GODWELL KAREDZA | Chinhoyi University Of Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by GODWELL KAREDZA

International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies, 2019

While the ratio (29.5%) of SME exports to GDP in Zimbabwe seems to be respectable, this is very l... more While the ratio (29.5%) of SME exports to GDP in Zimbabwe seems to be respectable, this is very low compared to sub-Saharan countries such as Botswana (55.1%), Angola (55.8%), Swaziland (56.3%), etc. The current export performance of SMEs provides clear justification for re-thinking export the export marketing strategies of agro-based industries in Zimbabwe. Since the literature highlights that for export firms to perform better in the dynamic global environment, they need to develop ‘market-driven’ strategies, this study explores the relationship between market driven strategies and the export performance of select manufacturing SMEs in Zimbabwe. It was ascertained the two main strategies adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance were niche focus strategy and export industrial clusters, and these are also supported by the policy-makers and export analysts. In summary, from regression and correlation analysis of the data collected from a convenience stratified sample of 332 SME owner-managers, four policy -makers and four export analysists, it was ascertained that various internal (customer focus, organizational capability and cross-functional co-operation), and external (market characteristics, industry characteristics, technology and market turbulence) factors impact the export performance of manufacturing SMEs, albeit some not significantly. SME owner-managers should therefore embed customer value, by producing products which project customer values namely, experiential, symbolic, and sacrifice value, which will positively influence the export performance of SMEs. SME owner-managers should also create vibrant teams with diverse expertise which will boost exports, and a nurture a sustainable export competitive advantage for SMEs.

The research study was aimed at evaluating concessionary funding given by the government to the e... more The research study was aimed at evaluating concessionary funding given by the government to the exporting plastic firms in Zimbabwe. The study looked at the plastic firms operations, from 2010 to 2012 and focused only on loan support given during that period to support exports in the plastic industry.The main objectives of the study were to establish the effects of concessionary funding on export sales volumes of the Zimbabwean plastic Firms, to examine the effect of political power on concessionary funding in Zimbabwe. The researcher sought to find out how these variables affect plastic export sales volume. The study was prompted largely by the cut throat foreign competition which the Zimbabwean plastic firms faced and resulted in the drop of their sales volumes to an extent that the government intervened with concessionary funding to help local firms to export and increase their sales volumes. A descriptive research and exploratory design were used to gather the data from plastic ...

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer g... more In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. There are several studies that have been done in developed economies regarding e-procurement in retail sector. However, the literature was scanty on issues of e-procurement cost saving in the fast moving consumer goods industry in developing countries. It is against this background, that we sought to close the gap in the literature on the use of internet in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We utilized an economic order quantity (EOQ) theoretical framework to demonstrate that an adoption of e-procurement could save cost in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We carried out a survey of firms in the fast moving consumer industries in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 56 respondents from DCK, OK Zimbabwe and Spar retailers, chosen using simple probability sampling method in the course of January 2014 to March 2015. We examined e-procurement operations of these retailers located in selected major towns of Zimbabwe. The hypothesis tested was that e-procurement does not exist in Zimbabwe's retail sector. The results indicate little e-procurement use in Zimbabwe's retail fast moving consumer sector. It was expected that these results should shed light to policy makers in the private sector and government and thereby encourage them to embark on policies that enhance eprocurement in the fast moving consumer goods industries. Subsequently, we conclude that the adoption of e-procurement should lower administrative ordering cost and thereby improving the profit margins of firms in the retail sector.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

The research study was aimed at exploring the inhibitors of micro financing institutions in Zimba... more The research study was aimed at exploring the inhibitors of micro financing institutions in Zimbabwe. The research objectives of the study were to find out the challenges faced by Zimbabwean MFIs in providing services to the informal sector, to investigate how MFI requirements are inhibiting their performance and to determine strategies that need to be adopted by MFI to stimulate better performance. Descriptive research design was used to get data and Closed and open ended questionnaires were administered in six provinces of Zimbabwe targeting government institutions, microfinance institutions and beneficiaries of microfinancing. In-depth interviews were conducted to policy makers in Zimbabwe. The target population for this study was 298 (comprising of MFI managers, beneficiaries and government institutions) and 5 policy makers respectively. A sample size of 169 was used. The study revealed that, microfinancing operations in Zimbabwe are being crippled by poor management skills which is blocking them to achieve their goals and objectives, again minimum capital requirements levied to them by the policy makers is also a stumbling block for MFIs performance, lack of sound capacity to attract long term loans from foreign direct investment and non-performing loans are also among the stumbling block for MFIs performance.

