An evaluation of the usability and end user acceptance of an education management software system.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The study is aimed at evaluating the usability and end user acceptance of a management software system. The study serves an exploratory agenda to determine the current state of usability regarding SASAMS and to determine end users’ intentions to make use of SASAMS. The knowledge from the empirical phase of the study converges to an output that provides guidance on possible aspects of SASAMS that may be improved from a usability perspective. The quantitative research method is used to guide the study. The targeted population in this study will be composed of a total of 45 secondary, combined and primary schools that use the SASAMS within the Piet Retief Circuit and the sample for the study has been purposively selected to consist of 43 users of the SASAMS. The survey method is used for data collection and the data collection instrument is a questionnaire. The research findings indicate that SASAMS is a relatively user friendly package and the overall usability enabled an end user to quickly obtain proficiency in the use of the package. However, the usability of the package is dependent on intensive training sessions where end users have an opportunity to “internalise” elements of core functionality of the system as well as pick up on subtleties about the interface so that they could become expert users of the system. Aligned to this outcome from the empirical phase of the study, a recommendation is made with regards to the need for training and workshops for educators, heads of departments, deputy principals and school principals so that the usability of the system is enhanced. Another major area of improvement that has been identified is the issue of data input into the system. Proficiency in this regard is functionally dependent on the level of experience in the use of the system or the amount of training that a prospective user is exposed to. The activity of data capture has been identified as an area of improvement of the interface. The recommendations from the study also makes incursions into issues regarding the connectivity of the system which is dependent on a real-time link to the Department of Home Affairs as well as the Department of Basic Education in the Mpumalanga Province. Optimal usage of the SASAMS will only be viable if all the intended functional components of the system are available to educators on a regular basis. From a positive perspective, the empirical data shows that the SASAMS has been endorsed by school principals, Heads of Departments, educators and school administrators. There is a positive correlation with current usage practice and the intention to continue making use of the SASAMS. However, the issue of training and the availability of technical support for the use of the package has been highlighted as areas of significant concern

Contradictions in standardization: the case of block irrigation in smallholder schemes in Zimbabwe

A position paper on how water usage is poorly managed by most rural smallholder irrigation farmers hence the need for well managed water conservation schemes like practicing block irrigation on the plots.In many smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe poor water use is cited as one common problem. Water is reportedly lost during conveyance, distribution and application in the field. The causes of this problem are varied. Most of the losses are said to be at or below the field channel gate (Pearce and Armstrong, 1990: 18). Inequitable distribution of water between blocks, between head and tail users along canals and differential water distribution at field level have been documented (Pazvakavambwa, 1984a; Pearce and Armstrong, 1990; Donkor. 1991). Over- irrigating has also been cited as another problem, particularly in gravity schemes (Makadho, 1993). These studies, in various ways, have emphasized the need for solutions to be found to the water-management problem in smallholder irrigation. Agritex, the government department with the mandate to develop smallholder irrigation in the country, alongside its extension service mandate, has taken steps.to address poor water use. One strategy that has been employed is the block system of irrigation. This system is currently used in most ‘new’ schemes constructed after 1985, in those that are under rehabilitation as well as in other ‘old’ schemes that are being re-organized. There are perceived advantages associated with this system. These advantages, gleaned by the author from interviews and discussions with a number of Agritex engineers and extensionists, fall into three categories. The most frequently advanced reason is efficient water use through accurate irrigation scheduling. The second advantage which relates to economic aspects of crop production is that it is easier to market the crop produce. Thirdly, block irrigation is conceived as making crop rotations easier to implement which ultimately results in improved maintenance of soil fertility. A related advantage is the possibility of better past and disease control

