Engineering

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A review of the successes and challenges of coordination and collaboration in the implementation of e-government programmes: a case of Zambia.
(The University of Zambia., 2021) Chilembo, Zondi
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have significantly changed the way citizens interact across society and how governments operate and deliver services to its citizenry. The concept of e-Government has brought about efficiency and transparency in service delivery by working towards ensuring inter-government coordination and collaboration are attained in the context of New Public Administration. Developing countries, Zambia inclusive, have undergone widespread deployment of e-Government initiatives, but experienced high failure rates because some projects never got implemented. In some cases, projects were abandoned immediately after implementation or never achieved the intended outcomes requirements. One of the major challenges encountered in implementation of e-Government is coordination and collaboration among government agencies due to barriers associated with sharing information and integration across their traditional organisational boundaries, with preference to working in silos resulting in duplication and over investment in implementation. The objective of this study was to review the successes and challenges of coordination and collaboration in the implementation of e-Government programmes – A case of Zambia. The summary of the research findings shows that Zambia has adopted an administrative model for institutional coordination. However, the structure of this model has drawbacks and the study proposes a structural design for e-Government institutional coordination to better coordinate and collaborate e-Government programmes. 75% of the respondent indicated that Zambia does not have an interoperability framework in place while 25% indicated its availability thereby making it difficult for systems to integrate in the absence of standards. Secondary data reviewed in this study shows that Zambia scored 0.2588 in 2020 compared to 0.4792 in 2018 on the Online Service Index, which was far below the global average of 0.5620 and a regional (Africa) average of 0.3704. The study looked at e-Government coordination models, inter-agency collaboration among government agencies in the context of e-services and how other countries have successfully implemented e-Government programmes in a coordinated manner using institutional coordination models In Zambia, several researchers and scholars have reviewed e-Government implementation. However, there has been no study that has sought to review the role of coordination and inter-agency collaboration in implementing e-Government programmes in Zambia. This study therefore was intended to fill that knowledge gap. The results of this study will inform policy makers, ICT heads, and academia to come up with policies, strategies and legislative interventions as well as provoke research that will make e-Government coordination and collaboration of government agencies more effective, efficient, and transparent.
A study of conceptual data modelling in the era of big data: a case of Zambia.
(University of Zambia, 2019) Kaputula, Listone
The way data is collected and stored has evolved over time due to various developments which have led to advancements in database technologies. Few decades ago, only structured data were stored, however, with the increase in the business demand for data in this competitive global market, developments in new technologies for storing data has exponentially emerged. This has resulted in unstructured data also being accommodated in the databases. These new technologies have, however, come with challenges on how unstructured data can be modelled before it is stored. This research project dealt with the study of the conceptual data modelling applied in the era of digital world especially when storing data in NoSQL databases. The researcher, further explores the use of non-relational databases (type of databases which is developed to handle unstructured data) in the selected industries from public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zambia. The study was conducted to have feasible approach for conceptual data modelling that can help to mitigate the challenges of conceptual data modelling for non-relational databases. From the study, indication shows that most research works are on transforming conceptual data models for relational database to a particular logical or physical model of a non-relational database. Further, the study shows that most local organisations use relational databases and have limited or no knowledge on NoSQL databases. The results show lack of skills to create conceptual schema for non-relational database was a hindrance to Big Data implementation. This is attributed to insufficient knowledge about Big Data. The findings in this study reveals that local firms and organisations are yet to start implementing non-relational databases for data storage. It also showed that the use of Big Data is still at infancy stage. The results obtain in this study were used to create a proposed approach for conceptual data modelling that can be used in NoSQL databases. Key words: Big Data, Conceptual data modelling, Database, Dataset, NoSQL
Accessing applications from multiple file servers in a novell Computer Network
(2011-07-14) Isaac, John Sherrin
This research focused on solving the problems of application access from multiple file servers in a Novell network that caters for a large user community. The application access technique discussed in this dissertation is a step towards creating a computer network system, called a Virtual Machine (VM), with the following characteristics: it is simple to implement, scalable, easy to manage, transparent to the user and suitable for the conditions prevailing in a university-type environment. The VM has some of the features of a distributed system, but is not as complex and is built around a very popular commercial network operating system called NetWare.This dissertation presents the motivation, requirements, design considerations and performance of the developed VM.