European Journal of Business and Management, 2014

This paper sets out to analyze the obstacles hindering the success and development of SMEs in Chi... more This paper sets out to analyze the obstacles hindering the success and development of SMEs in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. To achieve this, the research hypothesised that limited access and cost of finance, lack of  marketing skills and market knowledge inadequate management and entrepreneurial skills, lack of access to  infrastructure, inaccessible to land, lack of information and a hostile regulatory environment are some of the   factors hindering the development of SMEs in Chinhoyi. This is a conceptual paper and the methodology used is a secondary research in which in depth literature review has been from books and journal as well as articles. The findings of this paper confirm that, SMEs view it as advantageous to remain part of the unregulated market because of perceived advantages like not paying taxes and other statutory dues, not having to comply with regulations that apply to formal business, being able to take shortcuts and being accountable to no-one. This then creates barriers against those same SMEs doing business with registered operators, who are the large companies. It therefore severely curtails the SME's potential market. Again the "informal" setup is the fact that the SMEs themselves do not keep proper accounting records of their activities and as such there is no track record of what the proprietor would have done and this makes banks reluctant to offer them credit facilities resulting in financial difficulties to finance operations for expansion. Again SMEs have a tendency to jump from one thing to another, depending on what will be making money at any particular time, an approach referred to as "kiya-kiya" (patchy/quick-fix) which makes them to fail to deliver the service promise and as a result they lose customers. Therefore the study concludes that SMEs firms need to transform their mindset that will see them succeed and graduate to becoming large corporations.

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Research, 2020

The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export perfo... more The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe, as well as the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance. A mixed-methods study was carried out with a sample size of 345 SMEs in Harare, comprising food processing, leather products, and textiles and four (4) policy advocates and four (4) export business analysts. Questionnaires were directed at the SME owner-managers and an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The results reveal that, although distinctive capabilities play a pivotal role in enhancing the export performance of SMEs; its impact on Zimbabwean manufacturing SMEs is not significant. The findings are envisaged to provide insights on how SMEs in Zimbabwe can embrace organisational capabilities to enhance export performance.

The main thrust of this research is to strategically analyse marketing best practice and highligh... more The main thrust of this research is to strategically analyse marketing best practice and highlight gaps and areas for further and improvement in Oman and beyond. The main reasons giving rise to this research are to illuminate world marketing best practice which Oman firms, government departments and academia can then use to advantage and benefit the country. This research is based on literature review only, analysis and identification of gaps in literature and knowledge. Research using literature review has the advantage of harvesting latest researches being done globally and then making them available to local institutions at least cost. The limitation is that no primary research was done and deep seated cultural, firm and government level issues may remain untapped. Literature summary clearly shows that marketing success and competitiveness requires high market knowledge and sophistication, blue ocean strategy at times, trust, strategic alliances, R & D, innovation, entrepreneursh...

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

The aim of this paper was to bring to light the different views on Corporate Social Responsibilit... more The aim of this paper was to bring to light the different views on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The rise in sustainable development has precipitated the need for organisations to adopt the CRS. The paper looks at various viewpoints, benefits and challenges of corporate social responsibility. This is a conceptual paper and the methodology used is a secondary research in which in depth literature review is done to highlight how firms an incorporate CSR in their businesses. The analysis is based on previous conducted research from books and relevant journals and articles. The finding of this paper confirms that firms need to implement CSR as a continuous process to achieve sustainable development in the long run. The study concludes that firms need to enhance the levels of CSR practices in managing their operation. This is an emerging concept in business paradigm that enables firms to realize long term sustainability in their operations. Keywords: c orporate social responsibi...

Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their pr... more Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their products are almost non-existent in international markets such as the UK and even in some African markets, although these products used to dominate these markets between 1980- 1999. A survey using a questionnaire was thus conducted among a convenience sample of 345 SME owner-managers in food processing, textiles, footwear and furniture manufacture, to determine the relationship between marketing factors and export performance. The data from 345 respondents was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to examine the relationship (expressed as hypotheses) between several factors, inter-alia, customer focus, customer value, export marketing barriers and industrial and export marketing characteristics and the export performance of SMEs.

International Journal of Sciences Basic and Applied Research, Oct 28, 2013

International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies

Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies, 2017

Purpose-The main thrust of this research paper is to investigate the effect of designs that come ... more Purpose-The main thrust of this research paper is to investigate the effect of designs that come with a package and how they influence consumer purchasing habit of FMCG products in Zimbabwe during and after the multicurrency period. The objectives of the research was to ascertain the major effect of packaging designs on consumer purchasing pattern of FMCG goods in Zimbabwe, to establish the major function of packaging on FMCG products and to examine the salient effect of other factors that can be controlled and that cannot be controlled (such as price, quality, promotion, socio cultural environment, social class, personality and self concept, attitudes and learning) on the purchasing pattern of consumer on FMCG goods during and after the multi-currency period in Zimbabwe. Design/ methodology/ approach-The researcher adopted the descriptive survey and exploratory research designs to gather data from the retail sector. The research was conducted in Harare Zimbabwe where most of the retail outlets are mainly concentrated. A study sample of 47 respondents from the retail sector was used targeting firms in the FMCG sector. Data to answer research problem was obtained through an in-depth interviews and questionnaires. 5 policy makers were interviewed while 42 questionnaires were sent to retail managers and of which 32 were then returned. The target samples were guided with a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions. Respondents were Stratified and conveniently selected. Findings-The findings revealed that, the element with the most influential factor on purchasing habit of FMCG products is printed information as indicated by more respondents. Thus the correct message will sell a product hence designers and product strategists must think first on all messages they are sending to consumers. Printed information has more bearing on the buying pattern of consumers, followed by size. Background image, colour and font styles were also pointed out as having an effect on the buying behaviour of FMCG products. Font styles however have the least effect the purchasing behaviour of consumers. This corresponds with Deliya and Parmar (2012)study which concluded that font style has the least effect as compared to all the packaging elements. It should be concluded that size and material are the visual elements mainly considered by customers when buying products while product information is also the main verbal elements having an effect on consumer decision making. Conclusively packaging elements are perceived to be an element of the product. The research also revealed that, during and after the multi-currency period, consumers in Zimbabwe preferred to purchase more of foreign packaged products than local packed products.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences

The authors sought to explore factors that influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe... more The authors sought to explore factors that influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe between 1990 and 2014. In spite of Zimbabwe being one of the richest countries, with respect to mineral endowment in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region there was a paradox of less FDI attracted into the country. We include the investment policy stability (IPS) variable that has been ignored in the current literature; yet, the investment centre policies in any given developing country influence FDI inflows. The authors used Ordinary Least Square regression analysis technique to estimate an investment equation for Zimbabwe using Time-Series annual data obtained from the UNCTAD and World Bank database. The results suggest that investment policy stability; trade openness of the country; inflation rate and growth in real domestic product have a significant influence on the FDI inflows into the country. In conclusion, the results suggest that investment policy stability ...

