ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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Examining the Level of Awareness of the Education 5.0 Model Among University Lecturers in Selected State Universities in Zimbabwe.
Full text linkThis study explores the level of awareness and understanding of the Education 5.0 model among university lecturers in four selected state universities in Zimbabwe. Introduced as part of the National Vision 2030 agenda, Education 5.0 represents a paradigm shift in Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education policy by expanding the traditional triad of teaching, research and community service to include innovation and industrialisation. The model positions universities as engines of economic transformation, requiring academic staff to adopt new roles as innovators and industrialists. However, successful implementation depends on lecturers’ awareness, preparedness and institutional support. Guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory, this study adopted a qualitative research design by employing a multiple case study approach. A purposive sample of 20 lecturers was drawn from four state universities based on their engagement with Education 5.0 initiatives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The findings reveal that while most participants are familiar with the term “Education 5.0,” their understanding is often superficial and fragmented, primarily informed by informal channels such as circulars and occasional workshops. Barriers to effective implementation include limited professional training, inadequate infrastructure, rigid curriculum approval processes, high workloads and weak incentives for innovation. Some lecturers also expressed ideological resistance, citing top-down policy imposition and a lack of contextual adaptation. Despite these challenges, participants endorsed the core principles of Education 5.0 and proposed practical solutions including continuous professional development, enhanced infrastructure, streamlined institutional procedures, performance-based incentives and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The study concludes that increasing awareness and support for lecturers is essential for translating the ambitions of Education 5.0 into transformative educational outcomes. Strategic communication, capacity building and policy alignment are recommended to ensure that Zimbabwe’s higher education sector can effectively drive innovation-led industrialisation.
Emerging Technologies and the Agrarian Sector in Zimbabwe: Prospects and Challenges
Full text linkInformation Communication Technology (ICT) has been a significant contributor to the growth and socio-economic development in countries and sectors where they are well deployed. Innovative ICT’s range from computers, radio, television and mobile phones to advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, Internet of Things and big data analytics are among the current trends. The study adopted extant qualitative paradigm to generate information. Research findings indicates that, Zimbabwe is prone to shocks that affect agricultural and livestock production, including extreme weather events, inflation, and external geopolitical conflicts. However, there are opportunities for boosting agricultural productivity in the agriculture sector in Zimbabwe making use of ICT tools and agriculture is expected to be a trillion-dollar industry by 2030 if these tools are fully embraced. Despite milestones achieved of ICTs adoption in the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe such as microfinance and mobile banking, mobile phones and radio, there exist a gap between small holder farmers, communal farmers and commercial farmers. Commercial farmers are fast adopting emerging technologies whilst small holder farmers and communal farmers are faced with challenges which include lack of security of land to access loans, high cost of data and low capacity, among other challenges. To promote innovation and growth of digital agriculture solutions, the government of Zimbabwe could consider enacting tax incentives for companies and organisations developing services that drive rural adoption, especially among farmers and other agricultural value chain actors.
Leveraging People Analytics to Improve Strategy Execution: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThis study explored the role of people analytics in enhancing strategy execution, focusing on its impact on workforce alignment, decision-making, and organisational performance. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach grounded in the PRISMA framework, 30 high quality peer-reviewed studies were analysed to synthesise recent advancements in the field. The findings demonstrated that people analytics enabled organisations to align workforce capabilities with strategic objectives by leveraging data-driven insights into employee performance, engagement, and predictive modelling. Organisations adopting people analytics report significant improvements in workforce efficiency, retention, and adaptability, contributing to better execution of strategic goals. However, challenges such as ethical concerns, technical complexity, and resistance to adoption remain prevalent, highlighting the need for robust governance frameworks and investment in training. This review provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of people analytics as a strategic enabler, offering a foundation for future research and practical applications in organisational management.
An Assessment of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Performance of Health Sector Employees in Zvimba District Hospital Zimbabwe
Full text linkEmotional intelligence is not a luxury, but a necessity in Zimbabwean public health institutions. The aim of the study was to determine the nexus between emotional intelligence and a performance of health sector employees in Zvimba District Hospital. The focus was on key emotional intelligence parameters on augmenting performance for the health sector. The study was guided by positivism research philosophy and anchored on Goleman’s Model. A sample of 124 health professionals was selected using Raosoft sample size calculator allowing a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data were uploaded on SPSS Version 21 and analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. It was established from the main study findings that leaders with high emotional intelligence could inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a positive work environment that can lead to improved service delivery. It was revealed that emotional intelligence enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients, leading to better understanding and health outcomes. This contributed to higher job satisfaction among healthcare workers, reduced turnover rates and ensuring continuity of care. The study established that resilience fostered employees to maintain professional integrity and continues to provide safe and effective care. The study recommended the need to establish support systems that promoted emotional well-being among healthcare workers. Longitudinal studies should focus on encouraging the selection of leaders with high emotional intelligence to foster a supportive work culture.
Intersecting Digital Governance and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa
Full text linkThe advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the internet has revolutionalised the manner in which governments and citizens interact as well as service delivery models. Digital tools have the potential to promote sustainable economic transformation and development within the 21st Century by ensuring that governments attain cost efficiency and effectiveness gains. The successful attainment of Agenda 2030 has become a priority for all governments across the globe and Africa is no exception. There is acknowledgement that the Agenda 2030 can be driven by digitisation efforts. However, there is little scholarly evidence which indicates how digital tools can be incorporated in SDGs implementation in Africa. The study adopted extant secondary qualitative literature as the research method. Findings, conclusions and recommendations were drawn from documentary books, journal articles, working papers and government reports. This study focused on examining how ICTs can be incorporated in the SDGs’ implementation trajectory, progress made and challenges being faced. The study findings established that despite progress made in adopting ICTs by several African countries, most of them have failed to fully embrace ICTs in driving the implementation of SDGs. African countries are facing underlying problems which include digital divide, lack of political will, lack of skills and limited funding, among others, which have been a hindrance towards their digitisation efforts. The study recommended that governments in Africa have to invest in regulatory and policy frameworks, source adequate funding for digital projects and educate the general populace on ICTs.
