DSpace Angular :: Browsing by Author "Ndlovu, M.J."

Browsing by Author "Ndlovu, M.J."

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Challenges facing progression of disabled pesrons towards senior managerial positions in the National Association of Societies for the care of the handicapped member organisations in Zimbabwe.
(2022) Khuphe, W.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.N.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The purpose of this research was to identify and analyze the key factors that affect the limited progression of disabled persons to senior positions at the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), the umbrella body that represents different organizations that advocate and support people with disabilities. The research followed a qualitative approach with some limited quantitative analysis of some of the findings. Ten member organizations were sampled in the collection of data. Out of the fifty questionnaires distributed, thirty fully completed and valid questionnaires were received back and that constituted a response rate of sixty percent. The sample was made up of five organizations of the disabled and five organizations for the disabled. The findings of the research show, amongst others, that prejudice and in some instances, weak corporate governance are strong determinants of lack of progression to senior positions of disabled people at NASCOH and in some member organizations. Although this research was small in scale, that is, targeted only ten out of forty-five NASCOH member organizations; many lessons could be learned from the findings of the project. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area. The research study found that disabled employees are less represented in employment opportunities. The study further found that there are limited or in some instances, no programmes designed to promote the advancement and development of people with disabilities at NASCOH member organizations. The key recommendation is that there is an urgent need for NASCOH, with the active participation of disability rights activists to push for the establishment of a national policy on disability by the Government of Zimbabwe. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area.
Competitive Intelligence: Conceptualising its evolving useas a strategic marketing management tool in Zimbabwe
(International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, 2022) Ncube, B.; Ndlovu, M.J.
Live Competitive intelligence (CI) as practiced today has developed into an applied professional business discipline and has evolved to become a worldwide strategic business management tool. The current descriptive survey study sought to investigate the evolving use of CI in Zimbabwe as a strategic marketing management tool. The study took into account that the application and practice of CI by firms in Zimbabwe is a matter of choice as it is not a product of any legislation and therefore there are no legal penalties imposed on those firms which do not apply any one of its principles. The study deliberately chose to focus on the manufacturing firms. A sample of sixty marketing managers was chosen from a population of two hundred and fifty (250) manufacturing firms who are members of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI). The sample was selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through the application of a self-administered questionnaire supplemented by the use of both structured and unstructured interview schedules. These data collection instruments were designed such that they generate both qualitative and quantitative data. The major finding of the study was that marketing managers in the manufacturing firms of Zimbabwe have a clear understanding of the strategic importance of CI to both firms and marketing departments. In addition the study observed that firms generally do not allocate adequate resources to intelligence gathering with the majority allocating far less than the world wide recommended minimum of USD300000 CI budget per annum. The study also revealed that the country general lacked appropriately trained CI professionals. It was therefore recommended that firms should create stand alone, well funded and staffed by qualified personnel CI departments which will continuously gather intelligence for use in strategic marketing management processes.
Consumer Acceptance of Online Banking in Zimbabwe: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model
(2022) Ntini, P.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.; Charumbira, J.; Sibanda, B.
An explosion of electronic banking systems over the years, particularly in developed countries has been powering economies closer to a cashless society as it removes the need for physical currency (cash) and physical payment systems and substituting them with cards (plastic money) and Internet (digital money). The study explores the extent of acceptance and usage of online banking by the general public as individuals, micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Corporates in transacting with commercial banks and building societies in Zimbabwe as well as investigates the challenges they face in the adoption of this technology. The study focused on how the technology acceptance model can be used to rate the acceptance and usage of online banking. The researchers used face to face interviews, focus group discussions and a questionnaire for primary data collection purposes. The model was tested with a survey sample (n= 100). The findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness and information on online banking on the Web site were the main factors influencing online-banking acceptance. Some of the key findings were the low uptake of online banking payment system as shown by the long winding queues that are still seen in all financial institutions. The research concluded that the lack of adequate money to justify having a formal account ranks high, followed by administration charges of maintaining an account as well as stringent requirements for customers to open accounts especially in the informal sector were burdensome. Therefore, there was need to relax the minimum requirements. Statements given to traders by the city councils could be used as proof of residence. Therefore, the researchers recommend that government departments like the courts, ZIMRA, VID, ZINARA and NSSA should lead by example in the usage of plastic money by making their operations Internet ready.
Effects of corporate social responsibility on firmperformance: Evidence from Zimbabwe
(International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research, 2022) Sibanda, M.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Zulu, E.; Tlou, F.; Baya, C.
