A corporate strategy framework to increase financial performance in Zimbabwean firms
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A framework for transmitting and entrenching values in indigenous black South African family businesses
- Authors: Kupangwa, Welcome
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53991 , vital:46171
- Description: Family businesses are the predominant form of business globally and their importance to the economies of countries and job creation are often highlighted. In comparison to non-family businesses, family businesses are often described as having several unique characteristics such as a long-term orientation, being more emotions-laden, and having multiple family generations work in the business. Family businesses are also more deeply rooted in their cultures and values than non-family businesses are, and it is these values that contribute to their uniqueness and longevity. The dominant cultures and values found in family businesses are often associated with those of the founders and their families, and most founders want successive generations to run their family businesses according to established traditions and core values. Despite their importance in both developed and developing economies, family businesses face significant challenges to survive and prosper across generations. One such challenge involves the transmission of values from business founders and/or current leaders to the next generation of family members. If these values are not transmitted to and shared by the next generation, and not entrenched into the functions and processes of their family business, the functioning of the family and the family business are at risk. Existing research on values in family businesses reveals limited knowledge of values transmission to the next generation of family members. In addition, questions remain unanswered as to how values are institutionalised and entrenched into family businesses, and how these values contribute to their longevity and success. Given the need to understand the role of values in the transgenerational success of family businesses, many research calls have been made to investigate the nature of values, values transmission and values entrenchment among family businesses, including those in developing countries. In response to these calls the primary objective of this study was to provide a framework for explaining how values are transmitted among indigenous Black South African business owning families and how these values are entrenched into their family businesses. Investigating values in the context of indigenous Black South African business owning families highlights the influence of indigenous culture on the transmission and entrenchment processes. This study is positioned in the interpretivism and the postmodernism research paradigm. Both deductive and inductive reasoning to theory development and qualitative methodological approach were adopted to create new and richer understandings and interpretations of the phenomena under investigation. Utilising a multiple and descriptive case study methodology, data was collected from seven indigenous Black South African family businesses through semi-structured interviews. To corroborate the interview findings, observations, document analysis and field notes were also used for data collection, which was then analysed utilising reflexive thematic analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Kupangwa, Welcome
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53991 , vital:46171
- Description: Family businesses are the predominant form of business globally and their importance to the economies of countries and job creation are often highlighted. In comparison to non-family businesses, family businesses are often described as having several unique characteristics such as a long-term orientation, being more emotions-laden, and having multiple family generations work in the business. Family businesses are also more deeply rooted in their cultures and values than non-family businesses are, and it is these values that contribute to their uniqueness and longevity. The dominant cultures and values found in family businesses are often associated with those of the founders and their families, and most founders want successive generations to run their family businesses according to established traditions and core values. Despite their importance in both developed and developing economies, family businesses face significant challenges to survive and prosper across generations. One such challenge involves the transmission of values from business founders and/or current leaders to the next generation of family members. If these values are not transmitted to and shared by the next generation, and not entrenched into the functions and processes of their family business, the functioning of the family and the family business are at risk. Existing research on values in family businesses reveals limited knowledge of values transmission to the next generation of family members. In addition, questions remain unanswered as to how values are institutionalised and entrenched into family businesses, and how these values contribute to their longevity and success. Given the need to understand the role of values in the transgenerational success of family businesses, many research calls have been made to investigate the nature of values, values transmission and values entrenchment among family businesses, including those in developing countries. In response to these calls the primary objective of this study was to provide a framework for explaining how values are transmitted among indigenous Black South African business owning families and how these values are entrenched into their family businesses. Investigating values in the context of indigenous Black South African business owning families highlights the influence of indigenous culture on the transmission and entrenchment processes. This study is positioned in the interpretivism and the postmodernism research paradigm. Both deductive and inductive reasoning to theory development and qualitative methodological approach were adopted to create new and richer understandings and interpretations of the phenomena under investigation. Utilising a multiple and descriptive case study methodology, data was collected from seven indigenous Black South African family businesses through semi-structured interviews. To corroborate the interview findings, observations, document analysis and field notes were also used for data collection, which was then analysed utilising reflexive thematic analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies
- Authors: Marawu, Lindiwe Nolitha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporation reports -- South Africa , Financial statements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54036 , vital:46195
- Description: This study used a mixed methods approach to provide a systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies that are included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index. The purpose was to explore sustainability report content to guide companies of what should be included in such a report. A content analysis schedule was developed to provide the basis for the information to be extracted from the sustainability reports. Three categories, namely, biographical information, reporting format and the theoretical framework were included in the schedule. The sustainability reports of 18 South African JSE SRI Index companies listed on the JSE 2 July 2019 from the mining, retail and investment sectors were included in the sample. The main results showed that the majority of companies in the mining sector used sustainability reports, while nearly half of the companies in the retail sector used sustainability reports. Companies in the investment sector used a variety of reports with a third using integrated reports. Most companies used the JSE listing requirements as their guiding tool in developing their sustainability reports. Environmental issues also seemed to play a major role in sustainability development of a company irrespective of the sector to which it belonged. This systematic review identified the need for a regulator for sustainability reporting and the standardisation of sustainability report content. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Marawu, Lindiwe Nolitha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporation reports -- South Africa , Financial statements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54036 , vital:46195
