MASTER'S THESES

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    Risk management practices in the tendering process of building projects in the Zambian construction industry: A case of local contractors in Lusaka
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KAOMA, Brian
    This study aimed at exploring the risks associated with building projects during the tendering process. The research determined the probability and impact of the explored risks on building projects if not managed during the tendering process. Furthermore, the research aimed at proposing a risk management framework using both internal and external technical input risk factors. Ultimately the research sought to find out the maturity levels of organizations in managing risks. The Methodology of the study followed a mixed method technique in which the questionnaire survey and interviews were used as data collection instrument. The study sample size was 87 out of target population of 109; the research had 80% response rate comprising technical personnel in the companies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the research findings. The research findings revealed that at tendering stage, building projects are exposed to more risks and these risks include the level of competition, Weather and Environmental Conditions, Clarity of bidding documents, Resource availability (Finance, material, labour), Project site location, Perception and experience of the estimator, Actual direct cost, Payment system, Time delivery, Fluctuations in exchange rates and project scope. The study findings revealed that these risks have a likely chance of occurring during the tendering process through the composite mean of (1.69 ~ 2) and that all the risks have the capability to impact building projects through the composite mean of (1.74 ~ 2). Lastly most contractors that participated in the study describe the maturity of the organisation risk management as aware (43.7%) denoting that they use scattered approach to risk management. Therefore it was recommended that contractors should involve professionals during tendering to price the works and government professional bodies should be proactive during the tendering process of building projects. And finally the researcher developed a Risk management framework that should be adopted in Zambia for Building projects at the tendering stage. Key Terms: Tendering process, Risk Management, Risk maturity, Building projects
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    Exploring the influence of the Electronic Queue Management System un Customer Satisfaction: Case Study of ABSA Bank Lusaka
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) CHINFUTUMBA, Kabamba
    The study looked at the factors that influence the satisfaction of customers at the bank and it covered a sample size of 204 customers at one of the Absa bank branches in Lusaka. Likewise, the study’s aim was to specifically explore the influence of electronic queue management systems on the customer’s satisfaction. The data was collected using a questionnaire and data was analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The main subject in this study was to discover how system capability, customer experience and system usability affects the customer’s satisfaction of the bank. In addition, the study’s goal was to add on to the body of knowledge on customer satisfaction and also to present a different perspective of knowledge which involves different people of different age groups. This study is of importance to the management of the various commercial banks as they can assess the importance of automated queue management systems and the influence this system has on their customers’ satisfaction. Similarly, this study can assist bank managers in implementing technological adoptions such as the EQM system to reduce long unbearable queues in the bank, improve productivity, and promote economic development by enhancing customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is the dependent variable of the research and the independent variables include system capability, customer experience and system usability. Moreover, the three independent variables were measured against the dependent variable. Ultimately, the research revealed that the independent variables and the dependent variable had a significant strong positive relationship.
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    Debt Financing and Growth of Small-Scale Enterprises in Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KANJAMBO, JOSHUA
    Using a case study of Small and Medium Enterprises in Livingstone, the study investigated the impact of debt financing on the growth and performance of small-medium enterprises in Zambia. Through the use of a structured questionnaires with both open-ended and closed-ended questions, 100 SMEs operating in the business categories of guest house/lodge, restaurant, fabric traders, bar/night club, and curator traders were counted. The results showed that while the majority of SMEs in Livingstone used debt financing, some were unable to do so because of issues ranging from high interest rates, the absence of collateral requirements, payback terms and periods, to a lack of knowledge about financial management. The results also revealed that crowd funding and leasing were the two most often used alternative financing options by SMEs, behind venture capital. These results suggest that Zambia's financial platforms for SMEs are not sufficiently diverse. As a mix of commercial banks and other financing choices will go a long way in assisting the development of the SMEs sector, the study recommends that the growth of non-bank financial organizations offering alternative financing be promoted and supported.