Asian Business Research Journal

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of psychological influences on the buying patte... more The aim of this study was to determine the impact of psychological influences on the buying pattern of SMEs products in Zimbabwe. This study was motivated by the desire to establish the reason why SMEs products were failing to gain customers acceptance. Furthermore SMEs products have been observed to be occupying minimum shelf space in most of the supermarket in Zimbabwe as compared to foreign manufactured products. Zimbabwe has become an import destination, where almost every country is targeting to supply their products to the Zimbabwean supermarkets. The objectives of this study was to determine the effect of personality on the buying pattern of SMEs products in Zimbabwe, to determine the effect of customer perception on SMEs products and to determine the impact of attitudes on consumer purchasing behaviour of SMEs products. A sample of 100 respondents from customers and policy advocates were considered for this study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select customers who buy SMEs products while policy makers were purposively sampled. The results revealed that personality greatly affects the purchasing behaviour of SMEs products in Zimbabwe, most of the respondents also revealed their negative perception towards any product from SMEs, while some revealed a negative attitude towards SMEs products as they articulated that they have a strong belief that SMEs are generally custodians of manufacturing poor quality products and due to this reason they choose to do business with big firms. The study concluded that psychological influences have an impact on consumer purchasing behaviour of SMEs products in Zimbabwe.

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

The paper examines the difficulty related to tax collection from the poor informal sector in Bula... more The paper examines the difficulty related to tax collection from the poor informal sector in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2014. In the period under review, many formal enterprises closed leading to employee lay-offs and increased unemployment. The unemployed resorted to the informal sector which has grown to be a large proportion of the working population. In order to increase tax base the revenue authority introduced a Presumptive Tax Policy. However, it has been difficult to enforce the policy due to non-compliance by poor informal traders. We carry out a survey of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province in an effort to unravel the practical challenges of enforcement of the Presumptive Tax to a sector that can hardly cope with the basic needs. The results show that size and number of the informal sector, resource constraints, political interference, corruption tendencies, notions of fairness and tax educational gap influence tax collection in Bulawayo-Zimbabwe. Furthermore, findings from the survey indicate that the low incomes generated by the informal sector persuade them to avoid tax. To date scant research has been done on tax collection and evasion by informal sector in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In that regard the study contributes to current literature on the informal sector; also the study adds value to policy making. The research findings of the study are important to government policymakers, urban planners and informal traders' development.

The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export perfo... more The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe, as well as the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance. A mixed methods study was carried out with a sample size of 345 SMEs in Harare, comprising food processing, leather products and textiles and four (4) policy advocates and four (4) export business analysts. Questionnaires were directed at the SME owner-managers and an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The results reveal that, although distinctive capabilities play a pivotal role in enhancing the export performance of SMEs; its impact on Zimbabwean manufacturing SMEs is not significant. The findings are envisaged to provide insights on how SMEs in Zimbabwe can embrace organisational capabilities to enhance export performance.

Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their pr... more Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their products are almost non-existent in international markets such as the UK and even in some African markets, although these products used to dominate these markets between 1980-1999. A survey using a questionnaire was thus conducted among a convenience sample of 345 SME owner-managers in food processing, textiles, footwear and furniture manufacture, to determine the relationship between marketing factors and export performance. The data from 345 respondents was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to examine the relationship (expressed as hypotheses) between several factors, inter-alia, customer focus, customer value, export marketing barriers and industrial and export marketing characteristics and the export performance of SMEs.

International Journal of Sciences Basic and Applied Research, Oct 28, 2013

In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer g... more In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. There are several studies that have been done in developed economies regarding e-procurement in retail sector. However, the literature was scanty on issues of e-procurement cost saving in the fast moving consumer goods industry in developing countries. It is against this background, that we sought to close the gap in the literature on the use of internet in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We utilized an economic order quantity (EOQ) theoretical framework to demonstrate that an adoption of e-procurement could save cost in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We carried out a survey of firms in the fast moving consumer industries in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 56 respondents from DCK, OK Zimbabwe and Spar retailers, chosen using simple probability sampling method in the course of January 2014 to March 2015. We examined e-procurement operations of these retailers located in selected major towns of Zimbabwe. The hypothesis tested was that e-procurement does not exist in Zimbabwe's retail sector. The results indicate little e-procurement use in Zimbabwe's retail fast moving consumer sector. It was expected that these results should shed light to policy makers in the private sector and government and thereby encourage them to embark on policies that enhance e-procurement in the fast moving consumer goods industries. Subsequently, we conclude that the adoption of e-procurement should lower administrative ordering cost and thereby improving the profit margins of firms in the retail sector.