- Description: This study used a mixed methods approach to provide a systematic review of sustainability reports in South African listed companies that are included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index. The purpose was to explore sustainability report content to guide companies of what should be included in such a report. A content analysis schedule was developed to provide the basis for the information to be extracted from the sustainability reports. Three categories, namely, biographical information, reporting format and the theoretical framework were included in the schedule. The sustainability reports of 18 South African JSE SRI Index companies listed on the JSE 2 July 2019 from the mining, retail and investment sectors were included in the sample. The main results showed that the majority of companies in the mining sector used sustainability reports, while nearly half of the companies in the retail sector used sustainability reports. Companies in the investment sector used a variety of reports with a third using integrated reports. Most companies used the JSE listing requirements as their guiding tool in developing their sustainability reports. Environmental issues also seemed to play a major role in sustainability development of a company irrespective of the sector to which it belonged. This systematic review identified the need for a regulator for sustainability reporting and the standardisation of sustainability report content. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An analysis of the impact of Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles on the sustainability of Lean Manufacturing Implementation within the local manufacturing industry
- Authors: Katts, Ryan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53954 , vital:46123
- Description: Businesses are under threat and will need to continuously improve if they are to survive, compete successfully and grow in the global marketplace. This is particularly the case for the manufacturing sector where continuous improvement in the quest to become efficient is of utmost importance. Lean Manufacturing (LM) has been implemented globally and has proven itself to be a benchmark manufacturing practice for achieving continuous improvement directed at business success with respect to increase revenue and business growth. Within the South African manufacturing industry, especially amongst automotive manufacturing sector, Lean Manufacturing has been widely implemented with mixed success. As Lean Manufacturing affects both processes and people, lean principles become key contributors for successful implementation within manufacturing. This study aimed to identify key principles required to improve the success of Lean Manufacturing implementation in the local manufacturing industry in South Africa. The research conducted identified pertinent aspects of LM that could be applied within the SA context. It begins with a review of current literature on Lean Manufacturing, exploring several topics which are relevant to the study. Lean Manufacturing literature was then summarised and tabulated into the Principles and supportive behavioural elements for successful Lean implementation. Important aspects identified during the research that are required for successful LM implementation were Teamwork, Engagement / Commitment, Ideas / Suggestions, Communication, Improvement Culture, Training and Committed Leadership. Then, a literature review on African Leadership was conducted, exploring various elements of leadership and principles that are instilled in leaders within Africa. Key elements from this literature were summarised and tabulated into the Principles and supportive behavioural elements within African Leadership. For African Leadership, principles such as Communalism, Collectivism, Humaneness, Mutual Respect and Cross Cultural Literacy were identified as Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles required to be present for successful Lean implementation. These summaries formed the basis from which two self-constructed questionnaires and a Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles Interview were compiled. The two self-constructed questionnaires and interview were used as measuring instruments to measure the presence of the above mentioned principles and behavioural elements within organisations and determine whether they have an impact on the sustainability of Lean Manufacturing implementation. Finding from this research indicated that the Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles identified were present within organisations, but to an even greater extent within organisations that have successfully implemented Lean Manufacturing. This indicates that Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles have a positive effect on the sustainability of Lean Manufacturing implementation. The researcher recommends that, to further improve the presence of Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles and principles that display successful LI within organisations, focus be placed on the principles and supportive behavioural elements detailed within this document. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Katts, Ryan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53954 , vital:46123
- Description: Businesses are under threat and will need to continuously improve if they are to survive, compete successfully and grow in the global marketplace. This is particularly the case for the manufacturing sector where continuous improvement in the quest to become efficient is of utmost importance. Lean Manufacturing (LM) has been implemented globally and has proven itself to be a benchmark manufacturing practice for achieving continuous improvement directed at business success with respect to increase revenue and business growth. Within the South African manufacturing industry, especially amongst automotive manufacturing sector, Lean Manufacturing has been widely implemented with mixed success. As Lean Manufacturing affects both processes and people, lean principles become key contributors for successful implementation within manufacturing. This study aimed to identify key principles required to improve the success of Lean Manufacturing implementation in the local manufacturing industry in South Africa. The research conducted identified pertinent aspects of LM that could be applied within the SA context. It begins with a review of current literature on Lean Manufacturing, exploring several topics which are relevant to the study. Lean Manufacturing literature was then summarised and tabulated into the Principles and supportive behavioural elements for successful Lean implementation. Important aspects identified during the research that are required for successful LM implementation were Teamwork, Engagement / Commitment, Ideas / Suggestions, Communication, Improvement Culture, Training and Committed Leadership. Then, a literature review on African Leadership was conducted, exploring various elements of leadership and principles that are instilled in leaders within Africa. Key elements from this literature were summarised and tabulated into the Principles and supportive behavioural elements within African Leadership. For African Leadership, principles such as Communalism, Collectivism, Humaneness, Mutual Respect and Cross Cultural Literacy were identified as Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles required to be present for successful Lean implementation. These summaries formed the basis from which two self-constructed questionnaires and a Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles Interview were compiled. The two self-constructed questionnaires and interview were used as measuring instruments to measure the presence of the above mentioned principles and behavioural elements within organisations and determine whether they have an impact on the sustainability of Lean Manufacturing implementation. Finding from this research indicated that the Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles identified were present within organisations, but to an even greater extent within organisations that have successfully implemented Lean Manufacturing. This indicates that Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles have a positive effect on the sustainability of Lean Manufacturing implementation. The researcher recommends that, to further improve the presence of Uniquely African Traditional Leadership Principles and principles that display successful LI within organisations, focus be placed on the principles and supportive behavioural elements detailed within this document. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem framework for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Boucher, Marilyn Sasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Sustainable development--Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53562 , vital:45630
