Infrastructure provision and development in Keiskammahoek
- Authors: Shweni, Bayathokozisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4609 , vital:20621
- Description: The aim of this research is to assess what kind of infrastructure provision hinders devel-opment in Keiskammahoek. The objective is to determine whether there is a contribution from government departments and the local development agency and how infra-structure development enhances economic activity in the area. The research findings suggest that the various spheres of government do not co-ordinate well when it comes to planning in the Keiskammahoek area. Funding is there through Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programmes and other funds, but it is not always used. There is potential for this small town to be a tourist destination, but more infra-structure development for this area need to be prioritised. The research findings also suggest that there are capacity issues within the municipality that slow down the implementation of infrastructure plans for Keiskammahoek. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. The study has shown that Keiskammahoek’s infrastructure provision is insufficient to attract investors to stimulate economic growth in the area. The infrastructure funds the municipality can access are underused. The study used qualitative research approach that used purposive sampling through a semi-structured interview as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on informants who have worked with infrastructure programmes in various institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shweni, Bayathokozisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4609 , vital:20621
- Description: The aim of this research is to assess what kind of infrastructure provision hinders devel-opment in Keiskammahoek. The objective is to determine whether there is a contribution from government departments and the local development agency and how infra-structure development enhances economic activity in the area. The research findings suggest that the various spheres of government do not co-ordinate well when it comes to planning in the Keiskammahoek area. Funding is there through Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programmes and other funds, but it is not always used. There is potential for this small town to be a tourist destination, but more infra-structure development for this area need to be prioritised. The research findings also suggest that there are capacity issues within the municipality that slow down the implementation of infrastructure plans for Keiskammahoek. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. The study has shown that Keiskammahoek’s infrastructure provision is insufficient to attract investors to stimulate economic growth in the area. The infrastructure funds the municipality can access are underused. The study used qualitative research approach that used purposive sampling through a semi-structured interview as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on informants who have worked with infrastructure programmes in various institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating the impact of poverty in Amahlathi Municipality: the case of Siyakholwa Development Foundation project
- Authors: Mabuda, Gcotyiswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7846 , vital:24314
- Description: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that range from halving extreme poverty rates to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, have been the most effective anti‐poverty push in history. The lives of thousands of people have been improved and targets have already been met on reducing poverty, increasing access to safe water, improving the lives of slum dwellers, and achieving gender parity in primary education. Despite huge gains, progress towards the eight MDGs has been uneven, not only among regions and countries, but also between population groups within countries, with accelerated action needed in many areas (MDG, 2013). On the other hand poverty alleviation, when we look at poverty alleviation, Mbaku (2007) defines it as the creation of a social, economic, and political environment that enhances and promotes entrepreneurial activities particularly among the poorest and most deprived persons while at the same time eliminating the inequalities that have diminished their life chances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mabuda, Gcotyiswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Keiskammahoek
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7846 , vital:24314
- Description: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that range from halving extreme poverty rates to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, have been the most effective anti‐poverty push in history. The lives of thousands of people have been improved and targets have already been met on reducing poverty, increasing access to safe water, improving the lives of slum dwellers, and achieving gender parity in primary education. Despite huge gains, progress towards the eight MDGs has been uneven, not only among regions and countries, but also between population groups within countries, with accelerated action needed in many areas (MDG, 2013). On the other hand poverty alleviation, when we look at poverty alleviation, Mbaku (2007) defines it as the creation of a social, economic, and political environment that enhances and promotes entrepreneurial activities particularly among the poorest and most deprived persons while at the same time eliminating the inequalities that have diminished their life chances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investment promotion: a Coega development corporation perspective
- Authors: Maduna, Thembinkosi Penford
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3614 , vital:20446
- Description: In March 2002, the Coega Development Cooperation (CDC) announced that the infrastructure design was complete, and the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) was declared the first IDZ in South Africa. The Coega IDZ was established to improve the delivery of infrastructure in the Eastern Cape by addressing skill shortages, unemployment, constrained planning and project management capacity, under-expenditure, sub-standard infrastructure, and inefficiencies that characterise delivery of infrastructure by government in South Africa generally and the Eastern Cape Province in particular. In the process, socio-economic development and transformation in the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole will be advanced. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the extent to which the various determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) influence the investment promotion strategy (IPS) used by the CDC, and how these determinants can be used in the IPS to increase the number of signed investors at the CDC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Maduna, Thembinkosi Penford
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3614 , vital:20446
- Description: In March 2002, the Coega Development Cooperation (CDC) announced that the infrastructure design was complete, and the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) was declared the first IDZ in South Africa. The Coega IDZ was established to improve the delivery of infrastructure in the Eastern Cape by addressing skill shortages, unemployment, constrained planning and project management capacity, under-expenditure, sub-standard infrastructure, and inefficiencies that characterise delivery of infrastructure by government in South Africa generally and the Eastern Cape Province in particular. In the process, socio-economic development and transformation in the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole will be advanced. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the extent to which the various determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) influence the investment promotion strategy (IPS) used by the CDC, and how these determinants can be used in the IPS to increase the number of signed investors at the CDC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Job satisfaction levels of health care professionals in a public hospital
- Authors: Hendricks, Janine Jolene
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Medical personnel -- Job satisfaction Medical personnel -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11058 , vital:26881
- Description: Health care professionals play a pivotal role in contributing towards the sustainability of a healthy economy and the standard of quality health care. It is therefore important that organisations understand what influences the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals as it could have an impact on their motivational levels and ultimately the quality of health care that is provided. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of job satisfaction amongst health care professionals in a public hospital in the Eastern Cape. Research for this study included a literature review to define what job satisfaction is and to establish a theoretical foundation to identify the factors that influence job satisfaction. Various motivational theories were explored after which Herzberg’s two-factor theory was identified to serve as a theoretical basis for investigating the job content and organisational factors that influence job satisfaction. Selected demographic factors that could possibly influence levels of job satisfaction were also identified. An empirical study, consisting of a survey with a questionnaire as measuring instrument, was conducted amongst 146 health care professionals at a public hospital in the Eastern Cape. The purpose of the questionnaire was to determine the extent to which job content factors and organisational factors that were associated with job satisfaction were present in the jobs of health care professionals in state hospitals. In addition, the purpose was also to determine whether selected demographic variables had an influence on the responses provided to the factors that were associated with job satisfaction and the job satisfaction levels of the target group. The major findings of the study indicated that all job content and organisational factors had an influence on the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals in a public hospital. Three factors namely Achievement, Responsibility and Work itself were identified to have a significant positive influence on the job satisfaction levels. Relationships between the demographic variables and the job content and organisational factors were identified. Work itself, Responsibility and Achievement were the top three factors whilst leadership/supervision, Human Resource systems and policies and Remuneration and benefits were the bottom three factors in terms of presence in the organisation and influence on the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals. Safety aspects, work environment standards, availability of resources, remuneration and benefits were amongst the major concerns highlighted. The job content factors were identified to be overall more present than the organisational factors. Recommendations were suggested to address the areas of concern that were highlighted in this study in order to ensure high levels of job satisfaction amongst the health care professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Hendricks, Janine Jolene
