National Research Database of Zimbabwe
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Integration of environmental impact assessment and environmental management systems in shell’s EIA rectification process in the Gauteng Province in South Africa
No full textThere are tensions between the state and business in the regulation of environmental matters. Some problems experienced in the application of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in South Africa between the state administered environmental legislation and a corporate representative of the business world are exemplified in Shell’s EIA Rectification Process for fuel storage tanks in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. This paper highlights some of these problems and, in response, proposes the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) as a tool for the ongoing management of the fuel storage tanks after the rectification process. Practical and theoretical perspectives of both EIAs and EMSs are discussed, and an EMS based on the South African National Standard (SANS) ISO 14001 framework is proposed to manage the tanks. A brief background of the Rectification Process is given, putting into perspective the need for a comprehensive system for improved tank management
The uses of social capital among Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg
No full textThis paper analyses the role of family and church networks as sources of social capital in
aiding migration, settlement and social integration of Zimbabwean migrants. It also shows how these networks sometimes inhibit migrant integration into the host community. The study was carried out among Zimbabwean migrants in Tembisa and Kempton Park in Johannesburg. This study adds to the growing literature on bonding and bridging social capital while at the same time revealing how social capital is both a blessing and blight to Zimbabwean migrants. This paper makes an important contribution to the literature by arguing that while sometimes migrant social integration is hindered by the activities of the host population (e.g. xenophobic attitudes among South African locals), in some cases, the migrants themselves could hinder their own social integration through their migrant social networks. I argue that this is an unintended consequence of migrant family and religious networks
Crafting a quality mission statement that works for you and the company
No full textResearch shows the increasing popularity of a mission statement as a strategic planning tool. Formulation of quality mission statements advances companies' business strategies and in so doing enhances organisational performance. However, despite the benefits of having a good mission statement, few companies in Zimbabwe are paying appropriate attention when crafting worthwhile statements.
A mission statement is a broadly defined enduring statement of purpose or reason for organisational existence that is communicated to its stakeholders. It defines the organisation, the business that it is into and how it intends to meet human needs, and it distinguishes one organisation from other organisations (corporate identity) to make that organisation unique. It tells who we are and what we do well, as well as what we would like to become, and answers the fundamental question: what business are you in?
The mission statement is primarily a management tool that forms the foundation for organisational goals and strategies. It is the basis upon which the strategic management process of an organisation is built in response to changing environmental circumstances so as to avoid strategic drift. It is therefore essential that a mission statement is well thought through and well crafted so that it can meet its prime objectives of: communicating the strategic direction of an organisation; guiding the decision-making process; providing a common goal, and motivating staff.
Since the mission statement is the most easily noticed and public part of the whole strategic management process, it is important that it contains the essential elements of: product/services, target market, and technology used to produce and market products (PMDT), critical success factors (CSF), organisational key values (OKV) and organisational philosophy (OP).
Therefore, this research paper dwells on ensuring that when crafting a good mission statement, the above essential components must be included. The paper argues for the need to craft a quality mission statement and the form that it should take, if companies are to realise the potential benefits of mission statements
How do board characteristics influence business performance? Evidence from non-life insurance firms in Zimbabwe
No full textThe purpose of this study was to contribute to the corporate governance literature by
establishing the relationship between board characteristics and corporate performance within the nonlife insurance firms in Zimbabwe. The study sought to provide some insights on corporate governance since the phenomenon is relatively an emerging discipline in Zimbabwe. The paper sought to complement other corporate governance studies that were conducted in other environments by producing evidence on the phenomenon from a developing country context. A quantitative research approach was adopted and respondents were selected through a stratified random sampling. The results of the study confirm that board characteristics (board composition, diversity, and size) exhibit a statistically significant positive predictive relationship with the performance of non-life insurance firms measured by gross premium written and customer retention. However, CEO/Chairman duality showed a negative relationship with business performance. Non-life insurance companies need to be cognizant of board characteristics in order to improve their performance. Moreover , the findings in this research has practical relevance for the selection process of directors as it highlights the importance of having a sizeable number of board members as well as an appropriate mix of competences and qualifications on the board. Although corporate governance is has been extensively researched, there is limited study in this area from a developing country like Zimbabwe with relatively less developed capital markets. It
would be wrong to assume that the findings found in other countries can apply here because the conditions are different
An analysis of the effectiveness/impact of ICTs in dairy production: A case of Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East's Beatrice-Mariranwe dairy farmers
No full textThis study analyses the effectiveness/Impact of ICTs in dairy production. This is a case study of Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland East BEATRICE-MARIRANWE Dairy farmers. By nature, dairy production is a complex business that involves handling of massive data and information. This makes dairy production a good candidate for use of ICTs to improve sector competitiveness. It is against this background that the study sought to investigate the extent of use of ICTs in dairy production in Zimbabwe.
