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
Understanding how the Construction Industry Growth influences the quality of Engineering Services in Zambia
(2026) KOMBE, Nathan
Among other organizations, the National Council for Construction, NCC, is one of the main organizations governing the engineering sector in Zambia. Some of their duties include, the registration of all construction companies operating in Zambia, monitoring of projects, enforcement of regulations and training of technical personnel. The rapid growth occurring in the engineering sector has introduced a number of concerns in the quality of work being executed in Zambia; abandoned projects, increased reworks and repairs, structural flaws and other key quality issues. This study intended to understand how the construction industry growth influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia. Hence, the objectives of this study included, to explore how the registration of construction companies with NCC influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia, to understand the role of governing bodies in enforcing compliance and to explore the adequacy of Continuous Professional Development, CPD, by NCC. The study utilized the Qualitative approach to understand the reasons behind the problem. To do this, a historical design had to be used to provide quality information to the study. Data collection was done using semi-structured interview guides. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The study found that the current registration process has not been very efficient. New entry companies have flooded the sector and have not been thoroughly processed before confirmation. The rapid increase of companies and increased number of national projects has been overwhelming for the existing NCC systems and resources. This has hindered many compliance enforcement activities, as well as the expansion of CPD programs. The findings indicate that, construction companies are underbidding for projects, compromising on quality of labour and material being used, and simply avoiding complying with regulations. The study recommended that the NCC systems need to be upgraded, with new regulations and modern technology. It was further recommended that the NCC requires an increase of manpower, transportation modalities, finances and other resources. The study provided understanding of quality regulations and filled the knowledge gap associated with the effects of industry growth on quality.
Key Words: Company Registration, Sector growth, Regulation Compliance, skills training, Construction
Assessing the effects of Personal Financial Debt on Employee Job Performance: A Case Study of Solwezi General Hospital
(2026) ZIMBA, Priscovia Kalaba
This study aimed to investigate the impact of personal financial debt on employee job performance, focusing on Solwezi General Hospital in Zambia. Three specific objectives guided the research: to assess the level of individual financial debt among employees, to determine its effect on job performance, and to explore the relationship between economic stress and employee productivity. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from 186 respondents via structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise financial behaviours and workplace outcomes, while inferential techniques, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression, tested relationships between variables. The findings revealed that personal financial debt is widespread among employees, with high incidences of mobile money loan usage, salary deductions for repayment, and borrowing for daily expenses. These financial pressures were linked to considerable emotional stress. Although regression analysis showed low predictive strength, qualitative data highlighted behavioural signs of anxiety, such as absenteeism, reduced focus, interpersonal conflict, and demotivation. Employees recognised that financial burdens impeded their ability to perform optimally, particularly in team-based tasks and during periods of peak workload. The study was framed within the context of the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. COR Theory explained the observed resource depletion and stress behaviours, while Maslow’s framework illustrated how unmet financial needs hindered higher- level workplace engagement. Together, these frameworks provided a solid foundation for understanding the psychological mechanisms linking debt and job performance. The study recommends implementing financial wellness programmes, in-house counselling services, partnerships with ethical credit providers, salary advance schemes, and integrating financial literacy into employee training programmes. However, the insights generated offer significant contributions to policy and practice in Zambia’s healthcare system and beyond. The research emphasises the importance of institutional strategies that promote financial stability as a means to enhance employee wellbeing and organisational productivity.
Keywords: Financial debt, performance, wellness, financial literacy, financial stability, organisational productivity.
The Impact of marketing mix elements on feed buying behaviour of broiler farmers in Lusaka
(2026) BILI, Alex
The study aimed at exploring the following objectives; to analyse the factors that influence broiler farmer preference of feed brands, to explore the marketing strategies employed by poultry feed companies and to determine the factors (Marketing Mix Elements) influencing broiler farmers’ consumer buying behaviour. To ascertain the association between the components of the marketing mix and feed purchasing habits, a correlation research approach was employed in this quantitative study. Questionnaires on a five-point Likert scale, from strongly disagree to strongly agree, were used to gather primary data. The study population of this research study targeted small scale broiler farmers in Lusaka, Zambia, with a sample size of 377, estimated using the Rao soft sample size calculator, at a 95% confidence level and margin error of 5% for a population of 20,000 broiler farmers. The data was analysed quantitatively, and descriptive statistics methods were used. A total of 80 questionnaires were completed, with 60% of the participants identifying as male and 40% as female. The data indicated that 76.1% of the respondents had 6 to 10 years of experience in the broiler industry, while the remaining participants had less than 5 years of experience. The results of this study showed that product, place, promotion, and price strategies demonstrate a positive correlation with consumer purchasing behaviour concerning the acquisition of feed for broilers. The results indicated that all four hypotheses were affirmed, with the price strategy demonstrating the most significant correlation (r=0.548, p<0.05) with consumer purchasing behaviour. The factors of Product, Price, Promotion, and Place all exhibited positive associations with consumer buying decisions, suggesting that as these factors rise, there is a tendency for consumer purchasing decisions to also rise. The study recommends that managers should understand the marketing mix and how it influences consumer purchasing behaviour.
