Adoption of IT Systems by HR professionals in order to enhance efficacy at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Ngqubekile, Nolufefe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Management information systems , Personnel management , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27176 , vital:66326
- Description: This study seeks to address the adoption of Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS), ease of use of ITS and continuous usage in Human Resources Departments. The focus of this research project is User Acceptance and Continued Use of ITS within the HR Department - the case of Fort Hare University. The University is a multi - campus operation and the use of paper systems is extremely difficult. The University made a decision to invest in ITS with the objective of improving effectiveness and efficiency of services. The nature of the problem is that ITS is partially used and it is necessary to further explore the specific influence of technological and environmental factors that may change the user’s acceptance and use of this IT System. The nature of this study is Qualitative and follows an Interpretive Approach. The Research Instrument used is an in-depth questionnaire distributed and responded to by all HR Professionals at the UFH. Recommendations based on findings will be used to design the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for the Adoption of IT Systems by HR Professionals in order to enhance efficacy at the University of Fort Hare. The CSFs can be generalized to other settings and were identified for the UFH HR Department to include. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2010
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngqubekile, Nolufefe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Management information systems , Personnel management , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27176 , vital:66326
- Description: This study seeks to address the adoption of Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS), ease of use of ITS and continuous usage in Human Resources Departments. The focus of this research project is User Acceptance and Continued Use of ITS within the HR Department - the case of Fort Hare University. The University is a multi - campus operation and the use of paper systems is extremely difficult. The University made a decision to invest in ITS with the objective of improving effectiveness and efficiency of services. The nature of the problem is that ITS is partially used and it is necessary to further explore the specific influence of technological and environmental factors that may change the user’s acceptance and use of this IT System. The nature of this study is Qualitative and follows an Interpretive Approach. The Research Instrument used is an in-depth questionnaire distributed and responded to by all HR Professionals at the UFH. Recommendations based on findings will be used to design the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for the Adoption of IT Systems by HR Professionals in order to enhance efficacy at the University of Fort Hare. The CSFs can be generalized to other settings and were identified for the UFH HR Department to include. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2010
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An investigation of the impact of the funding strategy of government on the sustainability of NGO work in them health sector: a case of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa
- Authors: Vhutuzah,Miriam.
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Non-governmental organization , Health services administration , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25926 , vital:64564
- Description: Under the apartheid regime the blacks suffered from social exclusion whereby the state sought to provide social services to the white community. Blacks used NGOs to fight the apartheid regime after the banning of political parties by the government. The government tried to quell the social unrest by instituting restrictive legislation to the NGOs. However, the NGOs managed to survive by getting funds from external sources that were anti-apartheid and the funding was camouflaged. While the blacks used the NGOs as frontiers to fight apartheid, they also provided services like health, education and others. The white NGOs managed to thrive unabated. After the fall of apartheid, many leaders left the NGO sector to join the government. It has been of great concern to note that after the apartheid, NGOs failed to assume the position that they used to possess during apartheid. The major objective of the study was to assess the funding strategy of the government in relation to the sustainability of the work of NGOs. This was achieved through analysing the guiding principles and prerequisites of the government in terms of procedures of disbursing funds to NGOs and how this affects NGO operations. The research made use of one major approach in the social sciences which is qualitative. The use of a qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon in question. This is what was needed by the question under study, to understand the institutional environment of NGOs by looking into their operational experiences and holding in-depth interviews with NGOs and government officials in order to understand their views about the existing funding strategy. The study found out that the pre-requisites of the funding organisations can be met by NGOs which previously thrived under the apartheid government. Due to their more sophisticated nature, it is these types of NGOs that interface most effectively with the donor community and are major beneficiaries of the bulk of donor funding. It also discovered that the rural-based NGOs are not networked and only rely on government funding which is short-lived. Some of the well established NGOs manipulate the existing opportunities to pursue private interests. Moreover, donors are mainly interested in funding popular activities like AIDS but they target well established organisations. In view of the above findings, the study recommends that the pre-requisites for NGOs must be streamlined to the rural-based NGOs and communication from the government should be improved especially for the rural-based NGOs where forms of communication are limited. There is need to establish an independent body, mandated by the government to carry out NGO issues .The government should also introduce incentives to the donors that fund rural-based NGOs and also encourage donors to fund TB activities by introducing incentives. Moreover, there is need for the government to adopt institutional development principles which emphasises on internal organizational development by training NGO members in order to improve their skills. Externally, the institutional impediments like inherited legal instruments that were pro-apartheid should be addressed. Lastly, there is need for the government to engage NGOs in the policy making process. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2010
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vhutuzah,Miriam.
