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
Experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay and their livelihoods
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment: a systematic review
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring the TAM3 factors of technology adoption in South African SMMEs
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing entrepreneurial capabilities of South African schools: the case of selected schools in Harry Gwala District in Kwazulu Natal
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing the buyer behaviour of Generation X and Y consumers in Johannesburg
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Financial literacy: a conceptualisation in a South African University
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Health promotional levy: a commercial perspective
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inbound tourist experience in south africa
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inflation, credit markets and economic growth: the case of BRICS Countries
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inflation, exchange rate and unemployment nexuses in South Africa: lessons from the Inflation Targeting Framework
- Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Investigating the consumer decision-making process and determinants of choice for prepaid services from mobile network service providers
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12