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Medical personnel -- Job satisfaction Medical personnel -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11058 , vital:26881
- Description: Health care professionals play a pivotal role in contributing towards the sustainability of a healthy economy and the standard of quality health care. It is therefore important that organisations understand what influences the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals as it could have an impact on their motivational levels and ultimately the quality of health care that is provided. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of job satisfaction amongst health care professionals in a public hospital in the Eastern Cape. Research for this study included a literature review to define what job satisfaction is and to establish a theoretical foundation to identify the factors that influence job satisfaction. Various motivational theories were explored after which Herzberg’s two-factor theory was identified to serve as a theoretical basis for investigating the job content and organisational factors that influence job satisfaction. Selected demographic factors that could possibly influence levels of job satisfaction were also identified. An empirical study, consisting of a survey with a questionnaire as measuring instrument, was conducted amongst 146 health care professionals at a public hospital in the Eastern Cape. The purpose of the questionnaire was to determine the extent to which job content factors and organisational factors that were associated with job satisfaction were present in the jobs of health care professionals in state hospitals. In addition, the purpose was also to determine whether selected demographic variables had an influence on the responses provided to the factors that were associated with job satisfaction and the job satisfaction levels of the target group. The major findings of the study indicated that all job content and organisational factors had an influence on the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals in a public hospital. Three factors namely Achievement, Responsibility and Work itself were identified to have a significant positive influence on the job satisfaction levels. Relationships between the demographic variables and the job content and organisational factors were identified. Work itself, Responsibility and Achievement were the top three factors whilst leadership/supervision, Human Resource systems and policies and Remuneration and benefits were the bottom three factors in terms of presence in the organisation and influence on the job satisfaction levels of health care professionals. Safety aspects, work environment standards, availability of resources, remuneration and benefits were amongst the major concerns highlighted. The job content factors were identified to be overall more present than the organisational factors. Recommendations were suggested to address the areas of concern that were highlighted in this study in order to ensure high levels of job satisfaction amongst the health care professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Key factors required by purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry
- Authors: Howell, Jean Karin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Manufacturing industries Industrial procurement -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10971 , vital:26863
- Description: The main research problem addressed in this study was to determine the key factors required by purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry to be efficient and effective. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to identify five sub-objectives which were, firstly, to determine the extent to which the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry believe that certain key factors in pricing, quality and supplier management are required to achieve excellence. Secondly, to identify if the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry actually implement the key factors on pricing, quality and supplier management in practice. Thirdly, to determine if there are any additional factors other than these key factors that business firms regard as key factors to be classified as worldclass purchasing and supply departments. Fourthly, to analyse why purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry do not always implement these key factors. Lastly, to identify any other factors that could have a significant negative impact on the performance of purchasing and supply departments. The study commenced with an analysis and review of relevant literature from various text books, journals, publications and internet sources. The literature study covered issues such as price determination, cost management, basic negotiation strategies, managing supplier quality and the supplier base, as well as a general overview of the latest developments in purchasing and supply management in business. The purpose of the literature analysis was to establish a theoretical basis for the design of the questionnaire which was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted among selected automotive assemblers and their first and second tier manufacturing suppliers in the automotive industry. The main areas of focus in the questionnaire were pricing, quality, and supplier management. As the questions in the questionnaire related to the purchasing and supply department of a business firm, a qualified and experienced buyer in the purchasing and supply department was identified in each firm to complete the questionnaire. The empirical results from the study conducted indicated that the respondents were in strong agreement with the proposed importance of the factors of pricing, quality, and supplier management required to achieve xcellence. However, the respondents also indicated that there were various obstacles which prevented the firms from implementing these key factors. Some of the obstacles mentioned were long lead times, late deliveries from suppliers, too few competitors in the market place, supplier capacity constraints and the sustainability of suppliers. Additional obstacles that the study identified were the high workload of buyers in general, incompetent staff and insufficient manpower that affected the performance of a purchasing and supply department. The buyers were not only performing buying activities, but were also involved in logistics related activities, which increased their workload and negatively affected their performance. Lack of specialised purchasing and supply chain knowledge was identified as another obstacle to achieving excellence. The empirical study highlighted some recommendations to assist purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry to achieve excellence and become world-class departments. Examples of these recommendations are that suppliers need to be educated on how to understand their costing models and to check their own sustainability; local purchasing and supply departments require training in the purchasing skills such as incoterms, delivery times, minimum and maximum order quantity; as well as the payment terms. Buyers should be trained to become experts in their products and packaging, as well as the manufacturing process of the product they are purchasing The business firm should only employ qualified buyers who have financial and administrative skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change and work in teams. Buyers also need to master the in-house systems and work procedures involved in purchasing a product. The empirical study also identified that the majority of buyers in the automotive manufacturing industry are senior buyers, male in gender and between the ages of 40-49. The implementation of the recommendations based on the study’s empirical findings will assist in improved pricing, quality and supply management in the automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Howell, Jean Karin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Manufacturing industries Industrial procurement -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10971 , vital:26863
- Description: The main research problem addressed in this study was to determine the key factors required by purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry to be efficient and effective. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to identify five sub-objectives which were, firstly, to determine the extent to which the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry believe that certain key factors in pricing, quality and supplier management are required to achieve excellence. Secondly, to identify if the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry actually implement the key factors on pricing, quality and supplier management in practice. Thirdly, to determine if there are any additional factors other than these key factors that business firms regard as key factors to be classified as worldclass purchasing and supply departments. Fourthly, to analyse why purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry do not always implement these key factors. Lastly, to identify any other factors that could have a significant negative impact on the performance of purchasing and supply departments. The study commenced with an analysis and review of relevant literature from various text books, journals, publications and internet sources. The literature study covered issues such as price determination, cost management, basic negotiation strategies, managing supplier quality and the supplier base, as well as a general overview of the latest developments in purchasing and supply management in business. The purpose of the literature analysis was to establish a theoretical basis for the design of the questionnaire which was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted among selected automotive assemblers and their first and second tier manufacturing suppliers in the automotive industry. The main areas of focus in the questionnaire were pricing, quality, and supplier management. As the questions in the