Undergraduate Research Reports & Masters Dissertations

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

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 193
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Understanding how the Construction Industry Growth influences the quality of Engineering Services in Zambia
    (2026) KOMBE, Nathan
    Among other organizations, the National Council for Construction, NCC, is one of the main organizations governing the engineering sector in Zambia. Some of their duties include, the registration of all construction companies operating in Zambia, monitoring of projects, enforcement of regulations and training of technical personnel. The rapid growth occurring in the engineering sector has introduced a number of concerns in the quality of work being executed in Zambia; abandoned projects, increased reworks and repairs, structural flaws and other key quality issues. This study intended to understand how the construction industry growth influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia. Hence, the objectives of this study included, to explore how the registration of construction companies with NCC influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia, to understand the role of governing bodies in enforcing compliance and to explore the adequacy of Continuous Professional Development, CPD, by NCC. The study utilized the Qualitative approach to understand the reasons behind the problem. To do this, a historical design had to be used to provide quality information to the study. Data collection was done using semi-structured interview guides. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The study found that the current registration process has not been very efficient. New entry companies have flooded the sector and have not been thoroughly processed before confirmation. The rapid increase of companies and increased number of national projects has been overwhelming for the existing NCC systems and resources. This has hindered many compliance enforcement activities, as well as the expansion of CPD programs. The findings indicate that, construction companies are underbidding for projects, compromising on quality of labour and material being used, and simply avoiding complying with regulations. The study recommended that the NCC systems need to be upgraded, with new regulations and modern technology. It was further recommended that the NCC requires an increase of manpower, transportation modalities, finances and other resources. The study provided understanding of quality regulations and filled the knowledge gap associated with the effects of industry growth on quality. Key Words: Company Registration, Sector growth, Regulation Compliance, skills training, Construction
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the effects of Personal Financial Debt on Employee Job Performance: A Case Study of Solwezi General Hospital
    (2026) ZIMBA, Priscovia Kalaba
    This study aimed to investigate the impact of personal financial debt on employee job performance, focusing on Solwezi General Hospital in Zambia. Three specific objectives guided the research: to assess the level of individual financial debt among employees, to determine its effect on job performance, and to explore the relationship between economic stress and employee productivity. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from 186 respondents via structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise financial behaviours and workplace outcomes, while inferential techniques, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression, tested relationships between variables. The findings revealed that personal financial debt is widespread among employees, with high incidences of mobile money loan usage, salary deductions for repayment, and borrowing for daily expenses. These financial pressures were linked to considerable emotional stress. Although regression analysis showed low predictive strength, qualitative data highlighted behavioural signs of anxiety, such as absenteeism, reduced focus, interpersonal conflict, and demotivation. Employees recognised that financial burdens impeded their ability to perform optimally, particularly in team-based tasks and during periods of peak workload. The study was framed within the context of the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. COR Theory explained the observed resource depletion and stress behaviours, while Maslow’s framework illustrated how unmet financial needs hindered higher- level workplace engagement. Together, these frameworks provided a solid foundation for understanding the psychological mechanisms linking debt and job performance. The study recommends implementing financial wellness programmes, in-house counselling services, partnerships with ethical credit providers, salary advance schemes, and integrating financial literacy into employee training programmes. However, the insights generated offer significant contributions to policy and practice in Zambia’s healthcare system and beyond. The research emphasises the importance of institutional strategies that promote financial stability as a means to enhance employee wellbeing and organisational productivity. Keywords: Financial debt, performance, wellness, financial literacy, financial stability, organisational productivity.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Impact of marketing mix elements on feed buying behaviour of broiler farmers in Lusaka
    (2026) BILI, Alex
