A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous african family businesses
- Authors: Matchaba-Hove, Mtonhodzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession Indigenous peoples -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48894 , vital:41168
- Description: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies around the globe and are believed to constitute over two-thirds of all businesses worldwide. For nearly 300 years, the Southern African economy has been developing as a consequence of the contribution of family businesses to the region’s economy. Despite their importance to the economies of countries, their overall failure rate remains high. Given the important economic and societal contribution that family businesses make, their survival rates are a matter of concern. As far as can be established, little research has been conducted among indigenous African family businesses. The research done to date lacks depth in terms of the topics covered and the countries sampled. The majority of studies on family businesses have been done in European, American and Asian settings. Notably, the research project on Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) has investigated transgenerational entrepreneurship among family businesses around the world. The STEP project proposes a theoretical framework, known as the STEP framework, which to date has not been applied to the indigenous African context. There is a great need for deeper insights into, and an increased understanding of the practices implemented among indigenous African family businesses that have survived across the generations, and of the context in which these businesses operate. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to explore and describe the factors that influence the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses so as to assess the appropriateness of an existing non-African framework, namely the STEP framework, and to reconfigure it for the African context. The STEP framework proposes that various contextual factors influence both the entrepreneurial orientation and the familiness resource pools of family businesses, which in turn influence each other, and ultimately the transgenerational potential of the family business. The underlying theory applied in the study is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions model. Hofstede’s model provides theoretical support for the belief that the context in which a theory or framework is applied has a big influence on the successful application of such a framework. Therefore, a need exists to contextualise the STEP framework to the context in which it is being applied. An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed the most suitable for the current study, as this paradigm and approach enabled the researcher to address the dynamics and invisible issues within family businesses. The current study adopted a multiple case study methodology. Adopting this methodology allowed for a deeper understanding of the object of interest. The three cases were systematically selected, using purposive sampling, to ensure that a credible and indicative sample was obtained. The criteria used for selection were based on the STEP project guidelines and the three businesses selected were from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, of indigenous African heritage and have showed sustained growth and success since their establishment. The reason for these selection criteria was to ensure that the study appropriately addressed the defined research objectives and the gap in the body of knowledge on transgenerational entrepreneurship in the African context. The instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research was a semi-structured interview schedule adapted from the STEP project interview schedule. Once all the data was collected, a combination of directed content analysis and explanation building was used to analyse the data. A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses is proposed in this study, based on the practices adopted by the successful indigenous African family businesses which participated. The framework developed adapts the STEP framework for the indigenous African family business context. As in the STEP framework, the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses highlights several external contextual factors as influencing both the familiness resource pools and the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. In the context of indigenous African family businesses, the external contextual factors most influential are the philosophy of Ubuntu, the collectivist national culture, as well as the community and extended family commitments. The external contextual factors, namely, the business environment and the industry in which the business operates, were found to be particularly influential on the entrepreneurial orientation displayed by the participating family businesses. All eight familiness resource pools, as well as the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation as proposed in the STEP framework, still form part of the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses. However, for some the nature thereof differed somewhat from the original descriptions. Therefore, the original names were adapted to better describe these concepts as applicable to an indigenous African family business context. The proposed framework supports the multi-dimensional nature of performance outcomes among indigenous African family businesses. It proposes that in an indigenous African family business context, entrepreneurial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the financial performance outcomes, while the financial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the social performance outcomes. This study contributes to a greater understanding of successful indigenous African family businesses and their best practices, specifically an understanding of the practices adopted with regards to the familiness resource pools and entrepreneurial orientation. Furthermore, this study has expanded on the understanding of paternalism in that it has provides greater clarity on the nature of this leadership style, as well as the positive outcomes associated with it, in an African context. The study also has significance for educators, who can incorporate the lessons learned from it into their entrepreneurship and family business teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matchaba-Hove, Mtonhodzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession Indigenous peoples -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48894 , vital:41168
- Description: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies around the globe and are believed to constitute over two-thirds of all businesses worldwide. For nearly 300 years, the Southern African economy has been developing as a consequence of the contribution of family businesses to the region’s economy. Despite their importance to the economies of countries, their overall failure rate remains high. Given the important economic and societal contribution that family businesses make, their survival rates are a matter of concern. As far as can be established, little research has been conducted among indigenous African family businesses. The research done to date lacks depth in terms of the topics covered and the countries sampled. The majority of studies on family businesses have been done in European, American and Asian settings. Notably, the research project on Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) has investigated transgenerational entrepreneurship among family businesses around the world. The STEP project proposes a theoretical framework, known as the STEP framework, which to date has not been applied to the indigenous African context. There is a great need for deeper insights into, and an increased understanding of the practices implemented among indigenous African family businesses that have survived across the generations, and of the context in which these businesses operate. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to explore and describe the factors that influence the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses so as to assess the appropriateness of an existing non-African framework, namely the STEP framework, and to reconfigure it for the African context. The STEP framework proposes that various contextual factors influence both the entrepreneurial orientation and the familiness resource pools of family businesses, which in turn influence each other, and ultimately the transgenerational potential of the family business. The underlying theory applied in the study is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions model. Hofstede’s model provides theoretical support for the belief that the context in which a theory or framework is applied has a big influence on the successful application of such a framework. Therefore, a need exists to contextualise the STEP framework to the context in which it is being applied. An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed the most suitable for the current study, as this paradigm and approach enabled the researcher to address the dynamics and invisible issues within family businesses. The current study adopted a multiple case study methodology. Adopting this methodology allowed for a deeper understanding of the object of interest. The three cases were systematically selected, using purposive sampling, to ensure that a credible and indicative sample was obtained. The criteria used for selection were based on the STEP project guidelines and the three businesses selected were from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, of indigenous African heritage and have showed sustained growth and success since their establishment. The reason for these selection criteria was to ensure that the study appropriately addressed the defined research objectives and the gap in the body of knowledge on transgenerational entrepreneurship in the African context. The instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research was a semi-structured interview schedule adapted from the STEP project interview schedule. Once all the data was collected, a combination of directed content analysis and explanation building was used to analyse the data. A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses is proposed in this study, based on the practices adopted by the successful indigenous African family businesses which participated. The framework developed adapts the STEP framework for the indigenous African family business context. As in the STEP framework, the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses highlights several external contextual factors as influencing both the familiness resource pools and the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. In the context of indigenous African family businesses, the external contextual factors most influential are the philosophy of Ubuntu, the collectivist national culture, as well as the community and extended family commitments. The external contextual factors, namely, the business environment and the industry in which the business operates, were found to be particularly influential on the entrepreneurial orientation displayed by the participating family businesses. All eight familiness resource pools, as well as the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation as proposed in the STEP framework, still form part of the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses. However, for some the nature thereof differed somewhat from the original descriptions. Therefore, the original names were adapted to better describe these concepts as applicable to an indigenous African family business context. The proposed framework supports the multi-dimensional nature of performance outcomes among indigenous African family businesses. It proposes that in an indigenous African family business context, entrepreneurial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the financial performance outcomes, while the financial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the social performance outcomes. This study contributes to a greater understanding of successful indigenous African family businesses and their best practices, specifically an understanding of the practices adopted with regards to the familiness resource pools and entrepreneurial orientation. Furthermore, this study has expanded on the understanding of paternalism in that it has provides greater clarity on the nature of this leadership style, as well as the positive outcomes associated with it, in an African context. The study also has significance for educators, who can incorporate the lessons learned from it into their entrepreneurship and family business teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47489 , vital:40126
