Institute of Distance Education

Permanent URI for this collection

http://41.63.25.24:4000/handle/123456789/4936

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 586
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Strategies of improving the performance of girls in mathematics at secondary school : a case study of selected schools in Lusaka district.
    (The University of Zambia, 2023) Mulenga, Nicholas
    In Zambia it has generally accepted that good performance in mathematics has become a prerequisite for one entry into tertiary education regardless of one’s sex. In a bid to find themselves places in colleges and universities, many more girls are victim of rejection because of poor grades in mathematics compared to boys. The study looks on strategies of improving the performance of girls in Mathematics at secondary school. The study adopts a Descriptive design Approach, which will employ research methods, questionnaires and interviews. The target population comprised learners, mathematics teachers, Head of Department and School managers at secondary level. Probability sampling techniques were used to select pupils and teachers from Secondary School A. The total study sample was 50. Two instruments were used for data collection in the study: the questionnaire and interviews. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed on an on-going process as themes and sub-themes that emerged through thematic analysis. The findings showed that quality of instruction, teacher motivation, teacher qualification, learners’ attitude, low parental involvement had bearing on girls’ poor academic performance in mathematics. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, the barriers to improving learning outcomes in Zambia are many and cut across both the demand and supply side, and interact across the school, district, provincial and national levels. The study recommended that parents should get involved in pupil’s education in order to help monitor children’s performance through homework as well as monitoring the time spent on social media and other vices. With regard to parental support to girls ‘mathematics education, the study established that many parents believe that girls were poor performers in mathematics hence they do not help them. With regard to girls ‘attitude towards Mathematics, the study established that most girls in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district had negative attitude towards mathematics. In order to improve teaching and learning practices secondary school, the study recommends that the school management sensitize mathematics teachers not to be gender biased in their lessons by involving both boys and girls equally in mathematics lessons. Secondary School mathematics teachers need to present to girls’ scientific theories that suggest that mathematics performance is the result of experience and not genetics as well as guidance teachers ‘need to work in collaboration with teachers of mathematics and the school head teacher in secondary schools must provide girls with many efficacy-building experiences in mathematics.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An investigation of the adequacy of control measures in combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka district.
    (The University of Zambia, 2023) Mubita, Nyambe Gabriel
    The purpose of the study was to investigate the adequacy of control measures in combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka District. The three specific objectives of the study were (1) to determine the types of control measures employed in combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka District (2) to establish the extent of implementing control measures of combatting mobile money fraud in Lusaka District and (3) to establish policy best practices in combating mobile money fraud in Lusaka District. The study drew a sample size of 271 using mixed sampling methods of purposive and simple random. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed research design and data was collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Data obtained were analysed using correlation and multivariate regression analysis with the help of SPSS (Version 27). In addition, content and thematic analysis was used to derive meanings from the qualitative data. The findings of the study were: the types of the control measures in the fight against mobile money fraud include sensitization of both the users and the agents, apprehension and prosecution of the offenders, enhancement of mobile money security through the adoption of appropriate technologies among others. It was also found that majority (145; 54%, N=271) of the users do not even implement the control measures that are recommended for them. On the issue of policies and laws, most of the respondents were not aware about them, and could therefore, not comment much on their efficacy. A Cronbach alpha test was carried out to test the reliability of the research outcomes for internal consistency. The Cronbach alpha produced a reliable measure of .744 which is a moderate indicator and the standardized items of 0.757. One of the recommendation of the study is that the various stake holder organizations such as ZICTA, MNOs and Law Enforcement Agencies should intensify their sensitisation programs and even conduct joint campaigns on how the users of mobile money services could protect themselves from the fraudsters.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An evaluation of online digital platform in facilitating recruitment in non-governmental organisation in Lusaka :a case of john snow health Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2023) Zulu, Nkhumbukila
    This study evaluated the efficacy of online digital platforms in facilitating recruitment within a non governmental organization (NGO) in Lusaka, focusing on John Snow Health Zambia (JSH-Z). Through a qualitative approach aligned with interpretivist principles, 92 JSH-Z employees were surveyed to assess awareness levels, explore existing policies, and identify challenges related to online recruitment. The findings revealed a significant level of staff awareness regarding the online recruitment platforms utilized by JSH-Z, indicating effective communication and training initiatives. However, perceptions of policy effectiveness varied among respondents, suggesting areas for improvement and implementation challenges. The study recommends future longitudinal research to track the evolution of online recruitment practices at JSH-Z and comparative analyses with similar NGOs to identify best practices and areas for enhancement. This study contributes to the understanding of recruitment effectiveness, particularly within the context of NGOs, and highlights the importance of continual evaluation and improvement in utilizing online platforms for talent acquisition.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    To investigate the significance of staff development and training programs on employee performance : a case of ab bank Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2024) Sichilongo, Kwenga Emmanuel
    This dissertation investigated the efficacy of staff development policies and programs at AB Bank Zambia and their impact on employee performance and customer satisfaction. A total of 45 managers, supervisors, and HR personnel were interviewed, resulting in a 100% response rate. Through structured surveys and analysis, the study addressed key questions including the identification of training needs across staff cadres, the availability and adequacy of training programs, and their influence on organizational performance. The demographic analysis revealed a diverse workforce, predominantly consisting of mid-level management with varying educational backgrounds and experience levels. Findings suggested that staff predominantly identified training needs through discussions and performance appraisals, emphasizing the importance of personalized development strategies. The study underscored the significance of ongoing training, particularly in areas such as ICT, to adapt to evolving industry demands. Results highlighted a positive correlation between training programs and improved staff performance, with a majority indicating noticeable changes post-training. Recommendations included increased budgetary allocation for staff development, continuous training for all staff levels, and the establishment of clear policy guidelines for program implementation. Overall, the study emphasized the critical role of staff development in enhancing organizational effectiveness and suggested avenues for future research and improvement in this domain.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of VCT in preventing HIV among female youths in selected parts of Luwingu district, Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2021) Satyele, Getrude
    The main purpose of the study was is to examine the role of VCT in the Prevention of HIV among Female Youths in Selected Parts of Luwingu District. The study employed a qualitative approach particularly a descriptive case study design to collect and analysed data. The study objectives were: to find out the attitudes of female youths towards VCT uptake in selected parts of Luwingu district, to establish the benefits of VCT in the prevention of HIV among female youths in selected parts of Luwingu district, to ascertain the challenges that affect the role of female youths in the uptake of VCT in selected parts of Luwingu district and to suggest the possible measures to address the challenges affecting the role of VCT in the prevention of HIV among female youths in selected parts of Luwingu district. The study involved 30 respondents from selected parts of Luwingu the data were collected through unstructured interviews, and focused group discussion and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The result of the study shows that, VCT plays a significant role in preventing people from HIV in that when one knows his/her status, they can be able to make informed decision about their future. The study revealed that if VCT were well managed, accessible and conducive more youths can be tested counselled and know their results. It is likely that this would reduce stigma and fear attached to HIV and lead to more open approach to HIV and VCT related services. Among others, the study identified inadequate and conducive of VCT Centers or testing rooms, stigma, confidentiality and fear as major challenges affecting the accessibility to VCT Centers. Therefore measures are needed to improve on quality of VCT and primary health care generally for youths, paying specific attention to improve confidentiality of HIV status of clients.