Keywords: Feed Brand Choice, Broiler Farmers, buying behaviour, Zambia
Assessing the Role of Financial Audits in Enhancing Growth of Agro-Based Msmes in Lusaka: A Comparative Study of Audit-Adopting and Non-Adopting Enterprises
(2026) MULONDWA, Ruth
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to Zambia’s economic development, contributing substantially to employment creation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. Within this sector, agro-based MSMEs play a vital role in promoting food security, rural development, and inclusive economic progress. Despite their importance, these enterprises face persistent challenges that hinder their growth, notably weak financial governance, inadequate internal controls, and restricted access to finance. Although financial audits are widely acknowledged for enhancing transparency, accountability, and access to capital, their uptake among agro-based MSMEs in Lusaka remains limited. Many business owners perceive audits primarily as compliance obligations, often driven by donor or regulatory requirements, rather than as strategic instruments for fostering business growth and sustainability. This study investigates the
role of financial audits in supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of agro-based MSMEs in Lusaka. It specifically contrasts the experiences of enterprises that have adopted audits with those that have not. Employing a qualitative comparative approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires administered to 48 stakeholders, including MSME owners and managers, auditors, financial institutions, and relevant regulatory bodies. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas to identify patterns and derive insights from the qualitative data. Findings indicate that MSMEs engaging in audits demonstrate stronger financial management practices, improved access to finance, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Nonetheless, misconceptions regarding the cost, complexity, and purpose of audits remain prevalent, particularly among non-adopting firms. Key barriers include limited audit literacy, insufficient institutional support, and the lack of audit frameworks tailored to the needs of MSMEs. The study recommends that the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) develop simplified audit guidelines and promote affordable audit solutions through collaborations with audit firms and academic institutions. Furthermore, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is urged to incorporate audit readiness into its business support services and incentivise audit adoption through grants and other innovative mechanisms. By repositioning audits as strategic tools for business development, these interventions can encourage voluntary adoption and strengthen the resilience of Zambia’s agro-based MSME sector.
Analysis of Zambia’s Legal Frameworks in protecting the Legal Rights of Refugees: A Case Study oOf Rwandese Shop Owners in Lusaka
(2026) KABALE, Dominica
This thesis is an analysis of Zambia’s legal frameworks that govern the protection of refugee rights with a focus on the experiences of Rwandese refugee shop owners in urban Lusaka. Although Zambia has ratified key international and regional instruments such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol and the 1969 OAU Convention and has domesticated them through the Refugees Act 1 of 2017, there remains a significant gap between legal provisions and their implementation for urban refugees who are involved in informal economic activities. The objectives of the study were to examine the relevant international and national legal frameworks governing refugee rights, to assess how these legal frameworks are applied to Rwandese refugee shop owners in Lusaka, concerning their residential and economic rights and to identify key legal and socio-economic challenges faced by these refugees. A qualitative research methodology was employed incorporating both desk-based legal analysis and fieldwork. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Rwandese refugee shop owners, local government officials, community leaders and police and immigration officers. The data was analysed thematically to assess both the normative content of the legal frameworks and their practical application. The findings reveal that despite progressive legal provisions, refugee shop owners face numerous challenges including arbitrary detention, lack of access to legal documentation, limited financial inclusion and social discrimination. Institutional weaknesses, bureaucratic inefficiencies and inconsistencies in law enforcement further hinder the realisation of refugee rights. The study concludes that Zambia’s current legal and administrative systems fall short in effectively protecting the rights of urban refugees. The study recommends aligning domestic legislation with international standards, removing restrictive by-laws that impede refugee participation in the economy, streamlining documentation processes, enhancing institutional coordination, building the capacity of law enforcement personnel, improving refugee access to financial services and promoting inclusive community engagement to reduce stigma and promote integration.