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47489 , vital:40126
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , Medical economics -- South Africa Medical care -- South Africa -- Cost control Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50432 , vital:42167
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , Medical economics -- South Africa Medical care -- South Africa -- Cost control Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50432 , vital:42167
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A Ranking Framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Kanyutu, Teresia Watiri
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48246 , vital:40746
- Description: In the past 16 years, the use of League Tables and Rankings (LTRs) as a tool to rank or measure the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has grown in popularity. As a global practice, LTR outcomes are influencing how policies are developed and implemented within the Higher Education (HE) sector. Studies indicate that based on individual information requirements, HE stakeholders are using LTRs to compare HEIs with each other and make informed comparisons and decisions. University directors use LTRs as a basis for institutional strategic planning, reputation building and policy making, while students use LTRs to compare HEIs and make university of choice decisions. Further studies confirm that governments use LTRs for national higher education policy making, university funding, foreign partnerships and resource allocation. Globally and at a national level, the higher education sector has witnessed policy and structural changes, many of which are due to the increase in the use of international rankings and league tables. Despite the opportunities presented by participating in the production of and using LTRs, the ranking practice is contentious. Amongst the issues disputed by the HE stakeholders are the methodologies and criteria used in the production and publication of LTRs. Higher education experts argue that LTRs tend to favour institutional research output and ignore the teaching and learning function of HEIs. As a result, the ranking criteria differ across the higher education ranking institutions and their publication outcomes, which causes skepticism across the HE sector. Research indicates that these ranking criteria are often discussed from the standpoint of governments, the higher education management and the ranking institutions producing these LTR publications. The opinions of the students on the suitable ranking criteria used by ranking institutions lack. This study aims to address that gap. This study investigates the applicable criteria for ranking HEIs in South Africa, from the perspective of students. Building on the existing ranking criteria for three global and popular ranking institutions namely, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THEWUR) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking (QSWUR), the study poses the question; “What framework can be used to rank HEIs in South Africa, from a student’s perspective?” The study argues that although some HEIs in South Africa have in the past and most recently appeared in the global LTRs, the current choice of ranking criteria fails to consider the perspectives of the students, who are major consumers of LTRs and important stakeholders in the HE sector. A positivistic research method was used, based on a review of literature on the current ranking criteria for the selected global ranking institutions. An empirical study was conducted amongst students in a South African Comprehensive University. An online survey was distributed through convenient and snowball sampling, where the students were requested to participate in the survey and share the questionnaire link with others. Eight hundred and eighty six (886) responses were received and used for the data analyses of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kanyutu, Teresia Watiri
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48246 , vital:40746
- Description: In the past 16 years, the use of League Tables and Rankings (LTRs) as a tool to rank or measure the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has grown in popularity. As a global practice, LTR outcomes are influencing how policies are developed and implemented within the Higher Education (HE) sector. Studies indicate that based on individual information requirements, HE stakeholders are using LTRs to compare HEIs with each other and make informed comparisons and decisions. University directors use LTRs as a basis for institutional strategic planning, reputation building and policy making, while students use LTRs to compare HEIs and make university of choice decisions. Further studies confirm that governments use LTRs for national higher education policy making, university funding, foreign partnerships and resource allocation. Globally and at a national level, the higher education sector has witnessed policy and structural changes, many of which are due to the increase in the use of international rankings and league tables. Despite the opportunities presented by participating in the production of and using LTRs, the ranking practice is contentious. Amongst the issues disputed by the HE stakeholders are the methodologies and criteria used in the production and publication of LTRs. Higher education experts argue that LTRs tend to favour institutional research output and ignore the teaching and learning function of HEIs. As a result, the ranking criteria differ across the higher education ranking institutions and their publication outcomes, which causes skepticism across the HE sector. Research indicates that these ranking criteria are often discussed from the standpoint of governments, the higher education management and the ranking institutions producing these LTR publications. The opinions of the students on the suitable ranking criteria used by ranking institutions lack. This study aims to address that gap. This study investigates the applicable criteria for ranking HEIs in South Africa, from the perspective of students. Building on the existing ranking criteria for three global and popular ranking institutions namely, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THEWUR) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking (QSWUR), the study poses the question; “What framework can be used to rank HEIs in South Africa, from a student’s perspective?” The study argues that although some HEIs in South Africa have in the past and most recently appeared in the global LTRs, the current choice of ranking criteria fails to consider the perspectives of the students, who are major consumers of LTRs and important stakeholders in the HE sector. A positivistic research method was used, based on a review of literature on the current ranking criteria for the selected global ranking institutions. An empirical study was conducted amongst students in a South African Comprehensive University. An online survey was distributed through convenient and snowball sampling, where the students were requested to participate in the survey and share the questionnaire link with others. Eight hundred and eighty six (886) responses were received and used for the data analyses of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A Strategic Model to Promote University of Choice Decisions among International Students Studying in South Africa
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation of the link between Financial sector development and economic growth in Zimbabwe from 1980 -2016
- Authors: Machokoto, Sydney
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial institutions-- Zimbambwe , Economic growth, development,planning -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49894 , vital:41814
- Description: This study investigated the link between financial sector development and economic growth in Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2016 using the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag model. Market capitalization as a ratio of gross domestic product (GDP), bank credit to the private sector as a ratio of GDP and financial assets of microfinance as a ratio of GDP were used as proxy variables for financial sector development. Economic growth was measured by real GDP. The Granger causality test indicated bi-directional causality between access to financial services and economic growth in Zimbabwe in the long run. Market capitalization and bank credit to the private sector did not Granger cause economic growth in Zimbabwe. It was recommended that the government should promote the functioning of the capital market as it is the conduit for providing long term capital to businesses. Bank credit to the private sector was found to be statistically significant. It was recommended that the government should promote decentralization of the banking sector to rural areas. The proxy variables of financial development used were statistically significant in influencing economic growth. The findings from the study led to the recommendation to open additional microfinance companies in remote areas and to increase the supply of financial services and products. Empirical evidence indicates that the link between financial development and economic growth depends on the proxy variables of financial sector development used in econometric modelling. The model was tested for heteroscedasticity, serial correlation, stability and normality. The econometric tests conducted were all satisfactory. This made the model ideal for policy formulation and recommendation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Machokoto, Sydney
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial institutions-- Zimbambwe , Economic growth, development,planning -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49894 , vital:41814
- Description: This study investigated the link between financial sector development and economic growth in Zimbabwe from 1980 to 2016 using the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag model. Market capitalization as a ratio of gross domestic product (GDP), bank credit to the private sector as a ratio of GDP and financial assets of microfinance as a ratio of GDP were used as proxy variables for financial sector development. Economic growth was measured by real GDP. The Granger causality test indicated bi-directional causality between access to financial services and economic growth in Zimbabwe in the long run. Market capitalization and bank credit to the private sector did not Granger cause economic growth in Zimbabwe. It was recommended that the government should promote the functioning of the capital market as it is the conduit for providing long term capital to businesses. Bank credit to the private sector was found to be statistically significant. It was recommended that the government should promote decentralization of the banking sector to rural areas. The proxy variables of financial development used were statistically significant in influencing economic growth. The findings from the study led to the recommendation to open additional microfinance companies in remote areas and to increase the supply of financial services and products. Empirical evidence indicates that the link between financial development and economic growth depends on the proxy variables of financial sector development used in econometric modelling. The model was tested for heteroscedasticity, serial correlation, stability and normality. The econometric tests conducted were all satisfactory. This made the model ideal for policy formulation and recommendation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Commercial maritime higher education needs in South Africa
