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Effective approaches for improving the uptake of institutional repositories content in the higher education institutions in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are essential for academic research in Zambia. Despite the active research conducted by students and academic staff within these HEIs, the resulting output faces challenges in terms of visibility and uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to identify effective
approaches for improving the uptake of IR content in HEIs in Zambia, and the specific objectives were; to determine the uptake of scholarly resource output in IRs, to identify effective techniques for depositing legacy content and to determine techniques that will ensure the effective use of selfarchiving approaches.There are 11 HEIs in Zambia (six public and five private) with functional Institutional Repositories (IRs) that conduct a lot of research; however, a substantial disparity exists between the content in these IRs and academic staff's Google Scholar profiles. Additionally,
the annual trend and uptake in the IRs are very low as compared to the publications indexed on Google Scholar profiles of the academic staff of these HEIs. The expectation is that when you deploy the IR, it will result in a gradual increase in uptake because more and more people are going to be using it. The study identified academic staff with Google Scholar profiles from the HEIs, and the Publish or Perish software was employed to extract author publications from these profiles alongside Octoparse in cases where OAI-PMH was not activated. The study further employed a descriptive survey research design to collect and analyse the data for objectives two and three by conducting interviews. The study found a significant disparity between the content available in IRs and on Google Scholar profiles across HEIs, with 90% of available publications on Google Scholar profiles missing on the IRs. The study also revealed that IR uptake rates are generally low, with fluctuating trends over the years. At UNZA, the average IR uptake rate is very low: 11%, ZCAS is 37%, UNILUS is 0.8%, CU is 6%, ICU is 20%, CHAU is 7%, MU is 4%, and LAMU is 28%, respectively. The research revealed that academic staff were not aware of the IRs and their responsibility to submit publications. However, upon becoming aware, they expressed their willingness to submit the missing publications to the librarians through emails, submitting their Google Scholar profile IDs. The findings suggest that providing academic staff members with training and support about the IRs and their benefits, implementing clear IR deposit policies, and automating the deposit process would be effective strategies for ensuring that missing content or publications are uploaded to the IR. The study recommends that IRs should focus on training and supporting academic staff members, implementing clear policies, automating the deposit process, and collaborating with departments and research units to streamline the self-archiving process and improve the uptake of IR content. The research also recommends that HEIs should establish clear guidelines, responsibilities, communication channels, and support mechanisms to foster
collaboration, compliance, and contributions from academic staff, departments, librarians, and other stakeholders. The study concludes that by implementing these recommendations, HEIs can improve the uptake of IRs, increase the visibility and uptake of scholarly research output, and
enhance the reputation and success of academic work in HEIs
Nutritional status of HIV/AIDS patients receiving food supplementation and antiretroviral therapy in food insecure enviroments in Chisamba and Kapiri Mposhi districts, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition.The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a challenge to many nations with estimates indicating that by 2022, there were 39 million people in the world living with HIV and in Zambia, the HIV prevalence among adults, 15 years and above, is approximately 11 percent. ART has been known to slow progression of HIV in to AIDS, however food insecurity can negatively affect treatment adherence and nutrition status in people living with HIV/AIDS, hence the need to incorporate food supplements in treatment of HIV patients from food insecure households or communities. However, there is scarcity of empirical evidence on the nutrition status of HIV/AIDS patients receiving food supplements and ART. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the association between nutritional status and food supplementation in HIV-positive individuals receiving ART. Purposive sampling was used to identify two districts with food supplementation programs to HIV/AIDS patients and simple random sampling was employed to select 296 particepants; 140 from Kapiri Mposhi and 156 from Chisamba district. A semi structured questionnaire which included, FFQ was used to collect data from the participants. Weight and height were collected after food supplementation and compared to baseline data from the medical records. Additionally, household demographics, and frequency of physical activity were assessed. Furthermore, any serious illnesses experienced by the participants during the course of taking food supplements that could have affected their weight during data collection were noted. Results showed that most of the participants, 82.5 percent, were not in formal employment and the majority, 60.9 percent, were females. It was also observed that the prevalence of severely undernourished participants reduced from 31.5 percent before supplementation to 8 percent after supplementation, moderate undernutrion reduced from 61.5 percent before supplementation to 44 percent after supplementation and for participants with normal BMI, the prevalence increased from 7 percent before supplementation to 48 percent after supplementation. The improvement in BMI of participants was statistically significant (t = -14.703; p < 0.001). The most consumed foods were cereals (100 percent), vegetables (82.1 percent) and meat products (56 percent). Cooking oil had the least prevalence of consumption (7 percent). It was also learnt that 71.5 percent of the participants were enganged in physical exercises.This study has shown that food supplements impacted positively on the BMI scores of the participants and therefore recommends incorporation of food supplements into HIV care to ensure better treatment outcomes
Exploring and investigating corruption in successive governments, Lusaka district: a reflexivity approach in the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government.
