Case Study Of Zimbabwe Research Articles

Towards a Converged Post-Covid Journalism Training in Africa: A Case Study of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini

ABSTRACT Our study on the experiences of selected African journalism educators during the Covid-19 pandemic period offer valuable insights into the future of journalism education in Africa, where convergent learning holds prospects in an increasingly digitised world. A convergent teaching and learning approach, combining face-to-face and online teaching, is crucial for the delivery of quality journalism training during periods of macro shocks in Africa. This qualitative study used three country case studies of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini to understand the reconfigurations accompanying convergence in teaching and learning and offering prospects for the future. Our findings show that the most affected learning aspects were courses involving practical learning as well as the internship component that requires students to be seconded to media houses of choice to develop a practical feel for the newsroom. We learnt that journalism’s practical components make it hard for instructors to conduct convergent learning because of resource constraints and limited literacy in some technology. However, and far from the discourse of scarcity and impoverishment, educators displayed high levels of creativity, adaptability and agency beyond the structuring influence of deprivation, presenting prospects for convergence in teaching and learning in post-Covid Africa.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures on women and children: A Zimbabwe case study.

COVID-19 presented countries with unprecedented health policy challenges. For low-income countries in particular, policymakers had to contend with both the direct threats posed by COVID-19 as well as the social, educational, and economic harms associated with lockdown and other infection prevention and control measures. We present a holistic and contextualised case study of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on women and children, with some assessment of their uneven distribution across socio-economic, age and gender groups. We used different types of primary and secondary data from multiple sources to produce a holistic descriptive analysis. Primary data included: qualitative data obtained from 28 in-depth interviews of key informants, six focus group discussions; and 40 household interviews. We also extracted data from government reports and announcements, the District Health Information Software version 2 (DHIS2), newspaper articles and social media, as well as from published research articles. Our findings show that the direct and indirect adverse impacts of COVID-19 were compounded by many years of severe political economic challenges, and consequent deterioration of the healthcare system. The indirect effects of the pandemic had the most severe impacts on the poorest segment of society and widened age and gender inequalities. The pandemic and its accompanying infection prevention and control measures negatively affected health service delivery and uptake. The management of COVID-19 presented enormous challenges to policymakers and public health specialists. These included managing the greatest tension between direct and indirect harms; short-term and long-term effects; and the unequal distribution of harms across different segments of society.

The Role of Information Technology in Enhancing Property Tax Administration in Decentralised Local Government: A Case Study of Zimbabwe

The Role of Information Technology in Enhancing Property Tax Administration in Decentralised Local Government: A Case Study of Zimbabwe

An assessment of senior management support for the records and information management function in Zimbabwe’s central government

PurposeUsing a case study of Zimbabwe’s central government, this study aims to empirically examine the extent to which senior management was supportive of the records management function as well as the reasons why such levels of support subsisted.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed methods research made use of the explanatory sequential research design where quantitative responses from records and information supervisors were either confirmed or disconfirmed by open-ended interview responses from finance and administration directors. Fifteen records and information supervisors and eight finance and administration directors participated in the study. Document reviews and personal observation were also used in soliciting data.FindingsThe study revealed that top management was not very supportive of the records management function as a result of lack of knowledge about records management and because of negative perceptions and attitudes harboured by some senior managers towards the functional area. The study also revealed that organisational structural factors also played a part as the records and information management section was poorly represented by finance and administration directors at the top, who by virtue of their training had little knowledge about and interest in records management.Originality/valueThe study raises the importance of senior management in records management processes, projects and programmes. It highlights that without senior management support, records management initiatives are bound to fail. Thus, the study is important as it raises the need to incorporate senior management as part of organisations’ tactical and operational strategy.