- Authors: Allison, Lee-Ann
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Marine resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47496 , vital:40117
- Description: Seaborne cargo trade accounts for over 80% of the physical volume of global trade. Maritime transport thus fulfills an integral function in the economy of the world. South Africa generates approximately 3.5% of the world’s seaborne trade by value and 1.61% by tonnage, but the business of shipping all that cargo is undertaken by foreign firms. Operation Phakisa, the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy, and the South African Maritime Road Map, in pursuance of the National Development Plan, aim to revive the commercial maritime sector. In order to meet the demand for the skills and innovative abilities sought at executive and managerial levels in the commercial maritime sector, higher education in the knowledge of maritime business is increasingly becoming a prerequisite. Investment in higher education of quality and relevance in the maritime field would contribute to achieving the goals of the government for harnessing the potential of South Africa’s blue economy. The literature is researched in order to establish an authoritative view that the knowledge and the inspiration for entrepreneurial activity in the maritime sector can be imparted through higher education; and for example, that a viable shipping sector can contribute to the growth of a country’s economy. The South African maritime sector is then described. The commercial maritime higher education available at universities and other institutions of higher learning in South Africa, as well as in other African countries and elsewhere in the world, is examined, in order to be able to identify the degree and diploma courses available. Maritime courses imply not only the content of the educational material, but also the method whereby the knowledge is instilled in learners, and which extends well beyond the classroom. A survey, by way of the personal interviews of leaders in maritime business, maritime government affairs, and academics teaching maritime topics, is then undertaken to ascertain their views on the education required to promote the maritime sector in South Africa, using the list of subjects available for study worldwide, to assist their choice. The literature research and the interview survey by design also enable the secondary aims of the study to be achieved. Those aims include determining how awareness of the maritime domain could be raised and how co-operation between academia, business, and government, known as the triple helix could be organized, to promote the growth of the maritime sector. The results of the survey are analyzed and tabulated, in order to illustrate the extent of the agreement between those interviewed and the conclusions reached. These conclusions establish: (i) that the commercial maritime education currently available in South Africa, is inadequate to meet the aim of the government to the sector; (ii) that a post-graduate degree iv in the specified maritime studies incorporating a period of internship, and following on the first degree in business subjects, is required; (iii) that a triple helix of co-operation between academia, business, and the government is essential to grow the commercial maritime sector in which South African entrepreneurs educated in such business will have the advantage; (iv) that greater awareness of the maritime domain is essential in South Africa if entrepreneurship in maritime business is to be cultivated; and (v)that such awareness can be cultivated in various ways; but it should start by including more maritime topics in the current school curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Allison, Lee-Ann
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Marine resources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47496 , vital:40117
- Description: Seaborne cargo trade accounts for over 80% of the physical volume of global trade. Maritime transport thus fulfills an integral function in the economy of the world. South Africa generates approximately 3.5% of the world’s seaborne trade by value and 1.61% by tonnage, but the business of shipping all that cargo is undertaken by foreign firms. Operation Phakisa, the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy, and the South African Maritime Road Map, in pursuance of the National Development Plan, aim to revive the commercial maritime sector. In order to meet the demand for the skills and innovative abilities sought at executive and managerial levels in the commercial maritime sector, higher education in the knowledge of maritime business is increasingly becoming a prerequisite. Investment in higher education of quality and relevance in the maritime field would contribute to achieving the goals of the government for harnessing the potential of South Africa’s blue economy. The literature is researched in order to establish an authoritative view that the knowledge and the inspiration for entrepreneurial activity in the maritime sector can be imparted through higher education; and for example, that a viable shipping sector can contribute to the growth of a country’s economy. The South African maritime sector is then described. The commercial maritime higher education available at universities and other institutions of higher learning in South Africa, as well as in other African countries and elsewhere in the world, is examined, in order to be able to identify the degree and diploma courses available. Maritime courses imply not only the content of the educational material, but also the method whereby the knowledge is instilled in learners, and which extends well beyond the classroom. A survey, by way of the personal interviews of leaders in maritime business, maritime government affairs, and academics teaching maritime topics, is then undertaken to ascertain their views on the education required to promote the maritime sector in South Africa, using the list of subjects available for study worldwide, to assist their choice. The literature research and the interview survey by design also enable the secondary aims of the study to be achieved. Those aims include determining how awareness of the maritime domain could be raised and how co-operation between academia, business, and government, known as the triple helix could be organized, to promote the growth of the maritime sector. The results of the survey are analyzed and tabulated, in order to illustrate the extent of the agreement between those interviewed and the conclusions reached. These conclusions establish: (i) that the commercial maritime education currently available in South Africa, is inadequate to meet the aim of the government to the sector; (ii) that a post-graduate degree iv in the specified maritime studies incorporating a period of internship, and following on the first degree in business subjects, is required; (iii) that a triple helix of co-operation between academia, business, and the government is essential to grow the commercial maritime sector in which South African entrepreneurs educated in such business will have the advantage; (iv) that greater awareness of the maritime domain is essential in South Africa if entrepreneurship in maritime business is to be cultivated; and (v)that such awareness can be cultivated in various ways; but it should start by including more maritime topics in the current school curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Commercial maritime higher education needs in South Africa
- Authors: Allison, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Curricula , Education, Higher -- Research Merchant marine Shipping -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50350 , vital:42111
- Description: Seaborne cargo trade accounts for over 80% of the physical volume of global trade. Maritime transport thus fulfils an integral function in the economy of the world. South Africa generates approximately 3.5% of the world’s seaborne trade by value and 1.61% by tonnage; but the business of shipping all that cargo is undertaken by foreign firms. Operation Phakisa, the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy and the South African Maritime Road Map, in pursuance of the National Development Plan, aim to revive the commercial maritime sector. In order to meet the demand for the skills and innovative abilities sought at executive and managerial levels in the commercial maritime sector, higher education in the knowledge of maritime business is increasingly becoming a prerequisite. Investment in higher education of quality and relevance in the maritime field would contribute to achieving the goals of the government for harnessing the potential of South Africa’s blue economy. The literature is researched in order to establish an authoritative view that the knowledge and the inspiration for entrepreneurial activity in the maritime sector can be imparted through higher education; and for example, that a viable shipping sector can contribute to the growth of a country’s economy. The South African maritime sector is then described. The commercial maritime higher education available at universities and other institutions of higher learning in South Africa, as well as in other African countries and elsewhere in the world, is examined, in order to be able to identify the degree and diploma courses available. Maritime courses imply not only the content of the educational material, but also the method whereby the knowledge is instilled in learners, and which extends well beyond the classroom. A survey, by way of the personal interviews of leaders in maritime business, maritime government affairs, and academics teaching maritime topics, is then undertaken to ascertain their views on the education required to promote the maritime sector in South Africa, using the list of subjects available for study worldwide, to assist their choice. The literature research and the interview survey by design also enable the secondary aims of the study to be achieved. Those aims include determining how awareness of the maritime domain could be raised and how co-operation between academia, business and government, known as the triple helix could be organised, to promote the growth of the maritime sector. The results of the survey are analysed and tabulated, in order to illustrate the extent of the agreement between those interviewed and the conclusions reached. These conclusions establish: that the commercial maritime education currently available in South Africa, is inadequate to meet the aim of the government to the sector; that a post-graduate degree in the specified maritime studies incorporating a period of internship, and following on a first degree in business subjects, is required; that a triple helix of co-operation between academia, business and the government is essential to grow the commercial maritime sector in which South African entrepreneurs educated in such business will have the advantage; that greater awareness of the maritime domain is essential in South Africa if entrepreneurship in maritime business is to be cultivated; and that such awareness can be cultivated in various ways; but it should start by including more maritime topics in the current school curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Allison, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Curricula , Education, Higher -- Research Merchant marine Shipping -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50350 , vital:42111
