Munhumutapa School of

Commerce

Department of Accounting and Information Systems

Name : Nicole Marambanyika

Reg Number : M202316

Course :Work Related Learning 2nd Report

Programme :Information Systems

Level :3.2

Academic Supervisor

Industrial Supervisor :Mr B Zari

Organization : Women’s University in Africa

Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................
Location and Site........................................................................................................................
Chapter One.................................................................................................................................
1.0 Outline of the work placement.........................................................................................................
Chapter Two.................................................................................................................................
Describing and analyzing the company’s............................................................................................
2.0 Historical Development.....................................................................................................................
2.1 Vision Statement.................................................................................................................................
2.2 Declared Objectives...........................................................................................................................
2.3 Financial Performance.......................................................................................................................
2.4 Communication and Information Systems...................................................................................
2.5 Management style in relationship to the performance of the organization...........................
Chapter Three..............................................................................................................................
Describe and analyze the operations of the company in terms of such function as
logistic, investment, strategies, production, marketing and management approaches to
procurement, staffing, financing and technological development................................................
Chapter Four..............................................................................................................................
4.0 Describe and analyze the performance criteria and targets set for the industrial
attachment programme..........................................................................................................................
Chapter Five...............................................................................................................................
5.0 Analyze the means for monitoring performance during the placement including an
assessment of the direction and supervision provided by management and assistance
afforded by the visiting tutor towards performance during industrial attachment..................
Chapter Six.................................................................................................................................
Assess critically the experimental learning gained from the industrial attachment...............
Chapter Seven...........................................................................................................................
Identify and analyze any differences between theory studied and the operational
practices perceived................................................................................................................................
Chapter One

Introduction
The attachment program provided the student with the opportunity to be self-constructive,
motivated, forceful, initiative, and innovative in their commercial practices. The internship
program also provided an opportunity to learn through hands-on experience. This chapter
examines the connection between the theory I learned in college and the practical tasks I
performed at work during the attachment program. The attachment program's goal is to close
the gap between theory and practice.

1.0 Outline of the work placement

To ensure that the work placement is meaningful and contributes to the success of
the company, it is important to set clear objectives that align with the goals of the
company. These objectives could include improving customer satisfaction,
increasing sales, reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, or any other
relevant business goal. By setting clear objectives, student can focus their efforts
and make a measurable contribution to the company's success for example an IT
student can contribute to the success of the company by making sure that the
computers are functioning well and the data of the company is encrypted so that they
will be no or less harm to the organizational data or files.

Bachelor of Commerce students can apply their academic knowledge to

enhance performance parameters within the company. For example, students with a
background in finance and accounting can analyze financial statements, identify
areas for cost savings, and improve the financial performance of the company.
Students with a background in IT can troubleshoot computers, encrypt organization
files or data, managing the projects of the company markets. Students with a
background in operations management can improve the efficiency of business
processes, streamline workflows, and reduce costs.

During the work placement, Bachelor of Commerce students can also

develop important skills that enhance their performance parameters within the
company. Effective communication, teamwork, project management, problem-
solving, and leadership skills are essential for success in any business environment.
By working closely with colleagues and clients during their work placement, students
can develop these skills and become more effective employees in the future which
might help them a lot.

Data analysis is an important skill for Bachelor of Commerce students, and they can
use this skill to enhance performance parameters within the company. By analyzing
sales data, customer behavior, and operational efficiency metrics, students can
identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. This can lead to cost
savings, increased revenue, and improved customer satisfaction.

Finally, Bachelor of Commerce students can enhance their performance parameters

by adapting to the company culture. Each company has its own unique culture, and
students who can adapt to this culture and work effectively with colleagues and
clients will be more successful. This requires a willingness to learn, a positive
attitude, and a strong work ethic.

Chapter Two

Describing and analyzing the company’s

2.0 Historical Development

In 2002, Prof Hope C. Sadza and Dr Fay Chung combined forces using own resources to end gender
disparities in leadership and co-founded the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) operating as private
tertiary institution. The University received a grant for the establishment of the University, Trust Deed
MA692/2001 was registered and the Board of Trustees appoints a provisional Council chaired by Mrs A.
Mupawaenda

WUA opened its doors (based on provisions of the Trust Deed) with 145 students in four faculties namely
Social Sciences, Management & Entrepreneurial Development Studies and ICT, Agriculture and
Reproductive Health. The Government granted WUA Charter Statutory Instrument 130 of 2004 signed on
17th September 2003. In the 2004 the Government donated 285 hectares of land purchased from Mr
Heathcourt for the main campus site in Marirangwe, Marondera. WUA has also acquired the Hope Fay
Hotel and Conference Centre which was known as Marondera Hotel. These projects help and bring in
income for the University as it entirely looks up to the fees from students and donors since it’s a private
institution.

At its inception WUA was driven by the desire to empower the African woman to take up leadership roles
and fully participate in all sectors of the economy and socio-political activities. Accordingly WUA is the
first higher tertiary institution in Africa which targets mostly mature females with enrollment of 85%
females and 15% males, although doors are open to everyone.

This idea of a Women’s University in Africa came up mainly with the aim of empowering mostly females
who had little or no opportunity of going to school. It is a University that tackles women’s access to
University Education in the region in Professor Sadza’s words. Women could not dream beyond their
households because culturally a woman’s place was in the home and society was not keen in valuing
women’s advancement and Professor Sadza who is the Vice Chancellor was in a similar predicament.
Therefore she wanted empowerment and at that time then tertiary schools were still very few. This
University was also started in order to create education with flexibility where women could come and
learn where it was convenient for them either in the evening, during weekends or holidays and the
majority of women are over 25 years of age. Another reason was that of enhancing women’s capacity to
allow political, social leadership roles and allow the 50/50 gender participation ratio.