- Description: In recent years, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems increased in status amongst policy makers, scholars, practitioners, and mainstream media as a regional economic development strategy. Yet, despite the opportunities presented by the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is both under-theorized and lacks data on a sub-national scale. Furthermore, research from an African and sub-Saharan African context remains in its infancy. The limited research within these resource-constrained countries creates a challenge to determine the underlying factors that influence entrepreneurship. As a result, developing economies, as in the case of sub-Saharan Africa, have applied generalizations of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which undermine the temporal differences of places and reduce the potential to benefit from agglomeration economies. With the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the South African government strives to achieve an inclusive economy through enhancing the capacity of the state, building capabilities, and promoting partnerships amongst sectors. Motivated by the mandate to redress the inequality caused by economic exclusion, the South African government has taken counteractive measures focused on promoting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Despite the measures placed, South Africa struggles with high levels of inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.63, unemployment of 32.6% and negative GDP per capita growth of - 8.137%. Furthermore, most small businesses in South Africa are informal, which means that a disproportionate concentration of employment exists in the informal sector. Against this backdrop, the problem addressed in this study is based on the challenge of creating productive entrepreneurship that acknowledges the unique structure and resources of Nelson Mandela Bay. To address this gap, a critical inquiry into entrepreneurial ecosystems was motivated. First, the inquiry is focused on a real-world context, namely Nelson Mandela Bay, which is one of the eight metropolitan regions in South Africa, a developing economy. Second, the inquiry uses multiple perspectives through multiple data collection methods. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors influencing entrepreneurial ecosystems and formed the basis of the theoretical framework. The study followed the pragmatism research philosophy and used an abductive research approach. A mixed method research design was utilized and followed a sequential independent process, which was performed in two phases and independently analyzed. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Boucher, Marilyn Sasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Sustainable development--Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53562 , vital:45630
- Description: In recent years, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems increased in status amongst policy makers, scholars, practitioners, and mainstream media as a regional economic development strategy. Yet, despite the opportunities presented by the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is both under-theorized and lacks data on a sub-national scale. Furthermore, research from an African and sub-Saharan African context remains in its infancy. The limited research within these resource-constrained countries creates a challenge to determine the underlying factors that influence entrepreneurship. As a result, developing economies, as in the case of sub-Saharan Africa, have applied generalizations of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which undermine the temporal differences of places and reduce the potential to benefit from agglomeration economies. With the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the South African government strives to achieve an inclusive economy through enhancing the capacity of the state, building capabilities, and promoting partnerships amongst sectors. Motivated by the mandate to redress the inequality caused by economic exclusion, the South African government has taken counteractive measures focused on promoting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Despite the measures placed, South Africa struggles with high levels of inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.63, unemployment of 32.6% and negative GDP per capita growth of - 8.137%. Furthermore, most small businesses in South Africa are informal, which means that a disproportionate concentration of employment exists in the informal sector. Against this backdrop, the problem addressed in this study is based on the challenge of creating productive entrepreneurship that acknowledges the unique structure and resources of Nelson Mandela Bay. To address this gap, a critical inquiry into entrepreneurial ecosystems was motivated. First, the inquiry is focused on a real-world context, namely Nelson Mandela Bay, which is one of the eight metropolitan regions in South Africa, a developing economy. Second, the inquiry uses multiple perspectives through multiple data collection methods. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors influencing entrepreneurial ecosystems and formed the basis of the theoretical framework. The study followed the pragmatism research philosophy and used an abductive research approach. A mixed method research design was utilized and followed a sequential independent process, which was performed in two phases and independently analyzed. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Assessing factors impacting effective corporate governance within Eastern Cape public entities
- Authors: Yamile, William Themba
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54619 , vital:46866
- Description: Corporate governance is regarded as a system by which an organisation is directed and controlled and it is concerned with structures and responsibilities within organisations. Public entities’ corporate governance is a concept that is gaining more interest, both in specialized literature and in practice. Corporate governance practices are not standard across countries and this dissimilarity is a result of diverse legal structures and cultural settings adopted by different states and provinces. The Eastern Cape Public Entities (ECPEs) have an important role to play in pursuing the economic, social and developmental state agenda. The EC province has ten (10) public entities with mandates and enabling legislations to enhance the provincial economic development, growth and sustainability issues. Of the ten (10) public entities, one entity was used for pilot study. Furthermore, one public entity decided to withdraw from the study, as it was voluntary to participate and that resulted in eight public entities participating. In terms of the questionnaire returns, forty-four (44) responses were received from eight (8) public entities. The main objective of this study was to investigate selected factors impacting on effective corporate governance of ECPEs. In this study, positivistic research paradigm was utilised by means of quantitative research method. Non-probability sampling was used. Primary data was collected using the survey method by means of structured self-administered questionnaires. The empirical results showed that ethical value, organisational culture and policy regulatory framework had a statistically significant impact on corporate governance of ECPEs; while employee morale, leadership, and role clarification were found not to have a statistically significant impact on corporate governance. The findings of this study are envisaged to assist in ensuring effective governance of public entities in order to encourage accountability, public confidence or trust in the corporate system and to drive public policy. Furthermore, the findings can help public entities to achieve what is expected, in terms of work performance objectives or productivity in accordance with the norms and standards. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Yamile, William Themba
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54619 , vital:46866
