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Recent Submissions
Impact of Infrastructure Limitations on Consumer Behaviour and E-Commerce in the Online Retail Sector of Lusaka, Zambia
(University of Lusaka, 2025) NEMETH, Eszter
E-commerce has rapidly expanded globally, offering convenience, efficiency, and accessibility to retailing. Despite progress, e-commerce remains a formidable barrier in developing economies like Zambia, where online retailing is proving to be elusive. It examines the influence of infrastructure constraints on e-commerce adoption and consumer behaviour, looking at barriers to enhancing digital commerce ecosystem in Lusaka. What are its prospects? The research investigated how infrastructure deficiencies, such as unreliable internet connectivity, substandard logistics, and frequent power outages, impact consumer trust and satisfaction; to evaluate their impact on e-commerce adoption; and to provide practical guidance for overcoming these challenges. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) frameworks, the research focuses on how infrastructure constraints, consumer behaviour, or adoption rates are linked. This was mixed methods approach, combining quantitative information from the 150 survey respondents with qualitative insights from eight comprehensive interviews. According to the data, infrastructure deficiencies significantly harm consumer confidence and satisfaction, with 62% of respondents reporting unreliable delivery systems as a significant issue. Unreliable internet connectivity and payment security challenges were among the key impediments to e-commerce adoption. Consumer behaviour was found to be a mediator between infrastructure limitations and adoption rates, emphasizing the importance of trust and ease of use. It concludes that "relatively minor infrastructure problems are needed to encourage e-commerce in Lusaka". Other
recommendations include investing in secure internet services, improving logistics and delivery systems, and increasing consumer confidence through the implementation of more secure payment platforms and transparent policies. The implementation of these measures may lead to increased e-commerce, which in Lusaka could boost the economy and enhance consumer satisfaction.
Effects of Monthly Fuel Price Adjustments on Performance of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Lusaka Zambia
(University of Lusaka, 2025) CHITETE, Newton
This study explored the impact of monthly fuel price adjustments on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka, Zambia, where SMEs play a vital role in employment and GDP. The research aimed to: (1) analyze how fuel price fluctuations affect operational costs and profitability, (2) assess the overall impact on SME performance, and (3) identify strategies SMEs use to cope with fuel price changes. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires to gather data from 110 SME owners and managers across various sectors, including retail (54%), wholesale (24.1%), and both (21.8%). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression analysis using SPSS to examine the relationship between fuel price changes, operational costs, and profitability. The findings revealed that fuel price adjustments significantly increased operational costs, with 82% of respondents reporting a negative
effect on their businesses. Regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between fuel price fluctuations and profitability (coefficient = -0.161, p = 0.015), meaning that increased fuel prices reduced profitability. Other factors such as firm size, sales volume, and operational costs also significantly influenced profitability. SMEs adopted several coping strategies, including raising prices (39.5%), reducing working hours (28.7%), and improving fuel management (19.2%). However, these measures were only moderately effective, with nearly half (47.1%) of respondents acknowledging that fuel price fluctuations severely hindered profitability. The study confirmed the reliability of the data through Cronbach’s alpha, which ranged from 0.809 to 0.826, indicating high internal consistency. The regression model explained 77.1% of the variance in profitability, highlighting the significance of fuel price changes and other operational factors. The study concluded that fuel price fluctuations negatively impact SMEs, recommending that businesses invest in energy-efficient technologies and fuel management strategies while urging the government to stabilize fuel prices and provide financial support to SMEs during price surges.
Keywords: Fuel price fluctuations, SMEs, operational costs, profitability, coping strategies, regression analysis, business performance, energy-efficient technologies, government policy.
