NuSpace

NuSpace is the official repository platform of the National University of Science and Technology that enables researchers in:

  • obtaining easy access to a wide range of academic materials,
  • promoting knowledge dissemination and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Recent Submissions

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Upstream Supply Chain Coordination on Performance of Zimbabwean Agro Processing Sector: A Transaction Cost Theory Approach
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS, 2022-02) Charumbira, J.; Shumba, F.; Shava, G.; Ndlovu, M. J.
The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of trust, communication and relationship transaction-specific investments on the coordination of upstream supply chain activities and assess its impact on the performance of the Zimbabwean agro-processing sector. The conceptual framework of the study was drawn from Williamsons’(1975, 1985) transaction cost theory of coordination and seven hypotheses were developed. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey of the Zimbabwean agro-processing sector. Data were collected from fifty-nine stratified randomly sampled Zimbabwean agroprocessing organisations and twenty purposively sampled supplier organisations. A self-administered questionnaire containing 7 points Likert scale ranging between (1) representing strongly disagree and (7) representing strongly agree was used. Descriptive statistical measures were used to analyze and present the quantitative data leading to the formulation of a theoretical model which was tested using structural equation modelling. From the model five hypothesis affect supply chain coordination ie; trust among supply chain players has a positive influence on supply chain coordination, communication has a positive influence on supply chain coordination, supply chain coordination has a positive impact on organisational performance, trust among supply chain players has a positive impact on organisational performance and transaction-specific investments have a positive impact on organisational performance. However, the study revealed that transactionspecific investments do not influence supply chain coordination while communication has no impact on organisational performance. The study, therefore, concluded that trust and communication among supply chain players have a positive influence on supply chain coordination. The findings also conclude that supply chain coordination, trust among supply chain partners and transaction-specific investments have a positive impact on organisational performance.
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Understanding and Addressing Femicide in Peacetime Zimbabwe
(A Journal of Social Justice, 2022-05-19) Chirambwi, K.
It is essential to research femicide in Zimbabwe not only because it is one of the most extreme forms of violence against women, but the typologies and circumstances that lead to this killing continue to escape policy and scholarly attention. Secular and religious institutions in Zimbabwe entrench gender stereotypes and constructions of masculinity that emphasize power, violence, and dominance (Keith, Fran, and Robyn 2022). There is a plethora of literature concurring that “custom in Africa is stronger than domination, stronger than the law, stronger even than religion.” Over the years, customary practices have been incorporated into religion and ultimately have come to be believed by their practitioners to be demanded by their adopted gods, whomever they may be (Lightfoot-Klein 1989, 47). As such, the patriarchal customs assign gender roles that perpetuate male aggression and perpetuate structures based on hierarchy, violence, and humiliation that result in femicide. This view is corroborated by Iranzo's (2015, 1) view that femicide is: the killing of a woman because some man or men, although occasionally also some women who accept men's values, has or have sentenced her to death adducing whatever reasons, motives or causes, but nonetheless actually and ultimately because he or they believe she has defied (the words they often use are'offended'or'insulted') patriarchal order (in their words' honourable'societies) beyond what her judge (often but not always the same person who kills her) is prepared to tolerate without retaliating in that way.
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Transition to Virtual Graduation: Experiences of 2021 University Graduates in Zimbabwe
(Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science (RIELS) Journal, 2022-09-03) Chikusvura, N.; Nkomo, S.; Sibanda, L.
The research sought to investigate graduates' experiences with the shift to virtual graduation. The interpretive paradigm used in this study aided the current researchers in maintaining the integrity of the phenomenon being investigated, which comprehends the experiences of graduates on various platforms used at graduation. Qualitative method was utilized. The research included thirty randomly chosen graduates from three different institutions. Data was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. According to the report, institutions focused more on physical ceremony arrangements, despite the fact that the majority of students participated digitally. The study also found that other graduates enjoyed the graduation because they attended physical virtual graduation events planned by student representatives and held at various locations. Graduates, on the other hand, were financially burdened since they had to invest additional graduation expenditures in order to attend these physical virtual graduation festivities. The study concluded that the effectiveness of various virtual graduation formats as measured by participant satisfaction, ease of access, ability to optimize social presence, and engagement was not achieved. In this aspect, the survey indicated that colleges prioritized actual graduation ceremonies over virtual ceremonies. The research suggests that colleges collaborate with various event planners to supply and host their grads, allowing all graduates to experience a feeling of connection and success.
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SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. HOW SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN THE BULAWAYO METROPOLITAN PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE, EXPERIENCED THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
(Journal of Global Business & Technology, 2022-03-18) Nani, G.V.; Ndlovu, I.
The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) led to the closure of most Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The argument presented in this paper is that SMEs that are still operational have done so due to the employment of survival strategies. The study premised in the interpretivist paradigm, utilising a qualitative approach and a case study design, sought to establish the challenges faced by SME owners in the COVID-19 era and the survival strategies that they used, for the benefit of those still overwhelmed by the pandemic. Data was collected from 30 purposively selected SME owners, using semi structured questionnaires with open ended questions. Thematically analysed data revealed that SME owners predominantly faced the following challenges: a massive reduction in revenue, increased running costs, longer lead times in procurement of raw materials, as well as delivering orders to the customers, importing challenges due to the closure of national borders and travel restrictions as well as loss of lives. Conclusions drawn were that businesses can survive even during pandemics as long as appropriate survival strategies are applied. The study recommended that SME owners be equipped with digital literacy, innovative and environmental analysis skills as strategies to enable them to hedge against unexpected risks.
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Perceptions on Barn Owls and Their Use in Rodent Control: A Case Study of Hwange District
(Tropical Conservation Science, 2022) Sebele, L.; Sebele, L.; Mundy, P.; Fritz, H.
Background and Research Aims Myths and beliefs shape the relationships that people have with different species. They lead to the protection of revered species and the persecution of negatively viewed species. In some instances, people fear these species resulting in a failure to tap into their benefits. This study investigates the possibility of using Barn Owls, a species largely linked to traditional beliefs, as a biological control for rodent pests. Methods Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess the links between socio-demographic variables and the people’s attitude towards the use of owls in rodent control. A Generalised Linear Model was used to investigate the influence of the distance of the homestead from a protected area on their perceptions of owls. Results Although most respondents acknowledged that they had a rodent problem, 41% would not use owls for their control. More females than males did not want to use owls for fear of being labelled as witches, whilst males felt owls were good for rodent control and ecosystem balance. Level of education and age did not influence people’s perceptions. People living closer to a protected area embraced the use of owls in rodent control and village of origin influenced perception of owls. Most teenagers displayed the same attitude towards owls as their mothers. Conclusion Gender and parental influence play a role in influencing the perceptions of the community on owls. There is need to further investigate the factors within a village which influence perceptions on owls. Implications for Conservation Cultural beliefs should be considered in conservation as the belief in witchcraft transcends age and education. There is need for conservation efforts to focus on improving ecological literacy of target groups to improve the conservation of feared species.