Adaptaption of the sustainable building rating system to Zambian context.
(The University of Zambia, 2022) Zulu, Anderson
Despite playing a key role in most economies, building construction contributes significantly to climate change. Buildings consume energy, water, and raw materials, generate waste, and emit potentially hazardous air emissions during the course of their lives. These facts have prompted the creation of green building standards, certifications, and sustainable rating systems aimed at reducing the direct and indirect social and environmental impacts of buildings through sustainable design. While some developed countries have embraced and promoted these rating systems, developing countries such as Zambia have yet to do so. Therefore, this research sought to identify sustainable building rating system (SBRS) that is well suited to the Zambian setting and adapt that system to Zambian Context. The methodology adopted was a mixed method employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with data collected through semi-structured interviews as well as an observation checklist. The respondents considered for this study a total of seventeen respondents purposively sampled from seven green rated buildings across Africa, these included designers, facilities managers, and contractors. The findings revealed that though there are hundreds of sustainable building rating systems, the Green Star South Africa (Green Star SA) rating system would best respond to the Zambian environment because Green Star SA was influenced by the most popular rating systems. Further, Green Star SA is provided by Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) which already have structures for adaptation by African countries. The study, therefore, recommends that the Zambia Green Building Association (ZGBA) to collaborate with GBCSA and submit a local context report for review and approval by GBCSA as a prerequisite for the establishment of Green Star Zambia.
An integrated approach to sustainable urban infrastructure develiopment in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2020) Musanda, Chilando Exter
The ‘integration’ of infrastructure development has become a global focal point because it forms a backbone for economic growth, enables more productive urban spaces and improves the quality of urban life by optimizing interactions among essential infrastructure. Infrastructure systems differ greatly across regions, states, nations and continents. However, it is not clear how this integration of urban infrastructure development can be achieved to address the rising challenges of urbanization in Zambia. In attempting to meet current and future infrastructure needs of a growing population in urban cities of Zambia, this study was aimed at establishing a framework which could enhance the integrated planning, delivery and management of critical urban infrastructure; roads, railways, telecommunication, electricity, water and sewerage. Using literature review, structured interviews and questionnaire surveys to collect data, the results of the study established key ingredients, processes and methods thatcould enhance urban infrastructure planning, delivery and management. The results reviewed that integrated approach to urban infrastructure development has great potential to improve service delivery of sustainable urban infrastructure. Furthermore, there was 75% agreement among respondents regarding the ranking of ingredients for integrated urban infrastructure development in Zambia. In addition, a conceptual framework that attempts to integrate organizational infrastructure planning, delivery and management was proposed. The conceptual framework developed in this study could be used to improve urban infrastructure development systems in Zambia, thereby accelerating the attainment of economic, social and environmental goals. Appropriate policy support and technical practices focused on improving infrastructure development outcomes at the national and urban level have been recommended.
An investigation into cyber security threats posed by insiders: a case of public organisations.
