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This service, being maintained by the University Library, increases the visibility of UNZA's research; help reach a worldwide audience through exposure to search engines such as Google and begins the process of digitally preserving the University's intellectual output.

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The role of venture capital funding on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka, Zambia: a case study.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Ketani, Sitwala H.
This Study aimed to investigate the role of venture capital funding in the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka, Zambia. SMEs play a vital role in the economic development of many countries, including Zambia. However, access to financing remains a significant challenge for SMEs, particularly in the early stages of their development. Venture capital funding has been identified as a potential solution to this problem, as it can provide the necessary capital and expertise to help start-up SMEs grow and succeed. Despite the potential benefits that venture capital can offer to SMEs, there is a gap in understanding the specific mechanisms through which venture capital funding influences the growth trajectory and overall performance of these enterprises. Additionally, the contextual factors that may either facilitate or hinder the positive impact of venture capital on SMEs are not thoroughly explored. The study was underpinned by the economic theory of the entrepreneur under the theoretical framework. This theory emphasises the role of the entrepreneur in driving innovation, fostering economic growth, dynamism, and job creation. The research employed a mixed study design with data collection conducted through questionnaires that achieved a 100% response rate from the 102-sample size. A purposive sampling method was employed to select managers and owners of SMEs. Analysis of the findings, utilizing Excel, pie charts, mean and standard deviation indicate a positive influence of venture capital funding on SME performance in Lusaka. Furthermore, a positive relationship was identified between venture capital funding and other financial sources for SMEs, with financial management skills demonstrating a favourable impact on SME performance. The identified challenges encompassed limited access to venture capital firms, awareness issues, scalability concerns, regulatory and legal hurdles, challenges in market size assessment, and varying valuations by start-ups and venture capitalists. Recommendations include the development of growth-centric business plans, utilising venture capital funding to enhance investor confidence, investment in financial management training, especially for start-ups, and implementing initiatives to increase awareness of the benefits of venture capital funding in supporting SMEs.
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Capital structures, and savings and credit cooperative organizations - developing a growth model for Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Milambo, Fidelity
Globally, countries are paying attention to the potential of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) as one form of enterprise with a meaningful impact on the economic empowerment of their citizens. Despite SACCOs recording growth in various countries, the growth of SACCOs in Zambia driven by Capital Structure (CS) remains largely under-researched. The main objective of this study was to develop a SACCO Growth Model underpinned by CS. The study area was Lusaka Province. Data were collected from the target population of 59 active SACCOs that had audited financial statements for the period 2017 - 2021. The study was a mixed method, and adopted a multi-paradigmatic position. Epistemologically, the research was objectivist and positivist in paradigm. Ontologically, the study adopted a realist and parmenidean approach. Structured interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to collect data. Qualitative textual data was analysed manually using hierarchical coding frames. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 was used to analyse Quantitative panel data. The results under objective one established growth patterns of increases in capital reserves by 54.5 percent, assets increased by 25.0 percent, membership increased by 149.5 percent; number of employees increased by 31.3 percent; member savings increased by 63.7 percent; retained earnings increased by 33 percent; equity financing increased by 5.0 percent; employee competency increased by 61.9 percent, and 50.0 percent of SACCOs reported increase in dividends. Under objective two, key determinants of SACCOs’ CS at 97.6 percent was through savings, while 78.6 percent attribute profitability as a key determinant. The impact of CS on SACCO growth under Objective 3 revealed that for every 1 percent increase in savings, share capital, and retained earnings, the growth index increases by 0.17/100, 0.09/100, and 0.00/100, respectively, statistically significant (p value <0.05). A computerized SACCO growth model was developed under objective 4, which revealed that CS was a strong contributor to SACCO growth. The model was validated for usefulness and functionality with select 9 SACCOs. Seamlessly combining results from both methods in building a model was a challenge. The study recommended inclusion of CSs in SACCOs’ bye-laws, revision of the Cooperative Act of 1998 to prescribe how capital structure should be raised, and a further study on optimal CS mix for SACCOs growth.
