ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Empowerment between Flexible Working and Employee Retention in Small Scale Gold Mining Firms in Mberengwa District
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore the dynamic relationship between empowerment and flexible working and its impact of employee retention in the small-scale gold mining sector. This study employed positivism research philosophy. The quantitative research design was employed as the research approach. The research design was explanatory. The convenient sampling was used in this study to select one hundred and fifty participants. The research data were gathered from questionnaires. The results revealed that higher job satisfaction, productivity, top performance emanate from employee empowerment. In addition, empowered employees are more creativity, innovation, and ooze with problemsolving skills. The study also revealed that flexible working conditions engender greater trust in leadership and loyalty to the organization and, above all, leads to improved business results and customer satisfaction. This study recommends that employees should be empowered to make decisions pertaining to their work. Furthermore, managers ought to maintain clear communication of expectations, offer training and development opportunities, encourage employee feedback and participation. The study also recommends the management to establish a supportive workplace culture. An atmosphere of learning should be created at the company. The managers are also recommended to employee compressed schedules so as to enable them to work your standard work hours per week in fewer workdays. This raises employee standards of efficiency and effectiveness
The Assessment of Multiple Stakeholder Groups and Public Sector Institutions’ Effectiveness in Zimbabwe
No full textThe last two decades have experienced an increasing academic attention in stakeholders’ decision-making process in both public and private organisations. This upsurge has been described in many areas as a leading phenomenon that is shaping business and public behaviour and policies in most nations of the world. Of particular concern is however that, globally, public sector institutions are struggling to offer public services effectively and efficiently. Public sector reforms that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s were fuelled by the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of service provision that failed to promote cost saving and quality improvement. In Zimbabwe, in the 1980s, the government inherited a huge administrative bureaucracy that was precisely inclined towards the colonizers as revealed by The Kavran Public Service Review Commission of 1987. Findings of the inquiry by the Commission were adopted and the recommendations implemented in stages. Yet the question remains if these reforms attained their intended goals of transforming public sector institutions to become efficient and effective. It is according to Berebon & Sorbarikor (2020) that an organisation’s societal performance may be more successfully scrutinized and examined through its relationships with its constituent stakeholders. Hence, this paper assesses multiple stakeholder groups and public sector institutions’ effectiveness in Zimbabwe. The research made use of extant qualitative research methodology to gather information. Research findings indicate that there is a general discontent by stakeholders with regards to public sector institutions in Zimbabwe, and these institutions still remain opaque, inefficient and ineffective. It is therefore recommended that public sector institutions have to be responsive, transparent, and constantly engage stakeholders in order to be effective
The Efficacy of Lean Manufacturing on Organisational Performance. A Case Study of Zimbabwean Beverages Manufacturing Companies
Full text linkThe impact of Lean Manufacturing (LM) on organisational performance is an ongoing discussion globally. Zimbabwean companies have implemented LM tools for operational performance across various industries. The Beverage industry has also been identified to be focusing on initiatives such as developing products that are less expensive, sell better and faster for it to remain competitive and reclaiming market shares, sales revenue and profitable in today\u27s global market. The primary goal of this study was to determine the efficacy and viability of lean manufacturing processes at Zimbabwean Beverages production plants. The study used a qualitative research methodology, which yielded in-depth, detailed and rich data from human viewpoints and experiences resulting in a realistic understanding that was interpreted using the participants\u27 social and cultural context. A total of thirty participants were purposeful selected based on their knowledge of the phenomenon under investigation. Physical face-to-face interviews, Ms team interviews, and focus groups responded to semi-structured interviews in data collection. Document analysis was used to collect data. The study found out that Zimbabwean Companies have not fully adopted lean manufacturing because of scepticism from management on the cost involved and the fear of losing jobs by the shop floor workers. The study however unearthed that manufacturing companies would benefit from lean manufacturing principles performance. Overwhelming evidence availed was that by implementing lean tools such as JIT methods, the organizations would be able to cut waste, reduce inventory holding costs and develop supplier relationships. TPM and VSM were found to have the potential to improve productivity and quality. The study recommends that suitable training programs should be designed to provide management with knowledge and skills to apply the positive traits to incorporate the lean concept into the organizations. and through buyin from shop floor workforce increase company performance.