International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies, 2019

While the ratio (29.5%) of SME exports to GDP in Zimbabwe seems to be respectable, this is very l... more While the ratio (29.5%) of SME exports to GDP in Zimbabwe seems to be respectable, this is very low compared to sub-Saharan countries such as Botswana (55.1%), Angola (55.8%), Swaziland (56.3%), etc. The current export performance of SMEs provides clear justification for re-thinking export the export marketing strategies of agro-based industries in Zimbabwe. Since the literature highlights that for export firms to perform better in the dynamic global environment, they need to develop ‘market-driven’ strategies, this study explores the relationship between market driven strategies and the export performance of select manufacturing SMEs in Zimbabwe. It was ascertained the two main strategies adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance were niche focus strategy and export industrial clusters, and these are also supported by the policy-makers and export analysts. In summary, from regression and correlation analysis of the data collected from a convenience stratified sample of 332 SME owner-managers, four policy -makers and four export analysists, it was ascertained that various internal (customer focus, organizational capability and cross-functional co-operation), and external (market characteristics, industry characteristics, technology and market turbulence) factors impact the export performance of manufacturing SMEs, albeit some not significantly. SME owner-managers should therefore embed customer value, by producing products which project customer values namely, experiential, symbolic, and sacrifice value, which will positively influence the export performance of SMEs. SME owner-managers should also create vibrant teams with diverse expertise which will boost exports, and a nurture a sustainable export competitive advantage for SMEs.

The research study was aimed at evaluating concessionary funding given by the government to the e... more The research study was aimed at evaluating concessionary funding given by the government to the exporting plastic firms in Zimbabwe. The study looked at the plastic firms operations, from 2010 to 2012 and focused only on loan support given during that period to support exports in the plastic industry.The main objectives of the study were to establish the effects of concessionary funding on export sales volumes of the Zimbabwean plastic Firms, to examine the effect of political power on concessionary funding in Zimbabwe. The researcher sought to find out how these variables affect plastic export sales volume. The study was prompted largely by the cut throat foreign competition which the Zimbabwean plastic firms faced and resulted in the drop of their sales volumes to an extent that the government intervened with concessionary funding to help local firms to export and increase their sales volumes. A descriptive research and exploratory design were used to gather the data from plastic ...

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer g... more In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. There are several studies that have been done in developed economies regarding e-procurement in retail sector. However, the literature was scanty on issues of e-procurement cost saving in the fast moving consumer goods industry in developing countries. It is against this background, that we sought to close the gap in the literature on the use of internet in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We utilized an economic order quantity (EOQ) theoretical framework to demonstrate that an adoption of e-procurement could save cost in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We carried out a survey of firms in the fast moving consumer industries in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 56 respondents from DCK, OK Zimbabwe and Spar retailers, chosen using simple probability sampling method in the course of January 2014 to March 2015. We examined e-procurement operations of these retailers located in selected major towns of Zimbabwe. The hypothesis tested was that e-procurement does not exist in Zimbabwe's retail sector. The results indicate little e-procurement use in Zimbabwe's retail fast moving consumer sector. It was expected that these results should shed light to policy makers in the private sector and government and thereby encourage them to embark on policies that enhance eprocurement in the fast moving consumer goods industries. Subsequently, we conclude that the adoption of e-procurement should lower administrative ordering cost and thereby improving the profit margins of firms in the retail sector.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

The research study was aimed at exploring the inhibitors of micro financing institutions in Zimba... more The research study was aimed at exploring the inhibitors of micro financing institutions in Zimbabwe. The research objectives of the study were to find out the challenges faced by Zimbabwean MFIs in providing services to the informal sector, to investigate how MFI requirements are inhibiting their performance and to determine strategies that need to be adopted by MFI to stimulate better performance. Descriptive research design was used to get data and Closed and open ended questionnaires were administered in six provinces of Zimbabwe targeting government institutions, microfinance institutions and beneficiaries of microfinancing. In-depth interviews were conducted to policy makers in Zimbabwe. The target population for this study was 298 (comprising of MFI managers, beneficiaries and government institutions) and 5 policy makers respectively. A sample size of 169 was used. The study revealed that, microfinancing operations in Zimbabwe are being crippled by poor management skills which is blocking them to achieve their goals and objectives, again minimum capital requirements levied to them by the policy makers is also a stumbling block for MFIs performance, lack of sound capacity to attract long term loans from foreign direct investment and non-performing loans are also among the stumbling block for MFIs performance.

