ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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111 research outputs found
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A Training Framework for Enhancing Taxpayer Education and Compliance in Zimbabwe: Bridging the Gap for Sustainable Tax Revenue
Full text linkThis paper proposed a novel training framework for enhancing taxpayer education and compliance in Zimbabwe, with a focus on bridging the gap for sustainable tax revenue. The study addressed the pressing challenge of low tax compliance within the informal economic sector, identifying the absence of an effective taxpayer education system as a critical catalyst for this research. The purpose of the study was to devise an innovative training framework tailored to improve tax compliance and revenue collection efficiency. Employing a mixed method approach deemed effective for a complex subject, data were gathered through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study revealled that the existing presumptive tax system was ineffective, and compliance remained low due to inadequate taxpayer education. Based on the results, the study developed a comprehensive contemporary training framework specifically designed to enhance taxpayer education and compliance in Zimbabwe’s informal economic sector. The study, therefore, advocated for the adoption of the proposed framework to improve tax literacy, streamline compliance processes, and bolster sustainable economic growth and inclusivity.
Board Appointment Processes and their Impact on Corporate Performance of Public Entities in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of appointment systems for public entity boards in Zimbabwe in enhancing meritocracy, given the contribution of the parastatals to the national economy. Most public entities in Zimbabwe have been drowned in scandals, which have left them underperforming and recording losses over the years. The Agency Theory, Upper Echelon Theory and Political Theory informed the study. The study adopted a pragmatist research philosophy, a mixed research paradigm and a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population of the study comprised permanent secretaries and board members from the 107 public entities in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 261 participants was used for collecting quantitative data, and 25 participants were used for collecting qualitative data. Stratified sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to sample participants for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth personal interview guides were used to collect and generate data from participants. Cronbach’s alpha (α) was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS Version 25 and AMOS Version 21. The study concluded that the Corporate Governance Unit was the most appropriate institution to be designated as the appointing authority for state entity boards. The appointing authority needs to be granted the full mandate of establishing nomination committees that conduct board selection processes for all public entities. The study also concluded that government policies moderated the relationship between meritocracy in the appointment of public entity boards and organisational performance. The study recommended that the government should avoid the frequent state interference and violations of statutory provisions in the board appointment process. Further studies could focus on the effectiveness of a boards appointment system in the private sector in Zimbabwe.
Perceived Effects of Employee Retention Practices on Job Satisfaction in the Zimbabwean Higher Education Sector: A Systematic Literature Review
Full text linkEmployee retention is a critical issue in Zimbabwe’s Higher Education (HE) sector, where economic instability, inadequate remuneration, and limited career development opportunities contribute to high staff turnover. This study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesise existing research on employee retention strategies and their impact on job satisfaction in Zimbabwean HE institutions. Using the PRISMA framework, the study identified key retention practices, including financial incentives, professional development programmes, flexible work arrangements, and institutional support mechanisms. The findings revealled that while Zimbabwean HE institutions employed both monetary and non-monetary retention strategies, their effectiveness was often undermined by inconsistent implementation and resource constraints. Comparative analysis with global best practices highlighted the disparity between Zimbabwean institutions and their counterparts in developed economies, where structured career pathways, tenure systems, and work-life balance policies contribute to higher job satisfaction. The study identified critical gaps in existing literature, including a lack of longitudinal research, insufficient empirical evidence on non-monetary incentives, and methodological inconsistencies. This review underscored the need for Zimbabwean policymakers and university administrators to adopt sustainable, evidence-based retention strategies that address both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. Future research should explore sector-wide policy interventions and international best practices to inform retention strategies that enhance workforce stability and institutional performance.
The Effectiveness of Open Days as a Student Recruitment Tool. A Case of Midlands State University
Full text linkThis study examined the effectiveness of open days as student recruitment tools in higher education, focusing on Midlands State University (MSU). Open days are widely regarded as a crucial marketing strategy in higher education, offering prospective students an immersive experience of campus life, academic offerings, and institutional culture. In Zimbabwe where there are many institutions of education, state-owned as well as private-owned competition for students’ enrollment is intensifying hence state universities are now capitalising on inviting prospective students to their institutions. The study was informed by the following objectives: to explore how open days’ influence prospective students\u27 perceptions of Midlands State University (MSU), to establish the impact of open days on student enrolment rates at Midlands State University and to identify the key components of effective open days that enhance student recruitment at Midlands State University. The study was informed by phenomenological research philosophy and document analysis as a research design. Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the perspectives of prospective students, parents, and university staff. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal the strengths and limitations of open days in influencing students\u27 decisions. Conclusions provide actionable recommendations for enhancing their impact. The study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the role of open days in student recruitment, offering insights that can inform university marketing strategies. After data analysis the study recommends that MSU should also invest in virtual open days to attract students.
Women Economic Empowerment: Its Prospects and Limitations: A Case Study of Harare Metropolitan Province
Full text linkThis study investigated the prospects and limitations of women\u27s economic empowerment in Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing on the experiences within the Harare Metropolitan Province. Employing a case study design, this research utilised qualitative data gathered through semi structured interviews and questionnaires with women engaged in various economic activities. The study examined the complex interplay of factors influencing women\u27s economic agency, including decision-making authority, access to resources, and sociocultural barriers. The findings revealled that while women in Harare demonstrated significant entrepreneurial drive and resilience, they continued to face challenges such as limited market access, discriminatory practices, and the double burden of work and domestic responsibilities. The study underscored the need for integrated interventions that addressed both economic and socio-cultural constraints to achieve meaningful women\u27s economic empowerment. Recommendations included policy reform, targeted support programmes, and awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes. This research contributed to a deeper understanding of the local dynamics shaping women\u27s economic participation in urban Zimbabwe and highlighted the importance of context-specific approaches to promote gender equality and sustainable development.
