A framework for grain commodity trading decision support in South Africa
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Grain trade -- South Africa Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11437 , vital:26925
- Description: In several countries around the world, grain commodities are traded as assets on stock exchanges. This indicate that the market and effectively the prices of the grain commodities in such countries, are controlled by several local and international economic, political and social factors that are rapidly changing. As a result, the prices of some grain commodities are volatile and trading in such commodities are prone to price-related risks. There are different trading strategies for minimising price-related risks and maximising profits. But empirical research suggests that making the right decision for effective grain commodities trading has been a difficult task for stakeholders due to high volatility of grain commodities prices. Studies have shown that this is more challenging among grain commodities farmers because of their lack of skills and the time to sift through and make sense of the datasets on the plethora of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This thesis focused on providing an answer for the main research problem that grain farmers in South Africa do not take full advantage of all the available strategies for trading their grain commodities because of the complexities associated with monitoring the large datasets that influence the grain commodities market. The main objective set by this study is to design a framework that can be followed to collect, integrate and analyse datasets that influence trading decisions of grain farmers in South Africa about grain commodities. This study takes advantage of the developments in Big Data and Data Science to achieve the set objective using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The prediction of future prices of grain commodities for the different trading strategies was identified as an important factor for making better decisions when trading grain commodities and the key factors that influence the prices were identified. This was followed by a critical review of the literature to determine how the concepts of Big Data and Data Science can be leveraged for an effective grain commodities trading decision support. This resulted in a proposed framework for grain commodities trading. The proposed framework suggested an investigation of the factors that influence the prices of grain commodities as the basis for acquiring the relevant datasets. The proposed framework suggested the adoption of the Big Data approach in acquiring, preparing and integrating relevant datasets from several sources. Furthermore, it was suggested that algorithmic models for predicting grain commodities prices can be developed on top of the data layer of the proposed framework to provide real-time decision support. The proposed framework suggests the need for a carefully designed visualisation of the result and the collected data that promotes user experience. Lastly, the proposed framework included a technology consideration component to support the Big Data and Data Science approach of the framework. To demonstrate that the proposed framework addressed the main problem of this research, datasets from several sources on trading white maize in South Africa and the factors that influence market were streamed, integrated and analysed. Backpropagation Neural Network algorithm was used for modelling the prices of white maize for spot and futures trading strategies were predicted. There are other modelling techniques such as the Box-Jenkins statistical time series analysis methodology. But, Neural Networks was identified as more suitable for time series data with complex patterns and relationships. A demonstration system was setup to provide effective decision support by using near real-time data to provide a dynamic predictive analytics for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize in South Africa. Comparative analysis of predictions made using the model from the proposed framework to actual data indicated a significant degree of accuracy. A further evaluation was carried out by asking experienced traders to make predictions for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize. The result of the exercise indicated that the predictions from the developed model were much closer to the actual prices. This indicated that the proposed framework is technically capable and generally useful. It also shows that the proposed framework can be used to provide decision support about trading grain commodities to stakeholders with lesser skills, experience and resources. The practical contribution of this thesis is that relevant datasets from several sources can be streamed into an integrated data source in real-time, which can be used as input for a real-time learning algorithmic model for predicting grain commodities prices. This will make it possible for a predictive analytics that responds to market volatility thereby providing an effective decision support for grain commodities trading. Another practical contribution of this thesis is a proposed framework that can be followed for developing a Decision Support System for trading in grain commodities. This thesis made theoretical contributions by building on the information processing theory and the decision making theory. The theoretical contribution of this thesis consists of the identification of Big Data approach, tools and techniques for eradicating uncertainty and equivocality in grain commodities trading decision making process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Grain trade -- South Africa Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11437 , vital:26925
- Description: In several countries around the world, grain commodities are traded as assets on stock exchanges. This indicate that the market and effectively the prices of the grain commodities in such countries, are controlled by several local and international economic, political and social factors that are rapidly changing. As a result, the prices of some grain commodities are volatile and trading in such commodities are prone to price-related risks. There are different trading strategies for minimising price-related risks and maximising profits. But empirical research suggests that making the right decision for effective grain commodities trading has been a difficult task for stakeholders due to high volatility of grain commodities prices. Studies have shown that this is more challenging among grain commodities farmers because of their lack of skills and the time to sift through and make sense of the datasets on the plethora of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This thesis focused on providing an answer for the main research problem that grain farmers in South Africa do not take full advantage of all the available strategies for trading their grain commodities because of the complexities associated with monitoring the large datasets that influence the grain commodities market. The main objective set by this study is to design a framework that can be followed to collect, integrate and analyse datasets that influence trading decisions of grain farmers in South Africa about grain commodities. This study takes advantage of the developments in Big Data and Data Science to achieve the set objective using the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology. The prediction of future prices of grain commodities for the different trading strategies was identified as an important factor for making better decisions when trading grain commodities and the key factors that influence the prices were identified. This was followed by a critical review of the literature to determine how the concepts of Big Data and Data Science can be leveraged for an effective grain commodities trading decision support. This resulted in a proposed framework for grain commodities trading. The proposed framework suggested an investigation of the factors that influence the prices of grain commodities as the basis for acquiring the relevant datasets. The proposed framework suggested the adoption of the Big Data approach in acquiring, preparing and integrating relevant datasets from several sources. Furthermore, it was suggested that algorithmic models for predicting grain commodities prices can be developed on top of the data layer of the proposed framework to provide real-time decision support. The proposed framework suggests the need for a carefully designed visualisation of the result and the collected data that promotes user experience. Lastly, the proposed framework included a technology consideration component to support the Big Data and Data Science approach of the framework. To demonstrate that the proposed framework addressed the main problem of this research, datasets from several sources on trading white maize in South Africa and the factors that influence market were streamed, integrated and analysed. Backpropagation Neural Network algorithm was used for modelling the prices of white maize for spot and futures trading strategies were predicted. There are other modelling techniques such as the Box-Jenkins statistical time series analysis methodology. But, Neural Networks was identified as more suitable for time series data with complex patterns and relationships. A demonstration system was setup to provide effective decision support by using near real-time data to provide a dynamic predictive analytics for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize in South Africa. Comparative analysis of predictions made using the model from the proposed framework to actual data indicated a significant degree of accuracy. A further evaluation was carried out by asking experienced traders to make predictions for the spot and December futures contract prices of white maize. The result of the exercise indicated that the predictions from the developed model were much closer to the actual prices. This indicated that the proposed framework is technically capable and generally useful. It also shows that the proposed framework can be used to provide decision support about trading grain commodities to stakeholders with lesser skills, experience and resources. The practical contribution of this thesis is that relevant datasets from several sources can be streamed into an integrated data source in real-time, which can be used as input for a real-time learning algorithmic model for predicting grain commodities prices. This will make it possible for a predictive analytics that responds to market volatility thereby providing an effective decision support for grain commodities trading. Another practical contribution of this thesis is a proposed framework that can be followed for developing a Decision Support System for trading in grain commodities. This thesis made theoretical contributions by building on the information processing theory and the decision making theory. The theoretical contribution of this thesis consists of the identification of Big Data approach, tools and techniques for eradicating uncertainty and equivocality in grain commodities trading decision making process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for management participation in HIV and AIDS intervention programmes: the Chris Hani District Municipality case
- Authors: Kolo, Vuyiswa Felicia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15345 , vital:28221
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Workplace HIV/AIDS programmes have been singled out by the Government as one of the measures to fight against the spread of the disease. However, it is quite concerning that managers in most organisations are very reluctant to actively participate in the programmes. One of such organisations is the Chris Hani District Municipality. Reluctance by managers to participate in these programmes has given rise to effects such as lower level employees also not willing to participate in the programmes; thereby undermining efforts by the municipality and the National Government as a whole to fight against the spread of the disease in South Africa. This study has developed a framework that may enable municipal managers to participate in HIV/AIDS programmes in the municipality. In addition the study has also explored factors that discourage managers from participating in HIV/AIDS programmes. The study took place in the Chris Hani municipality. The sample population was municipal managers from the different directorates. The methodological approach was quantitative. Data was collected with use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed physically and electronically by the researcher. The findings of the study show that in order for managers to actively participate in the programmes of HIV/AIDS, measures should be put place to enhance the following: self-awareness, positive attitude, effective communication, management involvement, management support, and relationship building. The researcher hopes that the study will not only enhance management participation in the Chris Hani municipality, but also other municipalities and organisations in South Africa interested in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kolo, Vuyiswa Felicia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15345 , vital:28221
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Workplace HIV/AIDS programmes have been singled out by the Government as one of the measures to fight against the spread of the disease. However, it is quite concerning that managers in most organisations are very reluctant to actively participate in the programmes. One of such organisations is the Chris Hani District Municipality. Reluctance by managers to participate in these programmes has given rise to effects such as lower level employees also not willing to participate in the programmes; thereby undermining efforts by the municipality and the National Government as a whole to fight against the spread of the disease in South Africa. This study has developed a framework that may enable municipal managers to participate in HIV/AIDS programmes in the municipality. In addition the study has also explored factors that discourage managers from participating in HIV/AIDS programmes. The study took place in the Chris Hani municipality. The sample population was municipal managers from the different directorates. The methodological approach was quantitative. Data was collected with use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed physically and electronically by the researcher. The findings of the study show that in order for managers to actively participate in the programmes of HIV/AIDS, measures should be put place to enhance the following: self-awareness, positive attitude, effective communication, management involvement, management support, and relationship building. The researcher hopes that the study will not only enhance management participation in the Chris Hani municipality, but also other municipalities and organisations in South Africa interested in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for the design of business intelligence dashboard tools
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business intelligence Dashboards (Management information systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12941 , vital:27136
