specialist. The quantitative research falls short of
explanations or expressions of respondents and therefore might fail to be conclusive as it might
lack certain information. Sampling method may lead to selection of employees that might fail to
understand the concept as it requires some appreciation of the concept to answer accordingly. A
self-developed questionnaire with structured questions was administered to respondents The study
used SPSS as the analysis software and the descriptive statistics and Pearson's cmTelation analysis,
Chi-square goodness of fit tests and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and test the relationship
between the variables. The findings indicated that reward system contributes to job satisfaction
and employee performance. The study urges the organization to improve on the reward system in
order to improve on its employee job satisfaction and performanc
An investigation into the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in utilising e-commerce in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration Management StrategyThe E-commerce industry in Namibia is currently significantly underutilised by the SME
sector. It is well established in research undertaken in other economies globally that improved
utilisation of e-commerce by SMEs uplifts their perfonnance. This study aims to investigate
the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in utilising e-commerce. The study uses
a case study approach with the City of Windhoek as the case. Methodologically the study
used a qualitative research method. This study focussed on investigating the extent to which
e-commerce is utilised by SMEs incubated by the City of Windhoek as well as their perceived
challenges and benefits. The study interviewed eighteen (18) SME owners incubated at the
City of Windhoek Bokamoso Incubation centre. Respondents were purposively selected and
asked to respond to a set of semi-structured questions. Data collected in the study was
analysed using thematic analysis, and the themes that emerged from their responses were
discussed and supported with literature. The results suggest that these SMEs are aware of e commerce, and some are already utilising it. Those utilising e-commerce do so because of
benefits like international trade, reduced costs, and the opportunity for a high customer base.
On the action drivers, SMEs believe that they are driven to adopt e-commerce because of the
demand from the market. In addition, they are driven by external parties such as the Ministry
of Trade and Industry to use e-commerce. The challenges identified by the SMEs are
organisational, financial, technical as well as legal and regulatory. Even though the SME
owners understand e-commerce benefits, they are hindered from adopting e-commerce by
lack of funds to purchase secured online systems that are not prone to fraud and the
regulator's framework surrounding e-commerce in Namibia does not support various online
payment methods. The study recommends a drive to implement e-commerce as part of the
long-tenn business strategy. Regulatory institutions should also work on providing awareness
and ease the regulatory framework surrounding e-payment and the attendant security
measures. At policy level, the study recommends financial inclusivity through the number of
on-line payment systems that are accessible to SME
Multilingualism in the lecture room: An investigation of translanguaging by UNAM Main Campus lecturers in content subjects in Windhoek, Namibia
No full textA research submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English Studies)The current study investigated multilingualism in the lecture room, paying particular
attention to the presence or absence of translanguaging at the University of Namibia (UNAM) main campus. The purpose of the study was, firstly, to investigate why lecturers translanguage or why they do not. Secondly, the study aimed at identifying any translanguaging strategies applied in the lecture room. Finally, the study aimed at exploring the opinions of students, regarding the practice of translanguaging in the lecture room and its effect on their experience of learning. The concern was with the fulfilment of communicative functions that lie in the academic results of learners and students in Namibia. The study adopted the qualitative exploratory design. The participants of the study were thirty-two (first-, second-, third- and fourth-year) content subject students, and four content subject lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The data
of this study were collected through open ended questionnaires for the students and semistructured interviews for the lecturers. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed by employing narrative analysis, while interviews were analysed through thematic analysis where common themes were identified, reviewed and presented. Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) was used as the theoretical framework. Additionally, the two types of accommodation processes (convergence and divergence) were used to analyse the data in order to determine which of the five sociolinguistic strategies of CAT, the lecturers use. The findings of the study revealed that lecturers often translanguage for various reasons which include: to explain a concept, clarify and emphasise a point, lack of knowledge of the word in English, and to make the lesson more interesting. Moreover, the study also revealed that when a lecturer uses a language that
students understand, it not only enhances their understanding of the taught content, but constructs human relations as well. To add on, the majority of the students feel that using only English in the lecture room affects their academic performance negatively as they sometimes do not understand concepts taught. They thus suggest that lecturers translate difficult terms or concepts into vernacular language. Furthermore, the study revealed that the lecturers converge and use approximation, interpretability and discourse management strategies of CAT. The study thus recommends further exploration of the topic that involves classroom observations. Another recommendation is for the language policy to be investigated against the findings of this study
Changing public policy on expenditure in Namibia after independence and its impact on healthcare and education
No full textIn this paper, we examined whether changes in fiscal measures
through increasing government expenditure on education and healthcare
services adopted after independence has made significant impact on the welfare
of the Namibian people. Time series data from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Education of Government of Namibia, Namibia Statistics Agency and World
Bank during the period between 1980 and 2015 has been used for the purpose
of analysis. A comparison of growth in such expenditures, GDP and other
human development indicators has been made between the pre- and
post-independence periods. Finally, impacts of changes in healthcare and
education expenditure on reduction in mortality, increase in life expectancy at
birth, rising literacy and growth of people acquiring higher/technical education,
etc. have been examined by using regression analysis. It is revealed that the
Namibian people are better off now as compared to the pre-independence era.
