Faculty of Commerce, Management and Law
Permanent URI for this community
Browse
Browsing Faculty of Commerce, Management and Law by Title
Now showing 1 - 20 of 600
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Accessing government information in Namibia as a human right issue(University of Namibia, 2015) Nakuta, John; Mnubi-Mchombu, ChikuThere is general consensus that access to information is indispensable for a functional democracy. It is for this reason that access to information has been recognised and guaranteed as a fundamental human right in various international, regional and national instruments. The right to access to information is not explicitly guaranteed in the Namibian Constitution but is claimable through article 144 of since Namibia acceded and/or ratified various international human rights instruments which provide for this right. This article evaluates the question as to whether access to information is regarded as a human rights issue in Namibia. In determining this, the paper analysed the findings of the pilot study of the baseline study on human rights in Namibia with that of the main study with a specific focus on the theme dealing with access to information. Both studies found that it is almost as easy as it is difficult to access government information in Namibia. Both studies also show that elderly respondents and those with no formal education found it more difficult to access government information. Both studies show that the media was considered to be the main source of government policies, programmes and services. A mere 4 percent of the respondents in both studies indicated that they use libraries as a source for accessing public information. Distance to government departments and rude members of staff/poor service delivery were listed as the main barriers to accessing public information. Respondents in the pilot study listed outdated website content as their third major barrier, whereas respondents in the main study singled out too much bureaucracy as their third highest impediment to government information. The article asserts that the current situation whereby obtaining government information is at the discretion and disposition of civil servants is untenable and inconsistent with the right to access to information. The paper will explore how Namibians, from all walks of life, access human rights information. The paper is based on research which took place in Windhoek, Namibia in April 2012. The various aspects explored include access to government information and channels used to access information including the mass media. The final part of the paper will investigate barriers to accessing government information. Some recommendations will be made on how to improve access to government information in Namibia.Item Accountability and democracy(Idasa., 2012) Blaauw, LesleyItem Adoption and utilisation of workplace e-learning practices in the public sector organisations: A systematic review(Journal of learning for developement, 2023) Serema, Marguerite Margie; Shihomeka, Sadrag P.; Shalyefu, Rakel KavenaThe e-learning concept is increasingly receiving attention in education butthere seems to be inadequate guidance in developing a formal programme for implementing e-learning, especially in the public sector. Hence, this study focuses on aggregating information on the adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector and attempting the development of a conceptual model for understanding workplace e-learning implementation. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to collect all the literature addressing the adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector. This review brought to light key factors that influence the adoption and utilisation of e-learning amongst public sector employees, including attitude, satisfaction, behaviour intention, continuance intention, or behaviour to use e-learning. The adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector requires a carefully thought-through and evidence-based approach, especially the development of the e-learning programmeItem Affirmative action and black empowerment in tourism industry(2000) Haindongo, ShikwetepoNo abstract by author in copy of thesis available at UNAM. The following is taken from the author's introduction:Item The African Union (AU), the African Youth Commission (AYC) and the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU): Sabotaging or bureaucratizing the youth?(2018) Amupanda, Job S.There now exists overwhelming evidence that many African states are gerontocracies - states wherein the leadership is way older than the average age of the population. Whereas these discussions were previously attributed to external observers of African politics, particularly observers from the western world, this question of and on African leadership has now gained domestic root. The youth of the continent has since started demanding their places at various decision-making tables within their nation states. This has led to generational antagonism of which some have led to youth-led uprisings. While there are several analyses at the state level, there has been little analysis of the relationship between the African Union (AU) and the youth of the continent. This text takes the analysis to the continental level. The text does not only concern a continental analysis, it’s most important contribution is to add new developments that have not appeared in much of the contemporary literature on African development. To buttress these perspectives, the text looks at the relationship between the AU and two continental youth organizations: the PYU (Pan-African Youth Union) and the AYC (African Youth Commission). It reveals that at the time of writing, Africa was the only continent without a recognized