Information from the farmers was gathered through questionnaires and personal inter-views. The analysis of the study was both qualitative and quantitative.
The study found out that there is low uptake of ICTs in the dairy sector. The recommendation focused on improving uptake of ICTs, networking and thus improving competitiveness of the dairy sector. Paramount to the recommendations was the designing of the national dairy ICTs architecture. The architecture emphasises on maximising conditions for local innovation and creative public-private partnerships to expand ICT access and services
An assessment of factors affecting the financial performance of microfinance institutions in Zimbabwe
No full textThis research study investigates the factors affecting the financial performance of MFIs in
Zimbabwe. The research study is important to Zimbabwe because of the crucial role MFIsare expected to play in the economy which has become to be dominated by the informal sector. The informal sector has become a source of employment and livelihood for the large proportion of the population who are faced with high levels of formal unemployment and poverty. The analytical framework developed and used in this study was examined using data collected from the successful administration of 92 questionnaires and 2 interview sessions. In terms of data analysis, the research study utilized techniques which included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In inferential statistics, the research study employed regression analysis and correlation analysis. The research study found different levels of influences on financial performance and these included MFI specific factors, macroeconomic country specific factors, and external governance and regulatory factors. The study found out that in the model, the MFI specific factors were significant predictors of financial performance of MFIs. However macroeconomic country specific factors, and external governance and regulatory factors were found to be insignificant in predicting the financial performance of MFIs in Zimbabwe. These conclusions were derived from the regression analysis of data inputted into the model. The research study found out that the model was not significant and not entirely depictive of the situation in the micro-finance industry of Zimbabwe. The research study thus concluded that there may be other major factors not captured in the model that have a significant effect on the financial performance of MFIs in the country. Despite the model not being significant in its entirety, the study concluded that MFI specific factors were the most critical factors influencing the financial performance of MFIs in Zimbabwe. On the basis of the conclusions, it is recommended that the development and growth of MFIs in Zimbabwe should be focused on building their institutional capacities
An investigation into the risk management strategies employed to minimise time and cost overruns in public sector investment projects: A case of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education
No full textProject time and cost overruns are recognised as the most common problems facing the Zimbabwean construction industry. Public sector investments projects, which are of a construction nature, have not been spared either. The primary objective of this study was to collect information so that an investigation of the risk management strategies being used to minimise project time and cost overruns in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education can be determined.
Literature reviews showed that risk management is one of the critical knowledge areas that determine whether a project will conform to the quality standards, maintains its schedule baseline and remains within its budgetary allocation. It is therefore important for project implementing teams to enforce risk management strategies that work in order to achieve the project’s primary objectives. The project teams have to re-align the project’s objectives with the risks prevailing so that negative impacts are reduced. A case study of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education public sector investment projects was used in this study where simple random sampling was used to select 180 potential respondents.Out of the 180 targeted respondents, only 130 responded thereby giving a response rate of 84%. A self – administered and structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was quantitatively analysed.
The study’s major findings are that those involved in public sector investment projects are generally aware of the risks encountered in the projects and have been employing risk response strategies especially through contract clauses. Effective risk management strategies have been found in this study, to minimise time and cost overruns in public sector projects.
The study recommended that the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education should put in place a formal risk management system, implement joint risk management, increase risk awareness in projects implementation and impart knowledge and skills on how to manage risks
An investigation into the use of value chain analysis to enhance the quality of fresh produce in the Zimbabwean retail sector: The case of Interfresh Limited (2009-2013)
No full textThis research investigates the use of value chain analysis as a strategic tool to enhance the quality of fresh produce. The horticulture industry offers an important source of employment and a contribution to GDP for developing countries such as Zimbabwe. Cultivation of fruit and vegetables is substantially more labour intensive and offers more post-harvest value addition in comparison to cereal crops. Value addition activities, which include washing, packing chopping, dicing, mixing range and branding are amongst the value additions offered by wholesalers and in some cases done at the point of production. It was for this reason that this research investigates the use of value chain analysis as a strategic tool to enhance the quality of fresh produce from farms to the retail sector with a focus on Interfresh Limited.
