Masters Degrees (NBS)

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An analysis of factors influencing the financial performance of Namibian fuel stations in Helao-Nafidi town
(University of Namibia, 2023) Mirjam, Wilka Kuhatumwa
This study sought to analyse factors that have an impact on the financial performance of fuel stations at the Helao Nafidi town in the Ohangwena region, in terms of risk management, high fuel prices, the pandemic (COVID-19, logistic management (stock arrival) and the role of government in mitigating losses of financial performance. This study used explanatory sequential research design. It adopted a mixed methodology approach in which data was collected using a questionnaire for the quantitative part and for the qualitative part, an interview guide was used. To achieve this, the study used multiple regression analysis, based on a sample size of 32 participants and the results reveal positive impacts of risk management and stock arrival on business performance while high fuel prices and pandemics reveal negative impacts on business performance for fuel stations at the Helao Nafidi town in the Ohangwena region. Moreover, the study followed up on these findings qualitatively to explore the role that the government can play to mitigate business performance losses for the fuel stations due to pandemics, which go hand in hand with high fuel prices using reflective thematic analysis in NVivo. This analysis was based on the data collected from 12 interviewees using an interview guide and results revealed two themes, each with two codes. The first theme was on controlling the rivalry with two codes as oil/fuel smuggling control and the protection of the borders. The second theme was selfreliance that is associated with two codes as own oil discovery and giving subsidies. Thus, the study applied an explanatory sequential research design. Lastly, qualitative findings serve as policy recommendations while in terms of directions for future studies, the study suggests future research focus on other regions that are not severely affected by oil/fuel smuggling in Namibia from Angola, as well as to assessing the impact of the pandemic on business performance for companies in other sectors. Keywords: Business performance, risk management, high fuel prices, COVID-19 pandemic, multiple regression analysis, reflective thematic analysis
An analysis of the impact of the exchange rate on export perfomance in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Amadhila, Orodesia; Mugano, Gift
The purpose of the study was to analyse the effect of the exchange rate on export performance in Namibia. Furthermore, the researcher was to investigate if there is a relationship between the exchange rate and export performance. The objectives of the study were to examine whether there is a long run relationship between real effective exchange rate and export performance in Namibia, to determine the casual relationship between real exchange rate and export performance in Namibia as well as to suggest policies for the mitigation of the impact on the domestic economy. The theories on which this paper was based are Marshal-Lerner Condition, Exchange Rate Pass-Through and The Balance of Payments theory. To investigate the existence of a long run relationship between exchange rate and export performance in Namibia, the Engle-Granger two-step estimation technique was employed. The technique entails the determination of the long term co-integration relationship through testing for stationarity of the residuals using Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test. The study revealed that the variable exchange rate negatively affects export performance and that the coefficient is statistically significant. From the regression estimation it can be concluded that the theoretical proposition of the relationship between exchange rate and export performance is confirmed in the case of Namibia. A currency depreciation results in more exports while a currency appreciation results in a reduction in exports. Therefore, policy recommendations of the study included employing strong financial tools to hedge against change in the international market, such as: Accept the risk and transfer it through pricing, A void or minimise costly commodities, seek natural hedges and manage the risk through contracts
An assessment of employers' expectations to enhance the employability of university graduates in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Nepando, Victor P.
