MUNHUMUTAPA SCHOOL OF COMMERCE

HONOURS DEGREE IN LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT

WORK RELATED LEARNING REPORT 2022

NAME: MAHACHI TENDAI LISA

REG NUMBER: M205397

CONTACT: 0773562561 / mahachitendailisa8@gmail.com

YEAR: 3.2

SUPERVISOR: MR MANRAY MAKHANDA

INSTITUTION ATTACHED: LANAHEIL CLEARING SERVICES

ATTACHMENT PERIOD: 10 AUGUST 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023

DECLARATION

I Mahachi Tendai Lisa, do certify that this industrial attachment report in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for award of the degree (Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Logistics and
Transport Management) by Great Zimbabwe University, as a result of my original work
except to the extent indicated in my acknowledgement.
FOREWORD

This report details the experience I was exposed to during my industrial attachment at
Lanaheil Clearing Services. Firstly the report details the background of LCS and experience
at the firm which is characterized by the clearing procedures i was doing. Emphasis in this
report is heavily thrust on the application of the theoretical knowledge that one gets from
academic colleges and practical aspects of the industry at large.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 1.0 Acknowledgements

1.1 Executive Summary
1.2 Appendices
1.3 Presentations
CHAPTER 2 2.1 Analysis of the operations of the company. Identification and
analysis of any difference between theory studied and the
operational practices perceived
CHAPTER 3 1.0 Description and Analysis of the Company:
1.1 Historical development
1.2 Mission Statement and the declared objectives
1.3 Financial Performance
1.4 Communication and Information systems
1.5 Management style in relationship to the performance
of the organization
CHAPTER 4 3.1 Analysis of the roles, tasks and responsibilities in relation to
element of your degree programme. How can these are adopted to
enhance performance parameters within the company.

CHAPTER 5 4.1 Giving description and analysis of the performance criteria and
targets set for the industrial attachment programme.

CHAPTER 6 5.1 Evaluation of Internal and External Supervision

CHAPTER 7 6.1 Critical Assessment of the experimental learning from the

industrial attachment

CHAPTER 8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CHAPTER 1

1.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My foremost gratitude is to the Almighty God that through His amazing grace I was able to
undertake and complete this work related learning, and also the success and final outcome of
this work related learning required a lot of guidance and assistance from many people and I
am extremely privileged to have got this all along the completion of my attachment. All that
I have done is only due to such supervision and assistance and I would not forget to thank
them.

Special thanks go to Great Zimbabwe University lecturers in Logistics and Transport

Management department for providing me with theoretical knowledge to make it in the
Customs and Clearing profession.

I would like to send my sincere gratitude to Lanaheil Clearing Services, my Directors Mr and
Mrs Muleya, for their unending support they afforded to me during my training term of
attachment. Special mention goes to the Operations department my immediate supervisor Mr
Manray Makhanda and my manager Mr Wisdom Jiyane for devoting their time for guidance
and assistance in providing me with some information in this report. Lastly I would like to
thank my parents for their moral support during my entire study.

1.2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of the Great Zimbabwe University which has made it a mandatory that every
student undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Logistics and Transport
Management goes into a full year industrial attachment in the 3rd year of the Degree
Programme. The objective of this report is to provide a detailed account of what took place
during the first three months of my attachment period at Lanaheil Investments

Lanaheil Clearing Services is financially sound and holds a revolving credit facility with ZB
BANK, and FNB respectively, to finance the heavy duty outlays on behalf of clients who are
in a crisis. The company provides itself in its highly experienced and dedicated workforce,
and that’s the reason why we have managed to maintain and service of +20 clients over a
long period of time. We have the knowledge and expertise to handle shipments timely,
efficiently and cost effectively. Lanaheil has offices on the South African side managed by
five members, Beitbridge office with eleven members and Harare office with two members.

