Social Science Journal for Advanced Research

Effect of Corporate Governance on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprise’s (SME’S) in Lusaka’s Hardware Industry

2024-02-24T17:49:56+00:00

In recent decades, corporate governance has become a central, interesting and controversial topic in most developing countries. Therefore, this study focused on establishing the effect of corporate governance on the performance of SME’s in the hardware industry in Lusaka. This study sort to achieve the following objectives: Establish the impact of board independence on the profitability of small and medium-sized companies, to evaluate the effects of separation of powers between the shareholders and management on business performance and develop a framework which could be used in enhancing sustainability of corporate governance in the operations of SME’S in the long-term. This research was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. A cross sectional study design was used. A sample of 80 respondents was used in which 80 questionnaires were developed and administered with a return rate of 93%. The study used purposive sampling. The study found that 87% of the firms did not have a board in existence and firms which had a board in existence disagreed to the assertion that there was efficient use of resources when a board was present. It was also disagreed that firms profit margins and earnings were better off when a board was present to oversee the operations of the firm. Regarding the effect of separation of powers between the shareholders and management on business performance. It was found that (64/75) firms had shareholders who were also managing the business; therefore, there wasn’t separation of powers between managers and shareholders. Regarding the effect of board independence and firm profitability, the results show that when the board was in office, the firm had a positive effect on stock returns. The results of this study show that (50/75) disagree and (10/75) strongly disagree. Lastly the last objective found that the corporate governance framework applied to any business has to be fit for purpose, which includes being appropriate for the size and maturity of the business .The study therefore concluded that a majority of SME’s have not embraced the idea of corporate governance. Many firm owners have preferred to be their own decision makers as regards to the operations of their business. There is less confidence in engaging external clients in the affairs of their businesses. Based on the findings and engagements with the responses, the researcher suggests conducting a study on enhancing corporate governance in SME’s.

Anara Fashion Fusion (AFF): A Case Study on Garment Sector Player’s Dilemma & Way Forward

2024-03-05T18:37:02+00:00

The garment industry is a vibrant needlepoint mingled with historical transformations, technological innovations, and evolving consumer preferences. From its ancient origins to its modern-day manifestations, the sector reflects the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. Anara Fashion Fusion Ltd (AFF) and Rajanyawar Ltd, established in 2008, epitomize the evolution of the fashion industry, catering to diverse consumer demands while embracing contemporary trends.
The case study outlines the journey of AFF, navigating through economic downturns, intense competition, technological disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing scenery, AFF confronts dilemmas associated with fashion trends versus current collections, expansion versus cost considerations, sustainability pressures, and the e-commerce versus retail conundrum.
It also summaries AFF's strategic responses to these challenges, including cost-efficient production methods, innovative marketing campaigns, sustainable practices, and investments in digital transformation. In the face of global supply chain disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic, AFF pivots towards e-commerce, prioritizing safety and comfort wear.
The case underscores the importance of adaptability, innovation, and customer-centricity in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the garment sector. As AFF contemplates expansion into the children's segment, balancing affordability, quality, and market positioning emerges as a central theme, reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior and industry dynamics.
Key objectives for case instructors include equipping readers with domain knowledge of the garment sector and strategic skills relevant to AFF's operations. Targeting BBA, MBA, commerce graduates, and garment sector business owners, the case fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the fashion industry.

A Study of the Effects of Mobile Banking Services on the Financial Performance of Zambian Commercial Banks - A Case Study of Atlas Mara

