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This article analyses the challenges of open and expansive unionism in the era of public sector reform in Zambia. A sample of 20 former and current leaders of the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia was engaged in the research. The research reveals that trade unions in poor countries like Zambia are more vulnerable to the challenges of open and expansive unionism. These include inter-union conflict and lack of resources for union organising. Despite their vulnerability, these unions make strategic choices to deal with these challenges. Their strategies include networking and information gathering and sharing.

This article discusses the strategic responses by public-sector unions to new public management (NPM) reforms in Zambia. The article is based on a qualitative research methodology focusing on the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia. The study shows that public-sector workers in developing countries are more vulnerable to the effects of externally imposed NPM reforms, which include job cuts. However, the implementation of these reforms faces opposition especially from trade unions. In line with the assumptions of strategic choice theory, union responses to NPM reforms are strategic. Despite the high vulnerability of public workers in developing countries, their unions use strategies that can also be observed in developed countries to mitigate the negative consequences of NPM reforms on the public sector. These strategies follow a three-stage process, namely, opposing the reforms, negotiating for favorable reform measures, and shifting from centralized structures to networks.

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the benefit of forecasting emerging biomedical therapy technologies as well as the rate of diffusion of resultant biomedical products in the context of management of technology.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is exploratory using a case study approach. Techniques such as bibliometric analysis and the Bass diffusion model are utilized to assess the growth rate and market penetration of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) as a technology.FindingsThe penetration and growth rate of user acceptance of the technology in a global context are simulated across a 15‐year period. The technology forecasting model is also used in a case study to simulate the penetration of a product using ten years' medical application data of a patented pulsed electromagnetic field for biomedical therapy application in the global context. Useful correlation between bibliometric data for PEMF and real data for the case study is illustrated.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the case of PEMF data presented. Further research may be done on other PEMF technology applications.Practical implicationsAspects of a holistic management model that was developed for high technology companies are invoked in the practical realisation of the professional paradigm shift required when an emerging biomedical therapy technology is in the process of becoming mainstream.Originality/valueIt has been shown that technology diffusion traces exist for PEMF therapy technology as is evident from the bibliometric PEMF global data presented. Furthermore it is possible to simulate the PEMF therapy technology diffusion process with a Bass diffusion model incorporating innovation imitation and market size coefficients.

This study examines the likely effects of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) as introduced or proposed in Southern Africa. It draws on the experiences of other countries, in particular Mauritius which has been hailed as one of the great African success stories in this respect. EPZs are evaluated in terms of: their effects on trade union and worker rights; their effects on working conditions in general, and the situation of women workers in particular; their broader social, environmental, financial and economic effects; and their implications for national economic development and regional co-operation and development in the context of Southern Africa. (DÜI-Hff)

Research efforts using system dynamics to understand and evaluate societal and policy‐related problems in Southern Africa are becoming essential. This paper undertook a systematic review to examine the extent of utilization of system dynamics in Southern Africa between 2003 and 2014. The results showed that system dynamics has been used, or referred to, in the academic literature pertaining to the themes of environment, public policy and resources. Nevertheless, focuses remain limited in its application across various industries, particularly relating to stakeholder engagement and strategy. However, some analysis of the non‐academic literature suggests that commercial practice of system dynamics has a different trend, where it is mainly used for strategic and tactical projects, mostly for industry clients. Thus, the current research outputs do not necessarily reflect the industry needs. This review is then useful to facilitate further discussions on practical applications of system dynamics through the South Africa System Dynamics Chapter. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.