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An investigation of the adequacy of control measures in combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Business AdministrationThe purpose of the study was to investigate the adequacy of control measures in combatting
mobile money fraud in Lusaka District.
The three specific objectives of the study were (1) to determine the types of control measures
employed in combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka District (2) to establish the extent of
implementing control measures of combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka District and (3)
to establish policy best practices in combating mobile money fraud in Lusaka District.
The study drew a sample size of 271 using mixed sampling methods of purposive and simple
random. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed research design and data was collected
using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Data obtained were analysed using correlation and multivariate regression analysis with the help of SPSS (Version 27). In addition, content and thematic analysis was used to derive meanings from the qualitative data. The findings of the study were: the types of the control measures in the fight against mobile money fraud include sensitization of both the users and the agents, apprehension and prosecution of
the offenders, enhancement of mobile money security through the adoption of appropriate technologies among others. It was also found that majority (145; 54%, N=271) of the users do not even implement the control measures that are recommended for them. On the issue of policies and laws, most of the respondents were not aware about them, and could therefore, not comment much on their efficacy. A Cronbach alpha test was carried out to test the reliability of the research outcomes for internal consistency. The Cronbach alpha produced a reliable measure of .744 which is a moderate indicator and the standardized items of 0.757. One of the recommendation of the study is that the various stake holder organizations such as ZICTA, MNOs and Law Enforcement Agencies should intensify their sensitisation programs and even conduct joint campaigns on how the users of mobile money services could protect themselves from the fraudsters
An assessment of media coverage of child online protection (COP) in Zambia: a case of Zambia daily mail and daily nation.
Get PDFThesis of Master in Mass Communication (MMC).This study is aimed at assessing the extent and quality of media coverage of Child Online Protection (COP) by the media in Zambia; a case of Zambia Daily Mail and Daily Nation newspaper. The study was aimed at establishing the risks children encounter when they are online and also the quantity (frequency) of COP coverage in the Zambia Daily Mail and Daily Nation newspapers. Additionally, the study sought to examine the policies of the Zambia Daily Mail and Daily Nation newspapers on the coverage of COP issues, and to analyse the challenges that journalists from Zambia Daily Mail and Daily Nation encounter when covering COP. The findings have revealed that COP related issues receive poor or low coverage in Zambian Newspapers. Furthermore, the findings have indicated that topics relating to Child Online Protection are not given the prominence they deserve by the print media. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs, with the quantitative content analysis of the two newspapers for the
2021 months of January, February, March and April being the major part used to collect data. This saw a total number of 242 newspaper editions analysed in the four (4) months period of the study. Further, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and desktop research were
used to collect data from selected newspapers (editors and reporters), parents, ZICTA official and pupils. Research instruments used were structured questionnaires, content analysis coding sheets, semi-structured interview schedule and FGD guide. Two theories, Agenda Setting as well as Media
Information Dependency Theory, were utilised to contextualise the study. The Agenda Setting Theory was key in informing the study on how the media can set the agenda by telling the public what to talk and think about or discuss, which in this case was COP. Equally, the Media Information Dependency Theory the theory is relevant in helping to understand how heavily dependent on various media platforms the public, including children, had become. This study shows that COP coverage by Zambian newspapers is very low and not given the importance or prominence it deserves. This can be seen from both the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the newspaper content which indicated that COP issues are given very little priority especially that only 31 stories out of 10,680 stories were published between January and April 2021 in the two daily newspapers. This represents 0.6 percent of the total number of stories published during this period under study. Other than the low coverage established, it was also clear that most of the COP articles did not have children’s voices. This meant that children’s views and opinions were not heard on issues that affected them. Further, the children interviewed in the FGDs stated that there was no deliberate drive to dedicate space to children’s issues generally including COP, and that if
