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ZCAS/ZCAS University Digital Repository

Welcome to the ZCAS/ZCAS University digital repository - Your gateway to academic excellence and scholarly research.

The ZCAS/ZCAS University Institutional Repository is a digital platform that collects, preserves, and provides open access to the intellectual output of ZCAS Professional and ZCAS University.

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ZCAS/ZCAS University Institutional Repository

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Recent Submissions

  • Item type: Item ,
    Economic Effects of Load Shedding on Small and Medium Enterprises in Kalingalinga and Ibex Hill.
    (ZCAS University, 2025-02) Vusumuzi Muleya
    Background: In Zambia, the phenomenon of load shedding was pervasive and profoundly affected the business landscape, particularly for SMEs in urban and peri-urban areas such as Kalingalinga and Ibex Hill. These areas, which experienced substantial growth in SME activities due to urbanization and economic policies that favored entrepreneurship, were severely impacted by the irregular power supply. The frequented power outages disrupted production, reduced operational hours, and increased the costs of doing business due to the need for alternative power sources (Ackah-Baidoo, 2016). Objectives: The main objective of the research was to analyze the economic effects of load shedding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kalingalinga and Ibex Hill. This objective was focused on understanding how frequent power outages affect business operations, profitability, and overall sustainability. Methods: A quantitative approach was employed to fully comprehend the economic effect of loadshedding on SMEs. The study sample consisted of 50 SMEs in Ibex and Kalingalinga. The data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire addressing the research questions of the study. The collected data was coded and partially analyzed in SPSS and the regression analysis was done using STATA. Purposive data sampling was adopted to correctly capture SME’s that were within the study’s parameters. Results: The Findings revealed that 62% of SMEs reported significant operational disruptions, with 90% experiencing reduced capacity due to power outages. Increased operational costs (56%) and revenue losses—with 74% of SMEs reporting reduced sales—were key financial consequences. SMEs adopted alternative power solutions, with 43% investing in solar energy and 30% using generators, yet 78% found these strategies only moderately effective. Employment was also affected, as 66% of SMEs had to reduce staff due to operational challenges. Further, the variables used in the SUR model were all significant and reflected the outlined outcome. Recommendation: The study recommends increased adoption of renewable energy, government incentives for SMEs, operational adjustments, financial planning, and workforce adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of load shedding on small businesses.
  • Item type: Item ,
    Assessing the Long-Term Impact and Sustainability of the Zambia Electronic Perinatal Record System (ZEPRS) in Strengthening Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare
    (ZCAS University, 2025-06) JULIET MBERI
    This study evaluated the sustainability and long-term impact of the Zambia Electronic Perinatal Record System (ZEPRS) on enhancing maternal and neonatal health service delivery in the Lusaka District. The study aimed to determine the impact of ZEPRS on clinical outcomes, the improvement of healthcare workflows, and whether it can be scaled up and sustained. Through inferential and descriptive statistics such as chi square tests and logistic regression, the study revealed that ZEPRS has enhanced patient monitoring significantly, improved clinical practice, and informed decision-making by practitioners. Extensive system use was strongly associated with perceived effectiveness, confirming the potential of electronic health tools to support service delivery if effective implementation into daily work. Despite these challenges, the study identified challenges facing long-term sustainability. These include limited digital infrastructure, power disruptions, access problems with the internet, lack of training, and over-reliance on donors. These were found to be statistically significant predictors of sustainability problems among users of the system. Endorsement by stakeholders for replication of ZEPRS across the country is general but qualified in terms of stronger domestic investment, improved infrastructure, continued capacity development, and institutional ownership. The studies recommend the inclusion of ZEPRS in the national health budget, digital infrastructure investments, institution-based training of users, and interoperability with other health systems. Public-private partnerships, user-centered design, and robust data protection policies are also recommended. Additional studies will have to target the adoption of ZEPRS in rural areas, a comparison of costs and benefits with paper-based systems, and community opinions on adopting digital health. Overall, the findings suggest that ZEPRS can be scaled and sustained across Zambia by a coordinated, multi-sector effort that combines technology, policy, finance, and human capacity.
  • Item type: Item ,
    The Law on Discrimination in Employment: A Review of The Zambian Industrial Relations Act and Employment Code Act
    (International Journal of Politics, Law, and Management, 2022-09) Nyawa Msidi Nyirongo; Mildred Muhyila; Chaponga Nguluwe
    Zambia has enacted two pieces of legislation that address discrimination in employment, namely, the Industrial and Labour Relations Act (1993) and the Employment Code Act (2019). Although the two pieces of legislation protect employees from discrimination in Zambia, this study argues that they may be applied to different extents, due to inconsistencies and gaps that have been identified in the two pieces of legislation. The study was qualitative and relied on secondary data sources, including statutes, case law, textbooks, and journal articles. The study recommends that the law on discrimination in Zambia should be reformed to make it clear by providing express definitions of direct and indirect discrimination. In addition, the sanctions that are imposed for employers who discriminate against an employee must be reconciled to avoid inconsistencies in their application. The study further recommends that the two pieces of legislation be consolidated to prevent the overlap in their application which currently exists.