Research articles (Dept of Management)
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Ongori, H. (Academic Journals, www.academicjournals.org, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to find out the causes, types, effects and strategies on how to manage conflicts in organisations effectively to enhance organisational performance. Therefore, it is prime responsibility of management to put in place appropriate strategies on how to minimize conflicts. This research contributes to the body of existing literature, specifically it will inspire managers to develop appropriate strategies on how to manage conflicts in their organisations effectively. The convenience sample of one hundred and thirty managers was selected for the study from government departments, parastatals, and private companies. The tabular method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the major cause of organisational conflict is limited resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1084 Files in this item: 1
Ongori_RJBM_2009.pdf (532.4Kb) -
Marobela, M.N.; Mawere, S.P. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org, July 4, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper explores the implementation of public sector performance reforms in Botswana magistrate courts to improve service delivery. The authors argue that it is imperative for management to consider the possibility of the unintended outcomes in public sector reforms something that is normally ignored when introducing change. Critical realist philosophy has been adopted as a guiding paradigm for this study. The main contention is that the social world exists independently of the researcher. In this study realist philosophy was used together with the case study methodology to give context. In the courts performance management was supposed to help improve service delivery by reducing court congestion, legal costs, and delays. However, the findings suggest that this has not been the case because of gaming and manipulation of performance measures. A principal constraint in writing this paper was the absence of relevant literature in Botswana. Data was sourced from one organisation used as a case study. Problems like the backlogs of cases and delays affect both the fairness and efficiency of the judicial system. Efficiency has to take account of other factors. Developing performance management systems that incorporate measurement and evaluation in the public sector continues to be a key challenge. Both the positive and negative effects of PMS must be embraced. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1083 Files in this item: 1
Marobela and Mawere_AJBM_2011.pdf (1.154Mb) -
Pansiri, J.; Mmereki, R.N. (Routledge, www.routledge.com, September NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The health sector is pivotal to any national development initiative; hence, Botswana has taken seriously the principle of primary health care as contained in the the Alma-Ata declaration of 1978. As a demonstration of their commitment, the government of Botswana has passed a number of National Development Plans, health policies, and numerous reforms with a view of enhancing service quality in this sector. Many reforms and restructuring exercises are still ongoing. This study uses the SERVQUAL model to evaluate the implementation of Work Improvement Teams (WITs) in the hospitals=clinics as a reform initiative adopted by the Botswana government to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and performance of the public sector (particularly the health sector). This discussion will demonstrate that the SERVQUAL model can be used to review the impact of public policy. This will be achieved by measuring the level of service quality and customer satisfaction using the SERVQUAL model through data that were collected from 151 hospital=clinic customers in Gaborone, the capital city of the Republic of Botswana. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, and the findings indicate that the adoption and implementation of reforms in the public health sector have not improved the level of service quality and customer satisfaction as indicated by a significant gap between customer expectations and perceptions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/969 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_JAB11_2010.pdf (1.236Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Mmereki, R.N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of satisfaction and perceived relevance of the Graduate Business Education (GBE) programme at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered questionnaire and face to face interviews were used to collect data from Master of Business Administration (MBA) participants on their reason for studying MBA, level of satisfaction, and the extent to which the skills and experiences obtained correlate with those required by the corporate world. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings – The majority of the respondents are male adults attending part time MBA classes and working full time in administrative positions in the public and private sectors. The study found that improved managerial skills, career development and broader business insights are major reasons for joining the MBA programme, while employability and economic gains were ranked low as driving forces. Even though the overall satisfaction with the programme is mixed and inconclusive, the MBA programme has assisted participants to develop basic management and administration skills. However, the programme puts greater emphasis on conceptual, technical and analytical skills than on problem solving, innovation, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are perceived to be most needed by employers, implying a relevance gap. What the MBA participants learnt does not correlate with what they perceived to be most needed by employers. Research limitations/implications – Since the findings are based on perceptions of MBA participants, the conclusions drawn from these findings must be considered tentative and interpreted with care. Future research must include representative sample of all MBA stakeholders such as faculty, students, graduates, employers and administrators to get rich information about quality of inputs, processes and products of MBA programme. Practical implications – There is strong need for the MBA programme to integrate traditional management and administrative skills with experiences and skills relevant for today's world of work. Bridging the growing theory-practice gap requires attracting professors with practical business experience, revising staff recruitment policies and procedures, establishing formal partnership with external organization, and develop long-term strategies to reduce teaching load and staff turnover. Originality/value – Most of the studies on the relevance and quality of GBE programmes are conducted in western higher education institutions, very little has been done in African universities. This is the first of its kind in the context of Botswana, an important contribution to existing literature and foundation for further advanced studies in the area. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/860 Files in this item: 1
Temtime_QAE19_2011.pdf (1.911Mb) -
Marobela, M. (Emerald Group Publications, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Capitalist transformation of the public sector is global phenomenon that affects many countries. This paper seeks to examine recent public sector reforms introduced by the Government of Botswana to improve civil service performance. The underlying political philosophy behind the change in the public sector is explored by relating neoliberal ideology which is driving the reform agenda to the discourse of new public management (NPM) URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/858 Files in this item: 1
marobela_IJSE35_2006.pdf (1.480Mb)