Management of Transparency in Outsourcing - A Case of ZCAS

This paper contributes to the on-going studies on outsourcing, as within the recent past, most of the outsourcing-related studies have focused on process control and the understanding of decision determinants of process control. With respect to outsourcing, this has been an attractive option for management, as its specific objectives impacts on the organisation’s performance and stakeholder value. However, management of transparency in outsourcing still requires more confirmation from research. Whenever researchers look at public and private organisations’ reports with regard to abuses, it bears negatively on economic impact.  Much of the evidence that has been found is often based on process-related measures, with little discussion on management of intra-organisational relationship. These reports on outsourcing effects raise some questions that are fundamental for empirical research. Considering the impact of transparency in outsourcing on the organisation’s operational performance measures and perceived value, management’s focus has been on strategic perspective with the tactical role given little attention. This study has been done with a focus towards empirical examination of the impact of management’s role in ensuring transparency in outsourcing of goods and services on the organisations’ performance and value. The results are based on a sample of 299 respondents from ZCAS taken through a survey of the stakeholders for the outsourced services. The reference point of concern requiring transparency and management influence is from the publicly-available auditor’s report showing abuses and other vices. This is to help understand why and what similar management challenges   facing departments operating in the public sector and how these challenges affect the institutions with regard to transparency in outsourcing. This research has made a number of contributions to both theory and practice. First, it has provided some insight to the empirical studies by examining the role of management in ensuring transparency in outsourcing and how transparency impacts on firms’ performance for the achievement of perceived value for stakeholders. Secondly, an empirical study on management relations in outsourcing for the stakeholder trust has been covered. Thirdly, this study is aimed at influencing management to take a leading role in ensuring transparency in outsourcing in order to obtain value. The papers conclusion is based  on  management assumptions on the inadequate  communication with employees concerning rationale for outsourcing decisions

The discontinuity between education policy and implementation in secondary school education in Zambia : 1964-1998

This dissertation focuses attention on the trends in secondary school education globally, with the Zambia backdrop providing a platform for a comparative study of the global scenario. Research results reveal that analysis of education planning and the process of policy formulation may be hinged on different ideological, economic, technological and social premises. Shifts in regimes and ideologies have often left behind paradigm shifts and discontinuities in the educational sectors of countries. The processes of globalisation and internal accommodation of national forces have conjoined to impact heavily on educational policies. Be it in commandist Russia or neo-liberal USA, there. has always been the felt need to use education planning as a leverage to score multiple points, including the gaining of national competitive advantage on the frontiers of knowledge and intelligence. There is strong evidence in this dissertation to suggest that exhaustive policy analysis is cardinal to the successful implementation of education policies in Zambia, more especially in this post-modern age of information sharingPublic Administration and ManagementM. Admin. (Public Administration

Opportunities Threats and Challenges in Anarchistic and Autarkic States-Utopian States versus Dystopian States-Plight of Communities and Individuals in the Modern World

This research looks at the hypothetical state of no governments and no external trade, the autarky situation as well as the ideal utopian democratic state juxtaposed as Utopia versus Dystopia. This essay is motivated by the current world situation of global internet connectivity which transcends borders and defies government regulation. The essay focuses on examining what opportunities would be presented in a situation of no government and also what challenges and threats would exist in such an instance bordering on Dystopia. The paper comprises findings that have been drawn from analyzing the different opinions, facts and findings from researchers on the topic of public policy. It fundamentally addresses the question from an assumption that there were no governments and concludes by drawing on the importance of public policy and why this is essential in order to avoid anarchy that arises as a result of not having laws and regulations to control the behaviors of societies and individuals in those Hobbesian societies. The findings in the paper are that a state of no government presents itself as a state of confusion and that it descends into the extreme form of a totally unregulated free market capitalist approach for communities and societies. This, in the end, results in lawlessness that to an extent permits the emergence of anarchist states where the rich take advantage of their power and become more powerful than societies or states as exemplified by the MNCs. The purpose of government is to provide essential services and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. Without the regulatory and protective umbrella of government, the concept of protection and extending the benefits of external trade become the preserve of rich individuals who may brutally exploit and assault the poor to the point of enslavement and exploitation

Building Sustainable Supply Chain Investment Decisions Through Financial Analysis - Case Study of Lusaka SMEs

