Theses and Dissertations Collection
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Item Alternative Dispute Resolution - The Role of Adjudicative Tribunals in Providing Speedy Adjudication: The Case of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal of Zambia(2021) NG’ONA, SimonThe study assessed the performance of adjudicative tribunals, as a branch of Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR, in addressing the challenge of inundation and delay in the formal court system in Zambia, through making a case study of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal CCPT. The study calculated the disposition times of published decisions of the CCPT from 2014 to 2017. The findings reveal that the average duration of disposal of cases was 11 months, a value significantly higher than the tribunals’ Key Performance Indicator target of 6 months. The study, however, notes that there has been a constant improvement in the duration of cases settled overtime. Also noted, is that ADR processes should be accountable to the court system and that any development which breeds unbridled preference for ADR has the potential to promote unhealthy competition with the courts. Thus, the study underwrites the oversight role of the Court on tribunal decisions through appeals.Item An Assessment of factors influencing the Abandonment of Public-Sector Construction Projects: A Case of Lusaka District in Zambia(University of Lusaka, 2024) MVULA, AlickThe purpose of this study was to assess factors influencing abandonment of public sector construction in Lusaka district. Specifically, the study sought to: establish the extent economic factors may account for abandonment of public sector construction projects in Lusaka district; investigate the extent financial factors may account for abandonment of public sector construction projects in Lusaka district; assess the extent political factors may account for abandonment of public sector construction projects in Lusaka district; and ascertain the extent human resource factors may account for abandonment of public sector construction projects in Lusaka district. The study employed a quantitative research design. The research involved a total sample of 333 respondents from National Construction Council (NCC), Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA), officials from Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, Ministry of Works and Supply and Ministry of Finance and Lusaka City Council (LCC). A random sampling method was used to sample the respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The data gathered was quantitatively analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The research found that 71.8% of abandoned public sector construction projects in Lusaka district are attributed to economic, financial, political, and human resource factors while the remaining 28.2% can be explained by factors not covered in this research. the four independent variables are all significantly and positively related to the dependent variable at the .01 level of significance. Human Resource factor has the most influence on the dependent variable ( beta = .319) followed by Economic factor (beta = .163), Financial factor came third (beta=0.155) while Political factor had the least influence on the dependent variable (beta=0.117). Based on the research findings, the research recommends that: government through the office of the Attorney General ought to be signing construction projects upon confirming availability of adequate funds for the construction projects; Institutions like NCC, EIZ and ZIA need to promote prudent financial management and inculcate good culture among their members to avoid project mismanagement and poor performance; and government through the Ministry of Finance should be releasing funds for construction projects right on time. Key words: Public sector, project constructionItem An Evaluation of The Role of Electronic Government Procument in Service Delivery in The Public Sector: A Case of Selected Public Sector Organisations(2024) Kapambwe, Rosalyn NgombeThe study was aimed at evaluating the role of electronic government procurement in service delivery in the public sector, with a focus on selected public sector organisations. The study focused on Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education (MoE), Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board, and ZESCO Limited. The sample size comprised 30% of the targeted population, that is 30% of 100, which was roughly 30 respondents from the 6 targeted organisations. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to assess the extent of the adoption of Electronic Government Procurement systems for service delivery; to find out the effect of Electronic Government Procurement Systems on users’ service delivery; to determine challenges of Electronic Government Procurement Systems in service delivery in the public sector. In order to carry out the objectives of the study, the concurrent mixed-methods research design was utilised. In terms of adoption, the findings revealed that the majority of respondents (37.5%) indicated significant adoption of e-GP procurement systems in their respective organisations for service delivery. Furthermore, findings also showed that the majority of 58.33% strongly agreed that the e-GP system has made the procurement process in their organisations more efficient and transparent, highlighting positive outcomes in terms of effectiveness and openness. The predominant concern, as presented in the findings by 