Conflict management dillemas in the Umvumvumvu catchment, Eastern Zimbabwe

A research paper on conflict management dilemmas in the water management sector in Zimbabwe.This paper briefly explores conflict management dilemmas In water allocation posed by the absence of effective conflict resolution mechanisms in the Umvumvumyu catchment in eastern part of Zimbabwe. Table 1 shows the main actors in the catchment with their iegai water entitlements. It is argued that poor legislation governing water allocation, the Water Act (1976) No. 41, which does not reflect the new political and social realities, has iargely been responsible Reduced water flows in the river worsened the problems. Most of the users in the catchment do not incorporate the provisions of the Act into their behaviour. The priority system ’which espouses the principle of first- come-first-served in granting water rights and first-come-last-out during periods of water scarcity was a major problem. Also, the fact that water rights were expressed in absolute terms did not help either. A centralized conflict resolution structure located far away (about 400 km) in Harare, the capital city , which moreover, was costly, complex and promulgated alien concepts of conflict resolution compounded the problem. Further compounding this situation were a group of users who, although sharing a common water source, found little reason to co-operate. The rigid legal water allocation regime that was not matched by flexible water sharing arrangements which recognise natural flow variations represented yet another problem

Achieving a More Egalitarian Water Allocation System in Zimbabwe

A number of major changes have affected water use in Zimbabwe. These include an increased urban population putting heavy pressure on the inadequate and poorly maintained water infrastructure resulting in serious environmental concerns including deteriorating water quality; a land reform programme that has dramatically reduced the number of large-scale farmers and given rise to new smallholder and medium farmers in resettlement schemes and an increase in mining that has become an important water user and a significant polluter. The rural communal areas comprising almost half the land area and population have also been neglected. With the current water crises in Zimbabwe there is a clear opportunity to address these issues and to establish a more efficient, effective and equitable allocation of water between the wide range of existing and emerging water users

Towards Local Management Of Mineral Resources In Zimbabwe An Analysis Of Opportunities And Constraints

A CASS Working Paper on managing locally Zimbabwe's mineral resources.In Zimbabwe today, the State - through its various agencies - is the dominant player in die mining sector, from issuing prospecting licenses right up to marketing. The Mines and Minerals Act (chapter 21: 05) vests authority to administer granting of prospecting rights, acquisition of mining claims and payments of levies in the Mining Affairs Board, a body appointed by the Minister of Mines, Environment and Tourism. The Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe Act of 1982 resulted in the formation of the Mineral Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe which is the sole marketing and selling agent for all minerals exported out of Zimbabwe, except gold and silver, which fall under the control of the Reserve Bank. The bulk of mineral revenue accrues to the government ahead of Rural District Councils (RDCs) who have responsibilities towards road maintenance and provision of other services, and local communities who bear the brunt of environmental damage due to mining activities. A study into the structure of revenue sharing showed that RDCs obtained less than 0.1 % of the revenue (Owen and Maponga, 1996). This revenue is from two main sources. In terms of section 96(1 Ob) of the Rural District Councils Act, Chapter 29: 13, RDCs may charge levies to owners of mining locations situated on rural land in their areas. The levy is based on either the number of employees or output in tonnes in the case of precious metals. The levy is in the form of unit tax. Section 188 of the Mines and Minerals Act entitles RDCs to receive landowners' fees from mining activities in their areas. This is because, although RDCs are not the legal owners of the communal land under their jurisdiction (the land belongs to the state represented by the president in terms of section 4 of the Communal Land Act, Chapter 20: 04), sub-section (7) of section 188 specifically provides that they are regarded as the landowners for the purpose of receiving landowners' fees. The fees are pegged at $1.50 per hectare for an operational mine and$0.60 for a non-operational one. Mining royalties are not collected in Zimbabwe - they were last collected in 1975 as a measure to attract investment in the mining sector.“This publication has been possible through the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Natural Resources Management Project (NRMP) Phase II - Zimbabwe

A survey of the distribution of and consumer preference for dried fruits and vegetables in the Harare-Chitungwiza metropolis

