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Factors influencing consumers’ choice of retail fuel service stations among selected oil marketing companies in Lusaka, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Business Administration General.The downstream petroleum retail sector in Zambia has become fiercely competitive with the mushrooming of oil marketing companies (OMCs) all vying for the same customer base in a market where fuel products are homogeneous, and prices are uniformly regulated. The limited differentiation has led to heightened consumer switching behavior, causing market share declines for many OMCs, threatening their long-term viability. However, the factors influencing consumer choice of fuel service stations in the Zambian context remain insufficiently understood, limiting the ability of OMCs to develop effective competitive strategies. This research aimed to determine the factors influencing retail consumers' choice of fuel service stations in Lusaka, Zambia to enhance their competitive edge. The specific objectives were determining products and services considered important at retail fuel stations; establishing primary factors influencing consumers’ choice of fuel stations, and examining the degree of consumer loyalty to their preferred retail fuel station brand. The theoretical framework that underpinned this study was the Engel-KollatBlackwell (EBK) Model of the Buyer decision process, which provided an understanding of consumer behaviour. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and applied a quantitative approach, utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Primary data were collected from 440 motorists using a structured questionnaire, with the sample size determined by Yamane’s formula. The study was conducted in the central business district of Lusaka, offering a diverse mix of fuel station brands and corresponding respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The findings reveal that consumers prioritize service stations offering supplementary services beyond fuel, including vehicle maintenance, convenience stores, food outlets, ATMs, pharmacies, and other value-added amenities. Moreover, the most influential factors driving consumer choice include service quality, location, brand image, promotional programs, and non-fuel amenities. These findings stress the need for OMCs to continuously enhance service quality, strategically optimize station locations, improve branding efforts, revamp promotional strategies, and expand non-fuel amenities to sustain competitiveness. By adopting these recommendations, OMCs can improve customer retention, differentiate themselves in a hyper-competitive market, and build long-term brand loyalty.
KEYWORDS: fuel service stations, consumer choice, marketing mix, non-fuel amenities, Oil marketing companie
Insights into the implementation of stem education: a study of a selected stem school in Lusaka district.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Education in Science EducationThe purpose of this study was establish insights into the implementation of STEM education at the selected STEM secondary school with a focus on the experiences that teachers had with its implementation, and the views they held regarding the future implementation of STEM education. This was achieved first by establishing teachers’ understanding of STEM education, then establishing lived experiences teachers had with STEM education implementation by establishing the teaching methods they were using in teach STEM during the time it was implemented. This was based on finding out how the interdisciplinary nature of STEM education was achieved through various teaching methods. The study was qualitative and used a case study research design. Data were collected using semi structured interview guides and document reviews. The study population was all teachers of STEM and administrators at the selected STEM secondary school. The sample size of thirteen respondents comprised nine STEM teachers, three heads of departments, and one administrator.
The respondents were selected using homogenous purposive sampling. Data was analysed thematically. The study revealed that teachers viewed STEM education as a learner-centred education approach that uses concepts of technology and engineering to link what is theory and application of scientific skills to solve real-life problems. Some respondents viewed STEM education as an education approach to producing a learner who is technology-oriented, analytical and a creative thinker. The study also revealed that the teaching methods teachers were using in teaching STEM included problem-based teaching, small group discussions, inquiry, scenarios, and research. Further, the study showed that implementation of STEM education at the selected STEM secondary school faced some challenges that included inadequate teaching and learning resources, inadequate training for teachers in STEM education to handle STEM with expected
competences, lesson planning being involving and time-consuming among other challenges. The study concluded that STEM education is a progressive programme with potential to produce learners who are analytical and productive, who are able to relate their thinking to solving reallife problem. The study further proposed a tentative STEM education implementation framework in which JETS projects are to be integrated into the national curriculum of 2013 for improved STEM implementation
Evaluation of smallholder dairy farmers’ knowledge, aattitudes, practices (KAP) and factors contributing to hygienic production of raw milk in Malawi’s Blantyre agriculture development division.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Food Safety and Risk Analysis.Dairy products provide nutrition to households, but they could also serve as source of milk-borne diseases when produced under poor hygienic conditions. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023 to evaluate smallholder dairy farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and factors affecting the hygienic milk production in Malawi’s Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (BLADD). A questionnaire was administered to 410 participants in selected districts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Thyolo in Malawi to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices. This study collected 90 raw milk which was analysed at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences to investigate for compliance to