45.8% of the respondents, revolved around a deficiency in training and the failure to upload necessary documents for specific tenders. The findings of the study also revealed that e-GP systems have positively influenced various aspects within their organisations, including daily output, procurement efficiency, transparency, and supplier management. Positive correlations between e-GP usage and enhanced productivity, efficient procurement processes, effective supplier selection, and reduced processing time are evident. Well-implemented e-GP systems significantly contribute to operational efficiency, procurement effectiveness, and transparency, aligning with the broader empirical literature on electronic procurement. Identified challenges, such as deficiencies in training, document uploads, computer literacy, supplier paperwork, and system understanding, underscore the need for enhanced awareness, education, and training. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful integration and utilisation of e-GP systems in the context of public service delivery. This is not only imperative for efficiency but also for promoting transparency and fairness, aligning with broader e-government literature. Overall, the findings highlight the transformative potential of well-implemented e-GP systems in reshaping public service delivery in Zambia. The positive trajectory in adoption, the positive impact on users' service delivery, and the identification of challenges offer valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Addressing challenges through strategic training, awareness programmes, and user education will be instrumental in maximizing the benefits of e-GP systems. Key Words: Electronic Government Procurement, Public Sector, AdoptionItem An Investigation into the Relationship between Project Scope and Project Success among Non-Governmental Organisations: A Case Study of Nine Selected NGOs in Lusaka District(University of Lusaka, 2024) MUKUKA, BwalyaThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between project scope and project success in the nine non-governmental organizations (Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Care International, Zambia Land Alliance, CELIM NGO, PATH, Akros, Community Outreach Foundation, Save the Children International, and Equip Zambia) in Lusaka district, Zambia. The researcher adopted a mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative methods). The research findings showed a positive relationship between project scope and project success among the nine NGOs in Lusaka district, Zambia. The study found that scope change, scope change, and scope change implementation influence project success. The study also found that the factors within project scope that significantly impact project success among the nine selected NGOs in the Lusaka district are: clear objectives, flexibility and adaptability, clear scope definition, resource allocation and effective planning, budget and timeline, effective project governance, risk assessment and mitigation, stakeholder involvement, monitoring and change controls, monitoring and evaluation, project management skills and soft skills, cultural sensitivity and contextual understanding, communication strategies, legal and regulatory environments, and staff size. Furthermore, the study found that the difficulties faced by nine selected NGOs in Lusaka district in project scope management include managing changing stakeholder needs, external factors, limited resources, unclear communication, a lack of skills, scope creep, clear goals, effective monitoring, budgeting, and time constraints. The study recommended that organizations that plan to manage project scope effectively and achieve success must enhance communication, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills. The study also recommended that organizations should implement effective scope change management to mitigate scope creep and clearly define inclusion and exclusion criteria for project activities in order to attain project success.Item An Investigation of the Effects of Gender Based Violence against Men in Chilanga Township, Chilanga District(University of Lusaka, 2024) KABONGO, David DinangaGender Based Violence (GBV) is a serious health problem and a violation of human rights targeted at individuals or groups based on their gender. Although majority of the victims of Gender Based Violence are women, GBV against men has also been on an increase in the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GBV against men in Chilanga Township of Chilanga District. The objectives of the study were to: find out the extent to which GBV against men is prevalent in Chilanga District; find out the levels of awareness among the people of Chilanga on the existence of GBV against men in Chilanga; find out the Socioeconomic effects of GBV against men in Chilanga and to; find out the extent to which GBV against men in Chilanga District negatively affects the economic and social wellbeing of victims' household. The study employed a qualitative approach as it was well-suited for exploring complex and sensitive social phenomena, such as GBV, as they allow for an in-depth understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and emotions of individuals involved. Twenty (20) interviews were conducted with men who had experienced GBV in Chilanga Township representing a 100% response rate with the help of a local advocacy group called Titandizane. Moreover, Key Informants (KI) interviews were also conducted with 4 representatives of the Zambia