https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/171 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:48:19 GMT 2026-04-09T13:48:19Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3951 Title: The effectiveness of corporate downsizing as a cost reduction strategy: a case of Zimbabwe Commercial banks Authors: Maenzanise, Lewis Shingirai Abstract: The research was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of corporate downsizing as a cost reduction strategy, a case of Zimbabwe commercial banks. The objectives of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of downsizing as a cost reduction strategy, to determine factors to be considered when implementing downsizing, to assess the effect of implementing downsizing strategy on performance and to establish the measures to be adopted to ensure effective implementation of downsizing. The study applied descriptive research design. The target population was the managers of commercial banks and employees in Harare. Banks.. The sample consisted of fifty-five respondents. The respondents were all from commercial banks branches and departments in Harare. Instruments used were questionnaires and interviews. Fifty-five questionnaires were administered and 73% of them were returned. Seven interviews were also carried with the management and employees. The major findings indicated that downsizing has led to a reduction of costs due to the reduced payroll costs and overtime bans but it has led to jeopardized operational performance, the process has led to overburdened staff with very high workloads and it has compromised the productivity of employees. The researcher came up with the conclusion that though the operating costs were reduced, downsizing has led to insecure employees and demotivated staff with high workloads. Lack of effective communication between the management and the employees as to the cost strategies was seen by the researcher as a reason for the compromised productivity of the employees. The major recommendations were that management should not solely concentrate on reducing costs but should also consider the welfare of the employees as well as the long term goals of the organization. Management should assure the remaining staff of their jobs and should restructure the duties and responsibilities of employees to match with the remaining staff so as to reduce the problem of heavy workloads on employees. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3951 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Maenzanise, Lewis Shingirai https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3933 Title: A comparative study of the determinants of Capital Structure among listed and non-listed financial firms in Zimbabwe (2010-2016) Authors: Musvamhiri, Maxwell Abstract: The study sought to compare the determinants of capital structure among listed and non-listed financial firms in Zimbabwe for the period 2010 to 2016. The major objective was to establish if there was a relationship between debt to equity ratio and the independent variables and to answer the question of whether listed financial firms had capital advantages over non-listed financial firms. No studies had been done in Zimbabwe on comparability of listed and non-listed financial firms. Empirical studies done on the determinants of capital structure of banks in Africa used profitability, tangibility, size, growth and non-debt tax shields as firm specific variables and these were found to be the major determinants of capital structure for banks. These variables were also in line with theoretical literature namely Static trade of theory, Pecking order theorem and Agency costs theory. The study adapted a linear Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model which was used for estimation in Stata 13. Diagnostic tests such as normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity and model specification were run before model estimation. The results showed that out of seven variable 6 variables (profitability, tangibility, size, growth, liquidity and tax shields) were statistically significant factors that determine capital structure for listed financial firms and 5 variables (profitability, tangibility, growth, liquidity and non-debt tax shields) are statistically significant factors that determine capital structure for listed financial firms. Profitability and size for listed and non-listed banks had positive coefficient signs; and tangibility had a negative sign for both listed and non-listed banks, however size results for non-listed banks was statistically not significant. The results also concluded to suggest that listed firms had some advantage over non-listed firms in determining capital structure. The study recommends Zimbabwean banks to use debt capital since the results show that their appetite to borrow increases as they get more profitable. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3933 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z Musvamhiri, Maxwell https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3879 Title: An evaluation of the adequacy of the retirement benefits and the social security schemes in Zimbabwe: Case of Midlands Province Authors: Makombe, Prince Abstract: The importance of social security benefits comes from the ability of the benefit to be able to satisfy the needs and demand of the beneficiaries by the time they are going to receive their benefits. Social security systems have been under challenges and that the labour organization systems are too expensive harm to the socio-economic well-being of employees. It is observed that retirement time kills more than hard work period ever does. It has been a common burden to family members to take care of their retirees since they are old enough to work. The small income the retirees get from their pensions are affected by the change of cost of living due to cost of production, famine, drought among others that bring unexpected prevailing prices of goods and services. Due to the demand of the people on adequate social services, this study aimed at examining the adequacy of the retirement benefits and the social security schemes in Zimbabwe. Interviews, questionnaires and literature reviews have led to confirmation that social security institutions are characterized by lots of inefficiencies. In terms of benefits administration, there is a very low coverage, inadequate benefits which are not indexed to get rid of the ill effects of inflation, poor involvement of members in decision making, low levels of compliance and high administrative costs in relation to contributions income. Furthermore, customer satisfaction cannot even be predicted as a result of poor quality services. Consequently, one would conclude that the social security institutions in Zimbabwe do not provide the benefits that have a required meaning to the members. Stratified sampling data collection method such as observations and questionnaire were the tools used in the study. There is a need to enforce Laws in Zimbabwe so that registered employers and members will be heavily penalized if they fail to submit contributions into schemes they are registered; and there is a need for the Social Security Institution in Zimbabwe to increase their membership size by extending their coverage into the informal sector where there is large segment of working population. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3879 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z Makombe, Prince https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3857 Title: RoadMApp: a feasibility study for a smart travel application to improve maternal health delivery in a low resource setting in Zimbabwe Authors: Chikoko, Laurine; Nyati-Jokomo, Zibusiso; Dabengwa, Israel Mbekezeli; Makacha, Liberty; Nyapwere, Newton; Dube, Yolisa Prudence; Vidler, Marianne; Makanga, Prestige Tatenda Abstract: Background: Travel time and healthcare financing are critical determinants of the provision of quality maternal health care in low resource settings. Despite the availability of pregnancy-related mHealth and smart travel applications, there is a lack of evidence on their usage to travel to health facilities for routine antenatal care and emergencies. There is a shortage of information about the feasibility of using a custom-made mobile technology that integrates smart travel and mHealth. This paper explores the feasibility of implementing a custom-made geographically enabled mobile technology-based tool (RoadMApp) to counter the adverse effects of long travel times for maternal care in Kwekwe District, Zimbabwe. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3857 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Chikoko, Laurine Nyati-Jokomo, Zibusiso Dabengwa, Israel Mbekezeli Makacha, Liberty Nyapwere, Newton Dube, Yolisa Prudence Vidler, Marianne Makanga, Prestige Tatenda