ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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111 research outputs found
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The Effect of Bank-Specific Factors on Banking Sector Development in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe study sought to ascertain the effect of bank-specific factors on banking sector development in Zimbabwe since the introduction of the multi-currency system. This was prompted by an inability of Zimbabwe’s banking system to efficiently and effectively execute its financial intermediary role of supplying affordable long-term loans to productive sectors of the economy as a catalyst for economic growth. The study made use of a post-positivist research philosophy and utilised 218 structured questionnaires to gather quantitative data on study constructs. Data was analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0 software model and SPSS software package version 25. Study findings revealed that liquidity, business intelligence and analytics, board structure, asset quality, digitalisation and bank size have a statistically positive effect on banking sector development. The study, therefore, recommends authorities to invest in digital banking, enhance cybersecurity, augment bank liquidity, refine asset quality and boost banks’ capitalisation in order to enhance banking sector development
Board Diversity and Performance of State-Owned Enterprises in Transport Service Sector in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe main aim of the study was to assess the effect of board diversity and performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in transport service sector in Zimbabwe. The research adopted mixed methods approach rooted in the pragmatism paradigm. Probability sampling (simple random) was used to determine respondents for the quantitative data while non-probability sampling (purposive) was used to determine the participants to provide the qualitative data. The population of the study was 30 respondents focusing on board members, senior managers and middle managers in 8 parastatals. However, the research sample size were 28 respondents as justified by using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Table of sample size calculation. Both structured questionnaires and an interview guide were used to solicit data where descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study results showed that SOEs boards with a blend of board members of different age groups, varied gender and diverse professional qualifications and experience allow continuity and exchange of diverse ideas which, in turn, could result in improved organisational efficiency, hence improved firm performance. However, from the results of the study, there exists adequate evidence that board diversity and experience are a critical determinant of performance of SOEs in the transport sector in Zimbabwe. Premised on the findings of this scholarship, the following recommendations were made. Relevant line ministries should come up with a policy framework that enforces the appointment to the board of individuals with proven relevant and diverse experience in leading organisations at the senior level. Therefore, a key potential future area for further research would be a replication of the study in the same sector focusing on the impact of board policy on service delivery. This would, in turn, enhance the generalisability of the findings to SOEs in other emerging markets that are facing the same performance challenges linked to board composition.
The Influence of Wildlife Conservation on Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe
No full textThe study was conducted in the districts of Beitbridge, Chipinge and Chiredzi which share boundaries with the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted to investigate the influence of wildlife conservation on local economic development. Wildlife is significant both ecologically by providing rich biodiversity and ecosystems’ services, and economically through its sustainable utilisation, and it appears Zimbabwean communities are not benefiting from its sustainable utilisation. The study sample comprised of 310 community heads, 32 local authority officials, 15 tourism industry entrepreneurs and 3 district development coordinators. Purposive sampling was used to sample the respondents. Results revealed that wildlife conservations are growth poles for local economic development and that the geographical location of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park provides some rich biodiversity and ecosystems’ services. The study revealed that communities have been empowered through Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) which has modernised communities through infrastructure development and wealth creation. The findings established that human wildlife conflict cases have been contained whilst communities now have access to modern public infrastructure, uninterrupted access of basic necessities such as food, clothing and health services, human capital improvement and unequivocal redistribution of wealth. Wildlife Conservation Areas have become major attractions the world over and this study recommends that neighbouring communities be involved in the decision making and management of natural resources for the sustenance of wildlife conservation and preservation. Additional research in the area would centre on economic evaluation and value chain analysis of wildlife products (baseline and potentials)
How to Improve the Performance of State Universities: An Integration of Strategic Management and Performance Management Processes
Full text linkThe paper interrogates the performance of Zimbabwean State Universities and proposes the integration of strategic management and performance management. The contention was that the strategic management process could not lead to high institutional performance because it was divorced from the sphere of managing institutional performance, and the removal of the operational staff from the strategic planning process. A constructivist paradigm was adopted as it was viewed to be the best suited to allow the researcher to become one with participants and ‘get’ into their psych to extract their lived experiences. A group of well-informed persons from the target institutions was purposively identified and interviewed over some time. The acquired data were transcribed and then analysed for meaning. The findings were that the strategic planning process should be integrated with the performance management process. The operational staff must be involved and participate in both processes for purposes of process ownership and buy-in. their participation resulted in corporate objectives being cascaded down to the operational level without their loss of meaning. The conclusion was that the performance management process should be integrated with the strategic planning process if state institutions were to achieve their vision.
An Inclusive Model of Educational Expenditure and Economic Development for Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study sought to determine an inclusive framework for education expenditure that enhances economic development for Zimbabwe. The study used the ARDL-ECM in the determination of the relationship between the two variables, using data for the period 1980 to 2021. E-views Version 12.0 Statistical Package was used to run the regressions. Data were obtained from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The study found an inverse relationship between expenditure on education and economic development in Zimbabwe for both the short-run and long-run periods. Guided by the Zimbabwe Education 5.0 Model, the study recommends that a stand-alone research budget be made available for the institutions of higher education. It is also true with the industry that expects the best from graduates to fund research done by the institutions of higher education. It follows, therefore, that the industry must have constant liaison with the institutions of higher education, presenting challenges which they are facing for research to be conducted with the view of proffering solutions. In fact, facilitators from the institutions of higher education must be able to research on the needs of the economy, and impart knowledge on students, guided by the predetermined economic needs. It is from the research that the institutions would have conducted that would inform the content of teaching and community outreach. The students would then benefit from the researched teaching, thus, enabling them, and the facilitators to cause innovation and industrialisation.