1.3 APPENDICES

Each applicant shall ensure that all applicable information that is furnished by or on behalf of
it in connection with the application process is true, accurate and complete in every material
respect as of the date it is furnished. Applicants shall additionally endeavor to inform the
Clearing House about all other circumstances relevant of the information furnished

CHAPTER 2

2.0 Analysis of the operations of the company. Identification and analysis of any difference
between theory studied and the operational practices perceived

Operations of the company

Lanaheil Clearing Company assist you with the necessary customs transactions. As a
company it arrange for your goods to be transported from one country to another while a
Clearing Agent will make sure that your goods are cleared with customs.

Clearing and forwarding agents play an important role in ensuring smooth shipment and
clearance of cargo. Their responsibilities include timely documentation, submission of
appropriate paperwork to authorities and related subsidiary activities such as arranging
specialized labour and transport to help clear goods quickly.

Some of their key roles are:

• Determining harmonised tariff of goods for customs duties

• Calculating import duties and taxes or VAT as applicable
• Assisting with clearing instructions to confirm that all information received from shipper
and consignee is accurate before submitting for customs clearance
• Framing Bill of Entry (BOE) to be submitted
• Arranging customs clearance or release with relevant requirements as per the cargo to avoid
penalties and delays
• Facilitates shipments for exporters while acting as a guarantor to ensure that commercial
operations take place under agreed conditions

CHAPTER 3

3.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

Lanaheil Clearing Services opened up its doors to the freight industry in 2002 and is a
member of the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe. It specializes in
in customs clearing, forwarding and transportation services. The company’s transport system
is networked through Onyx Distributors based in Kyalami Business Park, Midrand
Johannesburg and Jumbo Transport in Msasa Harare. Lanaheil is the latter’s appointed agent
and currently manage their fleet and effect customs clearance thereof, both import and export
respectively.

More so Lanaheil does clearing for companies like Stefanutti Stocks,Meikles, Africa Innscor,
Malilangwe Conservative Trust, Aarolin Trading, Dosbai Investments, Denbury Trading and
many more.

3.1 MISSION STATEMENT AND DECLARED OBJECTIVES

Mission

To redefine customs clearing and forwarding services for objective value to the Zimbabwean
economy

Objectives

✓ To provide a comprehensive cost effective high value added logistic services across
Africa.
✓ To ensure swift movement of goods across the border.
✓ It intends to provide a leading role in customs and clearing, forwarding and shipping
solutions to all through the facilitation and promotion of trade, assistance in the
collection of correct amount of revenue to ZIMRA, have highly competing and
motivated team so as to meet demands.
 ✓ To ensure that a safe working environment for its workers and its clients through
maximum quality of professionalism and expertise through proper ventilation, better
salaries and reasonable agency and consultation fee for clients.
✓ To increase its market monthly.

3.2 FINANCIAL PERFOMANCE

Financial performance is the process of measuring the results of a firm`s policies and
operations in monetary terms. It is used to measure a firm`s overall financial health over a
given period of time. Trivedi (2010) also shares the same emphasizing that it can be used to
demonstrate an entity`s strength, prosperity and dominance in the area of operation. This
concept is connected to the organization`s past, present and future activities that pertain to
productivity, administration and responsibility.

Lanaheil Clearing Services is financially sound and holds a revolving credit facility with ZB
Bank and FNB (RSA) respectively, to finance huge duty outlays on behalf of clients if the
need arises. Lanaheil is a private company and all activities are seen by the company CEO.
All the finances and employee welfare such as salaries are determined by the company
director.

3.3 COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Communication can be defined as various processes, both formal and informal by which
information is passed between the management and employees within an organization or
between the organization itself and outsiders. Internal communication helps in increasing the
employee's productivity and service delivery, while external communication helps the
organization to promote its public image and customer satisfaction. Information systems
(I.S.) are complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations
use to collect, filter, process, and distribute data. Information systems aim to support
operations, management and decision making hence making the organization much more
effective.