Building Resilience in Humanitarian Organisations in Zimbabwe: The significance of Information and Communication Technology in Disaster Response
Full text linkThe study aimed to assess the significance of Information and Communication Technology in enhancing supply chain resilience and improve disaster response in humanitarian organisations in Zimbabwe. The population for this study comprised 160 individuals who were purposively selected from the humanitarian organisations that operated in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, where Cyclone Idai took place in 2019. The Yamane formula was used to calculate the sample size of 114 respondents in the study. Structured questionnaires were used as research instruments in the study. The study revealed that Information and Communication Technology was important in humanitarian organisations as it helps to build resilience and improve disaster response. The study recommended the formulation of clear policies and guidelines that could govern the use of ICT in disaster response, ensuring that data security, privacy protection, and the interoperability among different organisations and agencies. The study also recommended the development of partnerships between humanitarian organisations, the government agencies, and the private sector entities to jointly invest in and leverage ICT solutions for the disaster preparedness and the response by implementing a centralised platform that integrates all the relevant stakeholders and the data sources to ensure seamless communication and information sharing during the disaster response operations.
Urban Regeneration Through Collaborative Approaches in Local Government: Case of the City of Harare
Full text linkAfrican cities, due to substantive urban growth, have faced the challenge of urban deterioration which has contributed to city unattractiveness and low business opportunities over the years. Previous studies have indicated that urban decay is a process against a willful act which cannot be corrected by command, however through collaborative efforts by several stakeholders from diverse fronts. This study examined the adoption of collaborative approaches towards urban regeneration using the City of Harare as a case study, firstly by exploring challenges contributing to the deteriorating nurture of the city as well as identifying different roles which stakeholders can play to restore the city. This was achieved through a qualitative research methodology which encompasses a document search complimented by key informant interviews. The City of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe has suffered the same challenge of urban decline associated with poor waste removal, proliferation of informal business markets, poor enforcement of by-laws, disinvestment among others. The study identified several actors which included resident associations, private sector entities (private property developers, consultants, private businesses), Ministry of Local Government, and the Harare City Council. It was established that efforts by several stakeholders can drive urban regeneration through the creation of synergies, among the same actors.
Ramifications of social media content marketing on firm survival: MetaAnalysis
Full text linkThe rapid proliferation of social media has transformed content marketing into a critical strategy for firm survival in the digital age. This research paper synthesised the existing literature to evaluate the impact of social media content marketing on organisational resilience and longevity. By conducting a meta-analysis of 50 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023, the paper identified key trends, outcomes, and challenges associated with social media content marketing. Findings revealled that effective content marketing strategies, such as storytelling, user-generated content, and influencer collaborations, significantly enhanced brand visibility, customer engagement, and loyalty, which were critical for firm survival in competitive markets. However, the study also highlighted potential risks, including reputational damage from poorly managed campaigns and the high costs of maintaining consistent, high-quality content. The paper further explored the role of platform algorithms, audience targeting, and data analytics in optimising content marketing efforts. It emphasises the importance of adaptability and innovation in responding to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. The meta-analysis concluded that while social media content marketing offerred substantial opportunities for firm survival, its success depended on strategic planning, ethical practices, and continuous performance evaluation. This research contributed to the broader discourse on digital marketing by providing evidence-based insights for practitioners and scholars, ultimately guiding firms in leveraging social media to ensure long term sustainability.
Influence of Employee Engagement on Organisational Performance at the Zimbabwe Open University (2019-2023)
Full text linkThe study sought to find out the influence of employee engagement on organisational performance at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), which is a state university. The study was informed by the persistent feature of ZOU in the media for wrong reasons, which suggested that it was very likely that some of its staff members were exposing the institution. The Nstudy used the interprevitism philosophy which resonated with the qualitative paradigm. A case study design was applied. Data were generated using face-to-face interviews. The population was eight hundred (800) staff members, and a convenience sampling method was used to identify the number of participants who could provide qualitative data, and the actual size was determined by data saturation. An analysis of the qualitative data which characterised the study was done by using thematic analysis. The major finding was that there was low engagement among ZOU employees. Major recommendations included revisiting both the internal and external fairness of remuneration, adopting a flexible working model, employer-assisted occupational stress management, and providing good working conditions
E-HR Records in Zimbabwe: Balancing Data Privacy, Security, and Regulatory Compliance
Full text linkThe adoption of electronic Human Resource (e-HR) records is transforming HR management globally, offering enhanced efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making. However, in Zimbabwe, organisations face significant challenges in data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, hindering the full realisation of e-HR benefits. This study examined the current state of e-HR adoption in Zimbabwe, comparing it to global best practices and identifying critical gaps in technological infrastructure, legal enforcement, and cybersecurity readiness. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), the study applied the Technology Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, GDPR principles, and the CIA Triad model to analyse Zimbabwe’s HR digitalisation landscape. Findings revealled uneven adoption rates, with large organisations progressing faster than SMEs, weak regulatory enforcement, and high vulnerability to cyber threats due to limited security investments. The study proposed strategic interventions, including strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and aligning HR practices with international standards. The findings contributed to the discourse on HR digital transformation in emerging economies, offering policy recommendations to ensure a secure and efficient transition to digital HR records in Zimbabwe