Get PDFMain articleThis study aimed to explore and investigate corruption in successive governments with specific reference on the UPND New Dawn Government in Lusaka District, Zambia, reflexively. To do so, the study explored, investigated and identified various factors that facilitate corruption such as: The power of political beliefs system, poverty, inequality, weak institutions, ineffective anti-corruption measures, cultural and social capital and great latitude of impunity
among public officials. Key informants also emphasized the lack of transparency and weak oversight institutions as factors facilitating the contributing to an increase on corruption. These findings resonated with Treisman's (2000) [77] and Phiri’s (2017) [62] researches, which identified the role of social and economic heterogeneity, specifically ethnic fractionalization and prestation. Further, the study highlighted the complex dynamics at play in the context of political and cultural corruption, poverty, and the ineffectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The study noted the lack of a clear legal framework to combat corruption, whistleblower protection, enhanced oversight, and independent anti-corruption agencies. Challenges in the fight against corruption included a lack of funding and resources, political interference, whistleblower vulnerability, and limited education and awareness. These challenges were in line with the findings of Maiga
(2023) [40], highlighting the negative impact of corruption on human capital development. Culturally, corruption led to the normalization of unethical behavior, erosion of trust, and an impact on social cohesion. These findings underlay the far-reaching effects of corruption on society and underscore the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively. Methodologically, the study used a mixed research technique, even though the larger part of it was explorative approach thus, involving interviews, focused group discussions, storytelling and observations. The study used a sample of 100 respondents who were selected using
purposive sampling technique. Core to the sampling of 100 respondents is the reflexivity approach which is about acknowledging our positionality in the research. This reflexive qualitative research, meant as researchers, we were part of the study process, and our prior experiences, assumptions and beliefs influenced the research process and findings. Reflexivity in this study meant to establish rigour, similar to the processes of defining measurement tools for validity in quantitative research. Therefore, the reflexivity research design combined both qualitative and quantitative methods, involving content
analysis for qualitative data and simple statistical quantification to present quantitative data. Nevertheless, the bulk part of this research method was anchored on qualitative methods. Quantitative technique was used to justify the extent of UPND’S corruption since other methods have proven inconsistent to prove it. The study's findings uncovered an increase in the presence of corruption in the New Dawn Government, despite campaign promises to reduce it in a transparency and accountable manner. This study was anchored on how Bourdieu views individuals as actors playing a “game of life” that is both structured and unstructured by the exchange of forms of capital (economic and socio-cultural). Of course, the game has rules, but many are unwritten, and can also be a matter of contention amongst players. The game theory was used to determine the level of accomplices for the corruption crime, were there is not
enough evidence for a felony conviction. The argument was that perpetrators of corruption take the actions simply as a game and not a
felony, hence its increase and persistence by the actors in the UPND government. In conclusion, the study revealed that while there are measures in place
to combat corruption in the UPND New Dawn Government, challenges persist. Addressing these challenges and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability is essential because corruption undermines economic development, erodes cultural values and social cohesion. It is recommended that efforts to combat corruption include strengthening oversight institutions, promoting ethical leadership, and simplifying legal processes. Public awareness campaigns and measures to reduce poverty and inequality should be prioritized. Keywords: Corruption, Reflexivity, Game Theory, Prestations, Cultural and Social Capita
SCHOOL OF LAW EXAMINATION PAST PAPERS 2022/2023-UNDER GRADUATE
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The effects of working capital management on profitability of microfinance institutions in Zambia: a case study of Bayport Zambia limited.
