Graduate School of Business
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Now showing 1 - 5 of 183
- ItemEffect of new borehole pricing regime in the wake of groundwater regulations in Zambia.(The University of Zambia, 2023) Mkandawire, Violet V.Water is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore believed that a borehole is a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed, permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer that can give fresh water to human beings, and other uses such agriculture, aquaculture, hydropower, industries and recreation. However, the fact that many boreholes fail, or perform poorly within a short time from construction is partly due, to a lack of professionalism in the drilling sector and the agencies and individuals that engage with it. Hence, the research objectives of the paper are generally focusing on how the regulation has impacted the pricing of a borehole in Zambia and provide the benefits that goes with regulating the borehole drilling and how the consumers stand to benefit from the groundwater regulation. The study used a descriptive research design targeting a total of 65 respondents. The participants in the study, included WARMA (n=5), Drilling Companies and Clients/Customers (n=60). The non-probability sampling and purposive sampling to be specific was used for the targeted respondents as the study focused on Lusaka Province, Livingstone, Mongu, and Ndola, which are the locations of and bases of operations for most drilling companies. It employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches as it entailed the having gained an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under the study and help to understand the reality and how people interpret their different borehole drilling experiences. The study discovered that drilling companies were registered companies, and that the majority of them were licensed with WARMA in class B which is mostly for the international companies and that after the introduction of drilling licenses by WARMA, the cost of drilling a borehole went higher than before such that both clients and drilling business companies were affected negatively hence the uproar. It is evident that participants had strong opinion that drilling companies and their consumers suffer the impact when ground water and boreholes are regulated since they forced to pay more, and it takes a long time for drilling companies to obtain a license, without which it is impossible to drill a borehole. On the other hand, it was revealed that borehole regulations ensures that all people have equal access to water resources that are available in adequate quantities and of high enough quality for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, the generation of hydropower, leisure, agriculture, mining, and navigation. In conclusion, the development of management and monitoring of borehole standards strategies for borehole drilling is necessary since groundwater pollution is site specific and that to provide a good water supply service, every water borehole drilled, and every pump installed must be undertaken in a professional manner. Groundwater regulations have brought sanity in the industry thereby promoting sustainability of the ground water resources by inhibiting ramparted drilling of borehole which may lead to depletion of the resource. Further, the regulations provide for water quality standards that enforces assessments and treatment of polluted water which promotes the positive strides made by the government to increase the provision of safe and clean water. In addition to the enforcement of ground water regulations, it is imperative for the regulator to carry out sensitization programmes in communities and make sure that people understand why the regulation of drilling of boreholes was introduced in Zambia and its benefits to both the drilling business companies and the public at large.
- ItemEffects of corporate governance on an organization’s performance : case of competition and consumer protection commission.(The University of Zambia, 2023) Mwachikoka, Chibulo FosterThis study investigated the effects of corporate governance practices on organizational performance, focusing on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as a case study. By analysing the relationship between corporate governance structures, processes, and outcomes, this research aimed to provide insights into how effective governance influences the performance of regulatory bodies. The study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the CCPC's governance framework and its implications for operational efficiency, regulatory effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction. Key findings highlight the significance of transparency, accountability, board composition, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in shaping organizational performance within regulatory agencies. The research contributed to the existing literature on corporate governance and organizational effectiveness, offering practical recommendations for enhancing governance practices to optimize performance outcomes in regulatory contexts. To provide answers to the specific objectives of the study, a case study research design was adopted in which the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission was regarded as the single entity being studied. To create a primary source of data, probability sampling procedure were used to select sample size of 62 respondents from the Commission employees. The study applied questionnaire and in-depth interview for accurate purposes to collect data from selected sample and then analysis of those collected data was done quantitatively and qualitatively based on the data collected. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed from this study show that the CCPC apart from being complied with practice of good corporate governance, also its practice of corporate governance, the organizational performance improvement occurs through having an effective board of directors, accountability, transparency, audit committee and separating the role of the board chairman and the Executive Director. The revealed findings show the Commission’s balanced board size and the audit committee have a strong positive relationship to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s performance while the separating role of the board chairman and the Executive Director has a strong positive relationship to the Commission’s performance in a long run. The study provided recommendations for performance improvement to the management and to the board of the Commission. Also, further recommendations for further studies were given in the research.
