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Effects of consumer preferences for local vs. imported products on the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Zambia: a case study of Mtendere compound.
Full text linkThis study evaluates the effects of consumer preferences for local versus imported products on the competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia, using Mtendere Compound as a case study. Recognizing SMEs as vital to Zambia’s economy, the research evaluated the effects of consumer preferences influence the market dynamics faced by local businesses, especially in the face of globalization, which increases the availability and appeal of imported goods. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews targeting both consumers and SME owners. The study explores key factors affecting consumer choices, revealing that while Zambian consumers may favour local products for items like fresh produce, imported goods often attract consumers through perceived superior quality and variety in categories like electronics and luxury goods. Through regression and ANOVA analyses, the study assesses how consumer inclinations towards imported products challenge local SMEs in terms of market share, profitability, and overall competitive positioning. Findings indicate that availability and brand recognition are significant hurdles for SMEs, with local goods often needing enhancements in perceived value to match the appeal of imported alternatives. The research highlights strategies for SMEs to enhance competitiveness, such as improving product quality, emphasizing brand authenticity, and leveraging national pride in marketing. It also underscores the
role of supportive government policies and local campaigns to strengthen the market position of local SMEs.
Recommendations include fostering stronger brand identities, adopting cost-effective production techniques, and
tailoring marketing efforts to align with consumer preferences. This study provides valuable insights for SME strategy
and policy making to promote local industry resilience in Zambia’s evolving market
Perceptions of critical care nurses on staff shortages in intensive care units at Princess Marina hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Critical Care Nursing.Staff shortages in intensive care units are a critical issue affecting healthcare systems worldwide. The shortage of nurses in intensive care units can lead to adverse outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. Shortage of critical care nurses can significantly impact the perceptions of these nurses towards their profession and the broader healthcare system, leading to concerns about workload, job satisfaction, safety, career development, and systemic issues within healthcare delivery. It was, therefore, of utmost importance that critical care nurses’ perceptions of staff shortage were investigated to create not only a dialogue but action to improve the situation. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of critical care nurses on staff shortages in the intensive care unit at Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana. A case study design was employed. Data were collected through unstructured in-depth interviews with 10 critical care nurses and observations using a checklist within the intensive care unit. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six steps of analysis. The findings revealed four themes and eleven subthemes. The first theme, compromised quality of patient care was informed by three subthemes namely; delayed responses to patient needs, reduced monitoring of patients, and increased risk of errors. The second theme, physical and psychological impact on the nurse consists of three subthemes. In the third theme, ineffective coping strategies, three subthemes emerged and include over-reliance on overtime, Minimal use of support systems, and abuse of sick leaves. The fourth theme is role of adequate staffing in patient care which has two subthemes, specifically improved patient outcomes and enhanced nurse well-being. Staff shortages in the intensive care unit have a profound effect on both patient care and the well-being of critical care nurses. It is essential to increase the number of nursing staff in the intensive care unit to ensure adequate nurse-to-patient ratios. This will help reduce the workload on individual nurses, allowing
them to provide more comprehensive and timely care. Implementing policies to recruit and retain more critical care nurses can mitigate the adverse effects of staff shortages on patient care and nurse well-being.
Key words: Perceptions, Critical care nurses, ICU staff shortages, Challenges, Coping strategies, Patient care quality
Quality of life and coping strategies for breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomy at St Francis Mission hospital in Katete, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Oncology Nursing.Globally, approximately 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women, with around 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Africa, with an estimated 198,553 new cases. In Zambia, total number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 1,111 cases. St Francis Mission Hospital has an average of 5 breast cancer surgery cases monthly Following mastectomy, women experience quality of life in different dimensions. Therefore, quality of life includes patients’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of everyday life. Coping strategies in cancer involved were positive affirmation, social interaction and having hope. The study aimed at investigating the quality of life and coping strategies among breast cancer women who have undergone mastectomy. The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design. In-depth interviews guided by an interview guide were conducted on the 15 participants after attaining data saturation.
Thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis using themes generated from participant’s responses. Five themes were identified in this study: physical pain, emotional distress turmoil, social issues after social isolation, psychological journey after surgery and spiritual life. Participant’s
experienced impaired quality of life. Physical pain resulted into experiences of fatigue and limited activity hence the participants were unable conduct activities of daily living both at home and their places of work. For emotional distress turmoil had encompassed self-image with low self-esteem
because of the mastectomy which had distorted their body image. Social issues after social isolation included personal relationships and employment interferences due to hospital admissions. Psychological journey after surgery ranged from anxiety, fear, and anger. Participants had fear of death and cancer reoccurrence. Positive affirmation as coping strategy showed that the participant had a positive mind and hope that they would still live longer.
The study showed that the quality of life was impaired because of the effect on physical, psychological, emotional and social domains. This study recommends provision of psychosocial support programs such as engagement of more cancer support groups for cancer patients. Nursing implication includes implementing an individualised patient-ccare that consider psychological sensitivity and coping strategies that will enhance the overall quality of oncology nursing practice.
Key Words: Breast cancer, quality of life and Coping strategies
Experiences of emergency medical service staff on delivery of emergency medical services in Chobe district, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Emergency and Trauma Nursing.Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Chobe, Botswana, play a vital role in responding to a variety of emergencies in a region characterized by unique geographical and socio-economic challenges. The growing conflict between the expanding human population and wildlife, along with organizational and occupational stressors, significantly impacts EMS staff. These challenges can increase the risk of psychological distress and negatively affect service delivery. Previous studies have highlighted high rates of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, among EMS workers worldwide. However, limited research has focused on the experiences of EMS staff in Botswana, particularly in Chobe.This study aims to explore the
experiences of EMS staff in Chobe, Botswana, in delivering emergency medical services, with a particular focus on staffing shortages, psychological stress, operational challenges, and the impact on their professional and personal well-being. A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing unstructured in-depth interviews with 8 EMS staff members. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes that reflect the experiences and challenges faced by EMS personnel in Chobe. The study identified four primary themes: EMS staff expressed concerns over the absence of a formal EMS policy, which led to unclear roles and operational inefficiencies. The faulty communication system, particularly regarding the EMS emergency line, was a significant challenge, delaying response times and leading to tensions between EMS staff and the community. EMS staff reported experiencing high levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. Coping mechanisms were found to be largely ineffective, with some staff members exhibiting a minimal use of available mental health support systems. EMS staff highlighted the shortage of vehicles and personnel, which placed a considerable strain on their ability to respond to emergencies promptly. Additionally, the lack of a response care doctor at the scene and reliance on limited resources further complicated service delivery. The shortage of staff resulted in long shifts, increased workload, and heightened stress levels. The hierarchical nature of EMS operations and the challenges faced by staff transitioning from general nursing to emergency medical services also contributed to tension and dissatisfaction among staff. The delivery of EMS in Chobe, Botswana, is hindered by staffing shortages, operational constraints, and psychological stress. Addressing these challenges through improved communication systems, adequate resource allocation, formalized policies, and mental health support for EMS staff is critical to improving service delivery and enhancing the well-being of EMS personnel.
Key words: Emergency Medical Services, staffing shortages, operational challenges, mental health, psychological distres
Exploring leadership styles and their influence on academic disparities: a comparative study in high and underperforming public secondary schools Lusaka district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Education in Educational Administration and Management.The coexistence of underperforming and high-performing public secondary schools raises critical questions about the factors contributing to the persistent academic performance gap, particularly the role of leadership styles in shaping academic outcomes. Despite various interventions by the government of Zambia to address educational disparities, these gaps continue to persist, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the leadership factors at play. Moreover, a significant research gap remains in exploring the mechanisms through which leadership practices influence academic disparities, especially in terms of school climate, teacher motivation, and student engagement, which are vital for improving academic outcomes. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and academic disparities in Lusaka District, Zambia, with a focus on their influence on academic performance. The study was guided by three objectives: To establish the main leadership styles used by the headteachers in selected high-performing and underperforming public secondary schools, determine the contribution of leadership practices toward the academic disparities between high performing and underperforming public schools, and identify potential areas for improvement in