a story on COP or any other issue that borders on children welfare is to be published, it will be given very small space in newspapers. This tends to make it difficult for children to have a clear interpretation and comprehension of the published COP related article. There is need for newspapers to improve and increase the coverage of COP and give it the prominence or importance it deserves, involve children when developing stories that they intend to provide them with, develop policies and strategies that will help guide their coverage of COP related issues
The role of financial literacy on retirees : a case study of retirees under the public service pensions fund in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.This study explored the significance of financial literacy among retirees, focusing on those affiliated with the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) in Zambia. Retirement planning and financial management were critical aspects affecting retirees' quality of life and financial security post-employment. However, the level of financial literacy among retirees often determined their ability to effectively navigate financial challenges during retirement. Through a comprehensive investigation, this research delved into the effects of financial literacy on retirees' financial well-being, retirement planning, investment decisions, and overall satisfaction during their retirement years. The study employed quantitative methodology to gather data of which probability sampling was used. And in Probability sampling, simple random technique was applied to select sample from which data was collected via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and some inferential statistics such as regression analysis were used in data analysis. Findings suggested a correlation between financial literacy and retirees' financial preparedness, with those possessing higher levels of financial literacy
demonstrating better retirement planning, investment diversification, and financial decisionmaking. Additionally, the research highlighted the existing gaps in financial knowledge among retirees and identifies areas for improvement in financial literacy programs targeting this demographic. This study contributed to the understanding of the role of financial literacy in enhancing retirees' financial security and offers insights into strategies to improve financial education and planning for retirees within the PSPF and similar pension schemes. Further research and evaluation are needed to better understand the complex relationship between financial literacy, retirement outcomes, and overall satisfaction among retirees in Zambia. Longitudinal studies could provide insights into the effectiveness of financial education programs and policy interventions over time, helping to inform future initiatives
Climate change awareness for future climate change governance among youths in Luanshya district, Zambia.
Get PDFMaster of science (Msc) Environmental and natural resources managementThis study evaluated the effectiveness of climate change awareness done to youths in Luanshya District so as to prepare them in future climate change governance. The objectives of the study were: to identify the methods of climate change awareness available to youths in Luanshya District, to examine the youth’s involvement in projects of climate change importance in Luanshya District, to evaluate the effectiveness of the climate change governance training done to youths in Luanshya District, Zambia, to assess the preparedness of youths for climate change governance in Luanshya District, Zambia. The aim of the study was to explore levels of awareness of climate change among youths as a way assessing the effectiveness of climate change governance for future climate change governors. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in the study while descriptive and case study designs were also adopted to (n = 160) randomly selected respondents who were drawn from four purposively selected townships within Luanshya District. The townships were: Mpatamatu, Roan, Mikomfwa and Fisenge respectively. Case study enabled the use of research questions and also helped the researcher to use more than one method of data collection for validation and in a natural setting. Further, its findings were detailed and could not be generalized. They helped the researcher to use more than one method of data collection, in natural setting. Further, its findings are detailed while descriptive design helped in measuring the hypothesis. The chi- square and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Four key informants were also purposively selected from different ministries and later interviewed. The results indicated that youths felt the awareness methods used were not effective 45 percent, 25 percent thought they were effective while 13 percent agreed that the methods were very effective respectively. Further, the results revealed that, Luanshya had no deliberate programmes aimed at preparing the youths for climate change governance. On insufficient information: Mpatamatu recorded 87 percent; Roan had 95 percent, Mikomfwa 40 percent and Fisenge 93 percent.In conclusion, despite having many youths who attended formal education and having participated in climate change awareness programmes, insufficiency in climate change knowledge showed that the climate change awareness among youths was not effective. Ministries that work with youths need to partner in order to plan how to introduce more modes of climate change awareness and need to revamp the programme for it to be effective. The youths need to engage in effective climate change awareness for them to be equipped in future governance and develop interest in climate change campaign.
