The influence of compensation packages at Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA) on motivating employees and increasing productivity
- Authors: McMillan, Sabrina Lietta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Incentive awards -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Performance Mercedes-Benz of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41493 , vital:36493
- Description: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa (MBSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global company, Daimler AG and is based in East London, South Africa. The manufacturing plant currently produces the Mercedes-Benz C-class for the local and export market. It also produces Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and buses, and FUSO trucks. MBSA`s headquarters, marketing and support divisions are located in Zwartkop, Gauteng, from where the Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Western Star and FUSO products are marketed and financed. MBSA have a defined motivational strategy that in principal covers the scope of motivational theories research worldwide. However, the researcher is investigating whether the motivational tactics used by MBSA are effective or if there is room for improvement. The researcher investigates using performance-based rewards to motivate employees by increasing the variable compensation package within MBSA. The researcher collected primary data by means of a questionnaire distributed to the employees in different divisions within MBSA. From the data collected the researcher found conclusive evidence that there is room for improvement within the compensation package at MBSA. The researcher makes recommendations on how the compensation package can be improved to increase motivation and productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: McMillan, Sabrina Lietta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Incentive awards -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Performance Mercedes-Benz of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41493 , vital:36493
- Description: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa (MBSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global company, Daimler AG and is based in East London, South Africa. The manufacturing plant currently produces the Mercedes-Benz C-class for the local and export market. It also produces Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and buses, and FUSO trucks. MBSA`s headquarters, marketing and support divisions are located in Zwartkop, Gauteng, from where the Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Western Star and FUSO products are marketed and financed. MBSA have a defined motivational strategy that in principal covers the scope of motivational theories research worldwide. However, the researcher is investigating whether the motivational tactics used by MBSA are effective or if there is room for improvement. The researcher investigates using performance-based rewards to motivate employees by increasing the variable compensation package within MBSA. The researcher collected primary data by means of a questionnaire distributed to the employees in different divisions within MBSA. From the data collected the researcher found conclusive evidence that there is room for improvement within the compensation package at MBSA. The researcher makes recommendations on how the compensation package can be improved to increase motivation and productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Community structure and trophic relations in marine tufa stromatolite pools of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rishworth, Gavin Midgley
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bioturbation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7116 , vital:21236
- Description: Microbialites were the dominant life-form of most shallow oceans during the Precambrian. These structures are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate by cyanobacteria as well as the binding and trapping of sediment by these and other microalgae. In modern environments they are scarce due to several factors, including grazing pressures by metazoans, altered calcium carbonate saturation states of seawater and competition with macroalgae. The recent discovery of an extensive network of actively accreting layered microbialites (stromatolites) along the South African coastline is potentially informative from this perspective. These stromatolites form within the peritidal zone, at the interface of groundwater seepage and periodic marine incursion, forming pools trapped by the accreting fabric. The aim of this thesis was to characterise the ecosystem dynamics of a representative selection of the South African locations. During a comprehensive monthly assessment over an annual cycle, as well as for additional seasonal collections, physico-chemical measurements were monitored together with biological components such as benthic and pelagic microalgae as well as the invertebrate fauna inhabiting the stromatolite pools. These components were then assessed in terms of the potential physical and biological drivers which might explain patterns of variability. Finally, to link all of the ecosystem components, a food-web analysis was conducted, to determine the trophic linkages and, importantly, the reliance by the various consumer organisms on the stromatolite material as a food resource. Results show that the stromatolite pools are driven by a regular interplay between freshwater and marine salinity states, this being determined by tidal amplitude and ocean storm cycles. Furthermore, marine incursion represents the primary source of phosphorus for the stromatolite pools, while available nitrogen is consistently provided by the freshwater inlet stream at each site. This results in an optimum zone of primary biomass within the main stromatolite pool supported by nutrient conditions, while the shifts in salinity state occurring over a weekly tidal schedule likely exclude organisms and macrophytes that are not halotolerant. This is reflected in the benthic microalgae that form the stromatolite accretions in that they are primarily driven by salinity conditions, in addition to seasonal patterns. Interestingly, the variable nutrient conditions, both between sites and temporally, did not contribute as an important driver of the benthic microalgae but did significantly relate to the pelagic microalgae (phytoplankton). This, together