ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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Youth Unemployment and its Psychological and Socio-Economic Effects on Career Development: A Case Study of Gokwe Rural Community, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study sought to evaluate the effects of unemployment on youth career development in Gokwe Rural Community, Zimbabwe. Employing a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the research involved a population of 375 individuals, with a final sample size of 104 participants—90 for quantitative data (88 completed questionnaires) and 14 for qualitative insights. Sampling techniques included purposive, random and convenience sampling. Data were collected from youths, community members, ward councillors and Ministry of Youth officials. The findings revealed that high unemployment rates significantly contributed to psychological challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which adversely affect self-esteem and motivation. Economically, the study highlighted a concerning trend of stagnation, as educated youths often migrate to rural areas in search of better opportunities, further exacerbating local poverty. The results underscored the urgent need for targeted youth development programmes aimed at enhancing employability and providing psychological support to improve overall well-being.
Analysis of the Public Transport Management Policies in Zimbabwe
Full text linkPublic transport is an essential component of urban life in Zimbabwe, yet it is beset by operational inefficiencies, regulatory fragmentation and safety concerns. This paper examines the effectiveness of public transport management policies by analysing the roles, coordination and challenges of key regulatory bodies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development (MOT), Harare City Council (HCC), Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSC) and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilising document analysis of statutes, semi-structured interviews with 20 key stakeholders and a quantitative survey of 120 transport operators and users in Harare and Bulawayo. The results reveal significant dissatisfaction among commuters regarding safety and service reliability, with 75% of surveyed passengers reporting safety concerns. Qualitative findings highlight major themes of fragmented coordination among regulatory bodies, severe resource constraints hindering enforcement and the necessary but unregulated role of informal operators (Mawere, 2017). The study concludes that while a robust legislative framework exists, its implementation is undermined by a lack of inter-agency collaboration, inadequate funding and decaying infrastructure (Moyo, 2018). The paper recommends the establishment of a national task force to harmonise policies, increased budgetary allocations for enforcement, strategic investment in transport infrastructure and the development of an integrated policy that formalises and regulates informal operators.
The Future of Odel: Evaluating the Role of Technology in Enhancing Personalised Learning Experiences in Higher Education. The Case of Zimbabwe Open University
Full text linkThe rapid evolution of technology has significantly influenced Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL), paving the way for personalised learning experiences in higher education. This study investigates the integration of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), adaptive learning systems and intelligent tutoring platforms into ODeL frameworks to enhance individualised learning pathways. By analysing current literature and case studies, the research identifies how these technologies contribute to improved student engagement, academic performance and retention rates. Data generated for the study included interview guide, open- ended questionnaire and focus group discussions. Document analysis was also used to complement the other methods. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for qualitative data. A total of 21 participants were selected with 12 students (undergraduate and postgraduate), six academic staff members and three e-learning administrators. Findings indicated that personalised technology-enhanced learning environments foster greater learner autonomy, motivation and satisfaction. However, challenges such as digital literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations and the need for faculty training are also highlighted. The research underscores the importance of strategic implementation of personalised learning technologies in ODeL settings. It recommends institutional policies that support technological infrastructure development, continuous professional development for educators and the adoption of learnercentric pedagogical models. By addressing these areas, higher education institutions could effectively leverage technology to create more inclusive and effective personalised learning experiences, aligning with the future trajectory of ODeL.
