National Research Database of Zimbabwe
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Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards date rape among Midlands State University students
No full textThe research study examined the level of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards date rape among university students. Hundred and fifty (150) university students participated and the sample population was drawn from the Midlands State University using convenience sampling. The research study adopted a quantitative approach. A questionnaire used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards date rape was developed from the College Date Rape Attitude and Behaviour Survey (CDRABS), created by Larnier & Elliot (1997). The results from the findings indicate that most university students have knowledge of date rape, however because of cultural believes and rape myths that determine the way individuals view and perceive date rape, it is underrecognised and is not regarded as something unacceptable. Midlands State University students portrayed neutral attitudes and perceptions towards date rape. When compared to Western countries the kind of attitudes and perceptions are significantly different. This may be related with the fact that there are differences in cultural beliefs between the Western and African cultures. Date rape is under recognized in Zimbabwe. Most factors influenced the level of knowledge, kind of attitudes and perceptions that college students have towards date rape. However the researcher observed that the significance for perceptions and level is 0.700 and significance for knowledge and marital status was 0.684, indicating that there was no significant differences between and within groups of students in perceptual experiences and understanding of date rape. The research study recommends further research to assess the prevalence of date rape among university students
Impact of the psychological contract breach on the employee- organisational relationship (EOR) at a religious organisation
No full textThe research mainly aimed to assess the impact of the psychological breach on the employee organizational relationship (EOR) at a religious organization. This study was carried out at Celebration Ministries International. It also sought to bring out the psychological contracts that are prevalent at a religious organization and how they in turn cause harm on the employee-organisational relationship. The research employed a qualitative descriptive research design which allows the use of qualitative research methods in data collection (indepth interviews) and data analysis where qualitative descriptive was employed through the use of thematic analysis. Maximum variation sampling was used to come up with research participants. A sample of ten employees was interviewed during the research process. The results of the research study showed that employees at Celebration Ministries International have their own perceived psychological contracts and a breach in some of these has affected their employee-organisational relationship. The perceived psychological contracts
included personal treatment, training, career development, tangibility, carefulness regarding arrangements, motivation (support of social activities), long term involvement and recognition of contribution towards organisational growth.An overall assessment in this research showed that when the perceived psychological contract is not fulfilled that is a breach occurs employees tend to disassociate themselves with the organization and the drive to perform extra role behaviours is less. Based on the findings of the study, the author noted
that the psychological contract should be managed both at the recruitment stage and also as an ongoing process to avoid a psychological breach which affects organizational citizen behaviours such as helping behaviours, sportsmanship, Organizational Loyalty, Organizational Compliance, Individual Initiative, and Self Development as employees’ drive to perform such will be less
Children’s songs and human factor development: a comparative analysis of Shona children’s songs and imported English nursery rhymes
No full textThe article juxtaposes Shona children’s songs and English nursery rhymes in order to unravel the contesting human factor values and epistemological codes and modes of socialisation. It largely approaches the songs as cultural texts that are quintessentially an expression of the ethos and culture of a people. These cultural texts embody a set of values that underpin consciousness and performance. Anchoring the discussion on the fundamentals of the human factor approach, and within the broader matrix of Afrocentricity, the article contends that in neocolonial Africa, children’s socialisation is a contested site. The exposure of children to cultural texts from disparate cultural zones creates a fundamental human crisis. This is precisely the case because the two categories of songs advance diametrically variant and irreconcilable codes of cognitive enrichment. For instance, English nursery rhymes are part of the discursive infrastructure for solidifying European hegemony. They impose a foreign and alien memory which potentially dislocates children’s consciousness. This is manifest in the manner in which ‘London’ and other symbols of the Western order are canonised. On the other hand, indigenous Shona children’s songs provide a functional and value-laden curriculum of life and instruction. The symbolism is drawn from the Shona people’s lived and livable experiences
Strategic leadership in a dressed economy
