Masters Degrees (NBS)

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Community courts in Namibia: A policy challenge
(University of Namibia, 2002) Libuto, Menias Brian
For generations, Customary/Community Courts have played a vital role in the resolution and settlement of disputes among community members. Traditional leaders have been instrumental both as law-makers and as enforcing judges of the customary law observed by the majority of the population of the area under their jurisdiction. Usually chiefs and specific headmen are empowered to hear and determine law and custom brought before them by the residents within their respective areas of juri diction. Customary Courts at present also do have jurisdiction to try criminal offences from contravention of the common law or of customary law and custom. In most cases such offences are limited to theft, common assault, neglect of children, offences arising from inheritance, customary Unions and delicts like adultery, seduction and failing to pay lobola (dowry) among others. Nowadays, offenders may not be sentenced to impri onment or subjected to corporal punishment as it has become unlawful, but to fines payable as compensation traditionally calculated in cattle or an equivalent of ten small stock to one cattle. An equivalent in monetary terms may also be accepted. After the enactment of the independence constitution where all Bantustan laws were repealed, there eem to have been no proper direction nor enabling legislation to guide traditional authorities in their administration of Justice. Thus the necessity of an enabling legislation (Community Courts Bill) to address the situation.
Capacity building of the regional councils in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2002) Kasheeta, Jona Amutenya
The study assesses the present capacity of the Regional Councils and investigates whether the available capacity building efforts in Namibia meet the needs of the Regional Councils. Since the needs ofthe Regional Councils are numerous, the study focuses on the problems of capacity building in terms of human resources development, finance and infrastructures. The Regional Councils are newly established government entities under the decentralisation process with the aim to extend the government and democracy closer to the people. This study also looks at how far the Regional Councils have benefited from the available capacity building efforts since 1992. A comparative approach is used in the study. Three Regional Councils namely Khomas, Oshana and Otjozondjupa were selected, which allows more room for a comparative framework. The fact that this study chose the three regions is that they give more information depending on their different structures, size, population and have different perspective methods of capacity building. They also give a good picture of finding out how the capacity building efforts met the needs of the different Regional Councils in Nrumbia. Since the MRLGH is one of the capacity building institutions to assist the Regional Councils, this study indicates how the national cake is distributed among the Councils. It also looks at how the other additional entities such as NGOs have rendered services to the Councils. Since Namibia has adopted decentralization policies, it has reasonably succeeded in mobilizing every available capacity building effort in the country to give a helping hand in order to make decentralization programme a success. This study also looks at how best the Regional Councils under decentralization policy have taken the issue of gender in consideration. It is noted all along that history has seemingly been blind on gender and this is the issue of concern in the Namibian decentralization programme to make sure that the needs of gender are met. Documentary search and interviews were used to collect data in this study. Resulting from good collaborations with the interviewees, empirical evidences are given that the Regional Councils have benefited and is still benefiting from the capacity building efforts available in Namibia in one way or the other. This study further notes that more efforts are busy registering themselves to give a push hand towards the decentralization policy. It is also indicated clearly by the respondents that the Regional Councils are experiencing lack of adequate capacity, especially in terms of financial resources. The Regional Councils are still depending on the Central Government. The Regional governors, officers, consultants and NGOs in their responses indicated with confidence that change is expected and things will be run in good manner as soon as the new introduced administrative structure is implemented. It is very much encouraging that the Namibian people are wholeheartedly waiting for a full implementation of the decentralization programme in the regions and this indicates a good picture towards enhancement of democracy. A few policy recommendations are made at the end of the study, indicating the road ahead and the ways to improve on our Regional Councils and how to go about the decentralisation. This study, therefore, notes that only through hard work and togetherness that Namibia can be listed as one of the best countries in Africa and in the world at large, if her democracy is respected and maintained.
Study of administrative transparency and accountability at the local level: The experience of the Katima Mulilo Town Council
(University of Namibia, 2003) Luswenyo, Morven Masuso
Article 102(4) of the Namibian Constitution provides for the establishment of regional and local government structures. This requires both institutions to adhere to constitutional provisions by involving the broad community on policy issues in order to guarantee administrative effectiveness, transparency and leadership accountability. The study presents the experience of Katima Mulilo Town by way of evaluating the extent of the Town Council's operational and administrative transparency. It also describes the role of the Town Council in providing municipal services to its residents, the various options it (Council) can use to ensure that citizens receive adequate services at a cost they can afford. It further investigates and analyses the decision-making processes and consultation procedure of the Town Council, and advises through the views expressed by the residents, the operational changes that are necessary to make the Town Council more transparent and accountable. Finally, it offers some recommendations that could assist policy-makers in the formulation of policies aimed at enhancing good and sound institutional administrative practices desirable for delivering basic services transparently.