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    Uptake of Early Infant Medical Male Circumcision as an HIV Prevention Intervention in Lusaka District
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) PHIRI, Christopher Yisiwelo
    Globally, male circumcision has gained popularity as a tool for preventing HIV transmission. According to randomized controlled studies, adult medical male circumcision lowers the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual males by about 60%. In line with the evidence from various studies on the effectiveness of male circumcision, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF (2016), endorsed Early Infant Male Circumcision (EIMC) for the prevention of HIV and Zambia is among 14 African nations speeding up the adoption of this intervention. The study utilized a concurrent mixed method design where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The study’s quantitative sample size was 400 mothers while under qualitative, 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with mothers. Stata version 16 was used to analyze the study's quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed to examine the qualitative data. The study identified three critical variables that influence Lusaka women's uptake of Early Infant Male Circumcision (EIMC): the partner's circumcision status, women's attitude towards EIMC, and knowledge on EIMC. Furthermore, the study showed that EIMC was more common among women from cultures where male circumcision was practiced. Key deterrents to EIMC uptake were highlighted by the qualitative part of the study as medical distrust, cultural practices around traditional male circumcision, and a lack of awareness that results in misconceptions and myths. The study found that women knew very little about EIMC as an HIV preventive intervention; therefore, intentional policies should be implemented to promote EIMC awareness initiatives and break myths and misconceptions among mothers. It is also essential to acknowledge cultural variations in decision-making. Lastly, promoting male engagement is crucial, with a focus on the support that fathers and other male family members provide for EIMC. Keywords: Early infant, male circumcision, uptake, cultural beliefs
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    Evaluation of Risk Management strategies and practices used on construction projects: A Study of Luanshya District
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) NGOMA, Annie
    The study adopted a mixed methodology approach using sequential exploratory designs which entails the collection and analysis of quantitative data followed by qualitative data. The study sample size was 93 which was obtained by purposive sampling. Results were obtained by collecting data using questionnaires for quantitative data and semi-structured interviews with open ended questions for qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition, Cronbach’s alpha was used to ascertain the reliability of the data and Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze the validity of the data. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis to identify patterns and later categorize the data in coded words or themes. The findings revealed challenges faced by construction projects included risks not being ranked, identified and assessed with no appropriate use of risk management strategies this was indicated by 75% of the respondents. Risk avoidance was the most used strategy as indicated by 51% of the respondents. 43.1% agreed that risk management strategies play a pivotal role in achieving desired construction outcomes. 44.1% indicated that political interference risk has the highest occurrence while 26.9% indicated poor quality has the highest severity of impact. Through correlation analysis, the study established that there is a moderate degree of positive correlation (r = 0.542, p= 0.01) between Project performance and risk management strategies. Critical success factors for project performance included documentation of risk and inspection of the project as indicated by 76.4% of respondents, stakeholder involvement 76.34% and utilization of budgeting techniques by 76.4% of respondents. The study concluded the application of risk management strategies ensures that the organization undertaking the project achieves its goals and that the project concludes within specified requirements. The Study recommends the improvement of the risk management process, stakeholder involvement in construction projects and creation of a risk management strategic framework and plan for management of risk. Lastly, the study contributes to the body of knowledge by the development of the risk management strategic framework for the measurement of the effectiveness of risk management strategies on the completion of construction projects and enhancing project performance. Keywords: Projects, Construction Projects, Strategies, Practices
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    Influence of non-formal education on viability of women-led cooperatives in rural district constituencies in Zambia: A Case Study of Kalabo Central Constituency
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) BANDA, Amina Lenganji
    This study is set to assess the influence if non-formal education on viability of women-led cooperatives in rural district constituencies in Zambia. Using a close-ended questionnaire, the study collected data from 102 women who belonged to CDF-led cooperatives in Kalabo Central Constituency. Hence Data was also collected from a CDF Committee member in the constituency through key-informant interviews. The study results showed that the majority of the respondents (48%) had primary school level of education, 27% had secondary school level of education while 25% had attained tertiary education. Regarding the forms of non-formal education programs present to enhance viability of women-led cooperatives, it was established that these forms of NFE programs had an average mean of 4.2 which showed a strong effect on the viability of womenled cooperatives in the constituency. From the scenario on education above, women’s low literacy level has negatively affected their substantive input in the CDF projects and development in general. Further, the study established a high average mean of 4.4 which was in the strongly agree category. In the last specific objective, the study established that that 92 out of the 102 respondents suggested that there should be training of participants On-the-Job, as part of the job among the women-led cooperatives. It was noted that, among other measures, stakeholders should supplement the building materials and tools for any needed additional workshops, storage space and possibly for meeting places. This study concludes that when the project design clearly identifies the changes planned for women's productivity, it will be essential to offer the appropriate skill training to the participants at the earliest opportunity. It is recommended that awareness creation on the Amended CDF Act of 2022 provision targeted at women members of the society. This should be done in the local dialect to cater for the low literacy levels identified amongst women in rural constituencies such as Kalabo Central. Government, NGOs and individuals should be involved in the implementation of the non-formal education strategies for the empowerment of rural women.