with the higher biomass of benthic microalgae compared to its pelagic counterpart, suggests that the stromatolite pools are a benthic-driven system. The short duration of water retention within the stromatolite pools as a result of the constant freshwater inflow, likely also precludes nutrient build-up and favours the benthic, sessile ecosystem component, especially the stromatolite-forming microalgae. In terms of the metazoan infauna, the South African stromatolite pools support a persistent assemblage. This might be surprising given the apparently destructive influence of grazing and burrowing animals on microbial mats in terms of restricting the formation of layered accretions. However, metazoans that burrow within the stromatolite fabric were observed to coexist with clear, layered accretions. This supports the observations in some other modern microbialite habitats to suggest that metazoan disruption is clearly not the only or primary factor responsible for modern microbialite scarcity. When assessing the possible drivers of the metazoan community occupying the stromatolite matrix, both salinity patterns and resource conditions in terms of nutrient supply and macroalgal cover were consistently best related to infaunal abundance and presence/absence. This further demonstrates the role of salinity conditions in terms of providing a habitat that is restrictive to most metazoan organisms, while also suggesting that the metazoans are responding to macroalgal rather than the stromatolite microalgal conditions. To further develop this observation, the results from the stable isotope work clearly reflect a dominance of pool macroalgae in the diets of invertebrate consumers, with little to no stromatolite material consumed. This suggests that there is limited apparent destructive grazing influence by the metazoans on the stromatolite matrix, in addition to the burrowing bioturbation mentioned previously. Furthermore, the metazoan grazers may be indirectly benefitting the stromatolites by restricting macroalgal biomass, which might otherwise outcompete its microalgal counterpart. This study provides a valuable understanding of benthic-driven peritidal stromatolite ecosystems, and also, from a geological perspective of past stromatolite habitats, suggests some of the mechanisms as to why metazoans may be able to coexist with layered microbialites. Given the threats to similar habitats globally, especially in terms of water resources, management measures necessary to ensure stromatolite persistence in modern environments such as these are proposed. The possible ecological role of peritidal stromatolite habitats within the broader environment, as well as recommendations for future work, is also contextualised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Rishworth, Gavin Midgley
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bioturbation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7116 , vital:21236
- Description: Microbialites were the dominant life-form of most shallow oceans during the Precambrian. These structures are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate by cyanobacteria as well as the binding and trapping of sediment by these and other microalgae. In modern environments they are scarce due to several factors, including grazing pressures by metazoans, altered calcium carbonate saturation states of seawater and competition with macroalgae. The recent discovery of an extensive network of actively accreting layered microbialites (stromatolites) along the South African coastline is potentially informative from this perspective. These stromatolites form within the peritidal zone, at the interface of groundwater seepage and periodic marine incursion, forming pools trapped by the accreting fabric. The aim of this thesis was to characterise the ecosystem dynamics of a representative selection of the South African locations. During a comprehensive monthly assessment over an annual cycle, as well as for additional seasonal collections, physico-chemical measurements were monitored together with biological components such as benthic and pelagic microalgae as well as the invertebrate fauna inhabiting the stromatolite pools. These components were then assessed in terms of the potential physical and biological drivers which might explain patterns of variability. Finally, to link all of the ecosystem components, a food-web analysis was conducted, to determine the trophic linkages and, importantly, the reliance by the various consumer organisms on the stromatolite material as a food resource. Results show that the stromatolite pools are driven by a regular interplay between freshwater and marine salinity states, this being determined by tidal amplitude and ocean storm cycles. Furthermore, marine incursion represents the primary source of phosphorus for the stromatolite pools, while available nitrogen is consistently provided by the freshwater inlet stream at each site. This results in an optimum zone of primary biomass within the main stromatolite pool supported by nutrient conditions, while the shifts in salinity state occurring over a weekly tidal schedule likely exclude organisms and macrophytes that are not halotolerant. This is reflected in the benthic microalgae that form the stromatolite accretions in that they are primarily driven by salinity conditions, in addition to seasonal patterns. Interestingly, the variable nutrient conditions, both between sites and temporally, did not contribute as an important driver of the benthic microalgae but did significantly relate to the pelagic microalgae (phytoplankton). This, together with the higher biomass of benthic microalgae compared to its pelagic counterpart, suggests that the stromatolite pools are a benthic-driven system. The short duration of water retention within the stromatolite pools as a result of the constant freshwater inflow, likely also precludes nutrient build-up and favours the benthic, sessile ecosystem component, especially the stromatolite-forming microalgae. In terms of the metazoan infauna, the South African stromatolite pools support a persistent assemblage. This might be surprising given the apparently destructive influence of grazing and burrowing animals on microbial mats in terms of restricting the formation of layered accretions. However, metazoans that burrow within the stromatolite fabric were observed to coexist with clear, layered accretions. This supports the observations in some other modern microbialite habitats to