leadership practices within underperforming public secondary schools in Lusaka District, Zambia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data was collected through standardised semi structured questionnaires administered to 80 teachers and 200 students, sampled through systematic random sampling. While, qualitative data complemented the quantitative data, including interviews with 8 headteachers and 8 deputy headteachers obtained by purposive sampling. The data obtained by the qualitative method of data collection were coded by a thematic approach, then categorised, tabulated, and arranged under themes and subthemes whereas the quantitative data were analysed using using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 (SPSS Inc., Chicago
IL). The thematic analysis of the study data revealed key themes related to leadership styles and their influence on academic disparities, including main leadership styles attributed by the headteachers in high-performing and underperforming public secondary schools, contribution of leadership practices toward the academic disparities, and potential areas for improvements in leadership practices within underperforming public schools. The findings revealed that headteachers in these schools employed different leadership styles, including instructional, democratic, servant, situational, and authoritative leadership. However, the leadership styles used varied between high performing and underperforming public secondary schools, influencing leadership practices and academic performance. The study further revealed that leadership practices played a crucial role in either mitigating or exacerbating academic disparities. High-performing public secondary schools demonstrated strong leadership practices, including effective communication of vision and strategic plans, inclusive decision-making, delegation of tasks, instructional support and professional development, and efficient resource management. In contrast, underperforming schools struggled with weak leadership practices, limiting collaboration, teacher engagement, and student support. Additionally, handling academic disparities was a major focus, with interventions such as remedial programs, guidance and counseling, and extracurricular activities were effectively implemented in high-performing public secondary schools while, headteachers in underperforming schools struggled to implement these interventions effectively due to leadership challenges. Their efforts were often hindered by resistance to change, the nature of students, and over-enrollment, further widening academic disparities. It could be concluded that leadership practices employed by headteachers in public secondary schools contribute to academic disparities. In high-performing schools, headteachers demonstrated leadership practices that fostered teacher development, collaboration, and adaptability, resulting in improved academic outcomes. In contrast, underperforming schools were characterised by rigid,
autocratic leadership, which hindered teacher engagement, innovation, and student support, ultimately contributing to ongoing academic challenges. It was recommended that leadership’s
knowledge and leadership practice should be closely integrated to mitigate academic disparities in public schools effectively. Furthermore, gender roles in leadership and their impacts on academic disparities should be assessed by comparing high-performing and underperforming public schools
Undergraduate students’ awareness, utilization and satisfaction with the Copperbelt university (CBU) library’s online public access catalogue (OPAC).
Full text linkThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness, utilisation, and satisfaction of CBU undergraduate students with the Library’s OPAC. The specific of objectives of the study were to: determine levels of OPAC awareness among students; determine the extent to which students utilize it; assess their satisfaction and identify factors affecting their use. The study was grounded in the positivist paradigm and employed a quantitative research approach. Using systematic random sampling, 368 respondents were selected as part of the sample from a total population of 10,220 undergraduate students. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The findings reveal that while the majority (51.7%) of students are aware of the OPAC, its utilisation remains suboptimal. A considerable proportion of the students (40.5%) never use it and only a small proportion (12%) use it often or very often. Satisfaction levels are moderate, while more than half of the respondents (51.6%) expressed a neutral stance. Correlation analysis showed that facilitating conditions significantly impact both awareness (r = .619, p < 0.01) and utilisation (r = .473, p < 0.01), while regression analysis identified performance expectancy and facilitating conditions as strong predictors of awareness and satisfaction, and social influence as a significant predictor of utilisation. ANOVA results revealed significant differences in both awareness and utilization across age groups, with awareness (F (2,365) =13.072, p<0.001) and utilization (F (2,365) =14.122, p<0.001) showing notable variation, indicating that age influences
OPAC engagement. Differences were found across programmes of study for utilization (F (7,337) =7.044, p<0.001) and satisfaction (F (7,337) =5.938, p<0.001), highlighting that academic discipline significantly impacts how students interact with the OPAC. Additionally, significant differences in awareness (F (4,363) =2.697, p=0.031) and utilization (F (4,363) =3.103, p=0.016) were observed based on the year of study, indicating that students' progression affect their use of the system. No significant differences were found for gender across all three variables, suggesting that gender does not influence these constructs. These findings imply that, despite reasonable awareness, substantial barrier still exist. Consequently, the study recommends that decisionmakers implement targeted literacy campaigns, invest in system upgrades, and provide robust training for students. Additionally, continuous monitoring and refining of OPAC implementation based on user feedback is encouraged. Furthermore, future researchers should further investigate demographic influences and conduct comparative studies with other institutions. Such knowledge if generated can inform more targeted interventions.
