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Developing an integrated preventive framework for construction workers exposed to silica dust and chemical irritants in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management.Construction industry is key to the world economies in both developed and developing nations. However, construction works could bring hazards such as silica dust and chemical irritants to site personnel. Silica dust and chemical irritants are produced from activities such as demolition, drilling, concrete mixing, brick and concrete block cutting, sawing, tile cutting, painting and grading. Silica dust can cause respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal disease, lung cancer and silicosis. Chemicals can cause skin diseases such as dermatitis and eczema. The effects of respiratory and skin diseases are devastating to the workers and in turn affect the cost of projects in terms of medical bills and lost man-hours. The strategies planned by Zambia in its quest to be a middle-income country by 2030 has resulted in an increase in construction projects. There is a high likelihood of an increase in the generation of dust and possible exposure to silica dust and chemical irritants. Several studies have shown a high silica dust and chemical irritant levels and high prevalence of symptoms of respiratory and skin diseases. Nevertheless, construction players are hesitant to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Laws. Also, it is not known whether silica dust levels experienced by Zambian construction workers were above 0.05mg/m3.Therefore, the staple silica dust and chemical irritant hazards have to be mitigated. The aim of this study was to establish a preventive framework that promotes reduction of exposure to silica dust and chemical irritants. The Case Study- Mixed Method design involving a road construction and a building projects was used. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used simultaneously. Bricklayers, carpenters, batchers, tilers, demolition workers, painters, road construction workers and handymen were purposively sampled. The sample size was established at 10% of the estimated population of 1, 012. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 100 workers among which
observations and photographs were randomly done. The Methods of Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS14/4) through gravimetric weighing of respirable dust samples and silica dust using MDHS101/2 through X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for sampling and analysis. Fifteen personal air samples were taken during work activity for 8hr-Time Weighted Average. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson Chi-square and degree of freedom were used to test the degree of association between the independent and dependent variables. The level of significance of ρ < 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were considered as statistically significant. Qualitative data was analysed using constant comparative method. Results showed that chemical irritant exposure levels were high and silica dust exposure levels were higher than both local and international Occupational Safety Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limit (0.05mg/m3). There was a high prevalence of symptoms of respiratory and skin diseases. Further, the controls which were used on site were inadequate. Therefore, an integrated preventive framework was developed to reduce exposure to silica dust and chemical irritants and eventually prevent respiratory and skin diseases to protect the workers and safeguard the projects. The study is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number three of achieving good health and well-being by 2023 through reducing the number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemical and air pollution and contamination. The findings and recommendations would serve as part of the guide policy formulation in Zambia
A comparison between traditional and modern circumcision practices in the prevention of HIV and other STIs transmission in Chavuma and Kapiri Mposhi districts.
Get PDFPhD dissertationThe study made a comparison between traditional and modern circumcision practices in the prevention of HIV and other STIs transmission in Chavuma and Kapiri Mposhi districts.
Zambia is a multi-cultural society, characterized by different racial, ethnic, religious, and traditional groupings. These have significant potential for promoting good health. The report by Vern and Bonnie of 1994 documents that, circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin that normally covers and protects the head of the penis. To curb HIV and other STIs pandemic among the citizenry and in line with the UNAIDS 90-90-90 strategy, Zambia’s Health Policy of 1991 advocates for safe voluntary medical male circumcision. The health policy also recognizes the efforts made by traditional practitioners in reducing the disease burden in the country through established traditional institutions (THPAZ). In Zambia, all ten (10) provinces offer a package of male circumcision services in the health facilities. In The North-Western Province, traditional circumcision is practiced among the Luvales, Chokwes, Luchazis and Lundas. Despite such efforts, STIs and HIV transmission are still common in Zambia.
The overall objective of this study was to compare the extent to which traditional and modern circumcision practices prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs in Chavuma and Kapiri Mposhi districts. The specific objectives were: i) to compare the extent to which traditional and modern circumcision practices prevent HIV transmission. ii) and to compare the extent to which traditional and modern circumcision practices prevent other STIs apart from HIV against transmission.