Investigating Challenges Faced by Internal Audit Units in Local Authorities: A Case Study of Lusaka City
(University of Lusaka, 2025) SIKUKA, Nancy Nosiku
This study investigated the challenges affecting the effectiveness of internal audit units (IAUs) at Lusaka City Council (LCC), focusing on resource constraints, lack of independence, management support, and capacity building. Internal auditing plays a pivotal role in enhancing accountability, governance, and operational efficiency in public sector institutions. However, systemic challenges often undermine the performance of IAUs, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The study adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured questionnaire and semi structured interviews to collect data from internal auditors and management staff at LCC. This involved 50 respondents who successfully completed the questionnaire, and 15 interviews were conducted. The findings revealed that severe resource constraints, including inadequate budgets and outdated tools, significantly hindered the audit unit’s ability to conduct comprehensive audits. Additionally, hierarchical reporting structures and political interference compromised the independence of internal auditors, limiting the objectivity and credibility of audit processes. Weak management support was identified as another critical barrier, with limited follow through on audit recommendations. Furthermore, insufficient capacity-building initiatives, such as the lack of targeted training and professional development, impeded the adoption of modern audit practices. The study concluded that addressing these challenges requires systemic reforms, including enhanced resource allocation, strengthened legal protections for auditor independence, managerial accountability, and the implementation of targeted capacity-building programs. These findings contribute to the discourse on improving internal auditing effectiveness and governance in Zambia’s local authorities and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Keywords: Internal audit units, auditor independence, governance, capacity building, public sector.
Assessing Factors Affecting Supply Chain Performance of Tracer Drugs in Public Health Facilities in Zambia: A Case of Lusaka
(University of Lusaka, 2025) KABONDE, Violet
This study uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate the factors influencing the supply chain performance of tracer drugs in public health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 100 pharmacy personnel, while qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 10 key informants and observational checklists. Purposive sampling ensured the inclusion of participants with relevant expertise. Quantitative analysis, conducted using regression and correlation analysis in SPSS version 23, identified logistics activities, particularly warehousing, transportation and distribution, as significant predictors of supply chain performance (β = 0.55, p < 0.001). Conversely, the level of technology (β = 0.008, p = 0.946) and staff competency (β = 0.002, p = 0.983) did not show significant relationships, potentially due to systemic issues such as inadequate infrastructure and resource constraints. Qualitative findings revealed operational inefficiencies at ZAMMSA, weak internal inventory controls, and poor stakeholder communication. The absence of computerized inventory systems led to inaccuracies, difficulty tracking expiration dates, and increased staff workload. Thematic analysis highlighted proactive procurement practices, local supplier engagement, and alternative funding as strategies to mitigate supply limitations. The study emphasizes the critical role of robust logistics activities in ensuring an efficient pharmaceutical supply chain. It identifies significant challenges, including poor resource management and operational issues at both ZAMMSA and facility levels. Enhanced coordination, technology integration, and resource management are essential for improving supply chain performance and drug availability in Lusaka's public health facilities.
Keywords: Level of Technology, Logistics Activities, Supply chain Performance
Assessing the Quality of Childcare Services for Child Development in a Low-Income Lusaka Area
(University of Lusaka, 2025) KANGOMBE, Claire
The early years of a child’s life largely contribute to setting a tone for their quality of life in the future. Their growth and development is largely influences by the experiences in their early years. With the most rapid development taking place between the ages 0 to 5 years, it becomes important to ensure that children receive the best quality of care for their optimum development. The Nurturing Care Framework has served as a template to ensure the care of a child is comprehensive and attends to the five components namely, good nutrition, access to good health, opportunities for early learning, safety and security and responsive caregiving – which create a nurturing environment for their growth and development. However, with the coming of modern societal structures, there is a growing need for parents and guardians to outsource childcare services for children who may not be at the age to participate in formal schooling. Available childcare services in Zambia range from in-home, family based and center-based childcare with access being determined by varying factors. With increased attention being given to ensuring access to childcare the quality of the services being provided is not being attended to. This study aims to assess the quality of childcare services in low-income urban areas of Zambia, particularly in Kalingalinga as well as its effects on child development and the workforce participation of parents particularly women. Using a qualitative approach, the study utilized quantitative and qualitative data to identify the key characteristics of provided and accessed childcare services, analyze their effects on the holistic development of children as well as assess their influence on workforce participation. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that families in Kalingalinga utilize all forms of childcare for their children 0-6years with the majority utilizing in-home care followed by center-based care. These services were found to be lacking with regards to trained and qualified caregivers, appropriate child to caregiver ratio as well as availability of materials and resources to contribute to the holistic development of children. However, despite the shortfalls and challenges, the childcare services do positively influence/affect child development and contribute to participation of women in the workforce though quality and progression are determined by other factors outside of childcare services.
Key words: quality childcare, child development and Kalingalinga