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    Assessing the effects of village banking programme on household income : A Case Study of Chongo Village of Monze District, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) HAMWEEMBA, Doubt
    This study was aimed at assessing the impact of village bank services on household income and the livelihoods of village banking beneficiaries in Chongo village of Monze District. Ninety-one respondents were interviewed and ten of these were employees of Microfinance Institutions. The study was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data that is presented in Charts, and graphs to examine the effect of village bank on the household income and livelihoods of village banking beneficiaries in Chongo village. The findings of the study revealed that village bank groups operating in Chongo village of Monze District provide services like training and skills development, credit facilities and savings mobilization, banking facilities, supervision and monitoring of the clients, provision of agriculture finance. The repayment of the credit facilities is usually through monthly instalments. The size of the loan depends on the MFI but ranges from as low as five hundred kwacha to ten thousand kwacha. The security usually required is group collateral in case of groups and any other as deemed necessary for the individual by the MFI. The study examined that village bank members who accessed the loans from MFIs were able to improve their socioeconomic status through starting up or expanding investments and enterprises, paying school fees for their children, purchase of household items like furniture, land and solar installation, building of houses, confidence building, participation in leadership roles etc. The research also found out that village bank members face some challenges in their access and utilization of the MFI services and these include; the culture does not allow, poverty (No money to open account, some does not understand Microfinance (village bank), policies and procedures are long, fear and mistrust of employee, lack of business skills, Politics in the Microfinance (village bank), distance to the Microfinance Institution, fear of collapse of Microfinance Institution and many more. The respondents recommended that the government should intervene, especially where interest rate is concerned and centralize it or make it uniform and also monitor the operations of the MFIs so that they offer adequate services to the members. Microfinance Institutions should carry out gender sensitization, promote and encourage financial transparency among couple, increase in women awareness and understanding on Microfinance Institutions, adjustment in product, policies and procedures, training members in business skills and encourage them to start income generating activities, making Microfinance an operating environmentally friendly to village bank members and other efforts.
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    Exploration of factors influencing poor solid waste management in three (3) selected compounds in Lusaka district
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) NAKAANGA, Fred
    In the city of Lusaka, the Local Municipal council sub-contracted franchise contractor companies to collect and dispose solid waste from zoned solid waste management districts through the private public partnership initiative. Despite this, the City of Lusaka has continued to experience sporadic indiscriminate disposal of solid waste by individuals, shop owners and communities members whose effect is clearly observed to be a factor causing blockages in the drainages resulting in running and stagnant water and pools along the roads, ponds and unused pieces of land. It is due to this cause that the author has been prompted to undertake this study. In terms of methodology, the researcher engaged a qualitative technique to conduct this study using a sample of 39 participants. The data was analyzed and the findings were indicating that indiscriminate disposal of waste is actually still an existing practice due to a combination of social economic factors, personal and behavioral traits such as greedy, low levels of illiteracy, indifferentism, etc. In terms of results, the participants’ responses were coded using Nvivo 14 software and the findings showed that the methods used for storage of waste were rubbish pits where they deposited their waste, solid waste bins, solid waste contractors whilst others said to have resorted to using the illegal wheelbarrow collectors and drainages. A few reported to have subscribed with the CBEs whilst the rest were assumed to be the ones responsible for indiscriminate disposal of waste. In terms of factors exacerbating this cause, the responses included; negative attitudes, low knowledge and attitudes, indifferentism, and lack of money to pay to the CBEs for solid waste services. In conclusion, the factors gathered to be exacerbating the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste were homogeneous in all the three (3) communities of study and as such some recommendations were developed such as the need to stiffen penalties and punishment to the would be offenders. Others included the need for the local councils to increase monitory visitations in these communities. The engagement of the CBEs was identified as key in helping to reduce waste in these areas though there is need to scale up the monitory of operations and coverage.