The study used snowball, convenience (purposive), and quasi-random sampling in selecting the sample. The study had a total sample size of 260 participants. Out of this, 100 participants were men circumcised in hospitals and clinics. The health workers were 30, while 10 participants were elderly members of the ethnic groups and 10 traditional circumcisers. ten (10) headmen were included and men traditionally circumcised were 100. The study used both Qualitative and Quantitative Designs. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
The study concluded that, i) whereas HIV is a virus, an STI is actually an infection that is transmissible through sexual encounters; ii) in both practices, circumcision, to a larger extent, prevented HIV transmission; iii) the main routes to the HIV transmission were: blood mix-up procedures, unprotected sexual intercourses, using unsterilized instruments; iv) there was still a chance of STIs acquisition after circumcision, and the main routes to the STIs transmission included, sexual activities; v) circumcision performed under traditional and modern practices was not efficacious in the prevention of STIs transmission; vi) the incidence and prevalence of STIs were not impacted by the benefits of circumcision; vii) circumcision was associated with significantly increased STIs risk among circumcised men with known common STIs (gonorrhea, chancroid and syphilis);
Further, the study concluded that, viii) sterilization of surgical instruments was done under modern practice, while the use of unsterilized surgical instruments and blood mix-up procedures were noted under traditional practice; ix) only certified professional staff with a special circumcision training were eligible to perform circumcision under modern and not under traditional practice. x) Although the objective of attaining the HIV epidemic control is being actualized as evidenced by the study through the male circumcision program, the study concluded that high prevalence of STIs after circumcision still exist, and hence, there is need to attain the goal of zero new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Chavuma and Kapiri Mposhi districts
Higher education and employment: exploring experiences of graduates in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Education and Development.The purpose of this study was to establish and document the experiences of youth graduates regarding employment and employability in Lusaka district. The study was guided by the Human Capital Theory. The study employed a convergent parallel design of 260 respondents sampled using simple random and snowball sampling. The target population of this study encompassed graduates, human resource managers and selected employers in Lusaka district. A questionnaire and an interview guide were the main protocols used to collect qualitative and quantitative data sets from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. The study found out that jobs are hard to find, and that job seeking is very stressful and frustrating. The study further found that graduates have had to learn additional new skills useful in seeking employment. These include networking, participating in job fairs, visiting company websites and taking up voluntary work positions. The study also ascertained that higher education still contributes to improving efficiency of the workforce by providing individuals with necessary market –skills- relevant to the economy. Moreover, higher education produces well-informed graduates who become responsive to job opportunities and are exposed to more work opportunities. The study found that there is less job-fitting with qualifications or skills - job market fit. The job market needs workers who are better qualified and market-fit. Nevertheless, the current education system is not fully meeting this demand. The study has revealed several primary barriers to securing employment that include lack of relevant experience, few jobs, and also an acute skills gap for those who are already employed. The study recommends that educational institutions should promote more practical oriented courses; the corporate sector must keep up efforts of supporting young people by empowering them through provision of opportunities for skills development through internship and job shadowing that might help to establish more realistic employment expectations and access to employment.
Key words: Higher Education, Employment, Low Job Opportunity Situations, experiences, Graduate
Improving police information management through the integration of automated fingerprint and geographical information system spatial data.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Computer Science.Efficient information management is paramount for law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the Zambia Police Service. This study aims to address the challenges faced by the Zambia Police Service through the improvement of their automation system and the integration of biometric features and mobile applications. By examining the perspectives of police officers and proposing actionable recommendations, this research seeks to modernize and optimize the workflow of the Zambia Police Service, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety. A mixedmethods approach was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. A survey was conducted among Zambia Police Service officers to gather insights into their satisfaction with the current automation system, their familiarity with biometric integration, and their suggestions for improvement. Additionally, baseline data was collected to understand the existing workflow and information management practices within the Zambia Police Service. The survey revealed that while a majority of officers expressed satisfaction with the current automation system, there were identified areas for improvement, including user interface, data integration, and processing speed. Moreover, officers demonstrated a moderate level of familiarity with biometric integration, with potential benefits recognized in terms of operational efficiency. Concerns regarding privacy issues, technical challenges, and resistance to change were also highlighted. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and strategic planning to address the
identified issues. This study provides actionable recommendations for the Zambia Police Service to enhance their automation system and introduce innovative features such as biometric integration and mobile applications. By adopting a user-centric approach, implementing comprehensive training programs, and collaborating with IT experts, the Zambia Police Service can overcome existing challenges and create a more efficient and technologically advanced information management system. Through continuous improvement efforts, the Zambia Police Service can further optimize its workflow, contributing to improved public safety and law enforcement outcomes.
Keywords: Police information systems, Biometric integration, Workflow efficiency, Automation improvement, Law enforcement technology
The performance of parastatal companies in Zambia : a case study of the Zambia postal services corporation.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.This study investigated the performance of parastatal companies in Zambia, with a specific focus on the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZAMPOST). Through a detailed case study analysis, the research aimed at uncover the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within
ZAMPOST, while also exploring the broader role of parastatal companies in the country's economic landscape. The specific objectives were To Identify Services Offered by ZAMPOST: The study revealed that ZAMPOST offers a diverse range of services, including postal delivery, parcel services, money transfer, bill payments, and more. While certain services such as postal delivery and parcel services exhibit high levels of awareness and utilization, others like money orders and telegram services had lower levels of awareness and usage. To Evaluate Customer Satisfaction Levels: Findings indicated varying levels of customer satisfaction with ZAMPOST's services. Factors influencing satisfaction included accessibility, efficiency, affordability, and customer service. While some customers rate ZAMPOST's performance as good or satisfactory, others express concerns about service reliability, innovation, and customer support. To Assess Management Effectiveness: Perceptions of ZAMPOST's management effectiveness were mixed, with some stakeholders expressing skepticism about leadership, service delivery, and financial management. The research employed a multi-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather data from stakeholders, customers, and employees of ZAMPOST.
