1. exploring student perceptions on sustainability considerations in procurement decisions in zambia
Dr Sambo Zulu [Leeds Beckett University, UK]
Dr Franco Muleya [Copperbelt University, Zambia]

2. Introduction
Construction industry seen as a key driver in the sustainability agenda
Governments, industry, organisations, companies are pushing the agenda
Recognises opportunities in the Zambian construction industry [ZCI]
Agues: That as the construction industry develops: a sustainable approach should be considered.
Aim: To explore perception of sustainability in the ZCI
Focus: Examining the influence of sustainability in procurement decision: A students perception.
How presentation will benefit audience: Adult learners are more interested in a subject if they know how or why it is important to them.
Presenter’s level of expertise in the subject: Briefly state your credentials in this area, or explain why participants should listen to you.

3. Why students Decision makers of tomorrow
Universities are seen as key drivers in sustainability skills development
training leaders of tomorrow
Many studies on student perceptions on sustainability issues
Including comparative studies between countries/universities/years of study etc
Sustainability considerations: The triple bottom-line>> Environmental, social & economic
Most studies show an environmental bias in perceptions
This study is focused on procurement decision making
Lesson descriptions should be brief.

4. Sustainable Procurement
Sustainability is seen as a key consideration in procurement
E.g. Supplier selection literature
70’s and 80’s focused on cost performance,
Early 90’s considered life cycle assessment,
Late 90s the notion of flexibility.
2000’s importance of environmental sustainability.
Example objectives
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Save files to the team Web server.
Move files to different locations on the team Web server.
Share files on the team Web server.

5. Methodology Questionnaire Survey
Course n
Percentage
BSc Architecture 22
18%
BSc Building 26
22%
BSc Civil Engineering 16
13%
BSc Quantity Surveying 11 9%
BSc Planning 25
21%
BSc Real Estate 21
17%
Total
 121
100%
Questionnaire Survey
University students on various built environment programs
Year n
Percentage
Year 3 49
41%
Year 4 33
27%
Year 5 39
32%
Total
 121
100%

6. Results: Perception of triple-bottom line
All
Year of study
Course
Sustainability Dimension
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Arch
Bldg
Civil QS
Plng RE
Environmental
3.20
3.21
3.15
3.28
3.50
3.80
3.40
3.10
2.80
2.70
Economic
4.00
4.19
4.18
3.62
4.40
4.20
3.7
4.10
Social
3.70
3.69
3.55
3.77
3.60
4.30
3.63
3.56
3.36
3.93
3.84
3.45
3.73
3.35

7. Results: Procurement decision factors
Construct
Statement
Code
Economics
Profitability would be a major determining factor
Profit
Price would be a major determining factor
Price
Environment
The impact on the environment would be a major concern
Social
Meeting Industry standards on sustainability
Standards
I would be concerned about its impact on future generations
Future
Sustainability concerns would be a major factor
Sustainability
I would be concerned about the impact on immediate users
Users
Meeting minimal legal requirements
Legal
Only suppliers/contractors who have a documented sustainability policy should be involved
Suppliers

8. Results: Procurement decision factors
Construct
Year
All
Course 3 4 5
Arch
Bldg
Civil QS
Plng RE
Economics
Profit
4.20
4.10
4.52
4.11
4.00
4.15
4.06
4.18
4.40
Price
4.01
4.04
3.85
3.95
4.27
4.24
3.73
3.96
3.86
Environment
3.59
3.87
3.26
4.31
Social
Standards
3.94
4.23
3.88
3.63
3.41
3.50
4.12
Future
4.35
3.55
3.51
3.45
4.29
3.64
3.33
Sustainability
3.52
3.74
3.43
Users
3.78
4.07
3.58
3.24
3.27
3.76
Legal
3.70
3.61
3.79
3.92
3.60
3.48
Suppliers
3.39
3.12
3.18
3.32
4.47
3.00
3.20
3.05

9. Conclusion
Many studies on student perception find an environmental predominance
This study: the predominant context is an economic dimension
However differences are observed between different cohorts
The study did not pursue reasons for the perception
Next step: Comparison with data from UK university using same research instrument

10. Thank You!