Showing items 101 - 120 of 851

Your selections:

An analysis of perceptions and attitudes to the study of IsiXhosa at tertiary level: NMMU a case study

  • Authors: Somhlahlo, Ruby Xoliswa
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt
  • Identifier: vital:8461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/863 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Students -- Attitudes , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Language and education -- South Africa
  • Description: This study is about the analysis of perceptions and attitudes concerning the study of isiXhosa at tertiary level Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth. The objective of this study is to investigate negative attitudes of African students with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter One looks at the objectives of the research, the research problem, and its theoretical framework, as well as the literature review, the significance of the study, the research methods and definition of terms. Chapter Two deals with language planning and the current negative attitudes towards African languages, with special reference to isiXhosa. Chapter Three deals with status planning, the teaching of isiXhosa, language maintenance and multilingual education policy. Chapter Four discusses corpus planning, the role that Xhosa educators and students should play in the development of the language. Chapter Five discusses acquisition planning, the attitudes towards isiXhosa language and the maintenance of the language. Chapter Six concludes the study by presenting the summary and recommendations for the future research.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An analysis of the 2007 general elections in Kenya: a political leadership perspective

  • Authors: Wanjiru, Stephanie M
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Elections -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: vital:8170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1082 , Elections -- Kenya , Kenya -- Politics and government
  • Description: On 27 December, 2007, Kenyan citizens took to the polls for the fourth time since multiparty democracy was introduced in 1992. The sentiment was that democracy was finally coming of age in this East African country. For many, these elections represented a turn in the country’s democratic process that would bring change in the areas of justice, food, shelter, education and employment to all – as these were the main campaign promises. Instead, at the conclusion of the voting and at the beginning of the tallying process, the electorate erupted violently at the suspicion and eventual reporting of the process being rigged. One of the main subjects discussed in this study includes the argument that Kenya is ailing from a lack of responsible political leadership. The breed of Kenyan politicians that have been experienced in the country since it gained its independence from British colonialists in 1963, have plundered its resources – material and human – to the brink of war. It is no longer a valid argument that Africa, just because of a history of governments looting and plundering the vast resources that belong to the world’s poorest of the poor, in particular Kenya produces bad leaders. The second topic of discussion in this study questions the role of ethnic mobilisation during the elections. It is well documented by authors such as Cowen and Kanyinga (in Cowen and Laakso (eds.) 2002: 128-171) that ethnicity in Kenya, under the machinations of irresponsible political leaders, has in the past played a critical part in rallying one political party against another. The 2007 General Election was no different. The contested presidential election results were announced on 30 December, 2007, declaring another term of office for the incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki. Since that announcement, thousands of people were reported dead while hundreds of thousands were considered displaced. The chaos was followed by a long mediation process kicked off with the AU chairman, John Kufuor, president of Ghana, hosting a number of talks between the two parties. However, this did not bear much fruit as the two conflicting parties could not agree on the main issue of the creation of a position of Prime Minister for Raila Odinga to 7 fill. This was then followed by a more successful mediation process hosted by the Elders1 including former United Nations (UN) secretary general, Kofi Annan, Graça Maçhel and Benjamin Mkapa, as indicated by The Daily Nation newspapers throughout the month of January 2008. It is with this background that the study will now turn to the discussion about the context of the research, its objectives, rationale, motivation and the research design
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An analysis of the business relationship between SMEs and insurance companies in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area

