This study is an interpretive analysis of the roles of NGOs in the social policy process, using the case of postcolonial Zimbabwe. Assessing the period between 2000 and 2010 and the prevailing unique socio-economic and geopolitical crisis, the study engages the major contextual factors influencing evolution of NGOs and their engagement in the policy process. It focuses on the conceptual and state – civil society contestations on the legitimacy of NGO’s as well as an assessment of their impact on the social policy process. NGOs in Zimbabwe have played two major and two minor roles in the social policy process as identified in the study in terms of their prominence and impact on the policy process. That is: policy implementer role complementing state social policy provision, democratisation to pluralism the social policy arena as the major roles; educational role to developing interventions for better social policy and watchdog role monitoring government and other state institutions in meeting the social policy needs of citizens. The thesis argues that analysis of NGOs is embedded in understanding the role of the state and dialectical relationship between state and civil society. Using a neo-Marxist perspective and social democratic approach to the role of the state in social policy, the theoretical generalisations of the study are that NGOs have a legitimate role to play in the social policy process. However, this is defined by the nature and role of the state itself as central driving agent in social policy. Therefore, the roles NGOs are not exclusive in themselves but are anchored within the contextual framework and its definition of societal spheres within it. The thesis established the evolution of the NGO sector in Zimbabwe, its impact on the social, political landscape and argues that the democratisation agenda in Zimbabwe requires a political solution embedded in a transformative state as the panacea for building a redistributive and participatory social policy agenda that engages with non-state actors, NGOs included within a developmental framework. Conclusively, the thesis proposes a theoretical distinction between NGOs as service oriented entities and CSOs as forums for associational life and civic engagement.

This study set out to investigate a unique case of innovation adaptation and institutionalization in a depressed socio-economic environment. The main aim of the study was to understand and explain interventions and innovative strategies that underpin the survival and growth of the Open and Distance Learning Mode (ODLM) in Zimbabwe. Towards this end, the data to address the research questions was derived from the case study methodology which incorporated, among others, documentary analysis and interviews with persons involved in the initiation and management of the ODLM. The results of the study indicate that three broad categories of strategies, namely protectionism, innovative leadership and educational entrepreneurialism or commodification constitute the foundation of ODLM durability in Masvingo Province. Protectionism in the context of ODLM survival and growth are projected and articulated in the policy instruments such as mandates and legal frameworks which shielded the innovation from the usual hazards of the innovation process. Protectionism enabled the ODLM to gain traction in an elitist and conservative higher education landscape. Correspondingly, innovative leadership is manifested in a highly motivated team of management staff committed to the propagation of the ODLM to every part of Masvingo Province. The leadership at the Masvingo Regional Campus (MRC) utilizes the multiple stakeholder approach as strategy for establishing convergences and equilibrium in respect of the interests and concerns of the four main stakeholders, namely the government or the ruling party which initiated the implementation of the ODLM; the employers of ODL graduates who affirm the relevancy of ODL qualifications, the students who sustain ODLM by generating revenue for the ZOU, and finally, the MRC staff who are the implementers of the ODLM programmes. Likewise, educational entrepreneurialism constitute another key strategy in ODLM survival and growth. This strategy is articulated in the principle of continual adaptation and creation of market – driven programmes. The above results have several implications to various role players and actors involved in the educational reform and innovation. Firstly, the results of the study reveal the imperative for power elites or policy formulators to ensure that they initiate and adopt educational innovations that match the capacities of their implementers and the socio-economic realities of their respective countries or societies. In this regard, the ODLM appears to have been a prudent choice in light of the challenges that were being encountered in post-independence Zimbabwe. Secondly, from a management perspective, the selection of the innovation team to spearhead or steer the implementation was prioritized. Only competent and committed personnel positively disposed towards an innovation should spearhead the implementation. In addition adequate training and staff development should be instituted to keep the implementers abreast of new trends and standards in educational provision. Lastly, the results of this study constitute a clarion call to curriculum developers in African university departments to design and develop programmes which resonate with the needs of key stakeholders who constitute the support base for viable educational institutions.

The study has explored the social sustainability of biogas production in a local village of Sogwala which is located in the Lower Gweru District of Zimbabwe. The social sustainability assessment was based on the two concepts of social sustainability, namely human capital and social capital with particular emphasis on their respective elements and aspects. Qualitative and quantitative research methodology methods were used on a sample of 100 households using biogas and some key informants. Analysis of the variance was used to determine whether biogas production could account for any effects on the social and human capital elements of the Sogwala community. An overview and descriptive statistics analysis of the findings from the study have been provided where the biogas users’ experiences, perspectives are discussed and results were assessed. For instance, effects on the aspects of social capital elements which include increases in the social group membership of households after the introduction of biogas production the village; the performance of biogas energy as compared with other fuel sources in terms of accessibility, efficiency and the degree of labour needed for continual production of biogas. In view of the human capital element, assessment is done on the economic status per household before and after the production of biogas, where emphasis is placed on the aspects of employment, education and health indicators within the social sustainability context. The fundamental benefits from biogas production are considered and discussed with the technical issues surrounding biogas production also being presented. This is not just a technical unit for providing alternative energy supply, but it requires management, labour and knowledge, skills to operate on a daily basis for it to have an impact that can bring positive change to the daily social lives of both the young and old.