continental youth body. The text is aimed at provoking further questions and discussions on the AU’s youth discourse with this daring question: sabotaging or bureaucratizing youth?Item Agriculture and manufacturing sector growth in Namibia during the period 1981 to 2012: A granger causality test(2014) Siboleka, Milner; Nyambe, Jacob M.; Osterkamp, RigmarNamibia became independent in 1990. Since then, the democratic government has pursued various development policy tools to empower Namibians economically. The 4th National Development Plan identified four strategic economic growth enhancing activities, namely agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. Agriculture remains the largest employer while manufacturing, logistics and tourism are growing, but slowly. This paper is premised on investigating whether or not there is a causal and long term relationship between agriculture and manufacturing sector growth over the period 1981-2012. Ascertaining the direction of the relationship is part of the objectives. Analytical methods that were used include unit root, correlation test and a Granger Causality model. With the use of time series data, the results confirmed stationarity of the data. With 31 observations, no causal relationships were established between agriculture and manufacturing in Namibia. Appropriate policy interventions are required to influence how the two sectors should benefit from each other. Such holds potential for both sustained employment creation opportunities and economic growth in Namibia.Item Alternative institutional arrangements of accelerating the implementation of rural electrification in Namibia(2007) Muyenga-Muyenga, Simon; ;Abstract provided by authorItem Alternative to state dominated criminal prosecution in Namibia(2007) Uanivi, UaatjoCriminal proceedings, in general, are proceedings which in substance are of a criminal nature, and not of a civil nature and include, inter alia, applications for a stay of prosecution and release from detention, etc. The constitution of the Republic of Namibia protects the rights of all persons including the rights of victims of crime which are also recognised in the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principle of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power adopted by the General Assembly in Resolution 40/34 of 29 November 1985. This protection covers rights impaired by the State and/ or individual persons, acts or omissions that are in violation of criminal laws and/or any other law operative and enforceable in Namibia. These rights have to be respected and protected by all organs of government involved in the judicial process, from the moment of the commission of the crime or offence up to and including the completion of the judicial process and/or quasi-judicial process related thereto. Hence, the need to have checks and balance mechanisms with respect to state power and functions in the prosecution process. We have very often witnessed white-collar crimes not being prosecuted in Namibia.Item Analysing perceptions of employees on the implementation of the performance management system: A case study of the Directorate of Sport in the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service(University of Namibia, 2018) Mbanga, Owen KachanaIn an effort to improve performance, the government of Namibia has identified Performance Management System (PMS) as a vehicle towards achieving national goals and objectives. However, the implementation of PMS seems to be ungainly, with not much to be shown. To this extent it is important to analyse the implementer’s perceptions (employees) on the implementation of the performance management system. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse employee’s perceptions regarding the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS), and to establish whether the employees and managers understand the objectives of the PMS. It also seeks and recommends possible solutions to the managerial and employees in the Directorate of Sport. Mixed method research design, comprising of both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Structured questionnaires that consisted of a Likert scale and open ended interviews were the most appropriate tools used to collect data in order to gain more understanding on the research participant’s perspective of PMS in terms of their perceptions and understanding. The population of the study was 95 employees and the sample size was 20 within the Directorate of Sport under the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service. It consisted of Directors, Deputy Directors, Chief Sport Officers, Senior Sport Officers and Sport Officers from the Directorate of Sport. Out of the stated sample size, only 19 respondents participated in this study. Sixteen (16) respondents were randomly selected, and 3 were purposively selected for interviews. The data collected from the questionnaires was analysed using tables, graphs, and charts. This data was also interpreted in summary form, while the data from the conducted interviews was transcribed. This study reveals that the employees perceive that PMS can improve performance in the Directorate of Sport, and they also show a good understanding of PMS objectives. However, they feel that the implementation of PMS in the Directorate of Sport has failed and is ineffective, because it is not adapted to the current available setting and environment of sport. Additionally, the lack of prioritisation of planned activities makes financial resources, and the application of PMS to the directorate of sport and its implementation difficult as it puts strain on the limited resources. This finding is reflected by the main challenges of the limited budget. This thesis recommends that a manager-employee