Theses and Dissertations Collection

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/41

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 145
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT TOPFLOOR LTD IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) GRACE KAUMBA
    This study assessed the effect of change management on employee performance at TopFloor Ltd in Lusaka, Zambia. Despite implementing various change initiatives, the company has experienced suboptimal results, indicating a gap between change management practices and their effectiveness. This research sought to address this issue by examining the impact of key change management dimensions on employee performance. The study had three main objectives: to determine how communication strategy affects employee performance, to assess the impact of employee involvement and participation on performance, and to investigate the effect of training and skill development on employee performance at TopFloor Ltd. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. A sample of 133 employees was surveyed using structured questionnaires, and key informant interviews were conducted with senior staff members. The study utilized descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and multiple regression to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative insights. The findings revealed strong positive correlations between all three change management dimensions and employee performance. Change communication showed a correlation of r = 0.78 (p = 0.001), employee involvement r = 0.82 (p = 0.001), and training and skill development r = 0.71 (p = 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that these dimensions collectively explained 76.2% of the variance in employee performance (R² = 0.762). Employee involvement emerged as the strongest predictor of performance (β = 0.40, p = 0.001), followed by change communication (β = 0.35, p = 0.001) and training (β = 0.28, p = 0.01). Descriptive statistics revealed generally positive perceptions of change management practices, with mean scores ranging from 3.32 to 4.48 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, areas for improvement were identified, particularly in ensuring consistent communication across the organization and providing opportunities for skill development and career growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends that TopFloor Ltd enhance the consistency and timeliness of change communication across all organizational levels, increase opportunities for employee involvement in decision-making processes, and tailor training programs to individual employee needs and long-term career development goals. These recommendations aim to further improve the effectiveness of change management practices and, consequently, enhance employee performance during periods of organizational change
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING CUSTOMER PURCHASING BEHAVIOR IN SELECTED TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES IN LUSAKA ZAMBIA
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) KAFULA MUSONDA
    The objective of the study was to examine the factors influencing customer purchasing behavior within selected telecommunications companies in Lusaka, Zambia. With substantial investment and intense competition among mobile service providers in Zambia, the market has experienced significant growth in recent years. Operators in this sector offer a diverse array of advanced products and services to attract customers. The implementation of mobile number portability by the regulatory authority in April 2006 has allowed consumers to switch service providers while retaining their phone numbers. However, despite market growth, operators such as Airtel, MTN, and ZAMTEL have faced obstacles hindering their efforts to capture a substantial market share. Moreover, there is a trend of customers switching providers due to various reasons, reflecting challenges in maintaining customer loyalty. The study, employing a descriptive design with a survey of one hundred participants using questionnaires, aimed to address these dynamics. The findings revealed that demographic variables such as age, income, family size, education, and gender significantly influence consumer behavior within Lusaka's telecommunications sector. Telecom companies adapt their offerings to cater to specific demographic demands, a strategy crucial for customer retention and acquisition in a competitive industry. The statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between customer satisfaction and purchasing behavior, with a p-value less than 0.05. Furthermore, the study identified a correlation of 0.675 between customer purchasing behavior and customer satisfaction with the mobile operator. Income emerged as the most influential determinant of customer behavior highlighting the importance of understanding customer satisfaction in retaining clients. The study recommends that telecommunication operators should seek to improve the customer satisfaction by providing best products and services to their subscribers. The telecommunication companies should make sure that, all the products and services are available for both people with low income and people with higher income.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Assessment On The Effect Of Motivation On Employee Performance In The Public Sector In Ndola, Zambia.
    (University of Lusaka, 2023) CAROL CHONDOKA
    The success or failure of a corporation hinges largely on its workforce, underscoring the pivotal role played by human resources in driving prosperity, productivity, and overall performance within an organisation. One could define motivation as the engine that propels someone to perform or behave a certain manner. The relationship between organisational personnel and management is described as poor, leading to potential demotivation among employees due to a lack of a socially appealing work environment. This can negatively affect their performance, as the organisation may not meet their needs for love, belongingness, and affiliation, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of the public sector. Employing a descriptive quantitative approach, the research utilized a probability design with simple random sampling to gather opinions from 150 public sector employees in Ndola's central business district. The collected data underwent analysis using SPSS version 27, primarily relying on primary data obtained through a well-structured questionnaire administered to respondents. The findings highlighted a significant correlation between factors such as remuneration, staff welfare, rewards, promotion, and employee performance. The study concluded that effective management efforts to motivate staff are crucial for enhancing their performance. It is therefore important for organisations to improve their staff welfare programs and effectively work on implementing mechanisms for gathering employee feedback. Organisations should work at optimizing the remuneration practices and perform a regular evaluation of the remuneration structures. Despite limitations associated with sample specificity and self-reported data, this research contributes to our comprehension of motivation's role and provides valuable insights for future studies in the realm of motivation and employee performance.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    A Critical Analysis On The Effectiveness Of The COMESA Court Of Justice Arbitration Rules Of 2018 In Addressing Challenges Faced By Zambia And Other COMESA Member States In International Commercial Arbitration
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) SIAMAMBO ACKIM
    The African continent has recently experienced a rise in cases involving international commercial arbitration. This generally means that African arbitration institutions have a mandate to be equipped with the best arbitration rules that conform to internationally accepted standards. Given the above, the COMESA Court of Justice revised its Arbitration Rules of 2003. It launched the COMESA Court of Justice Arbitration Rules of 2018 to improve arbitration under COMESA and to mitigate challenges that nations in the common market face in settling international commercial arbitration disputes. This study has analyzed the 2018 rules critically and evaluated the rules' effectiveness in addressing challenges in arbitration that COMESA member states face. The methodology employed in this study was qualitative. The research discovered that the new rules have, however, not been effective and have little impact in mitigating the various challenges that are still faced in international commercial arbitration by member states. International commercial arbitration challenges such as the cumbersome notice process when filing an action at the Court, the bias of the Court in reviewing the exhaustion of local remedies, lack of investor-state arbitration at the Court, prolonged arbitration processes, high costs of arbitration, difficulties with recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards, lack of important provisions in the Courts' current arbitration rules (these include provisions for handling complex arbitration disputes such as joinder and consolidation, provisions for expedited procedures, and provisions for the conduct of legal representatives and provisions for the doctrine of separability).
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Prospects And Challenges Of An Improved Companies Act Dispute Resolution Framework: A Study For The Creation Of Zambia's Companies Tribunal
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) VOR MUKWANKA
    Businesses are crucial to the economy of every nation and thus their efficient functioning is cardinal. The regulatory environment in a nation plays a major role in determining the growth and development of its economy. A number of developing nations have recently implemented dispute regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in their respective nations. This is in recognition of the significant role that companies and businesses in general play in an economy. Zambia is not an exception. It has been argued that Zambia has for a long time not created an environment that makes it easy for doing business and thus unlocking its potential to become an economic powerhouse. This is the reason that motivated this research into how we can unlock certain legal impediments to achieving the much talked about, “ease of doing business.” The research examined the framework for resolving disputes under the Zambian Companies Act in relation to improving Zambia's competitiveness in terms of ease of doing business. The examination was conducted in an attempt to assess the framework. This study used various methods of collecting data including qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. The important information was gathered through studying documentary sources such as journals, case law, Zambian legislation as well as scholarly works by other writers. The research asserted that because the Companies Act resolution framework is primarily based on the court process, it does not support Zambia's efforts to improve the ease of doing business with regard to dispute resolution. A comparative analysis of current trends in company law dispute resolution is conducted, demonstrating a move towards tribunal-based dispute determination and away from reliance on the courts as the primary dispute resolution forum. In the end, the dissertation has recommended creating a Companies Tribunal for Zambia as a step that would ease doing business in Zambia and help reduce the cost of resolving commercial disputes, at least in the context of the Companies Act.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Investigating The Perception Of Employees On The Enactment Of The National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No.1 Of 2023 In Zambia: A Case Study Of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Employees.
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) TEMWANI NALONDWA
    Withdrawals from retirement accounts prior to retirement have become increasingly common over time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, several countries, including Chile, Peru, Australia, the United States, and Malaysia, permitted early withdrawals of pension funds. Nonetheless, the immediate and long-term consequences of such policies are understudied. Zambia recently enacted the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2023, which allows for partial withdrawals from pension savings. This study sought to examine employees' perceptions of the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2023, with a focus on awareness, decision-making processes, challenges, and overall perspectives on policy changes. A qualitative research design was used to gather in-depth information. Data were collected from 30 employees via interviews and questionnaires. Participants were chosen using stratified sampling to ensure a diverse representation. The data were analysed thematically, with findings presented as narrative quotes and summary tables. The National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No.1 of 2023 was perceived differently by respondents, according to the study. While some employees viewed the policy as a chance to put more money to work, others raised fears about what it would do in the long run for retirement assets. These explanations correspond to reasons that varied across individuals rooted in financial distress, interest in the procedure per se and their own personal monetary goals. The policy highlighted NAPSA's need to increase its sensitization efforts as it provided financial flexibility. The measures in place include raising the awareness campaigns, and increasing an educational drive to make sure that employees are much better informed about what they stand to lose from taking their money early. Other ways might include decreasing pay-out turnaround times and highlighting portfolio diversification potential, boosting employee satisfaction with the policy engagement. This study touches on key concepts such as partial and premature withdrawal, policy evaluation, social security, and stakeholder perspectives.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Conjugal Visits For Inmates As A Human Right – The Zambian Context: Lessons Drawn From India And Other Jurisdictions.
    (University of Lusaka, 2023-10) JOANNE KAWAMA MWAANGA
    The purpose of this research was to discuss conjugal visits for inmates as a human right in the Zambian context and drawing lessons from India and other jurisdictions. This research focused on examining whether or not conjugal visits as a concept in human rights should be adopted in Zambia. This research also examined the rights of inmates with a focus on conjugal and other related rights. Furthermore, this research went on to examine the international best practices governing human rights of inmates and conjugal visits for inmates. In addition, the research also discussed various international instruments and cases which advocate for the rights of inmates and that where conjugal visits are allowed, they should be applied without discrimination, and female prisoners should be allowed to exercise this right on an equal basis with their male counterparts. This research found that in Zambia, the Zambia Correctional Service Act does not expressly provide for conjugal visits but that it provides for the Commissioner General to allow an inmate to be absent from the correctional centre with permission. This can be viewed as an opportunity to implement conjugal visits for inmates in Zambia through the establishment of an independent committee. The research also recommends that there is a need for Zambia to adopt conjugal visits as a matter of human rights so as to ensure that prisoners enjoy their rights. This research was qualitative in nature and relied on primary and secondary sources. The sources were obtained through desktop research. The primary sources that were relied on were mainly statutes while the secondary sources included review of books, journal articles, and online sources.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Factors contributing to delays of selected government construction projects in Lusaka, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MAKUBALO, William
    In Zambia, most government projects are finished beyond the original time frames that were established. Project delays hinder growth, have enormous financial consequences for society, and damage the reputations of those involved in carrying out the initiatives. The country's backlog of projects has seen a rise in funding in recent years, but the people who stand to gain from these projects don't care that the infrastructure gets completed. This study set out to investigate the causes of the delays in government construction projects in Lusaka, Zambia. The research design used in the study was descriptive, and it combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. All stakeholders in the construction industry based in Lusaka made up the study population. Using a census, the researcher selected all the potential participants from the study population, from which 71 successfully completed the closed ended questions. Stakeholder involvement, project budgeting and fiscal management, and project management practices comprised the three primary categories into which the study divided the causes of delay. Regression and theme analysis were utilised in the study to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Delays in government construction projects can stem from various factors such as inadequate project planning and management, leading to budget overruns, design errors, procurement issues and bureaucratic red tape and administrative inefficiencies. The World Bank's research highlights the above challenges, which can impact project timelines and delivery schedules. Regarding the hypotheses tested, it was found that there was no significant relationship between project management practices and delays in government construction projects, nor between stakeholder involvement and project delays. However, there was a notable correlation between project budgeting and fiscal management and delays, indicating that effective management of financial resources could mitigate project delays in government construction endeavours. Government construction projects in Zambia often face delays due to weak project planning, bureaucratic procedures, and external factors like weather, limited resources, and labor conflicts. The World Bank's research highlights these challenges, which can impact project timelines and delivery schedules. The study found that project management practices, including planning, initiation, execution, monitoring, control, and closure, are crucial for project success, with prepared plans being a foundational element. Rigorously prepared plans are foundations for project success according to several studies. It was discovered that stakeholders’ such as clients’ payments for the contractor's labour caused delays which have a negative impact on the project timeframe. Studies found that contractor's lack of experience, inadequate administration and oversight of the project site, and insufficient funding to begin the job are stakeholder related causes of project delays. Prior research indicates that financial management and project budgeting play a role in the delays that occur in building projects. All initiatives in the public sector should utilise efficient project planning and commencement procedures. Adopting and consistently implementing best practices for project management throughout the organisation will help achieve this. Additionally, this study suggests emphasizing implementation efforts to guarantee that plans are carried out successfully to completely achieve goals. According to the terms of the building contract, the customer must honour payments made to contractors in a timely manner. At the implementation stage, the client and users must make sure there are enough financial resources for the project to prevent work from stopping on-site owing to cash flow issues. To reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, the government should give employees greater authority and reduce the hierarchy of the organizational structure. This would ensure that decisions are made by people other than those at the top. Key words: Construction Delays, Project management practices, budgeting and fiscal management, stakeholder involvement
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Determining the critical success factors for the Public-Private Partnership in health service delivery at the University Teaching Hospital
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KOSITIMU, Mwang'a
    Zambia, like numerous other governments worldwide, is struggling with the escalating expenses of healthcare and the growing need for healthcare services while dealing with limited financial resources. Zambia dedicates itself to delivering high-quality healthcare services to its population, recognising health as a crucial area for the nation's well-being. Governments are increasingly utilising Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to address the challenges of limited healthcare resources and improve outcomes. The private sector's participation is partly driven by the prevailing perception that public sector bureaucracies are inefficient and unresponsive. It is believed that market processes can enhance efficiency and provide cost-effective, high-quality services. The study employed a mixed method paradigm approach to gather data. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Quantitative data were obtained through the use of research questionnaires that had closed-ended questions, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews that included open-ended questions. The analysis revealed that the health sector was in dire need of improvements, as supported by 70% of respondents. Similar to other government organisations, it lacked the financial capacity to undertake these initiatives. The study utilised descriptive statistics to analyse the quantitative data. The results revealed a mean value of 0.22, which was evenly distributed across all thematic areas. The data collected from the field followed a normal distribution, with the standard deviation fluctuating around the mean, as indicated by the calculated standard deviation of 0.17. The kurtosis fell within the normal range and exhibited a right skew, with all values in the range of +/-1.0 across the thematic areas. This indicated that the obtained data followed a normal distribution with no outliers. The study also identified key determinants of success for implementing Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the health sector. These determinants include: strict adherence to the terms and conditions of the agreement; establishment of a transparent and efficient procurement process; appropriate allocation of risks in the agreement; effective coordination and cooperation among stakeholders; and active involvement of the private sector. Subsequently, the study established a framework by incorporating the Critical Success Factors. Key Words: Critical Success Factors, Public Private Partnership and Healthcare Givers
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Socioeconomic effects of regulatory compliance costs on food processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: A Multi-Stakeholder Assessment
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUSONDA, Chishimba
    Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, known as MSMEs, are crucial to Zambia's economy, making up 97% of businesses, contributing 70% to the GDP, and employing 88% of the workforce. However, these businesses face challenges, especially from the costs of meeting regulations, which hinders their growth, market reach, and financial health. Focused on 50 food processing MSMEs in Lusaka, the research adopts a qualitative approach, employing Google Forms for data collection from the respondents and Google Meet Interviews for qualitative insights from key informants. The research highlights the significant impact of regulatory compliance expenses on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), resulting in workforce downsizing and restructuring. Consumers exhibit a predilection for patronizing MSMEs owing to their affordability and interpersonal rapport with proprietors, thereby underscoring a proclivity towards supporting local businesses. Moreover, consumers demonstrate a discernible willingness to incur higher costs for food products to ensure their safety. Notably, the study uncovers a lack of strategies among MSMEs to mitigate these costs. Recommendations include proactively budgeting for compliance costs to avoid financial strain, leverage consumer preferences for affordability, and the consolidation of certain taxes into annual payments. Collaboration with private sector organizations is advised to enhance regulatory efficiency and leverage industry expertise. The study underscores the need for broader research encompassing a diverse MSME sample to enhance generalizability. Future research should explore additional facets beyond financial health, production, marketing and sales, business performance, and growth. Keywords: Regulations; Financial Health, Socio-economic wellbeing, Consumers, Affordability