An Assessment of the decentralised build together programme in the city of Windhoek from 1999 until 2004
(2004) Mulokoshi, Martha S.
The assessment of the implementation of decentralisation policy in the Caprivi and Khomas Regional Councils
(University of Namibia, 2007) Siyanga, Lawrence M.
Namibia is inching closer to transferring the power to deliver key government services from the line ministries to the country's 13-elected regional council. While chapter 12 of the post-independence constitution of 1999 envisions a decentralized public sector, the process of implementing decentralisation has been slow to take hold. While political decentralisation was achieved in 1992 with the election of 13 regional councils, only limited progress has been made on the devolution of functional and administrative responsibilities (administration decentralisation) and the devolution of control over physical resources. Namibia's decentralisation implementation strategy envlSlons that function and administrative responsibilities will first be transferred to regional councils during a "delegation phase" before proceeding to "devolution". Under delegation, regional council will gradually be given responsibility for delivering and administrating key public services (such as primary education, basic health services, administration of settlement areas etc). But all budgetary decisions during the delegation phase would continue be made at the central government level. However, the ultimate policy objectives of the government of Namibia are decentralisation by devolution. Under devolution, regional councils would be yielded substantive decision power. As such, under devolution, regional council should be provided with financial resources through equitable efficient and transparent way to allow them to have substantive decision-making role. This study is undertaken to investigate whether regional councils are rendering quality services as stated in the decentralisation enabling Act 33 of2000. As regional councils are sub- national governments, aimed at bringing government closer to the people, this study will try to find out how decision flow from grassroots levels to various structures in the regional council up to central government. According to Mawhood (1993) getting down to grassroots level would stimulate people to build schools, dispensaries, roads, cattle dip and wells that would be welcome improvement in their social welfare.
The influence of directors' leadership styles in company performance: The case of Ohlthver and List (O&L) group of companies.
(2013) Mathe, Audrin
This study is about how the effectiveness of leadership in an organisation is determined by or is a consequence of the style of the leadership as delineated by Hersey and Blanchard who limit styles to Selling, Telling, Participating and Delegating. A selected group of managing directors in one of the oldest and most respected business enterprise in Namibia, the O&L Group of Companies was studied. The study used Hersey's (1989) “Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description” - LEAD SELF and LEAD OTHER as the instrument. Questionnaires were administered to managing directors and their direct reports in selected O&L Group of Companies. The LEAD SELF measured the self-perception of managing directors of their own leadership styles and the LEAD OTHER reflected the perception of employees of the leadership styles of managing directors. It was found that a growing number of Managing Directors used the democratic leadership style to create ownership in the company. It was also found that depending on situations, Managing Directors used various leadership styles, as the leaders chose the style that was considered most appropriate. The study concluded that managing directors themselves perceived selling, as their dominant or primary style of leadership while relying on a two-way communication and socio-emotional support system to get the senior managers to psychologically buy into decisions.
The effectiveness of training in public sector organisations: A case study of the College of the Arts in Windhoek, Namibia
(2014) Pieters, Lucky
This study focused on investigating the effectiveness of in-service training programs provided to lecturers at the College of the Arts. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the effectiveness of the in-service training programs at the College of the Arts for the upgrading of teaching skills and specialist subject knowledge of academic staff members and to identify how these in-service training programs can successfully be used to improve the performance of academic staff members at College of the Arts. The study adopted a mixed research approach of qualitative and quantitative methods, made used of a multiple case study design to collect data through interviews as well as conducting lesson observations. The study also employed a descriptive design, and used close ended questions to gather data through questionnaires. Content analysis method was used to analyse the qualitative data. Quantitative data were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 21 software package and descriptive statistics was used to interpret the participants’ responses. The methodological triangulation of data was accomplished through the use of data obtained through the interviews, observations and questionnaires. The outcome of the research depicted that lecturers at the College of the Arts are qualified artists but are not professionally trained teachers and would therefore find it difficult to effectively transfer knowledge to the students. The study also found that the majority of in-service training courses provided by the College of the Arts for the lecturers are not related to the upgrading of teaching and methodological skills of lecturers. The study recommended that the College of the Arts should set up a training and performance evaluation committee consisting of management members, representatives of the College of the Arts’ lecturers, a Chief Arts Educational Officer, and the President of the Student Representative Council of the College of the Arts. This committee should be required to review the current training and performance evaluation policies of College of the Arts and align these policies with the College of the Arts objectives. The College of the Arts should urge all lecturers to pursue a teaching qualification while on employment. The College of the Arts should raise the understanding of the importance of the vocation of arts teaching and education by exposing its lecturers to new sets of standards, new methodologies and new artistic trends. It is further recommended that lecturers should ensure that their teaching is guided by clearly written lesson plans that encourage the development of critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.