  • Authors: Chodokufa, Kudakwashe
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Insurance -- Finance , Business insurance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business networks , Strategic alliances (Business)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
  • Identifier: vital:11318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/279 , Insurance -- Finance , Business insurance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business networks , Strategic alliances (Business)
  • Description: Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role as employers and in the economic growth of South Africa and in Africa as a whole. SMEs comprise over 90 percent of African business operations and contribute to over percent of African employment and GDP. SMEs sector has shown positive signs in South Africa, Mauritius and North Africa. SMEs constitute 95 percent of formal manufacturing activity in Nigeria. Senegal and Kenya have provided an environment which is conducive for SMEs (African Development Bank 2005). In August 2006, flood damage to small businesses and residential premises in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area was estimated at R120million (SABC News 2006). The holding of an insurance cover by SMEs is crucial and beneficial to the economy and to the survival and success of the Small and Medium Enterprise sector. If a business has an insurance policy and a relationship with its insurer it becomes easier for the company to over come such a catastrophe. However, literature has shown that insurance companies are not willing to insure SMEs and it is the aim of this research to establish whether a relationship between the two constructs exists. An article entitled New Deal In The Offering for SMMEs, the author stated that the insurance industry prefer to deal only with established businesses (Mthimkhulu 2008). The aim of this research is to establish the importance of business relationship between Insurance companies and SMEs. The research will show how beneficial such a relationship is to both industries. The data for the research was collected through a survey type structured questionnaire that was developed and validated. The questionnaire was administered to the owners or managers of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area. The primary objective of this research was to establish whether SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area have insurance policies for their businesses, and the results have shown that most of the SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area do not have insurance policies for their businesses.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An analysis of the money market linkages between South Africa and selected major world economies

  • Authors: Barnor, Joel A
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , Money market -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , International economic relations , Interest rates -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002690 , South African Reserve Bank , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , Money market -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , International economic relations , Interest rates -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa
  • Description: Globalisation and financial liberalisation has increased the linkages across countries in recent times. The existence of money market links has important implications for both domestic monetary policy and for investment decisions. This study examines the linkages between South Africa’s money market and selected major international money markets. The objectives of the study are firstly to examine the links between the repo rate of South Africa and the central bank rates of the EU, Japan, UK and US. Secondly, is to compare the influence of domestic and foreign monetary policy decisions on South Africa’s money market. The third objective is to examine the long run relationship between the South African money market and the money markets of its major trading partners. Three estimation techniques are used to examine the different links. Principal components analysis, four tests of cointegration, and stationarity tests of the spreads/risk premium between South Africa’s interest rates and the interest rates of the other countries. All three techniques show that there is no long-run link between South Africa’s central bank rates and the central bank rates of the other countries. This shows that the repo rate does not depend on movements in other central bank rates. Domestic money market interest rates respond strongly to changes in the repo rate whilst showing no dependence on central bank rates of the other countries. This confirms the autonomy of the South African Reserve Bank in carrying out policy objectives. When the risk premium is accounted for under the third technique, evidence of integration is found. This indicates that the risk premium plays a crucial part in the level of integration between South Africa and the countries included in the study.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An analysis of the reporting on poverty and foreign aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis, in BBC online (Texts)

  • Authors: Achu, Stella
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1257 , Economic assistance -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Financial crises , Africa, Sub-Saharan -- Economic conditions
  • Description: Since 1929, the world economy has not encountered any financial crisis as severe as the case of the Great Depression, until 2007 when the fall of stock markets and the collapse of large financial institutions in the United States resulted in a worldwide recession. According to an IMF report, and as a result of the direct impact of the crisis, advanced economies such as those of the United States and Europe are suffering from a systemic banking crisis with economic output expected to contract by over 1 ¾ % in 2009. (Bourdin 2009:2) Although the crisis erupted in the United States, the effects quickly spread to countries worldwide. However, its effects are said to be more devastating for the poorest regions in the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. During the last few years, prior to the crisis, many Sub-Saharan African countries had enjoyed a growth rate of over 5%. This was partly as a result of sound economic policies and increased external support in the form of debt relief and higher inflows from economically powerful countries in the West. However, with the current financial crisis, wealthy nations have been forced to concentrate on sustaining their own economy. As a result, amongst changes like tighter immigration policies, skyrocketing oil prices and food prices, foreign aid is being withdrawn. (ibid 2009:3) According to foreign media reports, donor governments and the G8 are no longer as committed to aid as before the crisis. This research paper examines the evolution of aid to Africa in view of various contexts through a broad historical economic and political economy overview, and finally corroborates these observations with a discourse analysis of a sample of BBC online articles. The research project thus investigates in this last section, the BBC’s representation of poverty and aid in Sub-Saharan Africa before and during the current global economic crisis.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An analysis of the views of health practitioners with respect to location of primary health care within Nelson Mandela Bay municipality district

