Industry In Zimbabwe Research Articles

The Effect of Leadership Style on Employee Commitment in the Mining Sector in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of leadership style on employee commitment in the mining sector in Zimbabwe. The mining industry in Zimbabwe has been extensively affected by the loss of key personnel in key areas such as engineering, metallurgy and geology among others. The loss of such vital employees in the mining sector has had a negative impact on output and consequently loss of the much-needed revenue to the Zimbabwean economy. It is against this background that there was a need to establish the effect of leadership style on employee commitment in an endeavour to enhance job satisfaction. A quantitative approach was adopted in which convenience sampling was employed. The main findings were that charismatic and inspirational leadership style has moderate to strong positive relationship with subordinate affective commitment to the organisation. Inspirational motivation had a moderate positive correlation with affective commitment significant at (r = 0.46; p p -0.012; p Zimbabwe mining sector should strive to use inspirational approaches in leading and involve employees in decision-making so as to raise the standards of efficiency and effectiveness of an organization and increase follower commitment.

Remedies to copyright infringement in cyberspace in the audio-visual industry in Zimbabwe

Remedies to copyright infringement in cyberspace in the audio-visual industry in Zimbabwe

Supply chain risk management and operational performance in the food retail industry in Zimbabwe

Orientation: Supply chain risk management in the Zimbabwean business context is under researched, presenting numerous opportunities for further empirical investigations. This article is an attempt to address manifest research gaps in this area, using the food retail environment as a practical case.Research purpose: To investigate the nexus between supply chain risk management and operational performance in the food retail industry in Zimbabwe.Motivation for the study: The food retail industry in Zimbabwe faces numerous supply chain risks, as most of the products sold are imported. It is essential to understand how the management of these supply chain risks impacts the operational performance of firms.Research approach, design and method: The study employed a quantitative survey design, using a sample of 227 food retail firm managers and supply chain professionals based in Harare. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling.Main findings: The results of the study showed significant positive relationships between supply chain risk management and risk information sharing and risk analysis and assessment. Further significant positive relationships were observed between risk analysis and assessment and risk-sharing mechanisms. In turn, risk-sharing mechanisms significantly predicted operational performance. However, no significant direct relationship was observed between supply chain risk management and operational performance.Practical/managerial implications: The study demonstrates that the operational performance of food retailing firms can be improved significantly through the institutionalisation of the mediating variables (risk information sharing, risk analysis and assessment, risk-sharing mechanisms) considered in this study. Management in the food retail industry may use the results of this study as a problem-solving framework for addressing operational constraints.Contributions/value-add: The study provides information that aids in the understanding of supply chain risk management, risk information sharing, risk analysis and assessment, risk-sharing mechanisms and operational performance, as well as the connection between them in a food retail context.

Supply chain risk management and operational performance in the food retail industry in Zimbabwe

Orientation: Supply chain risk management in the Zimbabwean business context is under researched, presenting numerous opportunities for further empirical investigations. This article is an attempt to address manifest research gaps in this area, using the food retail environment as a practical case.Research purpose: To investigate the nexus between supply chain risk management and operational performance in the food retail industry in Zimbabwe.Motivation for the study: The food retail industry in Zimbabwe faces numerous supply chain risks, as most of the products sold are imported. It is essential to understand how the management of these supply chain risks impacts the operational performance of firms.Research approach, design and method: The study employed a quantitative survey design, using a sample of 227 food retail firm managers and supply chain professionals based in Harare. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling.Main findings: The results of the study showed significant positive relationships between supply chain risk management and risk information sharing and risk analysis and assessment. Further significant positive relationships were observed between risk analysis and assessment and risk-sharing mechanisms. In turn, risk-sharing mechanisms significantly predicted operational performance. However, no significant direct relationship was observed between supply chain risk management and operational performance.Practical/managerial implications: The study demonstrates that the operational performance of food retailing firms can be improved significantly through the institutionalisation of the mediating variables (risk information sharing, risk analysis and assessment, risk-sharing mechanisms) considered in this study. Management in the food retail industry may use the results of this study as a problem-solving framework for addressing operational constraints.Contributions/value-add: The study provides information that aids in the understanding of supply chain risk management, risk information sharing, risk analysis and assessment, risk-sharing mechanisms and operational performance, as well as the connection between them in a food retail context.