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An assessment of the implementation of corporate governance values in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2022) Hanjalika, Nchimunya
The overall objective of this study was to assess the implementation of corporate governance values in network NGOs in Zambia. It was principally based on three (3) specific objectives and these were: 1) To evaluate the implementation process of corporate governance values in NGOs; 2) To establish the corporate governance values being implemented in NGOs; and 3) To determine the extent to which corporate governance values have been implemented in network NGOs. The study adopted a concurrent mixed approach using descriptive research design through which involving both qualitative and quantitative data collected using interview temples and questionnaires. The sample size of 46 respondents was used from which the heads of departments were picked using purposive while subordinate staffs were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Analysis and interpretation of qualitative data was done using thematic analysis whereas Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20, and Microsoft Excel applied on quantitative data analysis in which Chi-square test to determine the relationship between variables was used. Findings from the study revealed that several processes were used in implementing corporate governance values in NGOs in Zambia. However, most of the organisations implemented corporate governance values through established policies and guidelines that existed at the time of the study. Among the corporate governance values implemented included financial reporting, transparency, and accountability, board existence with proper stipulated term of office. They also ensured good board culture, and safeguarding the environment and work place, adherence to professionalism and engaging participation of various stakeholders in the operations of the organisation. These stakeholders included funders, directors, employees and the community members from which the projects were implemented. Further, the NGOs upheld such corporate values as moral integrity and commitment in running of their affairs. In determining the extent to which corporate governance values have been implemented in network NGOs, it was found from the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test that board size, financial reporting, transparency, and accountability as well as board culture positively influenced the implementation of cooperate government in NGOs to a higher extent, whereas board size to a lower extent. To this effect it was recommended that the organisations must consider reviewing the laid down regulatory framework or policies and rules often to amend the ones not functioning to enhance the process of implementing corporate governance values. The Non-Governmental Organizations should put in place a governance framework that stipulates clear guidance to the function of the organization governance body. They need to consider putting in robust systems for recruitment of qualified board members and further enhance communication and information flow among the board, management, staff, donors and other key stakeholders to enhance the implementation of corporate governance values. Key Words: Corporate governance
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An assessment of the level of adoption and challenges of e-payslips in the civil service: case study of Livingstone district health office.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Bwalya, Chikoyi Chileshe
In the realm of modern governance, the adoption of technology stands as a pivotal endeavour to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and promote efficiency. This study delves into the realm of electronic payslips (e-payslips) adoption within the health sector, focusing its lens on the Livingstone District Health Office in Zambia. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, this research endeavours to unearth the multifaceted factors influencing the embrace of epayslips and to present an intricate framework that facilitates their increased adoption. Leveraging a rigorous quantitative survey methodology, the study extracts insights from a well-crafted sample comprising 100 respondents—a cross-section of the health workforce. The regression analysis reaffirmed the substantial influence of Performance expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions on Behavioural Intention towards e-pay slip adoption (R Square = .912). Each predictor variable exhibited a significant positive relationship with BI (p < .001), emphasizing their pivotal roles in shaping behavioural intention towards e-pay slip adoption among health workers. The findings resonate with striking implications, underlining the pivotal role of user perception, tangible benefits, operational simplicity, and external encouragement in steering the adoption trajectory. The proposed framework, a culmination of these empirical discoveries, paints a holistic canvas for action. This canvas embraces tailored awareness initiatives, intuitive user interfaces, influential endorsements, provisions for essential resources, an unwavering support network, seamless integration with existing systems, and adept change management. Each stroke on this canvas harmoniously aligns with the research participants' voices and resonates with the theoretical underpinnings. As the dawn of digital governance continues to rise, this study is more than a mere exploration, it is a torchbearer illuminating the path toward a technologically empowered healthcare ecosystem. The insights derived from the study not only extend the discourse on e-governance but also offer pragmatic directions to stakeholders, policymakers, and administrators who endeavour to orchestrate a symphony of transformation through e-payslip adoption. In a world of incessant change, this research bridges empirical wisdom with theoretical constructs, paving the way for a more streamlined and efficient healthcare landscape.
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Assessing the implementation of e-learning management systems at the university of Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Sililo, Jackson M.
E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serves as an avenue for the creation, storing and sharing of knowledge among members of the university communities. The adoption of elearning management systems by higher education institutions in Zambia has continued to observe poor strides due to high costs in the using and maintaining of e-learning systems, cost of equipment and staff to maintain the products. The main objective of this research was to assess the implementation of e-learning management systems in higher learning institutions in Zambia: A case study of the University of Zambia. To explore the challenges faced by The University of Zambia in adoption of e-learning management systems. The data analysis of this research however, revealed that about 50% of the lecturers remained neutral with only 41% agreeing that the elearning platform was convenient for their studies. A larger proportion of the students was also neutral (67.28%), with a cumulative total of only 29% agreeing that it was convenient for all their academic work. This therefore means that there was no overwhelming evidence to show that elearning platform was convenient for lecturers ‘studies and students ‘academic work. These findings confirm the importance of the expected consequences of using e-learning, suggesting that training programs and organizational policies could be instituted to enhance or modify these expectations as proposed by Thompson, Higgins and Howell (1991).