From Transition to Transformation: Exploring the Induction of New Lecturers in Teachers’ Colleges in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study investigates the experiences and strategies pertinent to the induction of new lecturers in teachers\u27 colleges, with a specific emphasis on those transitioning from secondary school teaching to primary education. The research identifies critical gaps within current induction programmes, particularly a lack of emphasis on essential pedagogical skills, effective assessment practices and the management of adult learners. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 lecturers and thematic analysis was employed to interpret and analyse the findings. The results reveal that although induction programmes are in place, they predominantly concentrate on operational aspects, such as familiarisation with college services and administrative processes, which ultimately leaves new lecturers inadequately prepared for the professional demands of teaching. A significant finding was the prevalent assumption that lecturers would naturally adapt to the pedagogical requirements of higher education, despite the substantial differences in teaching approaches between secondary and primary education. Furthermore, the study uncovered notable deficiencies in training related to assessment practices and the supervision of teaching practices. In response to these identified gaps, the study proposes several strategies for enhancing induction programmes, including the reintroduction of short-term attachments to primary schools, the development of comprehensive mentorship programmes and targeted training on adult learning principles. These strategies are designed to bridge the existing gaps in the preparation of new lecturers and to facilitate smoother transitions into teaching roles. The paper concludes by advocating for the implementation of structured and well-rounded induction programmes that address both operational and professional dimensions, thereby improving lecturer effectiveness and enhancing the overall quality of teacher education.
The Effect of Corporate Governance Practices on the Performance of State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Opportunities
Full text linkState-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) represent a crucial component of the national economy in Zimbabwe, yet they are beset by systemic operational challenges that affect their performance and reputation. There have been concerns about the effectiveness of their corporate governance systems and how these impact the performance of the enterprise. While there is some scholarship on corporate governance in public sector entities, little has been done to interrogate the impact of corporate governance practices on the performance of SOEs in Zimbabwe. Therefore, this study, using qualitative content analysis, sought to assess the impact of corporate governance practices on the performance of state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe. The X-inefficiency theory, Agency Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV) constituted the theoretical framework of the study. Qualitative content analysis of several published empirical information on corporate governance in state-owned enterprises. Findings from study highlighted rampant corruption within state owned entities. Findings highlighted that there are poor corporate governance practices in these institutions fuelled by weak institutional frameworks, political patronage and the lack of effective oversight mechanisms among other factors. The absence of strong corporate governance has resulted in poor performance of SOEs. As a result, service delivery has become very poor. Findings highlighted that there is need to evaluate potential barriers to the adoption of effective corporate governance practices such as policy, legislation, attitudinal factors, capacity building, resources among others. The effective management of these barriers is crucial for promoting the adoption and implementation of best practices in SOEs. However, there remains the need for studies that focus on effective adoption and implementation methodologies of these strategies.
Strategies for the Propagation of Micro-credentials in the Economy of Zimbabwe by Institutions of Higher Education/Learning and Training
Full text linkThe study sought to recommend appropriate strategies for the propagation of micro-credentials that would positively influence economic growth using micro-credentials to provide knowledge and skills training. The thrust was to establish the state of micro-credentials in Zimbabwe and how they could be implemented to advantage. An interpretivist philosophy informed the choice of a qualitative paradigm and a case study design. Two institutions of higher learning and training were selected and, from each institution a team of six was purposively selected because of their superior knowledge in the matters of university business. A series of in-depth interviews was held to elicit the requisite information until a point of saturation was reached. The findings indicated that Zimbabwe and most African nations, needed to speed up the process of adopting and implementing micro-credentials. The strategies they could utilise included the use of online courses already accredited to kick-start the offering of micro-credentials, the creation and upholding regulations that catalysed the provision of micro-credentials, and the opening of identified opportunities to adopt and use micro credentials. The study ended with a recommendation to use an ACQF-II (2024) produced Handbook on Micro-credentials in Africa as resource material and a conclusion.
Data-Driven Urban Governance: Opportunities and Challenges in Zimbabwean Cities
Full text linkThe study investigated the opportunities and challenges associated with data-driven urban governance in Zimbabwean cities, focusing on Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare. It employed a qualitative, descriptive research design, drawing on document analysis and semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, urban planners and ICT officers. Guided by the theoretical lens of Technological Determinism, the research identified significant opportunities for improving urban governance through real-time data, predictive analytics, digital citizen engagement and smart city initiatives. However, it also revealed major constraints, including infrastructural deficits, the digital divide, outdated planning frameworks, fragmented data governance and low levels of digital literacy. The study concluded that, while data technologies held transformative potential, their effective implementation in Zimbabwe required strengthened institutional capacity, ethical data governance and inclusive digital development strategies. Without addressing these foundational issues, data-driven urban governance risked reinforcing existing structural inequities rather than resolving them.
