The Catholic University of Zimbabwe Institutional Repository
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Recent Submissions
Evaluating the efficiency and viability of drone technology in last mile logistics operations- a case study of Charlie Stevens international (csi) Zimbabwe
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-07-13) Chiedza Makwara- Mswaka
This study evaluates the efficiency and viability of drone technology in last-mile logistics operations in Zimbabwe, using Charlie Stevens International (CSI) as a qualitative case study.
The research is grounded primarily in the Resource-Based View (RBV), supported by Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework, to examine how internal capabilities, stakeholder perceptions, and environmental conditions shape technology adoption in logistics firms. An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews involving internal CSI stakeholders and selected external actors within the logistics and drone ecosystem. A total of 45 participants were targeted, of whom 43 participated, representing a 95.6% response rate. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns related to operational efficiency, financial viability, technical feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance. The findings indicate that drone technology has the potential to reduce delivery lead times, improve route efficiency, and extend service reach for lightweight and time-sensitive consignments, particularly in hard-to-access areas. However, financial viability is constrained by acquisition costs, maintenance requirements, regulatory compliance expenses, and limited economies of scale at early stages of adoption. Stakeholder acceptance was influenced by perceptions of safety, regulatory clarity, reliability, and demonstrated operational performance. Organisational readiness, partnerships, and regulatory engagement emerged as critical factors shaping adoption feasibility. Based on these findings, the study recommends: the implementation of phased pilot projects focused on high-value and time-critical delivery routes; strategic partnerships with drone operators, regulators, and technology providers to strengthen technical and compliance capabilities; and the development of cost–benefit models to guide route selection and investment decisions. The study provides context-specific insights into the conditions under which drone technology may enhance last-mile logistics performance in Zimbabwe
The lived experiences of youth leading social enterprises in Zimbabwe as they seek to scale their business within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-03-20) Ruvarashe Winnet Mit
Social enterprises that are run by the youth have become vital in tackling social and economic issues in Zimbabwe. However, these enterprises even with increasing prevalence are confronted with major challenges of scaling their operations in a sustainable manner. This paper presents the lived experiences of young social entrepreneurs regarding their challenges, opportunities, and strategies in the context of scaling in Zimbabwean entrepreneurial ecosystem. Based on a qualitative phenomenological design, the in-depth interviews were carried out with fifteen youth based social enterprises that are located in cities and peri-urban regions. The results indicate that scaling is an emotionally challenging and unpredictable process that is predetermined by financial limitations, legitimacy issues, and irregular support of the ecosystems. However, young entrepreneurs show resilience, creativity, and adaptive behavior to overcome these problems, by using informal networks and hybrid business models. The research will help in the existing literature on social entrepreneurship by showcasing on-the-job lessons, shaping policy making, and giving an empirical advice to aid youth-led businesses in emerging markets.
Examining the Nexus between Social Media and Personal Data Protection in Zimbabwe. A Case of NetOne Zimbabwe
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-02-15) MUZENDA BRYN TAWEDZERWA
The effects of Strategic planning on Organizational performance: The Case of J&P Security
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-02-06) NGIRANDI MAGORE
The research examined the impact of strategic planning on organizational performance, using the Zimbabwean Security company J&P Security as a case in hand , with the objective of
determining if strategic planning influences the overall performance of the company. The research used a survey design approach, targeting a population of 110 staff members from the
Zimbabwean security company J&P Security, with a sample size of 87 calculated using Taro Yamen's formula. The analysis results indicate a correlation between effective strategic planning and organizational performance. Additionally, challenges in implementing strategic planning include a lack of accountability, commitment, and understanding of roles in the execution process. Consequently, it is recommended that Zimbabwean firms prioritize strategic planning and adequately address employee welfare to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The proposal will start by the introduction to the study then Background of the study followed by the problem statement ,Conceptual framework ,research objectives ,research questions ,significance of the study, Literature review then Research Methodology, limitations ,Delimitations and ethical considerations
THE EFFICACY OF COOPERATIVES AS AN ANTECEDENT FOR WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN BULAWAYO METROPOLITAN PROVINCE IN ZIMBABWE
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-03-15) THUBELIHLE MLALAZI
The genesis of this inquiry was rooted in a synthesis of academic inquiry and professional observations of round-robin savings clubs within the post-industrial landscape of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. This study argues that while formal structures are often viewed as modern interventions, cooperatives are a modernized evolution of the indigenous tradition of Amalima, a community practice designed to promote household and communal resilience through collective labor. The research aimed to explore motivating factors for establishing cooperatives as empowerment antecedents and to analyze the efficacy of these models in facilitating socio-economic agency for women navigating the 2024 transition to the ZiG currency and systemic liquidity hunger. Theoretically anchored in Social Capital Theory and guided by the Amalima Empowerment Sequence conceptual framework, the inquiry utilized a qualitative, interpretivist case study design with a purposive sample of fifteen information-rich participants. Key study findings reveal that the hyperinflationary legacy
acted as the principal socio-economic catalyst for group formation, and the technical internalization of the value chain significantly mitigated indirect costs. However, a persistent Socio-Institutional Network Misalignment (Perception Efficacy Gap) and a Democratic Deficit hindered strategic female leadership due to entrenched patriarchal gatekeeping. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Government of Zimbabwe and the Treasury recognize Group Assets as valid loan collateral and utilize influence pathways like the Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF) to ensure the inclusion of women-led cooperatives in national procurement.