Keywords: OPAC, Awareness, Utilisation, Satisfaction, Library and Information Technology, CBU, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)
Exploring factors influencing teacher retention in private secondary schools of Zambia.
Full text linkArticle on teacher retention in private secondary schools of ZambiaThis study explored factors influencing teacher retention in three private secondary schools of different reputation levels in Lusaka, Zambia. A mixed-methods case study approach was used to explore the factors influencing retention of teachers from 2020 to 2024 in the selected private schools. Data was collected through document analysis, questionnaires from current teachers, interviews with former teachers and school administrators, and focus group discussions with current teachers. The three schools were purposively selected to represent high, medium, and low reputation categories based on factors including fee structure, facilities, curriculum offerings, and academic performance records. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA while qualitative data was anlysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that multiple factors influenced teacher retention, with their relative importance varying by school reputation level. There was sstatistical significant difference that existed for most retention factors across the three schools (as indicated by significant F-values and p-values < 0.05) except for colleague relationships. At the high-reputation school, professional development opportunities, work environment, and competitive compensation were primary retention factors. The medium-reputation school's teachers emphasized Christian values alignment, reasonable workload, and job security. At the low-reputation school, basic compensation adequacy, physical working conditions, and resource availability were dominant concerns. The study concluded that there is need to employ strategies of retaining teachers in private schools. Recommendations include implementing targeted retention strategies for high-demand subjects and establishing sector-wide professional development initiatives to enhance teacher retention and educational quality in private schools.
Keywords: Teacher retention, retention strategies, private schools, educational qualit
Sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics: a case of selected schools in Lusaka district of Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Education in Mathematics EducationThe purpose of the study was to investigate the long-term sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics in selected schools in Lusaka district, Zambia. The study utilized a qualitative case study and was based on social constructivism. Six purposively selected teachers of mathematics at two different junior secondary schools were involved in lesson study cycles. At the first school, four teachers participated in teaching a single Grade eight class while at the second school two teachers took part in teaching a Grade eight class. Data were collected
through questionnaires, semi structured-interviews and lesson observation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data from the three sources. In line with the understanding of lesson study, the study revealed that most teachers had a correct understanding and they defined it as a process involving planning, teaching, observation, and reflection. It was further defined as a systematic inquiry into teaching and learning, where teachers collaborate to plan, conduct, observe, and reflect on research lessons to enhance the teaching and learning process.
Nevertheless, teachers portrayed both positive and negative attitudes towards lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics. On the negative attitudes, it was revealed that some participants viewed lesson study as time-consuming and challenging while on the positive attitudes, it was found that some participants viewed lesson study as a way to improve teaching practices in class. It was discovered that some negative attitudes towards lesson study by some teachers were as a result of some factors that impacted the sustainability of lesson studies in teaching and learning Mathematics. For example, lack of resources such as materials used in lesson study activities, perceived benefits of lesson study, appropriate implementation of lesson study activities, time constraints and lack of continuous support from some organizations such as Non-governmental organizations and the government itself. Based on the negative attitudes, it was suggested that headteachers should continuously orient and remind teachers that lesson study is not time-consuming and challenging but beneficial to them and the learners. It was also suggested that the government should continuously provide resources and advise headteachers to ensure that they include lesson study program on the time table for it to be a success. It was recommended that the government should continuously support teachers through providing incentives such as allowances for their transport and lunch to encourage them to participate in lesson study activities to boost teacher confidence in delivering lessons to the learners
Exploring the low levels of women’s political participation in Kabwe central constituency of Zambia from 1964 to 2021.