- Description: Corporate governance is regarded as a system by which an organisation is directed and controlled and it is concerned with structures and responsibilities within organisations. Public entities’ corporate governance is a concept that is gaining more interest, both in specialized literature and in practice. Corporate governance practices are not standard across countries and this dissimilarity is a result of diverse legal structures and cultural settings adopted by different states and provinces. The Eastern Cape Public Entities (ECPEs) have an important role to play in pursuing the economic, social and developmental state agenda. The EC province has ten (10) public entities with mandates and enabling legislations to enhance the provincial economic development, growth and sustainability issues. Of the ten (10) public entities, one entity was used for pilot study. Furthermore, one public entity decided to withdraw from the study, as it was voluntary to participate and that resulted in eight public entities participating. In terms of the questionnaire returns, forty-four (44) responses were received from eight (8) public entities. The main objective of this study was to investigate selected factors impacting on effective corporate governance of ECPEs. In this study, positivistic research paradigm was utilised by means of quantitative research method. Non-probability sampling was used. Primary data was collected using the survey method by means of structured self-administered questionnaires. The empirical results showed that ethical value, organisational culture and policy regulatory framework had a statistically significant impact on corporate governance of ECPEs; while employee morale, leadership, and role clarification were found not to have a statistically significant impact on corporate governance. The findings of this study are envisaged to assist in ensuring effective governance of public entities in order to encourage accountability, public confidence or trust in the corporate system and to drive public policy. Furthermore, the findings can help public entities to achieve what is expected, in terms of work performance objectives or productivity in accordance with the norms and standards. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Authentic leadership, psychological capital, work engagement and safety behaviour in a construction environment
- Authors: Turner, Gillian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54388 , vital:46487
- Description: Research purpose: The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological capital (PsyCap), work engagement, and employees’ safety behaviour, and (2) to develop and test a theoretical model comprising of all four constructs as informed by the literature review and data collected. In essence, the goal is to develop recommendations to support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the construction industry based on the findings of the study. The study will assist South African businesses in the construction domain to manage their demanding work environment and minimise the number of occupational safety violations and injuries. Research motivation: Studies that explore safety from more recently acknowledged leadership theories are in short supply. This study is addressed through the lens of Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) to situate authentic leadership and PsyCap as measurable constructs that can be developed to have a positive impact on work engagement and safety behaviour. This approach is especially significant in the South African construction environment because of the growing emphasis on the health and safety concerns. In essence, this study links a contemporary leadership theory, psychological constructs, and associated outcomes distinctively to a given industry within the South African context, that is work engagement and safety behaviour. Research design, approach, and method: This study follows a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, PsyCap, work engagement, and safety behaviour in a construction environment. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit full-time employed workers across hierarchical levels, ranging from blue-collar workers (installation technicians, paving installers, and maintenance technicians) to white-collar workers (supervisors, line managers, senior managers, and other administrative employees), working in the South African construction industry. Both paper-and-pencil and online questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. Two hundred paper-and-pencil questionnaires were distributed, and 89 online questionnaires were accessed by potential respondents, with a total of 198 completed questionnaires. A response rate of 65.41% was realised. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data: Reliability assessment, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Main findings: All hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that there is an association between the constructs in the study. Specifically, the relationship between authentic leadership and safety behaviour is mediated by PsyCap and work engagement. The research provides valuable input as significant differences were noted across all constructs and demographic variables, except age. Limitations: The results should be interpreted, bearing in mind that there is limited literature available on the relationship between the constructs in the study when applied to the South African context. Furthermore, the limitations primarily revolved around the research design. Specifically, the questionnaire was completed at one point in time and the use of convenience sampling may be associated with possible sampling bias. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown which limited group gatherings and contact, a change in the data collection method was necessary. That is, the data collection method changed from a paper-and-pencil version to the online administration of the questionnaire. This resulted in a six-month delay in the completion of data collection. Finally, the wording of certain items may have contributed to central tendency in responses. Future research: It is suggested that future studies should investigate the relationship between the constructs using larger samples, different occupations, alternative South African industries, and explore the long-term effects of these constructs in the South African workplace by adopting a longitudinal research design. This can also be considered in relation to possible interventions to improve leadership authenticity and increase PsyCap and work engagement, with the intention of mitigating adverse safety events in the construction industry. In addition, future studies should also consider how this relationship can be influenced by different ethnic and cultural groups to gain a better understanding of how differences in ethnicity manifests in the constructs. Researchers should also explore the constructs as a group-level phenomenon and consider explanations from an alternative theoretical framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Turner, Gillian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54388 , vital:46487
- Description: Research purpose: The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological capital (PsyCap), work engagement, and employees’ safety behaviour, and (2) to develop and test a theoretical model comprising of all four constructs as informed by the literature review and data collected. In essence, the goal is to develop recommendations to support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the construction industry based on the findings of the study. The study will assist South African businesses in the construction domain to manage their demanding work environment and minimise the number of occupational safety violations and injuries. Research motivation: Studies that explore safety from more recently acknowledged leadership theories are in short supply. This study is addressed through the lens of Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) to situate authentic leadership and PsyCap as measurable constructs that can be developed to have a positive impact on work engagement and safety behaviour. This approach is especially significant in the South African construction environment because of the growing emphasis on the health and safety concerns. In essence, this study links a contemporary leadership theory, psychological constructs, and associated outcomes distinctively to a given industry within the South African context, that is work engagement and safety behaviour. Research design, approach, and method: This study follows a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, PsyCap, work engagement, and safety behaviour in a construction environment. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit full-time employed workers across hierarchical levels, ranging from blue-collar workers (installation technicians, paving installers, and maintenance technicians) to white-collar workers (supervisors, line managers, senior managers, and other administrative employees), working in the South African construction industry. Both paper-and-pencil and online questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. Two hundred paper-and-pencil questionnaires were distributed, and 89 online questionnaires were accessed by potential respondents, with a total of 198 completed questionnaires. A response rate of 65.41% was realised. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data: Reliability assessment, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Main findings: All hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that there is an association between the constructs in the study. Specifically, the relationship between authentic leadership and safety behaviour is mediated by PsyCap and work engagement. The research provides valuable input as significant differences were noted across all constructs and demographic variables, except age. Limitations: The results should be interpreted, bearing in mind that there is limited literature available on the relationship between the constructs in the study when applied to the South African context. Furthermore, the limitations primarily revolved around the research design. Specifically, the questionnaire was completed at one point in time and the use of convenience sampling may be associated with possible sampling bias. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown which limited group gatherings and contact, a change in the data collection method was necessary. That is, the data collection method changed from a paper-and-pencil version to the online administration of the questionnaire. This resulted in a six-month delay in the completion of data collection. Finally, the wording of certain items may have contributed to central tendency in responses. Future research: It is suggested that future studies should investigate the relationship between the constructs using larger samples, different occupations, alternative South African industries, and explore the long-term effects of these constructs in the South African workplace by adopting a longitudinal research design. This can also be considered in relation to possible interventions to improve leadership authenticity and increase PsyCap and work engagement, with the intention of mitigating adverse safety events in the construction industry. In addition, future studies should also consider how this relationship can be influenced by different ethnic and cultural groups to gain a better understanding of how differences in ethnicity manifests in the constructs. Researchers should also explore the constructs as a group-level phenomenon and consider explanations from an alternative theoretical framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Barriers of entry for black people from owning game reserves in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mazaleni, Zintle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Game reserves -- Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54903 , vital:48469
- Description: The conservation industry was closed in the previous apartheid time from the black native people and only opened for the white people alone (Spierenburg & Brooks, 2014). According to Mokotjomela, Nombewu, and Peinke, 2015, the game transformation industry is in need of being transformed to more young black people; they noted the challenges that are faced by the young black people in being able to own nature reserves. These include the fact that they are landless. Secondly, the land transformation that is done through the Department of Rural Development, Land and Agrarian Reform (DRDLAR) is not given back to the rightful owners with the title deeds which is also a challenge as one cannot develop land when there is no certainty that it is theirs (Turner, 2004). Tourism destinations which include the game reserves attract tourists because of the positive economic impacts such as labour-intensive jobs, foreign exchange, and foreign direct investments that come with tourists and boost small businesses. According to Sifilo and Henama (2017), tourism has been an economic messiah of South Africa and the decline of mining jobs has been mitigated by the growth of jobs in the tourism industry. The Eastern Cape's economy is still characterised by disparities in employment rates, income, service levels, and productivity. Economic growth rates have been modest, in line with the rest of the country. Low growth and high unemployment have created considerable issues for the province, with a notably increased demand for social services. According to the most recent economic data, the province's economy is declining (or at the very least is stagnant): The average yearly change in gross domestic product (GDP) per region (Eastern Cape) was 1% in the preceding five years, but only 0.6 percent in the last year The selection of the qualitative research approach and in particular the use of open-ended questionnaires is because it is the only platform that will allow participants to voice their opinions fully without limits and allow the study not to be limited with the information given by the participants. The first section of the questionnaire aimed at obtaining profile data on the respondents. These include age, gender, ethnicity, home language, educational level and time working in conservation and the tourism sector. Questions 8 – 17 focused on respondents stating no, yes, or maybe to the posed questions and elaborating on their experience and knowledge of the wildlife industry, while questions 18 – 24 mainly focused on gaining and listing opinions of respondents on solution to allow entry for black people into the wildlife industry, as well as giving advice on how government and the private sector can assist in reaching the desired goal. Strongly indicated by the empirical results is the gap between the previously disadvantaged group and the white minority group in the province of the Eastern Cape in the wildlife conservation industry. Shown by the results is the position of the black people in the industry as just servants or employees and not owners or equal shareholders and the lack of women leadership in the industry, as well as young people involvement in the decisions and operations of the industry. The list of barriers had one common barrier identified by almost all respondents as noted by the researcher: the issue of land unavailability for the black people in the province. Communal land does not have title deeds as the land is in the hands of governmental departments and traditional authorities. Conditions stipulated on the game transformation policy of the Eastern Cape state that an individual must be in possession of a title deed to the land. This is but a dream to the black people of the Eastern Cape, especially a title deed to a land big enough to be converted into a game reserve. The empirical results strongly indicate the land ownership as the number one barrier for black people from owning game reserves. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Climate change and food security in South Africa
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Xola, Dungelo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45720
- Description: Climate change continues to pose a threat to mankind. Its impacts are evident in both developed and developing countries. South Africa is a no exception to the climate change problems. Climate change in South Africa has affected water availability which subsequently affects food security of the country. This research study investigated the impacts of climate change on food security in South Africa. South Africa’s food security is severely affected by climate change and as a result, the South African government through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has devised strategies to respond to climate change and ensure food security in the country. The study analysed government documents and articles about climate change from 2008 to 2018. The study employed content analysis as a data analysis method and the study developed eighteen codes and from those codes, four themes emerged. The research findings highlight that South Africa is a food secure nation only at a national level. In addition, the findings highlighted that climate change poses a significant threat on the agricultural sector which ultimately affects food security in South Africa. The climate change impacts in South Africa include an increase in temperatures, rise in sea water levels, and floods. Climate change in South Africa continues to pose a significant threat in the GDP as it affects crop production and livestock farming, which ultimately affects the exports of the country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Communal property associations and protected areas management: some participation controversies in Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zwelakhe, Loyiso