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Chinyemba, Melissa Kaemby
Insider attacks are the most hazardous threats faced by most organisations today and is an overwhelming task to deter, because employees require legitimate access privileges to organisational resources for their daily tasks. If they misuse this trust accidentally or intentionally, it can compromise data security, thereby, negatively impacting the corporations’ reputation and revenue. Most Zambian public organisations have continuously been caught unaware on how their confidential information has ended up in the public domain. This is because most of these organisations have neither adopted nor fully implemented any of the security standards or frameworks such as Control Objective for Information and related Technology (COBIT) and or International Standards Organisation (ISO) 27000. The study established a theoretical model from ISO 27001 controls literature that analysed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Cyber gaps for organisational cyber readiness. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study established the types of vulnerabilities that can be exploited by insiders and evaluated the effectiveness of the current controls in public organisations. Further, the study carried out a gap analysis using ISO 27001:2013 to understand the security gaps that relates to insiders so as to be able to propose an insider threats mitigating model with a core focus on user awareness and access control. The approach to this study was both quantitative and qualitative research. Questionnaires and interviews were used as an assessment tool for empirical study. The targeted population was the ICT/Cybersecurity Stake holders in public organisations that included; Executive Management, ICT/Cyber Security, ICT, Human Resources (HR), Legal, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Internal Audits staffs, applying a convenient sampling method for participant identification. Microsoft-excel and SPSS were used for statistical analysis. All the three objectives of this study were achieved. The findings showed that, out of a total of eight public organisations under study only 25% had adopted international security standards and frameworks though partially implemented. The other 25% have adopted some security base practices while 50% have no security measures in place. The findings also revealed that most public organisations lack key ICT/Cyber Security policies and procedures. Additionally, the current controls are not effective enough to deter cyber security threats by insiders from exploiting their employers. Further, the findings yielded a useful model for mitigation of insider Cyber Security threats and highlighted relationships between management involvement, organisational Cyber Security values and the Cyber Security culture in public organisations. The significance of this study is to enforce cyber readiness in public organisations with an aim of enhancing insider data security mechanisms through the use of user awareness, access control, underground screening and Non-disclosure agreements (NDA).
An investigation into the effects of procurement methods on project delivery in the Zambian road sector.
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Silwimba, Sundie
The European Union (EU) notes that the construction industry is overwhelmed with various procurement methods and as such, it is very difficult to check irregularities and checks for compliance. The construction industry further faces challenges in coming up with a suiTable method of procuring and delivering projects. In the Zambian Road Sector (ZRS). There are various procurement methods being used but the common ones are traditional project delivery method and design and building methods. There is no consistency in the procurement method used to determine the successful or failure of project. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of procurement methods on project delivery in the ZRS. The methodology employed was a mixed design approach which was tailored on achieving the specific objectives: to review the prevailing procurement guidelines; examine the performance of past projects from 2011 to date; to determine the critical procurement factors; investigate the relationship between procurement factors successful project delivery; and establish the appropriate procurement method in the project delivery in the ZRS. A mixed method Research design in which knowledge claims based on pragmatic grounds as consequence-oriented, problem-centered and pluralistic approaches was used. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study used seventy (70) respondents who were of Civil Engineering background and experts in procurement and road construction project management in the ZRS. This was deduced from a population size of 195 technical staff employed in key implementing departments. The findings revealed that fifty-seven (57) percent of the ZRS is governed by the Zambia Public Procurement Authority’s Public Regulations and guidelines, Act of 2008. The other procurement guidelines which are also used in the ZRS are World Bank procurement guidelines for loans and borrowers and the European Union (EU) procurement guidelines. On the other hand, the results showed that critical procurement factors that affect project delivery were; release of project funds (87 percent), procurement guidelines (30 percent), project procurement management training (26 percent), working capital (23 percent) and presence of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) unit (23 percent). In addition, the sector is also affected by the factor of frequent bribery and corruption which has been verified by Zambia Bribery Payers Index Survey Report of 2017, to be at 8.1 percent. It was found that there was no major relationship between the performance of past projects and the procurement methods used. To the contrary it was established that there was a strong relationship between the procurement factors and the project delivery methods used in the ZRS. It is therefore recommended that the Employer should ensure that project funds are released on time for road projects to be successfully implemented in the ZRS industry as well as embracing best global procurement methods, regulation guidelines and project delivery methods. The research question have been successfully met. The study was vital in the sense that it highlighted on the needs for effective and efficient procurement processes that may lead to cheaper delivery of quality road infrastructure in the ZRS. This has a number of multiplier effects to the development of the economy, for example, the country may build many roads in a short timeframe.
An investigation into the use of web based application and admission systems in public and private universities in Lusaka province.
(The University of Zambia, 2021) Mvula, Lois
The study aimed at investigating the use of Web Based Application and Admission Systems in Public and Private Universities of Lusaka Province. The study objectives were to explore types of Application and Admissions processes systems used in public and private universities in Lusaka Province, examine challenges faced on the adoption of Web Based Application and Admissions systems and establish measures put in place by universities to drive the adoption of Web Based Application and Admissions systems in public and private universities. A mixed methods approach was used and an exploratory design was used for the study. The population for this study comprised of 80 students, 4 Dean of Student Affairs, 4 Assistant Registrars, and 12 Admission officers making a total of 100 participants in the 2 private and 2 public universities in Lusaka province in Zambia. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents, the questionnaires contained both open ended and close ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data while quantitative data was analysed using Microsoft excel (Spread sheet) to generate tables of frequencies and percentages which were used in describing distributions of the variables. Findings of the study revealed that manual paper based application and admission systems were still used hence low enrolment in some public universities. Few universities used web based application as acceptance letters are still printed and physically collected by applicants, this because web based application and admission system services were not known by applicants and the stakeholders at large. As a result, the universities prefer manual paper based application and admission system. The study further revealed that it was difficult for some Public Universities to generate resources usually this is because of insufficient government funding and most of the funds were consumed by university operating costs (Internet user fees, electricity and water bills etc.). This lead to the shortage of qualified IT personnel in the universities hence creating a backlog of the admissions and application processes of the universities. If these challenges can be looked into, the universities can flourish and compete with the international private and public Universities where admission is concerned. Therefore, universities are required to invest in Internet and sever based infrastructure that can provide an Online web based application and admission to the possible applicants located geographically.
An investigation of accident prevention practices in the Zambian construction industry: a case study for Lusaka.
(The University of Zambia, 2021) Kamwale, Charity
The construction industry plays a vital role in the development of the Zambian economy. With the growth of the construction industry is a corresponding need for the maintenance and securing of health and safety in a bid to minimize and reduce accidents in the construction industry. Zambia’s overriding policy goals through the Ministry of labor and social security, Occupational Safety and Health Services Department, is to promote and enforce occupational health and safety standards at place of work to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Despite the policy in place, the construction sector is still considered to be one of the most hazardous sectors. The aim of this study is to develop a framework that ensures the effective application of accident prevention practices in the Zambian construction industry. The study also targets to identify the accident prevention practices and mechanisms employed in Zambian construction industry and to establish the extent to which they are applied. The study adopted the mixed method approach in which both semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaire were adopted for primary data collection. Interviewees and respondents to the questionnaires were construction company stakeholders who included project engineers, site engineers, clerk of works, safety officers, project managers, artisans and general workers. The sample size for the questionnaire was 109 computed at 95% confidence level with a 5% confidence interval. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis while the analysis of quantitative data included use of descriptive statistics and One-Sample t-test. The key result of the study was the identification of accident preventive practices which included safety training and induction, provision and proper use of PPE, provision of safe and healthy working environments, safety inspections and enforcement. The study found that the accident prevention practices employed in the construction industry are to some extent adequately effective but there is need for improvement if the industry is to be deemed less hazardous. Finally, a model framework was developed to ensure the effective application of accident prevention.
An investigation of accident prevention practices in the Zambian construction industry: a case study for Lusaka.
(The University of Zambia, 2021) Kamwale, Charity
The construction industry plays a vital role in the development of the Zambian economy. With the growth of the construction industry is a corresponding need for the maintenance and securing of health and safety in a bid to minimize and reduce accidents in the construction industry. Zambia’s overriding policy goals through the Ministry of labor and social security, Occupational Safety and Health Services Department, is to promote and enforce occupational health and safety standards at place of work to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Despite the policy in place, the construction sector is still considered to be one of the most hazardous sectors. The aim of this study is to develop a framework that ensures the effective application of accident prevention practices in the Zambian construction industry. The study also targets to identify the accident prevention practices and mechanisms employed in Zambian construction industry and to establish the extent to which they are applied. The study adopted the mixed method approach in which both semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaire were adopted for primary data collection. Interviewees and respondents to the questionnaires were construction company stakeholders who included project engineers, site engineers, clerk of works, safety officers, project managers, artisans and general workers. The sample size for the questionnaire was 109 computed at 95% confidence level with a 5% confidence interval. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis while the analysis of quantitative data included use of descriptive statistics and One-Sample t-test. The key result of the study was the identification of accident preventive practices which included safety training and induction, provision and proper use of PPE, provision of safe and healthy working environments, safety inspections and enforcement. The study found that the accident prevention practices employed in the construction industry are to some extent adequately effective but there is need for improvement if the industry is to be deemed less hazardous. Finally, a model framework was developed to ensure the effective application of accident prevention.