- Description: Vast amounts of data are collected on a daily basis, making it difficult for humans to derive at valuable information to make effective decisions. In recent years, the field of Business Intelligence (BI) and Information Visualisation (IV) have become a key driver of an organisation’s success. BI tools supporting decision making need to be accessible to a larger audience on different levels of the organisation. The problem is that non-expert users, or novice users, of BI tools do not have the technical knowledge to conduct data analysis and often rely on expert users to assist. For this reason, BI vendors are shifting their focus to self-service BI, a relatively new term where novice users can analyse data without the traditional human mediator. Despite the proliferation of self-service BI tools, limited research is available on their usability and design considerations to assist novice users with decision making and BI analysis. The contribution of this study is a conceptual framework for designing, evaluating or selecting BI tools that support non-expert users to create dashboards (the BI Framework). A dashboard is a particular IV technique that enables users to view critical information at a glance. The main research problem addressed by this study is that non-expert users often have to utilise a number of software tools to conduct data analysis and to develop visualisations, such as BI dashboards. The research problem was further investigated by following a two-step approach. The first approach was to investigate existing problems by using an in-depth literature review in the fields of BI and IV. The second approach was to conduct a field study (Field Study 1) using a development environment consisting of a number of software components of which SAP Xcelsius was the main BI tool used to create a dashboard. The aim of the field study was to compare the identified problems and requirements with those found in literature. The results of the problem analysis revealed a number of problems in terms of BI software. One of the major problems is that BI tools do not adequately guide users through a logical process to conduct data analysis. In addition, the process becomes increasingly difficult when several BI tools are involved that need to be integrated. The results showed positive aspects when the data was mapped to a visualisation, which increased the users’ understanding of data they were analysing. The results were verified in a focus group discussion and were used to establish an initial set of problems and requirements, which were then synthesised with the problems and requirements identified from literature. Once the major problems were verified, a framework was established to guide the design of BI dashboard tools for novice users. The framework includes a set of design guidelines and usability evaluation criteria for BI tools. An extant systems analysis was conducted using BI tools to compare the advantages and disadvantages. The results revealed that a number of tools could be used by non-experts, however, their usability hinders users. All the participants used in all field studies and evaluations were Computer Science (CS) and Information Systems (IS) students. Participants were specially sourced from a higher education institution such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). A second field study (Field Study 2) was conducted with participants using another traditional BI tool identified from the extant systems analysis, PowerPivot. The objective of this field study was to verify the design guidelines and related features that served as a BI Scorecard that can be used to select BI tools. Another BI tool, Tableau, was used for the final evaluation. The final evaluation was conducted with a large participant sample consisting of IS students in their second and third year of study. The results for the two groups revealed a significant difference between participants’ education levels and the usability ratings of Tableau. Additionally, the results indicated a significant relationship between the participants’ experience level and the usability ratings of Tableau. The usability ratings of Tableau were mostly positive and the results revealed that participants found the tool easy to use, flexible and efficient. The proposed BI Framework can be used to assist organisations when evaluating BI tools for adoption. Furthermore, designers of BI tools can use the framework to improve the usability of these tools, reduce the workload for users when creating dashboards, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decision support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business intelligence Dashboards (Management information systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12941 , vital:27136
- Description: Vast amounts of data are collected on a daily basis, making it difficult for humans to derive at valuable information to make effective decisions. In recent years, the field of Business Intelligence (BI) and Information Visualisation (IV) have become a key driver of an organisation’s success. BI tools supporting decision making need to be accessible to a larger audience on different levels of the organisation. The problem is that non-expert users, or novice users, of BI tools do not have the technical knowledge to conduct data analysis and often rely on expert users to assist. For this reason, BI vendors are shifting their focus to self-service BI, a relatively new term where novice users can analyse data without the traditional human mediator. Despite the proliferation of self-service BI tools, limited research is available on their usability and design considerations to assist novice users with decision making and BI analysis. The contribution of this study is a conceptual framework for designing, evaluating or selecting BI tools that support non-expert users to create dashboards (the BI Framework). A dashboard is a particular IV technique that enables users to view critical information at a glance. The main research problem addressed by this study is that non-expert users often have to utilise a number of software tools to conduct data analysis and to develop visualisations, such as BI dashboards. The research problem was further investigated by following a two-step approach. The first approach was to investigate existing problems by using an in-depth literature review in the fields of BI and IV. The second approach was to conduct a field study (Field Study 1) using a development environment consisting of a number of software components of which SAP Xcelsius was the main BI tool used to create a dashboard. The aim of the field study was to compare the identified problems and requirements with those found in literature. The results of the problem analysis revealed a number of problems in terms of BI software. One of the major problems is that BI tools do not adequately guide users through a logical process to conduct data analysis. In addition, the process becomes increasingly difficult when several BI tools are involved that need to be integrated. The results showed positive aspects when the data was mapped to a visualisation, which increased the users’ understanding of data they were analysing. The results were verified in a focus group discussion and were used to establish an initial set of problems and requirements, which were then synthesised with the problems and requirements identified from literature. Once the major problems were verified, a framework was established to guide the design of BI dashboard tools for novice users. The framework includes a set of design guidelines and usability evaluation criteria for BI tools. An extant systems analysis was conducted using BI tools to compare the advantages and disadvantages. The results revealed that a number of tools could be used by non-experts, however, their usability hinders users. All the participants used in all field studies and evaluations were Computer Science (CS) and Information Systems (IS) students. Participants were specially sourced from a higher education institution such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). A second field study (Field Study 2) was conducted with participants using another traditional BI tool identified from the extant systems analysis, PowerPivot. The objective of this field study was to verify the design guidelines and related features that served as a BI Scorecard that can be used to select BI tools. Another BI tool, Tableau, was used for the final evaluation. The final evaluation was conducted with a large participant sample consisting of IS students in their second and third year of study. The results for the two groups revealed a significant difference between participants’ education levels and the usability ratings of Tableau. Additionally, the results indicated a significant relationship between the participants’ experience level and the usability ratings of Tableau. The usability ratings of Tableau were mostly positive and the results revealed that participants found the tool easy to use, flexible and efficient. The proposed BI Framework can be used to assist organisations when evaluating BI tools for adoption. Furthermore, designers of BI tools can use the framework to improve the usability of these tools, reduce the workload for users when creating dashboards, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decision support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for the inclusion of students with visual impairments: a case of a Zimbabwe state university
- Authors: Manyumwa, Ennie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Students with disabilities -- Education (Higher) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29805 , vital:30780
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of students with visual impairments in a selected state university in Zimbabwe in order to develop a framework for their inclusion. The study was necessitated by the increased enrolment of students with visual impairments in universities worldwide in response to inclusion in education and the continuous search for the best placement model for students with disabilities. Studies conducted internationally show that students with visual impairments have unique learning needs which must be addressed if their inclusion in universities is to be successful. The study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological and Bandura’s agentic theories, both of which stress the bi-directional relationship between an individual and the environment. The transformative paradigm which guided this study, lays emphasis on the need to improve the social situation of individuals with disabilities in order to bring about a more equitable society. Since the study intended to gain an understanding of how students with visual impairments interpret their experiences within a selected state university in Zimbabwe which practices inclusion, the qualitative case study design was used. Purposeful sampling was also used in the selection of both the university studied and the participants. Data generation methods employed included the semi-structured interview, photo-voice, document analysis and observation. Data generated were analysed following emergent themes that were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that the university started enrolling students with visual impairments in 2004 and has since established a Disability Resource Centre which is equipped with assistive devices and is manned by caring staff. Findings revealed a glaring absence of a university policy on inclusion. The guiding principles used did not clearly articulate issues of inclusion. The students’ positive experiences resulted from single rooms allocated to them and the support received from friends and caring staff. Negative experiences emanated from bureaucratic admission procedures, challenges of adjusting to university life in the absence of orientation and mobility training, financial challenges, hostile social environment and the students’ perceptions of themselves. The students suggested that the university should assist them with fees and expressed their wish to be consulted on matters that concern them. They xviii also suggested close co-operation between the administration and the Disability Resource Centre. The conclusion reached was that although the university was sensitive to issues of inclusion, there were still some deficiencies in the system that were impacting negatively on the inclusion of students with visual impairments. The study recommended a framework which shows the different committees and support systems which can be formed at different levels to facilitate the development of a comprehensive policy on inclusion and expedite its implementation. The involvement of students with visual impairments in the different committees was also recommended. This would afford them the chance to exercise their agentic resources and be involved in matters which concern them, rather than rely on decisions made by sighted individuals who might not possess adequate knowledge of what visual impairment entails.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Manyumwa, Ennie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Students with disabilities -- Education (Higher) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29805 , vital:30780
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of students with visual impairments in a selected state university in Zimbabwe in order to develop a framework for their inclusion. The study was necessitated by the increased enrolment of students with visual impairments in universities worldwide in response to inclusion in education and the continuous search for the best placement model for students with disabilities. Studies conducted internationally show that students with visual impairments have unique learning needs which must be addressed if their inclusion in universities is to be successful. The study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological and Bandura’s agentic theories, both of which stress the bi-directional relationship between an individual and the environment. The transformative paradigm which guided this study, lays emphasis on the need to improve the social situation of individuals with disabilities in order to bring about a more equitable society. Since the study intended to gain an understanding of how students with visual impairments interpret their experiences within a selected state university in Zimbabwe which practices inclusion, the qualitative case study design was used. Purposeful sampling was also used in the selection of both the university studied and the participants. Data generation methods employed included the semi-structured interview, photo-voice, document analysis and observation. Data generated were analysed following emergent themes that were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that the university started enrolling students with visual impairments in 2004 and has since established a Disability Resource Centre which is equipped with assistive devices and is manned by caring staff. Findings revealed a glaring absence of a university policy on inclusion. The guiding principles used did not clearly articulate issues of inclusion. The students’ positive experiences resulted from single rooms allocated to them and the support received from friends and caring staff. Negative experiences emanated from bureaucratic admission procedures, challenges of adjusting to university life in the absence of orientation and mobility training, financial challenges, hostile social environment and the students’ perceptions of themselves. The students suggested that the university should assist them with fees and expressed their wish to be consulted on matters that concern them. They xviii also suggested close co-operation between the administration and the Disability Resource Centre. The conclusion reached was that although the university was sensitive to issues of inclusion, there were still some deficiencies in the system that were impacting negatively on the inclusion of students with visual impairments. The study recommended a framework which shows the different committees and support systems which can be formed at different levels to facilitate the development of a comprehensive policy on inclusion and expedite its implementation. The involvement of students with visual impairments in the different committees was also recommended. This would afford them the chance to exercise their agentic resources and be involved in matters which concern them, rather than rely on decisions made by sighted individuals who might not possess adequate knowledge of what visual impairment entails.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework to evaluate user experience of end user application security features