  • Authors: Tolom, Andile W
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Primary health care -- Management , Health services accessibility
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:8229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/860 , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Primary health care -- Management , Health services accessibility
  • Description: The South African Department of Health, like the health departments of many other countries, has reviewed its policies to focus on the delivery of comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC). The South African health care sector is undergoing major restructuring in an attempt to address the inadequacies resulting from the fragmentation and duplication of health services in apartheid South Africa. Following this restructuring, the decentralisation to health services has been adopted as the model for both the governance and management of health issues (Department of Health, 2002:7). Before 1994, local government health departments were rendering certain primary health care services in terms of the Health Act 63 of 1977. Post 1994, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) classified primary health care as a provincial function. Based on this classification, primary health care services in South Africa are now being provided by two authorities, namely local government and provincial government, in the same community. Thus, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality District, primary health care services are rendered by two authorities, namely the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Health District of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. These authorities are targeting the same community, with the same PHC package, with different sets of conditions of service, salary structures, infrastructure, accountability and authority. Such differences are believed to have impeded functional integration, depleted human resource capacity in rendering an effective and efficient PHC system and resulted in inefficient budget spending by both authorities. The problems of location, duplication and fragmentation of primary health care provision in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality District are not conducive to optimal service rendering. This will be resolved only once a unified, single integrated health service has been established. This study was undertaken to explore and describe the views of health practitioners with respect to the location of primary health care within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality District. The research design of this study was a quantitative, explorative, descriptive survey. Healthcare practitioners, like management, doctors and nurses, were asked to respond to a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that while health practitioners may hold diverse views on where primary health care should be located, they agree that a unified, single PHC authority would be desirable. Although primary health care is a combination of task-orientated basic health services and the process of community development, it is important that the authority of choice should ensure the highest possible quality through an integrated process, taking into account local needs. The recommendations made by the researcher on the conclusion of this study cover the principles on which a successful strategy for implementing primary health care should be based, including the need to create sustainable communities. It is hoped that the recommendations offered, will contribute to the more effective and efficient implementation of comprehensive primary health care services in Nelson Mandela Bay and also elsewhere in South African local government.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An anthropological study of the experiences of exchange students in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

  • Authors: Maganga, Stewart Martin
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:16143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1007 , Education, Higher Cross-cultural studies -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Students, Foreign -- Education(Higher) -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , International education -- South Africa , Intellectual life -- Cross-cultural studies , Educational change Cross-cultural studies
  • Description: This research study aims to investigate the exchange students' experiences with living in a foreign environment. Twenty students took part in this study and were made up of two categories namely study abroad students and student interns. The twenty students who took part in this study were mostly from industrialized countries namely Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews as well as observational methods namely participant and simple observations. The results indicate that if sojourners are to gain a better understanding the South African culture, it is important that they interact with the host nationals. Given that most of the students highlighted the issue of crime as their main concern, their knowledge on how to survive in a crime-ridden country like South Africa would be essential.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An anthropological study of witchcraft-related crime in the Eastern Cape and its implications for law enforcment policy and practice

