The University of Zambia Journals
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An Investigation into the Effect of Organizational Culture on Strategy Implementation: A case of Investrust Bank of Zambia
Get PDFThe primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of organizational culture on strategy implementation with Investrust Bank being the case study. And so, to achieve this the research objectives were: to diagnose the distribution of the types of organizational culture at Investrust Bank and to propose the best culture distribution that a bank can adopt to improve strategy implementation, in this case Investrust Bank. The sequential exploratory design where the qualitative phase of data gathering and analysis is followed by the quantitative phase of data gathering and analysis was used. The researcher used a combination of stratified sampling and convenience sampling due to the mixed method research approach that will be adopted. The sample size was derived from the target population of 300 employees at Investrust Bank using the Taro Yamane formula, and 171 participants were involved in this study as per calculation. The study employed questionnaires and surveys for primary data collection and internet articles and data archives for secondary data collection. To analyze the data collected using qualitative and quantitative methods, thematic analysis and descriptive analysis were used. The study findings revealed that organizational culture does have an effect on strategy implementation in Investrust Bank Plc. However, this effect is dependent on the measure to which a particular organizational culture type is been exercised. Using Cameron & Quinn’s OCAI tool the results revealed that the distribution of in the bank was as follows: the dominant being hierarchy culture (51%), followed by market culture (31%), then adhocracy culture (9%) and lastly clan culture (9%). The study concluded that organizational culture does have an effect on strategy implementation and using the OCAI tool it was based on the measure of it in the bank which revealed that the four types of organizational culture were irregularly distributed and so the effect on strategy implementation stifled the process instead of easing the process. And the following recommendations were made: introduce a ‘strategic management’ department that will solely focus on strategy; adopting a well balanced mix of all four types of organizational culture in accordance with Cameron and Quinn’s Competing Values Framework; and ensuring that process of adopting the types of organizational cultures is done prudently without experiencing competition between dimensions; and for management to deliberately design a working environment that is aligned to the envisaged culture that encompasses all four types of organizational culture
MANTIMBWA AND MTYANGALA: MUSICAL BOWS PLAYED BY GIRLS AND WOMEN IN ZAMBIA
Get PDFIn many cultures, musical instruments are used to convey cultural and spiritual values. In Africa, the drum and other instruments played by men are dominant to a point of relegating those involving women. In an attempt to contribute to the documentation on Zambian musical instruments played by girls and women, this article probes the modern contexts of two musical bows; the Mantimbwa played by the Tonga and the Mtyangala of the Chewa and Tumbuka, found in the Southern and Eastern provinces of Zambia, respectively. Data for the study was collected using interviews and participant observations. The study exposed the lack of documentation on Zambian instruments, especially chordophones and aerophones. Besides documentation, the need to record the music played on these instruments using modern technology such as on video and audio Compact Disks (CDs) was indicated. The greater picture that emerges from this study is that musical traditions in Africa are closely tied to culture. Therefore, as certain cultural traditions disappear, musical traditions that are closely tied to them eventually also disappear. There also arise nuances in the study that point to the neglect of meanings that individuals attach to the process of music making
Health Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Children as Perceived by Pregnant Women in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria
Get PDFBreastfeeding aids general health growth and development in the infant. This study examined the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the health of children as perceived by nursing mothers in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State. The objective of the study was to examine if exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality or promotes rapid growth and development in children as perceived by pregnant women in Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria.
A descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. Four hundred (400) respondents were sampled for the study. A researcher-structured questionnaire, which was validated and tested for reliability, was adopted for the study. The instrument was administered by the researchers and supported by the research assistants. The data collected for the study was analysed using the inferential statistics of chi-square was used to analyse the hypotheses postulated for this study at 0.05 alpha level.
