Herbert Chitepo School of Law and Business Sciences

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    Agricultural Economics HEC429
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2024) GZU Past Exam Paper
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    The impact of Big data analytics to Sustainability Strategy in the Telecommunications sector in Zimbabwe
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2024) Dube Edward
    Big data analytics (BDA) held potential for sustainability strategies but barriers remained in developing country contexts. This mixed-methods study explored BDA's impact on sustainability practices in Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector considering negative current ratios, adopting a pragmatic paradigm recognizing the multidimensionality of sustainability and BDA concepts. The target population included professionals and executives from Zimbabwe's four major telcos involved in BDA, finance, strategy and sustainability. A sequential explanatory design combined survey and interview data, with probability sampling using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) technique to determine a sample size of 80, though 71 were achieved due to resource constraints. Survey responses underwent quantitative descriptive analysis, while qualitative follow-up involved purposeful sampling of 5 interview participants for thematic analysis. The study aimed to: 1) explore qualitatively the impact of sales analytics on sustainability strategy and develop predictive models to forecast how sales analytics could shape strategy over time; 2) examine qualitatively the relationship between customer analytics and strategy, and quantitatively assess how customer analytics predicted strategy success; 3) investigate qualitatively social media analytics application on sustainability strategy and developed predictive models to forecast how social media analytics influence key performance indicators (KPIs); and 4) examine qualitatively the links between supply chain analytics and sustainability strategy, and quantitatively assess relationships and develop forecasting models. Findings linked negative current ratios to limited data quality and analytics capabilities, constraining critical technology investments, though strategic BDA application could optimize operations and reduce waste to enhance sustainability. Integrating insights, the study provided evidence-based policy recommendations centered on developing an enabling national framework for responsible data-driven innovation supporting development priorities through skills, infrastructure, innovation support, and public-private partnerships, addressing research gaps on contextual influences in Africa and contributing perspectives on stewarding data solutions for sustainability through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Future longitudinal or comparative case studies could better understand long-term impacts across sectors and contexts
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    A Comparative Analysis of Gender-Based Labour Force Participation and Employment Disparities in Southern Africa
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2024) Chivasa Shynet
    This study investigated gender labour market disparities with respect to labour force participation and the gender employment gap in the Southern Africa region. The research is predicated 2on South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Malawi. Despite various interventions to reduce these disparities, women continue to occupy a suboptimal position in the economic arena, often facing discrimination in the formal labour market. This is a major concern, as these disparities are not sometimes linked to differences in labour productivity, training, skills or education levels between men and women. Adopting probit functions and the Maximum Likelihood Estimation technique, the study estimated gender labour force participation and employment disparities. Data was obtained from national labour force surveys conducted in 2019 for South Africa, 2018 for Namibia, 2019 for Botswana, and 2013 for Malawi. The results revealed that women were less likely to participate in the formal labour market than men. Being female reduced the possibility of labour force participation by 1.14%, 1.13%, 1.125%, and 1.62% in South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana, respectively. The major drivers of the participation gap were marriage, the presence of children and elderly men, education and the place of residence. Hence, marriage and the presence of dependence presented a labour force participation penalty for women. Gender employment disparities followed a similar trend, except for Botswana. Being female diminished the likelihood of employment for females from South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi by 0.08, 0.14, and 0.034, respectively. In contrast, being female increased the likelihood of employment in Botswana by 0.012, presumably due to increased access to education by women, especially at the tertiary level. Using Yun's (2005) decomposition and Bootstrapping techniques, the study finds a raw gender employment gap of 0.079 for South Africa, 0.129 for Namibia, 0.0118 for Malawi, and 0.125 for Botswana. Gender employment discrimination is detected, with South Africa having the highest level at 7.23% and Botswana the lowest at 1.69%. Namibia and Malawi have discrimination levels of 3.39% and 2.25%, respectively. The findings suggested that the situation needs to be ameliorated to achieve gender parity in the formal labour market in the Southern African region. Recommendations included providing affordable childcare facilities, promoting female education, ensuring generous maternity care, industrialising rural areas and educating males on the need to take up family responsibilities. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) in the region and promoting inclusive economic growth.