  • Authors: Petrus, Theodore Stephen
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Witchcraft -- South Africa -- Transkei , Witchcraft -- Law and legislation -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: vital:16145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/898 , Witchcraft -- South Africa -- Transkei , Witchcraft -- Law and legislation -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
  • Description: This research sought to investigate the phenomenon of witchcraft-related crime in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, and its implications for law enforcement policy and practice. The primary motivation for a study such as this emerged from the need to address the lack of academic knowledge about witchcraft-related crime, especially in the Eastern Cape. The study is anthropological in focus, and is thus based on anthropological techniques of data gathering. Specifically, a literature study and fieldwork (semi-structured interviews and case studies) formed the basis of the research methodology employed. The geographical focus of the study was the northeastern part of the former Transkei, an area commonly referred to as Pondoland. Interview data were obtained from two categories of informants, namely community informants and informants of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Various towns and their surrounding villages were visited during fieldwork in order to gather data through interviews. Witchcraft continues to play an integral role in the cultural interpretation of misfortune, illness and untimely or mysterious death, particularly among local Xhosa-speaking communities that are predominantly rural. Beliefs associated with witchcraft were widespread in the study area and this was linked to high frequencies of witchcraft accusations and witchcraft-related violence. Police investigations of witchcraft-related cases were, for the most part, evaluated negatively by the majority of local community informants, while the SAPS informants indicated mixed responses as to the success of their investigations of these cases. The high frequency of unreported cases suggested that witchcraft-related crime is a problem in the Eastern Cape and that the local police were struggling to deal with these cases. The traditional leadership in various communities also struggled with the problem of an ambiguity in their role regarding witchcraft cases. Traditional leaders not only had jurisdictional limitations, but also indirectly seemed to encourage witchcraft-related violence by punishing those who accused others of witchcraft. In general, the relationship between communities, traditional leaders and the police were strained by witchcraft-related cases.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An argument for VP coordination: scene-setting coordination and weak islands

  • Authors: De Vos, Mark A
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/469371 , vital:77236 , https://doi.org/10.2989/SALALS.2009.27.1.1.749
  • Description: This article provides a minimalist analysis of a novel type of weak island that has not been discussed in the literature until now. The island is a subtype of extraction from asymmetric coordination islands in violation of the across-the-board constraint. The islands in question are characterised by being weak islands for certain types of adjunct extraction, and by being discontinuous – XP coordination. This article demonstrates the properties of this curious construction type and proposes the first analysis to date. It is argued that this is an instance of VP coordination and that this configuration allows the possibility of high merger of direct objects in a constrained fashion.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An assessment of the computer literacy status of nurse managers in a private hospital group in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area

  • Authors: Booysen, Mary Kathleen
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:10035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/924 , Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
  • Description: There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An assessment of the environmental compliance monitoring capacity of the Department of Minerals and Energy, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Watkins, Deidre Ann
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Mineral and Energy Affairs Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mines and mineral resources -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003848
  • Description: One of the greatest challenges facing the world today is integrating industrial activities such as mining with environmental integrity and social concerns. Monitoring is fundamental to environmental management, both to assess the adherence to standards and to allow environmental managers to learn from practical experiences. However, a problem arises when the regulatory authorities cannot keep up with their mandate of enforcement and compliance monitoring. This research examined how the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) implements the concept of sustainable development in the mining sector of the Eastern Cape (EC) and, more specifically, the extent to which the Mine Environmental Management (MEM) section is able to effectively monitor compliance of mining operations with environmental legislation. This was the first systematic compilation of statistical data for the DME, and presents the first study in the EC regional office in terms of environmental sustainability. Results indicate that there has been a sustained increase in mining activity over the past three years, possibly as a result of the boom in the construction industry and the accelerated road maintenance and improvement programmes in the Eastern Cape. Mining applications received by the DME have increased by 47% from 2006 to 2007 (January-May) and by a further 100% from 2007 to 2008. In addition to the increasing number of mining concerns being established, 98 mining concerns will need to apply for the conversion of their old order rights to new order rights by the 1st May 2009. Mining in the province is predominantly small scale with mining permits (mined areas less than 1.5Ha) making up 52.3% of all applications, with larger mining concerns contributing 29.3% and prospecting contributing the remaining 18.4%. In terms of compliance inspections, the EC regional office is required to conduct 120 environmental compliance inspections annually in terms of contributing to sustainable development. The MEM section exceeded this target since 2003. However, when the number of operational mines is considered, 120 inspections per year equates to one mine being visited, on average once every four years (based on 2008 data). Based on projected figures (number of compliance audits and number of operational mines) for 2009, the DME’s target of 150 inspections for 2009/10 combined with the limited staff D. Watkins – MBA Dissertation 2008 capacity will, at best, mean that mines would be inspected once in seven years. However, the target of 150 inspections will not actually even cover the expected number of EMP evaluation inspections. This has serious implications in terms of regulating the compliance of the mining concerns with their EMPR’s. The low level of compliance monitoring can be directly related to staff capacity and logistics problems at the regional office as well as provincial targets being based on staff capacity rather than the number of operational mines. Thus, considering potential environmental damage associated with mining operations and the capacity constraints of the MEM to conduct frequent compliance audits, it is likely that mining operations will have negative implications for sustainable development in the region. Currently there are many challenges facing the DME in terms of contributing positively to sustainability in the mining sector and there is a need to base future actions on the idea of continuous improvement and ultimately progress.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in the Eastern Cape Midlands

