THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE

Telephone: 260-1-256067 Ridgeway Campus

Telegrams: UNZA, LUSAKA P.O. Box 50110

Telex: UNZALU ZA 44370 Lusaka, Zambia

Fax: + 260-1-250753

E-mail: unzarec@unza.zm

Assurance No. FWA00000338 IRB00001131 of IORG0000774

INFORMED CONSENT FORM FOR INTENDING RESPONDENTS

Title of the proposed study:

An Investigation into National competitive advantage of Zambia in select industries using Porters diamond model and its variants

Investigators:

Jagadheeswaran Krishnan

University of Zambia, Lusaka

Contact : +260964007700

Email : krishjaga@yahoo.com

Mr Collins Otieno Odoyo

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

School of Computing and Informatics, Kenya

Contact : +254725961657

Email :Collins@astrialearning.org

Background and rationale for the study:

The research study is being conducted to identify the influence of various determinants like demographics, institutions, infrastructure, economic structure and trade structure which fall broadly under the four determinants of the Porters home diamond model namely Factor conditions, Demand conditions , Related and support industry, Firm rivalry and strategy focused at developing a Nation’s competitive advantage. The study maps these factors to the scope of factors that enhance the competitive advantage of Zambia. The study shall also help to identify gaps in the current efforts of to understand what can be done by stakeholder like the Government, Industry and the Institutions to accelerate pursuit of achieving higher economic prosperity.

Purpose:

The purpose of the study is to understand the real life situation in the sample list of Industry sectors in Zambia in terms of influence and performance of each of the determinants considered. The respondent’s participation to the survey will assist the researcher in reflecting many of the available statistics pertaining to the economic performance of his or her nation so as to arrive at an understanding on the pace of Zambia’s economic development policies in achieving higher competitive advantage in specific industries.

Procedures:

The study involves a qualitative analysis comprising of a set of questions to each industry segment and to Government officials and Associations, Chambers of Commerce. The questionnaire will focus on the perception of the respondent in addressing the four major determinants and two influencing factors, namely Factor conditions, Demand conditions, Related and Support Factors, Firm strategy and rivalry, influence of Government policies and that of chance factors. The respondent is expected to understand the information given and to provide honest responses to the questionnaire.

Who will participate in the study?

The intended participants shall be leaders from the select industry sectors, A key informant interview shall also be conducted with senior government officials predominantly from the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, and Chambers of Commerce. The researcher expects to avail 20 questionnaires to have an ontological perspective of the situation. The questionnaire is based on open ended qualitative questions and shall not take more than sixty minutes to complete with an expected thirty minutes at minimum.

Risks/Discomforts:

There are no perceivable risks or discomfort that is envisaged in responding to the survey on opining on past policies. However, some respondents from the industry may hesitate to delve deeply on Firm rivalry and strategies though from a sample consolidation perspective all information shall be confidential. Depending on the sensitivity of disclosure the respondent may take a view on his or her position on future policy implementation.

Benefits:

The study shall provide a holistic view of policy development and possibly a new perspective for Zambia to accelerate its pace in attaining and enhancing its competitive advantage . The study shall also provide policy makers indicators as to where improvements and interactions can happen towards achieving common goals with the stakeholders of Zambia.

Alternatives:

Respondents may note that the participation to the survey is not mandatory and if they are not comfortable in taking the survey they may inform their intent so. However, as an alternate the researcher shall be grateful if another suitable and capable respondent may be introduced to participate in the survey.

Cost:

The survey shall be done in person by the researcher and online for locations outside Lusaka, Zambia and no costs or payment shall be made by the researcher towards the time spent or to mitigate any other costs to participate in the survey.

Compensation for participation in the study:

No compensation shall be provided by the researcher for the respondent participation in the survey. The researcher bears no responsibility for any direct , indirect or consequential losses met by the respondent during the course of participation of the survey .

Reimbursement:

The survey shall be conducted through personal interviews at the offices of the respondent. Hence no reimbursement shall be paid by the researcher towards any costs including cost of transport to an internet café, should the venue be outside office or facility for electronic access.

Questions:

Should the respondent have any questions to this notice before consenting please do not hesitate to contact the researcher on +260 964 007 77 00 or email on krishjaga@yahoo.com . The respondent should be able to receive a response within 2 hours during normal working hours. .

Questions about participants rights:

The respondent shall have right to question the researcher related to the topic. Should the respondent not be convinced or opines that he or she has an objection on the consent format, the respondent shall have the right to refuse to consent and return back the form with their comments. The respondent shall also have their right not to disclose any reasons for withdrawing consent.

Statement of voluntariness:

Participation to this survey is on the respondents free will and at any point of time the respondent may choose to withdraw from participation by duly notifying the researcher without penalty.

Confidentiality:

The results of this study will be kept strictly confidential, and used only for research purposes. The identity of the respondent will be concealed in as far as the law allows. The name of the respondent will not appear anywhere on the coded forms with the information. Paper and computer records will be kept under lock and key and with password protection respectively.

The interviewer/ researcher has discussed this information with the respondent and offered to answer any questions. For any further questions, the respondent may contact the Chairperson, UNZAREC ( University of Zambia Research Ethics Committee) on the following details on the letter head.

STATEMENT OF CONSENT/ASSENT

( The below is only a sample. By submitting the survey form you consent to participating in the survey and understand your rights, so there is no need to fill the below)

I, ........................................................................... confirm Mr Jagadheeswaran Krishnan has described to me what is going to be done, the risks, the benefits involved and my rights regarding this study. I understand that my decision to participate in this study will not alter my usual care. In the use of this information, my identity will be concealed. I am aware that I may withdraw at anytime. I understand that by signing this form, I do not waive any of my legal rights but merely indicate that I have been informed about the research study in which I am voluntarily agreeing to participate. A copy of this form will be provided to me.

Name:………………………….

Signature of respondent……………………..Age..……………

Date (DD/MM/YY)……………………………

Company / Institution :

Designtation :

Location :

Industry : Copper Mining / Emerald / Steel / Agriculture / Tourism

Name of Witness………………………………..

Signature of Witness…………………………

Date (DD/MM/YYYY)…………………………………………….

Name…………………………

Signature of parent or guardian for minors ……………………

Date(DD/MM/YY)…………………………

Name……Jagadheeswaran Krishnan

Signature of Interviewer ………………………….

Date (DD/MM/YYYY)………………………...

If you have any further questions please contact the University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee

Telephone: +260977925304 Ridgeway Campus

Telegrams: UNZA, LUSAKA P.O. Box 50110

Telex: UNZALU ZA 44370 Lusaka, Zambia

Fax: + 260-1-250753

E-mail: unzarec@unza.zm

Assurance No. FWA00000338 IRB00001131 of IOR G0000774