International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

Correctional programmes are aimed at equipping offenders with survival life skills to enable them to be reintegrated into society upon release. However, a majority of released offenders continue to reoffend, questioning the efficacy of the Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional programmes. This study, sought to investigate the effectiveness of correctional programmes implemented by ZPCS. Firstly, the study aimed to identify the correctional programmes practiced at the institution, secondly to determine factors that affect the effectiveness of programmes, thirdly to investigate the factors that cause reoffending after having undergone such correctional programmes and finally to recommend ways of making the correctional program more effective to mitigate reoffending. The research made use of a descriptive case study approach. Primary Data was gathered through the use of questionnaire and interviews. A total 24 reoffenders were invited to participate from a population of 96 reoffenders at the institution, 4 of whom were released inmates. The study established that correctional programmes are poorly implemented. The study also established that the programmes also fail because they take place in a living environment which is hostile, filled with negative and anti-social criminogenic behaviours and attitudes hence encouraging reoffending. The study also reveals that gaining employment after imprisonment is difficult as correctional programmes do not continue after imprisonment which makes it difficult for inmates to adjust to life after prison. The study therefore recommends that Zimbabwe Prisons And Correctional Services should collaborate with partners such as employment agencies to encourage them to employ ex inmates who would have gained vocational skills in prisons. The study also recommended the recruitment and training of qualified personal to carry out the various rehabilitative programs in prisons. Lastly, there is also need for the Government to allocate more funds to the Ministry to improve quality of services and infrastructure that enables offenders to rehabilitate in a less hostile environment that encourages rehabilitation. 

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The purpose of this study was to establish whether it is more effective  to outsource the internal audit function as opposed to having a permanent internal audit within an within an organization. The study took a case study approach of banks in Harare (the capital city of Zimbabwe where all banks’ headquarters are housed), using a sample size of twenty five respondents [25] drawn from four different departments, namely the finance and administration department, the internal auditing department, the risk management department and the accounting department from each bank.  The researcher gathered data through the administration of questionnaires and holding interviews. Results reflected that the internal audit department is viewed as a major cost component within an organisation. This was attributed to the initial cost of establishing the department and the documenting system of internal control, a significant cost that requires time to be recovered. Results also showed that, despite the initial costs, an effective internal audit department results in substantial benefits that outweigh the costs. Respondents regarded internal controls, to minimize financial misstatement and fraud, as critical to the organizations’ ongoing success hence the need for a robust internal audit department. Other respondents also highlighted, despite the cost factor, that they have internal audit departments to meet statutory requirements as opposed to the benefits the organisation may reap from the internal audit department. The research recommended for a more proactive approach to tackling fraud and reducing misstatements by efficiently utilizing the internal audit and  forensic accounting expertise at its disposal and also vulnerability analysis involving all departments across various functions of the organization in order to identify areas that are more prone to loopholes and fraud eminences.

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