An investigation into the role real estate investment play in diversifying portfolios of institutional investors in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2015) Kawesha, Mukwa Magubbwi
This research study investigated the role real estate investment plays in diversifying portfolios of institutional investors in Namibia. The study was encouraged by the fact that real estate investment in portfolios of most institutional investors in Namibia is low, despite existing research studies having reliably reported attractive risk-return attributes that would suggest much higher allocations. The research design applied both the qualitative and the quantitative research approaches to collect both primary and secondary data. The interviews and the questionnaire were used as the main data-gathering instruments for the research. The relationship between the returns of real estate investment and returns of equity, bonds and cash were analyzed to ascertain diversification. The main fmdings of the research revealed that there were low negative correlation coefficients of real estate returns with the returns of bonds and cash. This therefore suggests that real estate could play the role of an effective diversifier by lowering volatility and boost returns for a given level of risk of the portfolios of institutional investors in Namibia. Statically, correlation coefficient results of the returns of real estate with other asset classes over the period 2007 to 2012 showed that there was a negative correlation coefficient of -0.014 between the returns of real estate with those of bonds and a -0.57 correlation coefficient between the returns of real estate and those of cash. However a positive correlation of 0.8% between the returns of real estate and those of equity was observed, suggesting that the diversification benefits between the two assets' returns was there but minimal. The main conclusion drawn from the study is that correlation coefficient results suggested that there was very little diversification benefits that real estate provided to portfolios of institutional investors in Namibia over the period 2007 to 2012, although no correlations were closer to -1 all were below 1 with some showing negative readings, indicating diversification potential for investing in real estate.
Examining electricity consumption patterns by the mining sector in Namibia between 2003-2013
(University of Namibia, 2015) Kalomo, Shapua
Energy is an essential component of a developing economy such as that of Namibia. The affordability, availability and security of energy supply are indispensable to economic development on many facets. This study focused on electricity consumption patterns by the mining sector in Namibia by examining variations of annual production output, electricity consumption, electricity per unit output of production, and electricity tariffs of Gold, Uranium and SHG (Special High Grade) Zinc in Namibia between 2003 and 2013. The research also aimed to examine relationships between mining production output, electricity consumption, and electricity tariffs of Gold, Uranium and SHG Zinc. Main findings indicate that Gold mining scatter plots of electricity consumption against production output revealed a negative correlation; Uranium mining scatter plots of electricity consumption against production output revealed a positive correlation; and lastly SHG Zinc scatter plots of electricity consumption against production output revealed a positive correlation. It could thus be recommended that onsite energy audits be conducted as a means of assessing the underlying causes of the observed trends particularly the increase in electricity consumption accompanied by a decrease in overall production for gold mining. It could also be advisable for Uranium and SHG mining to visit the option of energy audits within their operations as a means to possibly curb possible excess electricity consumption. Electricity tariffs for mines in Namibia have increased with 700% between 2003 and 2013. It could thus be recommended to the ECB to revisit their tariff design for the mining sector in particular so as to not harm this industry. The study has also revealed that there has been a positive correlation between electricity tariffs and electricity consumption of gold, uranium and SHG Zinc mining in Namibia between 2003 and 2013 due to the fact that, ·'electricity demand in Namibia is price inelastic but income elastic" (Ziramba & Kavezeri, 2012, p.6).
Inflation and economic growth: An estimate of an optimal level of inflation in Namibia
(2015) Sindano, Abel N.
