University of Lusaka Library
Welcome to the University of Lusaka Library repository, a platform dedicated to preserving and sharing academic works.
- Easily deposit documents, audio, video, and datasets with comprehensive metadata.
- Showcase your research to both local and global audiences.
- Ensure persistent access and trustworthy identifiers.
Learn more about our services on the University of Lusaka website.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Assessing the effect of Artificial Intelligence on procurement efficiency: A case of Prudent Health Care Lusaka
(2026) SELEMANI, Marriam Kuwani
This study, titled “Assessing the Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Procurement Efficiency: A Case of Prudent Health Care Lusaka,” examined how AI adoption influences procurement performance within a healthcare setting. Guided by institutional theory, the study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 100 purposively selected employees from the operations, IT, and procurement divisions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, while
qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed moderate to high exposure to AI tools, with 60% of staff using AI-enabled systems, although adoption varied across specific functions such as spend analytics and chatbots. Respondents generally agreed that AI improved procurement speed, cost efficiency, demand forecasting accuracy, supplier management, and overall transparency. Despite these gains, significant barriers were identified, including high implementation costs, limited technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, resistance to change, and insufficient management support. Digital readiness was mixed, as most staff possessed basic digital literacy but lacked AI-specific training, with only 40% reporting adequate preparation to use AI tools effectively. By and large, the study concludes that AI is positively transforming procurement efficiency at Prudent Health Care, but its full potential remains constrained by financial, structural, and capacity-related challenges. It recommends strengthening training, enhancing infrastructure, improving leadership commitment, and implementing robust change management and cybersecurity strategies, while future studies should compare AI adoption across institutions and track its long-term impact on procurement performance.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Procurement Efficiency, Digital Transformation, Healthcare Procurement, Institutional Theory, AI Adoption, Digital Readiness, Supply Chain Management, Prudent Health Care Lusaka, Mixed Methods Research.
An Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Implementation of Sustainable Procurement: A Case Study of the Ministry of Health Headquarters
(2026) SILWEMBE, Mwalimu
This study aimed to assess the factors influencing sustainable procurement at the Ministry of Health (MoH) headquarters in Zambia. The objectives included: i) examining the impact of financial constraints on sustainable procurement; ii) analysing the role of regulatory compliance as an environmental factor; and iii) assessing how stakeholder engagement and pressure affect implementation. The study used a mixed-methods approach with a population of
44 and a sample of 40 participants. These included procurement officials, health service workers, administrators, and finance personnel from the Ministry of Health headquarters. A proportional sampling method was employed to select the participants. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods with SPSS version 16, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The study found that implementing sustainable procurement within the Ministry faced several challenges across its three main objectives. First, financial constraints arose from limited funding. Second, although regulatory compliance was generally effective, enforcement of these regulations was weak. Lastly Stakeholders were occasionally consulted to offer input on the implementation of sustainable procurement. However, it is crucial to manage
the change process well in order to overcome internal opposition, which poses a major obstacle to successful implementation. To promote eco-friendly sourcing, the Ministry should create a sustainable supplier database that centralizes pre-qualified vendors with confirmed sustainability credentials. It is also essential to incorporate sustainability criteria into procurement processes by making environmental, social, and economic measures mandatory in tender documents and supplier assessments. This will shift the focus away from selecting suppliers based solely on cost.
Keywords: Sustainable Procurement, Financial constraints, Stakeholder Engagement and
pressure, Regulatory compliance.
Investigating the Factors affecting Procurement Efficiency in Public Schools: A Case Study of Lusaka District Schools
(2026) SUBULWA, Nahiya
Procurement efficiency is a cornerstone of effective public sector administration, particularly within the education sector where the timely, cost-effective, and transparent acquisition of goods and services directly affects the quality of teaching and learning. This study, titled “Investigating the Factors Affecting Procurement Efficiency in Public Schools: A Case Study of Lusaka District Schools,” examined the key determinants of procurement efficiency in 20 selected public schools within Lusaka District. A descriptive case study design using a mixed-method approach was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques, with quantitative data processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The findings revealed that procurement planning, staff competency, and ethical conduct are the major factors influencing procurement efficiency in public schools. Most respondents agreed that effective procurement planning-including needs assessment and budget alignment enhances timeliness and minimizes delays in acquiring goods and services. Additionally, staff competency emerged as a crucial determinant of efficiency, with 65% of respondents confirming that personnel possess adequate skills, though gaps remain due to limited training opportunities. Ethical conduct was also found to significantly enhance efficiency, as adherence to transparency, fairness, and accountability builds trust and reduces corruption. However, the study identified several challenges hindering procurement efficiency, including inadequate funding, corruption, weak record-keeping, bureaucratic delays, and insufficient staff training. To address these issues, respondents recommended the adoption of e-procurement systems, improved budget allocation, regular capacity-building programs, and strengthened ethical oversight. The study concludes that enhancing planning, improving staff competency, and enforcing ethical standards are essential for achieving efficient procurement systems in public
schools. Future studies are encouraged to include a larger sample size across multiple districts to allow comparative analysis and generalization of findings.