Investigating industrial upgrading and business sustainability in the textile manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe

The textile manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe has faced many challenges, which caused contraction of the industry. The main aim of this study was to establish how industrial upgrading could help to control market failures, improve competitiveness and sustainability to stimulate and enhance sustainable economic growth through the development of a structural model. The causal research strategy was used and the data collection tools used was focus group discussions (FGDs), questionnaires and personal interviews. Stratified random sampling method was used to select the sample size of 325 respondents in Kadoma, Glendale and Harare. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed and implemented through confirmatory factor analysis and estimation of the model. The results showed that the measurement model fits the data satisfactorily, and the proposed model fits well to the observed data as demonstrated by the goodness of fit indices CFI 0.86, TFI 0.84 and RMSEA 0.07. The study provided evidence that industrial upgrading could redress market failures in the textile manufacturing industry and that there is a positive correlation between industrial upgrading, competitiveness and sustainability. The study revealed that industrial upgrading could restore competitiveness in the textile manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe. On the way forward, the article is valuable to the policymakers, academics and other researchers, among others. The stakeholders will be able to apply the model to determine which specific influences are the most important for their respective business.

An Analysis of the Effect of Procurement Procedures on Customer Satisfaction: A Case Study of the United Refineries Limited in Bulawayo

The exploration sought to analyse the effects of procurement procedures on customer satisfaction through a case study of United Refineries Limited. As the industry in Zimbabwe had been enlarging in size and intricacy, so too did the challenges met across the procurement sector. Instances of such challenges comprised inter alia varying customer preferences, the requirement for ecological practices and the need to sustain relationships in the supply chain. The study was based on the network theory which highlighted that businesses in a network cannot create procurement procedures at liberty and independently without involving others in the network. The investigation assessed the effect of procurement procedures on customer satisfaction through the utilisation of the descriptive design. The research population comprised of 107 employees and 25 customers aggregated based on daily walk-ins. The sample was 84 respondents for employees and 20 for customers in terms of which judgmental sampling was utilised. The results showed that the majority of customers were not satisfied with procurement procedures given the incidence of malpractices such as bureaucracy and red-tape which fought against the effectiveness of procurement procedures which led to dissatisfaction as well as substantial discrepancies in procurement procedures. It was concluded that the strategic significance and the latent forthcoming influence of procurement procedures at United Refineries was impossible to ignore. There existed room for improvement in procurement procedures to bring about customer satisfaction. Recommendations included, training, supplier development and supplier streamlining.

The Effect of Social Media on Consumer Purchase Behaviour in the Mobile Telephony Industry in Zimbabwe

This paper examines the causal relationship between social media and consumer purchasing behaviour in the mobile telephony industry in Zimbabwe. The study was driven by a strong desire to convert social media usage into desirable purchase behaviour. Social media was examined using four variables namely, firm generated communication, user created communication, word of mouth and social media platform. The study results indicate that social media is a significant driver of consumer purchase intention. Consumer purchase behaviour is mainly driven by social media word of mouth, whilst firm generated content was found to be inversely related to purchase intention. User generated social media communication resulted in a moderately weak association with purchase behaviour, whilst an insignificant association was obtained between social media platform and consumer purchase intention. The results imply that social media is an effective tool but needs to be adapted so as to minimize generating content which distorts desirable consumer behaviour. The researchers therefore recommend a cautious social media campaign which generates more desirable viral content.

Profiling The Needs and Wants of Millennials in The Tourism Industry: Implications for Zimbabwe

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to profile the needs and wants of millennials in the tourism industry and their implications for tourism operators in Zimbabwe. 
 Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design approach with document analysis being the data collection method. Data were analyzed thematically. 
 Results: The major finding was that millennials desire authentic and memorable experiences, they are highly knowledgeable, have strong digital skills, they are social media creatures and are permanently connected online, they are particular and question everything, they prefer leisure and recreational activities, they prefer hotel facilities with health-oriented facilities like fitness centers and they practice volunteer tourism. Millennials are different, they think and act differently, and their travel choices and preferences are different from the generations before them. 
 Implications: Tourism operators including hotels should adapt their service delivery systems to the needs and wants of millennials to achieve superior business performance. There is a need for the adoption of proactive marketing strategies as well as taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by millennials in the tourism industry in Zimbabwe.