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Non-governmental organization , Health services administration , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25926 , vital:64564
- Description: Under the apartheid regime the blacks suffered from social exclusion whereby the state sought to provide social services to the white community. Blacks used NGOs to fight the apartheid regime after the banning of political parties by the government. The government tried to quell the social unrest by instituting restrictive legislation to the NGOs. However, the NGOs managed to survive by getting funds from external sources that were anti-apartheid and the funding was camouflaged. While the blacks used the NGOs as frontiers to fight apartheid, they also provided services like health, education and others. The white NGOs managed to thrive unabated. After the fall of apartheid, many leaders left the NGO sector to join the government. It has been of great concern to note that after the apartheid, NGOs failed to assume the position that they used to possess during apartheid. The major objective of the study was to assess the funding strategy of the government in relation to the sustainability of the work of NGOs. This was achieved through analysing the guiding principles and prerequisites of the government in terms of procedures of disbursing funds to NGOs and how this affects NGO operations. The research made use of one major approach in the social sciences which is qualitative. The use of a qualitative technique reflects an attempt to ensure an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon in question. This is what was needed by the question under study, to understand the institutional environment of NGOs by looking into their operational experiences and holding in-depth interviews with NGOs and government officials in order to understand their views about the existing funding strategy. The study found out that the pre-requisites of the funding organisations can be met by NGOs which previously thrived under the apartheid government. Due to their more sophisticated nature, it is these types of NGOs that interface most effectively with the donor community and are major beneficiaries of the bulk of donor funding. It also discovered that the rural-based NGOs are not networked and only rely on government funding which is short-lived. Some of the well established NGOs manipulate the existing opportunities to pursue private interests. Moreover, donors are mainly interested in funding popular activities like AIDS but they target well established organisations. In view of the above findings, the study recommends that the pre-requisites for NGOs must be streamlined to the rural-based NGOs and communication from the government should be improved especially for the rural-based NGOs where forms of communication are limited. There is need to establish an independent body, mandated by the government to carry out NGO issues .The government should also introduce incentives to the donors that fund rural-based NGOs and also encourage donors to fund TB activities by introducing incentives. Moreover, there is need for the government to adopt institutional development principles which emphasises on internal organizational development by training NGO members in order to improve their skills. Externally, the institutional impediments like inherited legal instruments that were pro-apartheid should be addressed. Lastly, there is need for the government to engage NGOs in the policy making process. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2010
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Assessment of antibiotic production by some marine actinomycetes belonging to the genera norcadia, saccharopolyspora and kibdellosporangium.
- Koba, Siziwe (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6761-6403)
- Authors: Koba, Siziwe (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6761-6403)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Actinobacteria , Bacteria , Actinomycetales
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25811 , vital:64488
- Description: Antibacterial potency of the extracts of the three marine actinomycetes strains which were isolated in the Nahoon Beach and tentatively identified as the genera Norcadia, Kibdellosporingium and Saccharopolyspora were investigated in this study against a panel of referenced, environmental and clinical bacterial strains. The ethyl acetate extracts of these marine actinomycetes were screened for activity against 32 bacterial isolates. Out of the 32 organisms, 10 were susceptible to one or all the extracts used. Antibacterial activity was mainly observed against Gram-negative organisms with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.078 mg/ml to >10mg/ml. The killing rates of the active extracts were also elucidated using standard procedures. The two extracts NO64 and NO53 showed rapid bactericidal activity against B. pumilus ATCC 14884 and Serratia marcens with a 3Log10 reduction in counts within 6 hours at 3.75 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml respectively. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of these marine actinomycetes strains possess strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against Gram negative organisms and can be therapeutically useful in the treatment of bacterial infections which are mainly caused by Gram negative bacteria. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2010
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- Authors: Koba, Siziwe (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6761-6403)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Actinobacteria , Bacteria , Actinomycetales
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25811 , vital:64488