Keywords: Procurement Efficiency, Public Schools, Procurement Planning, Staff Competency, Ethical Conduct, Lusaka District, Public Sector, E-Procurement.
Evaluating the challenges faced by MSMEs in implementing Supply Chain Management Practices in Lusaka’s Central Business District (CBD)
(2026) DAKA, Japhet
This study evaluated the challenges of MSMEs in the adoption of SCM practices in Lusaka CBD. MSMEs are an important part of the country's economic development because they generate employment, are sources of innovation, and help alleviate poverty. Unfortunately, most of them face operational inefficiencies due to structural limitations that militate against their growth. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, where 50 owners, managers, or supervisors were randomly sampled for quantitative and qualitative data using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data and ascertain the key drivers influencing SCM adoption. Three significant challenges were found to affect MSMEs: weak supplier relationships, financial constraints, and limited technological adoption. Although most MSMEs reported frequent supplier engagements, the lack of formalized relationships and regular communication dampened supply chain reliability. In addition, financial constraints were found to be the biggest limitation to investing in logistics, inventory management, and technology. While a majority of MSMEs have been found to use simple digital devices, the high cost of sophisticated systems and low digital literacy hindered integrating the businesses fully into technology. Based on this, enhancing SCM practices among MSMEs calls for improving financing gaps, enhancing supplier collaboration, and encouraging digital transformation. Accordingly, the study suggests targeted interventions through affordable financing schemes, digital literacy training, formalization of supplier agreements, and institutional support from the ZDA and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. It is expected that improved SCM will enhance not only the business efficiency of MSMEs but also their competitiveness, resulting in sustainable economic growth in Zambia.
Key words: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); Supply Chain Management (SCM); Financial Constraints; Technology Adoption; Supplier Relationships
An Evaluation on the effect of Ethical Practices on Procurement Efficiency: A Case Study of Mika Hotel
(2026) MAKOMBE, Namoonga
In today’s competitive business environment, procurement has evolved from a routine administrative function into a strategic driver of organizational performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Ethical practices within procurement are increasingly recognized as vital for promoting transparency, reducing risks, fostering trust, and enhancing long-term business relationships. This study, titled “An Evaluation on the Effect of Ethical Practices on Procurement Efficiency: A Case Study of Mika Hotel,” examined the extent to which ethical conduct influences procurement outcomes. A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews to collect data from a sample of 52 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Guided by Agency Theory, the findings revealed that ethical practices are largely perceived to be integrated into procurement processes at Mika Hotel, with 63.4% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing. However, 57.7% indicated that ethical practices do not necessarily reduce procurement delays, suggesting that challenges such as bureaucratic procedures, limited resources, and operational inefficiencies may overshadow ethical benefits. Similarly, 57.6% disagreed that ethical practices help control procurement costs, while opinions on quality improvement were slightly more favourable, with a slim majority acknowledging a positive effect. Overall, 54.9% of respondents agreed that ethical practices enhance procurement efficiency, indicating a generally positive, though not unanimous, perception. The study concludes that while ethical practices contribute meaningfully to procurement efficiency, their effectiveness is influenced by consistency in enforcement and alignment with organizational systems. It recommends stronger application of ethical guidelines, enhanced monitoring, and improved transparency across all procurement activities. Future research should explore the challenges hindering ethical procurement in the hospitality sector.
Keywords: Ethical Procurement, Procurement Efficiency, Transparency, Supplier Relationships, Agency Theory, Hospitality Industry, Mika Hotel.