European Journal of Business and Management, 2014

This paper sets out to analyze the obstacles hindering the success and development of SMEs in Chi... more This paper sets out to analyze the obstacles hindering the success and development of SMEs in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. To achieve this, the research hypothesised that limited access and cost of finance, lack of  marketing skills and market knowledge inadequate management and entrepreneurial skills, lack of access to  infrastructure, inaccessible to land, lack of information and a hostile regulatory environment are some of the   factors hindering the development of SMEs in Chinhoyi. This is a conceptual paper and the methodology used is a secondary research in which in depth literature review has been from books and journal as well as articles. The findings of this paper confirm that, SMEs view it as advantageous to remain part of the unregulated market because of perceived advantages like not paying taxes and other statutory dues, not having to comply with regulations that apply to formal business, being able to take shortcuts and being accountable to no-one. This then creates barriers against those same SMEs doing business with registered operators, who are the large companies. It therefore severely curtails the SME's potential market. Again the "informal" setup is the fact that the SMEs themselves do not keep proper accounting records of their activities and as such there is no track record of what the proprietor would have done and this makes banks reluctant to offer them credit facilities resulting in financial difficulties to finance operations for expansion. Again SMEs have a tendency to jump from one thing to another, depending on what will be making money at any particular time, an approach referred to as "kiya-kiya" (patchy/quick-fix) which makes them to fail to deliver the service promise and as a result they lose customers. Therefore the study concludes that SMEs firms need to transform their mindset that will see them succeed and graduate to becoming large corporations.

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Research, 2020

The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export perfo... more The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe, as well as the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance. A mixed-methods study was carried out with a sample size of 345 SMEs in Harare, comprising food processing, leather products, and textiles and four (4) policy advocates and four (4) export business analysts. Questionnaires were directed at the SME owner-managers and an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The results reveal that, although distinctive capabilities play a pivotal role in enhancing the export performance of SMEs; its impact on Zimbabwean manufacturing SMEs is not significant. The findings are envisaged to provide insights on how SMEs in Zimbabwe can embrace organisational capabilities to enhance export performance.

The main thrust of this research is to strategically analyse marketing best practice and highligh... more The main thrust of this research is to strategically analyse marketing best practice and highlight gaps and areas for further and improvement in Oman and beyond. The main reasons giving rise to this research are to illuminate world marketing best practice which Oman firms, government departments and academia can then use to advantage and benefit the country. This research is based on literature review only, analysis and identification of gaps in literature and knowledge. Research using literature review has the advantage of harvesting latest researches being done globally and then making them available to local institutions at least cost. The limitation is that no primary research was done and deep seated cultural, firm and government level issues may remain untapped. Literature summary clearly shows that marketing success and competitiveness requires high market knowledge and sophistication, blue ocean strategy at times, trust, strategic alliances, R & D, innovation, entrepreneursh...

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

The aim of this paper was to bring to light the different views on Corporate Social Responsibilit... more The aim of this paper was to bring to light the different views on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The rise in sustainable development has precipitated the need for organisations to adopt the CRS. The paper looks at various viewpoints, benefits and challenges of corporate social responsibility. This is a conceptual paper and the methodology used is a secondary research in which in depth literature review is done to highlight how firms an incorporate CSR in their businesses. The analysis is based on previous conducted research from books and relevant journals and articles. The finding of this paper confirms that firms need to implement CSR as a continuous process to achieve sustainable development in the long run. The study concludes that firms need to enhance the levels of CSR practices in managing their operation. This is an emerging concept in business paradigm that enables firms to realize long term sustainability in their operations. Keywords: c orporate social responsibi...

Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their pr... more Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their products are almost non-existent in international markets such as the UK and even in some African markets, although these products used to dominate these markets between 1980- 1999. A survey using a questionnaire was thus conducted among a convenience sample of 345 SME owner-managers in food processing, textiles, footwear and furniture manufacture, to determine the relationship between marketing factors and export performance. The data from 345 respondents was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to examine the relationship (expressed as hypotheses) between several factors, inter-alia, customer focus, customer value, export marketing barriers and industrial and export marketing characteristics and the export performance of SMEs.

International Journal of Sciences Basic and Applied Research, Oct 28, 2013

International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Studies

Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies, 2017

Purpose-The main thrust of this research paper is to investigate the effect of designs that come ... more Purpose-The main thrust of this research paper is to investigate the effect of designs that come with a package and how they influence consumer purchasing habit of FMCG products in Zimbabwe during and after the multicurrency period. The objectives of the research was to ascertain the major effect of packaging designs on consumer purchasing pattern of FMCG goods in Zimbabwe, to establish the major function of packaging on FMCG products and to examine the salient effect of other factors that can be controlled and that cannot be controlled (such as price, quality, promotion, socio cultural environment, social class, personality and self concept, attitudes and learning) on the purchasing pattern of consumer on FMCG goods during and after the multi-currency period in Zimbabwe. Design/ methodology/ approach-The researcher adopted the descriptive survey and exploratory research designs to gather data from the retail sector. The research was conducted in Harare Zimbabwe where most of the retail outlets are mainly concentrated. A study sample of 47 respondents from the retail sector was used targeting firms in the FMCG sector. Data to answer research problem was obtained through an in-depth interviews and questionnaires. 5 policy makers were interviewed while 42 questionnaires were sent to retail managers and of which 32 were then returned. The target samples were guided with a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions. Respondents were Stratified and conveniently selected. Findings-The findings revealed that, the element with the most influential factor on purchasing habit of FMCG products is printed information as indicated by more respondents. Thus the correct message will sell a product hence designers and product strategists must think first on all messages they are sending to consumers. Printed information has more bearing on the buying pattern of consumers, followed by size. Background image, colour and font styles were also pointed out as having an effect on the buying behaviour of FMCG products. Font styles however have the least effect the purchasing behaviour of consumers. This corresponds with Deliya and Parmar (2012)study which concluded that font style has the least effect as compared to all the packaging elements. It should be concluded that size and material are the visual elements mainly considered by customers when buying products while product information is also the main verbal elements having an effect on consumer decision making. Conclusively packaging elements are perceived to be an element of the product. The research also revealed that, during and after the multi-currency period, consumers in Zimbabwe preferred to purchase more of foreign packaged products than local packed products.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences

The authors sought to explore factors that influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe... more The authors sought to explore factors that influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe between 1990 and 2014. In spite of Zimbabwe being one of the richest countries, with respect to mineral endowment in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region there was a paradox of less FDI attracted into the country. We include the investment policy stability (IPS) variable that has been ignored in the current literature; yet, the investment centre policies in any given developing country influence FDI inflows. The authors used Ordinary Least Square regression analysis technique to estimate an investment equation for Zimbabwe using Time-Series annual data obtained from the UNCTAD and World Bank database. The results suggest that investment policy stability; trade openness of the country; inflation rate and growth in real domestic product have a significant influence on the FDI inflows into the country. In conclusion, the results suggest that investment policy stability ...

Asian Business Research Journal

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of psychological influences on the buying patte... more The aim of this study was to determine the impact of psychological influences on the buying pattern of SMEs products in Zimbabwe. This study was motivated by the desire to establish the reason why SMEs products were failing to gain customers acceptance. Furthermore SMEs products have been observed to be occupying minimum shelf space in most of the supermarket in Zimbabwe as compared to foreign manufactured products. Zimbabwe has become an import destination, where almost every country is targeting to supply their products to the Zimbabwean supermarkets. The objectives of this study was to determine the effect of personality on the buying pattern of SMEs products in Zimbabwe, to determine the effect of customer perception on SMEs products and to determine the impact of attitudes on consumer purchasing behaviour of SMEs products. A sample of 100 respondents from customers and policy advocates were considered for this study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select customers who buy SMEs products while policy makers were purposively sampled. The results revealed that personality greatly affects the purchasing behaviour of SMEs products in Zimbabwe, most of the respondents also revealed their negative perception towards any product from SMEs, while some revealed a negative attitude towards SMEs products as they articulated that they have a strong belief that SMEs are generally custodians of manufacturing poor quality products and due to this reason they choose to do business with big firms. The study concluded that psychological influences have an impact on consumer purchasing behaviour of SMEs products in Zimbabwe.

