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Item An investigation of the relationship between effective employee engagement and performance of Zambezi Regional Council(University of Namibia, 2018) Maloboka, Riscoh MuswabileHuman 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 performanceItem An evaluation of financial management practices in tier 3 state owned enterprises in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Veroonika, PetrusThe 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.Item An analysis of factors influencing the financial performance of Namibian fuel stations in Helao-Nafidi town(University of Namibia, 2023) Mirjam, Wilka KuhatumwaThis 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 analysisItem 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 generatedItem Analysis of operational performance of savings and credit cooperatives during COVID-19 pandemic in Manzini region Eswatini(University of Namibia, 2022) Maseko, Cynthia MthembeniSavings 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 pandemicsItem Exploring challenges in implementing performance management systems in the ministry of health and social services in the Kavango East region, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Malowelo, SophiaThe study explores the challenges in implementing performance management systems in the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Kavango East Region. Performance management systems typically include performance appraisal and employee development. In the context of Namibia, the performance management system was launched and implemented by the public services following approval by Cabinet in August 2011. The study aimed to assess the challenges faced in the implementation of a performance management system in the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Regional Directorate of the Kavango East Region. Using a qualitative approach, the study focused on the employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Regional Directorate of Health in the Kavango East Region, representing different levels, namely: the management and general employees. A total of 18 participants were reached through the use of interview guides to obtain data. The main findings showed that both general employees and managers have a good understanding of PMS. However, the implementation of PMS was rated ineffective due to challenges such as a lack of training on how to use PMS in the organisation, lack of knowledge and skills, poor design, and poor involvement of the management in enforcing PMS. However, the results indicated that there was a relationship between the implementation of PMS and organisational performance. Findings from respondents in this study also indicated lack of resources and lack of performance target implementation as other challenges to implementation. The study recommends that the best way to implement the PMS at the Regional Directorate of Health in the Kavango East Region is to use a variety of models, most of which only the management can determine and decide onItem An evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of hotels and lodges in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Kauatuuapehi, ClemenceThis 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 suggestedItem 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, VictorinaThe 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-19Item The impact of good governance on service delivery in local authorities: A case of Khomasdal North Constituency(University of Namibia, 2023) Katjivikua, Mervin J.Good governance in the public sector aims to encourage better service delivery and improved accountability. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of good governance in enhancing the delivery of service within the Khomasdal North Constituency. The study used a mixed method approach , where questionaires were distributed to 364 residents of Khomasdal North Constituency who were randomly selected from a population of 3,693 residents. For the qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 15 Khomasdal Regional Council officials and the municipal authority officials. These were purposively selected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and present quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Results indicated that corporate governance has an impact on service delivery. The study also established that corporate governance practices are hindered by several challenges such as lack of decentralisation of decision-making processes. The study also noted that Khomasdal North Constituency tries to provide other services, but there is still need for more to be done for the community. It is recommended that the Government of the Republic of Namibia ought to provide a conducive environment that encourages stakeholder involvement in policy implementation in order to promote public participation in governance and service delivery; the Government of Republic of Namibia ought to provide adequate financial resources to sub-national levels of government in order to strengthen their financial capacities. Finally, Regional and Local government institutions in Namibia must be properly equipped with skilled and competent officials in areas that are fundamental to governance and service deliveryItem Examining the impact of organisational culture on performance: A case of IntraHealth Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Shilomboleni, MarthaIntraHealth Namibia is a non-governmental organisation that works in the health sector providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to lessen the burden that the Ministry is facing. It relies on donor funding for its operations. IntraHealth Namibia was established in 2016 and being the youngest player in the industry, it managed to get funding for its four-projects while its competitors only managed to secure funding for at least one and at most two each of their projects. This study sought to establish the role of organisational culture on the success of IntraHealth Namibia. The study reviewed among others, Hofstede’s cultural dimension framework where several indices like power distance, individualism, and uncertainty, among others were discussed. The study adopted a census sampling method where 65 IntraHealth Namibia employees completed structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to everyone via email since all employees had access to email services. The study found that IntraHealth Namibia’s organisational culture had an influence on its performance. The study also found that