An investigation of factors causing schedule overrun in telecommunication projects in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2017) Sibalwa, Epheso
This research aimed to investigate the causes of time overruns in telecommunication projects in Zambia. To achieve this goal a multi-mode descriptive study was adopted by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A detailed literature review was done and sixteen purposively sampled project managers and subject matter experts (SME) were interviewed to obtain expert judgement on the factors affecting time management. The thirty-four factors identified from the interviews were categorised into five generic causes using the fishbone diagram framework: Process, Management, Equipment, People and Environmental factors. A questionnaire containing thirty-four identified delay factors was distributed to the rest of the professionals from network operators, equipment vendors, contractors, telecommunication infrastructure support companies, involved in telecommunication projects with a response rate of seventy-eight percent obtained. From the results, the eight highest ranked factors were identified with the highest frequency of occurrence and impact on the schedule. Most of the interviewed experts pointed to poor planning as the main cause of project schedule overrun, affecting subsequent project phases. Based on the fishbone framework, it was found that process-related factors were the major contributors to project delays. These results highlight the need for telecommunication network operators to improve the time management processes, considering the emerging trends of outsourced model of operations.
An investigation of perceptions on the suitability of rammed earth in the construction of affordable housing units in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2023) Simbeye, Raphael
Housing is one of the basic necessities of mankind known to affect human health and well being. Since 1964, Zambia has been struggling with the provision of housing in urban areas. Zambia’s urban population rose by 52% from 5,173,450 to 7, 844,628, between 2010 to 2022. The current housing deficit is estimated at over 2,000,000 housing units compared to 860,000 units estimated in 1996. This study aimed at exploring the use of stabilised rammed earth in the construction of affordable housing units in Zambia. A mixed method approach of both qualitative and quantitative analysis was adopted, with data collected using a questionnaire as well as laboratory tests. In establishing public perception on the use of rammed earth, a total of 104 respondents were sampled. Furthermore, in assessing the properties and suitability of rammed earth for housing construction, soil samples were collected from four different locations within study area. The study revealed lack of legislation on rammed earth construction, and that the public perceptions on the use of rammed earth is mixed. Whilst there was some considerable level of agreement on its advantages mainly in terms of lower cost of construction, thermal, fire as well as moisture resistance, the respondents on the other hand were of the view that the structural strength for houses constructed with rammed earth is poor compared to ones constructed with concrete blocks. More so, that only 41.7% had knowledge on construction techniques associated with rammed earth. Furthermore, on the properties of rammed earth, the laboratory tests revealed that the cubes stabilised with 3%, 6% and 10% cement displayed increased compression strength of more than 2MPa compared to unstabilised cubes. The research therefore recommends the need for a legal framework which supports the use of stabilised rammed earth in housing construction in Zambia. This technology, if adopted, could bridge the gap in housing deficit and lead to affordable housing provision.
An investigation of sustainable building construction practices in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2023) Mtonga, Gregory Gomezga
Since the Earth Summit held in Brazil in 1992 when agenda 21 was formulated as the international blueprint for sustainable development, all sectors of society have been in the process of interpreting and pursuing sustainability and sustainable development within their specific contexts. However, the Zambian construction industry has not seen much of sustainable building construction principles being put into practice. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to: examine the current construction (building) practices in Zambia; explore the fundamental principles of sustainable construction practices; to identify the main challenges in implementing sustainable construction practices in the Zambian Construction Industry; and make recommendations for strategies that could be taken to promote sustainable construction in the Zambian Construction Industry. This study was conducted through a survey research design and made use of both qualitative and quantitative modes. A random sample of thirty-five (35) professionals and stakeholders of the 50 targeted were used for the study. The results indicated that, 14% of the respondents have excellent level of awareness on sustainable construction while 86% have a good level and the aim of achieving a sustainably built environment calls for excellence. Results on current construction practices indicate organization/firms putting more preference (37%) on the economic aspect of construction, while the professionals (51%) feel the environmental aspects should be the ones prioritised. In conclusion, the status of sustainable construction in Zambia is still in its infancy. The lack of awareness/training is among the major barriers for sustainable construction practices. Besides the need for capacities, technologies and tools, ardent commitment by all players in the construction industry including the government and the public is required to achieve sustainable construction in the Zambian Construction Sector.