- Description: Seaborne cargo trade accounts for over 80% of the physical volume of global trade. Maritime transport thus fulfils an integral function in the economy of the world. South Africa generates approximately 3.5% of the world’s seaborne trade by value and 1.61% by tonnage; but the business of shipping all that cargo is undertaken by foreign firms. Operation Phakisa, the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy and the South African Maritime Road Map, in pursuance of the National Development Plan, aim to revive the commercial maritime sector. In order to meet the demand for the skills and innovative abilities sought at executive and managerial levels in the commercial maritime sector, higher education in the knowledge of maritime business is increasingly becoming a prerequisite. Investment in higher education of quality and relevance in the maritime field would contribute to achieving the goals of the government for harnessing the potential of South Africa’s blue economy. The literature is researched in order to establish an authoritative view that the knowledge and the inspiration for entrepreneurial activity in the maritime sector can be imparted through higher education; and for example, that a viable shipping sector can contribute to the growth of a country’s economy. The South African maritime sector is then described. The commercial maritime higher education available at universities and other institutions of higher learning in South Africa, as well as in other African countries and elsewhere in the world, is examined, in order to be able to identify the degree and diploma courses available. Maritime courses imply not only the content of the educational material, but also the method whereby the knowledge is instilled in learners, and which extends well beyond the classroom. A survey, by way of the personal interviews of leaders in maritime business, maritime government affairs, and academics teaching maritime topics, is then undertaken to ascertain their views on the education required to promote the maritime sector in South Africa, using the list of subjects available for study worldwide, to assist their choice. The literature research and the interview survey by design also enable the secondary aims of the study to be achieved. Those aims include determining how awareness of the maritime domain could be raised and how co-operation between academia, business and government, known as the triple helix could be organised, to promote the growth of the maritime sector. The results of the survey are analysed and tabulated, in order to illustrate the extent of the agreement between those interviewed and the conclusions reached. These conclusions establish: that the commercial maritime education currently available in South Africa, is inadequate to meet the aim of the government to the sector; that a post-graduate degree in the specified maritime studies incorporating a period of internship, and following on a first degree in business subjects, is required; that a triple helix of co-operation between academia, business and the government is essential to grow the commercial maritime sector in which South African entrepreneurs educated in such business will have the advantage; that greater awareness of the maritime domain is essential in South Africa if entrepreneurship in maritime business is to be cultivated; and that such awareness can be cultivated in various ways; but it should start by including more maritime topics in the current school curricula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Consumer behaviour regarding stock market participation in South Africa
- Authors: Mbewe, Wise
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial Literacy -- South Africa , Stock ownership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50328 , vital:42107
- Description: South Africa (SA) has a highly sophisticated financial services sector that contributes significantly to the economy. A stock market forms a significant component of the financial sector of any economy. While the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has managed to arouse interest of many South Africans, there appears to be apathy and inertia when it comes to actual participation in the stock market by South African consumers. Stock market non-participation is considered a “puzzle” in microeconomics and finance literature because it is not easy to explain the reason why many consumers, in spite of high stock returns, do not own listed shares. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate consumer behaviour regarding stock market participation in SA by considering the antecedents and outcomes of stock market participation in SA.The study presented a theoretical literature review on the factors influencing stock market participation in SA. From the literature review, three sets of variables classified as independent variables, an intervening variable and dependent variables were identified. The independent variables (Demographic characteristics; Financial literacy; Investment risk tolerance; Communication; and Consumer trust) were identified as possibly influencing the intervening variable (Stock market participation) and ultimately the dependent variables (Client satisfaction and loyalty, Financial sustainability and Repurchase intentions). These variables were used to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses. The study further presented the research methodology (following a positivistic paradigm and quantitative research method), and the results of this study. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on stock market participation, as well as ultimate influences on the dependent variables, an empirical investigation was conducted. Since it was not possible to reach all members of the target population, the population of this study was South African consumers located in four of the nine provinces, namely, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng. A sample of 510 respondents participated in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbewe, Wise
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial Literacy -- South Africa , Stock ownership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50328 , vital:42107
- Description: South Africa (SA) has a highly sophisticated financial services sector that contributes significantly to the economy. A stock market forms a significant component of the financial sector of any economy. While the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has managed to arouse interest of many South Africans, there appears to be apathy and inertia when it comes to actual participation in the stock market by South African consumers. Stock market non-participation is considered a “puzzle” in microeconomics and finance literature because it is not easy to explain the reason why many consumers, in spite of high stock returns, do not own listed shares. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate consumer behaviour regarding stock market participation in SA by considering the antecedents and outcomes of stock market participation in SA.The study presented a theoretical literature review on the factors influencing stock market participation in SA. From the literature review, three sets of variables classified as independent variables, an intervening variable and dependent variables were identified. The independent variables (Demographic characteristics; Financial literacy; Investment risk tolerance; Communication; and Consumer trust) were identified as possibly influencing the intervening variable (Stock market participation) and ultimately the dependent variables (Client satisfaction and loyalty, Financial sustainability and Repurchase intentions). These variables were used to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses. The study further presented the research methodology (following a positivistic paradigm and quantitative research method), and the results of this study. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on stock market participation, as well as ultimate influences on the dependent variables, an empirical investigation was conducted. Since it was not possible to reach all members of the target population, the population of this study was South African consumers located in four of the nine provinces, namely, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng. A sample of 510 respondents participated in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Financial integration in the BRICS countries
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Autogression (Statistics) -- mathematical models , Monetary policy -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50609 , vital:42278
- Description: An optimum currency area (OCA) owes its definition to Robert Mundell (1961). In his seminal paper, Mundell (1961) defines an OCA as an area for which the costs of relinquishing the exchange rate as an internal instrument of adjustments are outweighed by the benefits of adopting a single currency or a fixed exchange rate regime. Mundell (1961) emphasises two major benefits of adopting a single currency: the elimination of transaction costs and a better performance of money as a medium of exchange and as a unit of account. Thus far, OCA theory has served as the framework for the discussion about monetary integration and has provided an explanation for the monetary integration processes around the world both developed and developing countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries can be a model and a representation of developing and emerging countries in the global economic and financial system. Hence, this has made the BRICS economies the object of many discussions and recent empirical researches. The research presented in this thesis uses a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) econometric model to explore whether there is a feasibility of macroeconomic convergence among the BRICS economies. The SVAR model permitted to examine the symmetry of shocks (supply, demand and monetary) among the five BRICS countries. The findings of this research showed that there was some degree of symmetry of shocks among the BRICS countries. Nevertheless, there is a need for more policy coordination in order to achieve the desired level of symmetry of shocks among these countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Autogression (Statistics) -- mathematical models , Monetary policy -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50609 , vital:42278
- Description: An optimum currency area (OCA) owes its definition to Robert Mundell (1961). In his seminal paper, Mundell (1961) defines an OCA as an area for which the costs of relinquishing the exchange rate as an internal instrument of adjustments are outweighed by the benefits of adopting a single currency or a fixed exchange rate regime. Mundell (1961) emphasises two major benefits of adopting a single currency: the elimination of transaction costs and a better performance of money as a medium of exchange and as a unit of account. Thus far, OCA theory has served as the framework for the discussion about monetary integration and has provided an explanation for the monetary integration processes around the world both developed and developing countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries can be a model and a representation of developing and emerging countries in the global economic and financial system. Hence, this has made the BRICS economies the object of many discussions and recent empirical researches. The research presented in this thesis uses a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) econometric model to explore whether there is a feasibility of macroeconomic convergence among the BRICS economies. The SVAR model permitted to examine the symmetry of shocks (supply, demand and monetary) among the five BRICS countries. The findings of this research showed that there was some degree of symmetry of shocks among the BRICS countries. Nevertheless, there is a need for more policy coordination in order to achieve the desired level of symmetry of shocks among these countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Identifying a Successful Accounting Student: Profiling of Postgraduate Accounting Students in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Weldon, Lana Joy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Personality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50699 , vital:42343