- Description: Antibacterial potency of the extracts of the three marine actinomycetes strains which were isolated in the Nahoon Beach and tentatively identified as the genera Norcadia, Kibdellosporingium and Saccharopolyspora were investigated in this study against a panel of referenced, environmental and clinical bacterial strains. The ethyl acetate extracts of these marine actinomycetes were screened for activity against 32 bacterial isolates. Out of the 32 organisms, 10 were susceptible to one or all the extracts used. Antibacterial activity was mainly observed against Gram-negative organisms with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.078 mg/ml to >10mg/ml. The killing rates of the active extracts were also elucidated using standard procedures. The two extracts NO64 and NO53 showed rapid bactericidal activity against B. pumilus ATCC 14884 and Serratia marcens with a 3Log10 reduction in counts within 6 hours at 3.75 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml respectively. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of these marine actinomycetes strains possess strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against Gram negative organisms and can be therapeutically useful in the treatment of bacterial infections which are mainly caused by Gram negative bacteria. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2010
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Econometric determinants of liquidity of the South African bond market
- Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Authors: Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Economic forecasting -- Africa , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26346 , vital:65243
- Description: The importance of the bond market to the financial system and broader economy of a country cannot be underestimated. It is important to analyse factors which determine liquidity in this essential market. This study seeks to establish the determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market using monthly data covering the period 1995 to 2009. It begins by providing an updated overview of the South African bond market and an analysis of the relevant literature. Two models linking bond market liquidity to its theoretical determinants were specified. In contrast to the available literature, this study analyses liquidity at both macroeconomic and market microstructure level using two measures of liquidity, volume and the bid-ask spread, applying the VAR approach and two-stage least squares for robust check. All macroeconomic variables (except stock market) were identified to have an impact on bond market liquidity in the long-run. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, both volume and volatility were established to be important determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market. The study recommended that, as for macroeconomic factors, authorities should keep inflation at low and stables levels as well as a stable currency. Also, offering bond investors certain facilities and the removal of restrictions on foreign investor activities are other important conditions to improve bond market liquidity. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, we suggest that, ways to safe-guard against excessive volatility include the creation of a vibrant derivative market, development of a more active and well-functioning repurchase market./ , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Economic forecasting -- Africa , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26346 , vital:65243
- Description: The importance of the bond market to the financial system and broader economy of a country cannot be underestimated. It is important to analyse factors which determine liquidity in this essential market. This study seeks to establish the determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market using monthly data covering the period 1995 to 2009. It begins by providing an updated overview of the South African bond market and an analysis of the relevant literature. Two models linking bond market liquidity to its theoretical determinants were specified. In contrast to the available literature, this study analyses liquidity at both macroeconomic and market microstructure level using two measures of liquidity, volume and the bid-ask spread, applying the VAR approach and two-stage least squares for robust check. All macroeconomic variables (except stock market) were identified to have an impact on bond market liquidity in the long-run. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, both volume and volatility were established to be important determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market. The study recommended that, as for macroeconomic factors, authorities should keep inflation at low and stables levels as well as a stable currency. Also, offering bond investors certain facilities and the removal of restrictions on foreign investor activities are other important conditions to improve bond market liquidity. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, we suggest that, ways to safe-guard against excessive volatility include the creation of a vibrant derivative market, development of a more active and well-functioning repurchase market./ , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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Effects of hyperinflation on stock market performance: case of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mutandwa, Tsitsi Hope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stocks--Zimbabwe , Stock exchanges--Zimbabwe , Inflation targeting--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24980 , vital:63768
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between inflation, selected macroeconomic variables and the Zimbabwe stock market (represented by market capitalization) is explored. Using stock market capitalization as a proxy for stock market performance is important for an investigator since it can capture movements in the whole market. The link between stock market performance and macroeconomic variables in particular inflation is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegration between hyperinflation and stock market performance. Although hyperinflation is nothing more than inflation at high rates, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. Inflation has mostly been documented as negatively impacting on financial markets. This is not so clear when it comes to hyperinflation. The Zimbabwean stock market has performed well during the high inflation period. This then raises the question: Does hyperinflation stimulate the growth of the stock market? The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1980-2007 Our results show among others, that hyperinflation has impacted negatively on the growth of the stock market in Zimbabwe. However, other driving factors such as foreign direct investment and relatively high bank lending rates may have fuelled the observed growth in the stock market during the period of study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Mutandwa, Tsitsi Hope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stocks--Zimbabwe , Stock exchanges--Zimbabwe , Inflation targeting--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24980 , vital:63768