✓ Internal Communication
The organization is trying as much as possible to keep up pace with the ever changing
Information and Communication Technology by continuously modernizing its
communication system. Lanaheil uses a wide range of technological systems and equipment
to communicate internally. The organization also use the vehicle tracking systems to
communicate with the driver whilst in transit and this form of communication helps the
organization to understand the events of trip so as to safeguard goods in transit to be
offloaded locally. Vehicle tracking systems have managed to enhance communication
thereby allowing the driver to be accountable of the events which took place whilst in transit.

✓ External Communication

External communication is the exchange of information between organizations and other

outside organizations. The major reason for external communication is to facilitate trade and
collaborate with external players so as to achieve a common goal of customer satisfaction.
There is need for effective communication considering the nature of business and the level of
competition within the industry. For example when monitoring and clearing cargo, customers
need to constantly keep updated on the position of their consignment through the use of
extranets.

✓ Emails

The company makes use of emails on a daily basis and they are used as a fast and low cost
form of communication within and outside the organization. Customers send their invoices
and some export documents through emails for the facilitation of customs clearance. When
the clearance of cargo is done a notification has to be scanned and emailed so as to give
authority for the truck to come to Zimbabwe. This form of communication is also used to
engage and make follow-ups on existing customers as well as prospecting or engaging new
customers. Different sections can be copied and reports are sent at once through emails
within the organization.

✓ Telephone
The use of telephone whether landline or mobile cell phones is one of the most fundamental
ways of communication within as well as outside the organization. They provide immediate
and real time communication and it has the greatest advantage of having instant feedback.
Customer follow ups are made easier as clients are just a phone call away.

✓ Computer usage

Computers are used on a daily basis in the organization. The preparations of all the reports
using Microsoft excel and Microsoft word and these reports are sent via email. Lanaheil
makes use of both traditional and modern ways of communicating with customers to increase
its clientele base. The organization is very conscious to communication changes in
technology and information systems which are of paramount importance to the success of the
organization.

These help them organize and prioritize work. Technology at Lanaheil also help divide work
as well, giving employees different goals to make larger tasks easier. The technology at the
company is also used to look for new hires, arrange collaborations with other businesses or
assess the company's finances.

3.4 MANAGEMENT STYLE IN RELATIONSHIP TO PERFOMANCE OF THE

ORGANISATION

Management is very important in an organization as it ensures efficient and effective running

of an organization. Management is an essential activity of all organizational level as it
coordinates all factors of production for a conducive result which best saves everyone.in
which I would like to believe that all management style are initiated from management of
resources.

LCS is filled with capacitated human capital who has knowledge managerial styles for a
better performance outcome of the organization. Management style and performance they are
two aspects that interchange energy for enhancement of each aspect that is a positive and
better management style gives us better positive performance for the organization and vice-
versa. For LCS ‘’the management system of the organization is guided by the Performance
Management Handbook or manual. Specific and realistic performance targets are set at
station, group, and individual levels whereupon excellent performance will earn recognition
or recommendations for promotions and advancement.
Comprehensive supervision mechanisms are installed that ensures compliance with work
plans. The organization enhances the use of relevant job descriptions, job profiles, and skills
inventory for placements, postings and deployments. The organization also makes use of
performance appraisals and inculcates a self-appraisal mechanism process”. LCS uses
Taylor's scientific management style which includes wider scope for specialization, accurate
planning, timely delivery, standardized methods, better quality, lesser costs, minimum
wastage of materials, time and energy and cordial relations between management and
workers.

CHAPTER 4

Analyzing the operations of the company. Identification and analysis of any difference
between theory studied and the operational practices perceived.

I had the opportunity to work in the real world. This made it possible to assess the
significance of what was learnt in the first two years of my degree program to what
is done in the industry. In this chapter I recognized all the courses that I learnt, had a
fair share on practical application. This includes Procurement, Stock Management,
Information Systems, Communication Skills, Transport and logistics, Commercial
law, Customs Practice and Documentation, Principles of Management and Basic
Accounts. I am going to discuss the essential of the courses on the attachment.