IntraHealth Namibia had a combination of people-oriented and goal-oriented culture. Furthermore, the study also established that IntraHealth Namibia management encourages employee participation through scheduled regular meetings. The study recommends that IntraHealth Namibia’s management continues to guide and foster best practices among its employees to avoid non beneficial practices like corruption. The study further recommends the establishment of a department that is responsible for implementing and enforcing the culture at IntraHealth Namibia. The study concludes by recommending further studies in the role of leadership in organisational performanceItem Examining effects of organisational communication on lower-level employee performance at Jose Eduardo Dos Santos campus of the University of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Lukas, Josef N.The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of organisational communication on lower-level employees’ performance at Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Campus. In addition, it identified the channels of communication considered by lower-level employees. It also analysed the benefits of organisational communication on lower-level employee’s performance. Finally, strategies to enhance the practice of organisational communication to better the performance of lower-level employees were also determined. Moreover, the researcher followed a qualitative research approach and adopted the interpretivism philosophy. The study used the non-probability sampling technique, particularly judgmental sampling to select a sample of twenty participants from a total population of sixty lower-level employees. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide making use of open-ended questions. Additionally, thematic analysis was used to analyse data by coding themes and presented using graphs, tables, and pie charts. The study findings show that there is a direct and significant relationship between organisational communication and lower-level employee’s performance as an instrumental factor behind organisational success. Therefore, the study concludes that organisational communication allows the institution to obtain a significant result which is unattainable by any standalone human being. In the final analysis, the study recommends that Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Campus should maintain organisational communication as it has been proven to influence employees to better perform their job. The study also recommends for a similar research can be carried out in other institutions to compare if they face the same challenges and how the best it can be addressed to enhance organisational performanceItem Assessing the perception of students on viability of business ventures in Eenhana(University of Namibia, 2023) Namboga, PetrusThe purpose of the study was to assess the perception of students on the viability of business ventures in Eenhana. The study examines the entrepreneurship perception of students, the relationship between business perception and ability to venture into business and to formulate a strategy to change the entrepreneurship perception of TVET students. The study adopted the survey design. The data was collected using an online self administered questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to collect data from 158 respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the Statistical Packaging for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 27.0. The study found that post-graduating, students have a positive entrepreneurship perception. Moreover, the study found a strong positive linear relationship between resources, curriculum and career support with students’ entrepreneurship perception on viable business establishments. The study recommends MHTEI and MITSMED to collaborate with financial institution to fund SME. Equally, NTA and MHTEI to review the TVET curriculum. Moreover, Namibia Competition Commission Act 2 of 2003 should be strengthenItem Analysing the impact of quality of board members on performance of non-commercialised public enterprises in Windhoek, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2023) Ndeshikeya, MateusThe 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 quantitativeItem Investigating factors influencing sustainability of community based projects in Gobabis, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Tjaapo, JuliaThe sustainability of community-based projects is important for economic development and improvement of the welfare of the locals. Constituencies, however, have been accused of ignoring the community’s needs. The study investigated the factors influencing sustainability of community-based projects in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia. It specifically sought to; establish the types of community-based projects (CBP) available in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia; establish how community participation affects sustainability of community-based projects in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia; assess the influence funding had on the sustainability of community-based projects in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia; establish the role of project implementers on the sustainability of community-based projects in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia and suggest best practice strategies that can impact sustainability of community-based projects in Gobabis Constituency, Namibia. The study used sequential exploratory design. A mixed research approach was also used to allow for the integration of both methods’ strengths. The population of this study was 250 community-based project’s beneficiaries, staff members at Gobabis Constituency office as well as Omaheke Regional Council. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Quantitative data collected were presented in the form of charts, graphs and tables and analyzed through content analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The results for both quantitative and qualitative study found that; most respondents were aware of what community-based projects are, and most officials had experience working with community projects. Respondents also agreed to the fact that community-based projects have some advantages to them. The study concludes that community based projects are important as they improve the living standards of people in that community. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were given: there is a need to involve beneficiaries from the beginning of the projects and there is great need to empower the project members, to develop policies and implement them as well as enact the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to reverse the need of unsustainabilityItem Assessing the impact of online learning on student performance at the Namibia business school during COVID-19(University of Namibia, 2022) Nambambi, HilmaThe aim of thisthesis was to assesses the impact of online learning on student performance at the Namibia Business School during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was in relation to students studying towards their Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctor of Business Administration. Data was gathered from 3 different campuses including the Windhoek main campus, Ongwediva and Swakopmund Campuses. Data for the study was collected from a quantitative sample of registered students at the Namibia Business School at the University of Namibia. Questionnaires were administered and distributed online because of the COVID-19 regulations that were prevailing at the time of the study. The study found several challenges to be affecting students’ online journey and key among them included lack of internet access, cost of data and noisy environments. Further analysis of the findings shows that the online learning processes, benefits of online and student motivation are critical and statistically significant predictors of students’ performance in online environments. The study concluded that with several challenges in place, online learning could be problematic, and these challenges need the cooperation of higher education managers and government. It is imperative for NBS to leverage the data-driven insights obtained from this study to design adaptable and flexible learning approaches that cater to the diverse needs of its student community. By harnessing the potential of technology and tailoring educational resources to promote interactive and collaborative learning experiences, NBS can create an environment that empowers students to thrive academically, even in times of crisisItem The nexus between financial innovations and velocity of money: Evidence from Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Uugulu, Tomas MekondjoThe study of the velocity for money in an economy is a central issue in central bank policy formulation. This is so because a steady demand for money function is vital for the conduct of effective monetary policy. The study investigated the relationship between financial innovations and the velocity of money in the Namibian economy. Secondary data from the World Bank and Bank of Namibia, covering the period 2000 to 2020. The study relied on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model technique to test the relationship. The founding objectives were named to explore whether financial innovation explained the velocity of money and secondly whether there existed a short run or a long-run relationship between the selected variables. The results indicate that financial innovations explain the velocity of money in the economy, and the Error Correction model determined that there was an existent long-run relationship between the variables. The margin of the inverse relationship was evident from the coefficient of - 1.107354, meaning that an increase by one unit change in financial innovation caused a -1.107354 decrease in the velocity of money in the economy. Hence, the study found that both in the short-run and long-run financial sector innovations are inseparably linked with the velocity of money. The model also included two control variables GDP and the opportunity cost of holding money as the theoretical foundation nominate the two variables to also affect money demand which eventually affects velocity of money. The results found that a positive relationship existed between the GDP variable and velocity of money and the magnitude effect of the relationship is shown by the coefficient. The other variable opportunity cost of holding money was found to be statistically insignificant as showed the probability and the t-statistic. From these results, a cautionary advice would be extended to the policymakers to manage this dynamic relationships better as it has a bearing on the monetary policy framework in the case of the velocity of money (money demand function) in an economyItem The impact of micro-finance on poverty alleviation: A case study of Swakopmund youths(University of Namibia, 2023) Kaninas, ZeldaThis study investigated the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation, using a sample of 100 participants drawn from 3 microfinance institutions in Swakopmund. In addition, the study employed a descriptive case study as a research design for quantitative research. The SPSS software was used to analyse the quantitative data that was collected from the field research. Income, education, consumption spending, health care, nutrition, non-land asset holdings, social empowerment and housing conditions were among the eight variables used to measure the impact of microfinance on household welfare. Furthermore, three business indicators were utilised to assess the impact of microfinance on firm growth. Sales, profits, and capital are examples of these. The impact of four microfinance variables on household welfare was also estimated in this study. The overall value of microfinance loans, the length of participation in microfinance programs, the total number of microfinance loans, and the average yearly interest rate were all factors considered in the study. It is important to note that longer participation in microfinance programs improves the likelihood of perceived improvements in income, consumption spending, and social empowerment, according to the logistic regression results. Furthermore, raising the total quantity of microfinance loans raises the chances of better-perceived health care access. Higher interest rates reduce the odds of better-perceived income, education, consumption expenditure, social empowerment, and living conditions whereas higher cumulative value of microfinance loans reduces the odds of better-perceived income, consumption expenditure, education, and health care. The study's major recommendations are aimed at policymakers, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Microfinance is not an effective poverty alleviation strategy at this time, as seen by the circumstances on the ground, and alternative initiatives aimed at producing jobs for the poor are required. In terms of policy impact, the government of the Republic of Namibia ought to ensure that social assistance programs reach the needy