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between inflation, selected macroeconomic variables and the Zimbabwe stock market (represented by market capitalization) is explored. Using stock market capitalization as a proxy for stock market performance is important for an investigator since it can capture movements in the whole market. The link between stock market performance and macroeconomic variables in particular inflation is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegration between hyperinflation and stock market performance. Although hyperinflation is nothing more than inflation at high rates, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. Inflation has mostly been documented as negatively impacting on financial markets. This is not so clear when it comes to hyperinflation. The Zimbabwean stock market has performed well during the high inflation period. This then raises the question: Does hyperinflation stimulate the growth of the stock market? The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1980-2007 Our results show among others, that hyperinflation has impacted negatively on the growth of the stock market in Zimbabwe. However, other driving factors such as foreign direct investment and relatively high bank lending rates may have fuelled the observed growth in the stock market during the period of study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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Implications of a currency board arrangement for the Zimbabwean economy: the lessons of experience
- Authors: Ndlovu, Edwin
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Inflation targeting , Foreign exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26492 , vital:65480
- Description: Inflation is one of the most important factors for gauging the health of the economy. For production, employment and trade to take place, it is crucial that inflation be low and stable. This study analyses the implications of a currency board system in a hyperinflationary economy, using quarterly Zimbabwean data covering the period 1995 to 2008.An empirical model linking inflation to its identified theoretical determinants is specified. The study employs a cointegration and a vector error correction (VEC) modeling, to provide robust long run and short run dynamic effects of hyper inflation on the economy. The empirical findings reveal a strong significant relationship between inflation and government deficit, expected inflation, money supply growth and the exchange rate. These results corroborate the theoretical predictions and the previous findings that most hyperinflations are deficit-induced. The study thus suggests an implementation of a currency board arrangement for Zimbabwe to eradicate hyperinflation based on its link with exchange rate, money supply and government deficit. A currency board restrains the tendency by most central banks to create money to finance government deficits, and reduces expectations of rising inflation through its instantaneous credibility in reducing inflation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Ndlovu, Edwin
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Inflation targeting , Foreign exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26492 , vital:65480
- Description: Inflation is one of the most important factors for gauging the health of the economy. For production, employment and trade to take place, it is crucial that inflation be low and stable. This study analyses the implications of a currency board system in a hyperinflationary economy, using quarterly Zimbabwean data covering the period 1995 to 2008.An empirical model linking inflation to its identified theoretical determinants is specified. The study employs a cointegration and a vector error correction (VEC) modeling, to provide robust long run and short run dynamic effects of hyper inflation on the economy. The empirical findings reveal a strong significant relationship between inflation and government deficit, expected inflation, money supply growth and the exchange rate. These results corroborate the theoretical predictions and the previous findings that most hyperinflations are deficit-induced. The study thus suggests an implementation of a currency board arrangement for Zimbabwe to eradicate hyperinflation based on its link with exchange rate, money supply and government deficit. A currency board restrains the tendency by most central banks to create money to finance government deficits, and reduces expectations of rising inflation through its instantaneous credibility in reducing inflation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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Re-thinking rural development through agriculture
- Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Authors: Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24532 , vital:63067
- Description: This study addresses the problem of abject rural poverty in the post-apartheid South Africa with specific reference to the Amathole Rural District (ARD) in the Eastern Cape Province (the poorest province in the country). Abject poverty is conceptualized as inability to meet the basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and clothes. The study is premised in the revisionist trajectory of rural economic development, which regards agriculture as the ‘engine’ for rural development. The thesis addressed the following issues on rural poverty reduction in the ARD; the efficacy of rural agriculture in rural poverty reduction, value-adding to rural farm produce, support that is required and social factors that may affect the residents’ ability to fight poverty through agriculture? The thesis adopted the concurrent transformative mixed research methodology; and data were collected from a purposive sample of 138 respondents using unstructured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were collected with the help of research assistance. The study established that the ARD residents were keen to fight abject poverty through rural agriculture but were constrained by the lack of arable land, financial resources, technological support, corruption and HIV/AIDs. In view of the above findings, the thesis concluded that deep collaboration and participation of strategic partners such as government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector is essential in the implementation of pro-poor strategies in the ARD. The thesis also called for further research into the following areas that have a direct influence on the efficacy of rural agriculture on the ARD’s development; ICT and development, the rural residents’ attitude towards savings and on the political economy of cooperative ventures in rural agriculture. The thesis also encouraged further research to establish new linkages and roles of the following pertinent partners in ARD’s development; government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24532 , vital:63067