- ItemAssessing profit determinants of Zambian-owned banks pre and during the COVID-19 era.(The University of Zambia, 2024) Mwenda, AnthonyThe objective of the study was to assess the factors that influence the profitability of Zambianowned commercial banks throughout the period from January 2013 to December 2021, with a specific focus on First Alliance Bank (FAB), Indo Zambia Bank, and Zanaco. The study included descriptive statistics and panel data analysis to investigate the link between profitability measures (ROA and ROE) and several factors. Regression models were used to assess the financial features and performance indicators. The key findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between the Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) and Return on Assets (ROA), but this link is not statistically significant. This suggests that the DER may not have a substantial impact on ROA, and other factors such as operational efficiency may be more important. In contrast, a notable inverse correlation between Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER) and Return on Equity (ROE) suggests that a greater dependence on debt diminishes the returns on equity, highlighting the dangers of excessive leverage. The study also discovered a possible adverse effect of Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) on both Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), which contradicts the belief that a higher LDR results in increased profitability. In addition, the analysis revealed that an increased proportion of deposits compared to assets (DTAR) did not necessarily improve profitability. Both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) exhibited a negative coefficient, although it was not statistically significant. In a similar vein, the study could not uncover robust statistical proof to substantiate the expected positive correlation between Deposits to Assets Ratio (DAR) and profitability. However, a positive inclination was indicated between DAR and Return on Equity (ROE). The text study's policy suggestions and contributions advise that banks should exercise caution when leveraging and managing assets. It proposes that banks should enhance their performance by enhancing operational efficiency instead of solely relying on rising debt or deposits. These findings enhance our understanding of financial parameters and how they affect bank profitability. They question existing financial theories and promote a more comprehensive perspective on the dynamics of the banking sector. The study's thesis asserts that the factors influencing bank profitability in Zambia, specifically in relation to financial ratios such as DER, LDR, DTAR, and DAR, are intricate and do not consistently conform to traditional financial theories. Consequently, banks must reevaluate their approaches to leveraging and asset management in order to improve profitability and asset management.
- ItemAn empirical effectual study of mobile phone banking on the liquidity situation of selected Natsave bank branches of Lusaka district, Zambia.(The University of Zambia, 2024) Anywar, OgenaThe study investigated the relationship between mobile phone banking and the liquidity of selected branches of the National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) within the Lusaka District, Zambia. The research employed the embedded mixed research design, engaging NATSAVE employees and customers in Lusaka District. A stratified purposive and simple random sampling was utilized, with a sample size of 250 respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and guided interviews respectively. Descriptive and thematic analysis techniques were employed to analyse quantitative and qualitative data within Microsoft Excel and SPSS environment. The findings of this study showed that the mobile banking systems adopted by NATSAVE Bank consisted of services ranging from account balance checking to a more advanced functionalities such as mobile bank deposits and bill payments. Additionally, the study revealed a positive strong (r = 0.83) relationship between mobile banking and NATSAVE Bank’s liquidity. The majority of respondents expressed the belief that mobile banking has no significant impact on the bank’s liquidity. Regarding the solutions tailored to address the potential constraints effecting the mobile banking on NATSAVE Bank’s liquidity, the findings highlighted the following: introduction of transactional limits, encouraging digital savings, offering liquidity management education, introducing dynamic fee structures during peak periods, establishing a liquidity reserve, and fostering strategic partnerships with mobile wallet providers. The recommendations that emerged from the study were: 1. NATSAVE should adopt adaptive strategies for mobile banking by regularly evaluating and adjusting its services based on customer feedback, industry trends, and technological advancements. 2. NATSAVE should explore strategic collaborations with Fintech innovators to integrate cutting-edge technologies into mobile banking services. 3. NATSAVE should explore innovative ways to engage customers within the mobile banking ecosystem.
- ItemAn assessment of the management strategies to street vending : a case of Chipata city.(The University of Zambia, 2024) Mazani, FrankBackground: street vending is a Globally practice differently in different countries. For example in china, it seems to be more structured because there are designated specific areas or markets for street vendors, providing them with permits and infrastructure stalls or kiosks, and such areas are often subject to regulations regarding hygiene, safety, and operating hours. In Zambia, it seems not have proper direction as weather it is allowed or not. Government is seldom being stiff by prohibit street vending yet at times compromised by political influence. This means even when formal places for street vending are pronounced, it remains on paper different from what is prevailing on the ground. The Study objectives were; 1) To ascertain the nature of players involved in street vending management. 2) To assess the management strategies that have been employed in street vending. 3) To recommend sustainable management approaches to street vending in Chipata CBD. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative case study A purposive sampling criterion was used in the selection of 267 participants, of whom 2 were key informants and 265 streets vendors. A semi-structured questionnaire guide, audiotaping, and note-taking were used to collect data and NVIVO 12 software was used for data analysis. Results: key major players in street vending management include vendors and city council. factors for street vending included Employment opportunities, Business convenience, Social capital, Inadequate training skills. Institutional strategies for managing street vending include Vending spaces, the Use of force by law enforcers and the issues Licensing system. Conclusion: Addressing street vending issues in Chipata city and zambia as whole there is need of Mainstreaming of street vending support into national policy.