The issue of university graduate employability is a universal challenge however severe in developing countries. Namibia is one such developing country that has challenges with graduate employability. This study was conducted to establish the employers' perceptions of graduate employability. The study sought to establish the employers' perceptions towards graduate employability, employers' views on the effectiveness of recruitment and selection methods to determine the skills of graduates, and to establish interventions that can be put in place to enhance graduates' employability. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design informed by interpretivism as the research philosophy underpinning the study. Out of a population of 69 employers, twenty purposively selected employers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide, which contained questions, aligned with the research objectives. Data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis technique. An Atlas ti software was used to analyse data. The following results were obtained. Employers perceived graduates to lack hands-on and soft skills. According to the employers, a lack of hands-on skills compromised productivity, and a lack of soft skills affected adjusting to the work environment and fitting into the team. The employers further indicated that a lack of these skills made the induction process long and costly to the organisation. The study established that recruitment and selection were aimed to select recruits who were then taken for induction, hence the selection process fails to determine the skills of the graduate. Finally, the study recommended the need for an inclusive approach to curriculum design, where all key stakeholders are part of the curriculum design process. The study also recommended enacting an attachment policy, which is inclusive and includes a module on soft skills in all courses. The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creations were requested to conduct a skills audit, to guide and inform tertiary institutions on the demand for skills. Universities would be informed of trades, which require additional skills. The study also raised the need to 4 counsel students during their final year at university. The study suggested further study involving all key stakeholders on the challenges of graduate employability so that an inclusive plan of action can be generated
An evaluation of financial management practices in tier 3 state owned enterprises in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2022) Veroonika, Petrus
The success or failure of any organisation whether public or private is reckoned on the governance and effectiveness of its financial management practices. Moreover, financial management practices have an impact on a broad range of areas within an organisation, including, aggregate financial management, operations management, governance and fiduciary risk management. Consequently, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the financial management practices in Tier 3 SOEs in Namibia. Specifically, the study investigated the current financial management practices adopted by Tier 3 SOEs in Namibia and to determine their effects as well as to identify the challenges regarding the implementation of financial management practices. The study employed a descriptive survey research design to collect the data on financial management practices from the CEOs, Accountants and Financial Directors/Managers (FD/Ms) of Tier 3 Namibian SOEs. Semi - structured questionnaires were used to collect the primary data and all data was entered and analysed using SPSS v.26. Descriptive analysis was done and the results were presented in tables, figures and charts. The findings show that, financial planning and control, reporting and analysis of financial, working capital management and capital structures management practice are current financial management practices adopted by Tier 3 SOEs in Namibia. Companies have good financial performance. Lack of advanced knowledge and skills was one of the challenges experienced in the implementation of financial management practices in the SOEs. Failure to fill vacant positions and lack of support from leadership (management) were also identified as challenges that hinder the implementation of the financial management practices. Therefore, the study recommends that the managers in SOEs should highly prioritise financial management practices during the formulation of their organisation's strategies to enhance transparency, accountability and consistency in financial operations. Finally, the study also recommends that regulatory bodies should formulate appropriate policies and regulations which would facilitate the implementation of financial management practices in companies.
An evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Kauatuuapehi, Clemence
This study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia. The study was promoted by the poor and uninspiring performance of hotels and lodges following the pronouncement of successive COVID-19 induced lockdowns. The objectives of the study were to establish the influence of COVID-19 on occupancy rates, ADR, RevPAR and profitability of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia and suggest perceived policy interventions for sustainable recovery of the hotels and lodges. The study was theoretically guided by the theory of constraints, resource-based theory and the dynamic capability theory. The study adopted the positivism philosophy and quantitative approach to enable the researcher to make use of scientific evidence, including statistics that show how COVID-19 affected the performance of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia. A correlational research design was employed to facilitate hypotheses testing and explain the cause-and-effect relationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and the performance of the hotels and lodges. A total of 89 structured questionnaires, designed using google forms, were electronically distributed through a cross-sectional survey that targeted managers and accounting officers of the participating hotels. The respondents were selected using stratified random sampling in order to reflect the population structure in the sample. Data was analysed quantitatively using SPSS version 19. It was revealed that rising new COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as restrictions on domestic, regional and international travel led to cancellation of bookings and low occupancy rates. COVID-19 negatively impacted on Average Daily Rate (ADR), Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) and profitability of hotels and lodges. The study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the performance of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia. It was recommended that hotels and lodges should develop new business models; advocate for a rescue / aid package for hotels and lodges and target domestic tourists with limited travel restrictions to enhance occupancy, ADR and RevPAR. A further study covering other cities and towns in Namibia and incorporating qualitative methods was suggested
An investigation into the survival strategies of small and medium enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohangwena region, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Haipa, Victorina
The study revealed that many Ohangwena Region (Namibia) SMEs business owners devised many ways to remain afloat in our businesses such as advertising through Facebook, WhatsApp, Tik Tok and others. It was further noted that they resorted for grouping into smaller groups and asking for one transporter to carry their stock from Windhoek. As a survival strategy. This served them transport costs, Covid-19 protocol clearances as well as funds for accommodation and refreshments to and from Windhoek. It was also discovered that networking with other competitors, e-marketing, consulting business gurus, cutting down the staff, introducing short working hours as well as down-sizing their operations ensured their survival during the pandemic. However, despite the strategies employed, it was discovered in the data that some SMEs found it difficult for their businesses to stay afloat. Thus, it impacts on transactions in the market. Various elements affected included restaurants, markets, shopping centres, online transportation and SMEs. It was therefore advised that businesses, particularly such negatively impacted SMEs should explore the use of network communication platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, if they are to overcome the supply chain disruption challenges caused by COVID-19
An investigation of the relationship between effective employee engagement and performance of Zambezi Regional Council
(University of Namibia, 2018) Maloboka, Riscoh Muswabile
Human resources are one of the most critical success factors of any organization or institution. Having employees feeling that they are part of the organization’s big family can motivate them to perform their duties exceptionally well and in the long run make an organization more competitive. The performance of an employee is linked to the performance of the organization in the sense that if employees do not perform their duties diligently, the performance of the organization will also suffer, and consequently the organization will perform poorly. This study investigated the relationship between effective employee engagement and the performance of Zambezi Regional Council. The study used a random sampling technic to select the sample. A structured questionnaire was used in gathering data. A response rate of 92.5% was recorded. The data collected was recorded, coded and presented in Microsoft Excel. The collected data was presented by way of various graphs such as pie charts, bar graphs and line graphs. The main research finding was that most employees are not engaged fully in their work due to various reasons contained in this document and thereby impacting the organizational ultimate performance
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.