victim support Unit at Chilanga Police Station. The study revealed that GBV against men had numerous unpleasant effects which ranged from increased risk of mental health issues, economic implications, social isolation, and strained relationships with partners and family members to negative community perception. The findings underscore the multifaceted impact of GBV on men, revealing a significant correlation with heightened risks of mental health issues, economic consequences, social isolation, strained relationships with both partners and family members, and a negative community perception. The study underscores the urgency of addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against men through comprehensive strategies that acknowledge its diverse impacts. Recommendations include tailored policies, community awareness programs, and support services to foster an equitable society attentive to the holistic well-being of all members. Churches and neighborhood associations are seen as pivotal in guiding educators and counsellors to effectively address GBV. Proposing the replication of the study in different locations with larger sample sizes aims to validate findings and contribute to a broader understanding.Item Analysis of Connection Fee Subsidies on Rural Electrification Projects in Zambia: Case of Chibombo District.(2022) KAMBIKAMBI, FlorenceThe research analysed the connection fee subsidy on sustainable electrification of rural areas with respect to Chibombo district – Zambia where the connection fee subsidy mechanism has been implemented under the Electricity Services Access Project. The study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. The results reveal that 938 beneficiaries had been connected, almost three-fold the initial target of 385. Additionally, the study established a statistically significant positive correlation between connection fee subsidy and an increase in electricity connections and sustainable electricity consumption levels. Also revealed is a negative correlation between high connection costs and rural electrification rates. Further, the study identified critical success factors including economic sustainability and institutional capacity, and recommends a sustainability framework for sustainable rural electrification.Item Analysis of effectiveness of the law of agency on electronic commerce in Zambia: A study of ZAMPOST - Ndola Branch(2016) AONGOLA, Henry SaboiThe 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.Item Assessing the Critical Project Success Factors in the Road Construction Industry in Zambia(University of Lusaka, 2024) MUTAMBO, Chimwa MwangondeThis study, conducted in Zambia, aimed to investigate critical success factors influencing road construction projects. Employing a positivist research philosophy, a deductive approach, and a quantitative research design, the study focused on project planning, stakeholders' involvement, project funding, contractor's capacity, and project monitoring and evaluation. Through inferential statistics using SPSS version 26, the study utilized hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and regression analysis to explore relationships among variables. The research findings, based on a thorough analysis of the data collected from 115 respondents whose demographic composition has 62.6% male and 37.4% female road construction professionals. The highest number of participants had an undergraduate degree (36.5%) followed by professional qualifications at 24.1%, master’s qualification 20% while those with diploma qualifications were the least at 19%. The data revealed significant correlations and impacts of the identified factors on the success of road construction projects. This data was collected over a period of less than six months due to limited time, but the KMO values which were above 0.6 show that the sample was sufficient. Project planning, stakeholder involvement and contractor capacity were the aspects which were found to have an influence on road construction project success in Zambia. The findings show that success of Zambia's road construction projects was not significantly impacted by project finance or monitoring and evaluation. The results of this research will give policy makers and players in the road construction industry the areas to focus on or which will determine if projects will be a success. They also give players information which can be used to create tools which target ensuring that project planning, stakeholder involvement and contractor capacity are done thoroughly. It would be good for future researchers to investigate other critical success factors not explored in this study. Keywords: Critical success factors; road construction; project success; project management.Item Assessing the Legal Framework and Institutional impediments in protecting the Rights of Street Children in Zambia: A study of Lusaka Urban(2015) MULENGA, OswaldThis 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.Item Assessment of the Adoption of Strategic Entrepreneurship by Zimbabwean Companies and Its Effects on Performance. 