questionnaire related to the purchasing and supply department of a business firm, a qualified and experienced buyer in the purchasing and supply department was identified in each firm to complete the questionnaire. The empirical results from the study conducted indicated that the respondents were in strong agreement with the proposed importance of the factors of pricing, quality, and supplier management required to achieve xcellence. However, the respondents also indicated that there were various obstacles which prevented the firms from implementing these key factors. Some of the obstacles mentioned were long lead times, late deliveries from suppliers, too few competitors in the market place, supplier capacity constraints and the sustainability of suppliers. Additional obstacles that the study identified were the high workload of buyers in general, incompetent staff and insufficient manpower that affected the performance of a purchasing and supply department. The buyers were not only performing buying activities, but were also involved in logistics related activities, which increased their workload and negatively affected their performance. Lack of specialised purchasing and supply chain knowledge was identified as another obstacle to achieving excellence. The empirical study highlighted some recommendations to assist purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry to achieve excellence and become world-class departments. Examples of these recommendations are that suppliers need to be educated on how to understand their costing models and to check their own sustainability; local purchasing and supply departments require training in the purchasing skills such as incoterms, delivery times, minimum and maximum order quantity; as well as the payment terms. Buyers should be trained to become experts in their products and packaging, as well as the manufacturing process of the product they are purchasing The business firm should only employ qualified buyers who have financial and administrative skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change and work in teams. Buyers also need to master the in-house systems and work procedures involved in purchasing a product. The empirical study also identified that the majority of buyers in the automotive manufacturing industry are senior buyers, male in gender and between the ages of 40-49. The implementation of the recommendations based on the study’s empirical findings will assist in improved pricing, quality and supply management in the automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Knowledge management strategies in engineering organisations
- Authors: Makhaba, Thembile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3579 , vital:20444
- Description: Engineering is believed to be one of the oldest professions and it is estimated that engineering existed 10 000 centuries B.C (Before Christ). Engineering plays an important role in making the environment safer, making daily lives more convenient and also contributes to countries’ economic developments. Engineering has advanced in such a way that it is difficult to survive without some kind of engineering these days. The same as engineering, knowledge management also dates back to biblical times just after creation. Knowledge management is not only applied in organisations, but also within communities, societies, and families. Engineering organisations rely the most on past discoveries and product information (knowledge) in order to solve engineering related problems. Due to globalisation of markets and products, shortage of skills and technological advancement, knowledge has become one of the main competitive factors of many organisations. Therefore engineering organisations need to have knowledge management strategies if they are to stay competitive. Different engineering organisations might have similar knowledge management strategies or different knowledge management strategies depending on organisational size, structure and culture and service offered or product offered. Against this background, this study sought to discover what knowledge management strategies are currently implemented in engineering organisations and recommend on strategies that can be implemented and how they can be implemented. The study is based on a review of literature on engineering, engineering organisations, knowledge and knowledge management and a structured questionnaire on knowledge management in engineering organisations. The population for the study was all engineering organisation employees and the engineering organisations in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were sampled for the survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Makhaba, Thembile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3579 , vital:20444
- Description: Engineering is believed to be one of the oldest professions and it is estimated that engineering existed 10 000 centuries B.C (Before Christ). Engineering plays an important role in making the environment safer, making daily lives more convenient and also contributes to countries’ economic developments. Engineering has advanced in such a way that it is difficult to survive without some kind of engineering these days. The same as engineering, knowledge management also dates back to biblical times just after creation. Knowledge management is not only applied in organisations, but also within communities, societies, and families. Engineering organisations rely the most on past discoveries and product information (knowledge) in order to solve engineering related problems. Due to globalisation of markets and products, shortage of skills and technological advancement, knowledge has become one of the main competitive factors of many organisations. Therefore engineering organisations need to have knowledge management strategies if they are to stay competitive. Different engineering organisations might have similar knowledge management strategies or different knowledge management strategies depending on organisational size, structure and culture and service offered or product offered. Against this background, this study sought to discover what knowledge management strategies are currently implemented in engineering organisations and recommend on strategies that can be implemented and how they can be implemented. The study is based on a review of literature on engineering, engineering organisations, knowledge and knowledge management and a structured questionnaire on knowledge management in engineering organisations. The population for the study was all engineering organisation employees and the engineering organisations in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were sampled for the survey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Methods to improve the effective implementation of organisational codes of conduct
- Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Authors: Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6541 , vital:21105
- Description: This research explores methods to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Misconduct is a common phenomenon in the business environment, even in the face of increased regulation, and the adoption of codes of conduct by organisations. This impacts negatively on organisations’ reputations, results in financial loss, and has a negative impact on the sustainability of businesses. While researchers suggest that codes of conduct should reduce misconduct and improve the ethical culture of organisations, mixed research results suggest codes of conduct are not always effective. While research into code of conduct effectiveness proliferates, seldom does such research take a holistic approach to understanding effectiveness of codes of conduct. Models proposed to better research code of conduct effectiveness, such as Kaptein and Schwartz’ (2008) integrated research model, do not present guidelines for better developing and implementing codes of conduct. Therefore the primary research objective was to develop a benchmarking framework which could provide insight into factors that could influence code of conduct effectiveness, and provide guidelines on how these factors should be influenced and accounted for to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Content of codes of conduct can play an important part in code of conduct effectiveness, yet they vary enormously in terms of provisions, language, tone, style, design. Some are directional or rules based, others aspirational, or values based. Bettcher, Deshpandé, Margolis and Paine (2005) developed the Global Business Standards Codex that depicted the most commonly found provisions in organisations they surveyed. A secondary research objective was therefore to apply this codex to the evaluation of participating organisations codes of conduct, and in so doing, evaluate the suitability of the codex as a benchmarking framework for the content of the code of conduct. Adopting a grounded theory methodological approach and code of conduct content analysis, the researcher investigated nine of South Africa’s largest multinational organisations in order to understand the factors influencing their code of conduct effectiveness better. The research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of codes of conduct, their effectiveness, and provides practical guidelines on improving their effectiveness. This is achieved by 1) presenting nine formulae for an effective code of conduct; 2) detailing a multi-dimensional model that can facilitate the effectiveness of codes of conduct; and 3) improving the codex developed by Bettcher et al. (2005) on the content of codes of conduct with the proposed code of conduct architecture criterion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Robinson, Bryan Michael Kenneth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6541 , vital:21105