2024-02-24T17:52:15+00:00

This paper sought to determine the effects of Mobile Banking Services on the Financial Performance of Zambian Commercial Banks focusing on Atlas Mara as a case study. The study endeavoured to determine the impact of mobile banking access, mobile banking loans and mobile banking risks on commercial banks' financial performance. The study made use of descriptive research design. Atlas Mara Zambia's senior and middle management staff as well as supervisors made up the study's target population. A total of 287 bank employees were chosen as a sample using purposive and stratified random sampling. The Bank of Zambia, the Zambia Communications Authority, and the Atlas Mara Annual Reports provided secondary data, while structured questionnaires completed through Google online forms were used to collect primary data. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis and Pearson Correlations were used to analyse quantitative data. The study results show that, despite the fact that mobile banking accessibility and mobile banking loans have improved the financial performance of commercial banks, their success is still threatened by mobile banking risks related with the Internet and technological innovation. The study suggests that in order to improve the strength of the Internet and network coverage across the entire country, the banking industry should engage with telecommunication service providers. Commercial banks should look beyond improved accessibility and start assessing how well mobile banking's customer service functions. Commercial banks should spend money raising consumer awareness of new goods and services designed specifically for mobile banking. Commercial banks should allocate enough funds to research that could support the development of new products for use with current mobile banking platforms.

Factors Which Influence Youths to Venture in Business Activities: A Case of Youths in Lusaka’s Northmead Business Centre

2024-02-24T21:17:39+00:00

This paper sought to report on the factors that influence youth engagement in business activities in Lusaka’s Northmead business area; with Specific objectives focusing on the influence of Demographic, Socio-cultural and Economic factors on youth business start-up. The study adopted a Quantitative – Descriptive Non-Experimental survey research design which is anchored on positivism as a research philosophy. Structured questionnaires with close ended questions were used to collect primary data which was analyzed for descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Correlation and regression analysis was further used to determine the nature of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The findings on the influence of demographic factors on youth business start-ups revealed the existence of a positive relationship between age, gender, marital status and level of education, and youth engagement in business activities. The relationship was statistically significant. The findings on the influence of social factors on youth business engagement also revealed the existence of a positive relationship between family background, quality of education, government support and media influence, and youth engagement in business. The relationship was statistically significant. The findings on the influence of economic factors on youth business start-ups also revealed the existence of a significant and positive relationship between access to finance, the macroeconomic environment, government support and access to business development services, and youth business engagement. Government and policy makers should take keen interest of the factors which influence youth to venture in business activities. Government should further take advantage of the unique disposition of youths and create business development and training programs which significantly influence sustainable youth business start-ups as these can significantly contribute to the economic development of the country and reduce youth unemployment.

A Study of the Effect of Changes in the Statutory Reserve Ratio Requirement on Commercial Banks Profitability in Zambia

2024-03-01T07:47:08+00:00

The study was aimed at studying the effects of changes in the Statutory Reserve Ratio Requirement on commercial banks profitability in Zambia between 2007 to 2017. Time series data, namely, monthly data was used throughout the 11-year study. The study included data from all Zambian commercial banks operating from 2007 to 2017. The study used EViews version 10, for data analysis. Statutory reserves and bank profitability in Zambia were studied using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. This research sought to objectively determine how statutory reserves affect bank performance. Performance was measured by ROA. The study found an inverse relationship between statutory reserves and financial performance of commercial banks in Zambia. Beyond statutory reserves, the research also considered the impact of other bank-specific variables on profitability. Specifically, it observed that inflation and open market operation balances exerted negative impact on the commercial banks' performance.

Additionally, the study unveiled an important aspect related to the time horizon for adjustment. The speed of adjustment from short-run dynamics to long-run equilibrium was estimated at approximately 62%. After changes in statutory reserves and other variables, Zambian banks tend to reach a long-term profitability equilibrium point. These findings affect Zambia's banking industry and regulators. It emphasises the need to balance regulatory requirements like statutory reserves with commercial bank profitability. This research advances monetary economics and lays the groundwork for future research due to the changing financial industry and regulatory environment.

An Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Uptake of Agricultural Insurance among Farmers in Chipata District

2024-03-04T13:02:14+00:00

With the low demand for agricultural insurance in Zambia, particularly within the Chipata District farming community, where only 2.5 percent of farmers have insurance coverage. Given the vulnerability of farmers to financial losses due to unpredictable weather patterns and market volatilities, understanding the factors hindering widespread adoption is crucial. The research aimed to explore how demographic factors, pricing, and awareness of insurance concepts influence insurance uptake in agriculture. Using quantitative methods, the study employed binary logistic regression to analyse the relationship between various factors and the adoption of agricultural insurance. It considered demographic characteristics such as age, farm size, type of farming business, farm income, and education level. The research also examined the impact of pricing and awareness on insurance uptake within the farming community. The findings revealed several key insights. Farm income emerged as a significant predictor of insurance uptake, indicating a 138 percent increase for every one-unit increase in income. Education level also demonstrated a significant impact, with higher education correlating with increased insurance uptake. However, factors like farm size and age showed less significant associations with insurance adoption. Interestingly, pricing and affordability did not significantly influence insurance uptake, while awareness of insurance services exhibited a positive relationship with uptake. Moreover, the type of farming business had a significant negative impact on insurance uptake. Based on these findings, the study recommended a multifaceted approach to address the low demand for agricultural insurance. Suggestions included income-enhancement programs, tailored education initiatives for different farm sizes, inclusive promotion strategies across age groups, targeted awareness campaigns, continuous evaluation of pricing strategies, and interventions to correct misconceptions about insurance within various farming businesses. By addressing these dynamics, it was likely that the uptake of agricultural insurance could be improved, providing vital financial protection for farmers in Zambia.

Evaluating Fund Management in Zambia's Local Government: A Case Study of Chongwe, Lusaka, and Kafue

2024-02-29T18:32:58+00:00

This study explores the core of Zambia's local government, focusing on the complexities of fund management. Through literature review and surveys involving local government officials and stakeholders, it uncovers challenges affecting effective fiscal governance. The research reveals hurdles faced by the Zambian local government in fund management, including a lack of transparency, inadequate budget planning, and limited financial management capacity. Despite these challenges, glimpses of progress emerge, showcasing ongoing efforts to improve budgetary processes and financial management practices. The study aims to assess the capacity of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Zambia, specifically in Lusaka, Kafue, and Chongwe. The evaluation centers on the Auditor General's Main Report for 2021, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of fund management outcomes. This research goes beyond the typical narrative, contributing significantly to the discourse on Zambian local governance. By identifying challenges and highlighting positive developments, it provides a roadmap for enhancing transparency, accountability, and financial management practices. Proposing actionable steps, the study advocates for improved transparency and accountability, increased capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened financial reporting and auditing mechanisms. If implemented, these recommendations have the potential to transform fund management practices in Zambian local government. In conclusion, the research emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts to improve fund management practices. It asserts that these efforts are not just desirable but essential for the effective functioning and sustainable development of Zambia's local government. The study encourages stakeholders to embrace its findings and recommendations for a positive fiscal transformation.

Self Concept and Suicidal Ideation in Students: A Correlation Study

2024-03-20T05:33:25+00:00

The present research study focuses on the relationship between self-concept and suicidal ideation among the students of first year graduation in Nagpur city. It was hypothesized that there will be a negative relationship between self-concept and suicidal ideation. The sample for the study consisted of 145 students of under graduate from different colleges. The age of students ranged between 18-21 years. Suicide Probability Scale developed by John Cull & Wayne Gill (1984) and Self- Concept Scale developed by R.K. Saraswat (2005) were used to measure the level of Suicidal Ideation and Self-Concept respectively.

Results supported the hypothesis that there is negative correlation between Self-Concept and Suicidal Ideation (N=145, Mean=143.36, & 74.77, SD=36.07 & 15.67, r =0.71, significant at 0.01 level) among students.