Introduction to Information Technology

Equipped the writer with basic knowledge of using applications like excel and
word. It also helped in familiarizing with the keyboard and internet.

Principles of Management

It helped me to observe and study organizational structure and to put to test some
motivational theories. It also equipped me with general overview of organizations.

Business Communication

It equipped the writer with skills like report writing and how to communicate with
management and clients.
Basic Accounts

During the course of my attachment, I learned about creating quotations and invoices
to clients and also calculating expenses incurred at the end of the month.

Commercial Law

It helped in the understanding of how people should conduct themselves within the
company. Commercial law was relevant from the time I was securing industrial
attachment place, signing an employment contract terms, working conditions and the
period of notice which is supposed to be given by either party before the contract can
be terminated. And also having legal knowledge is now an added advantage in the
industry to avoid breech of contact especially for local authorities that involves the
government in their running.

Procurement Management

I learnt at school had a fair share in the application of courses in the internship. As a
student l learnt the importance of following up the procurement process to determine
the right supplier.

Customs Practice and Documentation

This was my main module during the course of the attachment period. It Involved
preparation and submission of documentations required to facilitate export or
imports into the country, representing client during customs examination,
assessment, payment of duty and co taking delivery of cargo from customs after
clearance along with documents. Prepared shipping bill which involved classification
of cargo under specific classification that is a critical activity in the entire process
and the role is limited to acting on behalf of and representing clients as third party
agencies engaged in customs clearance.
CHAPTER 5

Giving description and analysis of the performance criteria and targets set for the
industrial attachment programme.

During the first 2 years of the programme at school, we were introduced to some of the thing
which we would meet in the industry. Targets set for industrial attachment programme for the
student is to provide opportunities for the application of classroom knowledge to real-world
situations. Specifically including provision of a structured attachment programme with
emphasis on applications, management and hands-on experience for the student to: a).
apply knowledge learned

b). acquire practical skills

c). strengthen work values

d). gain interpersonal skills

The main focus being the evaluation of the performance criteria and targets set for the
industrial attachment such as:

Knowledge Learned

The student is responsible to oversee the daily tracking and monitoring of trucks from the
source to up to the client. She was also responsible for creating new and revised quotations
and invoices for clients. The student was also responsible for the registration of E-manifests
for the clearing process to take place. She was also responsible for document inspection that
is analysing export and import licences, pro forma invoices, customer packing list, bill of
lading, customs road manifests, insurance certificate and certificate of origin. The writer
managed to use the ASYCUDA System which is designed to help Customs Clearing
Procedures on the importation and exportation of goods and compiling accurate trade
statistics.

The student managed to do the tax and duty calculations using commercial invoice. The
student successfully learned how to use the Tariff Handbook that is used to identify the
customs regimes to which goods are being entered and from which they have been removed.
The writer also coped to do the bill of entries which are lodged through the ASYCUDA
System and studied the clearing procedures of trucks at the Beitbridge Border Post.

Practical Skills
These are abilities that employees use daily to complete their tasks. The skills gained
included:

It made me recognize the operations and requirement of real life business, thus leading to the
development of entrepreneurship, global outlook, professional ethics and social and cultural
understanding.

I was able to acquire the teamwork because sometimes we would work collectively in-order
achieve a task in time.All thanks to our supervisor who always argued us to analyze matter of
prioritization depending with the agency of the situation and given situation.

Interpersonal Skills
In the industry world the term refers to an employee’s ability to work well with others.
Interpersonal skills gained include:

It proved to me in learning and improving soft skills such as communication, problem

solving, analytical thinking, decision making, leadership, presentation, teamwork, networking
and interpersonal skills and to develop critical and creative thinking.

The opportunity I had to go through the industrial attachment made me realize that
workplaces are comprised of different people with different views and knowledge. As a
leader you should be able to improve your understanding that other people have different
points of view.

It made it possible for me to link the academic environment with workplace and it gave me
an opportunity to learn firsthand information about valued requirements that cannot be taught
or experienced in classroom. I got the opportunity to develop professional competence as a
major plus-learning and contributing in the workplace
CHAPTER 6

Evaluation of Internal and External Supervision

The internal and external supervision has different parameters in supervision. Where the
internal supervision was done and supervision was done by Mr. Manray Makhanda and
external by appointed lecturers from Great Zimbabwe University.

Internal Supervision
My supervisor had to, sometimes delegate tasks specifically to individuals to evaluate our
performance and such tasks includes:

✓ Tracking and monitoring of trucks

✓ Creating quotations
✓ Creating invoices and sending them to Revmax (ZIMRA)
✓ Creating E-Manifests
✓ Creating Waybills
✓ Inspecting documents
✓ Work sheet
✓ Creating Bill of entries
✓ Attending workshops hosted by ZIMRA
✓ Creating database for storage of all imports and exports bill of entries done by the
company

External Supervision

Our academic supervisors before starting our work related learning they had tasked us to
prepare assessment reports and log books which is to be submitted to the school for marking.
And they made sure that they would come for first and second physical assessment. The first
assessment was done successful were they came to assess how we were relating with the
environment and urging us to always link the practical learning with the theory.
CHAPTER 7
Critical Assessment of the experiment learned from the industrial attachment.

The work related learning is set to enlighten students on the industry in which they are
specializing with. During the first two years of studying the degree program ( transport and
logistics management), we did quite a number of courses in which we were doing the
theoretical part of it which includes business management, financial accounting, inventory
management, passengers and cargo management to mention a few. And in which some of
them they gave spotlights of some aspects we were going to deal with in the industry.

The industrial attachment made it easier as it maneuvered way for us students to realize how
each and every aspect is being handled in the industry. At school we focused on learning
basic management theories, this greatly enhanced my understanding of the logistics and
transport industry especially for the Transport department in the local authority’s where cost
savings is initiated.

As the transport and logistics office may be faced with different cases which require different
attention, as a student I tried my best in applying theoretical priority management being the
case there is always a point where adjustments must be implemented. My supervisor helped a
lot in highlighting when and when not to take action and to always analyze before acting.

CHAPTER 8

Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion

In conclusion, my work related learning period was of utmost important as it equipped me with the
much needed experience that is needed in order to make it in the management field. It was also
relevant as it enabled me to link the theory I got from Great Zimbabwe University to practice in the
industry. My work related learning really proved to be an eye opener and I learnt how to carry myself
in the professional field.
Recommendations
To the Organization

The organization should encourage team work, that means that work should not be delayed
because one person who has knowledge is on leave or absent, it should be reverted in the
organization hence productivity is ensured.

The top management needs to have an assessment of the effectiveness of these aspects of
communication between management and employees. This can help them to understand why
communication is not as effective as it could be and should provide some clear lines of
communication

To the University

The University should continue holding meetings with students who are about to go to work
related learning informing them on what to expect, what is expected from them and the
records they should keep, that they will produce if their lecturers come for assessment.

The University should assist in looking for attachment places on time. The University should
know the industry is still working at a very low capacity. Some companies are retrenching
permanent workers and let alone employ students. How can that be possible?

Students should be assessed twice not once and first preference should be given to level 3.2s
and level 3.1s should be assessed later. I think this proves communication between students
and the lectures.

The University staff should not only show up at the organizations to which the student are
placed when assessment is due but rather they should make frantic efforts to stay in touch
with the employers and articulate the objectives being work related learning.
APPROVAL BY WORK RELATED EMPLOYER

NAME…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

THE MANAGER

SIGNATURE……………………………………………………………………………………………….

DATE………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lanaheil Clearing Services

436 Granite Road Lanaheil House

P.O BOX 155

Beitbridge