Malawi or European Union Standards. Subsequently, a total of 90 small scale farms were visited to observe hygienic milk production. The version 26 Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse data Chi square analysis for associated factors of hygienic milk production. A binary logistic regression to determine hygienic milk production predictors and p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Majority of 60% participants were females. Most of 86.6% and 66% the respondents had formal education and pre-training respectively. The overall KAP knowledge was only 54%, most smallholder dairy farmers reported positive attitudes at 88% and excellent practices at 63%. Most smallholder dairy farmer in Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (BLADD) had passed aggregate 80% while moderate were successful on composite score of 67%. Few farmers (27%; n=410) had low aggregate score of knowledge, attitude and practice were six (OR=5.910, 95% CI: 1.997-17.489) times less likely to produce hygienic milk. Inadequate pre-training and a low aggregate score were identified as key factors behind the failure of smallholder farmers in BLADD to meet Malawian and European Union (EU) standards, raising concerns about potential milk-borne diseases. Out of 90 raw milk samples analysed for presence of E. coli, 12% and 56% were within acceptable limits of Malawi and European Union standards, respectively. This could be attributed to unsanitary animal quarters, as half of smallholder dairy farmers in Malawi’s Blantyre Agriculture Development Division do not remove waste daily and some workers milk cows without supervision. In conclusion, smallholder dairy farmers had positive attitudes and good milk hygiene
practices however, their knowledge was inadequate. Surprisingly, farmers’ milk was contaminated, it was difficult to meet legal limits of Malawi and European Union standards for E. coli. To address this, the study proposed that initial structured training and ongoing annual refresher sessions for dairy farmers coupled with commitment to daily animal barn cleaning to prevent milk borne diseases
An investigation into teacher perceptions on school readiness assessment in Choma district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesisThis study aimed to investigate teachers’ perceptions on school readiness assessment practices in Choma District primary schools. Using a qualitative approach and a case design, data were generated through interviews and focus group discussions with 20 participants, including ECE teachers and school managers. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select the sample size. Expert purposive sampling was employed to select ECE teachers. For school managers, homogenous sampling technique was used. The findings revealed that ECE teachers primarily relied on basic assessment tools such as the observation, which was deemed insufficient for effectively evaluating school readiness. Assessment practices across the district lacked consistency, as they were largely dependent on teacher-created methods. Limited training on advanced assessment techniques further hindered comprehensive evaluations of learners. Teachers also faced significant challenges, including resource shortages, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate classroom space, insufficient teaching and learning materials, limited parental involvement, and a lack of professional development opportunities. The study concluded that there is an urgent need for the introduction of more structured and specialized assessment tools, as well as increased support for teachers through resources and professional development programmes, to improve school readiness evaluations. In addition, schools could foster
stronger communication with parents and the community to encourage greater involvement
in their children’s education. Further studies could also investigate the role of parental
involvement in enhancing school readiness in ECE classrooms, examining strategies to
effectively engage parents in supporting their children's early learning at home and school
Predictors of revenue tax collection: a case of Chirundu border post.
Full text linkThesis of Master’s Degree of Science in Accounting and Finance.The purpose of this study was to assess the predictors of tax collection for the Zambian government at Chirundu Border Post with a view to resolve constricts impeding tax collection. A non-experimental concurrent mixed methods design has been adopted. A census was employed and 70 out of 92 respondents were enlisted in this study. In-depth interviews and a survey questionnaire were administered. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions software, SPSS version 20. The main findings are that Just over half of the employees n = 38 (54.3%) rated
Revenue Collection Performance and Chirundu Border Post to be high whereas n = 17 (24.3% and n = 15 (21.4%) rated Revenue Collection Performance as very high to somewhat low. An association was found between gender and customer category and offence commission (ꭕ 2 (1) =11.872; p < 0.001. The four predictors tend to have a surface influence on tax revenue collection performance as the p values were more than the α value of 0.05. Based on the study’s findings, it has been demonstrated that there exists no significant relationship between the four predictor variables and revenue collection preference. However, qualitative data points to the occurrence of corruption, fraud, and tax evasion. The findings point to the fact that the revenue authority at Chirundu Border Post may benefit from information technology, support services and an improved number and quality of human resources
Parental satisfaction with quality of neonatal care services provided at Kamuzu Central hospital, Ethel Mutharika nursery unit, in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Neonatal Nursing.Parental satisfaction with neonatal care is a crucial indicator of the quality of neonatal care standards. Satisfied parents comply with treatment and help reduce readmission and neonatal mortality. This study aimed to determine levels and factors associated with parental satisfaction at the Kamuzu Central Hospital, Ethel Mutharika Nursery Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi. An institutionbased cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 systematically selected parents who had neonates admitted for at least 48 hours. The satisfaction was measured using an adopted EMPATHIC-N questionnaire which was translated to a local language (Chichewa) and pre-testing of the instruments was done. The collected data was exported and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were done. Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact test were used to identify factors associated with satisfaction. Finally, Multiple Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the associations and Spearman Rank assessed the correlations. All statistical tests were set at 5% significance level. The research results indicates an overall parental satisfaction of 68%. The highest satisfaction was reported in the care and treatment domain 99.2%, lowest score in information domain 88.8%, parental participation and professional attitude domains both had 98.8% and organization had 98.4%. Tribe, health condition of neonate and admission ward were factors associated with parental satisfaction with neonatal care. Chewa Tribe, income below poverty line and admission in separated ward were important in predicting parental satisfaction. In conclusion, parental satisfaction with neonatal care services was recorded at 68%, reflecting a moderate level of contentment. Based on the findings, there is need to enhance communication, cultural sensitive care, equality and overall parental satisfaction levels in the neonatal unit.