relationship should be created to improve employee-manager relationship and communication on clear alignment of implementing the strategic plan, annual plan and performance agreements. This should be done in order to create and sustain a performance-orientated culture, which will enhance employees’ commitment and dedication towards the achievement of the Directorate of Sport objectives and goals as aligned to the National Development Plan five (NDP 5).Item Analysing the determinants of retirement planning behaviour of workers in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration(University of Namibia, 2021) Kanime, Magano M.There is a consensus that while retirement is a worthwhile phase in one’s life, a successful and happy retirement requires planning with continual evaluation. Retirement planning is a systematic way of setting aside resources in order to provide sufficient funds in the old age and thus, decisions prior to retirement are very crucial in eliminating financial difficulties thereby securing future health, wealth and wellbeing. Evidence suggests that governments in many developing countries are faced with the challenge of providing sufficient retirement benefits for their aging population and the majority still live on the borderlines of poverty with pension funds unable to provide a comfortable life. For better policy options for these countries, there is need to examine the factors that influence people’s retirement planning behaviour. These studies contribute to the literature by investigating the determinants of retirement planning behaviour of employees in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration in Namibia. The researcher collected primary data from employees of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration and used the logit regression to examine factors that significantly influence their retirement planning behaviour. The empirical analysis considers the alternative measures of retirement planning decisions, by classifying retirement planning decisions into the ownership of investments for retirement, savings and expected amount to be saved towards retirement. The results reveal that irrespective of the various ways of measuring retirement planning behaviour, individuals with favourable socio-economic status are more likely to save or invest for retirement relative to their counterparts with unfavourable socio-economicstatus. For instance, financial literacy, economic knowledge, educational attainment, social interaction and seeking financial advice are positively and significantly associated with investment and saving decisions of employees, whereas being female inversely affects their investment and saving decisions. Disaggregating the analysis by age groups, the researcher finds that the effects of these factors are consistent across the different age groups. Thus, any policy option that can enhance the economic and financial knowledge of employees and their educational attainment will improve their retirement planning behaviour directly and indirectly through financial advice to others and social interaction. The determinants of retirement planning decisions suggest that individual characteristics are likely to influence the probability of investing and saving for retirement. The researcher recommend that, the government and various policy makers have a role to play in fostering financial education to individuals. Similarly, education programs that target the affected group, there is a need to come up with devising ways of improving the socio-economic status of individuals, their financial and economic knowledge is a potential way of improving the retirement planning behaviour of employees. This suggests that the devised policies should take into consideration the differences in age of the employees, as different policy options may influence retirement planning behaviour differently across age groups.Item Analysing the effectiveness of sustainable leadership in public enterprises: A case study of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund(University of Namibia, 2017) Mario, JoshuaThis study focused on analysing the effectiveness of sustainable leadership in Public Enterprises with a special focus on the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. The study intended to answer the problem of leadership in terms of sustainability in the organisation. The purpose of the study was to explore issues of sustainable leadership in terms of how leaders groom subordinates for the advancement of the organisation. The overall objective was to analyse aspects of leadership and how the transition of leadership was supported with the availability of the succession plan as well as its implementation. This study adopted a mixed method approach; the qualitative approach was used to get the respondents’ knowledge and understanding on the matters concerning the effectiveness of sustainable leadership. Moreover, interviews were conducted with head of units so as to obtain the necessary information for analysis. The quantitative approach was used and the data collected was tabulated into graphs, pies and charts by using Microsoft excel. In addition, questionnaires comprising of three sections were distributed to the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that in terms of leadership, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is doing the best to involve all employees at all levels, and that corporate governance issues are key to the Board, Management and the entire staff, and every employee is expected to contribute towards the collective goal of the fund. Moreover, findings revealed that not all employees are exposed to the succession plan except the management and the executive. It is therefore recommended that more attention has to