Keywords: Climate change, climate awareness, Luanshya District, climate governanc
Host-plant, induced mutagenesis and silicon derived resistance to aphids in common bean, (phaseolus vulgaris l.) and cowpea, (vigna unguiculata (l.) walp genotypes.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (Entomology)Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) are important food crops across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, common bean and cowpea yields are typically lower than potential yields due to the impact of plant diseases and invertebrate pests. Black bean
aphid (Aphis fabae Scopoli) and cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch.) negatively impacts common bean and cowpea productivity directly by ingesting plant assimilates and indirectly by vectoring viral diseases. Aphid management has, for a long time, relied on the use of synthetic pesticides but with variable success due to the development of resistance in many target organisms. Synthetic pesticides may also be harmful to human and environmental health as well as negatively impacting non-target organisms. Current breeding programs aim to develop common bean and cowpea cultivars with improved yield and tolerance to pests. The major objective of this study was to identify and characterise resistance to aphids in common bean and cowpea genotypes while also assessing the potential of silicon to complement mutation derived aphid resistance. Specific objectives of this study were to; (i) identify and characterise resistance to black bean aphid in selected breeding lines and mutation derived common bean genotypes, (ii) identify and characterise resistance to cowpea aphid in mutation derived cowpea genotypes under laboratory and field conditions and, (iii) evaluate the performance of cowpea aphid on silicon treated mutation derived cowpea genotypes under laboratory and field conditions. Five common bean varieties (Rozi Koko, Mwezi Moja, Majesty, KK25 and AO-1012-29-3A) and four mutation-derived genotypes (CA 3, CA 15, CA 24 and CA 38) were evaluated for resistance to black bean aphid. Bean cultivars, Kabulangeti and Carioca (variety from which all mutants were derived) were used as controls for bean varieties and mutant genotypes, respectively. Several parameters of aphid resistance traits were assessed. Aphid deterrence was assessed by settling preference while physical barriers to aphid feeding were evaluated by nymph survival. Reduction in palatability of phloem sap was evaluated by nymph development and mean relative growth rate. Electrical penetration graph recordings of feeding behaviour were performed in order to localise aphid resistance factors. A complete randomised design was adopted for all laboratory bioassays. Nymph development was significantly longer (13.6 days) on AO-1012-29-3A compared to Kabulangeti (11.2 days) despite the fact that there were significantly fewer glandular trichomes on this line, suggesting the presence of aphid resistance factors. Cowpea genotypes derived from three susceptible varieties (Bubebe; Lutembwe and Msandile) after mutagenesis by gamma irradiation were assessed. Eleven genotypes were evaluated: six (BB 3-9-7-5, BB 7-9-7-5, BB 8-1-7-5, BB 10-4-2-3, BB 14-16-2-2 and BBV) from Bubebe, three (LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12) from Lutembwe and two (MS 1-8-1-4 and MS 10-7-2-1) from Msandile. Aphid resistance was evaluated by recording aphid colony growth, mean relative growth rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, doubling time and feeding behaviour when reared on each genotype. A complete randomised design and randomised complete block design were used for laboratory bioassays and field experiments respectively. Where colony growth was recorded, aphid population was significantly reduced by; 48.5 % on BB 7-9-7-5, 69.3 % on LT 3-8-4-1, 67.5 % on LT 4-2-4-1 and 78.7 % on LT 11-3-3-12 compared to their respective parents. LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12 also resulted in lower aphid mean relative growth rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase and doubling time compared to the parent. Slower colony growth, mean relative growth rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase and doubling time on LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12 and slower colony growth only on BB 7-9-7-5 suggests the presence of mutation derived resistance to cowpea aphid. Characterisation of feeding behaviour on LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12 showed that resistance is mediated by epidermal and mesophyll-based factors. Silicon accumulation capacity of these genotypes as well as aphid performance parameters, as described above, were assessed. A complete randomised design and split-plot design were used for the laboratory bioassays and field experiments respectively. Where silicon was applied, significantly higher concentrations were recorded for Lutembwe and LT 11-3-3-12 plants compared to untreated plants. Silicon application to Lutembwe resulted in slower aphid colony growth and lower mean relative growth rates compared to untreated plants, suggesting the occurrence of silicon-induced resistance. Electrical penetration graph recordings of aphid feeding on silicon-treated Lutembwe plants showed that aphid resistance is mediated by phloem-based factors. Silicon application to LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12 plants did not enhance aphid resistance. This may be due to mutagenesis disrupting their ability to effectively accumulate silicon or because the partial resistance of these mutant genotypes masked any benefits from silicon application to these plants. Overall, AO-1012-29-3A is a promising common bean parent line with useful genetic attributes that may be used to develop aphid resistant common bean varieties. BB 7-9-7-5, LT 3-8-4-1, LT 4-2-4-1 and LT 11-3-3-12 are promising genotypes that should be evaluated further for genetic improvement of cowpea against the cowpea aphid. Silicon application or use of mutation-derived genotypes may be effective tools with which to manage cowpea aphid on cowpea, but there appears to be little benefit of combining these approaches. These findings have important implications for developing an integrated pest management framework for aphid pests on common bean and cowpea
Evaluation of the current accreditation mechanisms of the inspection bodies to iso/iec 17020:2012.