  • Authors: Pio, Elizabeth
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:4888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015464
  • Description: This thesis is an assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in four towns namely Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Aberdeen and Pearston situated in the Eastern Cape Midlands, South Africa. It aims firstly to provide a critical overview of these selected small town economies before evaluating their local responses to the changing economic climate. The study is contextualized within the framework of locality development and emphasizes the heterogeneity of small towns with regards to physical, socio-economic, demographic and historical elements. From this, the original economic reasons for existence of these small towns are ascertained and then the major changes that occurred are identified. Amongst other aspects, the changes in the agricultural sector, the demographic changes particularly with regard to the significant increase in the urban population and the fluctuations in the quantity and types of businesses have all played a part in transforming the small towns' economies. As a result of these changes and many external driving forces such as changes in the regional and national economy, there are many severe challenges facing these small towns especially regarding the high unemployment rate, the associated poverty, HIV/AIDS and the low volume or absence of private investment into these localities. The responses of these small towns to the daunting challenges that they face have been considered in terms of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies that have been implemented. The LED initiatives in each town are examined in the context of their general characteristics, objectives, achievements and challenges. Emphasis is placed on Somerset East as it is the only town in the study area that has a development agency actively promoting various forms of LED. What has ultimately been established is: in all four towns, LED is not making a significant or meaningful difference and that natural market and economic forces play an important role in shaping and dictating the local economy. Somerset East is the only town where the economy could potentially be restructured with the proposed mega market-led approach to tourism and planning in the form of the Boschberg Development node. Four sectors perceived to be required for locality development are considered in this study, namely the export sector, the human resources, the local service sector and the government agencies. It is ascertained that although these sectors need to be part of a symbiotic relationship to promote and enhance economic development, they are not present in all the towns and as a result development, at both a household and a macro town level, is further hindered. Ultimately, these small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands defy the notion that they are dying. 'Growth' and 'decline' have been two central features throughout this thesis and one of the biggest contradictions and challenges that these small towns face is the population growth with a declining or stagnant economy that cannot accommodate the increased number of people.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An assessment of the practice of public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image in selected organisations