A journal article based on a survey of the distribution of and consumer preference for dried fruits and vegetables in Zimbabwe.The distribution of and consumer preference for dried fruits and vegetables in the Harare-Chitungwiza metropolis was studied by conducting two surveys. Data was collected over eight weeks between December 1999 and February 2000. The survey on the distribution of dried fruits and vegetables was conducted in 47 retail shops located in low, medium-and high density areas and the Central Business District (CBD). Low density areas are generally inhabited by high income earners (at least US$909 to Z$50 000 per month) while medium income earners inhabit medium density areas (earning between US$182 and US$909 to Z$10 000 and Z$50 000). The high density areas are home to low income earners earning at most US$182 (Z$10 000). The objective of the survey was to determine the types and brands of dried fruits and vegetables on the market, their source, and to draw a comparison between the prices of fresh and dried products. The products on the market were found to be predominantly from Zimbabwe and South Africa. The distribution of products was found to be related to the socioeconomic status of the hinterland serviced by a particular shop. Low density area shops had more total products (both fresh and dry) than the shops in other residential areas. Shops in the low density areas and the CBD had equal ratios of fresh and dried products suggesting that they were patronised by the same type of clients. Medium density area shops had 16 times more fresh than dried products while shops in the high density areas had no dried products at all. On a weight basis dried products were found to be more expensive than fresh products. Price ratios for dried to fresh products ranged from four-fold for apples (Malus domestics Borkh.) to 20 fold for mangoes (Mangifera indica L.). The survey on consumer preference for dried products was conducted by administering samples of dried fruits; mangoes, apples, peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch) and pears (Pyrus communis L.) and questionnaires to a total of 120 individuals in the Harare-Chitungwiza metropolis. The survey was aimed at determining the favourite brand of product for each fruit as well as the attribute considered to be the most important by the consumers, in influencing their preference for the products among colour, texture, taste, shape, size and smell. Optimal Scaling Procedures were used to analyse the data. For all fruits colour was considered to be the most important attribute followed by taste and smell, respectively. Size and texture were considered of less importance in influencing consumer preference

The Flow of IWRM in SADC: The Role of Regional Dynamics, Advocacy Networks and External Actors

This article explores the entry and spread of IWRM in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It traces how the idea of IWRM was pro moted and sustained throughout the region by mapping key events, actors and networks that were involved in promoting the approach. It highlights the importance of regional networks in promoting IWRM and shows how regional dynamics, playing out at the inter face between the global and local levels, influenced the adoption/adaptation and spread of IWRM. The article finds that the idea of IWRM 'hit the ground running' in SADC due to several contributing factors. These include: historical political connections between the member countries; historically rooted well established channels and connections with bilateral and multilateral donors; the success of networks such as the Global Water Partnership and WaterNet whose mandate was to promote the concept; and the fact that two-thirds of the region’s population live in transboundary basins with IWRM providing a suitable hook for transboundary cooperation, often inspired by European models. The article further argues that IWRM thrived because of strong donor agendas that were adapted by key SADC actors to suit strategic interests. It thus provided a platform for complex politically charged negotiations to reconcile apparently divergent goals such as infrastructure vs management and regional vs national interests. The practice of IWRM in the region is very much shaped by a conflation of regional, national and donor interests and has now acquired a life of its own, despite changing donor priorities.publishedVersio

Indigenous and institutional profile: Limpopo River Basin

River basins / Water resource management / History / Institutions / Social aspects / Legal aspects

Characteristics of four rural horticultural markets in the south-eastern low veld of Zimbabwe

A research paper on four rural based outlets for the convenience of trading in horticultural produce in the South- Eastern Lowveld regions of Zimbabwe.Fortnightly surveys of Iruit and vegetable marketing at four rural centres representing diverse socio-economic hinterlands of communal (Ngundu), resettlement (Matandamaviri), smallholder irrigation (Rupangwana) and semi-urban (Checheche) areas were done between September 1989 and December 1990. The three most important vegetables marketed were tomato, rape and cabbage while banana, avocado and orange were the dominant fruits. Results showed differences in the type and volume of produce, source of produce, supply and seasonal availability of produce among the marketing centres. Matandamaviri had the lowest economic activity while Rupangwana recorded the most activity. For all centres, except Matandamaviri, stallholders sometimes travelled great distance of up to 300 km in search of fruits and vegetables for sale. The most commonly cited problems included transport difficulties, unreliability and poor quality of produce, and overtrading among the stallholders due to over-supply on the market