This study sought to analyse the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm performance in listed firms in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives of the study were to analyse the relationship between CSR and profitability, ascertain the effect of CSR on competitive advantage and establish the impact of CSR on sales revenue in listed firms in Zimbabwe. Quantitative research techniques anchored on the positivist research philosophy were the main methods used to undertake the study. A sample of 14 purposively selected firms engaged on CSR responded to questionnaires which were augmented by secondary sources such as annual reports as well as industry reports and RBZ publications. Regression analysis and correlation analysis were the main tools used to analyse the data. The study found a positive relationship between CSR and firm profitability in listed companies in Zimbabwe. It also found out that CSR has a positive effect on competitive advantage and that CSR has a positive impact on sales in listed firms in Zimbabwe. Hence, the study recommends that firms should engage in social and environmental initiatives to improve their image in the eyes of stakeholders. Firms should alsopublicize their CSR initiatives and seek consensus with stakeholders with moderncommunication channels. In addition, they should cooperate with others in order to reduce the costs of engaging in CSR initiatives.
Enhancing Development Potential of Diaspora Communities, Experiences of Zimbabweans Living in Botswana
(2022) Sibanda, K.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.N.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The study examined the development potential of the Zimbabwean diaspora communities living in Botswana. The current study sought to fill a gap in the interrogation of the willingness and capacity of Zimbabweans living in Botswana to participate in development projects in Zimbabwe. The research was carried out in Botswana using mail and electronic questionnaires, in depth interviews and ethnographic data. Fifty mail survey respondents, 7 electronic survey respondents and 12 in depth study respondents were used in the current study. The mixed method approach used yielded data that could not have been obtained with one method only. Using the transnational capability framework, the research established the existence of both skilled and unskilled Diaspora in Botswana. The study observed that the Zimbabwean community in Botswana is actively involved in transnational activities. The study established that there is willingness to participate in the advancement of their families and communities in Zimbabwe. There are some challenges that hinder the full participation of the Diaspora community that were noted in the study. The shorter periods covered by permits affect the migrants’ capacity to access loans from banks or engage in long term planning as they risk non-renewal of permits. On the Zimbabwean side the economic and political uncertainty affect the commitment by some Zimbabweans in the diaspora to invest in Zimbabwe. The possibility of engagement between Zimbabweans in the diaspora is affected by lack of trust between the current government and the citizens in the Diaspora. The study recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should create a database of Zimbabweans living in Botswana to determine and tap the available skills base for capacity building. The Governments of Botswana and Zimbabwe are recommended to discuss extension of permits and granting of dual citizens to Zimbabwean applicants for the benefit of both countries. There is also need for the Zimbabwean Government to reduce duty on capital goods to allow the Diaspora community to bring productive capital for investment.
Is there a solution to high pricing of primary and secondary school textbooks in Bulawayo?
(2022) Mhone, N.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Zulu, E.; Masukume, C.; Tlou, F.N.
The objective of the study was to investigate the causes of the high cost of primary and secondary school textbooks in Bulawayo and establish if there is a possible solution to the pricing of books. The study was a descriptive qualitative and quantitative survey. Data were collected through 90 questionnaires (having distributed 105) and seven in-depth interviews from parents, primary and secondary school teachers, ministry officials, printing companies, retailers/bookshops, street vendors and photocopying business people. The study found that high textbook pricing was a result of parents’ low income and reduced disposable income, the import duty, the economic hardships, the scarcity of textbooks and the use of middlemen in the supply chain. As a result, parents opted for cheaper alternatives such as photocopying, buying from street vendors or flea markets, while some totally forgo purchasing new textbooks and rely on schools to provide. Some parents wait for donors to chip in, or use the Internet, or sell each other photocopied books, while private schools provided all study materials hence they were not directly affected by the high cost of textbooks. The study recommended Government to consider strongly supporting local publishing and printing of secondary textbooks. It further urged local publishers to go electronic and charge lower prices since they will not incur printing costs. It was also recommended that schools should consider e-books for ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels in an effort to reduce the costs of textbooks at these two levels.
IS THERE A SOLUTION TO HIGH PRICING OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS IN BULAWAYO?
(The Journal of LiberaL Arts Education, 2022-04-14) Mhone, N.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Zulu, E.; Masukume, C.; Tlou, F.N.
The objective of the study was to investigate the causes of the high cost of primary and secondary school textbooks in Bulawayo and establish if there is a possible solution to the pricing of books. The study was a descriptive qualitative and quantitative survey. Data were collected through 90 questionnaires (having distributed 105) and seven in-depth interviews from parents, primary and secondary school teachers, ministry officials, printing companies, retailers/bookshops, street vendors and photocopying business people. The study found that high textbook pricing was a result of parents’ low income and reduced disposable income, the import duty, the economic hardships, the scarcity of textbooks and the use of middlemen in the supply chain. As a result, parents opted for cheaper alternatives such as photocopying, buying from street vendors or flea markets, while some totally forgo purchasing new textbooks and rely on schools to provide. Some parents wait for donors to chip in, or use the Internet, or sell each other photocopied books, while private schools provided all study materials hence they were not directly affected by the high cost of textbooks. The study recommended Government to consider strongly supporting local publishing and printing of secondary textbooks. It further urged local publishers to go electronic and charge lower prices since they will not incur printing costs. It was also recommended that schools should consider e-books for ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels in an effort to reduce the costs of textbooks at these two levels.