  • Authors: Lukusa, Adolphine Cama
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009562 , Public relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Corporate image , Marketing , Professions -- Marketing
  • Description: The profession of public relations has suffered negative associations and connotations as far as its role and practice are concerned. Alongside these, there are theories put forward within the field suggesting ways that could be used to assist public relations practitioners to become more successful in serving their organisations, marketing their organisation’s corporate image as well as reversing public relations’ negative legacy which has long existed as suggested by Steyn and Puth. This treatise argues that the real situation of the practice of public relations, its roles and the successes of PR practitioners in marketing the corporate image of their organisation might differ from what theories proposed. Thus this study seeks and intends to correlate what has been theorized with current practice in the profession. In addition, this study reflects and corroborates public relations practitioners’ roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations within the proposed new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. Finally, this study also helps establish required changes to the traditional roles of the practitioners with the aim of reflecting the current situations in the existing selected organisations. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the views and perceptions of public relations practitioners and managers of selected organisations were examined through a survey by questionnaire. This data was then analysed to determine their roles in marketing the corporate image of organisations in terms of the new strategic role and through the existing traditional roles as compared to theory. The sample included public relations practitioners and chief executive officers of Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Holdings (Pty) Ltd , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Transnet National Ports Authority. The findings seem to support the hypotheses of the study in concluding that: The strategic roles identified in theory such as the solution around the myth and allegory of success in the practice and profession of public relations might not be realised in current practice, and Public relations practitioners’ effectiveness in marketing the corporate image of their organisations is affected by the way their roles are perceived within organisations. It is the hope of the researcher that, the findings of this investigation will set foundations for further research on the assessment and estimation of the practice of the public relations practitioners in marketing the corporate image of organisations.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An assessment of the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the IT department of a telecommunications company

  • Authors: Saunders, John
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Corporate culture Organizational behavior Management -- Employee participation Employees -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003849
  • Description: The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the Information Technology department of a South African Telecommunications company. Firstly, the research considered the organisational climate from a qualitative perspective. Research interviews that were based on organisational climate literature were performed with 4 members of the relevant department. Qualitative data analysis revealed several themes. The themes highlighted include: perceived ineffective structure and decision-making; lack of mistake tolerance; risk aversion by employees; recognition and reward systems perceived to be inadequate; performance management is perceived to be ineffective and inadequate; Employee Share Options Program (ESOP) perceived to have a negative influence on employee behaviours; the nature of the social environment perceived to be unfriendly; low level of knowledge and skills sharing; inadequate human resource management practices; These findings highlight the importance of certain aspects within the environment that influence employee perceptions. Organisational climate literature suggests that organisational climate has various behavioral influences and its consideration is essential in the effective functioning of the organisation. Secondly, the research considered the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the relevant department. The Patterson et al. (2005) Organisational Climate Measure (OCM®) and Meyer and Allen (1991) Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) were used to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment, respectively. Significant correlations were found between integration, pressure to produce, innovation, supervisory support, reflexivity, clarity, involvement, autonomy, welfare and tradition, and both affective and normative commitment, Training was only significantly correlated to affective commitment. No significant correlations were found with continuance commitment.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An Asterisk-based framework for E-learning using open protocols and open source software

  • Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Shibeshi, Zelalem S , Terzoli, Alfredo , Wells, George C
  • Date: 2009
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429091 , vital:72559 , https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5338904
  • Description: This paper describes the conceptual design of an e-learning system that is based on open protocols and open source software. This is an initial step towards providing a framework within which remote lectures at our university can be conducted with other institutions in the Southern African region. The motivation for this effort is born out of a desire to avoid expensive and inflexible commercial tools that have been used in the past, often with undesirable side effects. Our design promises to deliver most of the features that can be expected of a modern e-learning system such as a Web interface, space for lecture material, real-time audio and video support, instant messaging and the ability to convey presence. We identified two modes of operation, one as a Web-based video archive and the other as a live virtual classroom. It is hoped that this dual-mode setup will support different modes of learning for students and suit different bandwidth resources among institutions.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An enterprise information security model for a micro finance company: a case study

