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Digital platforms and how they affect human resource planning in Zambia’s commercial banks a case study of Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc (ZANACO).
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration - General.The study assessed the effect of digital platforms on human resource planning in Zambia`s commercial banks looking at ZANACO Plc as a case study. Traditional approaches to recruitment are being swiftly supplanted by digital alternatives, exemplified by the use of social networking platforms and web-based tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Twitter (X), Instagram and others, for recruitment purposes. However, a problem has arisen, lack of digital skills has emerged as a barrier to employment, it is with this in mind that this study was conducted, to investigation the effects of digital platforms on human resource planning activities such as recruitment. A sample of fifty-four (54) respondents comprising of staff that operate in the HR department, including branch managers were engaged for this study. Primary data was obtained by way of questionnaires and oral interviews, Secondary data on the other hand was obtained from existing empirical studies and written books and Magazines. Data for this study was analyzed using the statistical Package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 and Microsoft excel. These tools allowed the researcher to conduct hypothesis testing and linear regression analysis in order to check for the significance of the results. These tools facilitated for the analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data was organized according to the themes and analyzed according to those themes. Thus, assembling of themes was done to put data to shape in the study. Three key analyses were done to come up with the major study findings and interpretation of those study findings. The first was the descriptive analysis where the background information of the respondents was presented. The second was the regression analysis that was used to assess the impact of individual variables on the operation of the HR systems and thirdly, ANOVA was used for the joint significance of the variables. Specifically, a 1% increase in digital platforms for recruitment processes would improve HR efficiency by 38.8%, holding other factors constant. The study has established a significant impact of digital platforms on the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR operation process at ZANACO. The study has established a significant and positive long run impact of digital platforms on the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR planning process within ZANACO. The results were significant at a P-value of 0.05 or P≦0.0
Factors associated with dietary diversity among women of reproductive age in Chongwe district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Human Nutrition.Dietary diversity has continued to gain widespread attention as it has evidently been associated with nutrient adequacy. A diverse diet has been shown to reflect nutrient adequacy since no one food can meet all the nutritional requirement of a person. Women have been considered vulnerable to malnutrition. This is a global concern as poor nutrition status among women of reproductive age (WRA) has an effect on their off springs. To promote dietary diversity, it is important to understand the factors associated with it. This study therefore assessed the factors associated with dietary diversity among WRA in Chongwe district of Lusaka, Zambia. The study was a cross-sectional in nature, consisting of 476 randomly selected WRA. Data was collected using a researcher administered 24- hour dietary recall questionnaire. The study was conducted between October and December 2019. About 49% of the WRA attained the minimum dietary diversity (MDD-W). Their diets were mainly dominated by foods from the grains, white roots and tubers and plantain food group. Socioeconomic factors (owning a TV and a cellphone), being trained in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) were seen to be associated with dietary diversity in this study. It was observed that being from households that had a TV set (P-value: 0.001), and being trained in WASH (P-value: 0.047) were significantly associated with the achievement of MDD-W. WRA who were from households that had a TV set were about 3 times more likely to achieve MDD-W (OR: 3.5) compared to those that were not, and those that owned a cellphone were almost two times more likely to attain MDD-W (OR:1.70) compared to those that did not own a cellphone. Those that were trained in IYCF were more likely to attain MDD-W (OR: 1.3) compared to those that were not trained. Strategies and intervention programs targeting the identified factors that are positively associated with MDD-W should therefore be enacted, while the existing ones should be supported and monitored particularly among the WRA. These include training in WASH
and IYCF and promotion of women’s socioeconomic status. These strategies/programs can be done in a range of areas including revision, adoption and enforcement of legislation that mandates women to have improved socioeconomic status. These can improve the MDD-W of WRA through various pathways, both nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive. Other studies may be conducted to study behavior aspects of WRA towards dietary diversity
Effectiveness of the national road tolling programme in promoting road infrastructure development in Zambia: a case study of toll gates in Lusaka province.
Get PDFOver the years the Government of the Republic of Zambia has strived to broaden options for generating income to the road sector due to the pivotal role that roads play in economic development. Traditionally, the major sources of funds for road infrastructure development have been direct government funding, national road fund and donor community funds. However, these funds have been insufficient thereby hindering the adequate construction and maintenance of roads in the country. To mitigate this challenge, the government in 2013 introduced the NRTP based on the provisions of the Tolls Act No. 14 of 2011 to broaden the financing options for road infrastructure development in the country. The general objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NRTP in promoting road infrastructure development in Lusaka Province. The specific objectives of his research are to assess the extent to which the NRTP has improved the collection of toll fees, examine the extent to which the NRTP allocates road toll fees towards road infrastructure development and assess the extent to which the NRTP maintains roads in Lusaka Province. This research was evaluative and the research design used was a case study. It made use of questionnaires and interview guides to collect quantitative and qualitative data, which were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis, respectively. The sample size was 109 comprising 100 motorists and nine key informants who were conveniently and purposively sampled, respectively.