The Precursors of Post -Mergers and Acquisitions Failure in Zimbabwe’s Public Listed Companies
Full text linkThis research sought to evaluate the precursors of post-mergers and acquisition (M&A) failures in Zimbabwe’s public listed firms. The study combined two research designs, namely descriptive and exploratory research designs. Findings of this study concluded that four predictors variable of organisational culture mismatch, poor strategic rationale, pre-merger mis-valuations and poor integration plan were valid and consistent to predict post-merger and acquisition failures in the sampled firms. In addition, post-merger and acquisition performance of firms was positively and significantly affected by organisational culture mismatch, poor strategic rationale, pre-merger mis-valuations and poor integration plan. It also emerged from the study that some mergers and acquisitions in Zimbabwe failed because the management gave little attention to pre-merger valuations of target firms, failing to pay attention and match the organizational culture of the two merging firms or fusion of the corporate cultures, giving little or no attention to integration and poor strategic rationale. These variables were also found to be correlated with each other suggesting multicollinearity of the variable. The study recommended that management should pay attention to a fusion of organisational cultures, strategic rationale, pre-merger valuations and post-merger integration planning. Thus, for mergers to be successful, there was a need for proper planning, due diligence in pre-merger valuations, good fusion of corporate culture and proper integration strategy. The study recommended that, with more time and resources, future research could conduct extensive qualitative research to explore deeper insights on post M&A failures taking into consideration mediating variables such as political, economic, social and legal variables.
The Effect of Supply Chain Resilient Strategies on Operational Performance of Humanitarian Organisations in Zimbabwe During the Covid-19 Period
Full text linkThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chains, and this created acute shortages of materials and products in both local and global markets. This situation demanded humanitarian organisations to implement supply chain resilient strategies in order to secure the supplies of their procurement requirements on time and keep their operations running. This study, therefore, examined the effects of supply chain resilience strategies on operational performance of humanitarian relief organisations in Zimbabwe during the Covid-19 period. A pragmatic research philosophy and a descriptive survey research design were employed. A sample of 28 supply chain professionals from humanitarian relief organisations was randomly selected from a targeted population of 30 for the questionnaire and 25 of them responded whereas interviews were conducted with 5 supply chain management professionals. Quantitative data were scrutinized by means of SPSS & AMOS programmes (versions 22.0) whilst qualitative data from interview was analysed using thematic scrutiny. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to determine the results and convergent validity of the measurement model was tested. The study findings show that supply chain resilience strategies have positive significant effect on operational performance of humanitarian relief organisations during the Covid-19 period. The study concluded that, in Zimbabwe, humanitarian relief are familiar with supply chain resilient strategies and that the supply chain resilient strategies which were analysed have a positive and significant effect on material availability, delivery flexibility and delivery time. The study recommends humanitarian relief organisations to be agile in their supply chain departments, to push for cross sector collaborations and to implement supply chain preparedness strategies as this is critical in improving their operational performance during Covid-19 period.
Trade Liberalisation-Capital Inflow: An Inclusive Framework for Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study sought to determine a framework of upholding trade liberalism for increased capital inflows in the form of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Zimbabwe. The study used the ARDL-ECM in the determination of the nexus between the two variables, for the data covering 1980 to 2021. E-views Version 9.0 Statistical Package was used to run the regressions. Data were obtained from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The study found that in the short-run, trade openness has a significant inverse relationship with capital flows (FDI), whilst in the long-run there is a significant positive relationship between them for Zimbabwe. The study recommends that there be duty free on capital goods, that the government give incentives on exporters, that all goods exported go through the process of value addition, that the government provide subsidies on exporters and, that the government ensure efficiency at ports through infrastructure development
Demystifying the Entrepreneurial Landscape in Zimbabwe SME Sector
Full text linkEntrepreneurship has become a ubiquitous phenomenon in Zimbabwe following a post 2000 economic recession leading to apparent confusion regarding the ideal character of entrepreneurship in the capital, Harare. This study aimed to demystify the concept of entrepreneurship in Harare through interrogating 15 heterogeneous entrepreneurs in Harare through interviews and field observations. The study was aimed at examining the behavioural profiles of entrepreneurs; identify the motivating factors for entrepreneurship; and establish the ideal profiles that would enhance the opportunities of entrepreneurs in Harare. The results indicated that current entrepreneurs in Harare defy conventional wisdom regarding entrepreneurship given that they are unregistered, of no fixed above, inconsistent, predatory and copycats of preexisting businesses. Most entrepreneurs were motivated by economic necessity to enter the fray; ideal entrepreneurship would require the ventures to be registered, to be innovative and embrace an entrepreneurial culture that is currently missing. In this vein, the government was urged to enhance the ease of doing business relative to venture registration and financing and future researchers urged to expand the scope of their inquiry towards other cities other than Harare.