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: National parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54355 , vital:46478
- Description: The management and protection of protected areas such as nature reserves remains a primary concern for the different stakeholders involved; especially the marginalised rural communities that are deprived of genuine ownership of the natural resources. The representation of the marginalised rural communities adjacent to the protected areas has become significant in the control and utilisation of natural resources in protected areas. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were established to help represent their communities in such matters of natural resources ownership and control. Despite; the formation of the CPAs, the participation of these associations in the management of the nature reserve in Dwesa-Cwebe has been questioned and under scrutiny. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the dynamics around the participation of the Dwesa-Cwebe Community Property Association in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study sought to find out experiences of the members of Dwesa-Cwebe CPA regarding their participation in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. Some questions needed to be answered, such as: To what extent is the membership in Dwesa-Cwebe CPAs a true representation of the needs of the local communities in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What are the challenges faced by the members of the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in representing the local communities in the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What recommendations can be provided to solve the challenges faced by the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to obtain the answers to the main research questions. The study utilised convenience sampling to select ten suitable participants who were prepared to participate in the study and who are members of the CPA from Dwesa-Cwebe area. The research used interviews and non-participant observation to gather data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that there is limited participation by the CPA members in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study’s findings also indicated the CPA members are not involved in the management of the utilisation of generated revenue. The findings of this study also revealed that there are benefits that are entrenched in the participation of CPA members in the activities of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. However, the participation mechanisms are not producing the desired outcomes. Based on these findings the study recommends that the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve review their management approach so as to ensure effective participation by CPA members. Further, there is a need to produce reports that update the Dwesa-Cwebe community on how the management of the nature reserve is utilising the generated revenue and its development plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Zwelakhe, Loyiso
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: National parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54355 , vital:46478
- Description: The management and protection of protected areas such as nature reserves remains a primary concern for the different stakeholders involved; especially the marginalised rural communities that are deprived of genuine ownership of the natural resources. The representation of the marginalised rural communities adjacent to the protected areas has become significant in the control and utilisation of natural resources in protected areas. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were established to help represent their communities in such matters of natural resources ownership and control. Despite; the formation of the CPAs, the participation of these associations in the management of the nature reserve in Dwesa-Cwebe has been questioned and under scrutiny. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the dynamics around the participation of the Dwesa-Cwebe Community Property Association in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study sought to find out experiences of the members of Dwesa-Cwebe CPA regarding their participation in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. Some questions needed to be answered, such as: To what extent is the membership in Dwesa-Cwebe CPAs a true representation of the needs of the local communities in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What are the challenges faced by the members of the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in representing the local communities in the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What recommendations can be provided to solve the challenges faced by the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to obtain the answers to the main research questions. The study utilised convenience sampling to select ten suitable participants who were prepared to participate in the study and who are members of the CPA from Dwesa-Cwebe area. The research used interviews and non-participant observation to gather data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that there is limited participation by the CPA members in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study’s findings also indicated the CPA members are not involved in the management of the utilisation of generated revenue. The findings of this study also revealed that there are benefits that are entrenched in the participation of CPA members in the activities of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. However, the participation mechanisms are not producing the desired outcomes. Based on these findings the study recommends that the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve review their management approach so as to ensure effective participation by CPA members. Further, there is a need to produce reports that update the Dwesa-Cwebe community on how the management of the nature reserve is utilising the generated revenue and its development plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Community development and sustainable livelihoods: the Jeffrey’s Bay wind farm cattle farming co-operative, South Africa
- Authors: Mnwana, Zandile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54925 , vital:48481
- Description: In the South African context, co-operatives are mostly established to ease the impact of unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural communities. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative is no different, as it was formed by a group of farmers who were looking into converting their herd from that of a poor genetic quality, low-value breed to a superior quality breed. These farmers were all facing similar challenges prior to forming the co-operative and they hoped that through working together they would be able to overcome some of the challenges they faced and thus become a successful co-operative that can compete with established farmers. The Jeffery’s Bay Wind Farm carried a mandate from the Department of Energy, through the REIPPP, to ensure that a portion of its profits is redirected to assist communities that are within a 50km radius of the JBWF. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative became part of the programme and the JBWF’s project manager became the person responsible for the smooth running of the programme. However, research conducted in this field has revealed that in most cases project managers in the renewable energy sector encounter challenges when implementing community development initiatives and they may lack an in-depth understanding of what community or social development entails, as it might not necessarily be an area of expertise for them. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. The theories that were adopted and deemed applicable to this study included the traditional modernisation theory, dependency theory and sustainable development. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design. The study made use of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents, and an interview schedule was employed to carry out the interviews. In terms of sampling, the researcher made use of convenience sampling, which is a form of non-probability sampling. All the members of the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative, which was the entire population of the study, were interviewed, thus making the sample type a census. The study explored how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and revealed that since the involvement of the JBWF, the co-operative has recorded several achievements such as fencing around the grazing land and cattle kraal as well as calves of a superior breed that will enable the beneficiaries to receive good prices when selling their cattle. However, the co-operative is faced with challenges associated with weak livelihood assets, as the asset pentagon illustrated that the beneficiaries have moderate access to physical, human and social capital, while their natural capital is low, and their financial capital is significantly low. An overreliance on nature-based activities as a livelihood strategy is also a challenge facing the co-operative. Lastly, notwithstanding the abovementioned challenges, it can be concluded that the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has had a positive influence on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries, as they indicated that they experienced reduced vulnerability through the fenced grazing land and anticipated an improvement in their financial capital status through the increased income they would receive from selling cattle of a superior breed. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mnwana, Zandile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54925 , vital:48481