- Description: Throughput rates and transformation have long been considered major challenges to accounting departments in South Africa. While much research has been done on various aspects of study techniques in an attempt to assist students to succeed, little attention has been paid to profiling students to ascertain whether there are common traits in terms of personality, aptitude, values and motives, which distinguish successful students from others. This study looks at these factors and uses sub-tests of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), selected with reference to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Competency Framework, to determine the correlation between these aptitudes and the success of accounting students. In addition, the impact of biographical data, including gender, race and type of school attended, is considered on the success of the students and the individual sub-tests of aptitude. The study then considers the impact of various personality types, personality traits and values on the success or failure of accounting students, and finally seeks to ascertain whether there is a holistic profile of a student who has a statistically significant chance of succeeding in accounting studies. Results indicate that the sub-tests of aptitude for verbal reasoning and reading comprehension have the most significance in predicting student success and that gender and race have a medium effect. Furthermore, personality types, personality traits and values do not have a significant impact on student success. The only biographical factor to have an impact on success was race. Despite the findings in the individual factors considered, no distinct personality profile of a successful Results indicate that the sub-tests of aptitude for verbal reasoning and reading comprehension have the most significance in predicting student success and that gender and race have a medium effect. Furthermore, personality types, personality traits and values do not have a significant impact on student success. The only biographical factor to have an impact on success was race. Despite the findings in the individual factors considered, no distinct personality profile of a successful accounting student emerged. Future research on the use of literacy competency assessments in the admission requirements for chartered accounting programmes, or to inform student academic support initiatives is recommended. accounting student emerged. Future research on the use of literacy competency assessments in the admission requirements for chartered accounting programmes, or to inform student academic support initiatives is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Weldon, Lana Joy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Personality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Accounting -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50699 , vital:42343
- Description: Throughput rates and transformation have long been considered major challenges to accounting departments in South Africa. While much research has been done on various aspects of study techniques in an attempt to assist students to succeed, little attention has been paid to profiling students to ascertain whether there are common traits in terms of personality, aptitude, values and motives, which distinguish successful students from others. This study looks at these factors and uses sub-tests of the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), selected with reference to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Competency Framework, to determine the correlation between these aptitudes and the success of accounting students. In addition, the impact of biographical data, including gender, race and type of school attended, is considered on the success of the students and the individual sub-tests of aptitude. The study then considers the impact of various personality types, personality traits and values on the success or failure of accounting students, and finally seeks to ascertain whether there is a holistic profile of a student who has a statistically significant chance of succeeding in accounting studies. Results indicate that the sub-tests of aptitude for verbal reasoning and reading comprehension have the most significance in predicting student success and that gender and race have a medium effect. Furthermore, personality types, personality traits and values do not have a significant impact on student success. The only biographical factor to have an impact on success was race. Despite the findings in the individual factors considered, no distinct personality profile of a successful Results indicate that the sub-tests of aptitude for verbal reasoning and reading comprehension have the most significance in predicting student success and that gender and race have a medium effect. Furthermore, personality types, personality traits and values do not have a significant impact on student success. The only biographical factor to have an impact on success was race. Despite the findings in the individual factors considered, no distinct personality profile of a successful accounting student emerged. Future research on the use of literacy competency assessments in the admission requirements for chartered accounting programmes, or to inform student academic support initiatives is recommended. accounting student emerged. Future research on the use of literacy competency assessments in the admission requirements for chartered accounting programmes, or to inform student academic support initiatives is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Impact of climate finance on environmental quality in Sub-Sahara Africa
- Authors: Doku, Isaac
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects , Economic development -- Environmental aspects Macroeconomics -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50513 , vital:42206
- Description: Most climate finances available to Sub-Sahara Africa countries tries to assist governmental and non-governmental institutions decarbonise by reducing greenhouse gases or promote conservation of forests through REDD+ programs. On that backdrop, three main general objectives arises for this study; (1) to examine the impact of climate finance on greenhouse gas emissions (2) To find the impact of climate finance on deforestation in Sub-Sahara Africa (3) To determine the major recipient characteristics that attracts more climate finance to Sub-Sahara Africa. The first general objective looked at three greenhouse gas variables; carbon emission, methane and nitrous oxide emission. Data was analysed using system GMM for all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa for the period 2006-2017 based on data availability. The first general objective of the study employed system GMM robust standard errors and triangulates the result by using DOLS and FMOLS for robustness check. The findings show that climate finance is not reducing nitrous oxide, methane and total greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, whereas carbon emission showed mixed results. System GMM results affirmed the existence of EKC, but DOLS and FMOLS results gave a contradictory finding. Based on that, we cannot conclude the existence of EKC for our studies. Energy consumption showed a positive significant impact on carbon, methane and total greenhouse gas for all three models in accordance to prior studies and affirming pollution haven hypothesis, but a mixed result for nitrous oxide. Finally, the findings from governance readiness showed governments in Africa’s unwillingness to reduce carbon but very keen in reducing the other greenhouses gases for all three models. Existence of pollution haven hypothesis shows that more hazardous and dirty investments are moving from developed countries to developing countries with less strict environmental rules like Sub-Sahara Africa. The second and third general objectives of the study employed system-GMM estimation technique to take care of time series variations in the data, as well as capture the unobserved country-specific time-invariant effect. Three and four stages hierarchical regressions are carried out for objectives two and three respectively and a panel quantile regression is employed to test sensitivity of the results for both analysis. The findings for objective two showed that increase in climate climate finance increases deforestation in two models and one model showing a decrease in deforestation, making the result very difficult to interpret and mixed. The study did not also get support for EKC but indicated that forest transition curve is rather U-shaped for all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa and two sub-regional blocks; EAC and CEMAC. Population growth and agricultural land use have been found to be major drivers of deforestation. Most of the governance indicators showed adverse impact on deforestation. The result for objective three indicates that Sub-Sahara African countries with high population growth rate, higher poverty levels, better ease of doing business profile, weaker governance policies, weaker control of corruption, stronger rule of law enforcement, deepened social inequality and better ICT usage have attracted more climate finance. Based on that, we recommend Africa countries to strengthen their practice of rule of law and more stringent rules to prevent or minimize corruption in the system. Climate finance managers should also undertake rigorous monitoring and supervision when funds are extended to reduce misappropriation of funds by recipients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Doku, Isaac
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects , Economic development -- Environmental aspects Macroeconomics -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50513 , vital:42206
- Description: Most climate finances available to Sub-Sahara Africa countries tries to assist governmental and non-governmental institutions decarbonise by reducing greenhouse gases or promote conservation of forests through REDD+ programs. On that backdrop, three main general objectives arises for this study; (1) to examine the impact of climate finance on greenhouse gas emissions (2) To find the impact of climate finance on deforestation in Sub-Sahara Africa (3) To determine the major recipient characteristics that attracts more climate finance to Sub-Sahara Africa. The first general objective looked at three greenhouse gas variables; carbon emission, methane and nitrous oxide emission. Data was analysed using system GMM for all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa for the period 2006-2017 based on data availability. The first general objective of the study employed system GMM robust standard errors and triangulates the result by using DOLS and FMOLS for robustness check. The findings show that climate finance is not reducing nitrous oxide, methane and total greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, whereas carbon emission showed mixed results. System GMM results affirmed the existence of EKC, but DOLS and FMOLS results gave a contradictory finding. Based on that, we cannot conclude the existence of EKC for our studies. Energy consumption showed a positive significant impact on carbon, methane and total greenhouse gas for all three models in accordance to prior studies and affirming pollution haven hypothesis, but a mixed result for nitrous oxide. Finally, the findings from governance readiness showed governments in Africa’s unwillingness to reduce carbon but very keen in reducing the other greenhouses gases for all three models. Existence of pollution haven hypothesis shows that more hazardous and dirty investments are moving from developed countries to developing countries with less strict environmental rules like Sub-Sahara Africa. The second and third general objectives of the study employed system-GMM estimation technique to take care of time series variations in the data, as well as capture the unobserved country-specific time-invariant effect. Three and four stages hierarchical regressions are carried out for objectives two and three respectively and a panel quantile regression is employed to test sensitivity of the results for both analysis. The findings for objective two showed that increase in climate climate finance increases deforestation in two models and one model showing a decrease in deforestation, making the result very difficult to interpret and mixed. The study did not also get support for EKC but indicated that forest transition curve is rather U-shaped for all countries in Sub-Sahara Africa and two sub-regional blocks; EAC and CEMAC. Population growth and agricultural land use have been found to be major drivers of deforestation. Most of the governance indicators showed adverse impact on deforestation. The result for objective three indicates that Sub-Sahara African countries with high population growth rate, higher poverty levels, better ease of doing business profile, weaker governance policies, weaker control of corruption, stronger rule of law enforcement, deepened social inequality and better ICT usage have attracted more climate finance. Based on that, we recommend Africa countries to strengthen their practice of rule of law and more stringent rules to prevent or minimize corruption in the system. Climate finance managers should also undertake rigorous monitoring and supervision when funds are extended to reduce misappropriation of funds by recipients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Possible hydraulics futures for South Africa towards 2055