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2016

The paper examines the difficulty related to tax collection from the poor informal sector in Bula... more The paper examines the difficulty related to tax collection from the poor informal sector in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe between 2000 and 2014. In the period under review, many formal enterprises closed leading to employee lay-offs and increased unemployment. The unemployed resorted to the informal sector which has grown to be a large proportion of the working population. In order to increase tax base the revenue authority introduced a Presumptive Tax Policy. However, it has been difficult to enforce the policy due to non-compliance by poor informal traders. We carry out a survey of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province in an effort to unravel the practical challenges of enforcement of the Presumptive Tax to a sector that can hardly cope with the basic needs. The results show that size and number of the informal sector, resource constraints, political interference, corruption tendencies, notions of fairness and tax educational gap influence tax collection in Bulawayo-Zimbabwe. Furthermore, findings from the survey indicate that the low incomes generated by the informal sector persuade them to avoid tax. To date scant research has been done on tax collection and evasion by informal sector in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In that regard the study contributes to current literature on the informal sector; also the study adds value to policy making. The research findings of the study are important to government policymakers, urban planners and informal traders' development.

The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export perfo... more The research aimed at identifying the organizational capabilities that influence the export performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe, as well as the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to enhance their export performance. A mixed methods study was carried out with a sample size of 345 SMEs in Harare, comprising food processing, leather products and textiles and four (4) policy advocates and four (4) export business analysts. Questionnaires were directed at the SME owner-managers and an interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. The results reveal that, although distinctive capabilities play a pivotal role in enhancing the export performance of SMEs; its impact on Zimbabwean manufacturing SMEs is not significant. The findings are envisaged to provide insights on how SMEs in Zimbabwe can embrace organisational capabilities to enhance export performance.

Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their pr... more Zimbabwean SMEs which export processed products are not doing well presently and some of their products are almost non-existent in international markets such as the UK and even in some African markets, although these products used to dominate these markets between 1980-1999. A survey using a questionnaire was thus conducted among a convenience sample of 345 SME owner-managers in food processing, textiles, footwear and furniture manufacture, to determine the relationship between marketing factors and export performance. The data from 345 respondents was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to examine the relationship (expressed as hypotheses) between several factors, inter-alia, customer focus, customer value, export marketing barriers and industrial and export marketing characteristics and the export performance of SMEs.

International Journal of Sciences Basic and Applied Research, Oct 28, 2013

In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer g... more In this paper, the authors explored the use of e-procurement in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. There are several studies that have been done in developed economies regarding e-procurement in retail sector. However, the literature was scanty on issues of e-procurement cost saving in the fast moving consumer goods industry in developing countries. It is against this background, that we sought to close the gap in the literature on the use of internet in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We utilized an economic order quantity (EOQ) theoretical framework to demonstrate that an adoption of e-procurement could save cost in Zimbabwe's fast moving consumer goods industry. We carried out a survey of firms in the fast moving consumer industries in Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 56 respondents from DCK, OK Zimbabwe and Spar retailers, chosen using simple probability sampling method in the course of January 2014 to March 2015. We examined e-procurement operations of these retailers located in selected major towns of Zimbabwe. The hypothesis tested was that e-procurement does not exist in Zimbabwe's retail sector. The results indicate little e-procurement use in Zimbabwe's retail fast moving consumer sector. It was expected that these results should shed light to policy makers in the private sector and government and thereby encourage them to embark on policies that enhance e-procurement in the fast moving consumer goods industries. Subsequently, we conclude that the adoption of e-procurement should lower administrative ordering cost and thereby improving the profit margins of firms in the retail sector.