An investigation of the level of security on automated teller machines (ATM) in Zambia based on payment card industry data security standard (PCI DSS).
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Kasanda, Ella Nsonta
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) have revolutionized banking in Zambia, as customers are able to conduct several banking activities without physical Interaction with bank staff. They have however brought with them challenges of cyber-crime. Banks in Zambia have suffered financial losses through ATM fraud. Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) can mitigate ATM cyber-crimes in Zambia. The objectives of this research are to investigate challenges and the level of security on ATMs in Zambia based on the PCI DSS standard, and to investigate the effect of the EMV chip and PIN card on ATM crime and finally propose a framework to address the challenges of ATM fraud in Zambia. To address the first objective, a baseline study was carried out using the twelve requirements of the PCI DSS framework. Purposive sampling was used to select Information Technology staff in charge of ATM security from eight commercial banks in Zambia and employees from two ATM vendor companies as the target population of the research. The statistical information from Bank of Zambia on the ATM frauds faced before and after the introduction of the EMV chip and PIN card was used to address the second objective. Based on the results from the first and second objectives a Framework was proposed to help reduce ATM fraud in Zambia. From the baseline study it has been established that all the eight participating banks are non-compliant to the PCI DSS Framework. The levels of compliance range from 50% to 83%. This compromises ATM security as a cyber-criminal only needs 1 non-compliance to compromise card holder data. The statistics from Bank of Zambia show that ATM fraud has continued to rise even after the introduction of the chip and PIN card. A 6 layered framework has been proposed to help banks enhance ATM security and to ensure the country is cyber-ready for emerging ATM crimes like Jackpotting. The PCI DSS is part of the security measures in the proposed framework.
Analogue self-interference cancellation in full-duplex radios
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Kabanda, Chisala
Active analogue self-interference cancellation (AASIC) techniques are used to prevent the saturation of the receiver chain in full-duplex (FD) radios. This is done by cancelling the self-interference (SI) signal before it enters the receiver chain. AASIC techniques are usually implemented together with passive and active digital self-interference cancellation (SIC) techniques. In this study, an analogue radio frequency (RF) SI canceller that cancels the SI signal before it enters the receiver chain is proposed. The canceller uses an analogue RF circuit with tuneable attenuation, delay, and phase. The analogue RF circuit is implemented together with an RF circulator. The circulator isolates the transmitter chain from the receiver chain. The proposed design aims to reduce the form factor and complexity of the canceller. The canceller is modelled and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink. The results show that the canceller cancels the SI signal. It achieves 52 dB of SIC using a 20 dBm SI test signal over a bandwidth of 20 MHz. The results also show that the canceller does not affect the signal of interest (SOI). Keywords: Full-duplex, self-interference, analogue self-interference cancellation.
An analysis of the twenty percent subcontracting policy in the Zambian construction sector: It's efficacy in developing capacities of local contractors
(University of Zambia, 2016) Phiri, Fanizani
The construction industry has been one of the fastest growing industries in Zambia from 2010 to 2014, recording an average contribution of about 9.9 percent of National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, there has been an imbalance in the distribution of works between local and foreign contractors. The foreign contractors, who account for less than 20 percent of registered contractors, have a share of over 80 percent of the works contracts. This has been attributed to inadequate financial and technical capacity among local contractors. In order to enhance the capacities and participation of local contractors in construction sector, Government of the Republic of Zambia in 2012 introduced a 20 percent mandatory subcontracting policy. However, most of the local contractors have had complaints on the operation and implementation of the policy. This study therefore aimed at reviewing and analysing the 20 percent subcontracting policy with the view of developing a framework that increases local participation and capacity. Using literature review, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire, the deficiencies and constraints in the subcontracting policy were established. Through this study, it was established that: it would be difficult to grow capacity of local contractors using the policy; policy statement only covers the road sector and was silent on the other sectors such as building and energy sectors; no measures and implementation framework on how the objectives would be achieved had been developed; and foreign contractors were not willing to build capacities of the locals as there was no incentive for doing that. Possible enhancements included: to modify and have an all-inclusive policy on subcontracting; to prepare a strategic plan on capacity building of local contractors with clearly laid out deliverables. Based on the findings, a subcontracting framework which would enhance local participation and increased capacity was developed. The framework could be used to improve the quality and capacities of local contractors.