- Authors: Naidoo, Franck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Climate changes -- South Africa , Shale gas industry -- Case Studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50620 , vital:42279
- Description: This research makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on unconventional oil and gas extraction (UOG) in the Karoo, South Africa. It provides a detailed analysis grounded in future studies theory and practice, which supports the argument that UOG extraction in the Karoo may potentially be conducted under the careful guidance of sustainable development and climate change principles. It is informed by the researcher’s perceptive and experience as a manufacturer of oil and gas products and his understanding of the fossil fuel sector and the role it currently plays in the South African economy. It is further informed by the researcher s understanding of the sector’s damaging climatic and environmental impacts. The practice of offering new insights through the application of futures studies is central to the process, and specific methodologies and tools have been used to develop four scenarios for the UOG extraction in South Africa. This framework allows for easy assessment for policy-making. Never has scenario art, which has been expertly created during the workshops, been used in South Africa to generate memorable and lasting scenarios memorable and lasting scenarios. This research seeks to provide insight regarding for South Africa’s quest for energy security in ways that support the climate change agenda. Given the shale controversies, most environmentalists prefer lower-carbon and reduced fossil fuel usage. However, South Africa can ill-afford this luxury at this stage and while the research considers the option of no-shale exploration and a direct path to renewable energy solutions (the ‘No-Shale, what now?’ scenario) it also. proposes other options for consideration. An integrated vision is put forth as the preferred scenario in which shale is the conduit to a sustainable energy future and which implements wide-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Naidoo, Franck
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Climate changes -- South Africa , Shale gas industry -- Case Studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50620 , vital:42279
- Description: This research makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on unconventional oil and gas extraction (UOG) in the Karoo, South Africa. It provides a detailed analysis grounded in future studies theory and practice, which supports the argument that UOG extraction in the Karoo may potentially be conducted under the careful guidance of sustainable development and climate change principles. It is informed by the researcher’s perceptive and experience as a manufacturer of oil and gas products and his understanding of the fossil fuel sector and the role it currently plays in the South African economy. It is further informed by the researcher s understanding of the sector’s damaging climatic and environmental impacts. The practice of offering new insights through the application of futures studies is central to the process, and specific methodologies and tools have been used to develop four scenarios for the UOG extraction in South Africa. This framework allows for easy assessment for policy-making. Never has scenario art, which has been expertly created during the workshops, been used in South Africa to generate memorable and lasting scenarios memorable and lasting scenarios. This research seeks to provide insight regarding for South Africa’s quest for energy security in ways that support the climate change agenda. Given the shale controversies, most environmentalists prefer lower-carbon and reduced fossil fuel usage. However, South Africa can ill-afford this luxury at this stage and while the research considers the option of no-shale exploration and a direct path to renewable energy solutions (the ‘No-Shale, what now?’ scenario) it also. proposes other options for consideration. An integrated vision is put forth as the preferred scenario in which shale is the conduit to a sustainable energy future and which implements wide-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Promoting leader integrity through the human resource management value chain
- Authors: De Villiers, Bridget
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects Business ethics Professional ethics Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50469 , vital:42197
- Description: Ethical breaches in the public and private sector in South Africa are prevalent and the effects thereof pervasive on the economy and within broader society. These ethical breaches include corruption, bribery, and the mismanagement of resources and may be attributed to poor decision-making on the part of organisational leaders. The complexity of the circumstances in which organisations operate in the 21st century requires that leaders effectively navigate moral dilemmas while considering the broad range of interests represented by many organisational stakeholders. Leaders need to act in a manner that is ethically sound to avoid the negative consequences associated with unethical organisational conduct, including a loss of profit, credibility and reputation. Ethical leadership is central to moral organisational governance, as compliance with rules and regulations alone is ineffective in building and sustaining an ethical organisation. Literature points to the centrality of leader integrity to the notion of ethical leadership and that an ethical organisational culture is sustained by leaders who possess integrity. In promoting leader integrity studies highlight management interventions and organisational success factors that promote an ethical organisation. Within the context of this study these management interventions and success factors were identified as promoting leader integrity. Further, the literature identified the important role of leaders in supporting these interventions and creating the conditions necessary to foster the success factors. These management interventions are offered through and the success factors are linked to the human resource management value chain. The main aim of this study was to explore the promotion of leader integrity through the human resource management value chain in South African organisations. The main aim of the study led to the development of several theoretical and empirical sub-objectives that were addressed through the following actions: A literature study was conducted examining the nature of ethical leadership and leader integrity and included a consideration of the dark side of leadership. The literature was further examined in relation to the nature of an ethical organisation and organisational integrity, the role of the leader in promoting an ethical organisational culture, and regarding the management interventions and success factors that were seen to promote leader integrity. The insights gained from the literature review assisted in the compilation of a survey questionnaire, this being the Management Interventions and Success Factors Scale. This scale, together with an existing scale, The Perceived Leader Integrity Scale (version 1.2), were used in the empirical study to determine the perceptions of employees as to whether specific management interventions and success factors were seen to promote leader integrity, and the extent to which their managers were seen to act with integrity. These employees worked in the public and private sectors across South Africa, and a final sample size of 606 respondents was achieved. The empirical results of the study revealed that management interventions and success factors were seen to promote leader integrity. However, due to high levels of inconsistency in the responses received it was recommended that a clearer link needs to be created in terms of how the success factors and interventions promote leader integrity. The empirical study further revealed that South African leaders were seen to act with integrity, more especially not to engage in acts of extreme negative deviance such as theft or sabotage, but that there was room for improvement as there were employees who reported moderate and low levels of integrity among their managers. Together with the literature review the empirical study contributed towards the development of a model and a framework for the promotion of leader integrity across the HRM value chain. South African leaders have a crucial role to play in promoting not only the moral fibre of the organisations that they represent, but also in contributing positively to moral regeneration at both a national and a global level through effective and integrity-based organisational governance. This is achieved through adopting an integrated, strategic and holistic approach to the promotion of leader integrity as proposed in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: De Villiers, Bridget
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects Business ethics Professional ethics Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50469 , vital:42197
- Description: Ethical breaches in the public and private sector in South Africa are prevalent and the effects thereof pervasive on the economy and within broader society. These ethical breaches include corruption, bribery, and the mismanagement of resources and may be attributed to poor decision-making on the part of organisational leaders. The complexity of the circumstances in which organisations operate in the 21st century requires that leaders effectively navigate moral dilemmas while considering the broad range of interests represented by many organisational stakeholders. Leaders need to act in a manner that is ethically sound to avoid the negative consequences associated with unethical organisational conduct, including a loss of profit, credibility and reputation. Ethical leadership is central to moral organisational governance, as compliance with rules and regulations alone is ineffective in building and sustaining an ethical organisation. Literature points to the centrality of leader integrity to the notion of ethical leadership and that an ethical organisational culture is sustained by leaders who possess integrity. In promoting leader integrity studies highlight management interventions and organisational success factors that promote an ethical organisation. Within the context of this study these management interventions and success factors were identified as promoting leader integrity. Further, the literature identified the important role of leaders in supporting these interventions and creating the conditions necessary to foster the success factors. These management interventions are offered through and the success factors are linked to the human resource management value chain. The main aim of this study was to explore the promotion of leader integrity through the human resource management value chain in South African organisations. The main aim of the study led to the development of several theoretical and empirical sub-objectives that