However, policy changes adopted at the time of independence has not been
highly successful in transforming life of the Namibian people as expected.
There are still a lot of scopes for the improvement of fiscal management in the
country
Analysising the effects of budget deficit dynamics on macroeconomic variables in Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in EconomicsThis study analysed the effect of budget deficit dynamics on economic growth (gross
domestic product), unemployment and interest rate in Namibia. The study employed
the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) and Bounds test for the
cointegration approach using time series annual data for the period 1990 – 2018. The
cointegration results confirm the presence of a long run relationship among variables
in all models. In order to capture the short run effects of the budget deficit, the study
employed the error correction model (ECM) and decisions were made based on a five percent level of significance. Focusing on the core explanatory variable which is
budget deficit, the empirical results discovered a negative and significant relationship
between budget deficit and economic growth both in the short and long run period,
implying that high deficit deteriorates the growth rate of the economy. Moreover, the
results show a direct but insignificant relationship between deficit and unemployment
rate in short and long run period in Namibia. In addition, budget deficits show a
negative but insignificant relationship towards real interest rate in both the short and
long run period. As a result, the study resolved that the Neoclassical theory holds in
Namibia. Consequently, in order to contain this adverse effect, the government should ensure that the exacerbated level of budget deficit is addressed
Structural evolution and burial history of the Dolphin Graben, Northern Walvis Basin (block 1911), offshore Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Petroleum GeologyThis research is on the structural evolution and burial history of the the Dolphin Graben. The
Dolphin Graben is a prominent graben structure situated on the continental slope in the
northern Walvis Basin, immediately south of the Walvis Ridge and the Phoenix Volcanic
Field. The Dolphin Graben is under-explored with only two wells located in it. Minor oil
shows are reportedfrom well1911/15-1, while well 1911110-1 is labelled as dry. At least
two regional source rock intervals are predicted to be present in the graben, one in the
Aptian-Albian, the other in the Cenomanian-Turonian. None of the two exploration wells
penetrated the Albian-Aptian source rock. The intersected Cenomanian-Turonian source
rocks at the two well sites in the graben are recognized to be immature. Thus, the questions
on the presence of a mature source rocks, reservoir charge access and hydrocarbon
preservation within the graben remained pending. The project aims at providing the
following three studies for the Dolphin Graben: a (1) detailed structural evolution analysis,
(2) reconstruction of the burial history in 1D at three locations, and a (3) re-assessment of
the hydrocarbon potential of the Dolphin Graben taking into account the structural evolution
and burial history models.
Seismic interpretation was carried out in Petrel softvvare, while 1 D burial hi tory models
were created with PetroMod software. Seismic interpretation formed the foundation of the
structural evolution study; it entailed marker horizon mapping, fault mapping and
subsequently fault displacements measurements. JD burial models were created for three
locations, namely well1911110-1, wel/1911115-1 andfor a pseudo well herein labelled as
"New well". Subsequent thermal and maturity models were created with calibration data
from the two 1911 wells.
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A regional and local structural model were created from seismic data. The regional model
gives a concept of the wider deeper crustal structure of the northern Walvis Basin, while the
local model is rather a reconstruction of phases of fault activity specific for the structures
defining the Dolphin Graben.