Service delivery challenges faced by Zimbabwean local Authorizes: A revisit of the impact of the 2013 ministerial directive
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2022-10-10) Ncube, B.; Ncube, S.B.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Charumbira, J.; Hleza, S.
This study was located within an interpretive paradigm and it adopted a mixed method approach which utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In the study, the researchers tackled the unprecedented ministerial directive which was issued in the year 2013 to all local authorities in Zimbabwe to write off debts in respect of rentals, unit tax, development levies, licenses and refuse charges owed by individual ratepayers including water and rates charges arrears which had accrued to all residential properties over the period February 2009 to June 30, 2013. It appears the ministerial directive was the first of its kind in over a century old history of local governance in Zimbabwe. It is the unique nature of the directive which has motivated the researchers to study its impact on service delivery and lessons thereof for the future. Thus this study set out to explore the impact of this unprecedented directive on the abilities of local authorities to continue offering quality services to residents. The study was basically a case study of the City of Victoria Falls (CVF) in the interest of time. The study used a sample of one hundred (100) CVF ratepayers selected using stratified random sampling. In addition all the fifteen (15) managers of the municipality were used in the study. The primary instrument used to collect data was the self-administered questionnaire supplemented by the structured and unstructured interview guides. The research adopted a mixed method approach which utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approach. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Analysis of qualitative data involved a special set of interpretive practices and narrative techniques. The evidence from this study suggests that the major beneficiaries of the directive were ratepayers and Zanu PF as an election contestant. The study identified local authorities as major losers as they were adversely affected financially by the directive. The impact has been felt over a period of almost ten (10) years. In addition the study showed that the directive created huge debts for local authorities leading to their failure to meet their financial obligations in a period of almost ten (10) years which include failure to offer quality services. The study advanced a view that for local authorities to avoid being victims of such political directives in future they should intensify their revenue collection efforts which include offering prepaid services.
The Impact of Employee Engagement on the Perfomance of an Organisation- A Case Study of Pretoria Portland Cement Zimbabwe Limited (PPC).
(RSIS, 2024-06-29) Makwezi, C.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Paulos, L.; Baya, C.
The objective of the paper was to investigate the impact of lack of employee engagement as a major cause for poor performance of the organisation as well as factors that influence employee engagement or disengagement at Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC). This study was geared at assisting PPC management to manage differently for competitive advantage and to lead an engaged workforce that is able to better deal with organisational change and challenges in the future. It also aims to highlight the importance of maintaining a quality work life, by having managers who will nature the employee well-being, which then provides an excellent opportunity for employees’ motivation and job satisfaction. The study adopted a mixed methods design where all 75 employees at the Bulawayo factory were given questionnaires and 70 questionnaires were returned leading to 93.3% response rate. The respondents were sampled through purposive sampling as all employees were information rich. The major findings of the study were that fifty-six percent of the respondents were very happy with career opportunities and progression within the company Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC). The reasons that were advanced by the respondents was that PPC is very encouraging to its staff members to study in their area of speciality. Fees is paid for all those who enroll in any university locally and in any SADC university. Total fees and sustenance is paid and study leave is granted. PPC has many ways of rewarding its employees. The employees at every grade are rewarded. There is a staff development programme which allows all employees to polytechnic, university to study several programs which suits them. The employees are allowed to do any of the programmes as long as they assist the organisation to achieve its best. Another system that alleviates plight of the employees which has been adopted by PPC is availing the grocery hamper to all its employees. The study concludes that PPC has an effective reward system which addresses economic and social needs for its workforce. This study recommends that other companies should study and employ the worker engagement model being adopted by PPC which is holistic in nature.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Education on Entrepreneurial Zeal of Undergraduate Students: A Case of Final Year Students at The National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(Indiana Journal of Economics and Business Management, 2024-07-13) Manyika, S.E.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Paulos, L.; Baya, C.
The study aims to explore the effects of entrepreneurial education and support systems in a different contextual setting in Zimbabwe. This study sought to complement prior studies that looked at the entrepreneurial intention of final students from a general perspective or the study area of the students without looking at other external antecedents like the presence of University incubation centres. Given the forgoing assertion this study will determine the effect of the study domain on the level the relationship between student’s cognitive disposition and entrepreneurial zeal. Mixed methods approach was used that is quantitative and qualitative research design. The study employed stratified random sampling to give a sample of 60% of the population. The research established that students knew about the existence of Education 5.0 thrust and the supporting programme on campus and have a positive attitude towards entrepreneurial education. However, there is lack of perceived feasibility of entrepreneurship education to steer innovation and entrepreneurship zeal resulting in the lack of confidence in the Education 5.0 and the resultant programmes. The study recommends that University should ramp up its interventions and motivate students to be more efficacious and try to use the innovation support services while continuing to enrich their curricula to be innovation friendly, institute face-to-face interactions with students and get their input on how best both parties can benefit from the worthwhile investments by government and make efforts to link potential entrepreneurs with angel investors, non-governmental institutions or come up with other methods.

Browsing by Author "Ndlovu, M.J."

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