Exploring student perceptions on sustainability considerations in construction procurement decisions in Zambia

ABSTRACT This paper investigated the perceptions of students on sustainability considerations in procurement decisions in Zambia. The Zambian construction industry is currently thriving with significant infrastructure projects as one of the major source of construction activities. It is important, however, that as the construction industry take strides to increase output, the need for a sustainable approach should be considered. The aim of the paper was therefore to explore the perceptions on sustainability matters associated with procurement decisions in the construction industry

Collaboration and teacher knowledge in a teacher learning community: A case of mathematics teachers in KwaZulu-Natal province

The literature on professional development of teachers has shifted to focusing on collaboration and learning communities as a productive way for teachers to learn.  This qualitative case study examines the nature of collaborative activities and the kinds of teacher knowledge learnt in a community of high school mathematics teachers. Data was collected through observations of professional development workshops, questionnaires, interviews with teachers and document analysis. The findings established that collegial collaboration and the focus on specialised content knowledge in this learning community enabled teachers to approach their teaching more effectively. In this paper we claim that that the learning community is a productive learning space because it was supported by the Department of Education and a Non-Governmental Organisation, and because it focused on specialised content knowledge. The collaborative focus enabled teachers to share knowledge and ideas resulting in teachers taking charge of their own learning

Clinical and ultrasonographic features of abdominal tuberculosis in HIV positive adults in Zambia

Background: The diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is difficult, especially so in health care facilities in developing countries where laparoscopy and colonoscopy are rarely available. There is little information on abdominal TB in HIV infection. We estimated the prevalence and clinical features of abdominal (excluding genitourinary) TB in HIV infected adults attending the University Teaching Hospital, Zambia. Methods: We screened 5,609 medical inpatients, and those with fever, weight loss, and clinical features suggestive of abdominal pathology were evaluated further. A clinical algorithm was used to specify definitive investigations including laparoscopy or colonoscopy, with culture of biopsies and other samples. Results: Of 140 HIV seropositive patients with these features, 31 patients underwent full evaluation and 22 (71%) had definite or probable abdominal TB. The commonest presenting abdominal features were ascites and persistent tenderness. The commonest ultrasound findings were ascites, para-aortic lymphadenopathy (over 1 cm in size), and hepatomegaly. Abdominal TB was associated with CD4 cell counts over a wide range though 76% had CD4 counts <100 cells/μL. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of abdominal TB in our HIV-infected patients resembled the well-established pattern in HIV-uninfected adults. Patients with fever, weight loss, abdominal tenderness, abdominal lymphadenopathy, ascites and/or hepatomegaly in Zambia have a high probability of abdominal TB, irrespective of CD4 cell count. © 2009 Sinkala et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Seed management by small-scale farmers in Zambia. A study of cowpea, groundnut and sorghum seed in the Southern and Western Provinces (NRI Bulletin 76)

Field surveys of on-farm cowpea, groundnut and sorghum management in two regions of Zambia are described. The survey included seed saved on-farm and seed sources off-farm. Samples of seeds were collected just prior to planting and assessed for germination potential. Conclusions are given on the general status and potential for improving seed quality and on farmer seed management

A Student Perspective of Ethics in the Zambian Construction Industry

The importance of ethical considerations in the construction industry is acknowledged. This is particularly the case that the industry plays a significant part in a nation’s development. The Zambian construction industry has seen an increase in activity due, in part, to massive infrastructure development programs adopted by successive governments, increase in foreign direct investment and housing development. The Zambian construction industry, like any other, is not immune to unethical behaviour. This study investigated students’ perception of the prevalence of unethical practices in the Zambian construction industry. A review of literature demonstrated that a number of contextual factors including location can influence the perception of unethical practices. A focus on Zambia was therefore considered necessary. One hundred and twenty one students took part in a questionnaire survey to examine their perception of the extent to which unethical practices were prevalent in the Zambian construction industry. The findings suggest that students perceived bribery/corruption and political /societal influences as the two most common unethical practices, while the least prevalent unethical practices were perceived to be alcohol/drug abuse and workplace violence. The findings are largely consistent with previous studies investigating the ethical perception of professionals in the Zambian construction industry. In addition, the findings suggests that when year of study and program of study is taken into consideration, the differences in perception of unethical practices, is evident for these demographic groups. This study provided an added dimension to the understanding of ethical issues in the Zambian construction industry as it was the first of its kind involving students’ perceptions. This paper therefore contributes to the list of countries where similar studies have been undertaken

A Taxonomy of Digital Leadership in the Construction Industry

Businesses in the construction industry are experiencing pressure to modernise by embracing digital technologies. Like any other change initiative, digital transformation requires that leaders are at the forefront of their organisations’ pursuit for digital innovation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the different leadership approaches exhibited by construction industry leaders in influencing their organisations’ digital paths. Qualitative data collected from 41 construction industry professionals were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. The main finding was a taxonomy of digital leadership types characterised under six themes: proactive and forward-thinking; supportive; uncoordinated; cautious; resistant and visionless & undriven leaders. These themes provide an insight into how leaders influence the digital transformation paths in organisations. As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first that developed a taxonomy of digital leadership approaches in the construction industry. This is a valuable step in understanding leaders' influence in driving digital transformation in the construction industry. Thus, the taxonomy of digital leadership can be used to evaluate leadership styles and attitude towards digitalisation. The findings are also a platform for further studies on digital leadership in construction