The findings revealed that exclusive breastfeeding reduced infant mortality as perceived by pregnant women with the calc. x2 value of 881.17 is > the critical value of 16.92 at the degree of freedom of 9 @ 0.05 alpha level. Exclusive breastfeeding promotes physical growth and development in infants as perceived by pregnant women with the calc. x2 value of 856.62 is > the critical value of 16.92 at the degree of freedom of 9 @ 0.05 alpha level. Based on the findings, it was concluded that exclusive breastfeeding reduced infant mortality and promoted physical growth and development. The researchers recommended, among others, that the Primary Health Care Development Agency in Ilorin South Local Government should create specific programmes aimed at educating pregnant women about the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding. This is to decrease the rate of infant mortality in the area under study
Quick-fit Method for Assessing Quality of Fabrics used for Home-made face Masks- Lusaka Zambia
Get PDFWe report a quick, non-standard informative test method for assessing quality of fabrics intended for making facemasks. Highly efficient N95 facemasks masks are costly in Zambia (about US$ 1.20) hence need for cheap alternative facemask materials. Various materials were tested for filtration efficiency, breathability and effect of washing and ironing on these parameters. Filtration efficiency and breathability for monolayer-unwashed showed from highest to lowest; Java (98.00±1.40%,16754.7Pa/cm2), Telela (12.20±1.0%, 18.9 Pa/cm2); monolayer-washed; Cotton(200) pillow-case (87.1±0.1%,217Pa/cm2),Telela (16.5±0.1%,75.5Pa/cm2). Bilayer-unwashed; Java (99.7±0.1,25669.8Pa/cm2), Telela (59.5±3.5,47.2Pa/cm2), bilayer-washed and ironed; Java (99.7±0.1%,11603.8Pa/cm2), Telela (61.0±1.0%,113.2 Pa/cm2). The plain-inner with outer-honeycomb combination, was; grey (59.2±1.0%,150.9Pa/cm2) , black (52.8±0.8%,245.3Pa/cm2 ), yellow-khaki (99.3±0.3%, 490.6Pa/cm2 ) and stiffener (46.1±0.1%,18.9Pa/cm2). Results show that fabrics available are suitable for fabricating masks. Filtration efficiency increased while breathability remained within appreciable values compared with the reference. Washing and ironing had no significant effect on monolayers. Significance (p=0.0006) was shown when monolayer and bilayer fabrics were compared
The In vitro Biological Activity Testing of Vitex doniana Bark Extract and Virosa Root Extract Against Taenia Solium Metacestodes
No full textTaenia solium, the pork tapeworm, is a foodborne parasite of global concern affecting more than 50 million people globally with more than 80% of these being in the developing world. Infection of the brain with larval stages (metacestodes) leads to neurocysticercosis, a leading cause of epilepsy in endemic areas of the world where pig rearing is common. People in pig rearing communities rely on local herbs for their primary health care. Exploring the use of these herbs as anthelminthics will give insights into the biological activity of locally available herbs and open up avenues for more research on local herbs. The objective of this study was to determine the in-vitro anthelminthic activity of locally used anti-parasitic herbs namely Vitex doniana bark extract and Flueggea virosa root extract against T. solium metacestodes.
An experimental in-vitro study using intact T. solium metacestodes with full bladder walls was conducted to check for cysticidal activity of the locally available herbs of V. doniana bark extract and F. virosa outer root cover extract. Non-evagination of metacestodes at incubation, post-treatment was used as indicator of activity of the extract against the metacestode. Treatment with praziquantel was used as a positive control. The herbs (V. doniana and F. virosa) and drug extracts (Praziqauntel) were tested in five different concentrations.
Vitex doniana at concentration of 50µg/ml resulted in evagination of 64%, while F. virosa had 52% at the same concentration. Vitex doniana and F. virosa showed a dose dependent response, in that the higher the dose the higher the biological activity. This study showed an association between T. solium metacestodes response to V. doniana and praziquantel (Chi square = 29.63 versus tabulated value 3.84) indicating that there was an association between exposure of metacestodes to the treatment of V. doniana and Praziquantel. The same was observed with F. virosa and praziquantel (Chi square = 42.28).
Vitex doniana showed more biological activity than F. virosa, but both had at least biological activities above 50%. This shows that both herbs have potential to be anthelmintics against T. solium metacestodes, and are recommended to be explored further in animal models for activity against the adult tapeworm
The Role of Social Media in Promoting Citizen Participation in Zimbabwe's Urban Local Authorities
Get PDFSocial media is now widely used across the globe having the potential to enhance citizen participation in governance processes. Such platforms include Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp amongst others, to be interrogated in this study. The study sought to examine how these social media platforms can be used to enhance citizen participation in Zimbabwe’s urban local authorities using Bulawayo and Harare City Councils as case studies. The two local authorities have a huge footprint on social media. Theoretically, the study was informed by Arnstein’s ladder of participation to explore the use of social media in enhancing citizen participation. The researchers purposively and conveniently selected participants that included the residents, councillors and management. The researchers also reviewed and synthesised comments made on different social media accounts of the two cases. Data were analysed thematically where themes were established to deduce meaning guided by the research questions. Findings show that social media presents a huge potential if embraced to enhance citizen participation for it has a wider audience and also its ability to include young, people which is the larger population, using social media. Challenges associated with the use of social media were also established including the high cost of data in Zimbabwe. Also, these platforms do not go beyond the tokenism stage of the Arnstein ladder of Participation making them less effective. Lastly, recommendations are given on how to strengthen the use of social media in promoting citizen participation
Antimicrobial, Physicochemical, Proximate and Heavy Metal Profiles of Selected Honey Samples from two Southwestern States in Nigeria