and that public goods are of high quality until a successful poverty-alleviation program is established. Moreover, it can also foster sustainable, market-based microfinance by reducing unfair competition from governmental institutions; implementing regulatory reform; and finally strengthening the business climateItem Investigating strategies to improve superior sustainable performance in the Namibian mining industry(University of Namibia, 2023) Moongo, Thomas EhongoThe mining industry is the primary sector anchor and the largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Namibian economy and it can potentially drive the country towards industrialization by adding value to its products via the implementation of the Mineral Beneficiation Strategy (MBS). Unfortunately, the mining industry is currently unsustainable because 52% of the operations have stopped production. This research is aimed at investigating strategies that may potentially improve superior sustainable performance in the Namibian mining industry. The research methodology applied, utilised the explanatory sequential mixed methods research (MMR) approach. In this case, quantitative and qualitative data were collected by using a self-administered open-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide, respectively. To improve superior sustainable performance, the data inferred that the mines should successfully execute strategic projects such as the life of mine extension, increasing production, improving efficiencies, and improving all-in sustaining cost (AISC). It was found that the major factors negatively influencing superior sustainable performance include the following: a decline in commodity prices, mine flooding due to underground water, geotechnical risks, depleted ore reserves, declined ore grade, and mineralogical changes. The strategies to improve superior sustainable performance were established by applying a SWOT/TOWS analysis model and by creating an integrated strategy map that consider several mining operation sustainability aspects. Initiatives for reducing the cost of electrical power were recommended i.e., building a nuclear power plant, green hydrogen plant and the Kudu gas power station. Further research should focus on the policy regarding tax relief for mining companies that are struggling to remain sustainableItem An investigative study into the impact of the newly introduced procurement policy on the supply chain departments in Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Shikongo, Martha N.The study investigated the impact of the newly introduced procurement act on the supply chain departments in Namibia. The Public Procurement Act, 2015 (Act No. 15 of 2015) was enacted and came into effect on 01 April 2017. The act aims to increase transparency and accountability. The Namibian government uses public procurement to achieve socio-economic objectives, which are commonly referred to as horizontal policies. This practice is a widely accepted tool of public procurement and has been around for a long time and includes objectives such as poverty alleviation by reducing the unemployment rate and providing equal opportunities to groups from previously disadvantaged communities such as women and youth through economic empowerment. The mixed methods research design was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select employees from finance and procurement departments. The study established that 40% of the respondents were male while 60% were female. In addition, 80% of the participants indicated that the procurement act had improved the processes of selecting suppliers, while 20% of the respondents thought there was no improvement. A total of 40% of the respondents indicated that the effectiveness of the procurement act was high, and 30% indicated that it was just average. Conversely, 15% of the respondents indicated that it was low, 5% indicated that it was very low, and 5% indicated that it was very high. The study also established that the Government should invest in appropriate information and communication technology such as databases on goods and services prices to support procurement officials in their daily work and decisions. A key challenge in Namibia has been the need to define an adequate level of transparency to ensure fair and equal treatment of providers and integrity in public procurement, given that transparency in public procurement bears an immediate cost for government and bidders. The recommendations drawn from the research were that there should be promotion and enhancement of transparency regarding preferential procurement policies, determinants, and related information for the public and promotion of inclusion of new entrants in the supplier value chainItem An assessment of the impact of public service delivery on customer satisfaction: A case study of Okahandja municipality, Namibia(University of Namibia, 2022) Shoongeleni, Wilhermine NThis study sought to assess the impact of public service delivery on customer satisfaction at Okahandja Municipality in order to determine whether the residents of Okahandja are satisfied with the services being rendered or not, such as good sanitation, clean, healthy and reasonable water bills, uninterrupted or blocked sewage systems, healthy road networks, working street lights and collection of rubbish by the Municipality. This study utilised mixed methods through administering questionnaires with structured questions to the residents of Okahandja and conducting one-on-one interviews with employees of the Okahandja Municipality. Fifty-five participants were selected for inclusion in the study of which 51 were customers, and 4 were employees of the Municipality. Quantitative data was analysed through frequency tables, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis in which occurring themes and patterns in information gathered were identified. Findings revealed that the respondents mainly disagreed with the quality-of-service delivery at the Okahandja Municipality, in terms of water supply, electricity supply and fares and taxes charged, as well as their overall satisfaction. The results also revealed that financial constraints, community participation, inadequate employee capacity and poor planning are some of the challenges faced by the municipality in delivering quality public service. The study recommends that the Okahandja Municipality look into practicing and implementing the five dimensions of quality service in its organisation as well as to ii try to utilise the Gap Analysis Theory yearly, in order to develop the organisation and promote employee training