Assessing Progress in Reducing the Number of Disaster-affected People: Insights from Zimbabwe

In 2015, 187 countries appended their signatures to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This framework has seven global targets which need to be monitored both at national and global levels. In order to promote the monitoring and reporting on progress in attaining the global targets, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction provided some technical guidance notes and methodologies. Using the case study of Zimbabwe, this study used the technical guidance notes and methodologies to assess the country’s progress in reducing the number of people affected by disasters. Quantitative data for this assessment came from public sources published by the Government of Zimbabwe spanning the period 1990 to 2019. This data was analysed using 3-year and 5-year moving averages. In addition, the study used qualitative interviews to explain the trends in the number of people affected by disasters. Results showed slight decreases in the number of people affected by both aggregated and disaggregated disasters. Drought disasters emerged as the only one that affected millions of people yearly. However, storms and epidemics were sporadic and characterised by big spikes. The study concluded that Zimbabwe is slowly attaining Target B. The study further offered three policy implications that are meant to significantly reduce the number of people affected by disasters. This includes the need to strengthen drought preparedness/mitigation, and disease surveillance and control systems.

Hindrances to Gender Parity between Men and Women in Political and Economic Leadership: A Zimbabwe Case Study in Harare Metropolitan Province

Hindrances to Gender Parity between Men and Women in Political and Economic Leadership: A Zimbabwe Case Study in Harare Metropolitan Province

Value of Time Drives Operational Costs of Road Freight Transport Operators (RFTO): A Case Study in Zimbabwe

From a business viewpoint, freight transportation is a necessity in the globalized world we live in. Companies are becoming more dependent on goods from various different locations worldwide and the demand for coordinated transportation is increasing. The aim of the study was to ascertain if Road Freight Transport Sector in Zimbabwe respected the value of time aspect in their operations. Value of time is a sound principle that strategically propels the business into the future. Literature highly recommends the value of time concept for business success as a key to customer satisfaction and an international best practice. This was a quantitative study of the road freight transport sector across Zimbabwe with a population of 1256 registered companies and a randomly picked sample size of 384. A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed and 291 were retrieved, giving a response rate of 75.6%. The study findings indicate that value positively influence firm competitiveness. This implies that travel time and reliability influences company’s reputation, profitability, customer satisfaction and market share. Several empirical studies have reached similar findings (Chi, King-lok, Steven, 2012; Song et al, Gitae, 2017) that value of time has positive impact on firm competitiveness. Study also found that all the registered companies that took part in the research confirmed that the value of time phenomenon was alien to their business practices as they worked on assumptions. They also indicated a loss of business due to customer complaints. The study recommends policy formulation for companies that emphasizes standard operating procedures and good time management for firms to be competitive. The study results and interpretation show that value of time positively influences firm competitiveness. Results imply that if firms in the road freight sector conduct regulars servicing of their fleet, train their employees, plan routes properly, respond to their customers and manage risks there can remain competitive.

In Pursuit of Moral Synergy between Research and Industry in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Zimbabwe, Sharing Mixed Methods Methodology Experiences to Prospective Scholars

Zimbabwe has consistently received high-level calls for moral synergy between research and industry (R-I). Bi-annual research symposia always share this thematic message. Statutory instruments establishing Zimbabwe technical universities explicitly support R-I synergy. The Constitution of Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), registered under the Research Act Chapter 10:22, supports the commercialisation of research output. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZIs) supports the call for synergy by establishing a Standing Committee on research and development (R&D). Despite this noble call, a moral synergy between R and I seems to have been resisted. This prompted this author to pursue doctoral studies to find out why a moral synergy between research and industry has been repetitively resisted. Theories that guided the research included: 
 
 The Stage-Gate ® Process, where novelty, teamwork and customer service are prioritised,
 The Technology Diffusion, which gives paths for innovations to be successfully transferred from academia into industry, 
 The Triple Helix, which shares the relationships among academia, industry and the Government and 
 The Systems Approach, which places emphasis on a holistic view and the feedback extent 
 
 Mixed methods methodology was the chosen research paradigm, with qualitative component dominating (QUAL-QUANT). Researchers and experts working in both industry and academia were covered. According to the study, both academia and industry admit that synergy was very low, between 30 and 40%. Neither side was working to mitigate the negative position. Novelty, teamwork, customer audience and emphasis on feedback were rare. For students choosing pragmatism paradigm in their studies, they: 
 
 Should have all necessary authorisations ready 
 Must have a thorough knowledge of the subject area they have chosen so they ask essential questions 
 Must be prepared to land into some past 'storm' 
 Observe ethics 
 Have a strong command of philosophical foundations. 
 
 It was also found out that the moral synergy between research and industry was low due to circumstances beyond academia and industry control. Skills flight, poor infrastructure support (energy supply, ICT, absence of laboratory instruments/consumables), limited exposure to best practices and absence of mentors weighed in negatively. However, the lessons learnt led to the identification of x-factor aspects that needed attention for moral research-industry synergy to be realised.

Towards a framework to quantify research-industry (R-I) synergy: A case study of Zimbabwe

This paper shares the research-industry synergy index developed through 212 expert responses from academia and industry in Zimbabwe. The findings were part of results obtained after DPhil studies (2017-2022) under the topic “Towards moral synergy between research and industry in developing countries: a case study of Zimbabwe”. The perceptions were captured through Likert Scale responses (LSR) from experts and researchers in both academia and industry. The LSR responses had a scale which ranged from 1=lowest to 10=best. Twenty (20) techno-business parameters were covered under the quantitative component of the case study. This culminated in indices for those in research/academia; those in industry and a third embracing both research and industry sides. The overall R-I synergy level at the time of the study was estimated at 40%, confirming the widely held view that R-I among developing economies like Zimbabwe was limited. The resistance to R-I synergy emanated from; among others; skills shortage, under-funding, limited mentorship, limited exposure to international best practices, poorly equipped laboratories, weak alumni, absence of professional networks depriving idea sharing and training systems that do not match current technology trends. What gets transferred from research to industry is limited. The paper shares aspects that needed serious policy attention for informed intervention by stakeholders. It also argues that developing economies face similar circumstances and urges developed nations to assist in equipping laboratories and needed capacity building.

The role of the Eucharist in national healing, reconciliation and peacebuilding: A case study of Zimbabwe’s fractured society

This study examines the role of the Eucharist in national healing, reconciliation and peacebuilding with particular focus on Zimbabwe’s fractured society. The article is divided into two main parts. The first segment examines the Zimbabwean situation on the socio-political level and the need for unity, reconciliation and healing therein. The second section underlines the potential of the Eucharist as a game changer on Zimbabwe’s chequered religious, social and political landscapes. Thus, the role of the church in national healing shall be examined and evaluated. In view of the fact that Christianity controls over 85% of Zimbabwe’s total population, the article proposes to seriously consider the adoption of the Eucharist not just as a model for deepening ecumenical growth but also for national healing, integration and peacebuilding. For this reason, the article strongly argues that the Eucharist is an underutilised strategy in religious reconciliation, national healing and peacebuilding. As a nation with religious, social and political landscapes that have traditionally been dominated by Eucharistic exclusivity, denominational divisions, tribal tensions, animosity and political violence, among other challenges, the adoption of the Eucharist as a ‘peacemaker’ would signify not just a common Christian source of being in the one God and a fulfilment of the deepest African liturgical and enculturation aspirations but also the introduction of a new model and paradigm in Zimbabwe’s healing and peacebuilding thrust and trajectory.Contribution: The study used the association between the Eucharist and the uniting powers of food in secular contexts to underline the prospects and centrality of the Eucharist as an antidote for national healing, reconciliation and peacebuilding on Zimbabwe’s fractured society.