Examining the Impact of Economic Downturn on Work-Life Balance across Selected Sectors of Industry in Zimbabwe
Full text linkEconomic downturns have significantly disrupted work-life balance for employees in Zimbabwe, intensifying stress and making it increasingly difficult to manage personal and professional responsibilities. This study aimed to examine the impact of economic instability on work-life balance across selected industry sectors in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research design was employed, focusing on the lived experiences and perceptions of employees. The research population for this study covered all employees from the selected sectors of industry but for purposes of feasibility, a purposive sample of 30 participants was drawn from six sectors: agriculture, food processing, retail (supermarkets), automotive, education and health, with five participants from each sector. Findings revealed that economic challenges led to longer working hours, reduced job security and limited organisational support, all of which contributed to poor work-life balance. Participants reported increased work-related stress and difficulty meeting family obligations. The study recommends that policymakers and employers implement flexible and supportive workplace policies to mitigate the impact of economic disruptions. Adaptable strategies are essential to sustain employee well-being and maintain industrial productivity during periods of economic hardship.
A Framework of Corporate Governance Systems for the Performance of State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe
Full text linkPoor governance practices have remained entrenched in both the public and private sectors despite the adoption of various legal frameworks and institutional measures aimed at promoting corporate governance practices. A close analysis of the focus of many studies conducted to date on corporate governance, reveal the existence of a gap in the search for an institutional framework of corporate governance systems for the state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe. Poor governance has continued to haunt SOEs leading to poor service delivery. Therefore, this study using qualitative content analysis sought to develop an institutional framework of corporate governance systems for the performance of state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe. Evidence from the study indicates that poor corporate governance in SOEs has been driven by such factors as political interference, lack of political will, poor rules and regulation in the running of SOEs among a host of other challenges. Basically, the institutional framework of corporate governance systems for the performance of state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe that maybe adopted should comprise of the following: engage stakeholders so that they can have by-in on policies, scan and learn from best practices from elsewhere, rationalise SOEs, listing of SOEs on Public Exchanges, review and improve policy and legislation, capacity building, enhance political will, invest in corporate governance research, establish independent boards and the unbundling monoliths and disposing non-essential SOE’s and strengthen rule or law. However, there is still need for studies on how these can be harnessed for promoting good corporate governance in SOEs.
The Zimbabwean Banking Sector in the 21st Century: A Journey Towards Organisational Learning
Full text linkOrganisational Learning (OL) has become a crucial strategic and dynamic capability, enabling firms to adapt their business models for sustained relevance and competitiveness in today\u27s dynamic business environment. However, its adoption in the developing world has been slow. The collapse of nearly half (48.6%) of Zimbabwean banks, primarily indigenous institutions, within two decades starkly illustrates this challenge, especially considering the banking sector\u27s critical role in any economy. This study examines the extent to which organisational learning has been adopted within the Zimbabwean banking sector and its impact on bank performance. A mixed methods approach was used, employing a self-administered questionnaire with openended questions distributed to 211 executives and senior managers at nineteen Zimbabwean banks, yielding a 79.6% response rate. Data were analysed using the Framework Analysis method. The findings suggest a positive trend in organisational learning levels, with most banks progressing from single loop to adaptive or generative learning. Significantly, foreign and dually owned banks were more likely to demonstrate generative learning, a level associated with greater effectiveness in turbulent environments, potentially explaining the disproportionate failure of indigenous banks between 1998 and 2018. This study contributed to the academic understanding of organisational learning, a concept that remained underexplored and under-appreciated in developing economies. Moreover, it emphasised the importance of continuously challenging existing business models to navigate dynamic market conditions like those in Zimbabwe. It is essential for organisational survival and success to continue to develop and actively promote higher levels of organisational learning.