https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/207 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:04:38 GMT 2026-04-05T21:04:38Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3981 Title: An evaluation of the operational risk management strategies employed by microinsurance companies in Zimbabwe: case of Econet life (Pvt) Ltd Authors: Muzavazi, Christopher Abstract: The management of operational risk has become prominent following the large operational losses experienced by financial institutions in the past years. The research zeroed in on the operational risk management practices in microinsurance companies in Zimbabwe. The main objective of the research was to assess operational risk management strategies employed by the microinsurance companies and how the strategies can be effectively managed to curb the potential losses from occurring. The research revealed the plausible source of operational risks, the strategies adopted by the companies to manage them and the benefits inherent in and effective operational risk management looking at the case of Econet Life Pvt Ltd. The primary data was collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. The data was then analyzed and presented using tables, graphs and charts, visa-vie secondary data. The study showed that more emphasis was being placed on investigating operational risk management in Banks, Microfinance and Traditional Insurance institutions in the financial sector, and less on assessing operational risk management in microinsurance business. The findings exposed the existence of operational risks in microinsurance firms, largely emanating from people, processes and system failures. In this thesis, recommendations were made to try and mitigate operational risks. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3981 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z Muzavazi, Christopher https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3934 Title: Determinants of farmer participation in agriculture micro insurance in Zimbabwe. Authors: Chatizah, Loice Abstract: The study examined determinants of farmer participation in agriculture micro insurance in Zimbabwe specific reference to peri urban area in Harare. The study was promoted by low uptake of agriculture insurance products being experienced by companies offering agriculture micro insurance. There was need in the market to develop a product that is affordable due to the informalised nature of the Zimbabwean sector. There is need to reach to the poor households and mitigate their level of risks to reduce negative shocks on their assets. The target population were small holder farmers located in the peri urban arrears of Harare and two agriculture micro insurance providers. Sampling techniques used were was stratified random sampling and convenience sampling. The census method of data collection was also included in the research. A mixed research approach was adopted combining both quantitative and qualitative data. An exploratory research design approach was adopted with research data being collected by way of utilizing the questionnaires, interviews and secondary data made available to the researcher by the Zimbabwe farmers Association this data was analysed using Stastical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Stepwise regression was then used to establish significant factors that influence the purchasing decisions of small holder farmers. Backward stepwise regression showed that 6 factors out of twelve factors are significant namely, price, trust, wealth and income, government schemes, product design, education and awareness. The other 6 factors were considered insignificant as they had no effect on the dependent variable. The significant factors were fitted in the logistics model regression model to assess the effect of the explanatory variables on farmer participation in agriculture insurance and 86.8% chance was established. The results also show that they was limited knowledge on the insurance products. The study recommended that awareness and education be conducted to the farmers, farmers should be innovative in their farming activities and subsidies/ incentives to be provided by the government so as to increase micro insurance uptake. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3934 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z Chatizah, Loice https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2791 Title: Exploring a risk based approach to solvency management in the Zimbabwean short term insurance industry Authors: Mukonzo, Placxedes Abstract: The study sought to explore the adoption of a risk based approach to solvency management in the Zimbabwean short term insurance industry. The review of literature was carried out in order to establish what other authors had to say on the subject. To come up with a sample of 17 short term insurers and reinsurers out of a target population of 33 operational insurance and reinsurance companies, the researcher used stratified sampling technique since the study population comprised of different characteristics. The researcher used questionnaires and structured interviews to collect information. Tables, bar graphs and pie charts were used to present responses from the survey. The results indicated that the insurers and reinsurers are facing challenges in meeting the minimum capital requirement and appreciates the benefits of adopting solvency II. However, the challenges and costs associated with the adoption of solvency II makes its adoption in the Zimbabwean short term industry difficult. The study recommends the modification of the current solvency management system so as to encourage insurers and reinsurers to hold risk based capital and the protect policyholders through reporting rules and the establishment of a policyholder protection fund. It also recommends short term insurers and reinsurers to use effective capital management and risk management systems. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2791 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Mukonzo, Placxedes https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2790 Title: An assessment of the strategies that short term insurance companies can implement in order to improve the uptake of insurance products in Zimbabwe. Authors: Mukayami, Moreblessing Abstract: Households and organisations in the world have come to accept that risk is inevitable in every sphere of life. The insurance mechanism has been used to address risks faced by both organisations and households. The purchase of insurance saw many people who have adopted it enjoy a number of benefits it brings. Like many African countries, Zimbabwe has also experienced low insurance penetration rate as a result of a number of challenges. The process of increasing the penetration rate has proven to be a rough walk with challenges which differ from one market to another. This study assessed the strategies that can be implemented in order to increase insurance uptake with particular reference given to the nonlife insurance industry of Zimbabwe. The study covered the period from December 2010 to December 2015. Simple random sampling was used in selecting 10 short term insurance companies out of the 20 registered with IPEC. Structured interviews and questionnaires were used as research instruments. The findings from the study were presented in graphs, charts and tables. Conclusions from the findings of the research showed that the currently implemented strategies are not adequate and hence there is high need for the adoption of strategies that are inclusive of the needs of the consumers. Furthermore, some insurance companies are failing to implement better strategies because of financial constraints. It has been recommended that the regulator be more flexible in regards to authorising the launch of new products and strategies and on the side of the insurance companies, it was recommended that they make products that enable consumers to get more coverage at lower costs since it has been noted that the insuring public has acute shortages of disposable income. Since consumer consumption patterns are changing, it was noted that there was high need for insurance companies to adapt to such changes through tailor making products as well as implementing a highly informative marketing strategy so as to enlighten consumers more about insurance concepts and products. Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/2790 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Mukayami, Moreblessing