The findings revealed a comprehensive understanding of the services offered by ZAMPOST, including postal delivery, parcel services, money transfer, and bill payments. While certain services such as postal delivery and parcel services enjoy high levels of awareness and utilization, others such as money orders and telegram services exhibit lower levels of awareness and usage. Key strengths of ZAMPOST identified in the study included efficient delivery services, wide network coverage, and secure money transfer facilities. However, weaknesses such as slow service, limited-service innovation, and inadequate customer support were also revealed. To address these weaknesses, recommendations were provided, including enhancing service
promotion, improving service quality, fostering innovation, enhancing customer service excellence, and strengthening management effectiveness
The contribution of traditional courts in conflict resolution mechanism : a study of Kaoma district western province of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Science in Peace Leadership and Conflict ResolutionThe study sought to explore the contribution of traditional courts in resolution mechanisms in Zambia. A study of the Kuta traditional court system of Kaoma District Western Zambia. The study was necessary because disputes in any society are often inevitable. The study also noted that from distant past till now, traditional court system has played a critical role in resolving conflicts in Africa particularly in Zambia. As a result, there have been calls to appreciate the
role of the traditional leadership in resolving such conflicts. Many community development projects have suffered stagnation or complete failure due to conflict resulting mostly from internal disputes within the rural communities. If therefore this situation is not addressed, there are chances that these challenges will negatively affect the development agenda. Traditional leadership play a significant role in conflict resolution, hence the exploration of the contribution of traditional courts in conflict resolution mechanism in Zambia is critical not just to the promotion of peace and resolution of conflicts but also to the development of the country. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design. A case study was used to gather data for this research. Data was gathered using structured interviews and focus group interviews/discussion. The study targeted 30 participant’s association with traditional court system in Kaoma, Kuta including chiefs, Barotse Establishment Indunas, subjects, Social workers as well as Civic leaders from Kaoma District. The results of the study revealed that Kuta traditional court system play an important role in promoting peace and stability in the country. It has a vital role in community building by
providing a platform where people could come with their problems and with the hope of being helped. The study also found that traditional courts were very effective in fulfilling in conflict resolution. It was found that all the cases that come before the court are recorded in a book for future reference and for the purpose of transparency and sometimes the cases are even referred to the local court or magistrate court for redress depending on the magnitude of the case. The most common ways that this court uses to address conflict in their communities included mediation, arbitration, adjudication, reconciliation and negotiation.
The results also showed that there no established or codified standards of sentencing the offender or the wrong doer because the purpose is to bring about reconciliation and peace among or between the conflicting parties. The challenges faced by traditional courts in dispensation of their roles in conflict resolution and peace building were identified among them poor infrastructure, lucky of government will and support to the traditional court system, inadequacy knowledge on law and conflict resolution to mention but a few. The study therefore, recommended that there should be increased collaboration and networking between the government and customary institutions of governance. In particular, the government should recognize and aid customary courts enforce their rulings
The effects of micro financial institutions on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) : a focus on Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s Degree in Business administrationThis Report was a study on determining the impact micro financial institutions have on SMEs in Lusaka Per-urban Area. It employed a descriptive research design, with a study sample of 80 participants. It meant to asses to what extent SMEs in kalingalinga, Mtendere, Kanyama and Chawama make use of Micro financial institutional services as well as how SMEs in Kalingalinga, Mtendere, Kanyama and Chawama Compound benefit from Micro financial institutions. It further meant to assess the response Kalingalinga, Mtendere, Kanyama and Chawama based SMEs’ have towards micro financial services and to get recommendations on what ways can enhance accessibility of finances by SMEs in Kalingalinga, Mtendere, Kanyama and Chawama from Micro
financial institutions from the SME owners. Study findings indicated that Micro financial institutions play a significant role in countries’ economies, and in businesses therein. The Business Sector represents a notable ratio in the total economic activity of most Countries thus it is very important that SMEs are able adequately access financial assistance conveniently and timely. This study revealed that SMEs prefer MFI services as opposed to banks because MFIs act quicker and are a bit flexible too. However, according to the study findings, MFIs ought to lower interest rates and introduce much longer repayment periods and also new administrative methods including the introduction of a type collateral system to allow even start-up firms to be eligible for borrowing funds, like allowing borrowers to hold on to the assets they pledge as collateral and only have it released when they default