- Description: This research explores methods to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Misconduct is a common phenomenon in the business environment, even in the face of increased regulation, and the adoption of codes of conduct by organisations. This impacts negatively on organisations’ reputations, results in financial loss, and has a negative impact on the sustainability of businesses. While researchers suggest that codes of conduct should reduce misconduct and improve the ethical culture of organisations, mixed research results suggest codes of conduct are not always effective. While research into code of conduct effectiveness proliferates, seldom does such research take a holistic approach to understanding effectiveness of codes of conduct. Models proposed to better research code of conduct effectiveness, such as Kaptein and Schwartz’ (2008) integrated research model, do not present guidelines for better developing and implementing codes of conduct. Therefore the primary research objective was to develop a benchmarking framework which could provide insight into factors that could influence code of conduct effectiveness, and provide guidelines on how these factors should be influenced and accounted for to improve code of conduct effectiveness. Content of codes of conduct can play an important part in code of conduct effectiveness, yet they vary enormously in terms of provisions, language, tone, style, design. Some are directional or rules based, others aspirational, or values based. Bettcher, Deshpandé, Margolis and Paine (2005) developed the Global Business Standards Codex that depicted the most commonly found provisions in organisations they surveyed. A secondary research objective was therefore to apply this codex to the evaluation of participating organisations codes of conduct, and in so doing, evaluate the suitability of the codex as a benchmarking framework for the content of the code of conduct. Adopting a grounded theory methodological approach and code of conduct content analysis, the researcher investigated nine of South Africa’s largest multinational organisations in order to understand the factors influencing their code of conduct effectiveness better. The research makes a significant contribution to the understanding of codes of conduct, their effectiveness, and provides practical guidelines on improving their effectiveness. This is achieved by 1) presenting nine formulae for an effective code of conduct; 2) detailing a multi-dimensional model that can facilitate the effectiveness of codes of conduct; and 3) improving the codex developed by Bettcher et al. (2005) on the content of codes of conduct with the proposed code of conduct architecture criterion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Mindset change as a mechanism for enhancing the employability of low-skilled persons
- Authors: Warner, Tarryn-Lee
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employability , Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4332 , vital:20586
- Description: This research paper investigates whether a holistic approach to skills training which challenges cultural norms and perceptions regarding the relationship between work and self-reliance, as employed by Siya-Sebenza, results in a change of mindset and work ethic. This paper evaluates the strength of this holistic approach to skills training and assesses whether it has a marked effect on the mindset and attitudes of graduates regarding issues of self-reliance, motivation and understanding their role in their employment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Warner, Tarryn-Lee
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employability , Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4332 , vital:20586
- Description: This research paper investigates whether a holistic approach to skills training which challenges cultural norms and perceptions regarding the relationship between work and self-reliance, as employed by Siya-Sebenza, results in a change of mindset and work ethic. This paper evaluates the strength of this holistic approach to skills training and assesses whether it has a marked effect on the mindset and attitudes of graduates regarding issues of self-reliance, motivation and understanding their role in their employment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Monetary policy transparency in Sub-Saharan Africa evidence and lessons
- Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Narratives of women victims of GBV-POWA Johannesburg women's writing project, 2008-2013
- Authors: Makota, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6432 , vital:21084
- Description: Gender-based Violence (GBV) has emerged as a major issue on the international human rights agenda and a major public health challenge throughout the world. A large proportion of the violence committed against women is perpetrated by their intimate partners. According to the World Health Organization’s Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, it is estimated that approximately 10% to 60% of married women have experienced physical intimate-partner violence during their lifetimes (Garcia-Moreno, Jansen, Ellsberg, Heise and Watts, 2006). Once the extent of GBV in South Africa was realised interventions were put in place to address the issue and the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 (DVA) was instituted by the South African government, aimed at protecting and combating violence against women. The notion of ending GBV was also acknowledged by the late former South African president, Nelson Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s first State of the Nation Address in Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, 24 May 1994) said: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression." (www.ehow.com, first accessed 9 August, 2013). People Opposing Woman Abuse (POWA), a Johannesburg-based non-governmental organization (NGO), initiated interventions to address GBV. POWA offers services to women in South Africa (SA) who have experienced domestic violence, sexual harassment or rape and other forms of violence, by aiming to creating a safe society where women are powerful, self –reliant and respected. Driven by the need to create a collective space through which women could share their stories of surviving GBV, POWA established the Women’s Writing Project (WPP) in 2005. The project publishes annual anthologies with specific themes for a particular year, giving women survivors a platform and opportunity to tell their stories as an important part of the healing process. Though the first anthology was published in 2005, this thesis only provides an analysis of the POWA WWP anthologies from 2008-2013. The notion that narratives can be used as therapeutic tools had prompted the researcher to use existing narratives as a basis to investigate GBV. The study is a qualitative, interpretive study, using content analysis as a method and working within the framework of the Ecological model (1999:18) which talks about the multi-faceted nature of GBV. A total of 65 English narratives, 13 per anthology, by survivors of GBV were used and common themes that emerged were identified to obtain accounts of these selected women’s perceptions, experiences and articulations on GBV. Informed by a theoretical framework consisting of Heise, Ellsberg and Gottemoeller’s Ecological model (1999:18), the USAID GBV Life cycle model (2009:15) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) GBV health effects document (2005:23), the researcher extracted the main overarching themes which emerged from the women’s narratives. Drawing on the study’s content analysis methodology and the subsequent emerging main narrative themes, the researcher could draw certain conclusions about general similarities in the experiences and perceptions about GBV of the women who participated in POWA’s Johannesburg-based five-year Women’s Writing Project (2008-2013). The most salient of these conclusions are that the following issues are major factors contributing to GBV in the specific sample group, and by assumption also among the larger population that it represents: alcohol abuse and the absence of mother figures. Conclusions about the effects of GBV include that most women suffer from psychological health effects due to GBV experiences. Based on the selected narratives in this study the researcher could conclude that self-narrative storytelling and the recounting of traumatic experiences had therapeutic potential in the treatment and recovery of survivors of GBV. Many of the narrators said that structured self-narration and the publication of their stories had helped to construct a recovery support system not only for themselves but also for those who are possibly still suffering from the consequences of violence. In this way survivors of GBV can therapeutically construct new identities for themselves, which transcend their abuse and thereby actively participate in the construction of meaning in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Makota, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Women -- Violence against -- South Africa , Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6432 , vital:21084
- Description: Gender-based Violence (GBV) has emerged as a major issue on the international human rights agenda and a major public health challenge throughout the world. A large proportion of the violence committed against women is perpetrated by their intimate partners. According to the World Health Organization’s Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, it is estimated that approximately 10% to 60% of married women have experienced physical intimate-partner violence during their lifetimes (Garcia-Moreno, Jansen, Ellsberg, Heise and Watts, 2006). Once the extent of GBV in South Africa was realised interventions were put in place to address the issue and the Domestic Violence Act No 116 of 1998 (DVA) was instituted by the South African government, aimed at protecting and combating violence against women. The notion of ending GBV was also acknowledged by the late former South African president, Nelson Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s first State of the Nation Address in Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, 24 May 1994) said: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression." (www.ehow.com, first accessed 9 August, 2013). People Opposing Woman Abuse (POWA), a Johannesburg-based non-governmental organization (NGO), initiated interventions to address GBV. POWA offers services to women in South Africa (SA) who have experienced domestic violence, sexual harassment or rape and other forms of violence, by aiming to creating a safe society where women are powerful, self –reliant and respected. Driven by the need to create a collective space through which women could share their stories of surviving GBV, POWA established the Women’s Writing Project (WPP) in 2005. The project publishes annual anthologies with specific themes for a particular year, giving women survivors a platform and opportunity to tell their stories as an important part of the healing process. Though the first anthology was published in 2005, this thesis only provides an analysis of the POWA WWP anthologies from 2008-2013. The notion that narratives can be used as therapeutic tools had prompted the researcher to use existing narratives as a basis to investigate GBV. The study is a qualitative, interpretive study, using content analysis as a method and working within the framework of the Ecological model (1999:18) which talks about the multi-faceted nature of GBV. A total of 65 English narratives, 13 per anthology, by survivors of GBV were used and common themes that emerged were identified to