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Education in Civic EducationThe study explored the reasons for low levels of women political participation in Kabwe Central Constituency of Zambia. The objectives of this study were as follows: to explore reasons affecting low women political participation, the effects of low participation of women in politics and measures to promote women participation in politics. The study is qualitative and used a descriptive research designn because its flexible, offered in-depth and detailed information, allowed the use of multiple data collection methods and minimized the chance of having missing data. Moreover, the approach was found to integrate human touch, was cost-effective and was indeed the only option in some cases of research problems. The data was collected using Focus Group Discussion and structured interviews. The target population of the study comprised of Provincial Secretary General of political parties, ECZ officials, members of Kabwe central constituency and Non-Government Organisation. The study sample consisted of 30 participants. Purposive sampling also known as a judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling was used in the study. The interviews and FGDs conducted in this study established that women face numerous challenges in political participation which includes; lack of support from fellow women and family, inadequate financial resources to fund political activities, unsafe or fear of political violence, low confidence due to intimidation and lack of political motivation in key positions. On the effects of low political participation, the study revealed that; policies formulated do not reflect the interest of girls and women, women’s voices may not be head in politics, demotivating young girls as well as proliferation of gender gap representation. It was clear that the negative effects of low women participation in political participation increased the already existing gender gap representation in governance. The findings of the study reveal some measure that can put in place to address low women political participation were to; training and leadership programmes for women, promoting community talks or sensitization, reducing charges of adoption by political parties as well as reducing political violence against women in politics. Based on the study findings, the following future political were suggested to stakeholders; stakeholders such NGOs, CSO, Political parties among others should be on lookout in communities and identify those women interested in politics and fund them, ECZ, police, political parties and other stakeholders should ensure to create a political friendly atmosphere to accommodate women in political landscape and to use various platforms such as the media, market places, churches, traditional leaders to be used as conduits or channels to disseminate information on the importance of women participation in political participation. There is need for further studies to investigate the impact of low women participation in politics on the development of Kabwe Central Constituency.
There is need for the further studies to investigate the impact of low women participation on the development of Kabwe central Constituency
Key words: Politics, feminism, intersectionality, womanism, poststructuralist
Cognitive dissonance: the relationship between perceived choice of subjects and academic achievement among learners in the selected schools of Lusaka district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Doctor of Philosophy of Education in Educational Psychology.There is a dearth of studies on the relationship between cognitive dissonance and academic achievement in Africa and worldwide. According to Festinger, the proponent of cognitive dissonance theory, Cognitive dissonance occurs as a result of cognitive inconsistency between attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. Cognitive dissonance creates psychological discomfort which people attempt to eliminate in a number of ways. According to the free choice paradigm of cognitive dissonance theory, perceived choice leads to reduction of cognitive dissonance and results in the development of positive attitude. At senior secondary school level in Zambia, pupils are allocated subjects according to the marks they have scored. Therefore, learners are obliged to take subjects even if they dislike them. This conflict often creates cognitive dissonance for learners because they may have opposing beliefs and attitudes towards the subjects they are given. Limited research exists in Zambia on cognitive dissonance, subject choice and their relationships with academic performance, highlighting the need for further study. This study sought to determine the level of cognitive dissonance among learners and the academic performance of learners with high and low cognitive dissonance in the selected schools of Lusaka District, and to assess the relationship between academic performance and perceived choice of subjects, as well as the association between cognitive dissonance and academic achievement. This study was guided by positivistic worldview. The positivistic epistemology is that of objectivism. Therefore, this study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Data collection instruments included, Cognitive dissonance scale, perceived choice scale and common examination. The
sample comprised 200 randomly selected pupils from two secondary schools of Lusaka District. The percentage of girls was 36.5% girls and that of boys was 63.5%. The age of the learners ranged from 13 to 21 years, with a mean age of 16.03 (SD = 1.14). Data was analysed using the statistical
tests which included: Multivariate Analysis of variance, bivariate correlation and descriptive statistics. The statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Overall cognitive dissonance results revealed that 50% of learners experienced high cognitive dissonance. The cognitive dissonance sub scales represented personal domain and external domain. Among the sub scales representing personal domain, family dissonance had the lowest mean score while the subscale with the highest mean was personal adjustment. For the impersonal domain, dissonance based on school and learning had the lowest mean score while dissonance based on perpetuance had the highest mean score. There was a significant difference in the level of cognitive dissonance among learners with regard to school and gender. Additionally, findings indicated that there was a significant difference in academic performance among learners with regard to the level of dissonance. Five out of eight sub scales of cognitive dissonance correlated
negatively with academic performance unlike three which were not statistically significant. These included cognitive dissonance based on the family, dissonance connected to socialization and dissonance based on personal adjustment. There was no significant relationship between perceived choice of subjects and academic performance. In conclusion, high level of cognitive dissonance leads to low academic achievement.
Keywords: cognitive dissonance, perceived choice, academic performanc