A Case Study Review of the Strategy Formulation and Implementation Link among SMES in Zimbabwe

The importance of SMEs development in the economic activities in Zimbabwe cannot be overemphasized. It has been acknowledged that strategy formulation and implementation are important to both the survival and growth of SMEs, and their continued contribution to economic growth. Despite this realisation, SMEs performance has continued to be marginal, hence the need to review the strategy formulation and implementation linkage. There is evidence that SMEs undertake strategic planning but what happens there after is not very clear. The findings indicate that there are neither forward nor backward linkages between strategy formulation and implementation, nor that each activity is treated as an end in itself rather than as part of a process. SMEs do not benefit from accumulated knowledge and experience. Key words: Strategy, formulation, implementation, linkages, performance, SMEs, strategic management, owner/manager, Zimbabw

An evaluation of RBM implementation in the civil service sector in Zimbabwe

This study evaluates the reasons for failure to implement the Results Based Management (RBM) system in the public service ministries in Zimbabwe. This is against the implementation of the RBM in 2004 by the government of Zimbabwe in pursuit to improve its public performance. The new approach to management, RBM was believed to be a panacea to the challenges being faced in public sector ministries in Zimbabwe. However the RBM has been a controversial area since its inception in the public sector, with public servants not keen to implement the system.  The findings indicated incentives, skills, culture, resources and performance indicators as challenges to implementation of RBM in Zimbabwean public service ministries. Key words: Results based management, Public Service, Public Servants, Implementation, Performance

Impact of Management Accounting on Decision Making: A Zimbabwean Perspective

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of management accounting practices on the decision-making process of the entity operating within the manufacturing sector using a case of Capadvise Foods and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd. The research study was based on the period from 2014 to 2017 which was majorly characterised by huge amounts of losses. Capadvise Foods experienced huge amounts of losses in spite of the existence of management accounting practices. This encouraged the researchers to seek out an in-depth insight on the impact of management accounting on decision making in light of such losses which were continually experienced. The researchers made use of questionnaires and interviews to collect qualitative and quantitative data about the opinions and attitudes of employees and management at Capadvise Foods regarding management accounting tools. The researchers found that management accounting tools contributed positively to the organisational decision making through provision, interpretation and analysis of data, enhancement in communication, relevant cost analysis and creation of budgets and forecasting. However, the researchers found that management accounting practices were compromised by technological advancement, organisational strategy, organisational factors and intensity of market competition. After analysing the results attained the researchers recommended for Capadvise Foods which include enrolling qualified management accounting staff, decision makers are allowed to make use of internal reports generated by management accountants and adoption of management accounting practices in order to allow proper and accurate decision making to take place

Local institutional adaptation for sustainable water management under increasing climatic variability and change: A case in the mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe

Purpose – The study aims to explore institutional adaptation for sustainable water resources management at the local level in the context of increasing climate-related challenges in Zimbabwe using the case of a semi-arid area in the mid-Zambezi Valley, north of the country. Design/methodology/approach – Inspired by the critical institutionalism approach, the study uses qualitative methods (i.e. key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, community workshops and documentary review) to understand the role of different formal and informal water-related institutions vis-à-vis responding to climate-related challenges in the case study area, and how the identified institutions can improve their efforts in the context of national water and environmental policy and regulation frameworks. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Findings – The study found that climatic challenges in the case study area, as in most of rural Africa, have raised the stakes in local water management with respect to regulating access to and balancing competing interests in, and demands for, water. It ultimately argues for the embracing of complexity thinking and flexibility in local water management as well as clear coordination of institutions across scales in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. Originality/value – The study adds to case studies and evidence-based analyses focused on institutional alternatives for climate adaptation vis-à-vis water resources management in water-stressed rural African communities

An Assessment of Urban Decay in Rural Towns: a Case of Building Dilapidation in Thohoyandou Town, South Africa

Urban decay is a global dilemma that can severely weaken the image, livability, and productivity of most cities due to its negative impacts on the built environment. Building dilapidation is one form of urban decay which can pose a risk to public health, safety or well-being . The impact of urban decay cannot be overemphasized particularly in South Africa’s historically disadvantaged rural towns such as Thohoyandou. The aim of this study was to assess the status of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou Central Business District (CBD) in Limpopo province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to map building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD; to investigate the causes of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD and to suggest recommendations towards addressing persisting building dilapidation. This study adopted a qualitative research approach through conducting 20 key informant interviews and field observations. The study revealed that building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD is caused by factors such as lack of municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings, irregular planning procedures in the construction of buildings; lack of building maintenance, illegal occupation of buildings; negligence of buildings by property owners, incapacity of the municipality to render services to overpopulated buildings as well as lack of enforcing building occupant capacity by-laws. These findings highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for a holistic approach to address urban decay. Based on the research findings, the study puts forth several recommendations to mitigate building dilapidation in rural towns like Thohoyandou. The study suggested recommendations which include formulating municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings, stricter enforcement of regular planning procedures in construction projects; establishing a dedicated CBD building maintenance plan, conducting Thohoyandou CBD building audits, and regulation of building occupants’ capacities. Collaboration among stakeholders, including the municipality, property owners, and the community, is essential for the successful implementation of these strategies. The study contributes to the existing knowledge on urban decay and revitalization. The research findings have significant implications for policy and decision-making in Thohoyandou CBD and other similar contexts, aiming to promote sustainable urban development and improve the overall quality of life