This study empirically investigates the inflation-economic growth relationship to determine whether a threshold effect exists and if so to estimate the optimal inflation level which is conducive for economic growth in Namibia. With this view, various tables and charts, correlation matrices, pair-wise Granger Causality tests and a quadratic regression equation was estimated by OLS. Time series annual data covering a sample period from 1980 to 2012 were used in the estimation process. Stationarity tests on the variables revealed that all variables are stationary in levels. While the Granger Causality test revealed that there is a two-way causality between economic growth and inflation. A quadratic equation by OLS estimated generated a threshold level of inflation to be at 12.0 per cent, which is conducive for economic growth in Namibia. The implication is that any inflation above this optimal level seems to affect economic growth negatively. South African Reserve Bank (SARB) pursues an inflation targeting framework and the target range for CPI, excluding interest on mortgage bonds (CPI-X) is defined as 3 per cent to 6 per cent, hence the upper band of 6 per cent seems to be rather low for the case of Namibia since the optimal level of inflation conducive for economic growth is 12.0 per cent. This is bearing in mind that the Bank of Namibia do not conduct independent monetary policy implying that the monetary policy is closely linked to the South African monetary policy. The result of the study might be useful for policymakers in providing some clue in setting an optimal inflation target.
Exploring strategies to fund and manage school development funds in public secondary schools in the Khomas region in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Balhao, Anna M.
Since Independence the government of the day strives towards quality education for all. Educational financial constraint issues came to the fore, when the announcement was made by the Minister of Finance that the paying of compulsory school fees for secondary education will be abolished as from the beginning of the 2016 academic year. Although about 25% of the National Budget is for education, only about 20% of that amount is for education resources and day-to-day expenses. This required that schools should find alternative funds to finance the School Development Fund, since various authors indicated that funds supplied by government are just not enough for effective and efficient education delivery. The study therefore aims to identify financial sources and financial management strategies to fund School Development Funds. The study will also investigate to what extend public secondary schools are aware of these resources and if the human resources have the necessary expertise to manage the School Development Fund effectively. The qualitative research design was used. Three public secondary schools, excluding special schools, from the twenty seven registered schools in the Khomas Region were selected. One school each was randomly selected from the low income group, the average income group and the high income group, using the maximum variation sampling method, whereby financial information from previous years was used. The major findings of this study were that principals do not have the financial knowledge and skills to find or efficiently manage various financial resources, like sponsors, donors, alumni, crowd funding, thrift shops, On-Line-Landing-Pages and investments, as well as investing these funds for sustainable income, which is available for effective education delivery. The study recommended that persons with due knowledge should be appointed at schools and that their job descriptions extended in order to take advantage from the various financing sources obtainable by schools. Secondly, principals should receive in-depth financial training and have more authority in the financial decision making by using an effective School Management Model. Lastly, management of school buildings and facilities should be part of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture who should decentralise the control there-of.
An analysis of the impact of capital structure on the financial performance of firms listed on the Namibian stock exchange
(University of Namibia, 2016) Mbahijona, Cleophas
This study attempts to analyze the impact of capital structure on the financial performance of firms listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange. The numerous capital structure theories and inconclusive empirical evidence on the relationship between capital structure and profitability motivated the researcher to carry out this study. A quantitative study using secondary data from financial statements published on the websites of 21 of the 32 firms listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange using data for the period 2010 to 2013 (4 year period) resulting in 84 observations was conducted. These firms were selected on the basis of availability of information necessary for conducting the study and the readiness of Annual Financial Statements of the financial years starting from 2010 to 2013. The variables used in the study are Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Net profit margin (NP) as proxies for the dependent variable which is profitability whereas short-term debt, long-term debt and total debt were used as proxies for the independent variable namely capital structure. Three models were produced for each profitability variable (Y). The study employed panel data regression with pooled, fixed effect and random effect regression. Among the three methodologies, this study found that random effect regression is more appropriate to understand the proposed relationships in model 1 (return on equity) and model 2 (return on assets) in relation to firms listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange over the sample period. However, the fixed effect model was found to be more appropriate in model 3 in which Net profit margin (PM) is the dependent variable. A combination of descriptive and multivariate analysis were conducted. The results of the study can be of great interest to investors, academia as well as firms especially during periods of financial crises. It raises again the question as to whether there is any relationship between capital structure and profitability. The results indicate that the firm’s performance is significantly and negatively influenced by its capital structure.