The methodology adopted in this study is a composite of positivism and phenomenology research philosophies. The major aim intent in using this philosophy was to provide a holistic analysis by integrating relevant issues in order to produce a more complete picture of the implementation of balanced scorecard at Interfresh Ltd. The approach made use of participatory questionnaires and conventional research methods. The population study comprised of the staff and management of Interfresh Ltd, TM Supermarkets, Commercial Farmers, Small scale Farmers, Transport Operators and other general stakeholders.
The main conclusion of the study revealed that Value chain dis-aggregates a firm into its strategically relevant activities to aid the comprehension of dynamics and behaviour of existing costs and potential sources of differentiation. This focuses on primary and support activities. Support activities enhance the primary activities. This includes firm’s infrastructure, human resources, technology development and procurement.Value chain analysis looks at internal and external activities of a company and relates them to an analysis of the competitive strength. The value creating activities employed at Interfresh Ltd are limited to, advertising, Total Quality Management (TQM), customization of products and charging lower prices than those of rivals. TQM being the major differentiation proposition. The study recommended Interfresh Ltd to ‘benchmark’ the ideas of Japanese firms, where firms through in little extra things that ultimately drive extra ordinary customer satisfaction. It may use value chain as a tool to diagnose and enhance competitive advantage. Interfresh Ltd must ensure consistent supply of produce. Overriding seasons buy use of imports and eliminate shortages of its product offerings. Import parity must ensure affordable prices
An analysis of the role played by information communication technologies (ICTs) in the Arab uprisings: The case of Egypt and Tunisia 2010-2014
No full textThis research focuses on the role the Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) played in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Emphasis is placed on the case studies of Tunisia and Egypt as they are seen as the sparks that started the fire that engulfed the (MENA) in the form of revolutions that aimed at dethroning regimes viewed as despotic and undemocratic. The study also gives an evolution of ICTs as they are viewed as the main causal factors of the uprisings and marked a defining moment in the evolution of ICTs. In ascertaining the role played by ICTs, this research employed qualitative research methods with particular emphasis on in-depth interviews as well as documentary search. Using the above mentioned research methods the research found out that ICTs were indeed instrumental in the uprisings that happened in the MENA albeit as catalysts since the Middle Eastern body politic was riddled with a wide range of fault lines that were widening by each passing year. In as much as ICTS were instrumental in the uprisings of Egypt and Tunisia it is also worth noting that there was a wide array of other external factors that resulted in the raging fire of revolution in the Middle East although it is an undeniable fact that the precipice of the revolution was as a result of the enabling effect of ICTs. It was therefore concluded that ICTs were a decisive factor in the uprisings of Middle East and North Africa. It was therefore recommended that governments should be wary of the content that their people consume over the internet for the purposes of national security. It was also recommended that states take heed of the plight of their people because with the ubiquitous availability of ICTs, it is easier for people to rally around a common cause which may result in uprisings as those witnessed in Tunisia and Egypt
Vigilance behavior and population density of common large herbivores in a Southern African Savanna
No full textThe study assessed flight behavioural responses of impala (Aepyceros melampus) and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
to human disturbance and compared densities of common large herbivores across Gonarezhou National Park (nonconsumptive
land use) and the adjacent Malipati Safari Area (consumptive land use) in southeast Zimbabwe. Animal
vigilance was measured by flight behaviour and compared in terms of area and group size. Distance sampling method
was used to collect data on densities of large herbivores including namely; impala, kudu, zebra (Equus quagga), giraffe
(Giraffa camelopardalis), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), elephant (Loxodonta africana), warthog (Phacochoerus
africanus), steenbok (Raphicerus campestris), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) and nyala (Tragelaphus angasii),
and in both study sites. The vigilance of impala and kudu were higher in Malipati than Gonarezhou (p < 0.001).
Vigilance in impala was not significantly different with increasing animal group sizes in both Gonarezhou and Malipati
(p > 0.05). Densities of common large herbivores were marginally different with Gonarezhou having higher animal
densities than Malipati (p ≤ 0.05). Our results suggest that hunting is important in triggering increased vigilance
behaviour of herbivores as well as influencing animal densities. Thus, it is important to monitor and reduce negative
human activities on animal populations in the study area for enhancing tourism activities and conservation