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Strategic Lean Thinking and Value Management philosophies in the Construction and Maintenance of Gravel Roads in Zambia
(2015) KASONGO, Richard Mwale
The study was aimed at devising new Construction and Maintenance Contract methods for gravel roads that are based on “Lean Thinking and Value Management” philosophies in Zambia. The study revealed that currently in Zambia, Gravel Road Construction projects are commonly being realised through the use of traditional Contracts such as ad-measured; by the use of Bills of Quantities (BOQs), the Lump sum and Cost plus, etc. These are mainly short term form of Contracts which to some extent, lack some components of sustainable maintenance regimes, thereby rendering the Government and other Promoters efforts futile as gravel roads sooner or later deteriorate just after the first rain season upon their construction.
Assessing the Legal Framework and Institutional impediments in protecting the Rights of Street Children in Zambia: A study of Lusaka Urban
(2015) MULENGA, Oswald
This dissertation focused on assessing the legal a frame work and institutional efficacy in a bid to protect the rights of street children as enshrined in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights of 1948 and the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights of 1981. The objective of this research was to audit and assess the laws which are child protection related. Inter alia, the major challenge discovered is the lacuna and discrepancy between effective law regime and the ineffective enforcement regime of the same. The study also reveals that to curb this iniquity there is need to adopt an institutionalized integrated purposeful legal approach.
Challenges of Peacebuilding in Matebeleland North and South Provinces-Zimbabwe (1980-2010)
(2016) FOYA, David
The Challenges of Peacebuilding in Matebeleland North and South Provinces - Zimbabwe (1980-2010) establishes the major factors contributing to failure of peace-building in the Matabeleland North and South Provinces. The major findings from the study indicate that the government had not been sincere in peace building efforts and the process of reconciliation was not properly implemented, as a result communities in Matebeleland provinces remained divided. The study also established that there were no laws instituted to deal with reconciliation and peacebuilding matters.
The legacies of colonial administrative systems and their influence on the performance of local authorities in Zimbabwe
(2016) MAKUNDE, George
This study examined the legacy and imprint of colonial administrative systems, behavioural systems and administrative processes on the post-colonial administrative systems in present day Zimbabwe. The key findings were that the colonial administrative system had a bearing on the transformation of local government in Zimbabwe. It was also established that the current local government system inherited most of the colonial administrative processes. The study recommended a holistic, hybrid approach to address critical factors or issues affecting the performance of both rural and urban local authorities in Zimbabwe.
Taboo systems as a conflict restraint in the political feud in Zimbabwe: An exploration of Mazowe and Shamva districts, post-independence
(2016) DODO, Obediah
The research focused on the role of traditional taboos in restraining the behaviours of the conflict perpetrators in Mazowe and Shamva districts of Zimbabwe as a policing mechanism in respective communities. The study established that while the taboo concept was an old-fashioned mechanism of restraining conflicts in society, it still had its place for as long as there were deliberate efforts towards sustaining its importance. It was also established that while the retention of the practice was purely to regulate children’s behaviours, there were some volatile situations that were addressed by the fear of the effects of the taboos.
Investigating the Characteristics, Challenges and the Management of Informal businesses in informal settlements and the Central Business District of Lusaka
(2016) KAPOTWE, Paul C.
This research investigated the characteristics and challenges of the informal business sector, its management and linkages with the formal business sector in Lusaka. The research also investigated why the informal business sector remains unregulated and inhibited from growth and integration into the formal economy. The research revealed that the informal business sector is linked to the formal business sector in Zambia. The research also revealed that the informal business sector lacks access to working capital, technical skills, quality control and other business development services. The sector is characterised by weak and unstable links to sustainable value chains and markets, while there are no Government structures to manage and regulate the sector.
The contribution of micro enterprises to sustainable rural livelihood: A case of Mulobezi district
(2016) CHISHIMBA, Hanson C.K.
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the contribution of micro enterprises to sustainable rural livelihood in Mulobezi district of Zambia. Findings of this study reviewed that micro enterprises play a vital role in promoting sustainable rural livelihood, contributing to employment creation, wealth creation, poverty alleviation and income generation.
Impact of training on work performance: A case of Secondary Schools in Chipata district
(2016) KALYATA, Richard K.
The study focused on students’ performance relative to the declining passing rated from 2013 to 2015 at 60.2%, 55.9% and 57% respectively. The study followed a mixed methods approach. The findings were that the performance of grade 12 pupils had in the past three years been deteriorating. It was also noted that the training of teachers had a positive impact on teacher’s work performance. It was however revealed that the training policy was being implemented in a haphazard manner. This coupled with the inadequate training needs analysis, poor coordination, discrimination in availing training opportunities, and public officials undertaking training without due authority were some of the contributing factors.The study recommended that there was need to review the current methods and criteria for training and the use of performance indicators as the basis for effective monitoring and evaluation of training and development
Analysis of effectiveness of the law of agency on electronic commerce in Zambia: A study of ZAMPOST - Ndola Branch
(2016) AONGOLA, Henry Saboi
The study analysed the effectiveness of Law of Agency in relation to the electronic commerce at Zampost, Ndola, with the introduction of electronic business, products such as importation of Motor vehicles, Western Union money transfer, swift cash and many more other products. The findings concluded that the law of Agency was effective on electronic commerce at Zampost in Ndola District of Zambia.