Get PDFHoney consists of a variety of sugars, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, proteins, phenolic mixtures, and organic components, which define if it is genuine or contaminated. As a result, this work was undertaken to examine the nutritional and heavy metal properties of honeys sold in two Nigerian states in the South west. Samples of honey were taken from twenty hives in two southwestern states and tested for antimicrobial, physicochemical, proximate, and heavy metal characteristics using standard recommended procedures, while heavy metals were detected with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Zones of inhibition at 100% w/v for the test organisms are 10 – 28 mm for E. coli, 13 – 26 mm for Salmonella, 17 – 27 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, and 11 – 25 mm for Klebsiella with S. aureus being more sensitive to the honey samples. The range of pH for physicochemical is 2.51 – 3.87, Total Titratable Acidity 0.07 – 0.53 %, Acidity 1.20 – 6.77%, and the ranges for proximate analyses are 1.09 – 1.59% protein, 7.10 – 11.37% moisture, 0.33 – 0.63% Ash, 0.20 – 0.30% fat, 83.71 – 91.11% carbohydrate, and 342.95 – 371.20 kcal/g energy. There was a significant correlation recorded between protein, moisture, ash, fat, carbohydrate, and energy contents of the honey samples. All the honey samples were negative for lead, chromium, and cadmium. Copper was the only metal found, having concentration ranges of 5.0 to 25.0 mg/kg. Because the majority of the samples fulfilled the Codex Alimentarius Standard for honey, they can be taken or used therapeuticall
Factors Associated with Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance in Broiler Chickens in Selected Districts, Zambia
Get PDFA cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of Zambia. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in broiler chickens in Zambia. A total of 109 broiler farms were included in the study, of which 104 were small-scale farms, two were medium-scale, and three were commercial-scale. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered alongside the collection of cloacal swabs and litter samples to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AMR of food pathogen microorganisms on the selected broiler farms. Data collected was analysed using STATA version 12. The broiler farm-level AMR prevalence was 84.4% (n= 109). Gender, marital status, administration of drugs by veterinary personnel or the farmer and the poultry house drainage destination were among the predictors of AMR on broiler chicken farms. The high prevalence of AMR in broiler chicken farms suggests a high dependence on antimicrobials in poultry production in Zambia. In addition, socio-demographics such as gender and age, as well as farm characteristics and management practices, may primarily contribute to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study has demonstrated the association between the AMR of foodborne pathogens and the risk factors for AMR during poultry production. It is, therefore, necessary for risk management measures such as biosecurity to be put in place to target the identified AMR predictor variables. There is also a need to strengthen AMR surveillance to ensure intervention strategies are appropriate to the existing risk
The Islamic Presence in Isoka and its Appeal to Local People
No full textThis article investigated the presence of Islam in the Isoka district in Zambia and the influence the religion has had on the local people. The presence of Muslims, their religious establishment and influence on the socio-economic lives of the local community such as the Namwanga people in the Isoka Township seems not to have been written about. In the researchers’ view, this overlooked the significance of the Islamic presence in this part of the nation, depriving the scholars of religion and the concerned people of the knowledge of the existence and impact of Islam in Isoka. To explore these, the article used descriptive techniques of the qualitative strategy where an Interpretivist Research Design served as the foundation for data collection. The research drew upon a sample of 26 respondents; Semi-structured and Open- ended interview techniques were applied to obtain the required primary data. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed thematically for respondents’ perceptions of the kind of Islam being practised in Isoka and the categories of people that benefited from Islam in the area. The type of Islam present in Isoka was determined. Themes of unemployment, business opportunities, the aged, the poor and orphans, bursaries and educational sponsorships emerged from the findings as windows of opportunities that Islam utilised to make its presence in the area more appealing to the local community. It was recommended that more studies should be carried out to highlight the presence and role of Islam in Zambia and that scholars of religion should draw on the insights of the current study in their analysis of the inter religious conversion in Zambia
Cross-Country Document Analysis of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education in Zambia and Beyond
Get PDFThis research examined the incorporation of play-based learning in Early Childhood Education (ECE) policies across Zambia and twenty other diverse countries. Through document analysis, it uncovers commonalities and disparities in play-based learning principles. While both Zambian and global documents emphasise the significance of play in child development, they differ in scope, regional practices, and emphasis on global advocacy and cultural variations. Zambia’s documents highlight specific practices, while global perspectives offer a broader international view. Both stress the multifaceted benefits of play in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. In summary, the findings underscored a global consensus on the significance of play-based learning in early childhood education, emphasising its role in holistic child development. Additionally, they highlighted the imperative of recognising cultural diversity and aligning policies with child rights, particularly in the Zambian context. Furthermore, the recommendations were aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of play-based pedagogies in early childhood education. They advocated for celebrating diversity, fostering holistic development, and ensuring the availability of appropriate resources and guidelines to support this approach. These recommendations ultimately seek to enhance the quality of early childhood education in Zambia by embracing cultural diversity, promoting global collaboration, and aligning play-based pedagogies with local and international best practices