be given to the coaching and mentoring programme, so that the executive and management are exposed to the skills and abilities for coaching and mentoring for success. The other recommendation is on the aspects of the succession plan, which is that it should be well implemented in a way that it should not be perceived as biased or discriminatory. Due to the limitations of the present research, further research can be explored in the same areas with a comparative approach of different public enterprises.Item Analysing the effects of debt financing on fiscal sustainability of the City of Windhoek(University of Namibia, 2022) Hays, AlgivaMunicipalities' capacity to stay financially viable will determine their long term viability. Well-managed municipalities provide evident positive outcomes that are critical to guaranteeing the continued provision and maintenance of high-quality, affordable services for all residents in their jurisdiction. Municipalities that rely heavily on transfers and grants from the federal government are unlikely to run up huge debts. As a result, they are exposed to financial and sustainability hazards. However, the mounting debt levels reported in the Municipality of Windhoek financials is a source of concern since it may eventually reach unsustainable levels. This study's main objective was to investigate the impact of debt financing on the City of Windhoek's fiscal sustainability. Accordingly, the study explored the factors that influence fiscal sustainability in Windhoek in order to understand the underlying causes of the Windhoek Municipality's rising debt burden. The study adopted a quantitative explanatory research design that used secondary data from financial audit reports for the period 2008 to 2019. The data was then computed into indicators based on literature and transformed into logarithmic ratios using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Dendrograms. The study then used temporal causal modelling and ARDL model estimation to establish the nature of relationships between fiscal sustainability and debt burden indicators within the context of financial independence. The study found evidence of both long-term and short-term relationships between fiscal sustainability, debt burden, and financial independence. However, the long-term relationships were not statistically significant. The study concludes that fiscal sustainability in the City of Windhoek is dependent on expenditure coverage ratios, debt burdens related to non-statutory funds, budget deficits, and employee benefit liabilities. The study recommends that the municipality must focus on diversifying their revenue streams and revise their long-term investment strategy.Item Analysing the effects of interest rate and reserve requirement ratio on bank credit risk in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2020) Andreas, AiliThe study assessed the effect of monetary policy instruments (interest rates and reserve requirements) on banking institutions risk, measured in terms of non-performing loans. The study used quarterly data from Bank of Namibia from 2001 Qi to 2017Q3. The study employed the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) lag model to determine the effects. Since the reserve requirements is seldom used in Namibia and ever kept at one percent of the bank's total liabilities to the public, it was considered dormant. Therefore, shocking the reserves requirements up-or down-wards is not plausible in the Namibian economy. The variables considered are non-performing loans (NPL), as a dependent variable and interest rates (I), banks tier I capital (CA), banks ' total assets (TAJ, gross domestic product (GDP), and private credit extension (CR); as the explanatory variables. The results indicate that there is a short run negative effect between interest rates and bank risk, which implies that the low rate would increase the bank 's non-performing loans. The negative relationship indicates that low inflation or price stability does not guarantee financial stability in the economy. The Granger causality results indicate non-causality between interest rates and bank risk, but interest rates Granger cause economic growth and private sector credit that have a direct effect to bank risks.Item Analysing the effects of interest rate and reserve requirements ratio on bank credit risk in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2020) Andreas, AiliThe study assessed the effect of monetary policy instruments (interest rates and reserve requirements) on banking institutions risk, measured in terms of non-performing loans. The study used quarterly data from Bank of Namibia from 200IQJ to 2017Q3. The study employed the Auto regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) lag model to determine the effects. Since the reserve requirements is seldom used in Namibia and ever kept at one percent of the bank 's total liabilities to the public, it was considered dormant. Therefore, shocking the reserves requirements up-or down-wards is not plausible in the Namibian economy. The variables considered are non-performing loans (NPL), as a dependent variable and interest rates (!), banks tier I capital (CA), banks ' total assets (TA), gross domestic product (GDP), and private credit extension (CR); as the explanatory variables. The results indicate that there is a short run negative effect between interest rates and bank risk, which implies that the low rate would increase the bank's non-performing loans. The negative relationship indicates that low inflation or price stability does not guarantee financial stability in the economy. The Granger causality results indicate non-causality between interest rates and bank risk, but interest rates Granger cause economic growth and private sector credit that