The purpose of this paper was to establish whether there is a relationship between the ability to analyse financial statements by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka and their investment decisions.   The study was quantitative in nature; data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires. The study used a probability sampling method known as cluster sampling in which the population was divided into clusters selected from all of its elements (SMEs) Selection of the cluster for the sample was done using the simple random sampling technique. Deductive reasoning was used in the research process with the intention to depart from the general theories and understanding concerning what influences investors’ investment decisions and it took time to actually study and analyse the information on the ground before either confirming or disputing the already existing theories about the use of financial statements in investment decisions.  The findings of the study after testing the hypothesis showed that there was a significant relationship between investment decisions which was the dependent variable and the three independent variables (Knowledge of financial statement analysis, Credibility of Financial Statements and Access to Financial Statements). The study therefore concluded that these three factors, with the intervening variable of adequacy of information in financial statements, can influence the investment decisions of small and medium enterprises that may wish to invest their money into firms.  The study has highlighted four variables that can influence a potential investor’s decision and companies that wish to attract investors can use the findings of this study to improve in areas of their operations that may dissuade potential investors from investing with them

The Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Zambian Economy

This research looks at the issue of youth unemployment and how this affects the Zambian economy. The paper focuses on examining how the productive age in Zambia has been disadvantaged by the introduction of some regulations and policies. The paper brings into perspective the shrinking employment opportunities for the youth and how this effects productivity in key economic sectors such as mining, agriculture and the private sector. The findings indicate that the increase in the pensionable age disadvantages the youth and further increases the unemployment rate for the youth and women. The findings have also brought out the challenges that are faced by the unemployed youth and how they have been forced to engage in crime and political violence in order for them to make a living. The youth in Zambia represent 60% of the total employable age yet instead of being in well-paying and productive jobs; they are involved in crime, prostitution, drug abuse and alcohol abuse. The research outcomes also indicate that the definitions of a youth in the Zambian youth policy and the definitions of a youth by the United Nations are different and this may pose a challenge in terms of statistics and planning purposes. The paper takes a secondary research approach by reviewing research findings that have been drawn from analysing the different opinions, facts and findings from researchers on the topic of youth unemployment and government policies and laws on youth employment. Indicators from the findings are that youth unemployment is a global problem, which affects even rich countries such as the UK that has a huge GDP than that of Zambia. The conclusion in the paper is that there is a direct connection between youth unemployment and economic growth and that governments must ensure that they put youth employment at the centre of national economic planning. Keywords: unemployment, youth, government, economy, policy, labour, productivity DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-6-09 Publication date:March 31st 202

What Do Business Customers Value? An Empirical Study of Value Propositions in a Servitization Context

This study was conducted in response to calls from the research community and industry for a greater empirical exploration of value propositions. It uses customer valuein-use as a starting point and employs empirical data on value propositions in a servitization context. The findings demonstrate how customers articulate the value-in-use, or benefits, of a selected offering. These results are subsequently used to develop value proposition elements that are aligned with these benefits. The implications for the value proposition literature and for companies in a servitization situation are discussed.peerReviewe

Development of Custom Vehicle (Scale Car) and Autonomous Driving/Sensing Platforms

Autonomous technology is becoming a safe and convenient method of transportation. Our project goal was to design and create a fully 3D printed vehicle fit for an autonomous driving software package to aid in the delivery of consumer payloads. We began this project by test driving and dissecting RC cars from previous student projects to identify areas for improvement. From these tests, we evaluated subassemblies that were composed of outsourced materials, such as the gearbox, differentials, and wheels, and designed 3D printable adaptations. Furthermore, we designed, printed, and validated various snap and slide fits to reduce the fasteners used. The 30% reduction in outsourced parts and fasteners alleviated assembly issues and improved the modularity of the vehicle. After assembly of the vehicle, we tested drive quality and individual subassembly performance. Finally, through the evaluation of printed subassemblies, we identified challenges with our 3D printing methods and made recommendations for future teams

COVID-19 Destructive Aftermath with Greater Opportunity for Innovation and Marketing in Zambia's Industries

COVID-19 is perhaps the most feared pandemic of the 20th century not because of its mortality rate but rather because of its impact on the world economies. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 has so far claimed one million lives world over against an accumulated 38.4 million infections globally(World Health Organisation, 2020). Although the mortality rate of COVID-19 cannot be quantified yet it is said to be relatively low.Health experts still argue that the pandemic is ongoing and we might see an increase in thenumber of infections. However, with the possibility of a vaccinebeing developedlooming, it may not be the case. It is predicted not to surpass the mortality of earlier pandemics such as the Spanish flu and others(Visitsak , et al., 2020).IJSRED-International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Developmen

Affordable Housing in Kathmandu

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Connecting Über den Tellerrand Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Technology Based Approach

This project sought to enhance the internal communication and engagement techniques of Über den Tellerrand, a German NGO, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted interviews, focus groups, and a survey to learn about communication and engagement issues as well as best communication practices during the pandemic. Using the collected data, we created communication guidelines to improve online communication at Über den Tellerrand. We recommended the implementation of communication guidelines and further research into engagement techniques at the organization’s other satellites