In the year 2005 University holds first graduation ceremony with 137 graduates out of the initial number
of 145 students at inception. The graduating class consisting of 128 females and 9 males. In the same
year WUA held the inaugural of the first Chancellor, Professor Lydia Makhubu, is appointed by the Board.

The University received and is still getting donations from Africa Capacity Building Foundation with the
aim to improve the performance of the University. In the later years the University received a grant from
the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). The first cohort of 20 students on face to face combined
with Open & Distance Learning for Zambia was established funded by ACBF. UNICEF is also another
organisation that funds WUA donates books to the library and the two jointly developed a Post-Graduate
Diploma in Child Sensitive Social Policies. Econet Wireless also donates to the University by giving
scholarships to local excelling students through the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship. Zimbabwe Women’s
Resource Centre and networks also funds excellent students who are finding it difficult to pursue their
studies.

2.1 Vision Statement

The Women’s University in Africa seeks to be the best African university in the promotion of gender
equity and equal opportunities in tertiary education. WUA is driven by the ambition of addressing
gender disparity in tertiary and this evidenced by its enrolment of 85% females and 15% males.
2.2 Declared Objectives
In line with the vision, mission and core values, WUA had 5 strategic objectives and these objectives
are briefly explained below.

Objective 1:
To increase access and provide knowledge and skills that enable African women to create
knowledge and be innovative in the development of their communities, countries and the African
continent and beyond

Objective 2:
To create an educational environment where communities and other stakeholders identify with
WUA as an ideal place for research, learning and knowledge sharing.

Objective 3:
To enhance the capability of WUA to attain its optimum growth with quality in research, teaching
and community service.

Objective 4:
To inculcate knowledge and skills that develop students to be critical thinkers, creative problem
solvers, and responsible citizens who make ethical choices and are responsive to local and global
challenges.

Objective 5:
To produce students who are able to present their thoughts cogently both orally and in writing,
develop leadership skills, and work well in their communities.

2.3 Financial Performance

Financial management comprises creating value for shareholders, which refers to how a
company's management makes decisions that contribute to the creation or enhancement of
shareholder wealth. The corporation employs several approaches learned in the corporate
finance and financial mathematics modules to help improve the company's performance. The
corporation uses a variety of working capital management tactics, such as negotiating the
payable turnover ratio, to manage its cash flow and preserve cash for investment in other
areas of the business.
Financial management comprises creating value for shareholders, which refers to how a
company's management makes decisions that contribute to the creation or enhancement of
shareholder wealth. The corporation employs several approaches learned in the corporate
finance and financial mathematics modules to help improve the company's performance. The
corporation uses a variety of working capital management tactics, such as negotiating the
payable turnover ratio, to manage its cash flow and preserve cash for investment in other
areas of the business.

Communication and Information Management Systems

The student was able to grasp the functions and operations of the organization's systems and
basic workplace software such as Planix and Excel Spreadsheet, thanks to the IT module that
the author got in her first year. Despite the author's prior computer experience, the module
greatly aided her in navigating the workplace and doing some simple tasks that would have
been difficult without it.

Effective communication is critical to the organization's progress and success.

Communication is also critical for integrating all of the organization's departments in order to
achieve corporate goals. Through the communication skills module, I was able to develop
good communication abilities, allowing me to express and present ideas in a precise and
succinct manner. In addition, I have always made an effort to be informed. I have also
realized the importance of instilling trust in my coworkers.

It was a huge challenge especially early days to address people as he met them at the work
place. I found it difficult since he was not aware of their names, titles as well as posts at
work. Also considering that the student worked with people from varying backgrounds both
the employees and the clients and they would approach with different emotions, queries, tone
and approaches. However, with the help of the Supervisor I was taught further
communication skills and to enquire from the superiors how to deal with some issues no
matter how tense the situation might be.

Required communication skills were learned through interactions with various fellow
personnel. Not only was interpersonal skill development a concern, but so was the ability to
communicate with people at various levels of power.
2.5 Management style in relationship to the performance of the
organization

Chapter Three
Describe and analyze the operations of the company in terms of such
function as logistic, investment, strategies, production, marketing and
management approaches to procurement, staffing, financing and
technological development.
Women’s university in Africa has operations that can be broken down into several
key functions, including logistics, investments, strategies, production, marketing and
management approaches to procurement, staffing, financing, and technological
development.

3.0 Logistics
WUA has logistics departments which are responsible for coordinating travel
arrangements, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery of services.

3.1 Investments
CCL Consulting group have investment teams that provide advice to clients on
investment opportunities. These teams may conduct market research,
analyze financial data, and provide recommendations on potential investments for
example there are facilitators that runs the programs which are offered by the
organization.
4.0 Describe and analyze the performance criteria and targets set for the
industrial attachment programme.

5.0 Analyze the means for monitoring performance during the placement
including an assessment of the direction and supervision provided by
management and assistance afforded by the visiting tutor towards
performance during industrial attachment.

Assess critically the experimental learning gained from the industrial

attachment.

6.0 Introduction

Chapter Seven

Identify and analyze any differences between theory studied and the
operational practices perceived