https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw:443 The MSUIR digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:50:38 GMT 2026-07-21T00:50:38Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7125 Title: The new heavy-tailed Weibull exponentiated half logistic-G family of distributions: Properties, actuarial measures and inference Authors: Nkomo, Wilbert; Broderick Oluyede; Thayaone Moakofi; Chipepa, Fastel; Charumbira, Welington Fredrick Abstract: Accurate statistical modeling of complex real-world data, characterized by heavy tails, skewness, and non-monotonic hazard rates, presents a significant challenge that often exceeds the capabilities of traditional distributions. To address this, we introduce the Heavy-Tailed Weibull Exponentiated Half Logistic-G (HT-W-EHL-G) family of distributions, a novel flexible framework that synthesizes extreme-value robustness with versatile hazard rate shapes. This paper derives the fundamental statistical properties of the proposed family and establishes six estimation methods, whose efficiency is verified via Monte Carlo simulation. The model's practical utility is demonstrated by its robustness to censored data, a critical requirement in survival and reliability analysis, and its direct applicability for computing key actuarial risk measures, including Value at Risk (VaR) and Tail Value at Risk (TVaR). Extensive empirical analyses across diverse domains confirm the model's efficacy and statistically significant superiority in goodness-of-fit over established benchmarks. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7125 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Nkomo, Wilbert Broderick Oluyede Thayaone Moakofi Chipepa, Fastel Charumbira, Welington Fredrick https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7124 Title: Challenges Faced by High Schools in Offering Accounting at Advanced Level in Lusulu Cluster in Binga. Authors: Mhungu, Precious Abstract: The main thrust of this study was to investigate the challenges encountered by high schools in offering accounting at advanced level in Lusulu Cluster of Binga District. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative research approach in collecting and analysing data to achieve the objectives of the research study. The descriptive research design was used to describe and access the phenomenon of challenges in the teaching and learning of accounting in Lusulu cluster of Binga district. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants from three different high schools in Lusulu Cluster. Face-to-face in-depth interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to collect the data. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and these were analysed. The study revealed many challenges encountered by schools in offering accounting at advanced level. Some of the challenges revealed were lack of supportive teaching and learning material, shortage of trained accounting teachers, lack of experience among accounting teachers, teachers not trained in accounting, insufficient content among untrained teachers and poor teaching strategies used by teachers. The study also revealed lack of accounting background among some learners as a factor militating against the effective teaching and learning of accounting. The study revealed that there is a lack of parental involvement and support in the education of their children, which negatively affects the teaching and learning of accounting. Limited commitment from teachers and learners was also revealed as one of the challenges in teaching and learning accounting. The researcher made recommendations towards mitigating the effects of the challenges in teaching and learning of accounting. The provision of sufficient supportive teaching and learning materials by schools was one of the measures suggested by the research study to reduce the challenges encountered by schools in offering accounting. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7124 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Mhungu, Precious https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7123 Title: Teacher Competences in Applying Constructivist Principles in the Teaching of Textiles Technology and Design in Mberengwa Secondary Schools Authors: Bodzo, Thenjiwe Abstract: The study was carried out to investigate the competencies of TTD teachers in Mberengwa peri urban cluster in implementing constructivist principles in their classrooms. The intention was to find out if teachers were implementing these principles in the teaching of TTD and the challenges that hinder them from implementing constructivist principles in teaching and learning. The research adopted the case study design to provide an in-depth analysis of teacher competences in applying constructivist principles in the teaching of textiles technology and design in Mberengwa peri-urban cluster secondary schools. The population comprised of five secondary in, Mberengwa peri- urban cluster and 4 TTD teachers. The sample was made up of three TTD teachers. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 3 TTD teachers (one from each school offering TTD) whose teaching experience was more than 10 years. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and observations. The thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data. The findings of the study revealed that TTD teachers have positive perceptions towards the use of constructivist principles in teaching. However, the positive perceptions did not translate into the actual implementation of these principles in classroom teaching. Furthermore, TTD teachers were not competent enough to implement constructivist principles in teaching as a result resort to use the traditional teacher centred methodologies. The challenges that hindering the effective implementation of constructivist principles in teaching are inadequate time, lack of knowledge skills about constructivism and inadequate resource materials and facilities in schools as well as overcrowded classes. The study recommended that implementation of teacher professional development programmes, induction courses for new teachers, in-service training opportunities as well as ensuring that all schools are adequately equipped with material resources will go a long way in supporting teachers to effectively implement constructivist principles in the teaching of TTD. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7123 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Bodzo, Thenjiwe https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7122 Title: Teacher attitudes towards managing inclusive classes at Junior level in Mzilikazi District primary schools in Bulawayo Authors: Kakwida, Fildah Abstract: This study aimed at investigating teacher attitudes towards managing inclusive classes at Junior level in Mzilikazi District primary schools in Bulawayo. This was triggered by the comments given by teachers during workshops, meetings and gatherings. The researcher used qualitative approach during the study. Data was collected through the use of interviews for classroom practitioners and deputy heads. The sample comprised six classroom practitioners and three deputy heads. The researcher used random sampling technique. The study demonstrated that teachers have negative attitudes towards managing inclusive classes. Some of the factors contributing to teacher attitudes towards managing inclusive classes at Junior level in Mzilikazi District primary schools have been cited as lack of expertise, lack of experience, inadequate resources, large class sizes as well as lack of support from the administrative staff. The study suggests training in Special Needs Education to be compulsory in all teacher training colleges, teachers be give support by the administrative staff in matters concerning inclusive education, learners be enrolled according to numbers stipulated by policy per class and applying for funding from donors, charity organisations, churches, well-wishers and Non-Governmental Organisations by the schools’ administrative staff and the government. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7122 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Kakwida, Fildah