- Authors: Shava, Fungai Bhunu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design Web sites -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12951 , vital:27137
- Description: The use of technology in society moved from satisfying the technical needs of users to giving a lasting user experience while interacting with the technology. The continuous technological advancements have led to a diversity of emerging security concerns. It is necessary to balance security issues with user interaction. As such, designers have adapted to this reality by practising user centred design during product development to cater for the experiential needs of user - product interaction. These User Centred Design best practices and standards ensure that security features are incorporated within End User Programs (EUP). The primary function of EUP is not security, and interaction with security features while performing a program related task does present the end user with an extra burden. Evaluation mechanisms exist to enumerate the performance of the EUP and the user’s experience of the product interaction. Security evaluation standards focus on the program code security as well as on security functionalities of programs designed for security. However, little attention has been paid to evaluating user experience of functionalities offered by embedded security features. A qualitative case study research using problem based and design science research approaches was used to address the lack of criteria to evaluate user experience with embedded security features. User study findings reflect poor user experience with EUP security features, mainly as a result of low awareness of their existence, their location and sometimes even of their importance. From the literature review of the information security and user experience domains and the user study survey findings, four components of the framework were identified, namely: end user characteristics, information security, user experience and end user program security features characteristics. This thesis focuses on developing a framework that can be used to evaluate the user experience of interacting with end user program security features. The framework was designed following the design science research method and was reviewed by peers and experts for its suitability to address the problem. Subject experts in the fields of information security and human computer interaction were engaged, as the research is multidisciplinary. This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on information security and on user experience elements of human computer interaction security regarding how to evaluate user experience of embedded InfoSec features. The research adds uniquely to the literature in the area of Human Computer Interaction Security evaluation and measurement in general, and is specific to end user program security features. The proposed metrics for evaluating UX of interacting with EUP security features were used to propose intervention to influence UX in an academic setup. The framework, besides presenting UX evaluation strategies for EUP security features, also presents a platform for further academic research on human factors of information security. The impact can be evaluated by assessing security behaviour, and successful security breaches, as well as user experience of interaction with end user programs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shava, Fungai Bhunu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Design Web sites -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12951 , vital:27137
- Description: The use of technology in society moved from satisfying the technical needs of users to giving a lasting user experience while interacting with the technology. The continuous technological advancements have led to a diversity of emerging security concerns. It is necessary to balance security issues with user interaction. As such, designers have adapted to this reality by practising user centred design during product development to cater for the experiential needs of user - product interaction. These User Centred Design best practices and standards ensure that security features are incorporated within End User Programs (EUP). The primary function of EUP is not security, and interaction with security features while performing a program related task does present the end user with an extra burden. Evaluation mechanisms exist to enumerate the performance of the EUP and the user’s experience of the product interaction. Security evaluation standards focus on the program code security as well as on security functionalities of programs designed for security. However, little attention has been paid to evaluating user experience of functionalities offered by embedded security features. A qualitative case study research using problem based and design science research approaches was used to address the lack of criteria to evaluate user experience with embedded security features. User study findings reflect poor user experience with EUP security features, mainly as a result of low awareness of their existence, their location and sometimes even of their importance. From the literature review of the information security and user experience domains and the user study survey findings, four components of the framework were identified, namely: end user characteristics, information security, user experience and end user program security features characteristics. This thesis focuses on developing a framework that can be used to evaluate the user experience of interacting with end user program security features. The framework was designed following the design science research method and was reviewed by peers and experts for its suitability to address the problem. Subject experts in the fields of information security and human computer interaction were engaged, as the research is multidisciplinary. This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on information security and on user experience elements of human computer interaction security regarding how to evaluate user experience of embedded InfoSec features. The research adds uniquely to the literature in the area of Human Computer Interaction Security evaluation and measurement in general, and is specific to end user program security features. The proposed metrics for evaluating UX of interacting with EUP security features were used to propose intervention to influence UX in an academic setup. The framework, besides presenting UX evaluation strategies for EUP security features, also presents a platform for further academic research on human factors of information security. The impact can be evaluated by assessing security behaviour, and successful security breaches, as well as user experience of interaction with end user programs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A gender analysis of participation in community development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ndwe, Mihlali
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- EasternCape Women in development -- Africa, Southern , Women -- Africa, Southern -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13071 , vital:27149
- Description: For many decades, black rural women have been underprivileged, illiterate, with limited access to resources in general. They were not only faced with discrimination and segregation, both in organised labour markets and in informal sector employment, but they also had different legal rights regarding inheritance, land and credit. They got less education if any at all, lower pay, although they worked longer hours and had less access to professional training then men (Moser, 1993). For many years, development projects have been technical projects or construction projects focussing on construction work. Since the 1970s, possibilities for women participating in the planning, management and maintenance of development projects were broadened. In many of the projects, the project managers/planners would say that they have worked with the villages, leaders and committees, yet the majority of the time, they work with males living in the village. Women are usually targeted only for health education. More gender sensitive approach was shown in the 1980s, when women had several roles to play in matters of development (Syme, 1992: 6). In the past couple of years, South Africa has had a growing acceptance of a gender-focused approach to development. In accepting the gender-focused approach to development, the country went as far as creating a department of women, children and disabled to fight for the rights of women, children and the disabled. The country also signed a protocol of the SADC on gender and development. This protocol encompasses commitments made in all regional, global and continental instruments for achieving gender equality. It enhances these instruments by addressing gaps and setting specific, measurable targets where these do not already exist. The protocol advances gender equality by ensuring accountability by all SADC member states, as well as providing a forum for the sharing of best practices, peer support and review (SADC, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ndwe, Mihlali
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- EasternCape Women in development -- Africa, Southern , Women -- Africa, Southern -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13071 , vital:27149
- Description: For many decades, black rural women have been underprivileged, illiterate, with limited access to resources in general. They were not only faced with discrimination and segregation, both in organised labour markets and in informal sector employment, but they also had different legal rights regarding inheritance, land and credit. They got less education if any at all, lower pay, although they worked longer hours and had less access to professional training then men (Moser, 1993). For many years, development projects have been technical projects or construction projects focussing on construction work. Since the 1970s, possibilities for women participating in the planning, management and maintenance of development projects were broadened. In many of the projects, the project managers/planners would say that they have worked with the villages, leaders and committees, yet the majority of the time, they work with males living in the village. Women are usually targeted only for health education. More gender sensitive approach was shown in the 1980s, when women had several roles to play in matters of development (Syme, 1992: 6). In the past couple of years, South Africa has had a growing acceptance of a gender-focused approach to development. In accepting the gender-focused approach to development, the country went as far as creating a department of women, children and disabled to fight for the rights of women, children and the disabled. The country also signed a protocol of the SADC on gender and development. This protocol encompasses commitments made in all regional, global and continental instruments for achieving gender equality. It enhances these instruments by addressing gaps and setting specific, measurable targets where these do not already exist. The protocol advances gender equality by ensuring accountability by all SADC member states, as well as providing a forum for the sharing of best practices, peer support and review (SADC, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A Geopolitics of knowledge and the value of discomfort:
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146444 , vital:38526 , https://www.ru.ac.za/fineart/latestnews/alutacontinuadoingitfordaddytenyearson.html
- Description: In 2006, the short essay ‘Doing it for Daddy’ by visual artist Sharlene Khan caused controversy when it expressed the opinion that since 1994, ‘transformation’ in the visual arts field in South Africa seemed to have halted at the point of White women replacing White men in positions of power. It questioned this new position of dominance in institutions that remained colonially and racially untransformed. On the 16 and 17th of September 2016, the School of Fine Art at Rhodes University will host a one-day symposium ‘A luta Continua: Doing it for Daddy - Ten years on…’ which seeks to both commemorate that article and those who ‘speak up’, but also, fundamentally, to continue looking at the ways in which various social oppressions intersect in the fields of art history and visual arts in South Africa. Presenters include Khwezi Gule, Nontobeko Ntombela, Nomusa Makhubu, Same Mdluli, Fouad Asfour, Ruth Simbao, Sharlene Khan, students from Wits School of Arts and Rhodes Art History and Visual Culture, as well as a performance by visual artist Sikhumbuzo Makandula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146444 , vital:38526 , https://www.ru.ac.za/fineart/latestnews/alutacontinuadoingitfordaddytenyearson.html
- Description: In 2006, the short essay ‘Doing it for Daddy’ by visual artist Sharlene Khan caused controversy when it expressed the opinion that since 1994, ‘transformation’ in the visual arts field in South Africa seemed to have halted at the point of White women replacing White men in positions of power. It questioned this new position of dominance in institutions that remained colonially and racially untransformed. On the 16 and 17th of September 2016, the School of Fine Art at Rhodes University will host a one-day symposium ‘A luta Continua: Doing it for Daddy - Ten years on…’ which seeks to both commemorate that article and those who ‘speak up’, but also, fundamentally, to continue looking at the ways in which various social oppressions intersect in the fields of art history and visual arts in South Africa. Presenters include Khwezi Gule, Nontobeko Ntombela, Nomusa Makhubu, Same Mdluli, Fouad Asfour, Ruth Simbao, Sharlene Khan, students from Wits School of Arts and Rhodes Art History and Visual Culture, as well as a performance by visual artist Sikhumbuzo Makandula.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A longitudinal study of DNS traffic: understanding current DNS practice and abuse
- Authors: Van Zyl, Ignus
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3707 , vital:20537
