Ounongo Repository

Ounongo means “knowledge” in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages.

The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DTBS, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students.

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Recent Submissions

  • Item type:Item,
    Evaluating the efficiency of data protection and inter-agency collaboration in the blue rhino task team.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-08) Kapiya, G. M.
    This study evaluated the efficiency of data protection and inter-agency collaboration within Namibia’s Blue Rhino Task Team (BRTT), a multi-agency enforcement initiative targeting high-level wildlife trafficking. Anchored in institutional theory and the collaborative governance model, the research examined how structural, normative, and relational factors influence secure intelligence management in a resource-constrained, high-risk enforcement environment. A qualitative design was employed, using a structured open-ended questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to 31 BRTT-affiliated participants. Thematic analysis identified patterns relating to governance structures, institutional behaviours, communication systems, and inter-agency coordination. Findings indicated that while informal trust-based mechanisms supported operational agility, the absence of formalised data protection protocols, inconsistent institutional mandates, and unequal resource distribution undermined efficiency and long-term collaboration. Technical disparities and fragmented communication systems further impeded secure, real-time data sharing. Nevertheless, a shared commitment to conservation goals and emerging efforts toward institutional harmonisation revealed latent potential for more cohesive collaboration. Theoretically, the study extended the application of institutional theory and collaborative governance frameworks into the under-researched field of conservation enforcement in the Global South. Practically, it highlighted the need for targeted capacity-building, digital system integration, and trust-enhancing mechanisms. At the policy level, the study called for the enactment of a national data protection framework and the formalisation of inter-agency agreements to strengthen collaborative governance. By offering context-specific insights into the interplay between institutional structures, technological tools, and multi-agency coordination, this study provides a foundation for improving the effectiveness of conservation enforcement initiatives in similar contexts.
  • Item type:Item,
    Examining the Impact of Brand Identity on Customer Loyalty at Sonangol Integrated Logistics Services in Namibia.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-07) Kalenga , F. S.
    The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of brand identity on customer loyalty at Sonangol Integrated Logistics Services in Namibia. Employing a positivist research paradigm, a quantitative approach was adopted using a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 272 customers, representing both corporate and general client segments. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the relationships between constructs. Path coefficients, t-statistics, and p-values were examined to determine the significance of each relationship. Among the tested paths, Brand Values (β = 0.527, p = 0.001) showed a strong and significant influence on Customer Loyalty, followed by Brand Visual Identity (β = 0.076, p = 0.323) and Brand Consistency (β = 0.154, p = 0.173), though the latter two were not statistically significant. Brand Personality (β = -0.017, p = 0.639) showed a weak and non significant effect. Additionally, Customer Perception was found to significantly mediate the relationship between Brand Visual Identity and Customer Loyalty (p = 0.001). The model’s explanatory power was reflected in an R² value of 0.581 for Customer Loyalty, indicating that the independent variables explained 58.1% of its variance. Reliability and validity tests confirmed the robustness of the measurement model, with Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability values exceeding the recommended thresholds, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) confirming convergent validity. The study highlights the critical role of brand values and customer perception in fostering loyalty, suggesting that brand personality and consistency may influence loyalty indirectly or under certain conditions. The study offers valuable insights for brand managers and marketing strategists in the logistics and energy sectors. It emphasises the importance of crafting a consistent, value-driven, and customer-aligned brand identity to foster loyalty and sustain a competitive edge. This research also contributes to the limited body of knowledge on brand identity in emerging African markets and recommends further cross-sectoral studies to validate and expand these findings. Building on the limitations identified, several avenues for future research are recommended. For example, incorporating qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or case studies could provide deeper insights into customer perceptions and experiences, offering richer context beyond what structured questionnaires capture.
  • Item type:Item,
    Assessing the influence of lease financing on financial performance of selected public sector entreprises in Namibia.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-08) Menjono, F.
    This mixed-methods study examined the influence of lease financing on the financial performance of 11 commercial public service enterprises (PSEs) in Namibia over 10 years (2013–2022). The research aimed to assess the extent of lease financing adoption, identify factors influencing its use, and examine its effect on financial performance, measured by return on assets (ROA). Objectives included analysing the roles of gearing, liquidity, taxation, and firm size, with firm size as a moderating factor. The methodology combined quantitative analysis of published financial data with qualitative insights from a stakeholder survey conducted via online questionnaires using Google Forms. Findings indicate that lease financing is prevalent among Namibian PSEs, particularly in capital-intensive sectors, due to its liquidity and cash flow benefits. However, it is associated with a slight negative influence on ROA, suggesting that long-term costs may offset short-term advantages. Larger firms manage lease obligations more effectively, reducing negative effects. Taxation and liquidity constraints significantly drive lease financing decisions, with tax benefits acting as a key incentive. Gearing levels also influence adoption, highlighting the need for balanced debt management. The study concludes that lease financing is a valuable tool for PSEs but requires strategic management to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Key recommendations include policy reforms to increase leasing awareness, regulatory support for transparent lease agreements, and financial literacy programs for PSE managers to optimise leasing strategies. This research contributes to understanding alternative financing mechanisms in developing economies and offers practical insights for policymakers and financial managers in Namibia.
  • Item type:Item,
    The Influence of Governance on Implementation of the Public Procurement Act No. 15 of 2015: Case Study of Oshana Regional Council.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-07) Amunyela , E. N.