obtain accounts of these selected women’s perceptions, experiences and articulations on GBV. Informed by a theoretical framework consisting of Heise, Ellsberg and Gottemoeller’s Ecological model (1999:18), the USAID GBV Life cycle model (2009:15) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) GBV health effects document (2005:23), the researcher extracted the main overarching themes which emerged from the women’s narratives. Drawing on the study’s content analysis methodology and the subsequent emerging main narrative themes, the researcher could draw certain conclusions about general similarities in the experiences and perceptions about GBV of the women who participated in POWA’s Johannesburg-based five-year Women’s Writing Project (2008-2013). The most salient of these conclusions are that the following issues are major factors contributing to GBV in the specific sample group, and by assumption also among the larger population that it represents: alcohol abuse and the absence of mother figures. Conclusions about the effects of GBV include that most women suffer from psychological health effects due to GBV experiences. Based on the selected narratives in this study the researcher could conclude that self-narrative storytelling and the recounting of traumatic experiences had therapeutic potential in the treatment and recovery of survivors of GBV. Many of the narrators said that structured self-narration and the publication of their stories had helped to construct a recovery support system not only for themselves but also for those who are possibly still suffering from the consequences of violence. In this way survivors of GBV can therapeutically construct new identities for themselves, which transcend their abuse and thereby actively participate in the construction of meaning in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Perceptions on the use of social media in the banking industry
- Authors: Cupp, Nicole Leshaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Banks and banking -- Social aspects , Internet marketing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5489 , vital:20870
- Description: As banks operate in a competitive environment, it is important for managers and marketers to identify how customer satisfaction and customer retention levels can be can be improved through social media aspects. Although models of customer satisfaction and customer retention have been well researched for client products/services, the literature available on social media as a marketing tool is limited in quantity compared to other more established areas of marketing. This research study reviews existing literature on the banking industry in terms of its characteristics and challenges. Literature on customer satisfaction and customer retention as relevant to the banking industry is reviewed, as well as how social media aspects can improve customer satisfaction and customer retention. Thus the primary objective of this study is to identify the social media aspects (benefits, clients’ trust and content) that influence the intervening variable (customer satisfaction) and dependent variable (customer retention) in the banking industry. An empirical investigation was undertaken to establish whether the independent variables; namely benefits, clients’ trust and content as related to social media can possibly influence customer satisfaction and ultimately customer retention in the banking industry. A positivistic research paradigm was followed for this study. Quantitative data was gathered by distributing questionnaires to a sample of bank clients and managers. The sample size consisted of 150 bank clients and 30 bank managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area in South Africa. The questionnaires were statistically analysed using the computer programmes Microsoft Excel and Statistica Version 12.0. The validity of the study was measured by utilising Exploratory Factor analysis. Cronbach’s Alpha correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the reliability and internal consistency of the measurement instrument of this study. Data was analysed in four phases. Descriptive statistics concerning the respondents and variables were calculated for this study. The validity of the measuring instrument was tested by performing EFA to consider construct validity. Thereafter, the internal reliability of the data was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha correlation coefficients. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were calculated. Through multiple regression calculations, the relationships predicted by the four hypotheses were analysed. Finally, t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted. The empirical investigation revealed that significant positive relationships exist between the independent variables benefits, trustworthy content and the intervening variable customer satisfaction, as well as between these two independent variables and the dependent variable customer retention. From the empirical results it was concluded that if banks offer benefits and trustworthy content to their clients through social media channels, clients are likely to be satisfied with and retained by their bank. This study established and confirmed the significant positive relationship that exists between customer satisfaction and customer retention in the banking industry. All bank managers and marketers will benefit from the empirical results as well as the recommendations of this study on how to improve customer satisfaction and customer retention through social media channels which will ultimately improve the performance of banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Cupp, Nicole Leshaan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Banks and banking -- Social aspects , Internet marketing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5489 , vital:20870
- Description: As banks operate in a competitive environment, it is important for managers and marketers to identify how customer satisfaction and customer retention levels can be can be improved through social media aspects. Although models of customer satisfaction and customer retention have been well researched for client products/services, the literature available on social media as a marketing tool is limited in quantity compared to other more established areas of marketing. This research study reviews existing literature on the banking industry in terms of its characteristics and challenges. Literature on customer satisfaction and customer retention as relevant to the banking industry is reviewed, as well as how social media aspects can improve customer satisfaction and customer retention. Thus the primary objective of this study is to identify the social media aspects (benefits, clients’ trust and content) that influence the intervening variable (customer satisfaction) and dependent variable (customer retention) in the banking industry. An empirical investigation was undertaken to establish whether the independent variables; namely benefits, clients’ trust and content as related to social media can possibly influence customer satisfaction and ultimately customer retention in the banking industry. A positivistic research paradigm was followed for this study. Quantitative data was gathered by distributing questionnaires to a sample of bank clients and managers. The sample size consisted of 150 bank clients and 30 bank managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area in South Africa. The questionnaires were statistically analysed using the computer programmes Microsoft Excel and Statistica Version 12.0. The validity of the study was measured by utilising Exploratory Factor analysis. Cronbach’s Alpha correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the reliability and internal consistency of the measurement instrument of this study. Data was analysed in four phases. Descriptive statistics concerning the respondents and variables were calculated for this study. The validity of the measuring instrument was tested by performing EFA to consider construct validity. Thereafter, the internal reliability of the data was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha correlation coefficients. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were calculated. Through multiple regression calculations, the relationships predicted by the four hypotheses were analysed. Finally, t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted. The empirical investigation revealed that significant positive relationships exist between the independent variables benefits, trustworthy content and the intervening variable customer satisfaction, as well as between these two independent variables and the dependent variable customer retention. From the empirical results it was concluded that if banks offer benefits and trustworthy content to their clients through social media channels, clients are likely to be satisfied with and retained by their bank. This study established and confirmed the significant positive relationship that exists between customer satisfaction and customer retention in the banking industry. All bank managers and marketers will benefit from the empirical results as well as the recommendations of this study on how to improve customer satisfaction and customer retention through social media channels which will ultimately improve the performance of banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Post-settlement support for the beneficiaries of the land redistribution for the agricultural development programme
- Authors: Mahlathini, Evans Phefo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3625 , vital:20447
- Description: The Land Reform projects are primarily challenged by post-settlement support. They mainly rely on government grants to survive and in some instances, projects have failed due to lack of sufficient post-settlement support. There are many government and private institutions and mandated and private businesses that offer post-settlement support to LRAD beneficiaries. Their impact can only be measured against improvements in the livelihoods of beneficiaries. While land reform has been in existence in SA, the main source of support evidently seems to have been the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) in the form of a government grants. The existence of other sources of post-settlement support cannot be ignored, but the extents to which these support mechanisms are combined have contributed to the improvement of sustainable livelihood of the beneficiaries, as measured through livelihood assets. The main aim of this study is to explore how the LRAD beneficiaries in the Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape employ their livelihood strategies. It explores the types of support received by the beneficiaries and how the support has been used. To determine the progress made through the post-settlement support received by the beneficiaries in an attempt to achieve rural livelihoods strategies, the study discusses the status of the farms during the inception and also the current status. Many studies done by role players and academics in the field of land reform mainly explore the monetary benefit and ignore or pay less attention to the livelihood in five capitals. The needs confronting beneficiaries in the form of livelihood strategies are presented in the form of capital; for example, physical, natural, human, social, economic and financial capitals. This paper seeks to establish an understanding of how beneficiaries of land reform achieve their livelihood, given the constraints of post-settlement support to land reform in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mahlathini, Evans Phefo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3625 , vital:20447