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    Growth Effects of Foreign Direct Investments in Zimbabwe: Do Sources Matter?
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2021) Chinyanganya Kudakwashe. L; Sunge Regret
    The study investigated foreign direct investment (FDI) growth effects in Zimbabwe using data spanning 1990-2019. FDI-led growth theories often view FDI as an enabler of economic growth. However, the extent may depend upon the source of FDI. Nonetheless, existing studies on Zimbabwe base their conclusions on aggregate FDI. Accordingly, we provide fresh evidence by disaggregating FDI inflows by sources. This is logical given the reality that FDI from different sources is heterogeneous. We used the Autoregressive-Distributed-Lag (ARDL) technique to estimate a time series model derived from neoclassical and endogenous growth models. Results indicated that FDI has a significantly positive growth effect. More importantly, we document that FDI sources do matter greatly. Specifically, FDI flows from Africa and Asia were found to have positive and significant growth effects. However, FDI from Europe and the United States has negative and insignificant impacts. We proffer two recommendations. Zimbabwe should attract more FDI from economies/regions in the vicinity of its level of development. Accordingly, Zimbabwe should rationally embrace the recently launched AfCFTA. It is vital to strike a balance between market deepening and promoting domestic production. Also, while most FDI from Asia is from is China, we urge Zimbabwe to provide a conducive environment to investors from the rest of Asia. This can be achieved through signing bilateral FDI agreements with Asian countries.
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    CO2 emissions and economic growth: Assessing the heterogeneous effects across climate regimes in Africa
    (Elsevier, 2022) Espoir Delphin Kamanda; Mudiangombe Benjamin Mudiangombe; Bannor Frank; Sunge Regret; Tshitaka Jean-Luc Mubenga
    Climate change has occasioned several Earth long-term events, including extreme temperatures. In recent years, Africa was reported as part of the world's regions that experienced extreme temperatures above pre-industrial levels. Despite lower contribution to Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and global warming, Africa remains among the world regions that suffer the most from climate change. However, the impact of climatic factors of temperature and emissions on economic production in Africa has not been broadly investigated, specifically among climate regimes. In this study, we attempt for the first time to understand the heterogeneous impacts of emissions and temperature on income in Africa using panel and time-series techniques on datasets spanning the years 1995-2016. At the global level in Africa, our empirical results reveal that a 1% increase in average temperature reduces income by 1.08%, whereas a 1% rise in CO2 emissions spurs income by 0.23%. The emissions effect result implies that environmental policies specifically designed to reduce CO2 emissions in Africa as a whole may significantly impact production in the long run. Also, the result suggests that a shift from optimal temperature levels to extreme patterns deter economic growth. Despite these revelations, our extended analysis based on climate regimes indicates heterogeneous effects across countries. Considering the Paris agreement on climate, this study suggests that policymakers should emphasize country-specific policies than global climatic policies for sustained CO2 emissions reduction in Africa.
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    Agricultural trade liberalization, regional trade agreements and agricultural technical efficiency in Africa
    (Sage, 2020) Sunge Regret; Ngepah Nicholas
    Despite increased agricultural trade liberalization, high productive inefficiency in agriculture has kept Africa as a net importer of agriculture products. Empirical studies have focused on the trade liberalization–productivity growth nexus and overlooked the efficiency linkage. Also the role of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and institutions in reducing inefficiency in agriculture have been sidelined. We use a stochastic frontier approach and single-stage maximum likelihood estimation of a true fixed-effects panel data model for our analysis. Using maize and rice data, we provide evidence that through technology transfer, agricultural trade statistically improves technical efficiency. Moreover, results suggest that RTAs provide favorable technical efficiency effects, which varies across products and membership. Furthermore, we document that while regulatory quality reduces technical inefficiency, control of corruption increases it. Our findings call for increased role of RTAs in promoting agricultural trade liberalization. This should be complemented by further strengthening of institutions involved in the agriculture value chain.