    This study examined how the principles of good governance transparency, accountability, participation, and fairness have shaped the implementation of Namibia’s Public Procurement Act No. 15 of 2015 within the Oshana Regional Council. Employing an exploratory and predominantly qualitative research design, the study combined thematic analysis of 12 procurement files and five audit reports (Financial Year 2022–2024) with non participant observations of five Bid Evaluation Committee sittings. Additionally, focus group discussions were conducted with a purposive sample of 36 stakeholders directly involved in public procurement, including procurement officers, bid evaluation committee members, auditors, finance managers, policy advisors, and suppliers. This sample size was determined to ensure data saturation and to reflect heterogeneity across roles and perspectives. Descriptive analysis of the frequency with which themes occurred was employed to complement the thematic analysis. This quantification highlighted prominent themes, thereby enriching the explanation of operational and governance challenges within the public procurement system. Governance literacy clustered among procurement officers and auditors, while suppliers and administrative staff demonstrated significantly lower levels of awareness. Rules such as strict competitive bidding, enforcement of conflict-of-interest policies, transparent disclosures, and thorough supplier evaluations were consistently upheld. Good governance yielded measurable benefits, including shorter procurement cycle times, cost savings, and improved vendor relations. However, procedural drift manifested in 58% of sampled contracts bypassing open-advertising thresholds, conflict-of-interest forms missing or delayed in one-third of cases, and inadequate post-award monitoring of social-value clauses remained common. Capacity deficits, ad hoc staffing of the Procurement Management Unit, corruption risks, and resistance to change emerged as chief impediments to full compliance. Stakeholders proposed five key remedies: formalising the PMU, instituting mandatory role specific training, strengthening independent oversight, accelerating the roll-out of e procurement, and linking social-value clauses to quarterly impact reports. The study concludes that robust statutory frameworks alone are insufficient without parallel investments in human capital, digital infrastructure, and strong enforcement mechanisms. By situating local evidence within contemporary governance literature, this research offerscontext-specific insights and actionable policy guidance for enhancing procurement effectiveness in Namibia and comparable settings.
  • Item type:Item,
    investigating the strategic factors influencing the role of mobile network operators in the implementation of e-health systems at mobile telecommunications limited in Namibia.
    (Namibia University of Science and Technology, 2025-04-07) Katangolo , E. C. F.
    E-health plays a critical role in enhancing healthcare delivery, accessibility, efficiency, and overall service quality through the integration of digital technologies. Recognizing the strategic value that mobile network operators can bring to this transformation, this study focuses on evaluating the strategic factors influencing the role of Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) Namibia in the implementation of e-health systems. The main research objectives were to explore the current eHealth initiatives, to investigate the drivers and barriers towards effective eHealth implementation as well as to develop strategic interventions that MTC could adopt to enhance eHealth services in Namibia. The study adopted a qualitative approach, which enabled the collection of detailed, context-rich data that helped to uncover the factors influencing eHealth systems. Additionally, the qualitative approach allowed the researcher to explore not just what happens but also why it happens, focusing on participants’ perspectives and experiences. Consequently, a sample of twelve participants was selected from a population of 800 employees using the non-probability sampling technique which is a purposive quota sampling strategy to recruit members of specific segments to constitute the sample from the population. Therefore, the research study involved data collection from the selected participants in which an open ended questionnaire was self-administered. Consequently, the study found that there is a complementary understanding of MTC's eHealth initiatives across different organisational levels. Additionally, the study findings revealed that there is a shared understanding across organisational levels regarding the alignment of eHealth initiatives with Namibia's healthcare needs. Additionally, the study found that there is a wide range of applications, including electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), and wearable health technologies, all aimed at enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the study revealed that Health Information Systems (HIS) are integrated systems designed to manage healthcare data, ensuring its collection, storage, and dissemination across various stakeholders in the healthcare sector. Moreover, the study revealed that partnerships are fundamental to the successful implementation of eHealth solutions, as they enable the pooling of resources, expertise, and innovation from diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the study revealed that the feedback from healthcare providers and patients regarding the effectiveness of MTC’s eHealth initiatives shows mixed perspectives, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Consequently, based on the findings of the study on the factors influencing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in eHealth systems at Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) Namibia, the study iii recommends that MTC should implement continuous training and capacity-building programs to enhance the digital literacy of healthcare providers and technical staff. These programs should focus on the effective use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of eHealth platforms while considering Namibia's cultural and societal contexts. It is also recommended that MTC establishes stronger partnerships with healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Collaborative frameworks can enable resource sharing, policy alignment, and joint development of eHealth solutions tailored to Namibia’s healthcare needs. To build trust and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, MTC should prioritise robust data privacy and security protocols. This includes implementing advanced encryption, secure authentication methods, and regular audits to address concerns about data breaches and misuse. Apart from that, MTC should deploy affordable and user-friendly eHealth technologies in underserved and rural areas. Leveraging mobile connectivity and community outreach programs can help overcome barriers related to technological access and acceptance. Additionally, MTC should explore the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance eHealth services. These technologies can improve data management, streamline healthcare delivery, and offer innovative solutions for disease monitoring and patient engagement. Lastly, it is recommended that MTC should design a comprehensive sustainability strategy for its eHealth initiatives, focusing on financial viability, scalability, and adaptability to technological advancements. This includes securing funding through partnerships, grants, and government support to ensure continuity of eHealth projects.