This research investigates the factors that affect the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. To achieve this objective, the research hypothesised that a lack of skilled human resources contributes to the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. The research further hypothesized that poor management skills such as human resources, financial management, general management, production management and marketing management result in the poor performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare, Zimbabwe. A research proposition was also stated which stipulated that the current hyperinflation environment affects the profitability of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Harare in terms of profitability. This study is important because SMEs, despite their contributions to the Zimbabwean economy, have not been given due attention as the research of performance has been biased towards large enterprises. The results indicate that managerial aspects which are in short supply have negative effects on the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The results also indicate that the high rate of inflation and other economic factors such as foreign currency shortage, interest rate and exchange rate affect their performance negatively. Lastly, the study recommends that SMEs, the Zimbabwean government and other supporting institutions such Empretec, ILO and SEDCO take measures to ensure the survival, growth and development of this sector which has the potential to steer the economy. These measures are expected to improve the managerial skills in the SME sector and consequently result in improved performance.

The study focused on the exploration of the implication of partnership between the government and civil society organizations in the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP). The study was carried out in Masvingo District in Zimbabwe to explore on the feasibility of inter-organizational interaction in policy implementation and how it affects the service delivery system. The study incorporated government departments, civil society organizations and ward councillors who stood as the custodians of the people. The study was intended on unveiling the different contextual aspects that exist between government departments and civil-society organizations (CSOs) as individual and separate entities and how the compromising of their values would affect the partnership. Looking at the hierarchical and bureaucratic features of government institutions, the study also intended to understand how this could be concealed and compromised with CSOs‟ open agendas in public policy implementation to ensure effective service delivery to the people. The 5C protocol, critical variables in policy implementation which are policy content, context, capacity, commitment of those entrusted with the implementation process and also clients and coalitions were used as the yardsticks. These variables acted as a yardstick on which to analyze the partnership between the Zimbabwean government and the civil society in the implementation of the Z.N.O.C.P, their different attitudes, bureaucratic settings, organizational culture, values, norms, and how their readjustments or failure affect the service delivery system. It also became imperative to look at the government legislations that govern the CSO space of operation and financial aspects to understand the implications of partnership between government and civil society. An understanding of these aspects leads to an increased understanding of the feasibility of state-CSO partnerships and its implications on policy implementation.

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The study analysed how the management of the quality of education of Rural Day Secondary Schools has been affected by the internal efficiency of the school system. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used in the study. The study measured the internal efficiency of selected Rural Day Secondary Schools, and analysed the views of school managers and school heads on the quality of education of Rural Day Secondary Schools, and strategies that can be used to improve the quality of education thereof.The study found out that the internal efficiency of Rural Day Secondary Schools was low. At least 30% of students entering Rural Day Secondary Schools were overage; and the overall survival rate was 57.4% Dropouts were mainly caused by inability to pay school and examination fees and long distances walked by students to school. Students repeated classes mainly at Form 4. The average "O" level examination pass rate was 9.8%. The reasons for the low pass rates include the calibre of students enrolled; lack of resources; low teacher morale; long distances walked by students to school, and an unsuitable curriculum. BSP (Z) has been the most effective programme in addressing the quality of education, while the Quality Assurance Division is the least effective. ZIMSEC has improved access to "O" level examinations and the relevance of the examination questions, but is fraught with mismanagement, while the Clients' Charter has not been fully implemented due to inadequate training. SDCs have improved the supply of resources in the schools, but lack basic understanding of education policies.The study recommended that more funding be allocated to Rural Day Secondary Schools to boost resources and curtail dropouts, and that low-cost boarding facilities be introduced to deal with the problem of long distances walked by students. There is also a need to re-engineer the curriculum and make it more responsive to the plight of rural students. Training is needed for SDCs, on the Clients' Charter. It was further recommended that BSP (Z) should try to reach out to remote schools; ZIMSEC should improve examinations management, and the Quality Assurance Division should be revamped to carry out effective teacher supervision. / Further Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Education Management)

The purpose of study is to investigate why state certified nurses on a conversion programme to become registered general nurses score higher marks on medical - related than on nursing assessments during their fourth practical assessments. The universal sample is made up of state certified nurses on a one year conversion programme. A purposive sample consisting of 20 student nurses, 10 nurse- assessors and 5 doctor­ assessors was recruited into the exploratory quantitative study which was done at Kwekwe Hospital. A questionnaire for each of the three sample groups was used to collect data to meet the study's objectives. Data analysis yielded the main finding that students scored higher marks on nursing - related areas than on medical- related practical assessments contrary to the study's assumption. The implication is that the student nurses were able to acquire nursing care focused skills and knowledge in spite of their former medical care biased training and nursing experience. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Mkoba Teachers College is one of thirteen Primary school Teachers Colleges in Zimbabwe offering a University of Zimbabwe Diploma in Education programme comprising Theory of Education, Academic Studies, and Professional Studies. This study sought to investigate the validity of current assessment procedures in Professional Studies. Results of the study revealed historical influences upon assessment procedures at Mkoba. Over the years assessment has been by way of two course work assignments in Syllabus B, an end-of-year examination in Syllabus A, and a research of limited scope. The study tended to indicate the need to amplify the scope of assessment procedures beyond the two course work assignments, the end-of-year examination and the research of limited scope. Despite these indications, an analysis of certification results at Mkoba for the period 1976 to 1996 showed that 5955 good quality professionals were produced. The study thus declares assessment procedures at Mkoba Teachers College valid. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Didactics)