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    Effects of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and customer experience: A case of Zimbabwean telecommunications industry
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2023-10) MAGOMO BRAVE
    This study sought to examine the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots on customer experience. The case of Zimbabwe telecommunications industry. The study also sought to determine the effect of personalization of AI chatbots on customer experience, the effect of perceived humanness of AI chatbots on customer experience, the effect of social presence of AI chatbots on customer experience, the effect of perceived ease of use of AI chatbot on customer experience and the effect of perceived usefulness of AI chatbot on customer experience. Although a number of previous studies were conducted in line with the relationship between artificial intelligence and customer experience, it appears that not much has been done in Zimbabwe except for the studies done by Shambira and Kasongo whose scopes were only limited to AI adoption in the banking and insurance sectors. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy to comprehend the effect of artificial intelligence chatbots on customer experience. The philosophy is based on the belief that there are observable facts and laws that can be discovered through empirical research. Deductive paradigm was used since it is the best fitting approach to the positivism philosophy adopted both are objective, and structured and do not allow subjectivism. The researcher then adopted a quantitative research method. Quantitative approach was useful in this study to measure and analyse the correlation among AI chatbot dimensions and customer experience. The researcher used a survey comprising of customers selected from the telecommunications industry who have used the chatbot. A sample size of 350 respondents was used for this study and simple random sampling technique was adopted. 318 questionnaires were successfully completed and returned online. A cross-sectional descriptive research designs was used. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviation. Inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation analysis were also used to determine the strength and nature of the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The results indicated artificial intelligent chatbots influences the customer experience. The results also indicated that personalization, perceived humanness, social presence, PEOU and perceived usefulness of AI chatbots influence customer experience in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry. This study therefore concluded that personalization, perceived humanness, social presence, PEOU and perceived usefulness of AI chatbot have a significant effect on customer experience. In light of this, it was therefore recommended that companies in the Zimbabwean telecommunication industry those not yet using chatbots consider adopting AI chatbot technology to enhance their customer service.
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    The Effects of Disability on Entrepreneurial Intention. A Case Study of Bulawayo Metropolitan, Zimbabwe.
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2023-12) CHIPANDA POVERTY VUROMBO
    This study examines the effects of disability on entrepreneurial intention among individuals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The research investigates the influence of several independent variables, including personal attitudes towards entrepreneurship, self-efficacy/perceived feasibility, previous entrepreneurial experience, social norms and cultural values, and availability of resources. The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between disability and entrepreneurial intention, as well as the factors that contribute to or hinder entrepreneurial aspirations among individuals with disabilities. The study employs a quantitative research approach, collecting data through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of participants in Bulawayo. Descriptive statistics are utilised to analyse the responses and determine the average scores for each construct. Hypotheses are formulated based on the findings from the data analysis. The results reveal that individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo exhibit a strong positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, indicating a significant relationship between personal attitudes and entrepreneurial intention. The study also finds a high level of self-efficacy and perceived feasibility among participants, suggesting a direct positive association between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, individuals with previous entrepreneurial experience demonstrate a greater likelihood of having a higher level of entrepreneurial intention, underscoring the positive relationship between previous entrepreneurial experience and entrepreneurial intention. The findings indicate that the social norms and cultural values within the communities of individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo highly value entrepreneurship. This positive influence of social norms and cultural values is found to be associated with higher levels of entrepreneurial intention. However, the study reveals that individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to entrepreneurship, particularly in terms of limited access to financial capital, training and education, and market opportunities. Despite these challenges, the availability of resources, such as capital, knowledge, and networks, is found to have an indirect positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. Overall, the findings suggest that personal attitudes, self-efficacy/perceived feasibility, previous entrepreneurial experience, social norms and cultural values, and availability of resources significantly impact entrepreneurial intention among individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo. The study contributes to the existing literature on disability and entrepreneurship, providing insights into the factors that influence entrepreneurial aspirations among individuals with disabilities. The findings have implications for policymakers, organisations, and support systems seeking to promote entrepreneurship and enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Bulawayo and similar contexts.