Voluntary Liquidation of Zambian Financial Service Providers and Depositor Protection: Comparative Study with Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa
(2017) CHINYAMA, Arnold
Financial services providers are, by their nature, special due to a unique role they play in the economy of any country through financial intermediary. Consequently, they are subject to a distinct set of rules that may not apply to ordinary entities. The special status of financial services providers is widely recognized. Financial service providers play a key role in financial stability in respect of the financial system and the economy as a whole. Growth of financial services industry has led financial services provider to become too big and too interconnected and in terms of supervisory authorities too important for financial stability.2 Further, the intensification of the linkages between banks through interbank payments and interbank deposits has greatly expanded the scope of financial shocks.
An assessment of the role of entrepreneurial action in influencing growth of rural farm enterprises: A case of selected districts in Zambia
(2018) KAYULA, Frank M
This study assessed the role of entrepreneurial action in influencing growth of rural farm enterprises in selected districts in Zambia. A mixed methods design based on non-parametric and thematic data analysis and approaches were employed. Study results postulated that entrepreneurial actions among rural farmers appeared to be triggered by certainty or assurance of resources to use for a valued entrepreneurial decisions. It was further found that entrepreneurial actions among non-entrepreneurial persons may not benefit the persons to grow their enterprises. The implication of these findings are that the rural farm entrepreneurs need to be engaged in groups that enhance knowledge sharing besides enhancing their self-drive access to discretionary production resources within short period of time of muting an entrepreneurial action. The study proposed a framework for entrepreneurial studies, policies and practice.
Bank failures: Examining corporate governance principles and practices of indigenous banks in Zimbabwe and their impact on organizational effectiveness
(2018) CHINOPEREKWEYI, Justine
This research examined the corporate governance mechanisms of Zimbabwean indigenous banks and their impact on organizational effectiveness. It addressed two research concerns; to identify and discover Zimbabwean indigenous banks’ corporate governance irrationalities with regard to organizational effectiveness and, to achieve regulation change through understanding and explaining the impacts of the adopted corporate governance principles and practices on organizational effectiveness. The research adopted a methodological pluralism approach using the phenomenology and symbolic interactionism epistemological strands. The research established that there is significantly a positive relationship between sound corporate governance and organizational effectiveness among indigenous banks in Zimbabwe. The findings were supported by the number of indigenous bank failures, the extent of non-performing loans, and the alleged malpractices among indigenous banks as compared to foreign-owned banks.
Determinants of restoring a culture of saving in banks among Zimbabweans
(2018) MAKURUMIDZE, Shepard
The study examined the determinants of restoring the culture of saving in banks among Zimbabweans over the post-independence Zimbabwe. The findings showed that there was inadequacy of savings products in the market to meet different savings requirements of the diverse population. The study also found a weak association between the savings practice among Zimbabweans and the crucial macroeconomic fundamentals as well as low confidence by bank customers with the Zimbabwean financial market emanating from the inadequate legal and policy framework. The policy and legal conditions, politics, the poorly performing economy as well as product inadequacy in the financial market across the diverse population were the major factors inhibiting the restoration of the culture of saving in banks among Zimbabweans. The study recommended the analysis of the savings behaviours of the marginalised communities in Zimbabwe like the rural communities, women and the disabled in view of the adoption of mobile and electronic banking by the financial services sector.
The effectiveness of the SOMAP model to sustain rural water supply in Zambia: A case of Chongwe district
(2018) NKHOSI, Javan
This study explored the effectiveness of the Sustainable Operation and Maintenance Project (SOMAP) model implement in six rural districts of Zambia. This study targeted Chongwe district in Lusaka Province. The key findings of the study showed that the communities did not regularly contribute towards maintenance of hand pumps. The spare parts outlet did not have spare parts available all the time. There were no sub-district structures under the District Council to monitor and manage toolkits. Some communities were experiencing problems with inappropriate hand pumps installed. In hilly terrain, hand pumps were too stiff to operate. Water quality in some cases was poor rusty water resulting from corroded galvanised iron pipes used. Communities were reactive; they did not practice preventive maintenance such as basic greasing of the chains on the hand pumps.
A business case for the adoption of a knowledge management strategy and government policy as precursors for divapreneurship development in Zimbabwe
(2019) MANZINI, Sibongile
The study showcases a business value proposition to policy makers for the adoption of a new business paradigm involving the infusion of knowledge management practices, strategic thinking and government policy intervention for divapreneurship development in Zimbabwe. It investigated the antecedents of bringing about the divatude (positive attitude) in women, as a new way of addressing the impediments to the development of women. The mixed method research paradigm was adopted. The findings of the study showed that there was a positive interrelationship between KM strategies and government policy in divapreneurship development. The dimensions of this interrelatedness for divapreneurship development were: the formation of an enabling environment for sharing knowledge, networking, entrepreneurship education, innovation and creativity. The study recommended a ten factor framework for divapreneurship development involving universities as the nerve centre in unrolling entrepreneurial education and training working in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community Development, and Small to Medium Enterprises.