A main outcome of the study is that the Dolphin Graben is a rift system that is independent
from the general Namibian margin syn-rift extension. The graben formed after deposition of
the syn-rift sequence and Seawards Dipping Reflectors (SDRs). In fact, most of the graben
subsidence occurred during the early passive margin drift phase. The graben development
commenced during the Barremian or early Aptian and two main extensional phases
(Extension phases I and II) are recognized. The mechanism for this local rift is not fully
understood but could relate to local thermal mantle anomalies associated with the volcanism
at the adjacent Phoenix Volcanic Field and Walvis Ridge.
Predicted lacustrine source rocks deposited during early extension and they are likely
confined to ponds in smaller half grabens. During progressive extension, the smaller
grabens became inactive, while extension vvas accommodated by a few main .faults that
outline the Dolphin Graben. A continuous marker horizon in the Dolphin Graben has similar
seismic characteristics and is located at a similar stratigraphic level as the known Aptian Albian source rock in the southern Walvis Basin. Hence, this seismic marker is understood
as an indication that the Aptian-Albian source rock is well-developed in the Dolphin Graben.
There, it is essentially laterally extensive, but condensed or absent on central structural highs
and on the graben flanks. Another distinct seismic horizon ties well to the Cenomanian Turonian source rock in the 1911 wells and it extends over the entire Dolphin Graben. The
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ID burial history and thermal models revealed maturity of older presumed lacustrine as well
as for the Aptian-Albian source rocks.
A minor oil show is reported in drilled Lower Cretaceous carbonates occurring on a
structural high in the central graben. It is possible that hydrocarbons used extensional faults
as migration pathways to charge those carbonates.
The Cenomanian-Turonian source rock has been identified as immature to early mature.
With I 0. 6 % TOC it is a potentially excellent source rock, but burial depth within the Dolphin
Graben was essentially insLifjicient for hydrocarbon generation. Therefore, fitture
exploration should focus on petroleum plays that concentrate on the Aptian-Albian source
rock
Characterization of online learners or students in Namibia
No full textThe purpose of this chapter is to present the characteristics of online learners or students in the Global South and specifically in Namibia. The characteristics were identified by using an autobiographical narrative enquiry of over 17 years of teaching experience in the field of distance education, secondary school teaching, university teaching, and online facilitation. The chapter presents four key characteristics of online learners or students that are likely to be found in the Global South. These characteristics should be taken into consideration before a final decision as to whether use online learning, blended learning, or offline learning. These are technologically-endowed (TE) student/learner, moderate technologically-exposed (MTE) student/learner, severe technologically disadvantaged (STD) student/learner, and acute technologically marginalized (ATM) student/learner. The chapter proposes that a rubric with grading criteria should be developed so that at the end the institution will be able to tell how many students/learners fall under each categor
Namibia’s First Lady Monica Geingos – Beyond the orthodox First Lady setting (2015-2020)
No full textPostcolonial African First Ladies are an under-researched area not only in Political Science but also from a multidisciplinary perspective. This text responds to calls for further research in this area. In southern Africa, the work of van Wyk (2017) is pioneering and helpful in providing the framework of studying First Ladies in the region. This text furthers this debate by adding to the existing literature the case of Namibia’s third First Lady, Monica Geingos, the wife of the country’s third President, Hage Gottfried Geingob. The text submits that Monica Geingos’s First ladyship is one that goes beyond orthodox setting of First Ladies operating and seen as mothers of nations and caregivers concerned about ‘soft’ social issues. The text illustrates how Geingos’s meandering through political and economic contexts not only generated debates but demonstrates that the orthodox way of looking at and studying First Ladies may not be helpful
Teachers'preparedness on the implementation of the new Grade 8 Life Science curriculum in Oshigambo circuit, Oshikoto region, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Studies)It is a normal practice for every country to reform its educational curricula from primary school to high school grades. Reforms are driven by the ever-changing world economy and contemporary social issues which affect the education system as well as the curricula of the country. Life Science teachers might not be well prepared to implement such reforms, and this could affect their perceptions