No full textA paper prepared and presented by Dr Stephen Nhuta (Midlands State University) at the “Update on current affairs seminar†by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe,There was a serious economic crisis in the 20th century which witnessed the entry of governments into large areas of the economy that had been in the past exclusive to private hands. To alleviate depressions, there was need to adopt programs to do with job reeducation programs, government employment of the previously unemployed, and increased public welfare responsibilities. The economic crisis period 2000 to 2009 discredited the leadership and management practices triggering a wave of thinking and experimentation. This crisis will be a powerful catalyst for change in both the theory and practice of leadership and governance. Therefore it does highlight the rapid changes in board practices and articulates some clear direction for change both in the structure for governance and management, and in the characteristics that leaders will have to display. It goes without saying that widespread recognition of reality is the crucial step before problems can be solved. In other words Leaders can't solve problems if they don't acknowledge their existence. Leaders breed trouble by assuming that a strong market position is an insurance policy against trouble. Leadership indecision, decisions and unstable character had led economies into a depressed state for which its governments, lacking leadership capabilities, were unable to prescribe valid solution to halt the early noticed vacillating signs of failure. The consequence of the actions of the bad leadership decision is the imposing poverty, inequality and growing insecurity which it is now the present leadership is finding it difficult to remedy. The leaders we need now will have the perspective, the mentality, the confidence, and the authority to call for radical changes in direction
An investigation of strategy implementation challenges: the case of Zimbabwe stock exchange listed manufacturing companies
No full textAn analysis of e-banking as a cost reduction method at Central Africa Building Society (CABS).
No full textThe main thrust of the study was to carry an analysis of e-banking as a costs reduction measure at CABS. The focus was on the analysis of the effectiveness of the e-banking model at CABS. A research was prompted as many authors castigated that e-banking present banks with a perfect opportunity to reduce costs and maximize profits but after having introduced e-banking at CABS costs did not reduce thereby creating a basis for researching into the reasons why. Empirical evidence was gathered from books and newspapers on the main objective of ebanking, advantages and challenges in the implementation of e-banking model, challenges linked with the adoption and factors that are fundamental for the success of e-banking. The writer made use of the descriptive research design hence the findings were gathered through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that the main objective of e-banking was to reduce costs but overly costs kept on rising due to several factors. It was noted that though there were rising costs there were some advantages enjoyed through the use of the e-banking model. Recommendations that were suggested included continuous programs of training and retaining of key personnel, formulation and enforcing of security policies, and adoption of e-banking in its entirety
An analysis of the uptake of agricultural insurance services by the agricultural sector for sustainable socio economic development in Zimbabwe
No full textThe purpose of this research was to analyse the uptake of agricultural insurance services by the agricultural sector for sustainable socio economic development in Zimbabwe. The research covered the period of 2000 to 2015. The research focused on A1 and A2 farmers which consisted of subsistence and small-medium scale commercial farmers. Agriculture is a risky enterprise due to its cyclical nature, risk of loss from fires and natural disasters. The researcher established that agricultural insurance is an important complement to a wholesome, development-oriented agriculture risk management strategy. Furthermore, the advent of innovative agriculture insurance products such as index-based and microinsurance has provided new ways of countering the risks that would otherwise thrust farmers and many other households into poverty and deprivation. The benefits of agriculture insurance contribute positively towards socio economic development. Ironically, the uptake of agriculture insurance by farmers in Zimbabwe is low. Farmers cited various reasons for not taking up agriculture insurance chief among them are affordability and lack of knowledge on how the insurance operates. On the other hand, the local insurers are reluctant to provide comprehensive cover and the policies offered exclude risks such as drought, which affect famers the most. The rationale for this stance is to protect the insurers’ bottom line against anomalies such as moral hazard, adverse selection and fraud. Random sampling was used to select 10 short term insurance companies out of a total of 20 short term insurance companies registered with IPEC. More so, non-random sampling particularly convenience sampling was used to come up with the sample of farmers. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The data was then analyzed and presented using tables, graphs and charts. The researcher presented conclusions from the research findings and made recommendations aimed at addressing them such as educate farmers on the importance of agricultural insurance on farm operations and insurance products and how the insurance market operates in general, insurers should locate closer to their market and increase their branch network, especially in agricultural thriving areas, to enhance service delivery and the government should subsidise agriculture insurance premiums to enhance uptake by farmers
An investigation on the impact of loan words in the teaching of isindebele in Khami district Bulawayo province.