Analysing the effectiveness of sustainable leadership in public enterprises: A case study of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
(University of Namibia, 2017) Mario, Joshua
This 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.
Analysing the effects of debt financing on fiscal sustainability of the City of Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2022) Hays, Algiva
Municipalities' 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.
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 Ndapopi
When 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 board
Analysing the impact of quality of board members on performance of non-commercialised public enterprises in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Ndeshikeya, Mateus
The study aimed to analyse the impact of the quality of board members on board performance for Non-Commercialised Public Enterprises (NCPE) in Windhoek, Namibia to bridge the knowledge gap. To achieve this, the study applied a quantitative research approach. The primary data were collected from online structured questionnaires on a sample of 37 board of directors for NCPE and analysed using factor analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM), and independent samples t test. Findings from factor analysis indicated that only three factors comprising Board_AI, Large_SH, Board_Comp, EQICG, and Audit_Comm for Factor 1; Board_Comm, CEO_Duality, CEO_T, and Gender_Div for Factor 2; and NEDs, Board_Size, and Board_M f for Factor 3 were needed to explain the quality of board members. Moreover, findings from SEM revealed that all the factors of the quality of board members had positive impacts on the NCPE performance, although the effects were minimal for factors 1 and 2, while moderate for factor 3. It was concluded that Factors 1 and 2 need improvement for NCPE to enhance their performance. To add to that, findings from the independent sample t-test showed that a significant difference existed between gender and factor 2, unlike between gender and factors 1 and 3. Finally, the study recommends that NCPE should reallocate the financial and non-financial resources associated with the factors that are not a good fit for explaining the quality of board members to the components of factors 1 and 2, to enhance the boards’ performance for NCPE. For future studies, this study suggests that researchers should focus on assessing the phenomenon from the qualitative perspective since this study was purely quantitative
Analysing the relationship between financial literacy and the use of financial products in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2022) Jentzsch, Tiofilia
This 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.
An analysis of early stage formal SME funding challenges in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Tjano, Clemens
The importance of SMEs in the economies of all countries is well documented in literature worldwide. SMEs play an important role in world economies, including that of Namibia. These roles include employment creation, contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and the generation of income. The purpose of this paper was to analyse early stage formal SME funding challenges in Windhoek, Namibia. This was informed by the high SME failure rate of 75% at early stage. The research objectives sought to identify different forms of challenges faced by SMEs during early stages of development in Windhoek. This would help draw up current sources of SME funding in Namibia, to determine the different forms of government SMEs assistance (funding, training) in Namibia, to determine what the necessary requirements are for SMEs at early stages of business and to recommend ways of overcoming challenges faced by SMEs at this stage. The research assumed that government intervention through the provision of financial assistance, infrastructure, training and favourable taxation policies would reverse the trend. The study adopted a descriptive research design using 120 randomly selected registered operators of SMEs in Windhoek. Data collected was analysed using SPSS. Results from the data analysis indicated that poor funding, different forms of government SME assistance, determine necessary requirements for SMEs at an early stage. The researcher recommended ways of overcoming challenges faced by SMEs at an early stage of development in Windhoek: provision of loans without collateral, training on how to keep records and draw up financial statements, establishment of different forms of government SMEs assistance, establishment of a strong SMEs funding agency, to highlight the requirements for SMEs at an early stage and recommend ways of overcoming challenges faced by SMEs at early stages of development.