- Description: In the South African context, co-operatives are mostly established to ease the impact of unemployment and poverty, particularly in rural communities. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative is no different, as it was formed by a group of farmers who were looking into converting their herd from that of a poor genetic quality, low-value breed to a superior quality breed. These farmers were all facing similar challenges prior to forming the co-operative and they hoped that through working together they would be able to overcome some of the challenges they faced and thus become a successful co-operative that can compete with established farmers. The Jeffery’s Bay Wind Farm carried a mandate from the Department of Energy, through the REIPPP, to ensure that a portion of its profits is redirected to assist communities that are within a 50km radius of the JBWF. The Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative became part of the programme and the JBWF’s project manager became the person responsible for the smooth running of the programme. However, research conducted in this field has revealed that in most cases project managers in the renewable energy sector encounter challenges when implementing community development initiatives and they may lack an in-depth understanding of what community or social development entails, as it might not necessarily be an area of expertise for them. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. The theories that were adopted and deemed applicable to this study included the traditional modernisation theory, dependency theory and sustainable development. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design. The study made use of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents, and an interview schedule was employed to carry out the interviews. In terms of sampling, the researcher made use of convenience sampling, which is a form of non-probability sampling. All the members of the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative, which was the entire population of the study, were interviewed, thus making the sample type a census. The study explored how the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has influenced the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and revealed that since the involvement of the JBWF, the co-operative has recorded several achievements such as fencing around the grazing land and cattle kraal as well as calves of a superior breed that will enable the beneficiaries to receive good prices when selling their cattle. However, the co-operative is faced with challenges associated with weak livelihood assets, as the asset pentagon illustrated that the beneficiaries have moderate access to physical, human and social capital, while their natural capital is low, and their financial capital is significantly low. An overreliance on nature-based activities as a livelihood strategy is also a challenge facing the co-operative. Lastly, notwithstanding the abovementioned challenges, it can be concluded that the Kruisfontein Cattle Farming Co-operative has had a positive influence on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries, as they indicated that they experienced reduced vulnerability through the fenced grazing land and anticipated an improvement in their financial capital status through the increased income they would receive from selling cattle of a superior breed. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Contribution of the Community Works Programme (CWP) on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province
- Authors: Tshomela, Buyiswa Ellen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Poverty -- Prevention -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54652 , vital:46880
- Description: To address the persistent challenge of the high level of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, in 2006, the South African government initiated the Community Works Programme that provides an employment safety net for people living in marginalized areas where access to employment opportunities is very limited. The study aims to investigate the contribution of the CWP on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province. A qualitative research approach and a qualitative survey questionnaire were used to conduct the study in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The WC Province has a total target of 17 700 participants in the 27 sites established across seven districts with an average site size of 656 participants. A purposive stratified sampling technique was used to sample 90 participants. Semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions, were conducted with all the 90 respondents. A thematic content data analysis process was used to analyse data. Findings such as positive contribution or benefits of the programme, economic benefits, personal development, and capacity building, and enhanced economic inclusion and opportunities will be discussed in this study. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study. The research findings have shown that the dominant perception expressed by the participants of the CWP was that the program has made a significant contribution to their livelihood. The primary research data also showed that most of the participants utilized the wages received from the programme to buy food, pay for municipal services, pay family educational needs, pay for personal educational needs, demonstrating that the CWP has made a significant contribution to the livelihood of the participants. The literature review reflected that with the high level of unemployment in South Africa, the conditions that necessitated the implementation of this kind of community public works programme remain intact and the intended beneficiaries remain vulnerable and marginalised. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Tshomela, Buyiswa Ellen
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Poverty -- Prevention -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54652 , vital:46880
- Description: To address the persistent challenge of the high level of unemployment, poverty, and inequalities, in 2006, the South African government initiated the Community Works Programme that provides an employment safety net for people living in marginalized areas where access to employment opportunities is very limited. The study aims to investigate the contribution of the CWP on poverty alleviation in the Western Cape Province. A qualitative research approach and a qualitative survey questionnaire were used to conduct the study in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The WC Province has a total target of 17 700 participants in the 27 sites established across seven districts with an average site size of 656 participants. A purposive stratified sampling technique was used to sample 90 participants. Semi-structured interviews, with open-ended questions, were conducted with all the 90 respondents. A thematic content data analysis process was used to analyse data. Findings such as positive contribution or benefits of the programme, economic benefits, personal development, and capacity building, and enhanced economic inclusion and opportunities will be discussed in this study. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study. The research findings have shown that the dominant perception expressed by the participants of the CWP was that the program has made a significant contribution to their livelihood. The primary research data also showed that most of the participants utilized the wages received from the programme to buy food, pay for municipal services, pay family educational needs, pay for personal educational needs, demonstrating that the CWP has made a significant contribution to the livelihood of the participants. The literature review reflected that with the high level of unemployment in South Africa, the conditions that necessitated the implementation of this kind of community public works programme remain intact and the intended beneficiaries remain vulnerable and marginalised. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Corporate social responsibility from the community perspective