An analysis of the use of project finance in Zambia infrastructure projects : the case of Maamba Collieries.
(The University of Zambia, 2023) Musonda, Kennedy
Project Finance has been regarded as a one-stop-shop capable of addressing the gaps in infrastructure financing of most countries. In Zambia, much has been talked about regarding the need for the country to improve its infrastructure. Stakeholders in development have realized that infrastructure is an essential driver of competitiveness which is critical for ensuring the effective functioning of any economy and the country must have basic reliable infrastructure, among others; airports, road networks, railway lines, energy generation, and transmission installations, and telecommunication infrastructure. This research analyzed the use of project finance in Zambia’s infrastructure projects using Maamba Collieries as a case study. This research adopted a qualitative approach and interviews were used as the data collection method from a total of twenty (20) key informants. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Hence, having explored the relevant body of literature, the targeted institutions included Maamba Collieries Limited as it used project finance in developing the power project, a deal described as the project finance deal of the year 2016, financial institution which was the source of long term debt financing, an investment promotion and facilitation agency, an energy regulatory body, a state energy utility company, and a unit responsible for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as they all represent government a host to project finance deals. The research findings sufficiently supported the use of project finance to close Zambia’s infrastructure gap. The experts who were interviewed had no doubt that project finance is an appropriate financing model to develop the country’s infrastructure. The growth of project finance in Zambia is constrained by factors such as; the lack of financial resources dedicated to PPP projects, unclear guidelines and regulations to both authorities and the private sector, as well as inadequate expertise in areas such as economics, law and finance in the government departments Nevertheless, the findings of this research also revealed that the cornerstone of the success and continued use of project finance depends on political will and policy consistency. KEYWORDS: Project Finance; Special Purpose Vehicle; infrastructure; Corporate Finance; Energy
Analysis of unit rates for Roadworks in Zambia incorporating neutral network prediction and first principles estimating
(The University of Zambia, 2016) Mwiya, Balimu
Road transport is an important sector of economic activity, especially in developing countries, where it plays an essential role in marketing agricultural products and providing access to health, education and agricultural inputs and extension services. Zambia as a land locked country has been working hard to become “land linked”. The country has the potential of attracting more transit traffic and becoming a regional distribution centre for all kinds of goods and commodities. The Zambian road network is one of the country’s largest public sector assets. It is therefore essential that this vital asset is managed efficiently and effectively, invariably within a constrained budgetary situation, in support of socio‐economic growth and the development of the country. It is perceived by stakeholders that Zambia does not always get value for money in road infrastructure delivery. Industry regulators and public institutions have indicated that there was a notable trend in varying costs of construction from project to project and from one public institution to another, that it had become increasingly difficult to ascertain the true cost of projects and thereby unable to guarantee value for money. The research aimed at developing a unit cost estimation model (UCEM) for roadworks incorporating neural network (NN) to provide a standardised procedure of pricing road activities in Zambia and help understand prevailing market rates in the Zambian road sector (ZRS). The research involved establishing the base rates and determining the economic strata to form the unit rates used in the model. The base rates of the 854 pay items from the Southern Africa Transport and Communications Commission (SATCC) Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Works used in the ZRS were calculated from first principles. The economic strata involved establishing the cost factors that affect construction unit rates (CUR) in the ZRS. From reviewed literature, forty five (45) cost factors were identified. Expert opinion reduced the factors to thirty one (31). The expert opinion was obtained through the Delphi technique and Pareto analysis was used to further analyse the factors and reduce them to twenty five (25). Further information on the 25 factors was obtained through questionnaire survey. Using factor analysis the 25 factors were further reduced to eight (8). The established 8 factors namely: contractor capacity; project location; period of honouring payments; level of design; cost escalation; materials availability; country corruption profile; and political environment were identified as those that impact unit costs in the ZRS. The 8 factors were then v analysed using NN to determine the proportionate breakdown of the cost factors in a given unit rate. The UCEM incorporated quantitative base unit rates and quantified qualitative economic strata to establish the prevailing rate. The UCEM was validated using real system measurements from three (3) SADC countries and five (5) local road projects. The value of the study is to provide a standardised procedure of pricing road activities to ensure uniformity in public and private procurement practice in the ZRS. The UCEM would assist those involved with roads project estimating to calculate the Engineers’ estimate with a fairly high level of accuracy. Finally, it is hoped that the model would provide a generic acceptable rate analysis system that can be used as a basis to compare against future projects. Key words: construction unit rates, neural networks, cost factors, unit cost estimation model, Zambian road sector.