An analysis of the financial performance of state owned enterprises: A case study of TransNamib
(University of Namibia, 2016) Maurihungirire, Marilyn
The study sought to analyse the financial performance of state owned enterprises in Namibia, using TransNamib as a case study. A sample of twenty-five respondents was selected using the convenience sampling technique. This technique was used to ensure that data was collected from the right respondents at TransNamib and the Ministry of Works and Transport as the main shareholder. A mixed research method, involving the administration of questionnaires containing both open and closed-ended questions and an analysis of financial statements for the period 2009 to 2013 was used to collect the data. The study found out that the poor financial performance of TransNamib was caused by numerous factors, including lack of stakeholder foresight. While TransNamib has not been performing well enough financially, sixty-four percent of the respondents were still of the opinion that the organisation can contribute to the nation’s development. Results from the rating of the financial performance of the company shows that seventy percent of the respondents rated the performance as poor. This was confirmed by the analysis of financial statements showing a downward trend since 2011. Furthermore, the study found that there is a positive relationship between financing provision and the financial performance of SOEs. Finally, the study recommends the setting up of a financing mechanism by government through the newly established Ministry of Public Enterprises to ease access to funds by the SOEs for better performance. The study also recommends that Government should facilitate regular auditing of SOEs and managers should be held accountable for poor performance. This will lead to good financial management and improved financial performance by SOEs.
Financial performance of Islamic and conventional banks in the United Arab Emirates: A comparative study
(University of Namibia, 2016) Ibrahim, Ibrahim
The study was conducted to evaluate the financial performance of Islamic and conventional banks, so as to facilitate the bank’s stakeholders (i.e. depositors, bank management, shareholders, investors and the banking sector regulators respectively) with the true state of performance of the banks in the UAE banking sector. To achieve this, we assessed the financial performance of some selected Islamic and conventional banks in the UAE, by measuring their profitability, liquidity, risk and efficiency for the period 2009-2013. We made use of ten (10) important performance ratios to measure the financial performance of the banks in terms of their profitability, liquidity, risk and efficiency. The ratios includes Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Profit Expense Ratio (PER), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Loan to Asset Ratio (LAR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DTAR), and Debt to Total Asset Ratio (DTAR). Other ratios used include Interest Expense Ratio (IER), Operating Efficiency (OE) and Asset Utilization (AU). The performance of the banks were analysed using the 10 ratios by the banks inter-sectional ratio analysis technique, t-test analysis and regression comparing the results of the 2 set of banks to determine which of the bank performed better than the other. The study concluded from the results of the banks analysed that the Islamic banks are more profitable, more efficient and more liquid. However, both banks appeared to be indifferent in terms of credit risk.
An investigation into challenges facing small and medium enterprises in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2016) Shipulwa, Techla K.
Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important economic role in many developing and developed countries all over the world. In Namibia, for example, the SME sector contributed over 13 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product in 2012 according to the National Statistics Agency report. As another example, the development of SMEs has increasingly contributed to China’s economic growth whereby they make up over 99 per cent of all enterprises in China (Liu, 2008). Despite their significance, statistics indicate that 85 per cent out of 100 SMEs in Africa do experience high failure rate during their developmental period because of different business challenges. This study sought to investigate challenges facing SMEs in Windhoek, particularly in the sectors of manufacturing, trade, tourism and other services. A mixed method design involving both quantitative and qualitative research methods was used for this study. A sample for the study was drawn through stratified random sampling. Through this method a sample of 120 businesses was drawn from the population of 1080 SMEs in Windhoek as per database obtained from the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to get information from SMEs as well as interviews with senior officials from the two SMEs supporting institutions namely; the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. Quantitative data collected were analysed by means of descriptive statistics using SPSS volume 22 and results were presented through figures, tables, charts and summaries. Qualitative data were analysed, summarised and arranged into categories then coded and presented in an understandable way. The findings indicate that the top five challenges facing SMEs in Windhoek are: lack of finance; high taxes and levies; lack of skills; labour retention and technical advice; and lack of vocational training. The SMEs in Windhoek need support from government and private institutions in aspects of vocational training (skills); subcontracting; utilities; technical advice; and financing. This study recommends that, these challenges should be seen as interdependent, the issue of lack of finance should be handled strategically by solving the root cause, government should create an open dialogue with SMEs and civil society, and a reviewed SME Policy should be implemented.