Developing Strategies for Improving Implementation of Public Sector Construction Projects in Zambia
(2019) BANDA, Joshua
The purpose of the study was to develop strategies and a framework for successful implementation of public sector construction projects in Zambia. An exploratory sequential mixed method was used. The major findings were that there were twelve (12) key challenges and eleven (11) possible Critical Success Factors (CSFs) affecting performance of public sector construction projects in Zambia. Established also were varying relationships between Critical Success Factors and successful implementation of public sector construction projects represented by various success criteria. It was however noted that Critical Success Factors determined the performance of construction projects. It was concluded that using established relationships, strategies and framework for performance measurement during implementation of public sector construction projects could greatly contribute to improvement of the construction industry.
Small and Medium Enterprises business sustainability challenges and rejoinders: A case of selected districts in Zambia
(2019) KALYONGWE, Jones J.
The study examined business sustainability and the challenges facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in selected districts in Zambia. The study adopted a mixed methods approach and primary data was collected using a Survey Questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions. Major findings of the study were that although there is adequate legal and policy framework for the promotion of the SME sector in Zambia, SMEs face serious challenges such as the lack of capital, entrepreneurial competencies, financial record keeping, too many competitors and high transport charges to reach markets. The study identified a broad-based theory in the form of a holistic framework for managing SME. It also established that dysfunctional District Business Associations and a weak and fragmented coordination between government agencies responsible for the implementation of the legal and policy frameworks and measures meant to develop the SMEs, have created a business environment where SMEs are not sustainable. The study recommends that Government should consider establishing an SME Bank to support the SME sector to ensure that SMEs have easy access to loans or funding for them to remain competitive.
Is Audit A Management And Economic Tool For Decision Making? A Comparative Study of Two Private and Two Public Institutions in Zambia
(2019) HARA, Matthews C.
The aim of the study was to explore whether there would be differences in the application of audit outputs as tools to make management and economic decisions in two categories of institutions in Zambia. A mixed methods equal status involving quantitative and qualitative (quan+qual) research design was employed. Cluster sampling and purposive sampling were employed to enlist respondents. One hundred and six employees were surveyed and 21 participated in in-depth interviews. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire and structured in-depth interview guide. Data was analysed using SPSS with a view of analysing, transforming, and producing a characteristic pattern between different data variables. A t-test and ANOVA was used to test if the two samples were statistically different from each other by comparing the means of both samples. The findings were that based on the immediate previous external audit reports, opinions were all unqualified. However, there were observed differences in the means of identified audit problems in the private and public sectors as shown by one sample t tests p = .001. There were also statistically significant differences in both management and economic decisions based on the identified audit problems. There was no clarity however in both organisations as to whether the managements’ of the two categories of organisations used the external auditors’ reports for their management and economic decisions.
Investigating the relationship between mandatory contractual savings and stock market development in Sub-Saharan African countries
(2019) MAPOSA, Lifa
The study investigates the relationship between mandatory contractual savings and stock market development in Sub-Saharan African (SSA). The rationale of the study is that establishing the relationship between mandatory contractual savings and stock market development is expected to guide long-term policies pertaining to economic growth. The findings from this study revealed that mandatory contractual savings and stock market characteristics were both still ‘thin’ in most SSA countries except South Africa. Activity on stock markets was very low, led by low listings and limited participation by institutional investors from within and without. A positive relationship was found between mandatory contractual savings, stock market capitalization and value traded, running from mandatory contractual savings to stock market development which were found to ‘cause’ stock market development. There was however no causal relationships between mandatory contractual savings and number of listed companies. The study recommends to governments to respond to the common shift from formal sector driven economies to informal sector driven economies. It also recommends to re-grow formal sectors or incorporate informal sector to participate in pension schemes.
A study of the impact of leadership styles on performance in Zimbabwe state-owned enterprises: the case of air Zimbabwe and the national railways of Zimbabwe (between 2000-2010)
(2019) CHINGURUVE, Celestino
This study examined the impact of leadership style on organisational performance of State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe. The Descriptive and Explanatory research method was adopted. The findings of this study pointed out that a close relationship exists between leadership style and performance of the organisation. The study established that transactional and transformational democratic leadership styles, in which employees are allowed to have sense of belonging, tend to carry out higher responsibility with little supervision, and followers are helped to achieve their visions to enhance organizational efficiency. The study concluded that leadership style has both positive and negative effect on organizational performance. It is recommended that, State-Owned Enterprises operating within the scope of the study should adopt appropriate leadership styles based on the demands of the situation in order to achieve the desired organisational performance.