Analyzing the application of integrated project delivery for the Zambian construction industry
(The University of Zambia, 2019) Kabemba, Steve Ngoy
The construction industry is an important sector in the economies of nations and plays a key role in socio-economic growth of Zambia. Construction projects in Zambia fail to meet owner’s performance expectations. Increased cost-effectiveness and reduced waste in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects requires an examination of alternative delivery methods. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) has been used on some projects since 2007, revealing great advantages and outcomes exceeding owner’s expectation. IPD is a proven solution for a poorly structured construction industry characterized by wastage, late-delivered projects, over budget, and at a significant human cost. Yet, the exposition, understanding and application of IPD mechanism in Zambia remains absent in the construction project management, specifically in the construction practitioner’s human skills. The purpose of this paper was to examine whether IPD is the appropriate delivery method for the Zambian Construction Industry. The investigation used a mixed method through a case study analysis and a questionnaire targeting construction practitioners in the Zambian construction industry. The finding shows that the most influential driver of IPD principles is a signed agreement of the multi-party contract which gives details concerning the implementation of IPD practices such as big room concept, alignment of interest, and gain and pain sharing. It also shows that 87.4% of respondents agreed with statements coming from the IPD main contract while 12.6% either disagreed or were unsure, 69.8% were in agreement with IPD catalysts while 29.2% of respondents were unsure on the usefulness of the suggested tools to deliver project more effectively and finally 97.9% of respondents perceived that the adoption and application of IPD principles in the Zambian construction industry would help deliver efficient projects in Zambia. Hence the need for familiarize construction practitioners with IPD contractual principles. Keywords: Integrated Project Delivery, Collaboration, Delivery method, Zambian Construction Industry.
Analyzing the impact of ethical issues in e-government implementation: a case of Zambia
(The University of Zambia, 2020) Liywalii, Eddie
E-government is intended to enhance the access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens, business partners and employees while reducing corruption and costs but increasing transparency and revenue growth on the other hand. Despite the foregoing, the use of ICTs in both public and private sector, at individual and institutional levels, has brought about a spectrum of ethical challenges in our societies thereby undermining efforts made to encourage citizens adopt the use of electronic services deployed for public service. The objectives of this research were to establish what ethical issues arise in egovernment implementation especially in developing countries, in this case Zambia and the impact these ethical issues have on e-government implementation. In addition, to understand how IT systems can be designed to address the identified ethical issues that arise in egovernment. From the research, it was established that the prominent ethical issues that arise in e-government implementation are security and privacy. 44% of the respondents agree, in addition to 28% who strongly agree, that the inclusion of ethical issues in planning of e-government will contribute to the successful implementation of e-government. Only 38.5% of the respondents affirm that the current e-government policy addresses these ethical issues in e-government implementation while 30.8% disagree and another 30.8% are not sure. This study recommends that a holistic approach to the addressing of these ethical issues should be adopted by governments to avoid formulation of policies in silos. The design of such policies must precede any systems design as systems design must manifest efforts to address the ethical issues that arise in the use of the particular systems concerned using Value Sensitive Design.

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