- Description: This thesis examines a dataset spanning 21 months, containing 3,5 billion DNS packets. Traffic on TCP and UDP port 53, was captured on a production /24 IP block. The purpose of this thesis is twofold. The first is to create an understanding of current practice and behavior within the DNS infrastructure, the second to explore current threats faced by the DNS and the various systems that implement it. This is achieved by drawing on analysis and observations from the captured data. Aspects of the operation of DNS on the greater Internet are considered in this research with reference to the observed trends in the dataset, A thorough analysis of current DNS TTL implementation is made with respect to all response traffic, as well as sections looking at observed DNS TTL values for ,za domain replies and NX DOMAIN flagged replies. This thesis found that TTL values implemented are much lower than has been recommended in previous years, and that the TTL decrease is prevalent in most, but not all EE TTL implementation. With respect to the nature of DNS operations, this thesis also concerns itself with an analysis of the geoloeation of authoritative servers for local (,za) domains, and offers further observations towards the latency generated by the choice of authoritative server location for a given ,za domain. It was found that the majority of ,za domain authoritative servers are international, which results in latency generation that is multiple times greater than observed latencies for local authoritative servers. Further analysis is done with respect to NX DOM AIN behavior captured across the dataset. These findings outlined the cost of DNS miseonfiguration as well as highlighting instances of NXDOMAIN generation through malicious practice. With respect to DNS abuses, original research with respect to long-term scanning generated as a result of amplification attack activity on the greater Internet is presented. Many instances of amplification domain scans were captured during the packet capture, and an attempt is made to correlate that activity temporally with known amplification attack reports. The final area that this thesis deals with is the relatively new field of Bitflipping and Bitsquatting, delivering results on bitflip detection and evaluation over the course of the entire dataset. The detection methodology is outlined, and the final results are compared to findings given in recent bitflip literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Zyl, Ignus
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3707 , vital:20537
- Description: This thesis examines a dataset spanning 21 months, containing 3,5 billion DNS packets. Traffic on TCP and UDP port 53, was captured on a production /24 IP block. The purpose of this thesis is twofold. The first is to create an understanding of current practice and behavior within the DNS infrastructure, the second to explore current threats faced by the DNS and the various systems that implement it. This is achieved by drawing on analysis and observations from the captured data. Aspects of the operation of DNS on the greater Internet are considered in this research with reference to the observed trends in the dataset, A thorough analysis of current DNS TTL implementation is made with respect to all response traffic, as well as sections looking at observed DNS TTL values for ,za domain replies and NX DOMAIN flagged replies. This thesis found that TTL values implemented are much lower than has been recommended in previous years, and that the TTL decrease is prevalent in most, but not all EE TTL implementation. With respect to the nature of DNS operations, this thesis also concerns itself with an analysis of the geoloeation of authoritative servers for local (,za) domains, and offers further observations towards the latency generated by the choice of authoritative server location for a given ,za domain. It was found that the majority of ,za domain authoritative servers are international, which results in latency generation that is multiple times greater than observed latencies for local authoritative servers. Further analysis is done with respect to NX DOM AIN behavior captured across the dataset. These findings outlined the cost of DNS miseonfiguration as well as highlighting instances of NXDOMAIN generation through malicious practice. With respect to DNS abuses, original research with respect to long-term scanning generated as a result of amplification attack activity on the greater Internet is presented. Many instances of amplification domain scans were captured during the packet capture, and an attempt is made to correlate that activity temporally with known amplification attack reports. The final area that this thesis deals with is the relatively new field of Bitflipping and Bitsquatting, delivering results on bitflip detection and evaluation over the course of the entire dataset. The detection methodology is outlined, and the final results are compared to findings given in recent bitflip literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A marketing framework to enhance healthcare professionals' prescription for specialised infant formula
- Authors: Jordaan, Josina Hermeine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Marketing , Infant formulas , Medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8340 , vital:26346
- Description: The marketing of infant feeding products is almost impossible as the infant nutrition industry is highly regulated. Despite operating under strict regulations, the infant formula manufacturing companies still generate high revenues on an annual basis. The infant formula manufacturing industry operates under a value chain which can be broken down into six sequential steps. These steps are: (1) Translational science; (2) Product development; (3) Clinical research; (4) Product notification; (5) Reimbursement granting and (6) Product marketing. Medical nutrition companies aspire to understand product requirements of healthcare professionals and medical representatives. This is to enable direct investment to acquire market share without wasting resources. The medical nutrition industry currently makes use of medical representatives to execute product marketing. Manufacturing companies invest a lot of money into developing their products, employing and training medical representatives and trust that this will be enough to persuade healthcare professionals to recommend their products to parents. This study analyses the main contributing factors that enhance prescription of specialised infant formula by healthcare professionals. This study was conducted in a positivistic paradigm by making use of a quantitative approach. Healthcare professionals from Port Elizabeth, working with paediatric patients were included in this study. The healthcare professionals were chosen by a convenience sampling method and were then interviewed. The empirical interview results were substantiated with the interpretive findings which were in the form of verbatim statements extracted directly from the research questionnaire. Linkage between the dependable variable (prescription) and independent variables (manufacturing company; product composition; cost of product; medical representative and peers) were established and analysed. The research revealed that prescription behaviour is an important construct which can be measured in medical practices. Prescription behaviour is correlated with positive business and medical outcomes and manufacturing companies are able to exert influence over it through the identified variables. Of these variables, efficacy of vii a product, trusted manufacturing company and the medical representatives were found to have direct and significant effects. Healthcare professionals tend to prescribe a specialised infant formula if they have seen results and trust the outcome of the product. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to exert great effort before appointing a medical representative, to make sure that the right candidate represents the face of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jordaan, Josina Hermeine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Marketing , Infant formulas , Medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8340 , vital:26346
- Description: The marketing of infant feeding products is almost impossible as the infant nutrition industry is highly regulated. Despite operating under strict regulations, the infant formula manufacturing companies still generate high revenues on an annual basis. The infant formula manufacturing industry operates under a value chain which can be broken down into six sequential steps. These steps are: (1) Translational science; (2) Product development; (3) Clinical research; (4) Product notification; (5) Reimbursement granting and (6) Product marketing. Medical nutrition companies aspire to understand product requirements of healthcare professionals and medical representatives. This is to enable direct investment to acquire market share without wasting resources. The medical nutrition industry currently makes use of medical representatives to execute product marketing. Manufacturing companies invest a lot of money into developing their products, employing and training medical representatives and trust that this will be enough to persuade healthcare professionals to recommend their products to parents. This study analyses the main contributing factors that enhance prescription of specialised infant formula by healthcare professionals. This study was conducted in a positivistic paradigm by making use of a quantitative approach. Healthcare professionals from Port Elizabeth, working with paediatric patients were included in this study. The healthcare professionals were chosen by a convenience sampling method and were then interviewed. The empirical interview results were substantiated with the interpretive findings which were in the form of verbatim statements extracted directly from the research questionnaire. Linkage between the dependable variable (prescription) and independent variables (manufacturing company; product composition; cost of product; medical representative and peers) were established and analysed. The research revealed that prescription behaviour is an important construct which can be measured in medical practices. Prescription behaviour is correlated with positive business and medical outcomes and manufacturing companies are able to exert influence over it through the identified variables. Of these variables, efficacy of vii a product, trusted manufacturing company and the medical representatives were found to have direct and significant effects. Healthcare professionals tend to prescribe a specialised infant formula if they have seen results and trust the outcome of the product. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to exert great effort before appointing a medical representative, to make sure that the right candidate represents the face of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A mathematical study on optimal prevention and control strategies for tuberculosis: case study for Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A maturity grid-based method for assessing communication in business-IT alignment
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coertze, Jacques Jacobus
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business communication , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6740 , vital:21139
- Description: This thesis reports on the research undertaken to develop a method for organisations to assess human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of business–IT alignment. The research described in this thesis involves (i) a literature review in business–IT alignment and related fields, such as management studies and communication science; (ii) a Delphi study conducted among industry members, practitioners, and academics operating in the IT advisory, auditing and communication disciplines; and (iii) a case study of a public sector organisation in South Africa. By adopting a system-theoretic perspective on communication, this thesis proposes that communication in business–IT alignment can be seen as coordinating behaviour and a series of learning and reflection events, consequently culminating in increased mutual understanding. Various conceptualisations of communication are explored and, together with several industry elicited factors that influence communication in business–IT alignment, are incorporated into a conceptual model informing the assessment method. This research developed, applied, and tested a method whereby organisations can assess the quality of the human communication between their business and IT personnel as part of the business–IT alignment endeavour. The aim of this method is to trigger reflection on communication by considering communication philosophy and practices in business–IT alignment. The method, termed the ‘Business-IT Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement Communication Alignment Maturity Improvement (CAMI) method’, is based on a maturity grid-based approach, which stems originally from process improvement in software development and quality management. This thesis is most closely aligned with the research performed by Maier, Eckert, and Clarkson (2004, 2006), who successfully applied the maturity grid-based approach to investigate, audit and assess communication within the engineering design process. The question addressed in this thesis is whether this approach can be successfully extrapolated to the business–IT alignment context and whether it would yield similar benefits. Furthermore, the issue of whether it would offer a practical method for use in organisations is also addressed. Having applied the CAMI method at a public sector organisation, this thesis proposes that the maturity grid-based approach can indeed be extrapolated to iv the business–IT alignment context, consequently offering a viable and practical method for assessing communication in organisations. In particular, the CAMI method allows organisations to capture both their current and their desired communication situations and to expose discrepancies between the perceptions held by their business and IT personnel. These results form a basis for action planning, strategizing, and, ultimately, interventions for improvement. In conclusion, the thesis discusses further application and extension possibilities for the assessment method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A Mobile social networking framework to create a virtual community of practice in aid of rural small , medium and macro-sized enterprise support and development
- Authors: Muwunga-Zake, Oliva Jullian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Information technology -- Social aspects Social media Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5785 , vital:29393