The Effect of Supply Chain Management on the Competitiveness of the Telecommunications Industry in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of supply chain management (SCM) on the competitiveness of the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe. Key objectives of the study were to figure out the extent to which SCM contributes to organisational competitive advantage in the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe, to determine the level of bargaining power when making local and off shore purchases, the extent of risk exposure due to global transactions and finally, to ascertain the strategies used on supplier ratings. Interviews and questionnaires were used as the main instruments for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 respondents with 36 responding, representing a 72 percent response rate. Data were analysed using SPSS and the resulted presented in graphs and tables. Interviews were carried out using a structured interview guide for uniformity of questions being asked. Three interviews were carried out with procurement managers from all the organisations represented namely, Econet, TelOne and NetOne. The results showed that SCM is a strong contributor to organisational competitiveness. If organisations in the telecommunications sector prudently apply SCM policies, strategies and practices, the performance in terms of profitability realised and competitive advantage will increase. Recommendations are that quality of products; better supplier management and competitive pricing may be realised if firms can adopt SCM principles and practices.

The Differential Impact of Bulk Text Message Advertising on Consumer Attention

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors that enhance the effectiveness of bulk text message advertising on consumer attention in the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe. Research design, data and methodology: The study collected data using structured questionnaires. The study attracted 293 responses from consumer subscribers of the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry. Data was analysed using SPSS and measures of association, direction, strength and significance were used. Results: The study found out that the examined variables of bulk text messaging (Simplicity, Frequency and Informativeness) had a positive significant impact on consumers' attention (&#x03B2;= 0.645; p-value < 0.05). The study examined four bulk text advertising determinants, namely frequency, simplicity, informativeness and credibility. Only credibility was found to be statistically insignificant (p-value > 0.05), whilst frequency had an inverse effect on consumer attention. Simplicity of bulk text advertisements recorded a high positive and significant impact whilst informativeness was also positively, and significantly affecting consumer attention. Conclusions: The study concluded that for bulk text advertising to be effective, text messages should be informative, easy to understand and dispatched less frequently. It was further concluded that bulk text advertising should follow permission marketing where consumers consent before hand to be recipients of commercials.

E-Procurement as a Strategic Sourcing Tool in the Beverage Industry in Zimbabwe

This study evaluated the impact of e-procurement as a strategic sourcing tool in the Beverage Industry in Zimbabwe. A quantitative survey of 57 respondents drawn from the key players in the Beverage Industry in Harare, Zimbabwe was conducted using a questionnaire. In line with the research objectives, descriptive statistics were calculated and cross tabulations were also performed in SPSS to produce outputs that provided answers to the research questions. The results show that through the use of e-procurement, companies are able to move towards partnership or lean supply with a smaller number of more technically proficient suppliers. The study concluded that there is a significant positive association between e-procurement and improvement in procurement efficiency. The study recommends that organisations develop adequate business processes to support e-procurement and the alignment of existing procurement processes with e-procurement procedures.

Factors Enhancing Member Commitment to Trade Unions in the Hospitality Industry in Zimbabwe

Trade unions in the hospitality industry have long served an important and vital role, acting as the vanguard to protect the worker’s rights and their financial livelihood, hence stressing their importance. Their future however remains hanging in balance as they continue to face an array of challenges and changes threatening their existence. In this paper the researcher attempt to respond to the question on, ‘why would individuals choose to be loyal and committed to trade unions?’ Finding through a 5 point likert scale administered on 227 members belonging to the Zimbabwe Catering and Hotel workers Union (ZCHWU) and interviews conducted with 18 union officials reveals that commitment is determined by the ability of the union to satisfy member expectations. Findings reveals that member commitment manifest itself through individual’s strong desire to remain a member of the union; willingness to exert high effort on behalf of the union as well as belief in the union goals and leadership. The study concludes that the unions’ ability to satisfy and meet its member’s expectation contributes to trade union commitment.

Majoring the Minor: Towards a Framework for Integrating Informal Industry into Formal Industry in Zimbabwe

There is global consensus on the centrality of the informal sector on economic growth. More importantly, the small to medium enterprises (SMEs) have become an important engine for economic growth for developing countries Zimbabwe included. This paper looks at the formalization of the informal sector in Zimbabwe. The argument being levelled is that continued growth of the informal sector without formalization of the informal enterprises has cantankerous ramifications on the economic growth, stability and industrial development. Overgrowth of the informal sector can be oxygen for the grey- market resulting in capital operating outside the formal financial systems thereby undercutting the economy. In this study, data was obtained through a critical review of various policy papers, academic articles on the subject area. Recommendations for formalization of the informal enterprises are made. The paper sets an agenda for the gradual formalization of deserving SMES through attaching it to and anchor industry that grooms the SME into the formal industrial practice. Keywords: Words: informal sector, formalisation, economic development DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-6-06 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Alternative Dispute Resolution in SMEs in the Construction Industry in Masvingo Urban, Zimbabwe