- Description: The Land Reform projects are primarily challenged by post-settlement support. They mainly rely on government grants to survive and in some instances, projects have failed due to lack of sufficient post-settlement support. There are many government and private institutions and mandated and private businesses that offer post-settlement support to LRAD beneficiaries. Their impact can only be measured against improvements in the livelihoods of beneficiaries. While land reform has been in existence in SA, the main source of support evidently seems to have been the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) in the form of a government grants. The existence of other sources of post-settlement support cannot be ignored, but the extents to which these support mechanisms are combined have contributed to the improvement of sustainable livelihood of the beneficiaries, as measured through livelihood assets. The main aim of this study is to explore how the LRAD beneficiaries in the Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape employ their livelihood strategies. It explores the types of support received by the beneficiaries and how the support has been used. To determine the progress made through the post-settlement support received by the beneficiaries in an attempt to achieve rural livelihoods strategies, the study discusses the status of the farms during the inception and also the current status. Many studies done by role players and academics in the field of land reform mainly explore the monetary benefit and ignore or pay less attention to the livelihood in five capitals. The needs confronting beneficiaries in the form of livelihood strategies are presented in the form of capital; for example, physical, natural, human, social, economic and financial capitals. This paper seeks to establish an understanding of how beneficiaries of land reform achieve their livelihood, given the constraints of post-settlement support to land reform in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Poverty alleviation projects in Amahlathi local municipality
- Authors: Nyatela, Mzukisi Eric
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9865 , vital:26628
- Description: Introduction: Poverty is the burden of South African people and is the result of the laws of the apartheid system. Poverty affects millions of people most of which live in the rural areas. Thus poverty alleviation is one of the priorities of the government. The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) is one of the policy documents that aimed to build a democratic government. The RDP document (in African National Congress, 1994:4) stated that poverty alleviation or attacking poverty was the priority of the government from the beginning of democracy and that it is the same case today with the poverty alleviation projects by the Department of Social Development (DoSD):- “But an election victory is only a first step. No political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation must therefore be the first priority of a democratic government”. Therefore the statement above echoed the sentiments of the newly elected democratic government of 1994. The aim was to provide houses for all specifically the disadvantaged people, to provide water and sanitation for all, to provide electricity, maintenance of roads, improvement of health facilities, job creation, improvement of skills, improvement of income and many more. These privileges were not enjoyed by all during the apartheid era specifically the black masses. The above promises are not all fulfilled but the government is busy providing programmes through different departments. For an example this research report is about poverty alleviation projects that are being provided by the DoSD. This section of the study attempts to provide an overview of the study, including the rationale and background of the study as well as the study area and its challenges. Included in this overview is the context of the study, the research problem, the research question, the research purpose, and the research objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyatela, Mzukisi Eric
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9865 , vital:26628
- Description: Introduction: Poverty is the burden of South African people and is the result of the laws of the apartheid system. Poverty affects millions of people most of which live in the rural areas. Thus poverty alleviation is one of the priorities of the government. The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) is one of the policy documents that aimed to build a democratic government. The RDP document (in African National Congress, 1994:4) stated that poverty alleviation or attacking poverty was the priority of the government from the beginning of democracy and that it is the same case today with the poverty alleviation projects by the Department of Social Development (DoSD):- “But an election victory is only a first step. No political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation must therefore be the first priority of a democratic government”. Therefore the statement above echoed the sentiments of the newly elected democratic government of 1994. The aim was to provide houses for all specifically the disadvantaged people, to provide water and sanitation for all, to provide electricity, maintenance of roads, improvement of health facilities, job creation, improvement of skills, improvement of income and many more. These privileges were not enjoyed by all during the apartheid era specifically the black masses. The above promises are not all fulfilled but the government is busy providing programmes through different departments. For an example this research report is about poverty alleviation projects that are being provided by the DoSD. This section of the study attempts to provide an overview of the study, including the rationale and background of the study as well as the study area and its challenges. Included in this overview is the context of the study, the research problem, the research question, the research purpose, and the research objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Poverty alleviation through employment creation in Matatiele, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Salukazana, Temate Lucia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Matatiele , Job creation -- South Africa -- Matatiele
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021138
- Description: This paper will be looking at unemployment in South Africa, since this is a serious matter. A number of policies in South Africa have been formulated to address the issue of unemployment since the transition from apartheid to democracy. The paper will attempt to define unemployment and the different types of unemployment. Even though policies have been designed, this does not necessarily mean that unemployment has, therefore, been reduced. In my research I will be concentrating on unemployment. I would be touching on ways that could be used to improve unemployment, in order to alleviate poverty. We are faced with challenges in our country and in the small town where we live: Matatiele. South Africa is faced with challenges, which will be addressed in the study, as it will be looking at the economy since the apartheid era ended, and the commencement of democracy under the African National Congress (ANC) government. The study will tackle the theories that were used in unemployment and the policies that were introduced, in order to improve unemployment. The study will be mentioning the different solutions that could be adopted, in order to improve unemployment and to alleviate poverty. It is not only the responsibility of the government, but through agricultural training and increased access to farming – especially in the area of Matatiele– government needs to subsidise these people, in order to produce people with skills. Unemployment would then decrease. Tourism is a prominent job-creator, because of the many opportunities it creates for semi-skilled labour, and because Matatiele people are friendly and hospitable. This could be accomplished through better education, investment to create more job opportunities, and fostering economic growth in the country (Emeka Okafor). The policy implications are that government should diminish labour-market segmentation, and the obstacles to entering the productive informal sector may be relevant. However, it should also look to other developing countries with high levels of unemployment. How have they coped with these problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Salukazana, Temate Lucia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Matatiele , Job creation -- South Africa -- Matatiele
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021138