Get PDFThesis of Master of One Health Food Safety.ABSTRACT
Accreditation is the recognition that a facility or an institution can produce accurate results within acceptable limits on a consistent and substantial basis, thereby confirming the technical competency of the inspection body. This study aimed to evaluate the current accreditation mechanisms of the inspection bodies in Zambia to ISO 17020. Using a structured questionnaire, a cross-study was conducted to investigate the current accreditation mechanisms of inspection bodies in Zambia, particularly in the Lusaka District. Data management and analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study targeted the inspection bodies in Lusaka due to the abundance of inspectors and the many food manufacturing activities in the district. The sampling was purposively targeted at inspectors from two different inspection organisations. Thirty-four inspectors from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and Lusaka City Council (LCC) were interviewed.
The study revealed that inspection bodies were not accredited to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 despite being willing to be accredited to the international standard. The study further revealed that the inspectors had good levels of ISO/IEC 17020:2012 knowledge; and that the inspection bodies have necessary inspection procedures which are identified, developed, documented, and implemented.
Accreditation of inspection bodies to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 can promote confidence in bodies performing inspections in Lusaka, Zambia, as this will ensure that the inspection bodies carry out their inspection activities in a competent, consistent, and impartial manner, thus allowing them to use their professional judgments in the execution of their duties to enhance customer satisfaction
Navigation strategies by women into decision-making positions in the Ministry of education, Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThis research aimed to explore the strategies navigated by women
employees in the ministry of Education in Decision-Making positions. The
objective of the study was to propose strategies that women can use to
navigate into being appointed in leadership positions. This study employed
a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with fifteen (15)
women in leadership roles in the Ministry of Education. The participants
were selected using purposive sampling, ensuring diversity in age,
ethnicity, and position. The data collected from the interviews were
analysed using thematic analysis. As such, the study found that women are
using various strategies to navigate different challenges, such as building
strong networks, seeking mentorship, and developing their leadership
skills. It also suggested that women's success in these roles is contingent on
addressing gender-based biases and stereotypes, promoting work-life
balance, and providing access to mentoring and leadership development
programs. The study recommends that, organizations should strive to
challenge and change gender stereotypes that limit women's leadership
opportunities. Organizations should provide women with access to
mentorship and sponsorship programs that help them develop leadership
skills and provide them with career guidance. Organizations should offer
training and development opportunities that help women build the skills
and knowledge needed to succeed in decision-making roles. Equally, that
organizations should create a culture that values diversity and inclusion,
where everyone's contributions are respected and appreciated. Women
should be encouraged to network and build relationships with colleagues
and leaders in their field.