Financial risk management strategy for a business school: A case study of Namibia Business School
(University of Namibia, 2016) Amutenya, Anna
The study explored financial risks faced by educational institutions in their operations. It focuses on how educational institutions identify, measure, monitor and manage the financial risks they are faced with and how the risk management strategy benefits the institutions. The main objective of the study was to study the nature and extent of credit and liquidity risks faced by Namibia Business School for the period between 2009 up until 2011. The study aimed to identify an effective risk management strategy to ensure the School’s competitiveness and sustainability. Research work is based on a case study approach where interviews and survey were used to gather primary data, and a mixed method approach was used for data collection, data analysis and interpretation. The study was explorative in nature. The major findings of the research pointed out that NBS has been experiencing difficulties in collecting revenue and has adopted the UNAM risk management policies. The results echoes that by developing and implementing a formal and integrated risk management framework, an institution will hold a dynamic tool that can serve as a road map for identifying and managing risk exposures. However, a more customized strategy including the review of governance structure, introducing risk procedures and methodology manuals as well as creating a better risk awareness culture amongst staff will yield better results than a wider framework.
In-patients and out-patients satisfaction of service delivery: A case study of Katutura
(University of Namibia, 2016) Kondjeni, Mirjam N.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate in-patients and out-patients satisfaction of service delivery: A case study of Katutura Hospital, Windhoek. The main objectives of this research were to: identify the factors that contribute to poor service delivery at the Katutura Hospital, explore the factors affecting provision of service delivery in the public health sector, identify the service quality dimensions used by the Patients to evaluate service delivery and evaluate customer satisfaction levels for services being delivered at the Katutura Hospital. The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches using a survey technique. Questionnaires were administered to 120 employees and 30 patients at Katutura Hospital. Participants were approached to partake in the survey after work. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using the descriptive statistics with the help of data analysis software - Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative analysis was performed to assess the views and perceptions of the respondents on service delivery by the hospital. The study made use of frequency tables, charts, graphs and pie charts obtained from the analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS. The researcher adopted the stratified random sampling technique to select respondents as the study population was not homogeneous as it consisted of doctors, nurses, management and patients. The respondents were divided into two (2) strata in order to ensure that each was appropriately represented in the survey sample. Stratum 1, comprised the healthcare service providers; and Stratum 2, comprised the service healthcare receivers. Data was collected using questionnaires and the responses were collected and analysed. Data analysis included identifying and comparing existence or absence of factors using the SSPS package. The target population included all professional nurses, doctors, management (overall for Departmental and Unit level) and patients (outpatients and inpatients).Baseline results revealed various factors which affect service delivery at public health sector in Namibia.
Investigating the operating factors influencing the high cost of private healthcare in Namibia: A case study of the medical aid funds industry in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Shivolo, Susanna
This study investigated on the factors driving high cost in the private medical health providers in Namibia. The study sort seeks answers to the following questions (1) how has the trend in the Private Medical Aid Fund cost been during the period 2009 to 2013 (2) What are the factors contributing to annual increments in the Medical Aid Fund Premiums (3) Do increases in the Medical Aid Fund Premiums have impacts on access to Private healthcare in Namibia (4) What can be done to curb the increase cost of Private Medical Aid Funds in Namibia. The researcher used a face to face interview which was administered to 25 medical aid personnel. A structured questionnaire was administered to 50 randomly selected members of the public including members of private medical aid funds. The qualitative data was analyzed using Atlas.ti software which grouped the data into semantic codes and themes. The theoretical triangulation was used to interpret the data on the views and perceptions of the key informants. These views and perceptions were grouped into different themes related to the factors that drive the Medical Aid cost in Namibia. For the quantitative data analysis, the descriptive statistics were used to describe and synthesize the socio-demographic data. In fact, the categorical variables were summarized into frequency distributions and percentages; the continuous variables were summarized into central tendency parameters (mean, median, and mode) and the dispersion parameters (standard deviation, Interquartile). Furthermore, the inferential statistics were used for the analysis of the factors driving the medical aid cost in Namibia. In fact, Pearson chi square test was used to test for the association between the different factors and the increase of Medical Aid cost. Correlation analysis was used to determine the trend and strength of statistical association between the pricing of medical aid premiums at different periods. A p-value of 0.05 or less will be deemed statistically significant. Findings of this research study showed that there has been a general increase of both monthly medical aid premiums and the number of membership from the year 2009-2013. The study also unveiled that the main factor fueling the high cost of medical aid premiums is inflation and a general increase in the costs of medical services. It was recommended that the government of Namibia should introduce price control mechanisms to medical services’ providers and Medical Aid Schemes. It should also reinforce the preventive programs and educate the Namibian general public to live healthy for them to keep their medical expenses low.