- Description: Rural community media are identified as a critical component of the rural community communication process. These SMMEs are however struggling to achieve sustainability and operate effectively due to the various challenges and constraints impacting them. This study seeks to address this by developing a Rural Community Media Mobile Social Networking Framework that will create a virtual community of practice for the purposes of support of rural entrepreneurs in small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMES) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The author has specifically scoped this research to focus on Rural Community Media as a specialised subsegment of entrepreneurs operating in rural areas. The reasons for this decision were in part due to the effect and impact of community media on socio-economic development due to the role they play in enabling access to information and knowledge and giving a voice to poor and isolated communities The study proposes that provision of access to relevant information and knowledge via a mobile social networking framework would assist in cutting implementation costs through utilisation of a platform that is already there (known as rural community media). This study is scoped to focus specifically on rural community media with fieldwork conducted in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In summary the Research Methodology applied is as follows: - Research Philosophy: The interpretive research philosophy was chosen for this study - Research Design: This study will apply qualitative design - Research Approach: The case study approach will be used in the study - Data Collection Techniques: Source data will be comprised of primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through implementation of a questionnaire and expert reviews, while the secondary data will be collected through literature review. Hermeneutics will be used as the data collection technique in this study. - Data analysis: Cross-case data analysis will be applied Key findings included that rural community media already utilise mobile technology and social media/networking to conduct business. Rural community media required access to information and knowledge pertaining to internal business process, funding, governance, training and access to skilled resources. Mobile social networking is identified as a suitable vehicle for delivery. A Rural Community Media Social Networking Framework was developed as a result of this study. Framework elements were supported, and in some cases modified, by case study findings and expert review feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Muwunga-Zake, Oliva Jullian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Information technology -- Social aspects Social media Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5785 , vital:29393
- Description: Rural community media are identified as a critical component of the rural community communication process. These SMMEs are however struggling to achieve sustainability and operate effectively due to the various challenges and constraints impacting them. This study seeks to address this by developing a Rural Community Media Mobile Social Networking Framework that will create a virtual community of practice for the purposes of support of rural entrepreneurs in small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMES) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The author has specifically scoped this research to focus on Rural Community Media as a specialised subsegment of entrepreneurs operating in rural areas. The reasons for this decision were in part due to the effect and impact of community media on socio-economic development due to the role they play in enabling access to information and knowledge and giving a voice to poor and isolated communities The study proposes that provision of access to relevant information and knowledge via a mobile social networking framework would assist in cutting implementation costs through utilisation of a platform that is already there (known as rural community media). This study is scoped to focus specifically on rural community media with fieldwork conducted in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In summary the Research Methodology applied is as follows: - Research Philosophy: The interpretive research philosophy was chosen for this study - Research Design: This study will apply qualitative design - Research Approach: The case study approach will be used in the study - Data Collection Techniques: Source data will be comprised of primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through implementation of a questionnaire and expert reviews, while the secondary data will be collected through literature review. Hermeneutics will be used as the data collection technique in this study. - Data analysis: Cross-case data analysis will be applied Key findings included that rural community media already utilise mobile technology and social media/networking to conduct business. Rural community media required access to information and knowledge pertaining to internal business process, funding, governance, training and access to skilled resources. Mobile social networking is identified as a suitable vehicle for delivery. A Rural Community Media Social Networking Framework was developed as a result of this study. Framework elements were supported, and in some cases modified, by case study findings and expert review feedback.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model for green product purchasing behaviour
- Authors: Vervliet, Bruce Morton
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Green marketing , Consumer behavior Consumers -- Decision making Green movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13636 , vital:27259
- Description: The global warming phenomenon and its environmental impacts have seen the emergence of the green consumer who has become more aware of their power of demand through their consumption choices as they express their own attitudes, values, thoughts, feelings and behaviours in this regard. Organisations have taken cognisance of these trends and taken steps to exploit the opportunity by developing goods and services aimed at meeting the demands of the new consumer. This, in spite of the fact that knowledge of the variables, specifically green consumer profiles, awareness, knowledge and trust in influencing purchasing behaviour remains incomplete. The purpose of this treatise was to determine a clearer understanding of the relevance of these variables to enable marketers to craft more effective marketing strategies, thereby unlocking the profit potential of the green consumer. A model for green product purchasing behaviour was proposed based on extant literature and an empirical evaluation. An empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 597 consumers over the age of 18 within the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) sector in South Africa. The main goal was to establish the relationships of the hypothesised model between the independent variables of green consumer profiles, green product trust, green product awareness and green product knowledge with the dependant variable green product purchase behaviour. There was a high prevalence of African and European female respondents in the 26 to 55 age group, living and working in the coastal areas of South Africa, predominantly Port Elizabeth, earning an income between 10 000 and 30 000 rand per month. The sample was consistent with the psychographic profile of the green consumer as described in the literature, which is characterised as a consumer that takes personal responsibility for environmental solutions, who believes they can make a contribution to solving environmental issues, incorporates green living into daily lives, considers environmental issues when making purchasing decisions, is knowledgeable of, deliberately seeks out and is prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. When analysing the relationships and the significances of the differences of the independent variables to the dependant variable in the hypothesised model, it was established that the independent variables green consumer profiles, green product awareness and green product trust were significantly related to the dependent variable. A MODEL FOR GREEN PRODUCT PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR green product purchase behaviour. This was in line with and supported the reviewed literature in this regard. It was also established that green product knowledge did not reflect any significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. This finding did not correspond with the literature as significant relationships with green product knowledge and general environmental behaviour including green product purchase behaviours have been established therein. The findings further demonstrated that the independent variable green consumer profiles displayed the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour, followed by green product awareness and then green product trust. When considering the significance in the differences in strengths of these relationships it was noted that although green product awareness and trust may influence green product purchase behaviours it was a combination of psychographic variables reflecting a consumer’s general attitudes and beliefs towards the green agenda that displays the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. Despite the fact that the study was limited to the South African FMCG sector, the profile of the green consumer in the literature was dated, the cause and effect relationships between the variables were not tested and the fact that the hypothesised model was limited to only four independent variables, the above findings may, from a marketing perspective, have practical application for marketing strategies aimed at increasing green product purchasing behaviour. The results imply that directing green marketing initiatives to consumers that are most inclined to purchase and consume green goods or services being those that fall within the biographical and psychographic parameters outlined in this treatise will result in the desired outcomes. Furthermore, marketers should also pursue initiatives that are known to support and increase the amount of green product trust that consumers have in green products, green communications and the organisation. Marketers can also benefit from well formulated green awareness campaigns as the success of these campaigns will yield greater green product awareness which could increase green product purchase behaviours and purchases of green products still further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Vervliet, Bruce Morton
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Green marketing , Consumer behavior Consumers -- Decision making Green movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13636 , vital:27259
- Description: The global warming phenomenon and its environmental impacts have seen the emergence of the green consumer who has become more aware of their power of demand through their consumption choices as they express their own attitudes, values, thoughts, feelings and behaviours in this regard. Organisations have taken cognisance of these trends and taken steps to exploit the opportunity by developing goods and services aimed at meeting the demands of the new consumer. This, in spite of the fact that knowledge of the variables, specifically green consumer profiles, awareness, knowledge and trust in influencing purchasing behaviour remains incomplete. The purpose of this treatise was to determine a clearer understanding of the relevance of these variables to enable marketers to craft more effective marketing strategies, thereby unlocking the profit potential of the green consumer. A model for green product purchasing behaviour was proposed based on extant literature and an empirical evaluation. An empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 597 consumers over the age of 18 within the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) sector in South Africa. The main goal was to establish the relationships of the hypothesised model between the independent variables of green consumer profiles, green product trust, green product awareness and green product knowledge with the dependant variable green product purchase behaviour. There was a high prevalence of African and European female respondents in the 26 to 55 age group, living and working in the coastal areas of South Africa, predominantly Port Elizabeth, earning an income between 10 000 and 30 000 rand per month. The sample was consistent with the psychographic profile of the green consumer as described in the literature, which is characterised as a consumer that takes personal responsibility for environmental solutions, who believes they can make a contribution to solving environmental issues, incorporates green living into daily lives, considers environmental issues when making purchasing decisions, is knowledgeable of, deliberately seeks out and is prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. When analysing the relationships and the significances of the differences of the independent variables to the dependant variable in the hypothesised model, it was established that the independent variables green consumer profiles, green product awareness and green product trust were significantly related to the dependent variable. A MODEL FOR GREEN PRODUCT PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR green product purchase behaviour. This was in line with and supported the reviewed literature in this regard. It was also established that green product knowledge did not reflect any significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. This finding did not correspond with the literature as significant relationships with green product knowledge and general environmental behaviour including green product purchase behaviours have been established therein. The findings further demonstrated that the independent variable green consumer profiles displayed the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour, followed by green product awareness and then green product trust. When considering the significance in the differences in strengths of these relationships it was noted that although green product awareness and trust may influence green product purchase behaviours it was a combination of psychographic variables reflecting a consumer’s general attitudes and beliefs towards the green agenda that displays the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. Despite the fact that the study was limited to the South African FMCG sector, the profile of the green consumer in the literature was dated, the cause and effect relationships between the variables were not tested and the fact that the hypothesised model was limited to only four independent variables, the above findings may, from a marketing perspective, have practical application for marketing strategies aimed at increasing green product purchasing behaviour. The results imply that directing green marketing initiatives to consumers that are most inclined to purchase and consume green goods or services being those that fall within the biographical and psychographic parameters outlined in this treatise will result in the desired outcomes. Furthermore, marketers should also pursue initiatives that are known to support and increase the amount of green product trust that consumers have in green products, green communications and the organisation. Marketers can also benefit from well formulated green awareness campaigns as the success of these campaigns will yield greater green product awareness which could increase green product purchase behaviours and purchases of green products still further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model for Internet management at a higher education institution
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Internet -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10839 , vital:26828