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE UP -TO- DATE CORPORATE USAGE OF PUBLIC SECTOR TENDERING PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES :A CASE STUDY OF THE MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS IN ZIMBABWE

This research study evaluated the use of tendering in public sector procurement using the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (MLGPW) as the case study in Zimbabwe. The objectives were to explore the current extent of tendering procedures on influencing the acquisition of goods and services at competitive prices; assess the effect of tendering on the quality of products and services; and examine the impact of tendering on the security of supply at the MLGPW. Contemporary literature was reviewed in line with the research purposes. The study adopted a quantitative approach and an explanatory survey design. The target population was MLGPW employees in the procurement function. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 61 respondents selected using systematic sampling. Data analysis performed using SPSS revealed that tenderers scout for opportunities to reduce costs in their value chain to enable them to submit the lowest price. It came out that attempts by tenderers to outcompete each other induce self-drive to reduce costs for fear of losing contracts. The study found that tendering embeds minimum technical scores and quality standards which have to be met as part of the pre-selection process thus enhancing quality. It was revealed that tendering affords opportunities to negotiate favorable delivery terms for public entities as conditions for awarding the tender which enhanced the security of supply. The research study concluded that tendering has a strong positive influence on lowering the cost of goods and services, quality of products and security of supply for public entities. This study recommended that the MLGPW priorities tendering as the public procurement process for goods, services, utilities and works; deepen procurement negotiation skills and capabilities with its procurement staff; and develop collaborative supplier relationships. It was suggested that a further study could be conducted with a higher number of public ministries entities such as the ministry of trade and commerce, ministry of primary and secondary education and ministry of health and child welfare.

The impact of COVID-19 on informal humanitarian supply chains – The case study of Zimbabwe

Background: For the last 20 years Zimbabwe has been dependent on humanitarian aid. The country is in a desperate condition, with millions of citizens leaving to reside in neighbouring countries. These Zimbabweans are providing and sending food, necessities and cash to relatives in the country using largely informal humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was disastrous causing more hardship.Objective: This case study explores how informal HSCs played a significant role in the Zimbabwe humanitarian aid initiative and the impact of COVID-19 on these supply chains.Method: A mixed method design was used to collect qualitative data through personal interviews with Zimbabweans in South Africa. Additional quantitative data was obtained from humanitarian reports, Zimbabwe government reports as well as other publications. These were used to present the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and specifically how support was provided through informal HSCs from outside Zimbabwe.Results: Through the case study the devastating effect COVID-19 had on a large component of the food insecure and suffering population of Zimbabwe is vividly illustrated. The closing of national borders prevented any food and other necessities, sent by diaspora from South Africa, reaching relatives.Conclusion: The results of this case study show the effect COVID-19 had on the humanitarian aid from relatives in South Africa. All the aid to Zimbabweans completely stopped for an extended period as these informal HSCs were completely broken because of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2 years later they remain disrupted.

Systemic support for learners with developmental language disorders in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

BackgroundTeachers play a significant role as early identifiers of learners with developmental language disorder (DLD). They provide important information to other professionals for further specialist support of such learners. Professionals, such as educational psychologists, speech–language therapists (SLTs) and learning support therapists are involved in assisting learners with DLD; hence, inter-professional collaboration (IPC) amongst these professionals is of paramount importance in meeting the needs of learners.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine systemic support strategies available to learners with DLD.MethodThis was a multiple case study of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. The study consisted of 56 participants: 5 teachers, 2 SLTs, a learning support therapist, an educational psychologist and 47 learners. A qualitative research approach was employed and data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions and classroom observations. The data were analysed thematically and categorised.ResultsSupport strategies employed by teachers include remedial lessons and promoting a culture of reading for leisure to enhance learners’ vocabulary and narrative skills. The SLTs and the learning support therapist use speech–language programmes and assistive technologies. Limited IPC and the absence of SLTs in District Based Support Teams were some of the challenges identified. The results also indicate that SLTs receive referrals mostly from primary schools compared with secondary schools.ConclusionRaising awareness of DLD in schools and communities is deemed essential. Inter-professional collaboration is recommended to support learners with DLD as it increases the exchange of ideas and mutual acknowledgement of expertise amongst professionals.