No full textSchools in Khami District have not been spared from the influence of loan words in the teaching of the Ndebele language. The researcher focused on the impact of loan words in the teaching of Ndebele language in the selected Khami District Schools of Bulawayo Province .The Schools were Dumezweni Primary School, Godlwayo Primary School and Ngwalongwalo Primary School. The target population comprised of the heads of the schools , teachers and grade 7 pupils in selected Khami District Schools .The study adopted a descriptive research design and used a mixed method approach in which questionnaires were comprising of open and close ended questions .The questionnaires were administered to teachers and students whereas interview guides were administered to the heads of Schools .The questionnaire and the interview guides were administered to 15 teachers and 18 students who were selected using a stratified random sampling method . The sample was drawn from a population of 50 (30 students were grade 7 pupils from the selected 3 schools and 20 were teachers from those selected schools) and 3 heads of schools were given interview guides since they were the heads of those selected schools. The results were presented in tables, pie charts, narrations, codes and themes. The need for the Government to enactment the policies that encourage the use of proper Ndebele vocabulary was of a great interest to the respondents. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary sources .Research findings also revealed that the main problem presented by loan words to the Ndebele language was the erosion of the Ndebele language, loan words were accepted in the Zimbabwean education system. In light of these findings , the study recommended that there should be clear language policy that supports the use and teaching of indigenous languages that would encourage proper use of native languages .The research also recommends that the Government should come up with the policies and Educational curriculum that supports the use of indigenous languages .The research further recommends that the Examination boards like ZIMSEC should set Ndebele questions in proper Ndebele language so that learners can use the correct Ndebele vocabulary .Therefore the markers should penalize the students who do not answer Ndebele questions in proper Ndebele language. Further study should be carried out on the effectiveness of strategies in place to solve the influence of other languages on the Ndebele language
The influence of cell wall bound calcium, cell number and size on the development of mealiness in ‘forelle’ pear.evaluation of x-ray ct and nir as non-destructive techniques for mealiness detection.
No full text‘Forelle’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) is the second most planted pear and the second highest generator of foreign exchange for pears in South Africa. It is favoured for its red blush, melting texture, sweet taste and pear flavour. However, ‘Forelle’ develops mealiness, a floury, soft and dry texture with low extractable juice. Consumers dislike mealy fruit. ‘Forelle’ mealiness has been characterized by a loss of cell to cell binding during ripening in a previous study. This study aimed to further understand the role of cell wall bound and free Ca2+, as well as the cell size and cell number in the development of mealiness in ‘Forelle’. In addition, two non-destructive methods for the detection of mealiness in intact pears were examined.
It was found that free Ca2+ constituted about 49-73% of the total cell Ca2+. Depending on farm origin, mealy fruit contained a lower free Ca2+ concentration compared to non-mealy pears. Plant growth regulators and selective blossom thinning that caused larger cells had a higher mealiness percentage. Scanning electron microscopy revealed larger intercellular spaces for treatments with a higher mealiness incidence. Macro X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) showed a higher percentage of defects in the neck of fruit that would become mealy after storage, and after softening. To our knowledge this is a first such finding. Micro (X-ray CT) found that cells of mealy fruit were larger and ellipsoidal in shape while non-mealy cells were smaller and more rounded. Mealiness was also associated with high fruit porosity.