Dispute handling may present particular problems for SMEs. The research explored the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods used in SMEs and their implications on the performance of SMEs in the construction industry in Zimbabwe. The study revealed that collective bargaining and negotiation are the main ADR methods used in the SMEs while conciliation and arbitration are utilized externally at NEC and the ministry of labour. It was also noted that most SMEs do not have established ADR structures and collective bargaining and negotiation had an impact on employee performance. Collective Bargaining, Conciliation and Adjudication

The effects of business process outsourcing on the quality of catering services in tertiary education industry in Zimbabwe

The study sought to determine the effects of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) on service quality of catering services in the tertiary education industry. Specifically, the outcome variables were food quality, service quality, and the quality of ambience. A statistically determined sample size of 200 was surveyed over a period of one month. The findings indicated that BPO has got statistical significance on all the hypothesised variables. Based on the results attained it was recommended that tertiary education institutions must outsource non-core functions like catering services and concentrate on the provision of education services which are inherently their core business.

The Impact of Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in Zimbabwe Telecommunications Industry

This research study, the impact of quality service and customer satisfaction on consumer purchasing decisions in Zimbabwe telecommunications industry was conducted because telecommunication organizations are having low sales and they are losing customers to their competitors. The purpose of this descriptive cross sectional study was to assess the impact of quality service and customer satisfaction on consumer purchasing decisions in Zimbabwe telecommunications in Zimbabwe telecommunications industry. The study was guided by the research objectives namely; a) to unearth the reasons for dissatisfaction amongst consumers in the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe, b) to establish the steps that have been taken by telecommunications operators to increase their customer satisfaction indices and c) to bring out solutions and recommendations for telecommunications operators to gain competitive advantage advantages in the telecommunications industry. The major focus was on the SERVQUAL model and its dimensions namely; empathy, responsiveness, assurance, reliability and assurance. The target population of this study was 150 employees and a sample of 80 was selected using simple random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used as research instruments to collect data from Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Telecel and Netone Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected for analysis. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using Epi info 2002 version 3.5.2 and presented using tables and graphs. The data was then interpreted and analyzed to figure out its connectivity to the research objectives and questions. A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed and 75 of them were valid which translated to 94% response rate. The study revealed that customers had high expectations on empathy, responsiveness and assurance service dimensions. The SERVIQUAL model was also confirmed by this study as an essential service quality assessment tool as it clearly brought out the customers’ views concerning their expectations and perceptions. Management was recommended to carry out audits to assess service quality practices by telecommunication companies as part of total quality management. These recommendations combined with the customers’ expectations and perceptions, would make total quality management achievable. The study also suggested further research into a comparative study on the service quality of various aspects like operational performance. The service quality at telecommunication organizations may be focused in future in order to improve the service quality in their service delivery as a whole.

Прогнозирование несчастных случаев в горнодобывающей промышленности Зимбабве с целью разработки предупредительных мер их снижения

Introduction. Industrial accidents are associated with various factors: human, social and economic problems, which we must strive to eliminate, thereby ensuring a safe working environment. Statistics on occupational injuries are necessary to assess the degree of hazard and potential risks associated with occupational factors to protect workers. Labor inspectorate statistics play an important role in developing national policies, systems, programs and strategies to improve safety and working conditions for miners in Zimbabwe. Labor Inspection in Zimbabwe is one of the main safety control mechanisms. Labor inspection statistics enable the government to monitor the mining industry and better analyze mining safety compliance issues. Problem Statement. The article discusses the prediction of accidents in the mining industry of the Republic of Zimbabwe in order to reduce the incidence of injuries. Economic and social development in the mining industry requires reliable analysis of injury statistics. Statistics of injuries in various production processes are given. Theoretical Part. In the process of data analysis, interpolation algorithms are used embedded in mathematical software. Statistical reports on occupational injuries provided by the Federal State Statistics Service were used as basic information. Conclusion. Mathematical forecasting of industrial injuries in the mining industry in Zimbabwe allows us to determine the likely values of the predicted indicators.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Panacea for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of Mining Communities in Zimbabwe