2012-2015(2020) KAPOFU, WonderThe study assessed the adoption of SE by Zimbabwean companies and the effect of such on performance, 2012-2015. The results reveal that firms surveyed demonstrated varying intensities of adopting innovation, risk taking, organizational learning, acceptance of risk, flexibility and successful strategy implementation mechanisms. SE was more marked in companies with above average performance and least marked in companies struggling with performance. Implementation was also of varying degrees and with differing emphasis on the six constructs of SE even amongst leading performers. The research concludes that SE be adopted as it has an overall positive effect on performance of a firm regardless of its industrial classification in the admittedly hostile and unfriendly environment and can assist a firm remain competitive in the 4th Industrial Revolution.Item 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 MThis 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.Item Bank failures: Examining corporate governance principles and practices of indigenous banks in Zimbabwe and their impact on organizational effectiveness(2018) CHINOPEREKWEYI, JustineThis 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.Item A business case for the adoption of a knowledge management strategy and government policy as precursors for divapreneurship development in Zimbabwe(2019) MANZINI, SibongileThe 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.Item Challenges of Peacebuilding in Matebeleland North and South Provinces-Zimbabwe (1980-2010)(2016) FOYA, DavidThe 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.Item Constraints of Electricity Mini Off-Grid Systems Diffusion for Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas of Zambia(2022) MTONGA, WilliamThe study sought to establish the Main Constraints of Diffusion of Electricity Mini Off-Grid Systems for Entrepreneurial Purposes in Rural Areas of Zambia. The constraints established include; high poverty levels, low population density, low profitability of the mini-grids business, fear of the main grid encroachment, ignorance about existence of mini-grids and their benefits, lack of incentives such as capital subsidies and challenging physical geographical conditions. Also revealed is that; consumer sensitisation, the marketing concept and referral marketing are the most effective strategies for promoting diffusion for mini-grids, supported by the declining costs for renewable energy technologies on the market. The study recommends sensitisation to be intensified in communities about the existence of mini grids and their benefits for entrepreneurial purposes. Further, the catchment area for customers deriving benefit from a particular mini-grid should be widened by installing mini-grids well far apart to allow for attainment of critical mass of sales in view of low population density and low profitability.Item 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.Item Corporate Governance Attributes Affecting Firm Financial Performance in State-Owned Enterprises in Zambia: 2002 – 2017(2021) MUMBA, BrysonThe study's aim was to suggest solutions to the problem of weak corporate governance in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Zambia by proposing ideal elements of corporate governance that could be embraced in their operations. A concurrent mixed methods approach based on philosophical pragmatism, critical theory was used. The findings reveal that corporate governance attributes significantly affect the financial performance of SOEs in Zambia. Also revealed is that several corporate governance challenges in SOEs led to a lack of accountability and transparency and that overall, the SOEs had poor financial performance compared to that of companies listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange. The study proposes solutions including; developing systems for enhanced board accountability and transparency, a competitive and transparent process for board recruitment based on individual merit not designated by position, and a reduction of the number of Government representatives on any SOE boards.Item Determinants of restoring a culture of saving in banks among Zimbabweans(2018) MAKURUMIDZE, ShepardThe 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.Item Determinants of the Quality of Public Financial Management (PFM) on Budget and Budgetary Control in Zimbabwean Fiscally Decentralised Local Governments(2020) MUGUTI, EriazeriThe study aimed To Describe the Systems, Institutions and Processes that Determine the Quality of Public Financial Management in Zimbabwean Fiscally Decentralised Local Government Budget and Budgetary Control Systems. The study found that the quality of budget planning and formulation was influenced by the availability and predictability of resources, innovation and application of business principles, oversight from higher-level government, compliance with laws and regulations, appropriate human resource skills and competences, leadership skills, collaboration and support, contents and structure of the budget, nature of strategic and financial planning systems and active stakeholder participation and access to information. The quality of budget execution and implementation was found to be determined by resource allocation, accounting systems and internal controls. Whereas Monitoring and Evaluation was influenced by; budget and financial reporting systems, external auditing systems, and legislative oversight and scrutiny systems The study concludes that the determinants of the quality of PFM in decentralised local government are multi-theoretical and multi-disciplinary categorized as; stakeholder focus, capacity and the management approach. The study proposes the model of Enhancing Capacity through Stakeholder Focus and Management Approach.Item Developing Strategies for Improving Implementation of Public Sector Construction Projects in Zambia(2019) BANDA, JoshuaThe 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.