National Research Database of Zimbabwe
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Antifungal effects of botanical leaf extracts of lantana camara, moringa oleifera, and tagetes minuta on rhizopus stolonifer in vitro
No full textAims: This research aims at testing the efficacy of different botanical leaf extracts, (Lantana camara, Moringa oleifera and Tagetes minuta) on soft rot fungi, Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro.
Study Design: The experiment was carried out in a 3*2 Factorial arrangement +2 controls in a Complete Randomized Design replicated three times.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agronomy Laboratory, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe. The research was done between April 2016 and May 2016.
Methodology: Antifungal activity of the plant extracts was tested using the poisoned food technique. Colony diameter, percentage inhibition of the growth of mycelium and identification of functional groups in botanical leaf extracts were done. Mycelia growth diameter of the R. stolonifer was measured at day 3, 5, and 7 after inoculation. Identification of functional groups was done using the FT-IR Spectroscopy.
Results: There was an interaction between botanical plant type and concentration rate. L. camara at 60% concentration was most effective in controlling R. stolonifer, with a colony diameter of (4.3 cm) and an inhibition percentage of (48%). M. oleifera and T. minuta at 30% concentration gave the lowest colony growth inhibition of 30% and 31% respectively. FT-IR Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of phenols, alkanes, alkenes, anhydride and alkyl halide in all the three extracts. Amines were only detected in L. camara extract.
Conclusion: The data obtained provide additional information in support of plant extracts for control of R. stolonifer, though the efficacy of plant extracts tested still remain below that of the synthetic pesticide, (control). As the concentration of the extracts increased, the effectiveness of the extracts also increased
An investigation on the effectiveness of cost cutting techniques on financial performance of an organisation: a case of Zinara
No full textThe current study was carried out to investigate on the efficacy of the cost cutting measures implemented at ZINARA in an attempt to enhance the financial performance of the organisation. The researcher opted for a descriptive research design which was effectively coalesced with a qualitative research approach. A systematic sampling technique was employed to identify the 45 respondents to questionnaires and 5 interviewees from the management and employees of ZINARA. Results indicated that if carefully crafted and implemented, the measures which were employed by the organisation, particularly optimization of business processes and service outsourcing can go a long way in reducing the escalating expenses and improve their cash flow and financial position. Evidence gathered persuaded the researcher to recommend that management should move away from retrenchment where they risk losing experienced personnel. The research was successfully carried out with an originality value of 10%
The effectiveness of brand equity on creating customer loyalty: a case of sign graphics private limited company, Harare.
No full textIt is imperative to acknowledge that brand equity is an inseparable part of marketing and essential to the companies to create core-competencies and build strong brand experience that will impact the consumer decision making process and foster customer loyalty, Aaker (2011). This study involves assessing the effectiveness of brand equity on creating customer loyalty at Sign Graphics Private limited, Harare. The study aimed at investigating the relationship between brand familiarity and customer retention, evaluating the impact of brand awareness on repeat purchase, assessing the impact of brand image on customer perception, as well as investigating the impact of brand extension on company
growth. Data collection was done using self administered and electronically mailed questionnaires. A sample size of 50 respondents was considered being corporate customers for signage products and services. Analysis was done using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16.0). The result of regression analysis indicates a positive relationship between brand awareness and customer loyalty and brand image and customer loyalty. The result of a correlation analysis also showed that there is a significant relationship between brand awareness and brand image. The researcher concluded that brand image and brand awareness have a positive impact on the formation of customer loyalty. Based on the results and conclusions, this study recommends that continuous rebranding should be instituted in order for the company to enjoy customer loyalty and patronage
Digitisation technologies for newspaper archives in Zimbabwe: The ICT requirements for digitising a selected Bulawayo newspaper publication at the National Archives of Zimbabwe
No full textAn intergrated approach in records management at Sable Chemical industry (2008-2016).