- Description: The management of the Internet at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa (SA) was the focus of this research. The investigation was conducted into the level of Internet usage by determining for what purpose the Internet is used by the people at NMMU. The empirical data was collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed Internet Management Model was created that will assist NMMU with its Internet management obligations. It has become a standing practice at HEIs for its Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by its users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to utilise these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. This is a daunting task for various reasons, amongst which are: guidelines, best practices, governance influences, etc. are not readily available to assist with decision-making processes; the number of devices that require Internet connectivity is increasing almost on a daily basis; the content found on the Internet has become extremely resources-demanding; the Internet is no longer being utilised only during working hours but on a 24/7 basis; and lastly, the Internet is increasingly being abused by its use for non-work related activities which hinder the required connection and resources requirements for those who are using the Internet for work and research purposes. The purpose of this research study was to provide a proposed Internet Management Model to address all weaknesses and threats, currently being experienced at NMMU. This was created by firstly; determining what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEI; secondly, determining what the NMMU Internet users were utilising the Internet for and lastly; using the combined findings to draw conclusions and thereafter create an Internet Management Model for the HEI. This can assist the NMMU ICT Management team to re-align the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This will ensure that the NMMU Internet resources are effectively and efficiently utilised, which in turn will confirm that the availability of the Internet to its users and systems becomes a reliable and pleasant experience. The ICT Management team can then focus their undivided attention on other ICT-related matters. This treatise is an exploratory, mixed method study which comprises of literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys (questionnaires) was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies, and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain an insight into what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEIs in South Africa. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and various ICT Internet resources. Respondents were asked to identify the practices relevant to their HEI. The second survey was used to gain an insight into what the Internet was being used for at NMMU by staff and students. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and the various uses, frequency and periods of Internet usage. These respondents were then asked to identify the practices relevant to their Internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional study was then used to compare the two different population groups, which were NMMU staff and students, at a single point in time. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used for the analysis of the data. The HEI Internet management survey samples were of various sizes with each sample having its Internet resources specifically aligned with its environment. The common stereotypes regarding their Internet resources were mostly not present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Internet -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10839 , vital:26828
- Description: The management of the Internet at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa (SA) was the focus of this research. The investigation was conducted into the level of Internet usage by determining for what purpose the Internet is used by the people at NMMU. The empirical data was collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed Internet Management Model was created that will assist NMMU with its Internet management obligations. It has become a standing practice at HEIs for its Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by its users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to utilise these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. This is a daunting task for various reasons, amongst which are: guidelines, best practices, governance influences, etc. are not readily available to assist with decision-making processes; the number of devices that require Internet connectivity is increasing almost on a daily basis; the content found on the Internet has become extremely resources-demanding; the Internet is no longer being utilised only during working hours but on a 24/7 basis; and lastly, the Internet is increasingly being abused by its use for non-work related activities which hinder the required connection and resources requirements for those who are using the Internet for work and research purposes. The purpose of this research study was to provide a proposed Internet Management Model to address all weaknesses and threats, currently being experienced at NMMU. This was created by firstly; determining what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEI; secondly, determining what the NMMU Internet users were utilising the Internet for and lastly; using the combined findings to draw conclusions and thereafter create an Internet Management Model for the HEI. This can assist the NMMU ICT Management team to re-align the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This will ensure that the NMMU Internet resources are effectively and efficiently utilised, which in turn will confirm that the availability of the Internet to its users and systems becomes a reliable and pleasant experience. The ICT Management team can then focus their undivided attention on other ICT-related matters. This treatise is an exploratory, mixed method study which comprises of literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys (questionnaires) was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies, and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain an insight into what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEIs in South Africa. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and various ICT Internet resources. Respondents were asked to identify the practices relevant to their HEI. The second survey was used to gain an insight into what the Internet was being used for at NMMU by staff and students. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and the various uses, frequency and periods of Internet usage. These respondents were then asked to identify the practices relevant to their Internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional study was then used to compare the two different population groups, which were NMMU staff and students, at a single point in time. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used for the analysis of the data. The HEI Internet management survey samples were of various sizes with each sample having its Internet resources specifically aligned with its environment. The common stereotypes regarding their Internet resources were mostly not present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of Eastern Cape essential oil producers selling through electronic marketplaces
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A morphogenic and laminated system explanation of position-practice systems and professional development training in mainstreaming education for sustainable development in African universities
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa Vanessa
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/584 , vital:19972
- Description: This research focuses on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly in Africa. It explores the roles and practices of these institutions, especially their professionals, in the Anthropocene era where increasing concern for contemporary environmental and sustainability issues and risks emerge. The study presents a longitudinal case study of institutions and participants of the Swedish/African/Asian International Training Programme (ITP) on ESD in Higher Education (HE), who are mostly university educators. This thesis however focuses on African ITP participants only. At a macro level, the research sought to examine how African university educators have contributed to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) through their participation in the ITP (which is a change oriented professional development training programme on ESD) and the associated ESD ‘change projects’. The change projects are ITP participants’ direct attempts to mainstream environment and sustainability issues, concerns, and concepts into core university functions and practices: teaching, research, community engagement, and management operations and policy engagement. At a meso level the study sought insight into how educators in national institutions were supported by sub-regional and regional initiatives, institutions and organisations, including the Mainstreaming of Environment and Sustainability in African (MESA) Universities Partnership programme, especially an initiative supported by the Southern African Development Community Regional Environmental Education Programme to provide (limited) seed funding to three southern African universities to establish what are known as ‘MESA Chairs’, with dedicated time and support for MESA activities in their universities . At a micro level, this research sought to investigate how the position-practice systems and the ITP shape (enable or constrain) effective ESD mainstreaming in higher education, and how the morphogenetic approach and laminated system can be used to understand and explain these dynamics and their relations with meso and macro level engagements. The research sought to understand these dynamics through empirical investigations using survey questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and field visits. The research is constituted as theoretical, conceptual, methodological and analytical exploration using a singular and nested case study research approach, underlaboured by a critical realist ontology, and drawing on a social learning epistemology and social realist morphogenetic interpretive lens. In particular, ontological depth was sought via critical realist laminated system explanation. See Chapter Two for details. This study was carried out in three phases. Phase one encapsulates the investigation of all ITP ESD in higher education alumni who were Asian and African participants from the inception of the ITP to its completion, over a six-year period (2008-2013). This included 280 academics from Asia and Africa in 35 countries in Asia and Africa from 106 institutions in Asia and Africa with their 139 change projects. The outcome of phase one of the research is only included in this thesis as an appendix (see Appendix 3; Agbedahin & Lotz-Sisitka, 2015). However, this phase provided and formed the foundational data that was expanded in phases two and three for the purpose of this study. Phase two of this research concentrated on a less broad population of research participants comprising only all African ITP alumni, from all regions in Africa. The overall data collection and analysis included 162 academics in 23 African countries from 66 institutions with their 81 change projects. The aim was to investigate and provide a morphogenetic explanation of their change projects and how the relationship between participants’ positions and practices (and that of others) may influence ESD mainstreaming in universities. The outcome of this phase two investigation is presented in Chapter Four. In phase three, (nested) case studies of Swaziland, Zambia, and Botswana (in the southern Africa region), which included all the ESD ITP HE participants therein and the three corresponding EE/ESD MESA Chairs, were developed. The population sample in this phase three therefore contained 20 academics, from six institutions with their nine change projects. This phase was characterised by field trips to these countries and in-depth data collection and analysis in order to investigate and deepen the morphogenetic explanations of their change projects and how the relationship between participants’ positions and practices (and that of others) have indeed influenced the ESD mainstreaming in universities. The outcome of this phase three research is presented in Chapters Five, Six and Seven. The final Chapter Eight of this thesis focuses on the seven scalar laminated system perspective and reflections on this research and discussion of these perspectives for supporting the mainstreaming of ESD in African higher education institutions and more specifically in the three case countries and respective institutions presented in Chapters Five, Six, and Seven. The seven scalar laminated system is presented in relation to the position-practice system, and draws on morphogenetic social realist and social learning theory to provide perspective on the actual change processes. Chapter Eight also includes a discussion on social learning and its implication for ESD mainstreaming, and provides recommendations for further research. The outcome of the theoretical exploration underpinning this study provided a potential model for understanding ESD learning and change processes that are facilitated by professional development training programmes in the context of ESD in HE. This study also provides a model for appraising educational changes in time and in space, especially in relation to ESD, or the types of changes that can be brought about by professional development interventions such as those provided by the ITP and how they can be tracked, monitored and documented. For the field of professional or academic development in higher education, this research highlights the significance of the relationship between position-practice systems, professional development interventions and institutional transformation. For the field of ESD in higher education, this study shows the need for in-depth consideration of the position-practice system and sphere of influence of change agents and related stakeholders in and around their institutions in the design and development of professional development programmes. It further sheds light on the laminated system of factors that contextually constrain and/or enable effective ESD mainstreaming at individual, collective, institutional, national, regional and global levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Agbedahin, Adesuwa Vanessa
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/584 , vital:19972