Get PDFThesis of Master Of Business Administration General.This study investigated the effects of working capital management on the profitability of Bayport Zambia Limited, a microfinance institution in Zambia. The specific objectives were to find out the effect of cash management profitability of Bayport, to assess the effect of non-performing loans
(debtors) on Bayport Profitability, to examine the effect of operational expenses on the Profitability of Bayport and to determine the effect of debt recovery effort on the profitability of Bayport. Data were collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with employees and senior management of Bayport Zambia Limited. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including frequency distribution and percentages. The study found that effective management of liquid cash is crucial for sustaining and maximizing profits. Weak cash management negatively impacts profitability. Managing and mitigating non performing loans significantly affects financial performance. Weak management of operational expenses can impact profitability. Timely and efficient debt recovery efforts positively influence profitability. Based on these findings, the study makes several recommendations. Bayport should reassess and strengthen debt recovery strategies, reduce high operational expenses, and utilize technology solutions to effectively monitor customer status. Collaboration with regulatory authorities is necessary to develop and enforce a regulatory framework for responsible lending and efficient working capital management. Financial literacy and education programs should be implemented to promote awareness and responsible borrowing. These recommendations aim to improve working capital management and overall profitability in Bayport Zambia Limited and the microfinance sector in Zambia
Exploring factors contributing to poor pupils’ performance in social studies at grade 9 in selected schools in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFSocial Studies is a beneficial subject to learners who take it, as it builds cultural awareness, develop critical thinking skills, gain citizenship skills and main more. However, learner performance in national examinations in Zambia has remained poor country-wide in general, and Lusaka District in particular as evidenced by successive Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) reports of 2015 to 2019. The 2015 and 2016 Grade 9 Examination Results (Highlights), which inspired this study, reported a nation-wide failure percentage of 39.65 % while the 2017 reports by ECZ showed 30.03%. Thus, this study was conducted to establish the factors contributing to the poor performance of Grade 9 pupils in national social studies examinations in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district. To do this, the study sought to establish: the preparedness of teachers to teach the subject; the strategies teachers employ in teaching the subject; the attitudes of teachers and learners towards the subject and the factors leading to poor performance of learners. A qualitative approach, employing a case study strategy of inquiry, was adopted. The following data collection techniques were used: classroom observations, interviews and focus group discussions. The purposive sampling technique was used to select teachers and Grade 9 pupils a total of 55 respondents were selected distributed as; 40 Grade 9 pupils 10 from each school, 8 teachers of social studies and 4 Heads of social sciences. Data were analyzed qualitatively and identification of emerging themes. The study is based on the theory of constructivism which was espoused by Jean Piaget. The constructivism theory has relevance to this study, because the theory is particularly on Performance being an outcome of learning, and the manner in which leaners learn determines outcome or performance. Therefore, the academic performance in social studies observed from 2015- 2019 was the outcome of how the subject was being handled by teachers. The study established that teachers of social studies were mostly inadequately prepared to teach the subject, teachers using wrong teaching methods, teachers not being involved in curriculum development, negative attitude by both the teachers and the learners, teachers not understand the aims, purpose and goals of social studies, less time allocation on the timetable and learners not having access to educational tours. Majority of teachers lacked relevant subject background knowledge and were limited in terms of pedagogical practices. Additionally, the serious shortage of texts books in some schools, poor reading culture among learners, negative attitudes by some teachers and learners towards the subject were found to be some of the major factors affecting performance. The study recommends holding of periodic capacity building program, training of teachers of social studies, and use of interactive teaching strategies as possible remedial measures. Teachers need to be sensitized, motivated and supported on the importance of Social Studies for this will assist to develop positive attitudes in leaners towards the subject
Opportunities and challenges of school based assessment during covid 19 pandemic in Lusaka urban secondary schools.
Get PDFThis study explored the opportunities and challenges faced by learners, teachers and head teachers with respect to School-Based Assessment (SBA) during the COVID 19 pandemic. Worldwide, learning institutions experienced the lock down due to COVID -19. Theoretically, the study was guided by Jean
Piaget constructivism learning theory anchored on the idea that knowledge is constructed by the learner’s mental activities. The Argument is that children construct their new understandings and knowledge through experience and social discourse, integrating new information with what they already know.
Methodologically, the study employed a case study design because it provided an in-depth exploration of a contemporary, real-life COVID 19 phenomenon in its context. The study comprised 50 pupils, 22 female teachers, 28 male teachers and two head teachers. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and
focus group discussions. The study established that respondents were aware of the SBA programme. The experiences of the implementation of SBA show that due to the past influences of the traditional objective-based assessment, some teachers found it difficult to change to the outcomes-based assessment. Of concern during the COVID 19 period was that of absenteeism on the part of learners with most of them being apathetic towards SBA. The study alludes to the fact that inadequate teachers and lack of requisite resources
to implement the SBA programme compounded the problem further which should have been examined to
solve the problem next time it reoccurs in urban schools of Lusaka district. The study recommended that the
Ministry of Education (MoE), Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) and Examinations Council of
Zambia (ECZ) should provide teachers with more training opportunities to receive professional
development in handling SBA in schools and that Head teachers and teachers should ensure that pupils are
responsible for their own learning. In addition, teachers should provide adequate feedback to learners,
indicating their strengths and weaknesses as a measure of improving learning
Performance analysis of VOIP codec schemes and queuing techniques and their impact on FTP and video conferencing.