Public Debt Servicing in Zimbabwe: Challenges and Implications
Full text linkZimbabwe has been classified as being in debt distress and government debt has risen substantially from just over 48% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013 to an estimated 82% in 2017. Large fiscal deficits experienced by the country have partly been the result of an elevated public wage bill, which continues to absorb more than 80% of revenue in the country. More so, the deficits have also been financed through an overdraft facility at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) bailouts of state-owned enterprises, and widespread mismanagement of public funds. Zimbabwe is officially burdened with public debt of approximately US14.043 billion is external debt stock alongside ZWL13.722 billion which is an unusual increase in a single year only. This research examines challenges associated with debt servicing in Zimbabwe as well as implications of unsustainable public debt. Some identified challenges exacerbating public debt include lack of compliance by the government with legislative provisions on borrowings, public debt defaults, misappropriated public debts and fragmented public debt institutional framework. High debt creates uncertainty, deterring investment and innovation, and has a negative impact on economic growth. Unsustainable debt burdens compel governments to spend more on debt servicing and less on public service delivery. It is therefore recommended that, the government needs to establish a clear legal and organisational framework on public debt, expand the revenue base and debts auditing.
Employee’s Perceptions of Conflict and Conflict Management: A Case Study of Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe
Full text linkConflict can either be functional or dysfunctional. Human capital management specialists have been trying to develop leadership skills meant to counter conflicts within the organization, particularly dysfunctional conflicts. This study aims to assess employees’ perceptions of conflict and conflict management in Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe and the impact of conflict and conflict management on the economic security of employees. The framework of this study was a quantitative study with a mixed method approach using non-probability sampling of one hundred and eleven participants. To gather primary data, a standardized questionnaire was used in conjunction with document inspection, focus groups, and interviews. The data analysis method used was the tabular method. The analysis of data was descriptive. The findings indicated causes or sources of organizational conflict could be attributed to management style, with management depending on the case and situation, avoiding issues, detecting outcomes, and to some extent negotiating and mediation. Recommendations are that parties should rely on negotiation and mediation to manage conflicts and that strong conflict-resolution skills are essential to be an effective leader in the workplace.
An Evaluation of the Organisational Capability of Indigenous Sugarcane Farmers: The Case of Sugarcane Farmers in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
No full textThe study sought to identify organisational capabilities necessary for smallholder sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe. The framework of this study was both a quantitative and qualitative study, following stratified random sampling of three hundred and twenty-six participants. A structured questionnaire was deployed to collect primary data and complemented by interviews, focus groups and document inspection. Data was analysed through the SPSS. To complement the information provided by smallholder farmers, interviews were conducted with two Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe officials, two Government representatives and six farmers’ association representatives. The findings of the study indicated that out-growers do not possess adequate organisational capabilities to enhance their production. Business planning, financial management, leadership and governance, innovation and workforce development and proper farming techniques were among the capabilities that were lacking. The recommendation made to smallholder farmers included the engagement of full-time farm managers or supervisors with knowledge in agronomy and farm management to improve business planning capabilities. The government and other sugarcane industry stakeholders were also urged to establish a school of agriculture in Chiredzi District, to assist in the training of smallholder farmers since a greater number did not have a background in sugarcane farming. A longitudinal research on how organisational capabilities develop into strategy formulation about small firm’s performance was also suggested as further studies for academia
Social Marketing in Promoting Pro-environmental Behaviour in Not-for Profit Organisations: A Case Study of Conventional Churches in Zimbabwe
Full text linkEnvironmental awareness has become an interesting area of study for organisations since they all strive to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goals. Social marketing is one of the key strategies that is being harnessed by organisations to promote sustainable consumption and encourage environmental conscious behaviour. This study focused on how conventional churches in Zimbabwe leveraged on social marketing to enhance pro environmental behaviour among their congregates. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and an exploratory research design in data collection through focus group discussions and interviews. As the world becomes more aware of consumerism on the environment, organisations were increasingly focusing on sustainability through promoting pro environmental behaviours among consumers. The findings showed that not–for-profit organisations like churches were aware of environmental issues and the leaders were also promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly behaviour. It was also found that the leaders were using different communication channels to share information related to environmental issues. However, some study participants indicated that the church had nothing to do with the natural environment. It was recommended that the churches needed to partner with other organisations and stakeholders for effective use of social marketing to promote sustainable behaviour.
Critiquing the Phillips Curve in Zimbabwe through Econometric Modelling
Full text linkInflation and unemployment in Zimbabwe seem to have been moving in the same direction, contrary to the Phillips curve theory which holds the view that the relationship is inverse. This study sought to determine the extent to which the theory is relevant in Zimbabwe. Yearly data for inflation and unemployment from 1990 to 2017 were used for the study. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) was used to determine the relationship. A few Stationarity and Cointegration tests were carried out, with data becoming stationarity after first differencing. The Augmented Dickey Fuller test was used. There was also evidence of cointegration between the two variables using the Johansen Cointegration test technique. The results of the study established a stable and permanent inverse relationship between Inflation and Unemployment in Zimbabwe, conforming to the Phillips Curve theory. The Zimbabwean government should, therefore, work towards growing its economy through adopting a policy mix which embraces macro-economic indicators that have a direct impact on both inflation and unemployment