Cyber-Security Governance Framework and its Effects on Zimbabwe Local Authorities: A Review Paper
Full text linkThe purpose of this review paper was to analyse literature related to cyber-security governance frameworks effects in Zimbabwe local authorities. Cyber-security governance is a developing subject with an expanding literature. It is founded in information technology governance but is also increasing its recognition in business management. However, there is dearth of literature on the effectiveness of cyber-security governance framework in Zimbabwe local authorities. The authors reviewed journal papers, conference papers, theses and books from various databases namely Google Scholar and ProQuest. The study showed that cyber security governance enables the formulation of a cyber-security governance framework which has a great impact on the performance of local authorities in Zimbabwe. In addition, a cyber-security governance framework improves organisation’s decision making, risk governance and compliance. Conversely, a cyber-security governance framework is inflexible and overly systematic. The paper also contributed to the body of knowledge in the fields of cyber-security governance as well as other related studies thereby supporting literature brought forward by other researchers.
Effectiveness of Open, Distance and Electronic Learning on Entrepreneurial Leadership Short Courses at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional services (ZPCS)
Full text linkThe transition from a traditional face-to-face learning mode to Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) has become increasingly relevant in the context of Zimbabwe’s educational landscape, particularly for sectors requiring specialised training such as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). The study focused on the effectiveness of the transition from blended learning to full adoption of ODeL in delivering short courses in entrepreneurial leadership to the top officials of the ZPCS. The study employed a qualitative paradigm using interviews to generate data by assessing participants’ experiences, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction with the transition phase from face-to-face delivery, then blended learning to full ODeL. Major findings were the flexibility of ODeL, the need for technological support, low effect on learning experience and low engagement levels. While ODeL increased accessibility to educational resources and scheduling convenience, the study highlights critical challenges that impede optimal learning outcomes such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent internet access as well as varying levels of digital literacy among participants, which collectively hinder their ability to fully engage with the course learning material. Recommendations include the need to have tailored support systems to ensure sustainable educational practices.
Unlocking a Sustainable Green Growth Frontier of Manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprises in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Chinhoyi Urban, Zimbabwe
Full text linkSmall to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth and sustainable development globally. However, their contribution to sustainable green growth in the fourth industrial revolution has been largely not addressed by literature in Zimbabwe, which this qualitative study sought to unveil. The mantra of green growth strategies is ensuring a practical and flexible approach for achieving concrete, measurable progress across its economic and environmental pillars. Green growth strategies are not limited to the provision of critical support services, clean water, air and food production but to deliver full economic potential on a sustainable basis. This lacuna has not been addressed by literature on SMEs in Chinhoyi which this study sought to fill. The study purposively selected 15 registered manufacturing SMEs where an interview guide was used to solicit data from SMEs owners, which then was analysed and presented thematically. Study results showed that the availability of certain types of natural capital (sun, water, wind, among others) offer new opportunities for greening growth for SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The results confirm that technological change has been the main driver of green growth and efficiency for manufacturing SMEs. The results also pointed out that vital parts of the SMEs’ green growth journey is developing business plans for new, sustainable products and services, implementing greener production or operational processes, or integrating selected standards that can enable some companies to get access to new markets. Based on the results, SMEs require capital to realise their green growth business plans. SMEs are encouraged to redefine their mission, vision and values and incorporate green concepts to enhance sustainability. A longitudinal study needs to be done on all types of SMEs going green in their business strategic orientation in Zimbabwe.
Debt Amnesty for Zimbabwe’s Local Government: Issues, Effects and Implications
Full text linkThis article that made use of the utilitarian framework of analysis, focused on Ignatius Chombo, a former Zimbabwean Minister of Local Government, who issued an order granting debt amnesty to residents of the 92 local government councils in the nation from 2009 to 2013. The utilitarian concept of municipal government, developed by John Stuart Mill, places a strong emphasis on maximising the well-being or overall pleasure of the greatest number of people when making decisions. The article probed the Minister\u27s choice by using a utilitarian framework of analysis and a documentary research methodology. Whilst it found that the decision curried favour with certain segments of the population, especially the indigent who were struggling to settle their bills for service delivery, it also found it repugnant, among others, for the reason that it ingrained a culture of non-payment for local government services consumed by residents that subsists up to now. It also found that, despite the fact that the policy was created a little more than ten years ago, the full consequence of the minister\u27s decision has not yet been fully absorbed.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Consumer Behaviour and Brand Engagement Among Youth in Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study explored the role of social media in shaping consumer behaviour and brand engagement among the youth in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Using a mixed-methods paradigm, the research combined quantitative data from 351 respondents and qualitative insights from 20 interviewees to examine how social media influences purchasing decisions, brand loyalty, and consumer attitudes. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure representation across key demographic variables such as age, gender, and education level. Findings revealed that social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, played a pivotal role in shaping consumer behaviour, with 68% of the respondents acknowledging the direct influence of social media ads and influencer recommendations. Thematic analysis highlighted the importance of trust, authenticity, peer influence, and emotional connections with brands. Additionally, the study identified platform-specific behaviours and contextual factors, such as economic constraints and hybrid shopping preferences that shape consumer behaviour in Masvingo. The results underscored the transformative role of social media in driving brand loyalty and purchase decisions, offering valuable insights for marketers and businesses targeting youth in emerging markets.