No full textThe study presents an integrated approach in records management for Sable chemical Industry during the period of 2008 to 2016.An integrated approach is a system used in records management in which the combination of paper based records and electronic records work hand in hand in records keeping. The study however established that there is seemingly misplacement as and missing of files in the presents of an integrated approach of electronic and paper records. The study therefore intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented hybrid system within the organization. In order for the study to address the main aim, it looks on how the hybrid system has been implemented at the organization. The research also ascertains the standard and procedures that have been used by the organization. It also makes analysis of staff competence in the implemented hybrid system. The study also makes an identification of challenges that the organization is facing in the implementation of the system. The study is justifiable as it stands as a guide and key informant to future researches. Using interviews and observations, data was collected from three departments of the organization which are the Records Section, the Human resource Department as well as the Information Technology department. A total number of 9 respondents was used which include departmental supervisors, IT experts and records Officers. The main findings of the study were also been presented in the study. The study recommends the staff to be trained in records management practices, to have policies, standards and procedures which guide management of both paper and electronic records. The study also recommends the organization to seek funds from well-wishers and donors to improve management system of records
The effects of climate change on women in Guruve district
No full textThe thrust of this study was to examine the effects of climate change on women in Guruve district ward 20. Purposive sampling under qualitative research was used to collect data from the targeted population which was women, Agricultural extension officers, the village head and the general populace. Interviews, focused group discussions and observations were the instruments used to collect the data. The researcher found out that climate change has disproportionately affected people in the community with women being mostly affected. This was due to their dependency on natural local resources, limited access to land, lack of information on climate change, reproductive role burden and lack of collateral to secure loans. The research also reveals that climate change affects the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it affects food security. Climate change has also exacerbated the gender disparities. Therefore there is need for economic empowerment of women because they are the most affected and there is need for gender analyses in all climate change policies, programs, projects and budgets. This helps in creating gender sensitive policies. NGOs should complement the government in empowering women in climate change coping and adaptation strategies. Recommendations to address the effects of climate change in ward 20 includes growing of drought resistant crops, land ownership by women, involvement in decision making and practicing of off-farm activities so as to generate income rather than relying on agriculture alone
Perceptions of ordinary level learners who do not register for examinations in principles of accounts: a case of Watershed cluster in Marondera district
No full textThe researcher investigated on why learners do not register for examinations in Principles of Accounts at Ordinary Level in Watershed Cluster in Marondera District. The background of the study highlighted a decline in the enrolment figures in Principles of Accounts and this prompted the researcher to investigate on the factors that influence learners not to register for examinations in Principles of Accounts. The researchers‟ hope is that the study will be of significance to various stakeholders. Scholarly possible strategies that can be instituted to persuade learners to register for examinations in Principles of Accounts were reviewed in existing literature. The researcher employed the descriptive survey research design and the population comprised of eight schools which were offering Principles of Accounts at Ordinary level where only four schools were used as a sample. The researcher used the simple random sampling procedure to select the Ordinary Level learners who did not register for examinations in the subject. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select the four heads of commercial subjects departments and teachers of Principles of Accounts teachers at Ordinary Level. The instruments used to collect data were an interview guide and a questionnaire. The collected data was presented using tables and graphs. The researcher found out that lack of enough textbooks in the schools in Principles of Accounts, lack of Accounting background of most students and also low pass rates in the subject were the major factors that contributed to low registration numbers in the subject for examinations at Ordinary Level. The researcher recommends that schools should provide the commercial subjects departments with adequate teaching and learning materials in order to improve enrolment figures in the subject. Accounting teachers were encouraged to expose their learners to the actual practical accounting activities and other resources at their disposal for them to study on their own. Teachers, administrators and qualified professionals in Accounting are encouraged to write Accounting textbooks which will be sold to schools at reasonably lower prices that are affordable by schools. Accounting should also have legislation backing which will make the subject one of the compulsory core subjects
The Third Chimurenga:The discursive construction of exclusion through the land reform in Zimbabwe: Paper presented at the Faculty of Arts Land Reform Conference, 29-30 September 2017 at Midlands State University, Zvishavane Campus – Zimbabwe
No full textZimbabwe’s land reform marked a defining period in Zimbabwe’s history as a nation. Different scholars have alternatively referred to this period from the perspectives of crisis, nationalism or redress of historical [land] imbalances. The present research looks at the ways in which the state narratives about the land used language/discourse to reconfigure, among other things, national identities. It was a period whereby the hitherto liberation struggle mwana wevhu (‘son of the soil’) discourse was invoked and deployed in the discourse of ‘Othering’ which mainly separated the ‘Us’ (ZANU-PF) from the ‘Them’ (MDC/opposition). It was a period in which, by extension, the label of vatengesi (‘sell outs’) also became highlighted, thereby constituting defining ZANU PF slogans and graffiti that also became important discursive tools for discrimination. The study adopted a quasi-corpus linguistic approach in which songs, political jingles and slogans, the state and private media (The Herald and Daily News, respectively) were analysed. The study is couched in a conceptual framework that is mainly informed by the Critical Discourse Analysis and Cognitive Linguistics theoretical frameworks
Examining the causes of intra-state conflicts in Zimbabwe and their impact on human security agenda
No full textThe country has been highly susceptible to intra-state conflicts since the attainment of independence, thus this research assessed the causes of intra-state conflicts in Zimbabwe and the impact of intra-state conflicts on human security agenda. The main objectives were to assess the causes of intra-state conflicts in Zimbabwe, to analyze how intra-state conflict affect human security and to proffer recommendations on how intra-state conflicts can be managed as part of the human security agenda. The research collected data using random sampling method, from government officials, war vets, general population at large and eye witnesses and victims around the country through the use of questionnaires and interviews as methods of data gathering. Thematic approach was used in data analysis. The general conclusion was that in as much as intra-state conflicts
have occurred in Zimbabwe they have severely impacted human security in different ways talk of loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure which is mainly because of the failure of the social contract between the government and the people thereby their negative impacts have retarded growth and development in Zimbabwe while an end to them seems obscure. Recommendation brought forward to minimise or eradicate intra-state conflicts and promote human security agenda include committed and sincere leadership, even distribution of resources, protection of fundamental human rights, eradication of poverty and finally provision of gainful employment especially for the youth and also putting into
practice the use of preventive diplomacy. What then are the causes of these unending conflicts in Zimbabwe? How far have they impacted on human security and the potential development of Zimbabwe as a county? What can we do to overcome this monster? Answers to these questions form the bone of contention of this paper
From Pascal Triangle to Golden Pyramid
No full textWe introduce a “structure” of epic proportions – golden pyramid whose sacred geometry is “Fibonacci
squared”. In terms of mathematical beauty, the golden pyramid will perhaps be found to be comparable to
Pascal triangle