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    The influence of knowledge sharing on innovation in project teams. A case of development aid agencies in Mashonaland central Province
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2023-12) DARANGWA RUTENDO
    The study sought to establish the influence of knowledge sharing on innovation in project teams. A case of development aid agencies in Mashonaland central Province. Study objectives were to examine the influence of knowledge sharing, to establish how tacit knowledge sharing affects Innovation speed and quality on project teams as well as to assess how explicit knowledge sharing impacts on innovation speed and quality in project teams. Forty (40) questionnaires were collected from participants who participated in the study. Participants were staff members who were available at the district project offices at the time of the study. The total of 6 units at the three different districts departmental categories were used to enhance the representativeness of the study and also to allow for the generalizations of findings. Quantitative approach was used in this research. Findings show that behaviors of team members are directly related to knowledge sharing and innovation. This means that an increase in knowledge sharing by team members will lead to an increase in innovation speed and innovation quality in development aid agencies. In addition, this study indicates that tacit knowledge sharing and explicit knowledge sharing were positively related and significant for innovation in the project teams. The findings of the study also reflect that the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation in development aid agencies in Mashonaland central province is not only positive, but also significant. Therefore the team members’ perceptions of knowledge sharing behaviors in their teams are directly related to innovation. Therefore increased knowledge sharing behavior among team members will lead to increased innovation in development aid agencies. The second research objective was to establish how tacit knowledge sharing affects innovation speed and quality on project teams. In this study, tacit knowledge sharing contributes moderately but significantly to innovation in project teams. The findings indicate that the tacit dimension of knowledge sharing is moderate but significant for innovation in project teams in development aid agencies in Mashonaland Central Province. This shows that the relationship is not due to chance. These findings indicate that in general, the team members’ perception tacit knowledge sharing by their team members will lead to an increase in innovation in project teams. Thirdly, explicit knowledge sharing also contributes positively to innovation in project teams. The findings indicate that the explicit dimension of knowledge sharing is very significant for innovation in project teams in development aid agencies in Mashonaland Central Province showing that the relationships is not due to chance. The explicit knowledge sharing variable was found to be positively related and significant for innovation speed and quality by contributing the margins given to innovation in the development aid agencies project teams.
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    The effect of corporate governance on company performance. Case of Zimbabwe telecommunications industry.
    (Great Zimbabwe University, 2023-12) ZINYOWERA SHARON T.
    The study sought to examine the impact of corporate governance on company performance within the telecommunications industry in Zimbabwe. The study also sought to assess the effect of CEO duality on company performance in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry, to evaluate the influence of board independence on company performance in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry and to establish the impact of executive compensation on company performance in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry. A sample size of 106 respondents was used for this study. Quantitative research method was used for this study. The research employed the probability cluster sampling methodologies. 106 questionnaires and only 92 were successfully completed and returned. A descriptive research design was used. Data analysis was done using descriptive tests using SPSS 27 (2021). Data was also entered into the SPSS for descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing. The researcher used the SPSS 27 (2021) software to conduct statistical analysis of the data that was presented. Reliability tests, correlation, hypothesis testing and structural equation modelling was all carried out using the tool. The study concluded that all three aspects of corporate governance - CEO duality, board independence, and executive compensation - positively impact company performance in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry. The methodology utilized questionnaires and a literature review to address the research questions, though limitations included reliance on primary data only and restrictions on data availability. The main recommendations were that Zimbabwean telecom firms should recognize how corporate governance mechanisms like CEO duality, board independence, and performance-linked compensation can positively impact performance according to the findings, and develop policies accordingly. Companies were advised to evaluate executive compensation structures and whether they properly motivate and align with goals, consider separating CEO/chair roles or introducing independent board leadership where duality exists, and boost independence on boards with lower levels. Additionally, firms should regularly benchmark governance approaches, conduct more granular analysis of impacts on specific performance dimensions, and address uncertainties through additional manager engagement to design tailored reforms. Overall, the recommendations centered on leveraging the study's findings to strengthen governance practices and their ability to enhance organizational outcomes over the long-run.