have a direct effect to bank risks.Item Analysing the exchange rate volatility relative to trade balance: The case of SACU countries(2020) Haansende, Christine M.; Nyambe, Jacob M.The term exchange rate volatility is widely used in the financial market. The exchange rate is determined in the foreign exchange market, which is said to be the largest market in the world and it trades in financial assets. The main focus of this study is to analyse the nature of the relationship between exchange rate and trade balance in the selected member states of the SACU region in which the selected countries are Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa. This study uses time series data from the period of 1986 to 2016. The Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model, the impulse response functions and variance decompositions are used in the analysis. Results show that there is a short-run relationship between exchange rate volatility and trade balance. It was found that there is a positive and negative impact between these two variables, with high volatility. Furthermore, this study recommends all Central Banks in the SACU region to intervene in order to mitigate exchange rate volatility.Item Analysing the exchange rate volatility relative to trade balance: The case of SACU countries(University of Namibia, 2019) Mazuba, Haansende ChristineThe term exchange rate volatility is widely used in the financial market. The exchange rate is determined in the foreign exchange market, which is said to be the largest market in the world and it trades financial assets. Many studies have shown that researchers, relevant practitioners and policy makers pay lots of attention to the issue of exchange rate and volatility. Volatility is known to be very important when it comes to making decisions in financial trading activities that are based on fluctuations on return. This study has two main objectives, namely to analyse the kind of relationship between exchange rate volatility and trade balance in the selected member states of the SACU region, namely Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa. The second objective of this study was to determine the impact between exchange rate volatility and trade balance in the selected member states of the SACU region. The time series data which was used in this study was from the period 1986 to 2016. The Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model, the impulse response functions and variance decompositions are used in the analysis. Results show that there is a short-run relationship between exchange rate volatility and trade balance. It was found that there is a negative impact between these two variables, with high volatility. Furthermore, this study recommends all Central Banks in the SACU region to intervene in order to mitigate exchange rate volatility.Item Analysing the fiscal sustainability of Namibia`s old age grant(University of Namibia, 2022) Kanyama, Marta NdahafaCountries across the globe strive to address and achieve the welfare goals, one of which is the right to income security and sufficient social security pension in old age. In Namibia, Article 95 of the Constitution guarantees all senior citizens a regular pension sufficient to maintain a decent standard of living. The provision of a universal non-contributory social pension is critical in addressing elderly poverty. However, this provision comes at a cost and has fiscal ramifications if the necessary parameters are not kept in check and balanced on time. The thrust of this study is to analyse the fiscal sustainability of Namibia’ Old Age Grant. It is concerned with three main objectives; first, to ascertain the relationship between Old Age Grant expenditure and its independent variables namely: benefit cost, funeral benefit and number of beneficiaries; secondly to determine the expenditure of the Old Age Grant for the next 20 years, from 2021 to 2041, and finally to determine whether the projected expenditure is fiscally sustainable. The study employed a quantitative approach with data derived from a number of secondary sources. An econometric model (Old Age Grant Expenditure Model), simulation, and forecasting techniques were used in analysing data in the study. The main finding of the study is that, 99% of Old Age Grant expenditure variation is explained by the independent variables. On scenarios tested, Old Age Grant is found to be fiscally sustainable in the future provided that future-benefit amount adjustments are informed by the economic situation and with the inflation rate serving as a guide. The results further show that Old Age Grant expenditure as a percentage of government revenue is approaching the doubling point which can impose a fiscal burden on government expenditure. It is recommended that future adjustments of the grant benefit amount be informed by economic conditions, and that no political interference be used to influence the grant amount, as high political influence could render the grant expenditure unsustainable.Item Analysing the impact of cross-listing on firm value for Johannesburg stock exchange companies listed on the Namibia stock exchange(University of Namibia, 2021) Mbangula, Konrad NdapopiWhen companies are looking to raise funds for growth and increasing firm value, equity and debt are the only options at their disposal. In raising equity, companies can sell their stock to the public, within their domestic market or through cross-listing on another stock exchange which may be domestic or foreign. Accordingly, research on the impact of cross-listing on liquidity and firm value in the African context, has been growing. However, in Namibia there has been no study that comparatively assessed the impact of cross-listing on firm values of both cross-listed and