Key words: Parents satisfaction, neonatal care, quality care, family centered care
Challenges faced in teaching science to pupils with visual impairment : a case study of Phatlogo primary school in Francistown, Botswana.
Full text linkThesisThis study examined the challenges and methods associated with teaching science to visually impaired learner. The objectives of this study were to establish the methods used in teaching science to the visually impaired pupils for the completion of the science school curriculum, identify
challenges teachers face when teaching science to learners with visual impairment aswell as determine solutions to the challenges faced by teachers when teaching science to visually impaired learners. The study was qualitative in nature and used a case study design. The research involved 22 teachers and 6 visually impaired learners from grades 5 and 6. Purposive sampling was used to select teachers of visually impaired learners. Data from the teachers was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews and observations. The data was analysed thematically which involved coding and catergorazing data to generate themes which were descriptively presented. The themes are supported by direct quotations from participants. To maintain anonymity, participants were identified using codes. The major indentified grouped in to themes identified include classroom size/ workloads, material resources, attitudes of learners, teaching methods, curriculum adaptation, professional development, teaching strategies, school support system, strategies for a more inclusive science education. Teachers reported that large class sizes hinder personalized support for visually impaired learners, while the scarcity of specialized materials limits hands-on learning experiences. Negative learner attitudes towards science, exacerbated by a lack of inclusive teaching methods, further challenge educational outcomes. The study underscores the need for better resource allocation, teacher training in inclusive strategies, and development of adaptive materials to improve science education for visually impaired learners
An investigation into the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning mathematics at the primary school level in selected schools of Pemba district, Southern province.
No full textThesisThe study investigated the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of primary Mathematics in selected schools of Pemba District, Southern Province. Guided by the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, the study aimed to identify available ICT teaching and learning materials for Mathematics, examine how ICTs are utilized in Mathematics instruction, and investigate challenges teachers face in integrating ICT into Mathematics teaching. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, including one District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) representative, eight administrators (Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, or Senior Teachers), and 24 Mathematics teachers. Data collection methods included interview
guides, one-on-one questionnaires, and lesson observations (8 lessons). Findings revealed that ICT integration in Mathematics instruction was limited due to the low availability of ICT teaching and learning materials. Apart from Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) radios and Let’s Read tablets, schools had inadequate technological resources. Additionally, poor technical and physical infrastructure further constrained ICT adoption. While teachers demonstrated strong Content Knowledge (CK) and Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), their Technological Knowledge (TK) and
Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) were insufficient, hindering effective ICT
integration in Mathematics teaching. The study recommends that the Ministry of
Education should provide continuous professional development training for teachers
on ICT integration in Mathematics instruction. Additionally, the government and
stakeholders should invest in equipping schools with essential ICT tools such as
interactive boards, Mathematics-related educational games, and software applications
tailored to Mathematics content. Moreover, sustained technical support and
infrastructure maintenance should be prioritized to enhance ICT use in Mathematics
education
Dynamics of delayed salary payments in Zambian local authorities: a case of Lusaka City council.
Full text linkArticleThis study investigated the causes, repercussions, and potential solutions to delayed salary payments in local authorities in Zambia, focusing on the Lusaka City Council. The Systems Theory was used to analyze the delayed payment of salaries in local authorities. Employing a descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 81 randomly selected employees using interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 25, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis with NVivo. The findings revealed that 74% of employees experienced salary delays, with a statistically significant association between educational level and salary delays (p-value=0.001). Notably, 50% of diploma holders and 75% of bachelor's degree holders reported delays. The primary causes identified included poor financial management,
inadequate funding, and inefficient revenue collection, alongside corruption and political interference. The study highlighted the emotional toll of delayed payments, with 96.3% of respondents facing financial difficulties, leading to stress, reduced work performance, and increased absenteeism. To address these issues, the study recommends enhancing revenue collection strategies, transitioning to electronic systems, and implementing robust financial controls. The findings provide contextually specific evidence that can inform policies aimed at improving salary
disbursements in local authorities, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and organizational effectiveness
Challenges in the implementation of quality assurance mechanisms at the university of Zambia.
Full text linkArticle in Journal of Innovations in Teaching and Learning, 2025, Vol. 5, No. 1, 68-76The study examined the implementation challenges faced by both academic and administrative staff of quality assurance mechanisms at the University of Zambia. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design, collecting quantitative data through questionnaires from 89 academic staff and qualitative data through interviews with 10 administrative staff and 5 Quality Assurance Directorate personnel and 5 students in leadership. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that resource constraints emerged as the predominant implementation challenge (84.27%). Qualitative findings revealed improved role clarity and streamlined processes attributed to quality systems, but severe understaffing and infrastructure limitations hindered implementation. Based on these findings, the study recommends implementing a tiered quality assurance training framework and establishing a decentralized quality assurance support structure with designated officers in each school.
Keywords: Quality Assurance, Higher Education, Staff Perceptions, Academic Performance, Institutional Effectivenes