- Description: This research focuses on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly in Africa. It explores the roles and practices of these institutions, especially their professionals, in the Anthropocene era where increasing concern for contemporary environmental and sustainability issues and risks emerge. The study presents a longitudinal case study of institutions and participants of the Swedish/African/Asian International Training Programme (ITP) on ESD in Higher Education (HE), who are mostly university educators. This thesis however focuses on African ITP participants only. At a macro level, the research sought to examine how African university educators have contributed to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) through their participation in the ITP (which is a change oriented professional development training programme on ESD) and the associated ESD ‘change projects’. The change projects are ITP participants’ direct attempts to mainstream environment and sustainability issues, concerns, and concepts into core university functions and practices: teaching, research, community engagement, and management operations and policy engagement. At a meso level the study sought insight into how educators in national institutions were supported by sub-regional and regional initiatives, institutions and organisations, including the Mainstreaming of Environment and Sustainability in African (MESA) Universities Partnership programme, especially an initiative supported by the Southern African Development Community Regional Environmental Education Programme to provide (limited) seed funding to three southern African universities to establish what are known as ‘MESA Chairs’, with dedicated time and support for MESA activities in their universities . At a micro level, this research sought to investigate how the position-practice systems and the ITP shape (enable or constrain) effective ESD mainstreaming in higher education, and how the morphogenetic approach and laminated system can be used to understand and explain these dynamics and their relations with meso and macro level engagements. The research sought to understand these dynamics through empirical investigations using survey questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and field visits. The research is constituted as theoretical, conceptual, methodological and analytical exploration using a singular and nested case study research approach, underlaboured by a critical realist ontology, and drawing on a social learning epistemology and social realist morphogenetic interpretive lens. In particular, ontological depth was sought via critical realist laminated system explanation. See Chapter Two for details. This study was carried out in three phases. Phase one encapsulates the investigation of all ITP ESD in higher education alumni who were Asian and African participants from the inception of the ITP to its completion, over a six-year period (2008-2013). This included 280 academics from Asia and Africa in 35 countries in Asia and Africa from 106 institutions in Asia and Africa with their 139 change projects. The outcome of phase one of the research is only included in this thesis as an appendix (see Appendix 3; Agbedahin & Lotz-Sisitka, 2015). However, this phase provided and formed the foundational data that was expanded in phases two and three for the purpose of this study. Phase two of this research concentrated on a less broad population of research participants comprising only all African ITP alumni, from all regions in Africa. The overall data collection and analysis included 162 academics in 23 African countries from 66 institutions with their 81 change projects. The aim was to investigate and provide a morphogenetic explanation of their change projects and how the relationship between participants’ positions and practices (and that of others) may influence ESD mainstreaming in universities. The outcome of this phase two investigation is presented in Chapter Four. In phase three, (nested) case studies of Swaziland, Zambia, and Botswana (in the southern Africa region), which included all the ESD ITP HE participants therein and the three corresponding EE/ESD MESA Chairs, were developed. The population sample in this phase three therefore contained 20 academics, from six institutions with their nine change projects. This phase was characterised by field trips to these countries and in-depth data collection and analysis in order to investigate and deepen the morphogenetic explanations of their change projects and how the relationship between participants’ positions and practices (and that of others) have indeed influenced the ESD mainstreaming in universities. The outcome of this phase three research is presented in Chapters Five, Six and Seven. The final Chapter Eight of this thesis focuses on the seven scalar laminated system perspective and reflections on this research and discussion of these perspectives for supporting the mainstreaming of ESD in African higher education institutions and more specifically in the three case countries and respective institutions presented in Chapters Five, Six, and Seven. The seven scalar laminated system is presented in relation to the position-practice system, and draws on morphogenetic social realist and social learning theory to provide perspective on the actual change processes. Chapter Eight also includes a discussion on social learning and its implication for ESD mainstreaming, and provides recommendations for further research. The outcome of the theoretical exploration underpinning this study provided a potential model for understanding ESD learning and change processes that are facilitated by professional development training programmes in the context of ESD in HE. This study also provides a model for appraising educational changes in time and in space, especially in relation to ESD, or the types of changes that can be brought about by professional development interventions such as those provided by the ITP and how they can be tracked, monitored and documented. For the field of professional or academic development in higher education, this research highlights the significance of the relationship between position-practice systems, professional development interventions and institutional transformation. For the field of ESD in higher education, this study shows the need for in-depth consideration of the position-practice system and sphere of influence of change agents and related stakeholders in and around their institutions in the design and development of professional development programmes. It further sheds light on the laminated system of factors that contextually constrain and/or enable effective ESD mainstreaming at individual, collective, institutional, national, regional and global levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A narrative-discursive analysis of abortion decision-making in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern Tatenda
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/496 , vital:19964
- Description: Most research on abortion decision-making has looked at the factors or influences that are seen to affect abortion decision-making and thus take a health determinants approach. However, this approach is rarely able to account for the complex, multi-faceted nature of abortion decision-making, and it is often not located within a framework that can unpick the complex array of power relations that underpins the process of abortion decision-making. Research on abortion decision-making has rarely examined how women who undergo a termination of pregnancy (TOP) construct micro-narratives of the decision to terminate the pregnancy and also how these women are positioned by the service providers who interact with them. Using a Foucauldian postcolonial feminist approach and narrative-discursive analysis, this study explores abortion decision-making narratives in a Zimbabwean context where abortion laws are restrictive. In this study I elicited the narratives of women who had undergone an abortion about how they came to make the decision and proceeded to terminate the pregnancy. I highlight the discourses employed in constructing these narratives and how women position themselves in these narratives and discourses. These are then compared to the subject positions enabled in health service providers’ narratives on the same topic. These narratives are then linked to the social discourses and power relations that work to enable or constrain reproductive justice. The data were collected from three sites in Harare, Zimbabwe. The three sites were Harare Hospital, Epworth and Mufakose. An adapted version of Wengraf’s (2001) narrative interview was used to elicit narratives from 18 women who had terminated pregnancies (six at each site). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service providers (two nurses at Harare Hospital, two village health workers in Epworth and two nurses in Mufakose). All the service providers interviewed have experience working with women who have terminated pregnancies. In narrating their stories about their abortions, the women employed discursive resources around shame, stigma, religion, health and culture. These discursive resources were drawn upon in the construction of the women’s micro-narratives. The women spoke in a socially sanctioned manner where stories were enabled and constrained by particular religious, cultural and gendered discursive resources. In these stories, cultural constructions, gendered understandings of motherhood and femininity constrained reproductive justice for women who have terminated pregnancies. Comparisons of the way women positioned themselves and how they were positioned by health service providers point to the existence of social discourses and power relations that work to constrain reproductive justice. While the women saw themselves as having ‘unsupportable pregnancies’, the service providers positioned them as being evil, selfish and irresponsible. The negative positions deployed by the service providers point to the vilification and blaming of women who have undergone a termination of pregnancy. In these positions, the woman is at fault and there is silence on the role of men in abortion decision-making. In the women’s narratives and the health service providers positioning of the women a ‘reproductive rights’ discourse was absent. This was significant as much of the activism around abortion has centred on the woman’s rights to her body. Where rights were mentioned, it was in reference to foetal rights (using cultural, moralistic religious understandings of abortion as killing). The missing ‘reproductive rights’ discourse points to a need to move from a reproductive rights framework to a reproductive justice framework that can be applied through local understandings of hunhu/ubuntu. By doing this, abortion is not seen as a ‘choice’ that a woman makes but rather as involving broader social and environmental circumstances that make a pregnancy ‘unsupportable’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern Tatenda
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/496 , vital:19964
- Description: Most research on abortion decision-making has looked at the factors or influences that are seen to affect abortion decision-making and thus take a health determinants approach. However, this approach is rarely able to account for the complex, multi-faceted nature of abortion decision-making, and it is often not located within a framework that can unpick the complex array of power relations that underpins the process of abortion decision-making. Research on abortion decision-making has rarely examined how women who undergo a termination of pregnancy (TOP) construct micro-narratives of the decision to terminate the pregnancy and also how these women are positioned by the service providers who interact with them. Using a Foucauldian postcolonial feminist approach and narrative-discursive analysis, this study explores abortion decision-making narratives in a Zimbabwean context where abortion laws are restrictive. In this study I elicited the narratives of women who had undergone an abortion about how they came to make the decision and proceeded to terminate the pregnancy. I highlight the discourses employed in constructing these narratives and how women position themselves in these narratives and discourses. These are then compared to the subject positions enabled in health service providers’ narratives on the same topic. These narratives are then linked to the social discourses and power relations that work to enable or constrain reproductive justice. The data were collected from three sites in Harare, Zimbabwe. The three sites were Harare Hospital, Epworth and Mufakose. An adapted version of Wengraf’s (2001) narrative interview was used to elicit narratives from 18 women who had terminated pregnancies (six at each site). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service providers (two nurses at Harare Hospital, two village health workers in Epworth and two nurses in Mufakose). All the service providers interviewed have experience working with women who have terminated pregnancies. In narrating their stories about their abortions, the women employed discursive resources around shame, stigma, religion, health and culture. These discursive resources were drawn upon in the construction of the women’s micro-narratives. The women spoke in a socially sanctioned manner where stories were enabled and constrained by particular religious, cultural and gendered discursive resources. In these stories, cultural constructions, gendered understandings of motherhood and femininity constrained reproductive justice for women who have terminated pregnancies. Comparisons of the way women positioned themselves and how they were positioned by health service providers point to the existence of social discourses and power relations that work to constrain reproductive justice. While the women saw themselves as having ‘unsupportable pregnancies’, the service providers positioned them as being evil, selfish and irresponsible. The negative positions deployed by the service providers point to the vilification and blaming of women who have undergone a termination of pregnancy. In these positions, the woman is at fault and there is silence on the role of men in abortion decision-making. In the women’s narratives and the health service providers positioning of the women a ‘reproductive rights’ discourse was absent. This was significant as much of the activism around abortion has centred on the woman’s rights to her body. Where rights were mentioned, it was in reference to foetal rights (using cultural, moralistic religious understandings of abortion as killing). The missing ‘reproductive rights’ discourse points to a need to move from a reproductive rights framework to a reproductive justice framework that can be applied through local understandings of hunhu/ubuntu. By doing this, abortion is not seen as a ‘choice’ that a woman makes but rather as involving broader social and environmental circumstances that make a pregnancy ‘unsupportable’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A passive auxiliary circuit with interphase transformer applied in 12-pulse converters to provide clean power utility interface
- Shih, Der-Chun, Young, Chung-Ming, Whiteley, Chris G
- Authors: Shih, Der-Chun , Young, Chung-Ming , Whiteley, Chris G
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67095 , vital:29031 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02533839.2016.1230029
- Description: publisher version , This paper proposes a passive auxiliary circuit which can be added to an interphase transformer (PAC + IPT) configuration to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) existing in 12-pulse diode rectifier converter systems at AC mains. The proposed PAC + IPT compensation method is a simple structure, with low power consumption and requires no extra DC power supply. We present the theoretical analysis of the proposed topology that lessens the total harmonic distortion (THD) and evaluate the dynamic simulation results on a 12-pulse converter system and a 3-kW laboratory prototype. Both the simulation and the experimental results show that the proposed PAC + IPT compensation method can improve the power quality and provide a clean power utility interface of AC line input currents for a conventional 12-pulse diode rectifier converter.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shih, Der-Chun , Young, Chung-Ming , Whiteley, Chris G
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67095 , vital:29031 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02533839.2016.1230029
- Description: publisher version , This paper proposes a passive auxiliary circuit which can be added to an interphase transformer (PAC + IPT) configuration to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) existing in 12-pulse diode rectifier converter systems at AC mains. The proposed PAC + IPT compensation method is a simple structure, with low power consumption and requires no extra DC power supply. We present the theoretical analysis of the proposed topology that lessens the total harmonic distortion (THD) and evaluate the dynamic simulation results on a 12-pulse converter system and a 3-kW laboratory prototype. Both the simulation and the experimental results show that the proposed PAC + IPT compensation method can improve the power quality and provide a clean power utility interface of AC line input currents for a conventional 12-pulse diode rectifier converter.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