Study on Import and Export-Led Economic Growth: Cases of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa

This study aims to investigate the relationship between exports, imports and economic growth of a sample of four countries in Southern Africa for the period 1980-2019. In doing so, we check whether the Export-Led growth (ELG), Import-Led Growth (ILG), Growth-Led Export (GLE) and growth-led import (GLI) propositions hold in four Southern African economies, namely Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Specifically, the present study tries to 1) understand to which extent imports, exports and economic growth are correlated in the short and long run in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe; 2) assess the effects of imports and exports on the economic growth in each of these countries. To this end, we used time series data, covering the period 1980 to 2019. In doing so, the co-integration tests, Vector Autoregressive “VAR” model (for South Africa) and vector error correction models “VECM” model (for Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe) then Granger causality tests are applied to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results show that both short run and long run relationships exist among these variables. On the one hand, our findings failed to validate the export-led growth hypothesis for South Africa in the long-run but provided support for the exports-led growth hypothesis in the short-run. The analysis finds prominent evidence of bidirectional causality between exports and growth for Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in the long run. On the other hand, a suggestive evidence of unidirectional causality running from growth to imports was found in the case of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. In addition, bidirectional causality between exports and imports was validated by Zimbabwe case study. Key implications are that the exports development could create employment opportunities and other spillovers. Policy-makers should improve and strengthen the competiveness of export sector. Moreover, Namibian case study confirmed the imports-led growth hypothesis in the long- run, implying that an import liberalization policy could be useful for economic growth in Namibia.

Online Instructional Material for Computer Aided Garment Pattern Making Training in Colleges: A Case Study of Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to develop an online instructional material for computer aided (CAD) pattern making training in Zimbabwe Polytechnics. The study adopted an experimental design to develop the material. The study identified that CorelDraw; open access software, can be used for the development of basic block patterns. Through a screencast-o-matric tool and VSDC Video Editor, a screen cast was developed to show the progression of size 12 straight skirt block development on the computer screen. The instructional material was tested to thirty Fashion Design students and five pattern making instructors. Findings from the test suggest that majority of the students were able to follow step by step screen casts to develop the skirt block. It was concluded that screen-castscan serve as instructional materials to expose student to CADpattern making and can help instructors change face to face instruction from tradition demonstration lectures to more constructivist learning practices in practically based disciplines like Fashion Design. The authors argue that this study can assist instructors, who have challenges of acquiring subject specific educational software, with instructions on how to make instructional materials like screen casts for teaching CAD concept susing affordable and alternative software such as CorelDraw.

An Investigation Into the Effects of Central Bank Regulation on Exchange Rate Case Study of Zimbabwe From 1980–2019

Foreign exchange interventions as a possible tool needs to be assessed taking into account both the design and implementation of monetary policy for this reason, the forms of foreign exchange intervention and their effectiveness in achieving exchange rate ,since there were limited foreign exchange restrictions and less direct government controls in the foreign exchange market before (Rossini et al (2013). During the period 1991 to July 1994, a two-tier exchange rate system was used one quoted by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and the other one determined in by inter-bank market. Following the demise of the Auction System, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced the Tradable Foreign Currency Balances System (TFCBS) on 24 October 2005.Initially foreign currency was only accessed from banks and was later decentralized resulting in the licensing of several Bureau de Changes across the country in 2002 to 2013 era. There were several policy revisions, reversals and even de-licensing bureau de change.

Women, Peace and Security in Zimbabwe - The Case of Conflict in Non War Zones

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is the United Nation’s (UN) key policy instrument for addressing gender violence in conflict zones. However, the agenda has been preoccupied with “hot” conflicts, and its application and relevance to sustained, but “low level” conflict situations is poorly conceptualized. This research considers this issue through a case study of Zimbabwe since 2000. I make the case for broadening the understanding of conflict as found in the WPS agenda. This paper addresses the question: ‘How does the case of Zimbabwe exemplify the need for a broader understanding of conflict within the WPS agenda as it applies to non-war settings?’ I first consider the nature of non-war zones, adopting a feminist international relations theory perspective, incorporating elements of postcolonial feminist theory and critical race theory. We then review Zimbabwe’s recent history and situate it as a country in non-war conflict zone. We situate Zimbabwe’s recent history clearly within the concept of non-war zones and discuss the nature of gender violence in this setting. My analysis adds to the body of literature and research on non-war zones and argues for broadening the WPS agenda to encompass a broader understanding of conflict, specifically arguing for the centrality of gender-based violence in non-war situations, as exemplified in Zimbabwe’s recent history.