    The study aimed at exploring the following objectives; to analyse the factors that influence broiler farmer preference of feed brands, to explore the marketing strategies employed by poultry feed companies and to determine the factors (Marketing Mix Elements) influencing broiler farmers’ consumer buying behaviour. To ascertain the association between the components of the marketing mix and feed purchasing habits, a correlation research approach was employed in this quantitative study. Questionnaires on a five-point Likert scale, from strongly disagree to strongly agree, were used to gather primary data. The study population of this research study targeted small scale broiler farmers in Lusaka, Zambia, with a sample size of 377, estimated using the Rao soft sample size calculator, at a 95% confidence level and margin error of 5% for a population of 20,000 broiler farmers. The data was analysed quantitatively, and descriptive statistics methods were used. A total of 80 questionnaires were completed, with 60% of the participants identifying as male and 40% as female. The data indicated that 76.1% of the respondents had 6 to 10 years of experience in the broiler industry, while the remaining participants had less than 5 years of experience. The results of this study showed that product, place, promotion, and price strategies demonstrate a positive correlation with consumer purchasing behaviour concerning the acquisition of feed for broilers. The results indicated that all four hypotheses were affirmed, with the price strategy demonstrating the most significant correlation (r=0.548, p<0.05) with consumer purchasing behaviour. The factors of Product, Price, Promotion, and Place all exhibited positive associations with consumer buying decisions, suggesting that as these factors rise, there is a tendency for consumer purchasing decisions to also rise. The study recommends that managers should understand the marketing mix and how it influences consumer purchasing behaviour. Keywords: Feed Brand Choice, Broiler Farmers, buying behaviour, Zambia
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Role of Financial Audits in Enhancing Growth of Agro-Based Msmes in Lusaka: A Comparative Study of Audit-Adopting and Non-Adopting Enterprises
    (2026) MULONDWA, Ruth
    Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to Zambia’s economic development, contributing substantially to employment creation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. Within this sector, agro-based MSMEs play a vital role in promoting food security, rural development, and inclusive economic progress. Despite their importance, these enterprises face persistent challenges that hinder their growth, notably weak financial governance, inadequate internal controls, and restricted access to finance. Although financial audits are widely acknowledged for enhancing transparency, accountability, and access to capital, their uptake among agro-based MSMEs in Lusaka remains limited. Many business owners perceive audits primarily as compliance obligations, often driven by donor or regulatory requirements, rather than as strategic instruments for fostering business growth and sustainability. This study investigates the role of financial audits in supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of agro-based MSMEs in Lusaka. It specifically contrasts the experiences of enterprises that have adopted audits with those that have not. Employing a qualitative comparative approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires administered to 48 stakeholders, including MSME owners and managers, auditors, financial institutions, and relevant regulatory bodies. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas to identify patterns and derive insights from the qualitative data. Findings indicate that MSMEs engaging in audits demonstrate stronger financial management practices, improved access to finance, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Nonetheless, misconceptions regarding the cost, complexity, and purpose of audits remain prevalent, particularly among non-adopting firms. Key barriers include limited audit literacy, insufficient institutional support, and the lack of audit frameworks tailored to the needs of MSMEs. The study recommends that the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) develop simplified audit guidelines and promote affordable audit solutions through collaborations with audit firms and academic institutions. Furthermore, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is urged to incorporate audit readiness into its business support services and incentivise audit adoption through grants and other innovative mechanisms. By repositioning audits as strategic tools for business development, these interventions can encourage voluntary adoption and strengthen the resilience of Zambia’s agro-based MSME sector.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Role of Relationship Marketing on Customer Retention in Zambia‘s Financial Sector: A case study of GS Cash Advance Limited
    (2026) MATIMBA, Hikaanza
    This study examined the influence of relationship marketing practices on customer retention at GS Cash Advance Limited in Lusaka, Zambia. A quantitative descriptive–correlational design was employed, drawing on data from 120 active clients selected using Slovin’s formula. A structured questionnaire measured four dimensions of relationship marketing—personalised communication, loyalty programme quality, digital engagement channels and systematic feedback mechanisms—together with customer retention indicators. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analyses. The model explained 59 per cent of the variance in customer retention, indicating a strong predictive fit. Personalised communication (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) emerged as the most influential predictor, followed by loyalty programme quality (β = 0.27, p < 0.001), digital engagement channels (β = 0.20, p = 0.002) and feedback mechanisms (β = 0.17, p = 0.004). The findings demonstrated that retention improved when communications were timely and personalised, loyalty rewards were transparent and easy to redeem, digital platforms were reliable, and feedback was acknowledged promptly. The study concluded that relationship marketing exerts a substantial and quantifiable impact on client loyalty. It recommended that GS Cash Advance adopt data-driven personalisation strategies, compress time-to-reward in loyalty schemes, optimise digital service reliability and institutionalise systematic feedback loops to strengthen long-term borrower relationships. Keywords: relationship marketing, customer retention, personalised communication, loyalty programme quality, digital engagement, feedback mechanisms
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Fiscal Policy in Promoting Economic Growth in Zambia.
    (2026) MTONGA, Allan Wengo
    This study investigates the effectiveness of green fiscal policies in promoting economic growth in Zambia through empirical analysis. Utilizing a multiple linear regression model, the relationships among key variables, including economic growth, green fiscal policies, technological innovation, business practices, and investment patterns, are quantified. STATA software is employed for regression analysis, accompanied by diagnostic assessments for multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity. Fictitious yet contextually relevant data is used for illustration. Descriptive statistics showcase the central tendency, dispersion, and distribution of variables. Regression results reveal positive and statistically significant relationships between economic growth and each independent variable, indicating the expected change in economic growth for a one-unit change in each respective variable. Hypothesis testing supports the anticipated positive impact of green fiscal policies, technological innovation, business practices, and investment patterns on economic growth. Diagnostics confirm the reliability of the regression model, with no multicollinearity concerns and homoscedasticity not rejected. Further assessments, including the Durbin-Watson test for autocorrelation and the Ramsey RESET test, enhance the model's robustness. The discussion underscores the multifaceted nature of fostering environmental sustainability, emphasizing the positive relationship between green fiscal policies and economic growth. The absence of multicollinearity and acceptance of homoscedasticity enhance the reliability of the findings. Implications highlight the positive influence of green fiscal policies, technological innovation, business practices, and investment patterns on economic growth, suggesting a comprehensive approach to sustainability in Zambia. The study concludes with recommendations for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, emphasizing actionable, realistic, and attainable measures. Strategies for implementation are proposed, involving relevant local institutions and sectors to ensure practical and impactful policy execution.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Effectiveness of Social Media in Crisis Communication. A Case of Zesco Limited, Lusaka
    (2026) PHIRI, Falesi
    Electricity is one of the most important commodities in every contemporary society. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of social media in crisis communication with a specific case Lusaka. This study, therefore, sought to: investigate the perception of customers towards the social media channels adopted to communicate crisis by ZESCO Limited; describe the most effective communication channels of social media in communicating with stakeholders during crisis at the utility company; and determine the effectiveness of crisis communication in minimizing the impact of crisis to the organization and its stakeholders. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. This meant that there was triangulation of information collected through different instruments and from different sources. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 384 ZESCO limited customers. However, only 366 were returned and 16 of these ruled out as invalid. Interviews were also conducted with 8 ZESCO Limited members of staff. Stratified random sampling was employed to select ZESCO Limited customers whereas employees were sampled using purposive sampling. In terms of data analysis, qualitative data was coded based on the themes and sub-themes that emerged. Quantitative data, on the other hand, was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS). The use of SPSS involved recording variables and presentation of data using percentages as well as other graphical representations such as graphs, pie charts and frequency distribution tables. The findings of the study revealed that most customers, specifically 78.31%, accessed information on service disruptions through social media, particularly Facebook and although the perception on the information shared was mostly positive, a considerable number of respondents felt that it not accurate enough which represented 74.57% of the respondents. WhatsApp was also considered highly useful in reporting outages even though it was discovered to be a one-way communication platform. The communication was considered to be effective by most of the participants as it enabled them to plan their business and as well as personal activities. The study recommends the introduction of social media monitoring tools, implementation a two-way communication mechanism across all platforms and regular benchmarking of social media communication strategies against other African utility companies. Key Words: Effectiveness Electricity, Communication, Crisis, Social media, Perception
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Mitigating Reputational Challenges in the Telecom Sector: An Assessment of the Impact of Customer Satisfaction Strategies at Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUSHILI, Audrey
    Customer satisfaction initiatives (CSI) are crucial for shaping an organization's reputation and building customer loyalty, especially in the highly competitive telecommunications sector. This study examines how CSI influences Zamtel’s reputation and customer retention by analyzing key factors such as network reliability, pricing, billing accuracy, and the quality of customer service. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative techniques like correlation analysis and descriptive statistics with qualitative insights to understand customer perceptions and experiences. The study finds that effective problem-solving, clear communication, and responsive customer support play a significant role in enhancing Zamtel’s reputation and customer loyalty. Among the core service factors, network reliability and accurate billing emerged as the most critical drivers of customer satisfaction, whereas value-added services had a limited effect. The statistical analysis indicates a moderate positive relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, highlighting the importance of improving service quality to retain customers. To address these findings, the study recommends strengthening network reliability, improving billing systems, enhancing online customer service, and introducing loyalty programs to reward long-term customers. From a policy standpoint, regulatory bodies should enforce service quality standards to ensure fair pricing, accurate billing, and continuous investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Policymakers should also implement incentives to promote network expansion in underserved areas, improving service accessibility for all customers, especially in rural communities. Additionally, national policies on digital transformation should incorporate customer service training programs and consumer protection measures to uphold customer rights and enhance industry accountability. The study highlights the need for strategic customer engagement and ongoing service improvements to remain competitive. It concludes that prioritizing core services and integrating customer feedback mechanisms can strengthen Zamtel’s reputation and customer retention. Future research should explore the role of emerging technologies, advanced customer service training, and infrastructure development in enhancing telecommunications services in Zambia. These insights provide valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to improve Zamtel’s market position and drive sustainable growth.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Effectiveness of Credit Guarantee Schemes in enhancing access to Finance by SMEs in Lusaka, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) CHILESHE, Mukuka
    This study assessed the role of Credit Guarantee Schemes (CGSs) in improving SME access to financial resources. Given the critical role SMEs play in economic development, access to finance remains a major constraint, often due to lenders' perceived risks and SMEs' limited collateral. CGSs are designed to mitigate these risks by offering guarantees that enhance credit availability. The specific objectives were to assess the impact of CGSs on financial accessibility, determine the extent of SME participation in CGSs, and analyze the effect of government policies on CGS effectiveness. The study employed a quantitative research approach with a descriptive and correlational research design. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to a sample of 80 SMEs and financial institutions operating in Lusaka. Data analysis involved correlation and regression techniques to assess the relationships between CGSs, SME financing, and regulatory policies. The study focused on understanding how guarantee coverage, policy structures, and SME awareness influence the effectiveness of CGSs. Findings revealed that higher guarantee coverage ratios significantly enhance SME financing by reducing lender risk (r = 0.373, p < 0.01), leading to increased loan approvals. However, SME participation in CGSs remains moderate at 53.8%, with barriers such as low awareness and complex application procedures limiting full utilization. The study also found a strong positive correlation (r = 0.459, p < 0.01) between government credit guarantee policies and loan accessibility, highlighting the crucial role of policy frameworks in shaping CGS effectiveness. However, excessively stringent regulations may create bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder access to credit. The study concludes that CGSs significantly contribute to improved financial accessibility for SMEs in Lusaka, Zambia, by lowering lending risks and enhancing credit approval rates. However, their overall effectiveness is influenced by SME participation levels, policy frameworks, and risk management strategies. Key recommendations include expanding CGS coverage while maintaining responsible lending practices, increasing SME awareness through outreach programs, simplifying loan application processes, and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance CGS sustainability. Keywords: Credit Guarantee Schemes, SMEs, Access to Finance, Financial Inclusion, Guarantee Coverage, Government Policies, Risk Mitigation, Lusaka-Zambia
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Analyzing the Effects of Incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility into Project Management Strategies: A Case Study of Trade Kings Limited
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) SIACHIWENA, Victoria
    The Impact of Incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Project Management strategies was analyzed in this study. The study investigated how Trade Kings Limited utilizes CSR principles in its project management processes, evaluates the impact of CSR driven project management on stakeholder engagement and satisfaction, and examines the manner in which CSR initiatives contribute to the firm’s competitive advantage. Theories from which the research was based include Stakeholder Theory, Porter and Kramer’s Shared Value Theory and the Triple Bottom Line framework. An explanatory sequential design mixed methods approach was used with 148 questionnaire responses and 5 semi structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were utilized to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings show high levels of CSR integration into Trade Kings’ project management processes but inconsistencies are observed across departments. Positive influence of CSR driven project management on stakeholder engagement and satisfaction was registered in terms of trust and loyalty as key outcomes. Other than this, the CSR initiatives provided Trade Kings with competitive advantage in terms of increased brand reputation, market share growth and customer loyalty while noting variability in customer retention metrics. The findings in this study support the premise that strategic integration of CSR can address the needs of the society while creating economic value. As much as the CSR is integrated to a high degree across various departments, variation across the different departments demands that CSR practices be standardized by means of structured training programs, clear documentation, and monitoring. Engagement mechanisms in stakeholders should have a regular feedback mechanism, community involvement, and transparent communication to meet the expectations for a better relationship of stakeholders from the CSR initiatives. Therein, core business strategies need to embed CSR as part of Trade Kings' core business strategies to maximize value from a societal viewpoint and business wise, thereby multiplying the benefits accruing to both and strengthening its competitive advantage. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Competitive Advantage, Trade Kings Limited, Triple Bottom Line, Shared Value Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Brand Reputation, Sustainability.