An analysis of factors affecting financial control in the Ministry of Land Reform
(University of Namibia, 2019) Shimpulu, Josua
The research focused on analysing factors affecting financial control using the Ministry of Land Reform’s Windhoek head office as a case study. It sought to satisfy the following objectives: To investigate reasons for non-compliance with the State finance Act in the Ministry of Land Reform; To identify strategies to enhance the effectiveness of financial control in the ministry of Land Reform and; To examine ways of monitoring financial transactions within the ministry. Literature which informed this study was reviewed from current sources not more than 10 years old where gaps of what remains to be investigated were identified. The researcher used literature review to demonstrate where past researchers agreed or disagreed and used identification of research methodologies used to find a unique methodology or research sample that would assist in substantiating the findings of those past researchers. A qualitative research methodology was used over the total thirty (30) finance department staffs to solicit their perceptions on the research topic using an interview guide as a research instrument. The research made use of both secondary and primary data sources and used logistic regression technique to test the validity of the stated research hypotheses. Demographic analysis was done in tabular form to find out the real demographics within the finance department of the Ministry of Land Reform. Major findings included the problem of understaffing in the internal audit function, independent of internal auditors which increased audit risk within the ministry and also the mismatch of financial department positions and qualifications held. The registration with professional bodies by finance staff was still at its infancy which was again a disturbing phenomenon which affected financial control initiatives. The research ends with summarised research findings as well as research conclusions the researcher arrived at. The research recommends that the Ministry should have stand-alone internal audit department strengthened by the audit committee and auditing software. The financial control needs to be strengthen by seek continually improvements to keep up with technological changes and recruiting sufficient staff members specialised in different specialisation , finance staff members to be given training on regular bases, the finance staffs to be encouraged to register with professional bodies and the Ministry should give attention to financial monitoring. Finally the study recommend financial risk management in public sector organisation, cost-benefit analysis of financial control in Namibia and auditing and financial control in Namibia’s public sector as a research areas for future researchers.
Analysis of operational performance of savings and credit cooperatives during COVID-19 pandemic in Manzini region Eswatini
(University of Namibia, 2022) Maseko, Cynthia Mthembeni
Savings and Credit Cooperatives Organisations (SACCOs) suffered the maelstrom of the COVID-19 PANDEMIC which disrupted the SACCO model to its core. This study carried out an analysis of the operational performance of SACCOs during the COVID-19 PANDEMIC in Manzini, Eswatini. With the guidance from the Resource Dependency Theory (RDT), this study sought to equip SACCO managers in developing resilient strategies and empower the SACCO movement to lobby for recognition as an essential service during a lockdown. A qualitative research with a case study research design was carried out. Seven SACCO managers under the Manzini region in Eswatini were interviewed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 PANDEMIC on the operational performance of SACCOs. Findings of this study included: the participants’ acknowledgement of the arduous operations during the lockdown; SACCOs had to seek authorisation from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to open business as an “essential service”. The use of technology became inevitable for SACCOs, since working from home became the new normal. Also, the election of the BODs could not occur in the year, 2020. SACCOs’ innovation strategies included embracing technology, active communication with the members; via bulk SMSs, cell phones, emails, WhatsApp and through SACCOs representatives in the periphery and holding regional meetings. Internal communication was mostly, virtual. This study recommends that Eswatini SACCOs should adopt the Six Sigma strategy, monitor customer satisfaction, strengthen SACCOs’ IT systems, develop Risk management and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and ensure preparedness for future pandemics
An analysis of student support services as a factor that impacts on distance students' progress and completion of studies at the University of Namibia's Centre for Open, Distance and E-learning
(University of Namibia, 2020) Mutenda, Nicholette
This study examined student support services as a factor that impacts on students’ progress and completion of studies at the University of Namibia’s Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning. The Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning (CODeL) at the University of Namibia (UNAM) was established through a merger between the Centre for External Studies (CES) and the Centre for eLearning and Interactive Multimedia (CeLIM) in 2016 to provide and strengthen distance education in Namibia. However, one of the major challenges experienced by CODeL has been on support services which impacts on progress and completion of studies of students. The study adopted a mixed method approach to analyse student support services as a factor that impacts on distance students’ progress and completion of studies at the University of Namibia’s Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning. The research questions for the study were: To what extent do student support services impact on distance student’s progress and completion of studies? How effective are student support services to distance students at CODeL of the University of Namibia? This study also followed a case study research design to present a real-life situation and to provide a better insight pertaining to student support services as a factor that impacts on students’ progress and completion of studies at the University of Namibia. The data was collected from a sample size of 15 staff members at CODeL and 60 students. The findings of the study revealed that student viewed vacation school as extremely effective followed by administrative support. The study concluded that in-dead student support services impacts on students’ progress and completion leading to delays in students’ progress and completion of their studies. Students view on the types of student support services were that lecturer not turning up for classes during vacation school, short days for the vacation school and administrative support such as staff members not answering student’s inquiries on time. The study recommends more attention should be given to student support services such as vacation school, administrative support and as they are the ones viewed by students as extremely effective.