were addressed through the following actions: A literature study was conducted examining the nature of ethical leadership and leader integrity and included a consideration of the dark side of leadership. The literature was further examined in relation to the nature of an ethical organisation and organisational integrity, the role of the leader in promoting an ethical organisational culture, and regarding the management interventions and success factors that were seen to promote leader integrity. The insights gained from the literature review assisted in the compilation of a survey questionnaire, this being the Management Interventions and Success Factors Scale. This scale, together with an existing scale, The Perceived Leader Integrity Scale (version 1.2), were used in the empirical study to determine the perceptions of employees as to whether specific management interventions and success factors were seen to promote leader integrity, and the extent to which their managers were seen to act with integrity. These employees worked in the public and private sectors across South Africa, and a final sample size of 606 respondents was achieved. The empirical results of the study revealed that management interventions and success factors were seen to promote leader integrity. However, due to high levels of inconsistency in the responses received it was recommended that a clearer link needs to be created in terms of how the success factors and interventions promote leader integrity. The empirical study further revealed that South African leaders were seen to act with integrity, more especially not to engage in acts of extreme negative deviance such as theft or sabotage, but that there was room for improvement as there were employees who reported moderate and low levels of integrity among their managers. Together with the literature review the empirical study contributed towards the development of a model and a framework for the promotion of leader integrity across the HRM value chain. South African leaders have a crucial role to play in promoting not only the moral fibre of the organisations that they represent, but also in contributing positively to moral regeneration at both a national and a global level through effective and integrity-based organisational governance. This is achieved through adopting an integrated, strategic and holistic approach to the promotion of leader integrity as proposed in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Promoting leader intergrity through the human resource management chain
- Authors: De Villiers, Marie Bridget
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadersship --Moral and ethical Aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49791 , vital:41801
- Description: Ethical breaches in the public and private sector in South Africa are prevalent and the effects thereof pervasive on the economy and within broader society. These ethical breaches include corruption, bribery, and the mismanagement of resources and may be attributed to poor decision-making on the part of organisational leaders. The complexity of the circumstances in which organisations operate in the 21st century requires that leaders effectively navigate moral dilemmas while considering the broad range of interests represented by many organisational stakeholders. Leaders need to act in a manner that is ethically sound to avoid the negative consequences associated with unethical organisational conduct, including a loss of profit, credibility and reputation. Ethical leadership is central to moral organisational governance, as compliance with rules and regulations alone is ineffective in building and sustaining an ethical organisation. Literature points to the centrality of leader integrity to the notion of ethical leadership and that an ethical organisational culture is sustained by leaders who possess integrity. In promoting leader integrity studies highlight management interventions and organisational success factors that promote an ethical organisation. Within the context of this study these management interventions and success factors were identified as promoting leader integrity. Further, the literature identified the important role of leaders in supporting these interventions and creating the conditions necessary to foster the success factors. These management interventions are offered through and the success factors are linked to the human resource management value chain. The main aim of this study was to explore the promotion of leader integrity through the human resource management value chain in South African organisations. The main aim of the study led to the development of several theoretical and empirical sub-objectives that were addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: De Villiers, Marie Bridget
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadersship --Moral and ethical Aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49791 , vital:41801
- Description: Ethical breaches in the public and private sector in South Africa are prevalent and the effects thereof pervasive on the economy and within broader society. These ethical breaches include corruption, bribery, and the mismanagement of resources and may be attributed to poor decision-making on the part of organisational leaders. The complexity of the circumstances in which organisations operate in the 21st century requires that leaders effectively navigate moral dilemmas while considering the broad range of interests represented by many organisational stakeholders. Leaders need to act in a manner that is ethically sound to avoid the negative consequences associated with unethical organisational conduct, including a loss of profit, credibility and reputation. Ethical leadership is central to moral organisational governance, as compliance with rules and regulations alone is ineffective in building and sustaining an ethical organisation. Literature points to the centrality of leader integrity to the notion of ethical leadership and that an ethical organisational culture is sustained by leaders who possess integrity. In promoting leader integrity studies highlight management interventions and organisational success factors that promote an ethical organisation. Within the context of this study these management interventions and success factors were identified as promoting leader integrity. Further, the literature identified the important role of leaders in supporting these interventions and creating the conditions necessary to foster the success factors. These management interventions are offered through and the success factors are linked to the human resource management value chain. The main aim of this study was to explore the promotion of leader integrity through the human resource management value chain in South African organisations. The main aim of the study led to the development of several theoretical and empirical sub-objectives that were addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Rural enterprise development as a means to poverty alleviation
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa Poverty alleviation -- methods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50361 , vital:42118
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa Poverty alleviation -- methods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50361 , vital:42118
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Effects of exchange rates on bilateral trade balances of SACU members states with their trading partners
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50371 , vital:42152
- Description: The fluctuations of exchange rates prevent countries from achieving stability in their external account records. Appreciation or depreciation has effects on international trade. This thesis examines the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations on bilateral trade balances focusing on the SACU region. There are several theories made to explain the relationship between exchange rate and trade balances. In examining this phenomenon, this thesis will unveil if the purchasing power parity theory, the Marshall-Lerner condition and the J-curve effect holds in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. This analysis is divided into three parts. The first part examines the stability of the exchange rate in the SACU countries in the long run as given by the purchasing power parity. To test for the Purchasing Power Parity theory, the recently developed powerful unit root test was applied with multiple smooth structural breaks of Omay (2015), based on a Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Form (FFFFF) on unique data of SACU countries covering the monthly period of 1995M01-2017M11. The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) results show that the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of all SACU members does not provide evidence for PPP theory. In terms of the real effective exchange rate (REER), the PPP condition holds in the case of South Africa only. Further unit root investigations were carried out using the panel data for all SACU members, NEER and REER. The FFFFF test results for panel data shows strong evidence of the PPP while the standard DF test rejects PPP theory in the SACU’s NEER. Both the standard DF and the FFFFF tests show strong evidence of PPP theory in the case of SACU’s REER. The second section of the analysis examines the Marshall-Lerner condition employing annual data from the period of 1980-2017. The import and export model were examined firstly in a time series format and then in a panel data format. The time series data was examined using the ARDL (PMG) model while the panel data used the panel ARDL, fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method and the Dynamic OLS (DOLS) method of estimation. The PMG/ARDL model shows no evidence to support the existence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the short run for all SACU members. However, only two out of five countries show evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the long run. There is strong evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia and Botswana in the long run using the PMG/ARDL model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50371 , vital:42152
- Description: The fluctuations of exchange rates prevent countries from achieving stability in their external account records. Appreciation or depreciation has effects on international trade. This thesis examines the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations on bilateral trade balances focusing on the SACU region. There are several theories made to explain the relationship between exchange rate and trade balances. In examining this phenomenon, this thesis will unveil if the purchasing power parity theory, the Marshall-Lerner condition and the J-curve effect holds in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. This analysis is divided into three parts. The first part examines the stability of the exchange rate in the SACU countries in the long run as given by the purchasing power parity. To test for the Purchasing Power Parity theory, the recently developed powerful unit root test was applied with multiple smooth structural breaks of Omay (2015), based on a Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Form (FFFFF) on unique data of SACU countries covering the monthly period of 1995M01-2017M11. The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) results show that the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of all SACU members does not provide evidence for PPP theory. In terms of the real effective exchange rate (REER), the PPP condition holds in the case of South Africa only. Further unit root investigations were carried out using the panel data for all SACU members, NEER and REER. The FFFFF test results for panel data shows strong evidence of the PPP while the standard DF test rejects PPP theory in the SACU’s NEER. Both the standard DF and the FFFFF tests show strong evidence of PPP theory in the case of SACU’s REER. The second section of the analysis examines the Marshall-Lerner condition employing annual data from the period of 1980-2017. The import and export model were examined firstly in a time series format and then in a panel data format. The time series data was examined using the ARDL (PMG) model while the panel data used the panel ARDL, fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method and the Dynamic OLS (DOLS) method of estimation. The PMG/ARDL model shows no evidence to support the existence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the short run for all SACU members. However, only two out of five countries show evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the long run. There is strong evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia and Botswana in the long run using the PMG/ARDL model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Towards a community-based model for Agricultural development in Uganda : a case study of Kumi and Gomba districts