Enhancing resilience in the distribution networks to wind storms causing power outages affecting essential loads.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s Degree in Electrical Power EngineeringThis study, which was conducted and analyzed, examined the causes of power outages affecting essential loads such as hospitals, fire stations and many others due to storms, which caused the power distribution network's wooden poles to fall to the ground. The storm had wind speeds ranging from 30 to 60 meters per second. Due to this, there was a need to enhance the resilience of the distribution network against wind storms. Therefore, two best options were implemented to solve this problem that was hardening the 33kV lines connecting essential loads and integrating PV plants with battery storage on their
buses. In the first method, class 1–4 wooden poles were tested to see if they could withstand the storm. From 30 m/s to 40 m/s, all classes of pole passed the test, however, at 50 m/s, only class 1 wooden poles were successful. At 60 m/s, all classes of wooden poles failed the test, so PV plants with battery storage were integrated into the distribution network and during the storm, the network continued supplying the essential loads in island mode of operation. The Python programming language was used to create a program that determined the failed pole class during the storm based on the fragility curve's probability of failure. Therefore, after integrating PV plants with battery storage, a grid impact study was conducted to determine if they would operate in accordance with the Zambia grid code, which they did. To measure the resilience of the distribution network, resilience indices were calculated and analyzed. Therefore, the active power supplied to the distribution network was calculated before, during, and after the storm, keeping in mind that maybe the 33kV lines connecting essential loads fell on the ground, causing an outage. Hence, PowerFactory DIgSILENT 2018 was the computer software that was used to calculate the active power supplied. The test distribution network was the Kasama distribution network. In conclusion, after implementing the two best options, the distribution network's resilience against storms causing power outages affecting essential loads was enhance
Investigating the factors hindering the performance of cooperatives : a case of Nalolo district in the Western province of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration (MBA-General).Co-operative enterprises are regarded as a vehicle to fight poverty, create employment and boost economic growth in Zambia. A high number of co-operatives in the country were created through initiatives of government agencies. However, co-operative enterprises have for a long time been experiencing operational performance difficulties. The purpose of this study was to to investigate the factors hindering the performance of cooperatives in Nalolo district, located in the western province of Zambia. To achieve this aim the study was guided by three specific objectives and these are; to investigate how management of cooperatives affect performance of its members, to investigate how income levels of members affect the cooperative performance and to assess the effectiveness of education and training of the leaders of the cooperatives. The Primary data was collected from 20 co-operative organisations based in Nalolo District, using a structured questionnaire. A probability sampling method was used in this study, focusing on simple random sampling. Moreover, a quantitative approach was used for data collection and the data was analysed using the Descriptive statistical techniques. The data was presented in tabular form followed by the researcher’s interpretations thereof. The demographic findings of this study reveal that the majority of participants are middle aged adults, most of whom are women and who have attained a high-school level of education. Moreover, the findings show that the majority of co-operatives have been in operation for less than five years. In addition, the findings reveal that a larger number of cooperatives in Nalolo district are in the agricultural sector
The role of leadership in the growth of the reformed church in Zambia 2000 -2020.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Peace, Leadership, and Conflict ResolutionThe role of leadership to the growth of the Church cannot be over emphasized as without leadership a church, organization and even the state would be directionless. This particular research explores the role of leadership in the growth of the Reformed church in Zambia. The Reformed Church in Zambia has existed for over hundred and twenty years since the pioneering work of the Dutch Reformed Mission of the Free State. Like any other church it has undergone various challenges such as schisms to mention but one. The last schisms took place in a space of three years but the church held up and grown to
be one of the core churches in the Council of Churches in Zambia. From the academic perspective there is need to find out the role leadership in the growth of RCZ amidst all kinds of challenges. The study used a case study design which employed the qualitative strategy in order to effectively address the issues raised by the research question. The method of data collection included in depth interviews and document study. The target group included 5 Synod leaders, 5 former synod leaders, 5 Rev. who left the church and 15 lay leaders (5 from each fellowship men’s, women’s and youth). Purposive sampling techniques
were used to select 30 participants. Data was analyzed qualitatively. This involved explanation and interpretation of the raw data. The study revealed that the role played by leadership led to the growth of the church. Some of the roles included planning, leading, directing, church planting and modeling the way. However, the leadership was faced with many challenges as well such as lack of finances, shortage of human resources, language barrier, low technology
assimilation, COVID-19 and overall, the church failed to resolve conflicts and work out sustainable income generating activities. It was concluded that church leadership is imperative for the growth of the church and that the leadership of the RCZ played her role in growing the church despite the challenges which were faced. The study recommended the church leadership to teach peace building at all levels of the church to help resolve conflict, implement sustainable income generation activities so that the church can sustain it activities, continue with human resource development and invest in ICT so that growth can be
guaranteed in this technological world the church find herself