Abstract
This qualitative case study explored the managerial practices of small construction companies in Masvingo city with a view to relating findings to the newly introduced education 5.0 in Tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development’s thrust to introduce innovation and industrialisation hubs in universities in the country culminating in the setting up of production units at these institutions. The study was conducted at small construction enterprises in Masvingo city because production units were at their infancy stage in the country at the time. Hence it was felt that universities could draw lessons from the private sector after the study. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to generate data on the views of building inspectors, workers and owners of the small construction enterprises as well as residents of Masvingo city, towards the small enterprises’ managerial practices. Participants felt that the financial management practices were sound but no formal marketing strategies or quality control systems were said to be in place in the enterprises. The study recommended small construction enterprises in Masvingo city to market as well as improve on their quality management skills for their enterprises to remain viable. In that vein, production units at universities should work towards improving their management styles in areas such as financial management, marketing strategies as well as quality control systems. Key words: Managerial practices, production units, marketing strategies, quality control systems, industrialisation, innovation.
Highlights
Background to the study The Higher Education sector in Zimbabwe went through several changes during the colonial and post-colonial periods (Mapara, 2009)
It is against this background that the current study looks at the managerial practices of small construction companies in Masvingo city so that lessons can be drawn from the findings and relate them to the management of the newly formed production units in universities in the country
The purpose of this study was to explore the managerial practices of small construction enterprises in Masvingo city in Zimbabwe so as to draw lessons for university authorities manning the newly formed production units on the best managerial practices to run them
Summary
Background to the study The Higher Education sector in Zimbabwe went through several changes during the colonial and post-colonial periods (Mapara, 2009). The thrust for Education 5.0 is the incorporation of innovation and industrialisation into the university education system resulting in the production of goods and services at these institutions. It is against this background that the current study looks at the managerial practices of small construction companies in Masvingo city so that lessons can be drawn from the findings and relate them to the management of the newly formed production units in universities in the country. The study was conducted on small to medium enterprises (SMEs) whose operations are similar to those of the innovation and industrial hubs, so that university authorities can draw lessons from the findings of the study
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