locally listed stocks. Therefore, this study analysed the asset value, liquidity, and profitability of locally listed and cross listed assets on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX). The study used secondary data from publicly available financial indicators from 32 NSX listed companies in the period 2019 to 2021. The study found that the average 1isting time on for stocks on the NSX was 15.78 years. The findings also showed that 86.5% of the stocks were listed on the NSX Main board, of which 45.9% were cross listed and 40.5% were locally listed. The findings indicated that the cross listed stocks on the Capital Development Board (DevX) had the lowest Market Capitalisation averaging N$4 l 4 million. The average asset values of cross-listed firms were at least 4.5 times the value of those locally listed. The study also found statistically significant differences between locally listed and cross-listed assets, with respect to financial performance indicators like Asset value, Market capitalisation, 3-Year Beta and liquidity. While there were no significant associations with respect to Return on Shareholder Funds. The study concluded that cross-listing in the Namibian context can be grouped into two types, one which is inclined inwards and another one outward. The inward cross-listing is recommended for those companies seeking to raise local funds through the NSX, while the outward cross-listing is recommended for local firms looking to raise capital or increase their stock value by listing on the JSE Africa Development boardItem Analysing the relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2018) Shifidi, Achiles NafimakekweOne of macro-economic theories suggests that there exists a causal relationship running from budget deficit to current account deficit, and this concept is referred to as the Twin Deficit Hypothesis. Previous studies on the twin deficit hypothesis generated mixed findings. Some of the studies supports the hypothesis while others do not. This study is aimed at analysing the relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit in Namibia, while taking into account interest and exchange rates as intermediating variables in the transmission mechanism. The study used the quarterly time series data covering the period 1990 first-quarter to 2014 quarter-four. The study employs the following variables; budget balance, current account balance, exchange rate, and interest rate. The Unrestricted Vector auto Regression technique was employed to analyse the relationship. The result shows that budget deficit does influence current account deficit in Namibia. However, interest rate and exchange rate were insignificant in influencing both current account and budget balance. The results supports the Keynesian theory that there is a positive uni-directional relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit, and the direction of causality runs from budget deficit to current account deficit. It is therefore, recommended that the Government of the Republic of Namibian should maintain a favourable budget balance in order to improve current account balance.Item Analysing the relationship between financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Jentzsch, TiofiliaThis study analyses the relationship between financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia. The objectives of the study were: to examine the determinants of financial literacy as well as examine the effects of financial literacy on the use of financial products in Namibia. This study was important because it provides financial institutions and policy makers with an insight on how to promote financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia. The data used in this study were sourced from the Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey of 2017. The study employed the ordinary least squares (OLS) model to estimate the determinants of financial literacy and the probit model, and an instrumental variable probit (IV Probit) to examine the impact of financial literacy on the use of financial products. The study focused on individuals aged 16 years and older, the legal age that allows individuals to own formal financial products in Namibia. The results suggest that age, gender, location, formal education, access to television, participation in household financial decisions, access to mobile phone and being a member of a savings club significantly influences the level of financial literacy. The study found that a one index point increase in financial literacy increases the probability of having a savings account by 96%age points and the probability of having a bank account by 89%age points. For the individual measures of financial literacy, the results suggest that a unit index point increase in financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial awareness increases the probability of having a saving account by 32, 15 and 55 percentage points and the probability of having a bank account 21, 41, and 16 percentage points, respectively. Similarly, a one index increase in financial literacy increases the probability of having access to credit by 52%age points and the probability of having access to insurance by 89%age points. For the individual measures of financial literacy, a unit index increase in financial attitude, financial knowledge, financial confidence, and financial awareness increases the probability of having access to credit by 17, 20 and 11 percentage points and the probability of having access to insurance by 27, 45 and 15 percentage points, respectively. The study recommended that the Government of Namibia, in conjunction with the Financial Literacy Initiative as well as various stakeholders and experts, should work on developing a national policy on financial literacy.