suggest that metazoan disruption is clearly not the only or primary factor responsible for modern microbialite scarcity. When assessing the possible drivers of the metazoan community occupying the stromatolite matrix, both salinity patterns and resource conditions in terms of nutrient supply and macroalgal cover were consistently best related to infaunal abundance and presence/absence. This further demonstrates the role of salinity conditions in terms of providing a habitat that is restrictive to most metazoan organisms, while also suggesting that the metazoans are responding to macroalgal rather than the stromatolite microalgal conditions. To further develop this observation, the results from the stable isotope work clearly reflect a dominance of pool macroalgae in the diets of invertebrate consumers, with little to no stromatolite material consumed. This suggests that there is limited apparent destructive grazing influence by the metazoans on the stromatolite matrix, in addition to the burrowing bioturbation mentioned previously. Furthermore, the metazoan grazers may be indirectly benefitting the stromatolites by restricting macroalgal biomass, which might otherwise outcompete its microalgal counterpart. This study provides a valuable understanding of benthic-driven peritidal stromatolite ecosystems, and also, from a geological perspective of past stromatolite habitats, suggests some of the mechanisms as to why metazoans may be able to coexist with layered microbialites. Given the threats to similar habitats globally, especially in terms of water resources, management measures necessary to ensure stromatolite persistence in modern environments such as these are proposed. The possible ecological role of peritidal stromatolite habitats within the broader environment, as well as recommendations for future work, is also contextualised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of fiscal policy on economic growth in South Africa
- Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Authors: Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19630 , vital:28917
- Description: This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in South Africa for the period 1994-2014. This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth within the context of the endogenous growth theory. Three models are estimated. The variables included in the first model are; real GDP, aggregate government expenditure, total taxes and private investment. The second and third models disaggregate government expenditure into productive and non-productive and taxes into distortionary and non-distortionary. The Vector Autoregressive is used to estimate the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth. The data is quarterly in frequency. The findings of the study suggest that government investment expenditure has negative impact on growth, while government consumption expenditure has positive impact on growth. Furthermore, the findings of the study are that direct taxes have negative impact on the economy while indirect taxes have positive impact on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19630 , vital:28917
- Description: This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in South Africa for the period 1994-2014. This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth within the context of the endogenous growth theory. Three models are estimated. The variables included in the first model are; real GDP, aggregate government expenditure, total taxes and private investment. The second and third models disaggregate government expenditure into productive and non-productive and taxes into distortionary and non-distortionary. The Vector Autoregressive is used to estimate the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth. The data is quarterly in frequency. The findings of the study suggest that government investment expenditure has negative impact on growth, while government consumption expenditure has positive impact on growth. Furthermore, the findings of the study are that direct taxes have negative impact on the economy while indirect taxes have positive impact on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessing the impact of the transition from MIDP to APDP in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Strydom, Elwin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5908 , vital:21010
- Description: The South African automotive industry is by no means a ―cut and paste‖ version of their overseas counterparts. The industry and the market are very complex. The historical background of the industry is such that companies have difficulty forming partnerships and joint ventures with bigger international conglomerates. The difficulty with this kind of mindset is that it is restricting growth and development of the nation as a whole. Globalisation is a future we cannot be avoided. Should the nation continue to reject it and embrace the mindset of countries in Africa, South Africa (SA) will continue on the path that the rest of Africa is heading, a path that leading to self-destruct and segregation. Even though SA is a developing country, it is in some areas as developed as many other first world countries. For a country to generate wealth it needs to be innovative and develop an entrepreneurial consciousness. A young country like South Africa needs creative thinkers and opportunists that can see into the future, seizing every opportunity, to grow and develop new ideas and business. In order for a country to grow it needs a leadership that is to nurture the baby of innovation. If South Africa wants to be part of the global village it need to develop a trade policy that welcomes trade and at the same time creates stable and sustainable jobs. The environment for investments needs to be cultivated in a problem-free and growth prone nation. This can only happen when the educational level of the nation is improved. The fact that so many skilled workers need to be imported creates tension in the labour market. People with talent need to have a reason to stay in the country. Their salaries should match that of their overseas counterparts. Furthermore, with the same skill level and work ethic, should have the same rewards and remuneration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Adoption strategies for increasing the use of blended learning at a private higher education institution
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
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