Making internationalization of higher education a national strategic focus

PurposeThis paper contributes to knowledge on the internationalization of higher education (HE) through presenting a “lived” experience on how to optimize internationalization outcomes through national internationalization policy development.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a case study of Zimbabwe to qualitatively chart a strategic focus to internationalization through incorporating the theory of change (ToC) approach to national (government) policy development.FindingsThe paper details the context, challenges, rationales, approaches, priorities and processes that guided IHE policy development in Zimbabwe. It underscores the importance of baseline research and benchmarking in propelling an evidence-based and participatory approach to IHE policy development.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology and framework used here makes it possible to draw comparisons in similar settings in a way that enables a more holistic understanding of the complexities and practicalities of national internationalization policy development.Practical implicationsThe study can assist nations to take a strategic approach to guide institutional internationalization responses. In doing so, researchers and HE stakeholders in similar national contexts can learn valuable lessons from the study.Social implicationsInternationalization is increasingly becoming a policy imperative for HE in pursuit of quality as well as fostering sustainable national development (Craciun, 2018). Higher education institutions (HEIs) are recognized as key drivers of sustainable national and international development through the production of quality graduates with “global competencies.”Originality/valueThe study contributes to the growing research interest on strategic approaches to internationalization targeting specific national experiences.

Digital historical research and the repositioning of Africa in knowledge production

Africa�s historical knowledge production has exhibited promising signs of progress, particularly in strengthening the continent�s weak link in the global knowledge network. While such knowledge ought to intersect and interact with other bodies of knowledge from the rest of the world, the terrain is shifting quickly due to changing historical circumstances. This study deploys a case study of Zimbabwe to illustrate how the slow digital transformation in historical research has hindered efforts to confront the overarching question of constrained knowledge production in Africa. The over-reliance of economic history, archaeology, or history on the use of centralised state archives poses complex methodological challenges, particularly for the study of the recent African past. Despite the advantages offered by digital humanities, the research options for these disciplines continue to shrink in the face of serious discomfort by academics in embracing digital sources of data that complement paper-based archival evidence and re-gear the continent�s research performance. The article stresses that the sources of historical data, particularly on Africa�s post-colonial history, can be found in digital form outside state repositories.

Techno-Economic Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Systems: Case Study in Zimbabwe

Fluctuations in fossil fuel prices significantly affect the economies of countries, especially oil-importing countries, hence these countries are thoroughly investigating the increase in the utilization of renewable energy resources as it is abundant and locally available in all the countries despite challenges. Renewable energy systems (RES) such as solar and wind systems offer suitable alternatives for fossil fuels and could ensure the energy security of countries in a feasible way. Zimbabwe is one of the African countries that import a significant portion of its energy needs which endanger the energy security of the country. Several studies in the literature discussed the feasibility of different standalone and hybrid RES either with or without energy storage systems to either maximize the technical feasibility or the economic feasibility; however, none of the studies considered maximizing both feasibilities at the same time. Therefore, we present a techno-economic comparison of standalone wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) in addition to hybrid PV/wind systems based on maximizing the RES fraction with levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) being less than or equal to the local grid tariff where Gwanda, Zimbabwe, is the case study. The methodology suggested in this study could increase the utilization of renewable energy resources feasibly and at the same time increase the energy security of the country by decreasing dependency on imported energy. The results indicate that the PV/wind hybrid system does not only have the best economic benefits represented by the net present value (NPV) and the payback period (PBP), but also the best technical performance; where the maximum feasible size of the hybrid system-2 MW wind and 1 MW PV-has RES fraction of 65.07%, LCOE of 0.1 USD/kWh, PBP of 3.94 years, internal rate of return of 14.04% and NPV of 3.06 × 106 USD. Having similar systems for different cities in Zimbabwe will decrease the energy bill significantly and contribute toward the energy security of the country.