Investigation into the role of leadership in water technology innovations in enhancing job creation in Kavango East region in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2016) Kawana, Romanus K.
The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate the role of leadership in water technology innovations in enhancing job creation in the Kavango East Region. The main theoretical framework comes from theories on leadership as a key aspect to socio-economic development. Inclusive in this framework were perspectives of leadership support such as resources allocation, effective communication and clear vision as the most important qualities and actions which a leader needs to have in order to use water technology innovations to enhance job creation. A mixed method research design in the form of a case study of the Kavango East Region informed the process of data collection. Data was gathered concerning the distribution of variables such as the grassroots community’s experience and understanding towards the role of leadership in water technology innovations to enhance job creation at their villages. Other imperative variables which support the investigation techniques are gender and the age of the respondents. Informed by this investigation and based on the Kavango East Region case study, this dissertation has arrived at the conclusion that, at present the Kavango East Regional Leadership is not involved in water technology innovations to enhance job creation in the rural grassroots communities. The challenge seems to be that Regional Leaders rarely pay visits to the rural communities to see what the communities are doing and come up with mechanisms to support them. There is no effective communication between Regional Leaders and the local community; there is no leader-community relation. Because of this, leaders do not allocate resources to be used towards water technology innovation projects by the rural communities. Consequently, the Kavango East Region is the poorest in the country with 53% of its population living in abject poverty. Therefore, leadership involvement in water technology innovations is an issue that needs to be resolved. Informed by these conclusions, this dissertation recommends that Regional Leaders should live within the constituencies where they are elected to serve. There should be a minimum number of villages to be visited by Regional Leaders every year and there must be a performance agreement for Regional Leaders which will be used as a tool to hold them accountable.
Knowledge management needs and practices at the University of Namibia: A case study of the Namibia Business School (NBS)
(University of Namibia, 2016) Nangolo, Magdalena K.
Nowadays, many organisations, including educational institutions, realise that traditional resources are not the only sources that should be managed during the transition to Knowledge Economy and Knowledge Society. Knowledge has become a strategic organisational resource for the 21st century that should ensure stable growth of performance and competitiveness for an organisation. The critical analysis of literature revealed that the role of knowledge management (KM) in achieving and sustaining a competitive advantage (CA) has been strongly emphasised in the extant literature. However, none of the existing studies examined knowledge management in the young business school in Namibia. Furthermore, little attempt has been made to address the relative importance of different factors constituting the organisational KM infrastructure capability in the context of emerging Southern African universities. This study is the first of its kind in Namibia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge management needs and practises at the Namibia Business School required to achieve its short and long term strategic goals of becoming a “world class business school”. This paper aimed to investigate any existing knowledge management system at NBS and give recommendations, were necessary, regarding developing such a system as is prerequisite for attaining a competitive advantage in the market. This study adopted Nonaka and Takeuchi’s Knowledge Dynamics Model which involves knowledge creation and the transformation of Knowledge between tacit and explicit knowledge, as well as the SECI Model by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995). The researcher chose to combine a Quantitative research approach (through quantitative surveys with the use of questionnaires) and a Qualitative approach (through interviews). The research participants in the study were full-time and part-time staff members of the Namibia Business School. The study used a judgemental sampling technique The results of 45 surveyed respondents; full- time and part-time staff of the Namibia Business School (NBS), reconfirmed a general agreement found in the literature that staff members are keen to exchange and share knowledge because they trust one another. It is recommended that the organization should consider how to introduce and/ or improve training and education for its staff. NBS should create a formal system which allows for training staff and to share and exchange knowledge more formally. Also it is recommended that the NBS establish a formal knowledge management system for the school. The NBS can seek expertise within and outside the university in order to be able to develop and establish this system.

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