Get PDFThesis of Master Of Telecommunication Systems.Advancement in internet technology allows for the integration of network traffic i.e data, video and voice into a single network. This technology offers many benefits but also presents some challenges. Real time traffic services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video require certain Quality of Service (QoS) from the network which cannot be guaranteed on the internet therefore, maintaining the right QoS parameters becomes all the more important. Studies have been carried out on the effect of congestion management tools while others compare the effects of such tools on the quality of VoIP. However, in reality, these tools are not used in isolation in a network and most networks do not support single traffic only. The goal of this research therefore is to compare the effects of the combinations of some of these tools (i.e queuing techniques and codec schemes) on the quality of VoIP and to determine their influence on the rest of the traffic on a network. Simulation approach using the OPNET Modeler 14.5 tool was used to simulate a network supporting three different types of traffic namely: FTP traffic, Video conferencing traffic and VoIP traffic. While maintaining the same topology and traffic of the network, G711 and G729 codec schemes and queuing techniques namely; First in First out (FIFO), Priority Queuing (PQ), Custom Queuing (CQ) and Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ) were tested resulting in different scenarios. Custom Queuing technique showed the best performance overall except for the amount of video conferencing traffic received where it had the worst performance. WFQ and FIFO suffered the highest delay for video and VoIP traffic respectively while FTP traffic suffered from starvation in PQ. The graphs were observed to follow the same pattern regardless of the codec scheme used however, G729 performed the better of the two as it produced higher throughputs and slightly lower delays compared to G711. G729 would best be used for low bandwidth networks while G711 would be ideal for networks with higher bandwidths and where VoIP communication is the main priority
Teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching computer in selected secondary schools of Kasama district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Mathematics Education.Mathematics is considered to be one of the most important school subjects in the curriculum worldwide. However, the pass rate for mathematics in Zambian secondary schools is very low. Reports have indicated that some of the challenges faced by candidates in mathematics could be attributed to pedagogical issues as well as lack of teaching and learning materials. In 2013 Zambia through the Ministry of Education Science, Vocational Training and Early Education (MESVTEE) revised the Zambian Education Curriculum which brought about the alignment of topics according to content and process domains and the introduction of new topics. Among the various topics introduced in mathematics, Computer and Calculator was one of them at both junior and senior secondary school levels. The first cohort to write the final examinations under the revised curriculum was the 2015 intake for grade 9s and the 2016 intake for grade 12s. Since then it has always been reported that candidates have continued exhibiting weaknesses in answering this topic (Computer). This study was therefore undertaken to explore teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching computer and establish how it influences their instructional strategies. A sample of three teachers from three different schools were purposively selected and in order to probe deeply, analyse thoroughly and get an in depth and detailed understanding of the phenomena under review. The study adopted the qualitative research methods approach which followed a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using lesson observations, open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed thematically with the help of Ball et al (2008) domains of Mathematical knowledge for Teaching (MKT). Although, all the three teachers showed competences in teaching computer, some variations in terms of the depth of PCK were observed. Two of them made some minor mistakes when teaching the topic to grade 11 learners. Some of their mistakes noted in the topic were: incorrect use of elements of a flowchart (shapes), writing the formula in flowchart without showing operation signs according to computer demands, writing formula in flowcharts with ordinary multiplication and division signs, instead of a star (*) and slash (/)
respectively, failure to properly guide learners on indenting, just to mention but a few. It was recommended that, Secondary schools should intensify School Based Continuing Professional Development (SBCPD) so that teachers of mathematics can share knowledge regarding teaching of the topic computer at secondary school level.
Key words: Computer, Algorithms, Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT), Instructional strategies
Impact of school feeding programme on children’s anthropometry and learning outcome in Chikwawa district - Malawi.
Get PDFMaster of Education in Early Childhood Development, Care and Education.In order to improve school enrolment in Malawi, the government is implementing a School Feeding Programme (SFP) in public schools in Chikwawa, one of the worst hit Tropical Cyclone Freddy and Elnino towns in Malawi where thousands of people died and millions were displaced without food to eat. Despite well implemented School Feeding Programme, there remains a need to comprehensively assess the impact of the SFP on the anthropometry and learning outcome. Therefore, the study aimed at assessing the effects of the School Feeding Programme on school children’s nutritional status and learning outcomes. A Cross-sectional Quasi-experimental research design where one group of children who are beneficiaries of school meals in schools implementing SFP and another group of children in non-SFP was studied in Chikwawa District, Malawi. Two hundred and eight thousand (208) school learners who had been in the programme
for 6 months or more were administered with child assessments using Zambian Child Assessment Tool (ZamCAT). Data variables were coded and entered on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20), WHO anthro and STATA version 17. Data was analysed to generate descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics were also analysed using t-test and linear regression to determine significant differences and relationship between SFP and non-SFP schools. The results revealed significant relationships between anthropometry and learning outcome. At alpha 0.05, a strong positive relationship was found between MUAC and letter naming scores (R=0.046). The study also found that relationship existed between height for age and letter naming scores (R=0.037). Therefore, policies on SFP in early education and or primary education should be promoted to ensure that children attain normal nutrition status and develop optimally and
holistically as they pursue their education. Future research should also be done on a large scale longitudinally to further evaluate the effect of SFP on school trajectories and the modification effect of socio-economic status.
Keywords: Cognitive skills, Education, Malawi, Nutrition, School Feedin