HRM in Lusaka, Zambia

BA and MA Human Resources Management, as well as students from Business Management programmes are eligible to participate on this opportunity. In particular, students enrolled on the modules: BMHR5003 Sustainable Human Resource Management in the Contemporary and Global Context; BHRM2001 HRM in the Workplace; BHRM2003 Employee Relations and BHRM3004 Critical Issues in HRM are encouraged to apply.

There is a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

This trip to Zambia offers students a unique transformative experience that enhances their academic knowledge, personal growth, and global awareness, preparing them to be well-rounded individuals with deep understanding of the world around them. The students will attend teaching and learning activities at the University of Zambia and Levy Mwanawasa University.

They will also engage in problem-based learning activities at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School. This will be an opportunity for the students to network with the host students and share learning experiences. By interacting with local students, UK students will be able to share their own cultures while learning about Zambian traditions, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

As part of the trip there is also a plan for visits to either the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management or Government Departments to witness how human resources are managed in a developing country. The field-based learning will provide an opportunity for direct engagement with managers and employees and witness different models of human resource management. Through hands-on experience, the opportunity will make learning more dynamic and memorable. This will motivate and inspire students and enhance their people management employability skills.

The estimated total cost for travel, accommodation and transfers for this trip to Zambia is £1100. Students will be expected to pay the remaining amount after the £400 DMU Global bursary is deducted from the total.

Why take part?

This is a unique trip for DMU students to visit Zambia, a beacon of democracy in Africa. From being a former British colony it has transformed over the years, and will provide educational insight for students to see how how human resources are developed and managed in a developing country.

Learning objectives

The objectives of this trip are to develop our students into global leaders, to enhance employability, and to increase community and belonging, and empower students to be aware of different HRM perspectives. The objectives are also in line with the learning outcomes for the aforementioned modules:

Before the trip there is the plan to conduct an online session to brief the students about what to expect. Zambia partners will attend sessions to help prepare students for their visit Lusaka and Zambia more generally.

Cultural activities

Visits to the Kabwata Village and Lusaka Museum will expose the students to diverse cultures as students will experience Zambia’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, art, dance, and local customs, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity.

Students will have the opportunity to explore Zambia’s colonial past, its struggle for independence, and post-colonial development, providing a deeper understanding of African history and the impact of colonialism. Engagement with Zambian communities will further help students develop a broader perspective on global issues and enriching their understanding of different ways of life. Understanding challenges such as poverty, health care, and education in Zambia will lead to a greater awareness of global inequalities and the importance of social justice.