The majority of developing countries in Africa are struggling to get their vast mineral resources to significantly contribute to sustainable socio-economic development of their economies in general and rural communities that host mining companies in particular. The situation where countries that have vast mineral wealth but the citizenry remains very poor has become known as the “resource curse”. In Sub-Saharan Africa this situation obtains in countries such as Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, to name but a few.With a focus on Zimbabwe, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the extent to which Corporate Social Responsibility programmes of mining companies contribute to the socio-economic development of communities that host mining operations. Government leaders, community leaders and members of mining communities in Zimbabwe are clamoring for a bigger share of revenue deriving from mineral extraction in their areas in an effort to achieve a level of socio-economic development that is commensurate with the level of mineral wealth in their area and to mitigate the paradox of very poor rural communities that host very large prosperous mining firms. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe mining companies strongly believe that through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, they are significantly contributing to sustainable socio-economic development of the rural communities that host their mining operations. This scenario presents a gap and a conflict which prompted the researcher to embark on this study. The researcher used a mixed methods approach in the collection and analysis of data where questionnaires and interviews were employed. The research findings confirmed the hypothesis as community leaders and members of the mining communities stated that there must be more investment by mining companies in areas like roads, water infrastructure, health facilities, schools, etc. To the contrary, all the major mining companies surveyed confirmed their strong belief that their Corporate Social Investment is more than adequate. With a view to solving this glaring problem and to foster harmony between key stakeholders in the mining industry in Zimbabwe, the researcher concluded his study with a recommendation to the effect that a minimum Corporate Social Investment threshold based on a percentage of revenue be set and applied uniformly across the mining industry in Zimbabwe. Further, each mining entity must make an annual Corporate Social Responsibility report showing the attainment of the set minimum annualCorporate Social Investment target. This is set to solve the problem and bring uniformity, predictability and transparency in the Corporate Social Responsibility programmes of mining companies in Zimbabwe, with the level of socio-economic development reflecting the level of mineral endowment and extraction in the mining communities.

The Efficacy of Long-Term Insurance Model in Addressing Insurance Cover Provision in Zimbabwe

The period 2008 up to the present, has witnessed unprecedented volatility in the insurance industry in Zimbabwe. The significant role that insurance companies play during the aforementioned period, highlight the importance of understanding the state of long term insurance cover within the context of the unstable Zimbabwean economic environment. In order to facilitate an informed understanding of the insurance sector in Zimbabwe, this thesis reviews the efficacy of long term insurance companies in providing insurance cover amidst economic adversity. This study summarizes relevant insights from academic research, and provides related empirical evidence. It is poignant that, the Zimbabwean long term insurance industry has been showing signs of irrelevance to the general population. This study sought to question the relevance and adequacy of the generic long term insurance model in light of the dynamic nature of Zimbabwean social, economic financial and cultural context and, in the process, recommend a model relevant to Zimbabwean circumstances to ensure continued, sound, reliable long term insurance cover that address societal expectations. The generic model is built around three pillars of assumptions namely, Demographic assumptions, Economic assumptions and financial assumptions. In the case of Zimbabwe, recent demographic and economic trends as well as our financial system do not conform to the assumption underlying the Generic Insurance Model leaving policy holders losing value and financial security. The legislative framework has been examined in terms of provision of conducive environment to model insurance along the context of a given constituency have been proved to be completely ineffective in protecting consumers and totally out of touch with modern strategies to protect consumers of insurance and pension services. There is therefore urgent need to remodel the long term insurance along the Zimbabwean cultural context, appropriate with the demographic character, financial limitedness and economic status of Zimbabwe. There is need to restructure the legal framework in line with proper prescribed asset ratios, liberty to invest offshore, realistic capital levels and proper surveillance instruments

An Evaluation of the Challenges Faced by the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Regency Flamboyant Hotel from 2005-2009

This research seeks to evaluate the challenges that the Zimbabwean tourism and hospitality industry faced during the period (2005-2009). The main objectives of the research involves assessing how far the Zimbabwean political, economic, social, technological, legal and ecological situations affected the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe and evaluating the effectiveness of current marketing tools for more effective promotion of tourist products. The researcher also investigates on the effects of a change in the tourism industry performance on society and identified sustainable means of boosting tourism in Zimbabwe. The researcher used exploratory research design and descriptive research designs to enable the data collection. In conducting the research questionnaires were distributed to employees and management, while the management was also interviewed to gather relevant data on the topic under study. Other information was collected through desktop research in the form of monthly financial reports, information memorandums, text books and other relevant company documents. Findings from the research indicated that the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe has been affected by the activities hinging on political events that transpired during the period under review its effects cascaded to the economy which has the direct bearing on the tourism and hospitality industry.