Occupational therapy students’ use of social media for professional practice

Background. The use of social media for professional practice is an emerging trend for healthcare professionals; however, limited literature exists on the phenomenon. Social media usage is prevalent among students, as it is incorporated into many health professions education curricula. This poses potential ethical dilemmas.Objective. To examine the nature of social media usage and knowledge of ethical considerations by occupational therapy (OT) students for professional purposes.Methods. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered to the entire cohort of OT students (N=128) enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa in 2016. Data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel 2013 (Microsoft, USA).Results. The most commonly used device to access social media was mobile phones, with WhatsApp and YouTube frequently used for both general and professional purposes. Uses included accessing social media for developing professional skills and knowledge, and in fulfilling academic requirements. Ethical dilemmas were evident among students, who indicated that social media ethical considerations should be incorporated into the curriculum.Conclusion. The study highlighted that most students use some form of social media as part of their professional practice, which has the potential to be used effectively to enhance learning opportunities. Future studies of a qualitative nature could shed light on students’ perceptions of social media and practical implications for practice

Sustainable Facilities Management Practices in Selected Universities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

&nbsp;Sustainable development is being pursued at a global level and acknowledged across all sectors of the economy including universities. In order to apply sustainable measures, universities need to be vigilant in their management approaches. This study aimed at assessing the extent to which the selected universities in Ado-Oda/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have incorporated sustainability principles into their facility management practices. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach where interviews were conducted with experts from Covenant University (CU) and Bells University of Technology (BUT) who were purposefully sampled. The study population was comprised of facility managers from the physical planning and development units of the two universities who were chosen because of their expertise and responsibility. The interview guide contained questions about the types of buildings in the universities, sustainable facilities management (SFM) strategies being used by the universities, factors influencing the adoption of SFM strategies at the universities and challenges to the adoption of SFM practices. Data was analysed using conventional content approach. The study found that the universities have partially implemented SFM practices. The common practice adopted by the universities includes energy management. The universities have also done well in waste management. Legislation and cost savings were the drivers for the adoption of SFM practices. Despite such being the case, there are challenges to the adoption and implementation of SFM. These include resource constraints, design constraints, and lack of knowledge about SFM. Therefore, the study recommends development of a system that monitors and evaluates progress of sustainable facilities management practices in the Universities in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State

Investigating the role of the Public Private Partnership Act on private sector participation in PPP projects : A case of Zambia

In 2008, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept was identified by the Zambian Government as a vehicle for scaling up public infrastructure project delivery in the country. A platform for active private sector participation in the direct provision of public goods and services was created by enacting the PPP Act No. 14 of 2009. It was anticipated that this would encourage the local and international private sector to participate in delivering PPP projects. The aim of this research was therefore to investigate the role of this PPP Act on the private sector’s decision to participate in PPP projects in Zambia. A mixed method design was adopted for this research due to limited information and stakeholders on the ground. 43 industry practioners representing contractors, developers’ financiers and government were identified motivating a mixed method approach in order to obtain more data given a generally lower sample available. A total of 27 questionnaires were obtained. Findings revealed that the PPP Act had not played a significant role to influence private sector decision to participate in PPP projects. The findings from this research unlocks part of the reason why there is little participation by private sector in PPP projects. The research identifies presents areas of focus in amending the Act in order to attract and influence private investment in current critical areas such as energy, higher education and housing among others. The study recommends that the immediate revision of PPP Act to remove identified barriers which among others include inadequate and unclear governing PPP framework, obstruction by bureaucracy, inappropriate risk sharing mechanisms and absence of protection to the private sector stakeholders

Social and gender analysis report: Barotse Floodplain, Western Province,Zambia

There is increasing awareness that integrating gender into development frameworks is critical for effective implementation of development strategies. In working to alleviate rural poverty, the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) recognizes that “business as usual” gender integration approaches will not deliver lasting and widespread improvements in agricultural productivity, poverty reduction and food security. In response, AAS operationalized a gender transformative approach. The approach is informed by conceptual frameworks that explicitly recognize the potent influence of social relations on creating and perpetuating gender inequalities. In this way, AAS aims to address the underlying causes of rural poverty and gender inequality in Zambia’s Barotse Floodplain, where people rely extensively on riverine and wetland ecosystems for food and livelihood security. A central question guiding the research program is “How do social norms and gendered power relations influence agricultural development outcomes?” The findings presented in this report provide insights that help answer this question. The report presents a review of literature relevant to livelihoods, ecosystem services, and gender and social relations in Zambia, with a specific focus on Western Province, where AAS is currently implemented. It also presents a synthesis of findings of a social and gender analysis conducted in 2013 in 10 focal communities situated in and around the Barotse Floodplain