The findings show that the NRTP has been very effective in collecting road toll fees from motorists in Lusaka Province. This is because an average amount of 14.8 million is collected from the Shimabala and Chongwe Toll Gates monthly against a total collection target of 14 million. This indicates that 106% of the targeted amount is collected. Further, an amount of 177.6 is collected from the two toll gates annually, against the required amount of 168 million. This amount is only 45% of the targeted amount of K396 million needed for road infrastructure development indicating that the programme is not effective in allocating road toll fess to road infrastructure development. Additionally, the programme has not improved the condition of the Great East and Kafue roads in the province as both roads are still in poor condition. This research recommends that the government should increase the annual budgetary allocations to road infrastructure development on order to supplement the efforts of the NRTP
Comparative analysis of different network designs, connections, and performance measurement using optimized network engineering tools (OPNET) modeler.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Engineering in ICT.The study conducted at the Technical and Vocational Teachers' College (TVTC) aimed to optimize its Local Area Networks (LANs) following a survey via a Google Forms questionnaire, which identified problem gaps. This led to stating a research problem statement and prompted a network redesign and upgrade. A comprehensive comparative analysis of various network designs, connections, and performance measurements was conducted using the Optimized Network Engineering Tool (OPNET) Modeler. The study aimed to discern factors influencing network performance and Quality of Service (QoS), with the goal of designing networks for optimal functionality and recommending superior configurations. Utilizing OPNET simulation software, scenarios were crafted to address connectivity challenges at TVTC, revealing significant bottlenecks across diverse network designs and connections. Higher link capacities demonstrated lower HTTP response times, while lower capacities struggled with simultaneous traffic, resulting in delays. First In, First Out (FIFO) exhibited the highest data traffic drop, whereas Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ) showcased the lowest drop rate. LAN delay increased with user volume, and WFQ proved most effective for video traffic, while Priority Queuing (PQ) excelled in handling Voice Traffic. Building upon this analysis, recommendations are provided to enhance network performance and QoS. Prioritizing investments in high-bandwidth infrastructure and adopting efficient queuing mechanisms like WFQ are crucial. Regular assessment and adjustment of network configurations, along with the implementation of Quality of Service (QoS) strategies tailored for video and voice traffic, are essential for maintaining service quality. This study makes a substantial contribution to network engineering knowledge, benefiting IT professionals, organizations, and educational institutions by providing actionable insights and best practices. It promotes informed decision-making, encourages standardization across sectors, and lays the groundwork for future advancements in network optimization. By offering practical solutions to modern challenges, it advances our understanding of network dynamics and serves as a foundation for ongoing innovation and improvement in network engineering practices
An investigation of the impact of mobile money services on the profitability of commercial banks in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration in FinanceThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of mobile money services on the profitability of Commercial banks in Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives; (i) To examine the level of use of mobile money services in Zambia; (ii) to assess the measures of financial performance in the banking industry and (iii) to establish the relationship between the use of mobile money services and financial performance of the banking industry. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research approaches mainly with descriptive correlation design. The target population comprised of workers in all the commercial banks, mobile money operators (MMOs) and regulators and bank experts from Zambia Information and Communications Technology Agency (ZICTA) and Zambia Institute of Bankers (ZIOB) located in Lusaka central business district. A sample of 156 respondents was chosen using purposive sampling techniques to select retail, operations, customer service and finance department employees from banks and MMOs and two experts from ZICTA and ZIOB as key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires administered via Google forms sent to WhatsApp contacts and email addresses of respondents. Data were and analyzed using SPSS statistical packages to generate descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). The findings of the study were presented in form of means, standard deviations, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. According to the findings of the study, it was indicated that there is generally a high level of use of mobile money services in the banking industry observed from a high level of reliability and accessibility to the services (Means of 3.71 and 4.17 simultaneously). The findings also indicated that there is a high level of financial performance reflected by a high level of profitability (Mean=4.52) in the banking industry, a high level of loan supervision (Mean=3 .85) and relatively high revenue sources (Mean=4. 11) for the banks. It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and financial performance in terms of profitability of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.2l2). It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and loan portfolio management of the banking industry (Sig. value=0.605). Finally, it also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and revenue of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.435). The study thus recommends that commercial banks in Zambia which have not yet collaborated with MMOs should adopt the use of mobile money services on their platforms as it is highly reliable, accessible and reduces congestion in bank premises by customers who come to make transactions. This will help to boost financial performance in the banking industry