An analysis of the causal relationship between agricultural exports and economic growth in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Mbeeli, Klaudia Krist
This paper investigates the Granger causality between agricultural exports and economic growth in Namibia over the period 1998 – 2016. The study used the simple pairwise Granger causality to determine the existence of such a relationship. An Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was used to test for stationarity. The results of the study found that there was no causality running from either economic growth or agricultural exports as both variables are independent. Based on the findings, it is recommended that government should promote and diversify agricultural exports in order to promote economic health and increase the benefits of this sector by encouraging the concept of farming. There is also a need to develop policies to give confidence to both domestic and foreign investors in assisting the agricultural sector. It is clear from the study that agricultural exports do not contribute to economic growth thus the direct contribution of primary exports to economic growth needs to be considered in relation to the degree of impact.
An analysis of the effectiveness of the automated revenue system in Etosha National Park, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2019) Emvula, Inamuvulwa Tukaleni
Revenue collection is an effective way in which governments can develop their economies. However, many developing countries like Namibia face challenges in their revenue collection. The Namibian government loses millions of dollars through fraud and errors related to the manual revenue collection system. This study was conducted with the purpose of ascertaining the effectiveness of the introduced automated revenue collection system in Etosha National Park, Namibia. A Descriptive Research Design approach was used for this study. Quantitative and qualitative survey approaches were used where questionnaires and interviews were directed to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) staff members. In undertaking this research, both primary and secondary data sources of information were used. The findings were presented in graphs, charts and tables, while explanation of the tables and figures was given in text. Challenges that were identified to influence implementation of an integrated revenue collection system included among others, resources, staff capacity and remoteness. The study established that the implementation of an automated revenue collection system by the MET has transformed revenue collection and improved service delivery in the Etosha National Park. The study concluded that Etosha National Park effectively implemented its automated revenue collection system and the implemented system did impact on the revenue collection. The researcher recommended that it is high time for the MET to put more effort into the adoption of an electronic revenue collection system as the findings show that it has reduced queuing and increased revenue. Finally, the study revealed the need for further training on usage of the system in all areas to improve user acceptance.
An analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on the banking sector in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2023) Kazadi, Blaise Kayembe
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the global economy, causing major disruptions as different countries entered lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus. These disruptions led to various macroeconomic effects, which in turn directly impacted banking institutions around the globe. The purpose of this research was to analyse the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the banking sector in Windhoek, Namibia. To achieve the objectives of this study, a qualitative research approach was utilised whereby, an exploratory research design was adopted. The researcher used interviews and documents review as instruments to gather data and employed conceptual and relational content analysis to analyse the data and used ATLAS.ti 22 to aid the data analysis process. The results have shown that the pandemic came with a combination of negative and positive effects in general. The negative effects have represented challenges faced by the banking sector, whereas the positive effects represent opportunities that open to the banking sector further confirming the claims from different authors who conducted studies in the USA or European countries for instance. The study has been however contradictory with claims from other authors, in terms of cyber-security, as it was not found as a challenge in Namibia. The researcher as recommended that commercial banks, maintain different measures adopted during the pandemic such as the combination of working from the office and working from home, invest more in digital platforms, and further improve their digital platforms where they were certainly limited and make it even more efficient. For policy makers, mainly the Bank of Namibia, the researcher did not have a particular recommendation to give has the bank was very effective in taking significant measures and did everything on time to avoid difficulties.