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: De Kock, Breched Richard
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53846 , vital:46016
- Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a strategy that is used by organisations to take responsibility for the social and environmental responsibility of where they are operating. The organisation has to make sure that the community in which they are operating benefits from their operations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The researcher conducted this study which focuses on the developmental side of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an instrument for supplementing the role of governments in developing communities, particularly in the Northern Cape, South Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have become prevalent. The study explores CSR investments from a community perspective, community participation, supporting enterprise and social trust development within the respective communities. While Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP) made every effort to implement CSR as part of their contribution to developing the communities they operate in, CSR is used as a tick box exercise for many. While some of these companies do it for more than just bragging rights, these CSR strategies normally follow a top-down approach. Some of these implementation programmes are purely based on desktop research and are so far removed from the current realities and needs of the communities that the money and effort spend does not have the multiplier effect that everyone desires. The study aimed to analyse Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a community perspective, thus, the study explored the view of the community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The study discovered that many of the respondents have a general understanding of CSR and how it should impact the community. This impact, however, is not being seen with the research indicating that most of the youth are uneducated and unemployed. The majority have also pointed towards dissatisfaction and the lack of trust in how the government and REIPP are applying the renewable energy sector CSR principles within these communities. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Customer experience at the East London fresh produce market
- Authors: Matyobeni, Akhona
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Produce trade -- South Africa -- East London -- Marketing , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54069 , vital:46217
- Description: Fresh Produce Markets are an important sector in the agricultural value chain. The discussions on land expropriation, food security and job creation all demonstrate the potential that still exists within agriculture. The Fresh Produce Markets remain a solution to the distribution of food in South Africa and their existence remains relevant. Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa combined, generate about R15 billion, by distributing about 3 million tons of fresh produce. The main contributors to this success are the customers who are loyal to Fresh Produce Markets, regardless of distances these customers travel to get to Fresh Produce Markets. This study intends to understand how the East London Fresh Produce Market can put customer needs at the centre of their business, resulting in good Customer Experience. Positive customer experience promotes customer loyalty and assists organisations in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market has not been measured. The literature review conducted investigated the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience for the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study follows a positivistic research approach, using quantitative methods of analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from a questionnaire disseminated in hard copies and via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 210 was used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase/Consumption Experience all have a positive effect on the overall customer experience and on each other. Furthermore, the statistical assessment suggested new factors of Product Quality and Range(s), Brand Experience(s), Empathy(s), Communication(s) and Facilities(s), which all are found to have a positive effect on customer experience and on each other. The study developed two models that presented the determinants of Customer Experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. The models should assist managers, organisational leaders and marketers to improve their customer experience-related strategies and to gain competitive advantage. The results and insights obtained, resulted in understanding the factors that provide good customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matyobeni, Akhona
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Produce trade -- South Africa -- East London -- Marketing , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54069 , vital:46217
- Description: Fresh Produce Markets are an important sector in the agricultural value chain. The discussions on land expropriation, food security and job creation all demonstrate the potential that still exists within agriculture. The Fresh Produce Markets remain a solution to the distribution of food in South Africa and their existence remains relevant. Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa combined, generate about R15 billion, by distributing about 3 million tons of fresh produce. The main contributors to this success are the customers who are loyal to Fresh Produce Markets, regardless of distances these customers travel to get to Fresh Produce Markets. This study intends to understand how the East London Fresh Produce Market can put customer needs at the centre of their business, resulting in good Customer Experience. Positive customer experience promotes customer loyalty and assists organisations in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market has not been measured. The literature review conducted investigated the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience for the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study follows a positivistic research approach, using quantitative methods of analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from a questionnaire disseminated in hard copies and via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 210 was used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase/Consumption Experience all have a positive effect on the overall customer experience and on each other. Furthermore, the statistical assessment suggested new factors of Product Quality and Range(s), Brand Experience(s), Empathy(s), Communication(s) and Facilities(s), which all are found to have a positive effect on customer experience and on each other. The study developed two models that presented the determinants of Customer Experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. The models should assist managers, organisational leaders and marketers to improve their customer experience-related strategies and to gain competitive advantage. The results and insights obtained, resulted in understanding the factors that provide good customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Customer experience value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Emerging Job Categories and Competencies Informing Talent Strategies for Industry 4.0 Automotive Organisations
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Emotional Intelligence as a strategy to enhance leadership
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Environmental legislation compliance: a strategy to implement a governance framework in Algoa Bay
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Evaluation of the expanded public works programme as poverty reduction strategy in Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12