on the curriculum. The purpose of this study was to investigate the teachers’ preparedness on the implementation of the new Grade 8 Life Science curriculum in Oshigambo circuit of Oshikoto Region in Namibia. The study adopted qualitative narrative case design. Participants of the study were six Grade 8 Life Science teachers. One on one semi-structured interviews were conducted with the
teachers and heads of department for Science Grade 8 Life Science in three schools. In addition, document analysis and non-participants observation were also used with the purpose of triangulating the data. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis and the following three themes that emerged: a) teachers’ perceptions on curriculum change and implementation; b) the fundamental difference between the new and old curriculum; c) Teachers’ preparations on implementing the new curriculum. The study found out that factors such as negative perceptions towards the new curriculum, lack of textbooks, laboratory equipment, lack of preparation, lack of support, inadequate content knowledge, lack of teacher involvement in the development of curriculum reforms, changes in the passing requirements and learners’ background affect teachers’ perceptions towards the implementation of the new curriculum. This in turn influences the implementation of the new curriculum. The study concluded that Life Science teachers demonstrated a positive perception toward the implementation
of the new curriculum. The study further concluded that the Life Science teachers for Grade 8 were insufficiently prepared to implement the new Life Science curriculum. The study recommends that teachers should be provided with appropriate textbooks for both learners and teachers. Teachers should be trained and prepared through workshops, group discussions and be engaged in debates
regarding the implementation of the new curriculum. Teachers should be consulted and involved during the planning and development of the new curriculum
Malaria risk factors in northern Namibia: The importance of occupation rage and mobility in characterizing high-risk population
No full textIn areas of low and unstable transmission, malaria cases occur in populations with lower access to malaria services and interventions, and in groups with specific malaria risk exposures often away from the household. In support of the Namibian National Vector Borne Disease Program’s drive to better target interventions based upon risk, we implemented a health facility-based case control study aimed to identify risk factors for symptomatic malaria in Zambezi Region, northern Namibia. A total of 770 febrile individuals reporting to 6 health facilities and testing positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) between February 2015 and April 2016 were recruited as cases; 641 febrile individuals testing negative by RDT at the same health facilities through June 2016 were recruited as controls. Data on socio-demographics, housing construction, overnight travel, use of malaria prevention and outdoor behaviors at night were collected through interview and recorded on a tablet-based questionnaire. Remotely-sensed environmental data were extracted for geo-located village residence locations. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors and latent class analyses (LCA) used to identify and characterize high-risk subgroups. The majority of participants (87% of cases and 69% of controls) were recruited during the 2016 transmission season, an outbreak year in Southern Africa. After adjustment, cases were more likely to be cattle herders (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 4.46 95%CI 1.05–18.96), members of the police or other security personnel (aOR: 4.60 95%CI: 1.16–18.16), and pensioners/unemployed persons (aOR: 2.25 95%CI 1.24–4.08), compared to agricultural workers (most common category). Children (aOR 2.28 95%CI 1.13–4.59) and self-identified students were at higher risk of malaria (aOR: 4.32 95%CI 2.31–8.10). Other actionable risk factors for malaria included housing and behavioral characteristics, including traditional home construction and sleeping in an open structure (versus modern structure: aOR: 2.0195%CI 1.45–2.79 and aOR: 4.76 95%CI: 2.14–10.57); cross border travel in the prior 30days (aOR: 10.55 95%CI 2.94–37.84); and outdoor agricultural work at night (aOR: 2.09 95%CI 1.12–3.87). Malaria preventive activities were all protective and included personal use of an insecticide treated net (ITN) (aOR: 0.61 95%CI 0.42–0.87), adequate household ITN coverage (aOR: 0.63 95%CI 0.42–0.94), and household indoor residual spraying (IRS) in the past year (versus never sprayed: (aOR: 0.63 95%CI 0.44–0.90). A number of environmental factors were associated with increased risk of malaria, including lower temperatures, higher rainfall and increased vegetation for the 30 days prior to diagnosis and residing more than 5 minutes from a health facility. LCA identified six classes of cases, with class membership strongly correlated with occupation, age and select behavioral risk factors. Use of ITNs and IRS coverage was similarly low across classes. For malaria elimination these high-risk groups will need targeted and tailored intervention strategies, for example, by implementing alternative delivery methods of interventions through schools and worksites, as well as the use of specific interventions that address outdoor transmission