- Description: This paper will be looking at unemployment in South Africa, since this is a serious matter. A number of policies in South Africa have been formulated to address the issue of unemployment since the transition from apartheid to democracy. The paper will attempt to define unemployment and the different types of unemployment. Even though policies have been designed, this does not necessarily mean that unemployment has, therefore, been reduced. In my research I will be concentrating on unemployment. I would be touching on ways that could be used to improve unemployment, in order to alleviate poverty. We are faced with challenges in our country and in the small town where we live: Matatiele. South Africa is faced with challenges, which will be addressed in the study, as it will be looking at the economy since the apartheid era ended, and the commencement of democracy under the African National Congress (ANC) government. The study will tackle the theories that were used in unemployment and the policies that were introduced, in order to improve unemployment. The study will be mentioning the different solutions that could be adopted, in order to improve unemployment and to alleviate poverty. It is not only the responsibility of the government, but through agricultural training and increased access to farming – especially in the area of Matatiele– government needs to subsidise these people, in order to produce people with skills. Unemployment would then decrease. Tourism is a prominent job-creator, because of the many opportunities it creates for semi-skilled labour, and because Matatiele people are friendly and hospitable. This could be accomplished through better education, investment to create more job opportunities, and fostering economic growth in the country (Emeka Okafor). The policy implications are that government should diminish labour-market segmentation, and the obstacles to entering the productive informal sector may be relevant. However, it should also look to other developing countries with high levels of unemployment. How have they coped with these problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Poverty reduction strategies in Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM)
- Authors: Twenty, Isaac Lungisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18443 , vital:28646
- Description: The transition period post-apartheid in South Africa since 1994 brought a number of changes in policy making process and the initiated programs by the government in all level with the aim of addressing inequality and poverty reduction strategies. In South Africa prior 1994 division in terms of location access to resources and information was meant for the certain group and participation in the Community development matters. The aim of this research study is to seek and find out the impact of the government policy projects, programme (strategies) in the community to poverty reduction and try to identify the reasons for the failure of other project and to what extend is the capacity building in community members in terms of skill development before the implementation of projects for sustainability and viability of those projects. Also is to explore the community participation or involvement in policy making process such as the formulation of Integrated Development Plan .The study attempts to answer community involvement into their own development, their role and impact to fight poverty and other socio-economic challenges that are faced by the community. The research design for the study could be classified as the mixed design which will include qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 30 participants will be drawn from the community unemployed respondents, project employees, those searching for employment, 5 municipality officials from Blue Crane Route, Ward Councillor and projects leaders. On my findings community participation on community development issues must be strengthen for the sake of development .The issue of centralisation of offices for availability of resources to same of the communities makes it difficult to access resources. Lack of skills and training acquired in the job market for artisans, technical and management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Twenty, Isaac Lungisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18443 , vital:28646
- Description: The transition period post-apartheid in South Africa since 1994 brought a number of changes in policy making process and the initiated programs by the government in all level with the aim of addressing inequality and poverty reduction strategies. In South Africa prior 1994 division in terms of location access to resources and information was meant for the certain group and participation in the Community development matters. The aim of this research study is to seek and find out the impact of the government policy projects, programme (strategies) in the community to poverty reduction and try to identify the reasons for the failure of other project and to what extend is the capacity building in community members in terms of skill development before the implementation of projects for sustainability and viability of those projects. Also is to explore the community participation or involvement in policy making process such as the formulation of Integrated Development Plan .The study attempts to answer community involvement into their own development, their role and impact to fight poverty and other socio-economic challenges that are faced by the community. The research design for the study could be classified as the mixed design which will include qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 30 participants will be drawn from the community unemployed respondents, project employees, those searching for employment, 5 municipality officials from Blue Crane Route, Ward Councillor and projects leaders. On my findings community participation on community development issues must be strengthen for the sake of development .The issue of centralisation of offices for availability of resources to same of the communities makes it difficult to access resources. Lack of skills and training acquired in the job market for artisans, technical and management skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Preference and discrimination in the construction industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Steto, Zoleka
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021156
- Description: The aim of this paper is to discover if women are still discriminated against, given fair and equal opportunities as men in the construction industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. This paper will also provide recommendations and possible solutions to the problem of discrimination. It will look at the policies government developed to ensure equality and women empowerment in the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steto, Zoleka
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021156
- Description: The aim of this paper is to discover if women are still discriminated against, given fair and equal opportunities as men in the construction industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. This paper will also provide recommendations and possible solutions to the problem of discrimination. It will look at the policies government developed to ensure equality and women empowerment in the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Public health impacts of storm water canals in Nelson Mandela Bay communities
- Authors: Papu, Lumka
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Urban runoff -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3021 , vital:20387
- Description: Public health impacts of storm water canals in Nelson Mandela Bay communities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Papu, Lumka
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Urban runoff -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3021 , vital:20387
- Description: Public health impacts of storm water canals in Nelson Mandela Bay communities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Push - and pull forces within outbound destination choice
- Authors: Ferreira, Daniel Petrus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Tourism -- Marketing Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing Place marketing , Heritage tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11091 , vital:26884
- Description: Push- and pull forces are considered the most important motivational factors in driving tourism demand. Push forces are motivational forces that arise due to the individual’s need to travel, while pull forces are destination attributes which pull the traveller to the specific destination and in doing so they satisfy the need of the traveller. Understanding why people travel, how they go about selecting their holiday destination and why one country is preferred to the other, is vital to the continued success of the tourism industry. The needs and wants of travellers are constantly changing, therefore, it is imperative that tourism businesses excel at developing new products and services which are better suited to the needs of consumers. The primary objective of this study was to determine the push- and pull forces that influence outbound destination choice in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (push- and pull factors) influence destination choice (dependent variable). From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothetical model was developed to test the relationships between push-and pull forces and destination choice. Twelve hypotheses were formulated to test the relationship between four push forces, eight pull forces and destination choice. The study sought the perceptions of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole residents and utitised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured self-administered questionnaire, distributed via e-mail and as a hard copy. A combination of convenience- and snowball sampling was utilised. The final sample comprised 302 respondents. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained by using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. The top ten destinations visited and intended to be visited were indicated. United Kingdom was the most visited international destination for both leisure and business purposes, while The United States of America was the most popular international destination to visit next for both leisure and business purposes. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the correlation and significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Three statistically significant relationships were found between the push forces (physical and stature motivators and destination accessibility) and destination choice. Four statistically significant relationships were found between the pull forces (events, natural attractions, political issues and general infrastructure) and destination choice. The empirical findings further confirmed that an inter-relationship between push- and pull forces within destination choice does exist. However, pull forces influence push forces to a larger extent. Analysis of variance calculations were used to identify if significant relationships exist between the twelve demographic variables and nine reliable and valid independent variables. Furthermore, post-hoc Scheffè tests identified where the significant differences occurred between the different categories. Cohen’s d-values were calculated in order to assess the practical significance of the mean scores. A total of sixteen practical significant relationships were identified. Travel companies should compile travel packages and tours that serve the needs of both leisure- and business travellers. They can use social media as a communication- and promotion tool to entice travellers to specific destinations. The business travel packages should be all inclusive and include transportation, accommodation and even entries to events. The visual aids, utilised within the marketing material, should entice travellers to want to visit these destinations, and outline the favourable general infrastructure available. When marketing outbound destinations, travel service providers must pay attention to demographical variables such as gender, age, ethnical affiliation, income and marital status to compile travel packages that satisfy the needs of specific groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ferreira, Daniel Petrus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Tourism -- Marketing Tourism -- South Africa -- Marketing Place marketing , Heritage tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11091 , vital:26884