A further study described physicochemical measurements which relate to mealiness. Mealy fruit were mostly larger with a higher total soluble solids (TSS), TSS:TA ratio and lower juice area and juice weight obtained by a confined compression method. Fourier transform near-infrared absorbance spectroscopy (FT-NIR) was employed to determine if spectra could be used to distinguish between mealy and non-mealy fruit using sensory and TSS based schemes. Classification was done using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). This study showed that FT-NIR spectra can indeed be used to discriminate between mealy and non-mealy ‘Forelle’ pears. Two–class (mealy and non-mealy) discriminant analysis produced models with accuracies ranging from 51% to 95%. Mealiness caused an increase in transmittance in specific regions of the spectra. FT-NIR was then evaluated for the quantification of TSS using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Validated models had root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.76-0.94 and relative prediction deviation (RPD) = 1.53-2.17, with the equator blush consistently giving better performance for three farms making the model ideal for hand held FT-NIR applications. External validation results of farm location showed reduced model robustness. The decrease in prediction performance was attributed to the differing TSS ranges in locations and possibly seasons. It is recommended that future studies on FT-NIRs calibration models for ‘Forelle’ use fruit from wide origins with wide TSS ranges over various seasons
An assessment of groundwater potential and vulnerability in The Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment of Zimbabwe.
No full textGroundwater plays a pivotal role in meeting potable water needs. However, significant stresses generated from anthropogenic activities have affected its safe use. In-order to enable appropriate risk communication and informed decision making on groundwater use and management, full knowledge of its quality, quantity and vulnerability is fundamental. The main objective of this study was to assess Groundwater Potential (GWP) and vulnerability in the Upper Manyame Sub-catchment (UMSC). GWP was mapped through the use of Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing-based multi-criteria analysis. Spatial thematic layers; viz., geology, slope, land-use, drainage density, recharge, topographic index, altitude and rainfall were developed and weighted using Saaty’s Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Quantile Method. Layers were subsequently aggregated using the Weighted Linear Combination and Index Overlay methods, respectively, to develop two Groundwater Potential Index (GWPI) maps. Indices from each map were correlated with borehole yield data to select the best method from which GWP zones were then developed. Given the widespread use of groundwater for domestic purposes in the study area, its quality was also analysed. Groundwater samples from 15 sampling sites were analysed for selected physico-chemical and biological parameters as recommended by the World Health Organization. Results were then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and Principal Component Analysis (to identify key parameters). Repeated Measures ANOVA (RMA) was used to analyse if there were any significant variations in mean groundwater parameter levels. Groundwater vulnerability was determined using the GOD Model with key input parameters being groundwater occurrence, overlaying lithology and depth to water table. The results for GWP mapping showed that AHP-based GWP index map exhibited a stronger correlation with borehole yield data (r=0.65, n=120), indicating the robustness of the AHP as a factor rating method. About 72 % (2725.9 km2) of the UMSC was noted to be of moderate GWP (10-100m3/day), while 19 % (719.3 km2) and 9 % (340.7 km2) exhibited high and low GWP, respectively. Groundwater quality results indicated that: pH, coliforms, TDS, EC, total hardness, Fe, NH4+ and turbidity exceed SAZ/WHO drinking water limits in most cases. However, Fl-, Zn, Pb, Cu and Cl- were within acceptable limits. Four Principal Components (PCs) representing 84 % of the cumulative variance were extracted. PC1 was characterized by high dominance of pH, TDS, EC and total hardness. PC2's variance was found to be associated with elevated levels of Cl-, Zn and Cu. On the other hand, PC3 had high loadings of total and faecal coliforms, Fl-.and turbidity. PC4 was characterized by high loadings of Pb, Fe, ammonia and turbidity. Overall, PCA showed that most of the variation in the water quality was accounted for by pH, Zn, Cl-, TDS, ammonia, Fl-, Cu, turbidity, Fe, Pb and faecal. The results of RMA indicated that there were significant differences in mean parameter levels across sampling sites and within subsequent campaigns (p<0.05), for parameters DO, total coliforms and faecal coliforms. The study area was found to be largely of moderate groundwater vulnerability (77.3 % of area). A moderate correlation of 0.47 was exhibited between the measured ammonia levels and groundwater vulnerability indices. The correlation indicate instances of ammonia contamination, hence it can be concluded that groundwater in the UMSC is being polluted by anthropogenic activities. Regular monitoring is therefore recommended to safeguard public health and prevent further deterioration of groundwater.,WaterNe