Exploring child protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect for learners with disabilities in selected special education primary schools in Luapula province, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Special EducationThe study sought to explore child protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect in selected primary special education schools in Luapula province. Constructivist/Interpretive paradigm and qualitative intrinsic case study design were employed because the case study outcomes were intended to provide insights to the researcher about experiences of learners with disabilities about protection measures on bullying, discrimination and neglect in the selected
primary special education schools. The sample size comprised of 38 participants. Purposive critical case sampling was used to select the two head teachers, expert sampling was used on 12 teachers and criterion sampling was used to select 12 learners and 12 parents. Data from head teachers and teachers from semi-structured interview guide and from learners and parents used Focus Group Discussions Guide (FGD) and data collected were analysed thematically. The study revealed that learners with disabilities were protected from bullying using the 3R’s bullying prevention strategies; recognising, responding and reporting strategies. Then, safety, disciplinary and prevention measures were used to address incidents of discrimination in Special education schools. The study also showed that in case of neglect in selected special education school, material support, social and emotional support and capacity building measures were provided. These strategies helped to address bullying, discrimination and neglect against learners with disabilities in selected special education schools. Based on these findings, the study recommends for the school to have rules and regulation (policy), and provide up-to-date professional development training needed
among teachers, parents and learners with disabilities in schools for the purpose of identifying, reporting and addressing all forms of direct or indirect bullying, discrimination and neglect among learners with disabilities in schoo
Assessing the factors that affect the adoption of information and communications technology on court service delivery in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of the degree of Master of Business Administration in GeneralThe study was conducted to establish the factors that affect the adoption of information and communications technology on court service delivery in Zambia. This study was guided by the updated Information System Success Model (ISSM). This research adopted the explanatory research design and used the quantitative methodology within a positivistic paradigm. The target population consisted of approximately 180 employees that use information systems and it was from this population that the sample was drawn. The sample of 103 was selected by utilizing the stratified random sampling method. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the results. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Hypothesis testing was conducted using 1 tailed test to establish the significance of the determined relationships. The findings revealed that there is a positive (r = 0.383) statistical relationship (0.00) between the use of ICT and self-efficacy, and a positive (r = 0.351) statistical relationship (0.00) between the use of ICT and user satisfaction. There was a positive statistical relationship between the Information Quality and use of ICT, and a positive (r = 0.463) statistical relationship (0.00) between the Information Quality and user satisfaction, as well as a positive statistical relationship between the Information Quality and use of ICT. The findings revealed a positive (r = 0.591) statistical relationship (0.00) between the Information Quality and user satisfaction, and a positive statistical relationship between the IT Security and use of ICT. The findings revealed a positive statistical relationship between the IT Security and user satisfaction, and a positive statistical relationship between the System quality and use of ICT, as well between the System quality and user satisfaction, and a positive statistical relationship between the Service quality and use of ICT. The findings revealed a positive (r =
0.591) statistical relationship (0.00) between the Service quality and user satisfaction, and a positive (r = 0.565) statistical relationship (0.00) between the use of ICT and the net performance, as well as a positive statistical relationship between the use of ICT and user satisfaction, and a positive statistical relationship between user satisfaction in ICT and the net performance. The study recommends that although the Service Quality was statistically significant to both System use and User satisfaction in the adoption of ICTs, the government is required to build technical capability of users to make them help each other when they are facing difficulties in using ICT systems in their daily activities
Exploring effect of community-based financial organizations on financial inclusion in selected low-income communities of Mchinji district, Malawi.
No full textThesis of Master of Business Administration.The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of community based financial organizations on financial inclusion in selected low-income communities of Mchinji district, Malawi. The sample size was 400 respondents, derived at statistically using Yamane (1967) formula with 95% Confidence Levels and 5% Margin of Error. The study adopted mixed embedded research design while data were collected using structured questionnaire on Kobo Tool. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis with the help of SPSS (Version 20). Thematic model was employed in qualitative data analysis. The study findings revealed a strong positive correlation (0.697) between implementing community-based solutions and establishing trust and credibility within the community. A further moderate positive correlation (0.444) existed between implementing community-based solutions and feedback mechanisms. However, the study showed a weak negative correlation (-0.015) between implementing community-based solutions and financial literacy programs. On the other hand, financial literacy programs demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with establishing trust and credibility (0.594) and a strong positive correlation with feedback mechanisms (0.956). Establishing trust and credibility exhibited a moderate positive correlation with feedback mechanisms (0.256). These correlations highlight the interrelatedness of various aspects of CBFO operations and engagement with the community, providing valuable insights into their dynamics and implications for financial inclusion initiatives. The findings furthermore showed that CBFOs offer a diverse range of financial services tailored to meet the specific needs of their members, including village savings and loans, business services and farming services. It was further brought to light that CBFOs offer enhanced access to financial services through awareness and providing financial education to mitigate challenges such as financial literacy and improve access to financial services. However, the mixed perception revealed in the study findings regarding the effects of CBFOs on financial inclusion is an indication
