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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Chikazhe Lovemore, Desderio Chavunduka, Shakemore Chinofunga, Rumbidzai Patience Marere, Oniwel Chifamba and Martha Kaviya

The major objective of the study is to investigate the effect of selected customer retention strategies (fair pricing, online marketing and frequent communication) on perceived…

1219

Abstract

Purpose

The major objective of the study is to investigate the effect of selected customer retention strategies (fair pricing, online marketing and frequent communication) on perceived service quality and organisational performance within the retail sector in Zimbabwe. Also, the study sought to understand the moderating role of ICT on the effect of customer retention strategies on perceived service quality and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of 280 employees within Zimbabwe's retail sector was adopted and respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire with Likert type questions was used to gather data.

Findings

The study findings indicate that the performance of organisations within the retail sector is influenced by superior service quality, selected customer retention strategies and also moderated by the use of ICT.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the business management body of knowledge by assessing the effect of selected customer retention strategies (fair pricing, online marketing and frequent communication) on perceived service quality and organisational performance within the retail industry of an emerging economy. The study is also unique in that it used ICT to moderate the effect of selected customer retention strategies on perceived service quality and organisational performance.

Details

European Journal of Management Studies, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2183-4172

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 October 2022

Lovemore Chikazhe, Thomas Bhebhe, Brighton Nyagadza, Edmore Munyanyi and Tricia Singizi

This paper aims to investigate how graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and perceived job performance can be used to assess university service quality. Also, this…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and perceived job performance can be used to assess university service quality. Also, this study examines the mediating role of perceived job performance on the effect of university service quality on graduates’ satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted where university graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and job performance were used to assess the level of the university’s service quality. Through a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 280 university graduates employed in Chinhoyi town, Zimbabwe, during the period between August and December 2021.

Findings

This study’s findings indicate that self-service technology influences university service quality which in turn impacts on graduates’ perceived job performance, satisfaction and loyalty. Graduates' perceived job performance was also found to partially mediate the effect of university service quality on satisfaction and loyalty among graduates.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s results are instrumental to enable university’s management in developing economies to adopt and improve self-service technologies as this enhances university service quality and graduates’ perceived job performance, satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights, that is, the incorporation of graduates’ perceptions of self-service technology and job performance in assessing the university’s service quality. This research further clarifies the function of graduates’ perceived job performance in mediating the effect of university service quality on graduate satisfaction and loyalty. This study further adds to our understanding of tools, criteria and methods for assuring university service quality.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2023

Rahabhi Mashapure, Brighton Nyagadza, Lovemore Chikazhe, Gideon Mazuruse and Precious Hove

The main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of…

13332

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 400 women entrepreneurs in various sectors. The participants were in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Structural equation modeling in SmartPLS version 3 was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The study established that women entrepreneurship is driven by financial factors, positive environmental factors, positive psychological factors as well as positive sociological factors for a sustainable rural livelihood.

Research limitations/implications

It is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream.

Practical implications

The study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities. Future research can be done in other areas of provinces to avoid generalization challenges.

Social implications

Many challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business.

Originality/value

The study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2023

Lovemore Chikazhe, Sibonile Siziba, Thomas Bhebhe, Obert Sifile and Brighton Nyagadza

The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management style (MS).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 260 managerial employees were randomly selected from 5 major public hospitals in Zimbabwe to participate in this cross-sectional survey.

Findings

Fleet management system was found to positively influence both PSQ and PHSP. The results indicated that PSQ has a positive effect on PHSP. MS was found to moderate the effect of fleet management system on both PSQ and PHSP.

Originality/value

The current study provides fresh insights and validates extant knowledge on PHSP, fleet management and PSQ within the public health sector departments. It extends further knowledge on the public health performance in the Sub-Saharan region, as it shows that dimensions on fleet management have a direct influence on PHSP.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Charles Makanyeza and Lovemore Chikazhe

There is a dearth of studies that have investigated mediators of the effect of service quality on customer loyalty under the conditions prevailing in Zimbabwe; where bank…

3901

Abstract

Purpose

There is a dearth of studies that have investigated mediators of the effect of service quality on customer loyalty under the conditions prevailing in Zimbabwe; where bank customers’ confidence in the banking system has been dented by bank failures. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediators of the effect of service quality on loyalty among bank customers in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of 310 bank customers was conducted in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. A questionnaire with Likert type questions was used to collect data. Customers were randomly intercepted as they walked out of five major banks. Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The study found that service quality, satisfaction and corporate image all have positive direct effects on loyalty. It was also found that satisfaction and corporate image all mediate the effect of service quality on loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in Chinhoyi, one of the emerging towns in Zimbabwe. There is a need to conduct more similar studies in other parts of the world in future in order to have a better understanding of this subject.

Practical implications

Banks are advised to address issues to do with service quality, customer satisfaction and corporate image when designing marketing programmes intended to increase customer loyalty.

Originality/value

Studies that have investigated mediators of the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in banking environments such as in Zimbabwe are scarce. This study was conducted to address this knowledge gap. Relationships among customer loyalty and its antecedents are not likely to change due to conditions prevailing in a particular banking environment.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

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