Effects of Diversification Strategies on Firm’s Financial Performance: A Case Study of Zambia Postal Services Corporation

2024-03-21T06:18:41+00:00

The research was devoted to discussing the effects of diversification on a firm’s financial performance a case study of Zambia Postal Services Corporation. The study was guided by 4 objectives; to identify the diversification strategies used by the Zambia postal services cooperation; to determine the effect of diversification strategies on the financial performance of the Zambia postal services cooperation, to assess the effect of the types of diversification on the financial performance of the Zambia postal services cooperation and to explore the extent to which diversification affects the financial performance of the Zambia postal services cooperation. The study used Qualitative Research Design in which 20 senior and middle Management employees of Zampost were purposively selected for interviews. The study findings established that Zambia Postal Services Corporation used concentric and horizontal diversification strategies. Diversification strategies can have either a positive or negative effect on the financial performance of the cooperation. To a greater extent, diversification affects the financial performance of the Zambia Postal Services either positively or negatively. Some of the recommendations arising from the study are that organizations willing to achieve economies of scope and redeem their financial position in the face of downturn or decline in product life cycle should diversify their product to better meet customers’ demands, profitability, expansion as well as increase performance since diversified organizations are discovered to perform better than undiversified ones; organizations should identify their rare and inimitable capabilities to achieve economies of scale and outsmart competitors and that research and Development centers should be developed for proper channeling of resources, identification of opportunities as they arise in the business environment and selection of the best strategic options.

Effect of Leadership Style on Employee Performance among the Employees of Information Technology in Chennai

2024-03-31T05:47:58+00:00

The most important resources of an organization are the human resources as they have got a strategic role to play for the organizational success. The human resources also have got the potential to affect the organizational efficiency and effectiveness and hence the human resources have to managed for obtaining, maintaining and developing effective and efficient employees to achieve the goals of the organization. The objectives and goals of the organization can be accomplished only when there is an optimum performance exhibited by the human resources. For this purpose, there is a need for a leadership style to be followed within the organization for influencing, guiding and assessing every employee in the entity. The current study has been carried out to examine the impact of leadership style over the employee performance. The respondents of the study are Information Technology employees who have been selected through convenience sampling technique. The sample size of the study is 100 and the tool used for data collection is questionnaire. The analysis of the data has been done with the help of Regression. Results of analysis reveal that there is positive relationship between leadership style and employee performance.

Faith and Sexual Violence: An Empirical Assessment

2024-03-31T06:13:17+00:00

This study empirically examines the potential impact of religious composition on sexual violence on a global scale. A dataset of 120 countries, for which both religious distribution and rape per capita data are available, is used for analysis. Preliminary descriptive analyses reveal that nations with the highest rape per capita rates are predominantly Christian-majority, with an average Christian population of 83%. North America and Europe are home to 68% of these countries. Conversely, countries with the lowest per capita rates of rape show a significant presence of Muslim populations, averaging 36%. More than 60% of Asian countries with significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim populations are categorized as low in terms of the prevalence of sexual violence per capita. Regression analysis indicates a statistically significant positive relationship between the percentage of the Christian population and the incidence of rapes per capita. Conversely, there appears to be an inverse relationship between Muslim population percentage and the occurrence of sexual violence. The examined dataset did not yield any evidence to support a relationship between the percentages of Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and other religious groups and the incidence of rapes per capita. These findings suggest that there are potential faith-related factors that play a role in sexual violence, highlighting the need for more research.

Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Operations of Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Hospitality Industry in Lusaka Zambia

2024-04-16T07:30:57+00:00

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality sector faced substantial disruptions, prompting a quantitative exploration of its effects on Lusaka's SMEs in this study. Analyzing data from 379 SMEs with STATA version 14 revealed significant consequences, including reduced demand, revenue loss, and challenges in adapting to safety protocols. The study highlighted a considerable threat to SME viability, leading to considerations of downsizing. Coping strategies, such as seeking government support and fostering collaborative relationships, were crucial in addressing financial, marketing, organizational, and employee-centric challenges. Aligning with global trends, tailored coping strategies proved vital. Recommendations include flexible business models, digital adoption, and prioritizing employee well-being for recovery and long-term sustainability. Future research should encompass a longitudinal study assessing sustained effects, recovery strategy evaluations, post-pandemic consumer behaviour exploration, and cross-regional comparisons for comprehensive insights.