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    Examining the Factors that affect secondary school pupil’s poor performance in Mathematics: A Case of selected schools in Lusaka District
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUBANGA, Davies
    The study examined the factors that affect Secondary School pupil’s poor performance in Mathematics in selected Secondary Schools of Lusaka District. The study was led by three research objectives which were to identify the social factors that affect secondary school pupil’s poor performance in Mathematics, examine school and pupil’s-based factors and assess the effect of school management system on pupil’s poor performance in Mathematics. Relevant literatures were reviewed on theories and findings that emerged from different authors. A survey design which used both quantitative and qualitative aspects of research was used in the study. The study involved five (5) Secondary Schools, ten (10) teachers of Mathematics and fifty (50) Grade 12 pupils. These were obtained through simple random sampling. Five (5) Head teachers from five Secondary Schools were purposely selected. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data. The quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage and the qualitative information were analysed by thematic process. The results revealed that there are two major factors affecting Secondary School pupil’s poor performance in Mathematics namely school-based and pupil based factors. School-based factors incorporated professional qualification of teachers, knowledge of the subject, teaching method, and experience of teachers teaching mathematics, over-enrolment and motivation of pupils. Pupil-based factors included income, level of education for parents/guardians, absenteeism from mathematics lesson, learner attitude towards mathematics, performance of pupils in mathematics and family status. The findings of the study suggest that use of numerous assessments, motivating pupils and teachers by providing incentives, appropriate leadership style in managing the school and providing necessary learning and teaching material can improve poor performance in mathematics among secondary school pupils. This calls for the teachers of Mathematics, School Administrators, Parents and all stakeholders to get involved in the education of mathematics to pupils at Secondary School level of education.
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    Investigating the effectiveness of Coordination Mechanisms among Stakeholders in Agricultural Extension in Katete District of Eastern Province, Zambia.
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) CHIKOMBA, Patrick
    The purpose of the study sought to understand and establish the effectiveness of the coordination mechanisms of stakeholders involved in agriculture extension service in Katete district. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Target population was a total of 219 respondents which comprised of 3 senior agriculture extension staff, 16 senior representatives of the private sector, 50 extension officers and 150 Agricultural Farmer Community Volunteers. Purposive sampling was employed to select respondents with knowledge and experience working in the extension service. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the existing coordination mechanisms among stakeholders in the delivery of AES in Katete district, to establish the effectiveness of the stakeholder coordination mechanisms in place are in the delivery of AES to the farmers within Katete district and to identify the key challenges experienced by stakeholders in the coordination of extension delivery in Katete district. With regard to existing coordination mechanisms, the study established that there was the presence of mechanisms in the extension service for coordination of stakeholders. Data from interview underwent thematic content analysis to extract key themes, issues, and narratives and excel was used to generate the figures. However, it evidently established that the mechanism revolved around joint meetings and workshops. About 46.7% and 32.1% of the respondents felt the mechanisms were ineffective and effective respectively. Based on the in-depth interviews with key informants, the study deduced that funding, inadequate technical capacity, lack of clear operational framework for guidance and absence of the coordination structure among others were challenges noted. Limited use of ICT posed a challenge for information sharing. The study recommends that the coordination mechanisms be designed to integrate activities at all levels, use of ICT and M&E to ensure information sharing and development and strengthen a clear operational framework to ensure active participation of all stakeholders and facilitate the harmonization and alignment of intervention to avoid duplication of activities and conflicting extension service messages to the farmers.