https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/224 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:11:57 GMT 2026-04-11T05:11:57Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6097 Title: Demographic profiling of retail consumers in Zimbabwe Authors: Sephath Mlambo Abstract: This paper explores the notion of consumer demographic profiling of Zimbabwe by using census and survey data from Zimbabwe’s statistical agency ZIMSTAT. Certain trends emerged by examining secondary data mostly from 1962 when the first comprehensive census was conducted for Africans and non-Africans in Zimbabwe. A number of significant features come to light including age/sex composition, household size, population distribution and the changing role of women in the population and for decision makers within households. Conclusions and recommendations have been made concerning significant implications for all types of retailers of products and services. Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6097 2017-06-01T00:00:00Z Sephath Mlambo https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5748 Title: The impact of adopting e-government as a mechanism to enhance accountability as well as transparent conduct within public institutions Authors: Barbra Marufu; Tawanda Manenji Abstract: This study examines the impact of adopting e-government as a mechanism to enhance accountability as well as transparent conduct within public institutions in Zimbabwe. There is a belief that e-government brings about better change in governance issues through active disclosure of governance information. The research found out that e-government in Zimbabwe though still being nurtured, has better prospects and there is great need for clearly setting and meeting a conducive environment for it to flourish. That is a set of pre-requirements need to be assessed before trying to implement e-government into full swing. Zimbabwe lacks an unanimous e-government strategy across its ministries hence the existence of disparities in e-government adoption within the country – some ministries are more advanced while others only exhibit the first initial stages of e-government. However, the adoption of e-government in Zimbabwe has been hampered by a plethora of challenges ranging from politics, economics, social and technological. Among them include inadequate or weak legislative frameworks guiding and directing e-government implementation, budget constraints, digital divide as well as technological incompetence. The study also makes some recommendations as to how e-government prospects can be fully attained and such remedies among others include the passing of a comprehensive IT policy which cut across all government ministries, embracing Public Private Partnerships in building IT infrastructure, and redefining government’s top priorities and focus much on e-government investment. The paper also notes the effects of poor governance to a country. Zimbabwe’s e-government strategy if managed properly, would also reduce government external debt, improve service delivery, promote economic development, and increase public accountability and transparency within the public sector. Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5748 2016-08-01T00:00:00Z Barbra Marufu Tawanda Manenji https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1492 Title: Choice and patronage: a study of retail consumers in Zimbabwe Authors: Mlambo, Sephath; Marufu, Barbra Abstract: This research focused on one specific consumer group of lecturer at Midlands State University in the city of Gweru in central Zimbabwe in order to investigate their shopping choice and patronage behaviour for a restricted range of basic commodities and foodstuffs. The research also sought to gain some insight the levels of awareness of environmental issues among an elite segment of Zimbabwean consumers. It also sought to find out how demographic characteristics [age, gender, income, marital status, and education and household size] influence patronage and shopping behaviour. A positivist perspective was adopted. Data was collected on aspects of shopping behaviour and relationships patterns and regularities were described as evidenced by the data gathered. A survey was carried out to answer ‘what’, ‘who’ ‘where’ ‘how much’ or ‘how many’ to understand the grocery shopping behaviour of the lecturers. Questionnaires were used to collect standardized data from the population in an economical way. Such data allowed for comparison and analysis using descriptive statistics. The research found out that the targeted group has exhibit a greater concern and awareness of health and the environment. The research also found out that shoppers are attracted by low competitive prices, staff attitude towards customers, ambiance, quality of products, variety and parking space. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1492 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Mlambo, Sephath Marufu, Barbra https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/740 Title: A policy analysis of procurement practices among grocery retailers in Zimbabwe Authors: Mlambo, Sephath; Njerekai, C. Abstract: This study was undertaken with the aim of exposing the policies and practices of grocery retailers in Zimbabwe. The research was prompted by the paucity of data on grocery retailing in the country and yet this sector is one of the key economic activities in the country today. Since procurement is the nerve centre of all retail activities, this exploratory study was undertaken in a bid to generate insight and issues for further research in this area. A multiple case study approach was adopted for the study in which ten (10) major retailers in terms of turnover and employment were taken as the study units. Researcher administered questionnaires aimed at the chief or principal buyers of the chosen retailers were the primary data collection instruments. Secondary data in the form of company documents were also used to augment the primary data collection techniques employed by the researchers. This study revealed that there was a yawning absence of clear cut buying policies and procedures among grocery retailers in Zimbabwe. In relation to buying practices, this paper revealed that, retail buying was largely a decentralised activity. The study also revealed that, although there were a number of buying issues and concerns affecting the retailers buying practices in Zimbabwe, their practices largely reflected international theory and practice. The paper therefore recommends that all the issues and retail buying challenges raised in this paper be subjected to further research in order to provide a richer data base for the retailing sector in the country. In addition, more specific buying recommendations could be put forward for each issue or challenge to be probed further. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/740 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z Mlambo, Sephath Njerekai, C.