- Description: This study addresses the problem of abject rural poverty in the post-apartheid South Africa with specific reference to the Amathole Rural District (ARD) in the Eastern Cape Province (the poorest province in the country). Abject poverty is conceptualized as inability to meet the basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and clothes. The study is premised in the revisionist trajectory of rural economic development, which regards agriculture as the ‘engine’ for rural development. The thesis addressed the following issues on rural poverty reduction in the ARD; the efficacy of rural agriculture in rural poverty reduction, value-adding to rural farm produce, support that is required and social factors that may affect the residents’ ability to fight poverty through agriculture? The thesis adopted the concurrent transformative mixed research methodology; and data were collected from a purposive sample of 138 respondents using unstructured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were collected with the help of research assistance. The study established that the ARD residents were keen to fight abject poverty through rural agriculture but were constrained by the lack of arable land, financial resources, technological support, corruption and HIV/AIDs. In view of the above findings, the thesis concluded that deep collaboration and participation of strategic partners such as government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector is essential in the implementation of pro-poor strategies in the ARD. The thesis also called for further research into the following areas that have a direct influence on the efficacy of rural agriculture on the ARD’s development; ICT and development, the rural residents’ attitude towards savings and on the political economy of cooperative ventures in rural agriculture. The thesis also encouraged further research to establish new linkages and roles of the following pertinent partners in ARD’s development; government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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Rethinking water service delivery system in Zimbabwe: a case study of Kwekwe Municipality
- Authors: Mupindu, Wisemen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water-supply -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24117 , vital:62379
- Description: This study examines the perceived scarcity of household water service delivery in the city of Kwekwe under the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. Kwekwe Municipality appears to be characterized by an erratic supply of clean water for household use. The city of Kwekwe has experienced an unreliable domestic water service delivery system since the beginning of this millennium. This study aims to investigate the causes of the problem, its extent, impact and what could be done to mitigate the problem. The study employs interviews, questionnaires, observations and document analyses to establish that population growth, ageing equipment, a lack of foreign currency and local funding, as well as a lack of expertise and of political will have contributed to the poor domestic water supply in the city of Kwekwe. The city of Kwekwe needs to commit itself to improving the current situation by involving the community, constructing more storage facilities, and by putting monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place. The research design took the form of a case study of Kwekwe Municipality. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. The qualitative/interpretivist approach was more dominant, allowing some overlapping with the quantitative/positivist paradigm whenever this was considered reasonable. The study sample consisted of a conveniently assembled sample of 120 respondents. The target population for the study comprised of 110 residents of Kwekwe urban and 10 Kwekwe City Municipality Water Authorities from the Works Department. This study focuses on the 4 residential areas of Kwekwe Municipality. The data collection instruments include questionnaires and focus group interviews. Electronically recorded, in-depth interviews were held with the water authorities and the consumers to establish their perceptions on the best practice of the water service delivery system in Zimbabwe. The data collection tools contained a preliminary section on the biological data of the respondents. All data was subjected to either qualitative or quantitative analysis techniques in order to strike a balance between the structured survey instruments and the anecdotes of the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was subjected to document analysis which entailed classifying the data, extracting themes, identifying patterns, tallying and quantifying responses and making generalizations out of these patterns. This implies that the research methodology focused on the method, tools and techniques used to assist in achieving the objectives of the study and answering the research questions that the research seeks to address. The term research methodology is used, in this study, to refer to the philosophical assumptions, values, and theories which inform and underpin the way in which a particular research method is used. In this study, the case study research design was used as the operational framework for data gathering. The case study research method is essentially grounded in the interpretive research paradigm. To this end, the study sought the perceptions of both the consumers and the water authorities. The major finding of the study is that the ability of Kwekwe Municipality to provide household water service delivery to its consumers is slightly below average. However, there was a slight improvement in the household water service delivery but consumers are still remaining dissatisfied. Another finding, related to this one, was that the electricity deficiency cost the efficacy of Kwekwe Municipality in its provision of household water service delivery. The study proposes that more studies which seek to interrogate the domestic water service delivery system of the Zimbabwean Municipalities should be embarked upon by the state. The study also recommends that service delivery training programmes be implemented in order to enhance the competence of the water authorities. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumers be placed at the center of household water debates when policies, rules and regulations of the water service delivery system are formulated. Finally, the study implores that municipalities need to have their own reserves and generators for emergency cases during electricity power cuts. It is imperative that the water reservoirs constantly hold 4 days‟ worth of water capacity. The municipality of Kwekwe must refurbish the entire water reticulation system. Municipalities must carry out an audit of water meter readings and also confirm that all water meters are functional. Manpower to read the correct meter reading should be increased in number and must have reliable transport. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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- Authors: Mupindu, Wisemen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water-supply -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24117 , vital:62379
- Description: This study examines the perceived scarcity of household water service delivery in the city of Kwekwe under the Midlands province of Zimbabwe. Kwekwe Municipality appears to be characterized by an erratic supply of clean water for household use. The city of Kwekwe has experienced an unreliable domestic water service delivery system since the beginning of this millennium. This study aims to investigate the causes of the problem, its extent, impact and what could be done to mitigate the problem. The study employs interviews, questionnaires, observations and document analyses to establish that population growth, ageing equipment, a lack of foreign currency and local funding, as well as a lack of expertise and of political will have contributed to the poor domestic water supply in the city of Kwekwe. The city of Kwekwe needs to commit itself to improving the current situation by involving the community, constructing more storage facilities, and by putting monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place. The research design took the form of a case study of Kwekwe Municipality. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research designs were used in this study. The qualitative/interpretivist approach was more dominant, allowing some overlapping with the quantitative/positivist paradigm whenever this was considered reasonable. The study sample consisted of a conveniently assembled sample of 120 respondents. The target population for the study comprised of 110 residents of Kwekwe urban and 10 Kwekwe City Municipality Water Authorities from the Works Department. This study focuses on the 4 residential areas of Kwekwe Municipality. The data collection instruments include questionnaires and focus group interviews. Electronically recorded, in-depth interviews were held with the water authorities and the consumers to establish their perceptions on the best practice of the water service delivery system in Zimbabwe. The data collection tools contained a preliminary section on the biological data of the respondents. All data was subjected to either qualitative or quantitative analysis techniques in order to strike a balance between the structured survey instruments and the anecdotes of the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was subjected to document analysis which entailed classifying the data, extracting themes, identifying patterns, tallying and quantifying responses and making generalizations out of these patterns. This implies that the research methodology focused on the method, tools and techniques used to assist in achieving the objectives of the study and answering the research questions that the research seeks to address. The term research methodology is used, in this study, to refer to the philosophical assumptions, values, and theories which inform and underpin the way in which a particular research method is used. In this study, the case study research design was used as the operational framework for data gathering. The case study research method is essentially grounded in the interpretive research paradigm. To this end, the study sought the perceptions of both the consumers and the water authorities. The major finding of the study is that the ability of Kwekwe Municipality to provide household water service delivery to its consumers is slightly below average. However, there was a slight improvement in the household water service delivery but consumers are still remaining dissatisfied. Another finding, related to this one, was that the electricity deficiency cost the efficacy of Kwekwe Municipality in its provision of household water service delivery. The study proposes that more studies which seek to interrogate the domestic water service delivery system of the Zimbabwean Municipalities should be embarked upon by the state. The study also recommends that service delivery training programmes be implemented in order to enhance the competence of the water authorities. Furthermore, the study suggests that consumers be placed at the center of household water debates when policies, rules and regulations of the water service delivery system are formulated. Finally, the study implores that municipalities need to have their own reserves and generators for emergency cases during electricity power cuts. It is imperative that the water reservoirs constantly hold 4 days‟ worth of water capacity. The municipality of Kwekwe must refurbish the entire water reticulation system. Municipalities must carry out an audit of water meter readings and also confirm that all water meters are functional. Manpower to read the correct meter reading should be increased in number and must have reliable transport. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
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