Faculty of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation

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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
Exploring strategies for strengthening succession planning in family-owned real estate businesses in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe.
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-02-03) Evelyn Grace Chipo Mare
Globally, succession planning is a critical determinant of sustainability for family-owned enterprises, yet in Zimbabwe’s capital-intensive real estate sector, transitions remain largely informal. This study explores strategies for strengthening succession planning in family-owned real estate businesses in the Midlands Province, focusing on urban centres like Gweru. Grounded in Socioemotional Wealth (SEW) and Agency theories, the research is guided by three objectives: to explore current succession planning practices; to examine key challenges affecting effective transitions; and to identify practical strategies for strengthening leadership continuity. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative research approach underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm. A multiple case study design was employed, focusing on five established firms in Gweru. Data were gathered through purposive sampling of ten key informants, including business owners and senior managers, using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings reveal that succession planning is predominantly informal and founder-centred, characterized by a lack of documented frameworks and a reliance on kinship-based selection over merit. Key challenges identified include founder reluctance to relinquish control, intergenerational conflicts, and macroeconomic instability. To ensure long-term sustainability, the study identifies strategies centred on the formalization of succession documentation, early successor identification, and professionalized leadership training. These findings provide a strategic roadmap for transforming succession from a crisis-driven event into a structured governance process.
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.
THE IMPACT OF TRADE RECEIVABLES MANAGEMENT ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF CORPORATE ORGANISATIONS IN THE POULTRY PRODUCTION INDUSTRY IN ZIMBABWE
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-03-05) AARON MLAMBO
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of trade receivables management on the financial performance of corporate organisations in the poultry production industry in Zimbabwe, with specific focus on Sable Chickens and Irvine’s Zimbabwe. The study was anchored on the Tradeoff Theory and the Transactional Cost Theory, which together explain the need for firms to balance the benefits and costs of extending credit while minimizing transaction and monitoring costs associated with receivables management. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a survey research design. The study utilised a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from a sample of 102 respondents drawn from the two firms. Respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representation across departments. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that the Average Collection Period (ACP) had a significant negative relationship with financial performance, as indicated by negative correlations with return on assets (r = -0.432) and net profit margin (r = -0.398), while regression results showed a standardized beta of -0.376 (p = 0.000), confirming a significant inverse effect. It was established that the Receivables Turnover Ratio (RTR) had a strong positive relationship with financial performance, with correlation coefficients of 0.564 for return on assets and 0.512 for net profit margin, and a regression beta of 0.448 (p = 0.000), indicating that efficient receivables turnover enhances profitability. Findings further revealed that the proportion of accounts receivable to current assets negatively affected performance (r = -0.321; beta = -0.362; p = 0.001), suggesting that excessive investment in receivables constrains liquidity and returns. Additionally, the Bad Debt Ratio showed a strong negative relationship with financial indicators (r = -0.478; beta = -0.401; p = 0.000), demonstrating that high uncollectible debts significantly reduce profitability and operational efficiency. It is therefore concluded that effective trade receivables management significantly improves financial performance in corporate poultry firms. It is recommended that management strengthen credit control systems to reduce collection periods and bad debts, and that firms continuously monitor receivables performance ratios to enhance profitability and liquidity.
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.
The Role of Customer Relationship Management in Building Brand Loyalty. A selected study of the Beef Industry in Zimbabwe.
(The Catholic University of Zimbabwe, 2026-06-09) Tendai Chiwetu
This study explores the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in building brand loyalty within Zimbabwe’s beef industry, a sector of significant socio-economic importance facing intense competition and market challenges. The purpose is to evaluate how CRM strategies influence customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty to beef brands in Zimbabwe’s dynamic market environment. Employing a descriptive research design, data was collected through surveys and interviews with 370 beef consumers and 50 producers and retailers. Analysis revealed that while basic CRM practices such as personalized communication are in use, overall CRM adoption remains limited due to infrastructural and resource constraints. Key findings highlight that customer trust, perceived value, and satisfaction strongly mediate the relationship between CRM and brand loyalty. Structural challenges, including fragmented supply chains and limited digital engagement, hamper CRM effectiveness and brand visibility. The study recommends that beef industry stakeholders prioritize integrating comprehensive CRM systems, leveraging digital platforms, and enhancing cross-functional collaboration to build sustainable brand loyalty. Future research should explore longitudinal studies incorporating dimensions like service quality and e CRM to deepen understanding of CRM’s impact in agribusiness sectors. This research contributes new insight into CRM application in emerging markets and offers practical guidance for fostering brand loyalty in Zimbabwe’s beef industry.