  • Authors: Owen, Morné
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa -- Management , Computers -- Access control -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- Standards -- South Africa , Data protection -- Management -- Standards , Management information systems -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:9763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1151 , Computer security -- South Africa -- Management , Computers -- Access control -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- Standards -- South Africa , Data protection -- Management -- Standards , Management information systems -- Security measures -- South Africa
  • Description: The world has entered the information age. How the information is used within an organization will determine success or failure of the organisation. This study aims to provide a model, that once implemented, will provide the required protection for the information assets. The model is based on ISO 27002, an international security standard. The primary objective is to build a model that will provide a holistic security system specifically for a South African Micro Finance Company (MFC). The secondary objectives focuses on successful implementation of such a model, the uniqueness of the MFC that should be taken into account, and the maintenance of the model once implemented to ensure ongoing relevance. A questionnaire conducted at the MFC provided insight into the perceived understanding of information security. The questionnaire results were used to ensure the model solution addressed current information security shortcomings within the MFC. This study found that the information security controls in ISO 27002 should be applicable to any industry. The uniqueness for the MFC is not in the security controls, but rather in the regulations and laws applicable to it.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An evaluation of the brand campus concept implemented at Mercedes-Benz South Africa: a case study

  • Authors: Samkange, Tichaona
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa DaimlerChrysler -- South Africa Consumer satisfaction Case studies -- South Africa Product management Case studies -- South Africa Brand name products -- Management Case studies Brand name products -- Valuation Case studies Marketing Case studies -- South Africa Brand choices Case studies -- South Africa Customer preferences Case studies -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003861
  • Description: Primarily, this research study was concerned with the evaluation of the brand campus concept implemented at then DaimlerChrysler South Africa in 2002, as a case study. Pretoria-based Mercedes-Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (MBSA) is a subsidiary of global vehicle manufacturer Germany’s Daimler-Benz AG (DBAG). They are responsible for assembling, distributing and retailing, certain Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi vehicle brands, and spare parts. The landmark 1998 DaimlerChrysler global ‘merger of equals’ was preceded by the 1995 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation. Consequently, three brands (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and Mitsubishi) were retailed and marketed under DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (DCSA), positioned next to each other in the same showroom. This report identifies key challenges stemming from this approach, namely: brand strength dilution, more than 80 multi-franchised dealers and multi-branded showrooms, service capacity problems, old working environment and infrastructure, and perceived intra-brand competition. The research evidence suggests that these problems prompted then DCSA to launch the 2000 Dealer Network Strategy (DNS). In the grand scheme of things, the DNS intervention entailed partitioning the dealer network into five brand centres in five metro regions, and eighteen market centres in the rural areas. The brand campus concept was borne out of DNS and proved to be a masterstroke since, the primary focus was on streamlining the retail facilities for DCSA vehicle sales, service and spare parts for both the passenger and commercial vehicles. This study highlights key pillars of the brand campus concept, namely: profitability, brand focus, customer orientation and diversity. The challenge was to address seven major drivers of the brand campus concept, namely: after-sales vehicle support, vehicle service capacity, lead-times, spare parts availability, sales information propagation, behavior of sales personnel and the overall vehicle dealership appearance. Semi-structured interviews constituted part of the evaluation based on the perspectives of five customers, three dealer principals and two MBSA marketing executives. The research evidence, which also came from MBSA documentation and direct observation, shows that this innovative concept has been remarkably successful.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An evaluation of the coordination of selected decentralised provincial services in the province of the Eastern Cape and its relationship with similar municipal services

