Undergraduate Research Reports & Masters Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://research.unilus.ac.zm/handle/123456789/445

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Start date: 2016Has files: Yes

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 207
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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
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    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.
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    Analyzing the Effectiveness of ZAMMSA's Last Miles Distribution of Medicines and Medical Supplies through Regional Hubs
    (2026) SIMUCHUMBA, Rodney
    This study examined the impact of sustainable procurement practices on procurement effectiveness at ZAMMSA in Zambia. As a key driver of Zambia’s economic development, the health sector relies heavily on efficient procurement systems to enhance operational performance and profitability. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the research emphasized the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders to implement procurement strategies that align with environmental, social, and economic objectives. While sustainable procurement is increasingly recognized worldwide as essential for resilience and competitive advantage, its influence on procurement effectiveness in Zambia remains underexplored. This study addresses that gap by analyzing ZAMMSA’s adoption of sustainable procurement and its outcomes. The objectives were threefold: To assess the relationship between sustainable procurement practices and procurement effectiveness. To determine the extent of their impact. To explore the role of stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainable procurement within the health sector. Using a descriptive research design and a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 40 respondents and analyzed with SPSS software. Results showed that ZAMMSA has gained significant benefits from sustainable procurement. Environmentally conscious supplier selection, waste reduction initiatives, and ethical sourcing have improved operational efficiency, minimized supply chain disruptions, reduced costs, and strengthened supplier relationships. The study recommends that ZAMMSA enhance its cost-benefit analysis tools to highlight the long-term savings and broader advantages of sustainable procurement. Addressing the challenge of high upfront costs through clear financial evidence can secure decision-maker support and build a stronger business case for sustainable initiatives. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for Zambia’s health sector, underscoring the role of sustainable procurement in achieving operational effectiveness and reinforcing stakeholder engagement as a cornerstone of sustainable industrial practices.
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    Exploring Determinants Influencing Organizations' Selection of Recruitment Agencies for Hiring New Employees : A Case of Selected Organisations in Lusaka
    (2026) KACHAKA, Enock
    The study investigates the factors that determine an organization's choice of recruitment agencies for the selection of new employees. The key objectives were to identify main factors considered by organizations, analyze how determinants vary between industries, and identify stakeholders involved in the selection process. A qualitative research design was adopted, wherein 15 semi structured interviews were conducted with organizations across different sectors, such as finance, ICT, manufacturing, service industries, and NGOs. The findings show that the organizations base their decision to choose a recruitment agency on various factors, including agency reputation, industry experience, candidate shortlist quality, cost, turnaround time, communication, and rigor of screening. Their relative importance varies across the industries; for example, financial organizations give much priority to compliance and candidate integrity, ICT sectors to speed and readiness, manufacturing to technical competence, service industries to interpersonal skills, and NGOs to ethical alignment. It also emerged that the selection of a recruitment agency was often a collaborative process, engaging HR departments, departmental managers, senior management, finance, and sometimes procurement teams to ensure decisions are comprehensive, strategically aligned, and operationally feasible. The study concludes that the selection of a recruitment agency is multidimensional, context dependent, and requires input from several stakeholders. Recommendations include formalizing an organization's selection criteria and agencies offering services to meet the needs of particular industries. This study lays the foundation for future research into quantitative assessment, comparisons across countries, and the impact of agency selection on recruitment outcomes. Keywords: Recruitment agencies, selection determinants, industry-specific priorities, stakeholders, qualitative research.
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    Assessing the effectiveness of Performance Management Systems in enhancing employee productivity at ZSIC Life Plc
    (2026) MASOKO, Nchimuya
    This study investigated the effectiveness of the Performance Management System (PMS) at the ZSIC Life Plc Lusaka Branch, based on five key constructs, which included PMS existence, design quality and strategic alignment, PMS components, employee motivation and engagement, implementation barriers, and productivity outcomes. The study was based on Goal-Setting Theory, Expectancy Theory, and Equity Theory which made it a concurrent mixed-method study where quantitative data was collected among 164 employees and qualitative information among 20 purposively sampled respondents. The research found that while ZSIC Life Plc’s performance management system (PMS) is strategically and structurally sound, evidenced by most employees reporting clear, measurable, and well-aligned goals, it is less effective in practice. Although a majority perceived performance appraisals as fair, fewer employees reported receiving regular feedback or performance-based rewards, highlighting operational weaknesses. The findings further confirm that motivation and engagement play a strong mediating role between PMS practices and employee performance, with clarity, fairness, and perceived reward value significantly influencing employee behaviour and performance outcomes. Overall, the PMS is conceptually strong but operationally weak, indicating a need to strengthen managerial coaching skills, institutionalize continuous and actionable feedback, improve transparency in recognition and rewards, and better integrate digital performance management tools to enhance employee productivity. Keywords: Performance Management System, Employee Productivity, Motivation, Engagement,
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    Assessing the effectiveness of Training and Development Programs in enhancing Workforce Competencies: A Case of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
    (2026) ZALOUMIS, Athina
    Training and development programmes are widely recognized as essential for building an effective, adaptive workforce in public and private institutions, directly boosting productivity, efficiency, and sustainable development. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of training and development programs in enhancing workforce competencies at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). A quantitative research design was employed using 109 distributed questionnaires, of which 104 valid responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that although employees showed high awareness of training policies (91.3%) and had access to diverse programs particularly on-the-job training (88.5%). The overall impact on competencies remained moderate. Technical skills improved moderately (M = 3.88), while leadership competencies lagged (M = 3.41). Only 68.2% reported positive effects on job performance, with 40.4% expressing dissatisfaction. Strategic alignment was partial, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms were weak (M = 3.42). Implementation challenges were substantial, including workload barriers (84.1%), limited program availability (70.7%), and resource constraints (64.6%). The study concludes that although ZRA has established a solid training structure, operational pressures, skill gaps, and insufficient evaluation limit its effectiveness. Strengthening leadership training, improving strategic alignment, ensuring workload-balanced scheduling, and enhancing post-training evaluation are recommended. Keywords: Training and development policies, workforce competencies, strategic alignment, implementation challenges, Zambia Revenue Authority.
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    Impact of Customer Service Representatives on Subscriber Retention: A Case of Multichoice Zambia
    (2026) LWANDO, Chilufya
    This study examined the impact of Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) on subscriber retention at MultiChoice Zambia, focusing on how CSR quality influences customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. Specifically, the study sought to (1) examine the relationship between the quality of customer service interactions and customer satisfaction; (2) determine how satisfaction with CSRs affects subscriber retention; and (3) explore subscribers’ perceptions of service quality and their loyalty toward MultiChoice Zambia. A descriptive mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure comprehensive analysis. Quantitative data were collected from 150 subscribers through structured questionnaires featuring Likert-scale items measuring CSR competence, responsiveness, satisfaction, and loyalty. Qualitative insights were gathered from 30 CSRs using semi-structured interviews to explore service challenges, customer handling strategies, and perceived impact on retention. Quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 7, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings showed strong and statistically significant relationships between CSR competence, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction (r = .567, p < .001), with regression results showing that CSR quality explained 56% of the variation in satisfaction. Satisfaction also significantly predicted retention, with satisfied customers being nearly three times more likely to renew subscriptions (OR = 2.89, p < .01). Furthermore, CSR quality accounted for 42% of the variation in customer loyalty, underscoring its role in shaping positive word-of-mouth and brand advocacy. Qualitative findings supported these results, highlighting empathy, communication, and follow-up as key drivers of satisfaction and retention, while operational challenges such as workload and limited technology occasionally hindered service delivery. The study concludes that customer service quality, particularly CSR competence and responsiveness, is central to sustaining subscriber satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. It recommends continuous CSR training, investment in digital service infrastructure, stronger feedback mechanisms, and customer-centric organizational policies. Future research should investigate the mediating role of technology, compare service sectors, and explore longitudinal satisfaction-retention dynamics to broaden understanding of customer loyalty in digital service markets. Keywords: Customer Service Representatives, Customer Satisfaction, Subscriber Retention, Loyalty, MultiChoice Zambia