Physical resource inventory of the Communal Lands of Zimbabwe - An overview (NRI Bulletin 60)

This overview of the physical resources of the Communal Lands of Zimbabwe is based on a compilation and condensation of the results of reconnaissance soil surveys undertaken between 1985 and 1991. The area surveyed and mapped at 1 :500 000 scale comprises some 163 500 km2 or 42% of Zimbabwe. Fifty land units, identified by interpretation of aerial photography and defined on a broad geological and landform basis, are used as the framework for describing and mapping the Communal Lands, hereafter referred to as CLs. Following an introduction to the physical environment encompassed by the CLs, each unit is described according to land characteristics and resources relevant to an assessment of potential for agricultural improvement

An Investigation on the Effectiveness of Forensic Audit as a Tool for Fraud Detection and Prevention

There has been a rapid increase in the number of fraud and corruption cases despite statutory audits being carried out. This led to the rise in demand for forensic auditing services and in response audit firms began offering this service. The audit firms however suffer from lack of adequate resources, training, knowledge and practical experience. Taking into consideration the impact of these factors this research sought to investigate the effectiveness of forensic audit as a tool for the detection and prevention of fraudulent activities using a Chartered Accountancy Company in Zimbabwe as a case study. The research utilized a mixed approach whereby quantitative data was gathered from closed ended questions quantified using the Likert scale. Qualitative data was gathered from open ended questions and 3 interviews were also conducted. A total of 20 questionnaires were distributed using random sampling, 19 were returned and one lost in the process. To analyze the data the multiple regression method was employed and data was presented using bar graphs and tables supported by explanations. The research revealed that there is a positive relationship between training, level of education and ability to detect and prevent fraud. It was also found that litigation support service has a huge role to play in the effectiveness of forensic auditing in detecting and preventing fraud. Recommendations were made towards increase in training sessions as well as engaging in training and development programs to fully equip auditors with knowledge

“It will not be easy to accept”: Parents conflicting attitudes towards pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a pill that has been hailed as a ‘game changer’ for HIV prevention, based on the belief it provides adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) with a level of user-control. However, engagement with PrEP is often dependent on societal factors, such as social attitudes towards gender, sexuality, and PrEP. As parents' communication on sexual and reproductive health issues with AGYW are central to HIV prevention, it is critical to explore how parents talk and think about PrEP. Objective: To examine parental attitudes towards PrEP for HIV prevention amongst adolescent girls and young women in eastern Zimbabwe. Method: A qualitative interview study with 14 parents from two districts in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and subjected to thematic network analysis. The concept of ‘attitudes’ steered the analytical work. Results: Parents' attitudes towards PrEP are conflictual, multi-layered, and contingent on the context in which they reflect and talk about PrEP. While parents aspired to be supportive of innovative HIV prevention methods and wanted to see girl-children protected from HIV, they struggled to reconcile this positive and accepting attitude towards PrEP with traditional ‘good girl’ notions, which stigmatize pre-marital sex. Although a few parents articulated an acceptance of PrEP use amongst their daughters, for many this was simply not possible. Many parents thus co-produce public gender orders that prevent adolescent girls and young women from engaging with PrEP. Conclusions: While parents’ conflicting attitudes towards PrEP may provide spaces and opportunities for change, harmful gender norms and negative attitudes towards PrEP must be addressed at a community and cultural level. Only then can parents and their children have productive conversations about sexual health

Harnessing diverse knowledge and belief systems to adapt to climate change in semi-arid rural Africa

This study in Bobirwa subdistrict in Botswana investigates the role of traditional norms and religious beliefs in the use of place-based and national meteorological forecasting to inform adaptative behaviour. Results show farmers use diverse combinations of sources of information. As well, some religious beliefs and traditional norms prevent the use of national meteorological forecasts. To enable more successful adaptation, climate information needs to integrate place-based and national meteorological information. Recommendations on appropriate agricultural practices can be developed together with, and disseminated through traditional and religious leaders.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID

Farm production diversification and dietary diversity among subsistence farming households : panel data evidence from South Africa

The study data indicated a moderate level of household dietary diversity that shows a declining trend between 2008 and 2017. Farm households produced three food groups (meat, cereals, and vegetables), suggesting more reliance on food purchases than their own production. Findings suggest that encouraging subsistence farming households to produce various crop and animal species can be an effective strategy to improve dietary diversity among poor households in South Africa. Production diversity was not significantly associated with the consumption of micronutrient-rich foods such as fruits or vegetables. Higher levels of education, income per capita, food expenditure, and geographic location were factors in dietary diversity