  • Authors: Ndude, Peace-maker Mqokeleli
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/158 , Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: In this study, it was attempted to gain insight on coordination of decentralized health and social development services. Further, it was attempted to evaluate the coordinating arrangements of and relationship between decentralized provincial health and social development services with similar services rendered by district and local municipalities. Since the literature on coordination of decentralized services is limited, it is anticipated that this study will provide valuable information for further research on the topic. In the literature study undertaken however, it was evident that coordination of services increases the rate of effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of public services. It was found that role players can no longer afford to work in different compartments. They need to work cooperatively together in achieving unity of purpose, unity of effort as well as unity of action towards the realization of the objectives of government, that of rendering of public services. Thirty four respondents composed of mayors in Amathole District Municipality and Buffalo City Local Municipality, municipal managers for the respective municipalities, portfolio heads for health and social development services in the respective municipalities as well as two councillors, one in each municipality, were given questionnaires to complete. Also given questionnaires to complete were the political office bearers of the Provincial Department of Health and the Provincial Department of Social Development as well as respective Heads of the two departments. Again, officials of the five decentralized offices of the Provincial Department of Health and the Department of Social Development namely, Mbashe, Mnquma, Buffalo City, (v) Amahlathi and Nkonkobe, were given questionnaires to complete. The intentions of the study were to determine the effectiveness in coordinating the rendering of health and social development services between the Provincial Authority, the district as well as local municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Also, the intention was to determine the problem areas in the coordination of the health and social development services rendered by the above authorities. Lastly, the intention was to ascertain whether or not proper measures and standards are put in place for the effective coordination of health and social development services rendered by the above authorities. The findings of the study confirmed firstly, that there is a need to coordinate decentralised health and social development services with similar services rendered by district and local municipalities as well as other role players. Secondly, the study confirmed that departments and municipalities experience problems of coordinating decentralised health and social development services. Thirdly, the study confirmed that there are measures in place to coordinate decentralised health and social development services with similar services rendered by municipalities and other role players. Lastly, the study confirmed, that such measures are not properly defined and need to be strengthened.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An evaluation of the quality of customer service delivery offered by the East London public transport commuter rail service provider (operated by Metrorail)

  • Authors: Bosch, Colin
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Railroads -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Transportation -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Railroads -- Quality control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003865
  • Description: The aim of this survey is to evaluate the quality of customer service delivery offered by the East London public transport commuter rail service provider Metrorail, a division of the state owned enterprise (SOE) PRASA. The former tolerant rail commuter has become increasingly frustrated at the ever-decreasing quality of rail service delivery. This is evidenced by increasing incidents of commuter arson to failed rail assets and the practice is considered to be a strategy to enforce the replacement of unreliable infrastructure and ineffective/reactive management controls. The objectives of the research are guided by three fundamental service quality indicators. In order to evaluate these indicators, the research focuses on whether the quality of customer services provided by Metrorail meets commuter expectations, whether commuters rank five dimensions of service quality differently and whether the level of service quality provided is perceived differently amongst the various demographic commuter segments. Service organizations which are highly interactive, labour-intensive, reliant on a number of service providers, required to perform at various locations and have high intensity/volume operations, will be susceptible to failure; Metrorail services fall into this category. The legacy of the apartheid era regime and strategy resulted in poor rail planning and underfunding. Commuter rail operations in South Africa are fraught with a myriad of inadequacies of the past that only now manifest. As a consequence, their ability to operate effectively and efficiently is impaired. The situation is further exacerbated by the global economic crisis of 2008 and the impact of constricted budget allocations by the State to all SOE's which could further impede the interventions and innovation required to improve service quality. The in-depth literature review provided sufficient information relating to a wide array of service organizations similar in nature to Metrorail. This information is translated into useable knowledge and recommendations from which Metrorail can benefit. The research methodology is clearly articulated and the data analysis ensures distinct findings which are discussed in the final chapter. The research undertaken identifies and prioritises the service quality attributes and dimensions that will require redress to improve overall service quality. The findings are clearly defined from which a set of recommendations are suggested.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009

An evaluation of the role of parents' representatives in school governing bodies : a case study of selected rural public schools in the Butterworth district

  • Authors: Shumane, Lindile Sebastian
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:8212 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1092 , School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: In South Africa, School Governing Bodies include parent component. This indicates that the participation of parents in the governance of a school is regarded as having a role to play. Since it would be impossible to include all the parents in the School Governing Body their representatives are elected to the School Governing Body. This study investigated the role of parents’ representatives in School Governing Bodies in rural public schools of the Butterworth District in the province of the Eastern Cape. Among others the study found that parents’ representatives experience various challenges with their role in this regard. For instance, in many instances School Governing Bodies struggle to maintain a full complement of the parents’ component. However, there are various ways and means that can be used in order to improve the situation.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2009
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact