The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Factors influencing employee engagement during change
- Kubheka, Praise-God Ntandokayise Mandla
- Authors: Kubheka, Praise-God Ntandokayise Mandla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3135 , vital:20402
- Description: A lot of attention over the years has been focused on understanding employees resistance to change. A few researchers have provided insights into the reasons why some employees remain positive and engaged during times of uncertainty and changes in the organosation. To help build this knowledge area the study was aimed to investigating the factors that drive employee engagement during change. One-hundred-and-twenty employees, across a cross-section of jobs at a specific bank in South Africa, were surveyed. The empirical results obtained from the survey showed that independent variables such as dialogue, organisational culture and a clear4 career plan were congruent with the expected results. In other words these vriables displayed a significant association with the de[endent variables (e.g. job involvement, organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour.).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kubheka, Praise-God Ntandokayise Mandla
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Management -- Employee participation , Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3135 , vital:20402
- Description: A lot of attention over the years has been focused on understanding employees resistance to change. A few researchers have provided insights into the reasons why some employees remain positive and engaged during times of uncertainty and changes in the organosation. To help build this knowledge area the study was aimed to investigating the factors that drive employee engagement during change. One-hundred-and-twenty employees, across a cross-section of jobs at a specific bank in South Africa, were surveyed. The empirical results obtained from the survey showed that independent variables such as dialogue, organisational culture and a clear4 career plan were congruent with the expected results. In other words these vriables displayed a significant association with the de[endent variables (e.g. job involvement, organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour.).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University students' perceptions of sexualised advertisements of three South African fast food brands
- Authors: Wignall, Andrea
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sex in advertising -- South Africa -- Childhood and youth , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8408 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011443 , Sex in advertising -- South Africa -- Childhood and youth , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: This research study aimed to provide the South African fast food industry and their advertising representatives with insights into 18-28-year-olds‟ perception of using sexual appeal to elicit their attention, and whether using this advertising technique is gaining positive brand recognition with this target market. This research study aimed to determine the selected sample‟s (NMMU students) perceptions of three South African fast food brands, namely KFC, Nando’s and Steers, in terms of their use of sexualised fast food advertisements. An electronic survey questionnaire was conducted with both closed and open-ended questions relating to the use of sexual appeal in advertising within the three South African fast food brands. The survey questionnaire helped determine what the selected sample‟s perceptions were of each advertisement, and whether the use of sexual appeal captured their attention. A semiotic analysis of each advertisement was conducted to determine if the advertisements do contain the use of sexual appeal, by examining the sign. This includes looking at the three aspects of a sign namely the signifier, the referent and the signified. In terms of this study, the signifier represents the T.V. advertisements; the signified represents the meaning of the advertisements and the referent represents to what the advertisements are initially referring. The results of the study indicated that each of the three fast food advertisements incorporated the use of sexual appeal in varying degrees. Respondents indicated that the sexual appeal in the advertisements was appropriate if they were directed at the right age group. The respondents indicated that these three advertisements were more likely to attract the males, in the target market and they felt that the advertisements leaned towards objectifying the women, which would be offensive to the females in the target market. It was determined that if the advertisements contained humour, they were more effective and memorable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wignall, Andrea
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sex in advertising -- South Africa -- Childhood and youth , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8408 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011443 , Sex in advertising -- South Africa -- Childhood and youth , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: This research study aimed to provide the South African fast food industry and their advertising representatives with insights into 18-28-year-olds‟ perception of using sexual appeal to elicit their attention, and whether using this advertising technique is gaining positive brand recognition with this target market. This research study aimed to determine the selected sample‟s (NMMU students) perceptions of three South African fast food brands, namely KFC, Nando’s and Steers, in terms of their use of sexualised fast food advertisements. An electronic survey questionnaire was conducted with both closed and open-ended questions relating to the use of sexual appeal in advertising within the three South African fast food brands. The survey questionnaire helped determine what the selected sample‟s perceptions were of each advertisement, and whether the use of sexual appeal captured their attention. A semiotic analysis of each advertisement was conducted to determine if the advertisements do contain the use of sexual appeal, by examining the sign. This includes looking at the three aspects of a sign namely the signifier, the referent and the signified. In terms of this study, the signifier represents the T.V. advertisements; the signified represents the meaning of the advertisements and the referent represents to what the advertisements are initially referring. The results of the study indicated that each of the three fast food advertisements incorporated the use of sexual appeal in varying degrees. Respondents indicated that the sexual appeal in the advertisements was appropriate if they were directed at the right age group. The respondents indicated that these three advertisements were more likely to attract the males, in the target market and they felt that the advertisements leaned towards objectifying the women, which would be offensive to the females in the target market. It was determined that if the advertisements contained humour, they were more effective and memorable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of the influence of the performance management system used in the financial department at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Beckett, Yasmien
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/155 , Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Description: Recently, organisations have been faced with challenges like never before. Increasing competition from businesses across the world has meant that businesses must be more careful about the choice of strategies to remain competitive. This situation has placed more focus on organizational effectiveness in that systems and processes be applied in the right way to the right things to achieve results. All of the organisational processes must continue to be aligned to achieve the overall results desired by the organisation for it to survive and thrive. Performance management is an ongoing process that should reflect the current and emerging business challenges, as well as the company’s values about performance and careers. As the business and workforce change, the performance management process should be modified to ensure that the process and tools remain congruent with organisational values and priorities. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of the current performance management system, in the Finance department at General Motors South Africa, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The researcher used the random sampling method of selection and distributed the questionnaire to eighty one potential respondents via mail and electronic e-mail. Forty one completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and -iiianalysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organisation. It can be concluded from the respondent’s opinions that the greatest shortcomings of the current performance management system are the link between performance and reward, and commitment to the process in its totality. The other areas of concern are the lack of training and development, and the necessary resources required to achieve objectives. The study also indicates there is no overwhelming agreement that feedback, both positive and negative, takes place as the literature suggests. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions made: • Firstly, it is imperative that management undergoes training in the feedback and review process which is a critical element in the performance management cycle. • Secondly, to realise the benefit of increased employee effectiveness, management should undergo training to become more effective career coaches to promote a climate of continuous learning and professional growth. • Thirdly, the reward system should be reviewed, if management is committed to using pay as an incentive for desired levels and directions of performance. • Fourthly, management can set an example and build commitment for effective performance management and be leaders at all levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Beckett, Yasmien
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/155 , Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Description: Recently, organisations have been faced with challenges like never before. Increasing competition from businesses across the world has meant that businesses must be more careful about the choice of strategies to remain competitive. This situation has placed more focus on organizational effectiveness in that systems and processes be applied in the right way to the right things to achieve results. All of the organisational processes must continue to be aligned to achieve the overall results desired by the organisation for it to survive and thrive. Performance management is an ongoing process that should reflect the current and emerging business challenges, as well as the company’s values about performance and careers. As the business and workforce change, the performance management process should be modified to ensure that the process and tools remain congruent with organisational values and priorities. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of the current performance management system, in the Finance department at General Motors South Africa, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The researcher used the random sampling method of selection and distributed the questionnaire to eighty one potential respondents via mail and electronic e-mail. Forty one completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and -iiianalysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organisation. It can be concluded from the respondent’s opinions that the greatest shortcomings of the current performance management system are the link between performance and reward, and commitment to the process in its totality. The other areas of concern are the lack of training and development, and the necessary resources required to achieve objectives. The study also indicates there is no overwhelming agreement that feedback, both positive and negative, takes place as the literature suggests. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions made: • Firstly, it is imperative that management undergoes training in the feedback and review process which is a critical element in the performance management cycle. • Secondly, to realise the benefit of increased employee effectiveness, management should undergo training to become more effective career coaches to promote a climate of continuous learning and professional growth. • Thirdly, the reward system should be reviewed, if management is committed to using pay as an incentive for desired levels and directions of performance. • Fourthly, management can set an example and build commitment for effective performance management and be leaders at all levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »