Competitiveness Analyst - INTERVIEW - National Competitiveness Commission

Competitiveness Analyst – INTERVIEW

Interview Instructions for Competitiveness Analyst Position

Tuesday 27 May 2025 for 3 Hours (0930 – 1230 hours)

Instructions for the Interviewee:

Technical Requirements:

  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for the interview.
  • Use a computer with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and a web browser.

Time Allocation

Answer all the questions and the allocated times are as follows:

Questions 1a–1e (45 minutes):

Focus on data interpretation, diagram creation, and concise recommendations.

Question 2 (45 minutes): 

Design a 10-slide PowerPoint with visuals, animations, and clear messaging.

Questions 3 & 5 (30 minutes total): 

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral responses.

Question 4 (30 minutes): 

Draft a structured 500-word speech with an introduction, policy focus, and conclusion.

Question 6 (30 minutes): 

Finalize document formatting (headers, numbering, etc.).

Assessment Criteria:

Accuracy: Correct data analysis and logical conclusions.
Creativity: Innovative diagrams/presentation design.
Clarity: Well-structured answers and professional language.
Behavioral Examples: Specificity in personal experiences (Questions 3 & 5).

Submission Guidelines

  • Submit all answers in a single Word document (.docx) with the following formatting:
  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12, Spacing 1.5.
  • Page numbers, table of contents, and labeled diagrams/tables (as per Question 6).
  • For Question 2 (PowerPoint presentation), submit a separate .pptx file.
  • Name files as: [YourName]_CompetitivenessAnalysis.docx and [YourName]_Presentation.pptx.
  • Upload files Email files to [InterviewerEmail] within 3 hours of starting. Use the subject line:
  • Competitiveness Analyst Submission – [YourName].

GOOD LUCK! PREPARE TO DISCUSS YOUR ANSWERS IN A POTENTIAL FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW.

Question 1

Table 1 shows Zimbabwe’s performance under the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for the period 2006 – 2019. The scores are out of 7, with higher scores indicating greater competitiveness.

Table 1: Zimbabwe’s Performance under GCI, 2006 – 2019

Year Rank (Total Countries) Score (/7)
2006 119/125 3.6
2007 122/131 3.5
2008 129/134 3.2
2009 129/133 3.3
2010 136/139 3.29
2011 132/142 3.41
2012 132/144 3.45
2013 131/148 3.48
2014 124/144 3.60
2015 126/140 3.54
2016 128/138 3.44
2017 124/137 3.52
2018 128/140 3.46
2019 129/141 3.46

Table 2 shows Zimbabwe’s performance against its regional counterparts in the 2019 GCI.

Table 2: Zimbabwe’s performance Vs Regional Counterparts in the 2019 GCI

Country Rank (2019) Score (/7)
South Africa 60/141 4.38
Botswana 91/141 4.05
Zambia 117/141 3.71
Mauritius 52 64.3
Rwanda 100 54.7
  1. With the aid of diagram(s), describe and explain Zimbabwe’s performance under the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) since its inception in 2006 to 2019   [10]
  2. With the aid of clearly labelled diagrams, compare Zimbabwe’s performance against comparator countries in table 2 [10]
  3. Why is the GCI Rank not a good measure of the country’s competitiveness performance [5]
  4. What are some of the competitiveness measures that can be used to assess the country’s performance  [10]

You have been appointed a Competitiveness Analyst for the National Competitiveness Commission, what are some of the recommendations that you can proffer to enhance competitiveness in Zimbabwe.

Question 2

Based on your answers in question 1, as a Competitiveness Analyst you have been tasked to make a presentation during the second Competitiveness’ Summit to be held from 17 – 19 February 2026 in Victoria Falls. Prepare your Powerpoint Presentation (Additional marks will be granted for design, use of animations etc)  [25]

Question 3

Describe a situation when a project or idea was implemented primarily because of your efforts. What was your specific role in it? What was the overall outcome? Is there anything you could have done differently? [5]

Question 4

The Honourable Minister of Industry and Commerce has been invited to be a keynote speaker during the International Business, Governance & Accounting Conference on a topic entitled “Policy Reform for Business Growth and Industrial Competitiveness: Addressing Regulatory and Policy Barriers to Foster a Conducive Business Environment”

As a Competitiveness Analyst, write the Honourable Minister’s speech for the event being held under the theme, ‘Revitalising Industries: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable future’ (maximum 500 words) [25]

Question 5

Using an example, tell us about a time when you accepted joint responsibility for a team’s limitations or problems? How did you explain your part in the situation? What would you have done differently?  [5]

Question 6

Ancillary Assessment

Please note that marks will be granted for presentation of work. In that regard, ensure that the graphs are automatically numbered, correctly labelled, page numbers are inserted, table of contents, list of tables and graphs are also inserted.   [5]

NB: Please upload your files using the form below once you have finished.