- Description: Push- and pull forces are considered the most important motivational factors in driving tourism demand. Push forces are motivational forces that arise due to the individual’s need to travel, while pull forces are destination attributes which pull the traveller to the specific destination and in doing so they satisfy the need of the traveller. Understanding why people travel, how they go about selecting their holiday destination and why one country is preferred to the other, is vital to the continued success of the tourism industry. The needs and wants of travellers are constantly changing, therefore, it is imperative that tourism businesses excel at developing new products and services which are better suited to the needs of consumers. The primary objective of this study was to determine the push- and pull forces that influence outbound destination choice in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (push- and pull factors) influence destination choice (dependent variable). From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothetical model was developed to test the relationships between push-and pull forces and destination choice. Twelve hypotheses were formulated to test the relationship between four push forces, eight pull forces and destination choice. The study sought the perceptions of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole residents and utitised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured self-administered questionnaire, distributed via e-mail and as a hard copy. A combination of convenience- and snowball sampling was utilised. The final sample comprised 302 respondents. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained by using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. The top ten destinations visited and intended to be visited were indicated. United Kingdom was the most visited international destination for both leisure and business purposes, while The United States of America was the most popular international destination to visit next for both leisure and business purposes. Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the correlation and significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Three statistically significant relationships were found between the push forces (physical and stature motivators and destination accessibility) and destination choice. Four statistically significant relationships were found between the pull forces (events, natural attractions, political issues and general infrastructure) and destination choice. The empirical findings further confirmed that an inter-relationship between push- and pull forces within destination choice does exist. However, pull forces influence push forces to a larger extent. Analysis of variance calculations were used to identify if significant relationships exist between the twelve demographic variables and nine reliable and valid independent variables. Furthermore, post-hoc Scheffè tests identified where the significant differences occurred between the different categories. Cohen’s d-values were calculated in order to assess the practical significance of the mean scores. A total of sixteen practical significant relationships were identified. Travel companies should compile travel packages and tours that serve the needs of both leisure- and business travellers. They can use social media as a communication- and promotion tool to entice travellers to specific destinations. The business travel packages should be all inclusive and include transportation, accommodation and even entries to events. The visual aids, utilised within the marketing material, should entice travellers to want to visit these destinations, and outline the favourable general infrastructure available. When marketing outbound destinations, travel service providers must pay attention to demographical variables such as gender, age, ethnical affiliation, income and marital status to compile travel packages that satisfy the needs of specific groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Recapitalization on emerging farmers in the Cacadu District
- Authors: Nelani, Simphiwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5736 , vital:20989
- Description: An agricultural project as implemented by the DRDLR is seen as a strategy and an attempt to alleviate unemployment at improving lifestyle and livelihoods on farms. This study attempts to explore the impact of agricultural projects on alleviating unemployment in the Cacadu District in Grahamstown. The research topic attempts to establish whether these unemployment alleviation projects had sufficient impact and contributed to socio-economic developments of the emerging farmer. A sample of the respondents involved in an agricultural project funded through Recapitalization programme by DRDLR participated in this study. A purposive sampling method was used for this study. Data collected was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Related literature that focuses on agricultural projects for alleviation of unemployment has been reviewed. Various recommendations based on findings of the study have also been made. Among findings that were made, it emerged that the Recapitalisation Programme has not made sufficient impact on the alleviation of unemployment. Findings if the study indicates that beneficiaries were not trained sufficiently with financial management skills which are key in equipping them to make substantial profits from their farm. The research findings indicated that the strategies that were used by the department through Recapitalisation were not effective enough to achieve the desired outcomes of alleviation of unemployment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nelani, Simphiwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5736 , vital:20989
- Description: An agricultural project as implemented by the DRDLR is seen as a strategy and an attempt to alleviate unemployment at improving lifestyle and livelihoods on farms. This study attempts to explore the impact of agricultural projects on alleviating unemployment in the Cacadu District in Grahamstown. The research topic attempts to establish whether these unemployment alleviation projects had sufficient impact and contributed to socio-economic developments of the emerging farmer. A sample of the respondents involved in an agricultural project funded through Recapitalization programme by DRDLR participated in this study. A purposive sampling method was used for this study. Data collected was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Related literature that focuses on agricultural projects for alleviation of unemployment has been reviewed. Various recommendations based on findings of the study have also been made. Among findings that were made, it emerged that the Recapitalisation Programme has not made sufficient impact on the alleviation of unemployment. Findings if the study indicates that beneficiaries were not trained sufficiently with financial management skills which are key in equipping them to make substantial profits from their farm. The research findings indicated that the strategies that were used by the department through Recapitalisation were not effective enough to achieve the desired outcomes of alleviation of unemployment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Recycling as a strategy for environmental management in Cofimvaba
- Authors: Mniki, Yolisa Helen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12614 , vital:27099
- Description: The success or failure of a local municipality is measured by the efficient provision of basic services to communities within the area of jurisdiction. Waste management is one of the basic services that pose serious environmental challenges. Various strategies have been developed as a means of waste management and recycling is a popular strategy as it has the potential to foster relations between the municipality and the community. Studies by the Department of environmental Affairs have confirmed that the delivery of waste management services by municipalities has capacity constraints including, but not limited to, landfill site operations, waste collection, processing and disposal, and waste management hierarchy (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2008). This research is undertaken to establish how recycling can be effective in environmental management. The findings emphasise strongly, the high level of awareness that communities have on recycling; however there is a need for intensive resource support for the community initiatives to have the desired impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mniki, Yolisa Helen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12614 , vital:27099
- Description: The success or failure of a local municipality is measured by the efficient provision of basic services to communities within the area of jurisdiction. Waste management is one of the basic services that pose serious environmental challenges. Various strategies have been developed as a means of waste management and recycling is a popular strategy as it has the potential to foster relations between the municipality and the community. Studies by the Department of environmental Affairs have confirmed that the delivery of waste management services by municipalities has capacity constraints including, but not limited to, landfill site operations, waste collection, processing and disposal, and waste management hierarchy (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2008). This research is undertaken to establish how recycling can be effective in environmental management. The findings emphasise strongly, the high level of awareness that communities have on recycling; however there is a need for intensive resource support for the community initiatives to have the desired impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015