Policy Interventions for Economic Development through Diaspora Remittances in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe study investigated the relationship between diaspora remittances and economic growth for Zimbabwe. Time series data for the period from 1990 to 2019 were used. The study employed the error correction model (ECM) to determine the relationship between diaspora remittances and economic development. Real GDP was used as a proxy variable for economic development. Data from World Bank database was used. The study found diaspora remittance to be statistically significant in explaining economic growth. The study, therefore, recommend that Zimbabwe should put formal structures to tap in all flows from diaspora remittances. Furthermore, tax charged on remittances should not be discouraging for those who intend to send in their remittances. A clear policy must be put in place and opened to the public on the spending of income earned as a result of remittances. A significant share on expenditure of remittances earned must be directed towards social amenities. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe must endeavour to eliminate bottle necks in the processing of remittances as this act to the negative of remittances inflow.
Heritage Entrepreneurship as a Strategy for Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe
No full textThe study was conducted in the districts of Beitbridge, Chipinge and Chiredzi which are the districts sharing boundaries with the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in Zimbabwe. The research was conducted to investigate the heritage entrepreneurship supposition of these districts in driving local economic development. Despite the significant development of heritage entrepreneurship and its dividends to communities, it appears the concept and practice is yet to gain traction in Zimbabwe. The study used descriptive statistics for the quantitative data whereas qualitative data was analysed using descriptions and thematic text. The study sample comprised of 310 community heads, 32 local authority officials, 15 entrepreneurs and three district development coordinators. Purposive sampling was used to sample the respondents. Results revealed that heritage resources are growth poles for local economic development and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park has stimulated downstream economic activities both at local and national level. The study revealed that communities have been empowered through heritage utilisation which has modernised communities through CAMPFIRE and industrialisation. The findings established that communities now have access to sustainable primary public infrastructure, decent accommodation, uninterrupted distribution of social necessities, improved human capital and wealth distribution. Heritage sites have become major attractions the world over and it is recommended that communities be involved, educated and empowered to participate in the local economic development value chain. Associated future research should have emphasis on destination-level attributes that influence heritage site visits with a complementary study concerning factors which prohibit communities’ involvement in heritage tourism business development and growth
Effects of the Open Distance electronic Learning (ODeL) System on Student Service Delivery at the Zimbabwe Open University
Full text linkOpen and Distance electronic Learning (ODeL) has transformed itself to become virtual with minimal or even no physical tutor-student contact as academics create learning platforms, mark assignments and even supervise dissertations and theses online. The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has undergone a lot of transformation since becoming a fully pledged university in 1999. ZOU started with class contact (face-to-face with tutor) and use of modules but has made great strides towards full use of electronic learning (e-learning) in line with contemporary global practices in ODeL. The study used the explanatory research design. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The study established that the majority of academics’ workload had increased as the transition phase was taking longer than expected. A lot of administrative work, coupled with inadequate training to effectively use the ZOU MyVista software learning platform, pressure emanating from doctorate degree studies by most academics, the need to undertake research and publish research papers as well as implementing a demanding quality assurance system, all strained academics. On a positive note, the use of e-learning has expedited feedback and communication to students, and it is also very convenient to them as they no longer have to travel long distances or queue at regional campuses to see the regional programme coordinators. The study recommended that more training on e-learning and availability of more accessible infrastructure, namely computers and relevant software, would capacitate both academics and students. There is also an urgent need to bring Part Time tutors on board, who are the majority but currently left out of this e-learning drive, so that there is a strong learning culture at ZOU for improved service delivery