- Authors: Kiggundu, Joseph
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48654 , vital:41056
- Description: This study intended to design a community-based model for agricultural development in Uganda, using Kumi and Gomba districts as case studies. The surge in attention towards community-based development is attributed to the growing challenges posed by the traditional approaches to community development, dominated by top-down mechanisms during the planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation phases of community development programmes. Driven by Robert Chambers and Conway’s theoretical perspectives, this study discusses that a community-based model is capable of filling knowledge gaps, not only in scientific research, but also in the community development process of many developing nations, such as Uganda. In this study particularly, a community-based approach has been identified as the better option in aiding and facilitating the current government efforts to transform the agricultural sector from its predominantly subsistence nature to commercial orientation. It has been acknowledged that the Ugandan government and its development partners do realise the significant role agriculture plays in directly or indirectly impacting the social welfare of Ugandans. The agricultural sector has been identified as a major source of livelihood for most rural Ugandans (over 95% depend on it for food, employment and income). Unfortunately, even with such recognition, coupled with many reforms initiated by government and supported by various development partners who have invested huge sums of money into the sector, agricultural productivity and profitability has remained extremely low. Most rural Ugandans still languish in abject poverty, hunger, malnutrition, vulnerability and powerlessness. This study has established that, while the agricultural sector in Uganda suffers from enormous institutional, technological, market, research and land-oriented challenges, if all these factors are kept constant, an effective community-based approach is capable of facilitating effective planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation of agricultural reforms, for increased agricultural productivity and profitability hence the improved quality of life of Ugandans. A qualitative elicitation interviewing technique involving in-depth discussions with agricultural extension workers, community development officers, representatives from NGOs, local farmers, farmers’ associations, local and religious leaders as well as key persons from the Ministry of Agriculture and other line ministries was conducted. The participants were selected through chain referrals until the level of theoretical saturation. In addition, directed field observations, document analysis and key informant interviews with other respondents selected through theoretical sampling enhanced the robustness of data acquisition methods. Group-based participatory data analysis and reflexive pragmatism also enhanced the rigour and quality of research findings intended to balance the knowledge generated from the recognised scientific audience and the views of the important but unknown “knowledge generators” (the local experts).The key findings indicate that, historically and currently, agriculture has been and is the predominant community development activity at household, community and national levels in Uganda. It is also anticipated that agriculture will remain a major contributor to the national economic development of Uganda even over the next hundred years. The efforts by government and its development partners to transform the sector are therefore justified by the sector’s strategic importance. It has been found out that although the sector faces huge challenges, there are numerous opportunities for the sector to become a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic development. A community-based model has been proposed as a viable option for facilitating faster agricultural development in Uganda, where technocratic developers tend to impose development reforms on local people. With the traditional approaches to planning and implementation, it was thought that local people do not know what they want, they are illiterate and ignorant and therefore incapable of driving government crafted programmes for effective change. From the proposed model, government technocratic development agents should engage local farmers who practically experience poverty, powerlessness, hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability, to jointly craft effective agricultural reforms that are not only life-changing, but also relevant and sustainable within the confines of community needs. Under this approach, the designers, planners, implementers, monitors, and evaluators, whether of government-initiated reforms, or initiatives from other development agencies, should learn to treat local people as subjects of the community development processes, as opposed to the traditional top-down mechanisms which view them as objects to be used and abused. The involvement of local experts during the planning, implementation, and management of development reforms, should cease to be applied as merely routine fulfilment of donor conditionality and requirements. Rather, the participation of local farmers during all phases of community programming should become intentional and consciously aimed at empowering local people to actively participate in the making of decisions critical to their own development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kiggundu, Joseph
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48654 , vital:41056
- Description: This study intended to design a community-based model for agricultural development in Uganda, using Kumi and Gomba districts as case studies. The surge in attention towards community-based development is attributed to the growing challenges posed by the traditional approaches to community development, dominated by top-down mechanisms during the planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation phases of community development programmes. Driven by Robert Chambers and Conway’s theoretical perspectives, this study discusses that a community-based model is capable of filling knowledge gaps, not only in scientific research, but also in the community development process of many developing nations, such as Uganda. In this study particularly, a community-based approach has been identified as the better option in aiding and facilitating the current government efforts to transform the agricultural sector from its predominantly subsistence nature to commercial orientation. It has been acknowledged that the Ugandan government and its development partners do realise the significant role agriculture plays in directly or indirectly impacting the social welfare of Ugandans. The agricultural sector has been identified as a major source of livelihood for most rural Ugandans (over 95% depend on it for food, employment and income). Unfortunately, even with such recognition, coupled with many reforms initiated by government and supported by various development partners who have invested huge sums of money into the sector, agricultural productivity and profitability has remained extremely low. Most rural Ugandans still languish in abject poverty, hunger, malnutrition, vulnerability and powerlessness. This study has established that, while the agricultural sector in Uganda suffers from enormous institutional, technological, market, research and land-oriented challenges, if all these factors are kept constant, an effective community-based approach is capable of facilitating effective planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation of agricultural reforms, for increased agricultural productivity and profitability hence the improved quality of life of Ugandans. A qualitative elicitation interviewing technique involving in-depth discussions with agricultural extension workers, community development officers, representatives from NGOs, local farmers, farmers’ associations, local and religious leaders as well as key persons from the Ministry of Agriculture and other line ministries was conducted. The participants were selected through chain referrals until the level of theoretical saturation. In addition, directed field observations, document analysis and key informant interviews with other respondents selected through theoretical sampling enhanced the robustness of data acquisition methods. Group-based participatory data analysis and reflexive pragmatism also enhanced the rigour and quality of research findings intended to balance the knowledge generated from the recognised scientific audience and the views of the important but unknown “knowledge generators” (the local experts).The key findings indicate that, historically and currently, agriculture has been and is the predominant community development activity at household, community and national levels in Uganda. It is also anticipated that agriculture will remain a major contributor to the national economic development of Uganda even over the next hundred years. The efforts by government and its development partners to transform the sector are therefore justified by the sector’s strategic importance. It has been found out that although the sector faces huge challenges, there are numerous opportunities for the sector to become a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic development. A community-based model has been proposed as a viable option for facilitating faster agricultural development in Uganda, where technocratic developers tend to impose development reforms on local people. With the traditional approaches to planning and implementation, it was thought that local people do not know what they want, they are illiterate and ignorant and therefore incapable of driving government crafted programmes for effective change. From the proposed model, government technocratic development agents should engage local farmers who practically experience poverty, powerlessness, hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability, to jointly craft effective agricultural reforms that are not only life-changing, but also relevant and sustainable within the confines of community needs. Under this approach, the designers, planners, implementers, monitors, and evaluators, whether of government-initiated reforms, or initiatives from other development agencies, should learn to treat local people as subjects of the community development processes, as opposed to the traditional top-down mechanisms which view them as objects to be used and abused. The involvement of local experts during the planning, implementation, and management of development reforms, should cease to be applied as merely routine fulfilment of donor conditionality and requirements. Rather, the participation of local farmers during all phases of community programming should become intentional and consciously aimed at empowering local people to actively participate in the making of decisions critical to their own development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A change framework for introducing performance management in higher education: a case study
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A leadership development model to enhance ethical governance in South Africa
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019