A positive behaviour intervention approach to discipline at a primary school in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Matthews, Thomas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Behavior modification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11564 , vital:26938
- Description: Learner discipline has become a major concern in South African schools. A society of entitlement has been bred over the past 20 years. The school is an open system that influences its environment and is being influenced by it too. The most challenging concern, at least for teachers, is to create and to maintain a form of order and structure at schools. The troublesome situation has an impact on teachers as they have to spend more time addressing challenging behaviour instead of spending that time on teaching a set curriculum and syllabus. Unfortunately, teachers report feelings of being ill-prepared to deal effectively with the challenging behaviour of learners in schools. Hence it is imperative to consider strategies to foster school discipline to manage and modify challenging behaviour in schools. To date, most researches have shown a major paradigm shift from the punitive disciplinary measures of the past towards a rather preventive and more positive approach. It became inevitable that learner discipline should be correctional and educational – especially after the abolishment of corporal punishment in South African schools. An increase attention has started to concentrate on early identification and prevention of challenging behaviour and on strategies to resolve such behaviour at its earliest appearance. Some of the guiding determinants for this positive approach are vested in maintaining a safe, harmonious and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The outcry is to promote and encourage discipline amongst learners. An approach that has been termed school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support seems to address most of the challenging behaviours. Through the use of document analysis, observation and group interviews school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support was embraced. The findings further revealed that through proper planning, implementation strategies, and in-service training positive behaviour approach can be implemented in schools as framework for school discipline in primary schools. School-wide positive behaviour intervention and support will contribute successfully in managing and modifying challenging behaviour, fostering discipline in schools, and to educate learners in the habit of accountability and responsibility for their actions without using punishment following specified rules. Doing so some of the critical and developmental outcomes of education in South Africa will be realized. Although research in this area is limited, there are encouraging signs that a coordinated adoption of validated practice could substantially reduce challenging behaviours and thereby enhance the social and emotional well-being of learners in today’s society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Matthews, Thomas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Behavior modification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11564 , vital:26938
- Description: Learner discipline has become a major concern in South African schools. A society of entitlement has been bred over the past 20 years. The school is an open system that influences its environment and is being influenced by it too. The most challenging concern, at least for teachers, is to create and to maintain a form of order and structure at schools. The troublesome situation has an impact on teachers as they have to spend more time addressing challenging behaviour instead of spending that time on teaching a set curriculum and syllabus. Unfortunately, teachers report feelings of being ill-prepared to deal effectively with the challenging behaviour of learners in schools. Hence it is imperative to consider strategies to foster school discipline to manage and modify challenging behaviour in schools. To date, most researches have shown a major paradigm shift from the punitive disciplinary measures of the past towards a rather preventive and more positive approach. It became inevitable that learner discipline should be correctional and educational – especially after the abolishment of corporal punishment in South African schools. An increase attention has started to concentrate on early identification and prevention of challenging behaviour and on strategies to resolve such behaviour at its earliest appearance. Some of the guiding determinants for this positive approach are vested in maintaining a safe, harmonious and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The outcry is to promote and encourage discipline amongst learners. An approach that has been termed school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support seems to address most of the challenging behaviours. Through the use of document analysis, observation and group interviews school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support was embraced. The findings further revealed that through proper planning, implementation strategies, and in-service training positive behaviour approach can be implemented in schools as framework for school discipline in primary schools. School-wide positive behaviour intervention and support will contribute successfully in managing and modifying challenging behaviour, fostering discipline in schools, and to educate learners in the habit of accountability and responsibility for their actions without using punishment following specified rules. Doing so some of the critical and developmental outcomes of education in South Africa will be realized. Although research in this area is limited, there are encouraging signs that a coordinated adoption of validated practice could substantially reduce challenging behaviours and thereby enhance the social and emotional well-being of learners in today’s society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A proposed Christian-based governing model to increase the success of entrepreneurial ventures in South Africa
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Business -- Religious aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4827 , vital:20712
- Description: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) became a democracy when the African National Congress (ANC) came to power in 1994. However, more than twenty years after the apartheid era, the people of the RSA are highly politicised and society still shows an extremely high level of inequality in income that is aggravated by the lack of formal job opportunities in the country. Disturbingly, early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the RSA declined from 7.8 percent in 2008 to 5 percent in 2009. As a result, the low levels of entrepreneurial activity are partly responsible for the stagnation in the structural transformation of the economy. The economy remains dependent on sectors such as agriculture and mining where looting, instability, violence and rent-seeking are endemic in spite of plentiful natural resources. As a consequence of these factors, manufacturing is becoming increasingly uncompetitive and the economy is becoming increasingly less innovative. The RSA‟s government leaders should have used the strengths of the country to minimise or rectify the weaknesses of the extremely high levels of inequality in income and the lack of formal job opportunities. Instead, these leaders identified their supporters, satisfied their short-term consumption demands, distributed jobs to the party faithful and provided social welfare to the poor. Additionally, the majority of school leavers are not pursuing tertiary studies but, with limited or little education, they still have to form part of the potential labour force of the future. The youth employment rate for 15 to 24 year-olds, in the RSA, is as low as 12.5 percent. Again, this highlights the importance of finding alternative ways to increase the population‟s participation in the economy, probably through some form of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model with the main objective being to identify the factors (variables) that will promote growth, sustainability and good governance in Christian-owned Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) within the RSA. Business is commonly viewed as a secular pursuit and religious people, particularly in Western societies, have a narrow view of the conceptual and practical application of their faith and spirituality in their businesses. As a result, the potential of businesses to influence communities, particularly with regard to issues such as social iniquities and cultural reform, good governance, responsible business behaviour, social capital, spiritual intelligence (SQ) and Christian entrepreneurship orientation appear to be, at worst, more or less irrelevant and, at best, greatly under-valued and under-utilised. The intersection of these constructs provides an understanding of how an entrepreneur‟s heightened consciousness in terms of his/her personal values and beliefs can affect his or her business activities and crucial characteristics of the entrepreneurial process, such as the recognition of opportunities, the creation of new ventures, as well as the operation and growth of these business ventures. This study uncovered a number of themes that shed light on how Christian SMME owner-managers rationalise the everyday dealings of their business lives as an expression of their faith. This study is an expression of a complex phenomenon that is extremely relevant in the present day and sharpens the focus on the important role that religious faith has to play in the field of business outcomes. Many Christian entrepreneurs express a motivational need to give back to their communities, customers and other stakeholders of the business venture. Christian entrepreneurs value intrinsic factors like purpose, passionate work and personal calling above wealth, fame, power, money, and recognition. A combination of Christian character traits forms the backbone of a Christian‟s internal power and purpose. God created people to glorify Him and this purpose is achieved through the fulfilling of a personal calling. A calling is often accompanied by a conviction of divine influence and the vocation in which one customarily engages. The call to the Christian entrepreneur is to be the salt and light in an environment (Mathew 5:13) like RSA, that is not conducive to entrepreneurial behaviour, where unemployment is very high, infrastructure is buckling under the pressures of bad management and corruption is rife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Business -- Religious aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4827 , vital:20712
- Description: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) became a democracy when the African National Congress (ANC) came to power in 1994. However, more than twenty years after the apartheid era, the people of the RSA are highly politicised and society still shows an extremely high level of inequality in income that is aggravated by the lack of formal job opportunities in the country. Disturbingly, early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the RSA declined from 7.8 percent in 2008 to 5 percent in 2009. As a result, the low levels of entrepreneurial activity are partly responsible for the stagnation in the structural transformation of the economy. The economy remains dependent on sectors such as agriculture and mining where looting, instability, violence and rent-seeking are endemic in spite of plentiful natural resources. As a consequence of these factors, manufacturing is becoming increasingly uncompetitive and the economy is becoming increasingly less innovative. The RSA‟s government leaders should have used the strengths of the country to minimise or rectify the weaknesses of the extremely high levels of inequality in income and the lack of formal job opportunities. Instead, these leaders identified their supporters, satisfied their short-term consumption demands, distributed jobs to the party faithful and provided social welfare to the poor. Additionally, the majority of school leavers are not pursuing tertiary studies but, with limited or little education, they still have to form part of the potential labour force of the future. The youth employment rate for 15 to 24 year-olds, in the RSA, is as low as 12.5 percent. Again, this highlights the importance of finding alternative ways to increase the population‟s participation in the economy, probably through some form of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model with the main objective being to identify the factors (variables) that will promote growth, sustainability and good governance in Christian-owned Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) within the RSA. Business is commonly viewed as a secular pursuit and religious people, particularly in Western societies, have a narrow view of the conceptual and practical application of their faith and spirituality in their businesses. As a result, the potential of businesses to influence communities, particularly with regard to issues such as social iniquities and cultural reform, good governance, responsible business behaviour, social capital, spiritual intelligence (SQ) and Christian entrepreneurship orientation appear to be, at worst, more or less irrelevant and, at best, greatly under-valued and under-utilised. The intersection of these constructs provides an understanding of how an entrepreneur‟s heightened consciousness in terms of his/her personal values and beliefs can affect his or her business activities and crucial characteristics of the entrepreneurial process, such as the recognition of opportunities, the creation of new ventures, as well as the operation and growth of these business ventures. This study uncovered a number of themes that shed light on how Christian SMME owner-managers rationalise the everyday dealings of their business lives as an expression of their faith. This study is an expression of a complex phenomenon that is extremely relevant in the present day and sharpens the focus on the important role that religious faith has to play in the field of business outcomes. Many Christian entrepreneurs express a motivational need to give back to their communities, customers and other stakeholders of the business venture. Christian entrepreneurs value intrinsic factors like purpose, passionate work and personal calling above wealth, fame, power, money, and recognition. A combination of Christian character traits forms the backbone of a Christian‟s internal power and purpose. God created people to glorify Him and this purpose is achieved through the fulfilling of a personal calling. A calling is often accompanied by a conviction of divine influence and the vocation in which one customarily engages. The call to the Christian entrepreneur is to be the salt and light in an environment (Mathew 5:13) like RSA, that is not conducive to entrepreneurial behaviour, where unemployment is very high, infrastructure is buckling under the pressures of bad management and corruption is rife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016