for the need of continued efforts to strengthen relations with community members and stakeholders. The study recommended that policy makers should prioritize the development of supportive policies framework with clear lines on community engagement, trust building and feedback mechanism within the CBFOs. These should include among others financial literacy programs, reducing transaction cost and promoting gender sensitive approaches to financial
services provision
Understanding continuous professional development programs in fostering 21st century civic education teaching approaches : a case study of selected secondary schools in Luampa district of Western province.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Civic Education.This study explored Understanding Continuous Professional Development Programs in fostering 21st century Civic Education Teaching Approaches: A case study of selected secondary schools in Luampa District of Western Province of Zambia. Due to heightened demand for 21st century civic Education skills, it was imperative that a research was conducted to critically look at the role of CPDs in enhancing 21st century Civic Education teaching approaches in the five selected secondary schools of Luampa District. Teaching approaches in this vein were learner centred activities. The four research objectives were to investigate the nature of CPDs conducted in secondary schools of Luampa District; to identify components of the CPDs dedicated to the promotion of 21stCentury Civic Education skills; to assess the adequacy of CPD activities in fostering 21st century Civic Education Teaching Approaches; and, to examine challenges encountered in the use of CPDs to promote 21stCentury Civic Education skills. The study used a Descriptive Survey Design which utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Utilised in the research were questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation checklists. Questionnaires with open ended and closed ended questions were administered to 100 Grade twelve Civic Education learners and 20 teachers of Civic Education for quantitative and qualitative data. Grade twelve learners were randomly selected according to gender. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Head Teachers, Social Sciences Heads of Department, and the Debs who were all purposefully selected regardless of gender. Observation checklists were used in lesson observations involving five teachers of Civic Education and these were purposefully selected regardless of gender. The findings of this study indicated that, Continuous Professional Development Programmes were instrumental in fostering 21st century Civic Education Teaching Approaches. However, a lot of challenges were unearthed like; 99% of learners
indicated that Civic Education was only based on theory during lesson deliveries; no mock elections, no mock court trials, no mock legislative hearings were
conducted in schools.no community project was given to learners in Civic Education. CPDs are adequate but not 100% adequate, CPDs providing feedback,
and CPD providing training were 93% adequate. Lack of trained facilitators was a challenge. Lack of teaching and learning and learning materials, inadequate
funding for CPDs. Some teachers normally want to stay away from CPDs. Understanding levels, lack of skills in research skills, inadequate infrastructure,
lack of incentives like credit certificates from TCZ, and not being given a certificate for attending CPDs. Lack of refreshments. This study concludes that, it is imperative for teachers to engage themselves in all CPD programs for them to have a well rounded experience necessary for updating skills, knowledge, and expertise. Furthermore, failure to engage in most of the CPDs from a Civic Education perspective would result in having teachers with serious gaps in terms of 21st century skills, knowledge, and expertise. There is also urgent need to ensure that certificates are given to teachers that attend workshops, seminars, and conferences. There is also a dire need for teachers to gain more skills like digital literacy skills and learning to learn skills through workshops aimed at improving the gaps. There is however a need for Teaching Council of Zambia to consider commencing the issuance of Credit Award Certificates as indicated in the Continuing Professional Development Regulatory Policy as an incentive to teachers engaged in CPD activities. Government to consider extending internet facilities to all secondary schools to activate conducting of online CPDs. Ministry of Education to a larger extent to consider encouraging conducting of Action Researches in secondary schools to boost CPDs. Teaching Council of Zambia to consider opening offices in all Districts to oversee smooth operation of CPDs in the country and be fully funded to reach out to all the schools
To investigate the significance of staff development and training programs on employee performance : a case of ab bank Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.This dissertation investigated the efficacy of staff development policies and programs at AB Bank Zambia and their impact on employee performance and customer satisfaction. A total of 45 managers, supervisors, and HR personnel were interviewed, resulting in a 100% response rate. Through structured surveys and analysis, the study addressed key questions including the identification of training needs across staff cadres, the availability and adequacy of training
programs, and their influence on organizational performance. The demographic analysis revealed a diverse workforce, predominantly consisting of mid-level management with varying educational backgrounds and experience levels. Findings suggested that staff predominantly identified training needs through discussions and performance appraisals, emphasizing the importance of personalized development strategies. The study underscored the significance of
ongoing training, particularly in areas such as ICT, to adapt to evolving industry demands. Results highlighted a positive correlation between training programs and improved staff performance, with a majority indicating noticeable changes post-training. Recommendations included increased budgetary allocation for staff development, continuous training for all staff levels, and the establishment of clear policy guidelines for program implementation. Overall, the study emphasized the critical role of staff development in enhancing organizational effectiveness and suggested avenues for future research and improvement in this domain