Keywords: Decision-Making, Leadership Styles, Navigate, Networking,
Mentorship, Strategie
Role of empathy in counselling grieving widows and widowers in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in CounsellingThe study sought to explore the role of empathy in counselling grieving widows and widowers in Zambia. The study objectives were to: to ascertain how Cognitive empathy as a counselling technique helps widows and widowers to pass through grieving period; to describe how Emotion empathy as a counselling technique helps widows and widowers to pass through grieving period; and to describe how Compassionate empathy as a counselling technique helps widows and widowers to pass through grieving period. Since this was a qualitative study intended to describe role of empathy in counselling grieving widows and widowers in Zambia, a descriptive survey design was used. The study population comprised widowers and widows in Lusaka District. The study used purposive sampling techniques to select the respondents. The sample comprised 5 widows and 5 widowers. In-depth interview guides were used to collect data from the
participants. Results showed that empathy, particularly cognitive, emotional and compassionate empathy are instrumental counselling techniques in helping widows and widowers pass through grief. Cognitive empathy is used to accurately understand the emotions of the individual, emotional empathy is used to give a support system to the grieving individual and compassionate empathy is used to show sympathy, concern, and compassion for the grieving individual. All the subcategories make up empathy in general and none precedes the other. All of them occur at the same time for empathy to be effective. In addition, the study found that grief counselling is best done a counsellor of same gender as the widow or widower. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends an introduction of formal psychosocial support groups in communities that have a professional counsellors and others of the same gender who are going through loss and grief of a spouse
Design of a multifactor authentication system for automated teller machines.
Get PDFMaster of Engineering in Information and Communication Technology Security In the School of EngineeringThis research aims to design a multi-factor authentication system for automated teller machines (ATMs) that incorporates biometric fingerprint data and One Time passwords. This is so as to reduce the impact and subsequent loss by customers to card frauds.
Banking transactions conducted through automated teller machines (ATMs) are vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) can significantly improve the security of ATM transactions. ATM debit and credit cards are susceptible to theft and card cloning making them a conduit for malicious actors to defraud bank customers. In this design, we propose the use of fingerprint authentication and One Time Passwords (OTPs) as a second and third factor in the MFA process. By requiring the user to randomly provide any one of the 10 fingerprints, OTP and the 4-digit PIN, the risk of fraudulent transactions is greatly reduced. We present a detailed design for integrating fingerprint authentication technology and OTPs for transaction authentication, including user enrolment, fingerprint capture, and verification processes. Overall, the proposed MFA system using fingerprint authentication has the potential to greatly enhance the security of ATM transactions and protect against fraudulent activity.
The design aims to capture customer fingerprint data upon account opening as well as an ongoing Know Your Customer (KYC) exercise and map these to customer accounts.
Users are then authenticated through a randomised mechanism that picks any one of the 10 fingerprints samples at each authentication request, requests a PIN for final authentication and an OTP for transaction authorization
Pre-experimental design in project evaluation: the case of the scaling-up nutrition (SUNI) project
Get PDFBook chapterThis research methods case is based on the end-line evaluation of the Scaling-Up Nutrition Intervention (SUNI) project implemented by CARE International in Zambia, Program Against Malnutrition and other partners. Apart from fulfilling funding requirements, the evaluation was meant
to establish end-line values for outcome level indicators for the project and, to assess change
and impact of the project by comparing baseline and end-line values. The end-line evaluation
was commissioned by CARE International in Zambia. To conduct the end-line evaluation of the
SUNI project, a one-group pre-test -post-test design was adopted. This is a pre-experimental
design that measures changes as a result of an intervention/project by comparing the before
and after intervention values and/or conditions, without comparison groups. Therefore, this research methods case illustrates how the design was applied in the evaluation of the SUNI project. Furthermore, the strengths and limitations of the design are highlighted and discussed. The
research method case further proposes alternative research designs to overcome some of the
weaknesses of the one-group pre-test -post-test design. Lastly, the research methods case also
highlights some of the considerations to take into account when using the one-group pre-test
-post-test pre-experimental design and the circumstances under which the design might be considered appropriate.
Pre-experimental design; one-group pre-test post-test design; project evaluatio