Determinants of economic growth in South Africa: an economic analysis of the Keynesian macroeconomic model
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12459 , vital:27068
- Description: A country’s performance is commonly measured by its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Gross Domestic Product in Developing Countries (DCs) can be seen confusing and unbalanced, with regular and unconditional falls and booms. This study aims at examining the factors that affect the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Developing Countries (DCs) whereby South Africa is being selected as a representative. An econometric analysis of the Keynesian model is adopted to test the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over a decade (10 years). The methodology conducted uses quarterly time series data from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) where the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is modelled as a function of consumption expenditure, domestic investment, government spending and export/import of the country. This is in order to determine which of these factors best explain South African economic growth dynamics. The variables in the model are tested for stationary and the result shows that the variables become stationary at 1st difference, except for consumption which become stationary at 2nd difference. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) results confirm that consumption, investment, government spending and net export all have a positive impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The findings suggest that the South African Gross Domestic Product is mainly influenced by consumption, followed by investment. In the recommendation context, the study recommends that South Africa should continue to maintain price stability while at the same time endeavour to attract more investment to the country. Moreover, Developing Countries need to maintain a fiscal discipline without necessarily losing sight of the international dynamics. For further areas of studies, the study recommends more analysis on macroeconomic policies that are comprehensive and can cover all aspects related to the Keynesian model of economic growth. Finally, it is necessary to remind that the findings and recommendations drawn from the study are limited to the concept of South Africa and are based only on the results from the empirical analysis conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12459 , vital:27068
- Description: A country’s performance is commonly measured by its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Gross Domestic Product in Developing Countries (DCs) can be seen confusing and unbalanced, with regular and unconditional falls and booms. This study aims at examining the factors that affect the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Developing Countries (DCs) whereby South Africa is being selected as a representative. An econometric analysis of the Keynesian model is adopted to test the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over a decade (10 years). The methodology conducted uses quarterly time series data from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) where the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is modelled as a function of consumption expenditure, domestic investment, government spending and export/import of the country. This is in order to determine which of these factors best explain South African economic growth dynamics. The variables in the model are tested for stationary and the result shows that the variables become stationary at 1st difference, except for consumption which become stationary at 2nd difference. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) results confirm that consumption, investment, government spending and net export all have a positive impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The findings suggest that the South African Gross Domestic Product is mainly influenced by consumption, followed by investment. In the recommendation context, the study recommends that South Africa should continue to maintain price stability while at the same time endeavour to attract more investment to the country. Moreover, Developing Countries need to maintain a fiscal discipline without necessarily losing sight of the international dynamics. For further areas of studies, the study recommends more analysis on macroeconomic policies that are comprehensive and can cover all aspects related to the Keynesian model of economic growth. Finally, it is necessary to remind that the findings and recommendations drawn from the study are limited to the concept of South Africa and are based only on the results from the empirical analysis conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The usage of outdoor gyms in South Africa
- Authors: Greyling, Grant André
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Outdoor recreation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Outdoor recreation industry -- South Africa , Parks -- Public use -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7483 , vital:21787
- Description: The main research problem of this study was to investigate underlying factors, which influence people in the use of outdoor gyms in South Africa. The main research problem gave rise to five research sub-problems. The sub-problems were addressed by the following actions. A literature study was conducted to investigate theories explaining human behaviour. Particular attention was given to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which provided the basis for the research design. A pilot study was conducted with ten members in the sample group to identify accessible behavioural, normative and control beliefs in order to construct a list of modal accessible beliefs, reflective of the most commonly held beliefs for the population. A standard questionnaire was developed, incorporating Ajzen’s (2002) conceptual and methodological considerations. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 974 members of the public from diverse backgrounds. The response rate was 21%, with 203 questionnaires being returned. The final sample size was 156, due to 47 questionnaires being incorrectly completed. The results from the study were largely consistent with the existing literature. A remarkable finding was the strong degree of multi-collinearity displayed between attitude and subjective norms. For this reason, t-stats were used (instead of regression coefficients) to compare the strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The model explained 34% of the variation in intention to use an outdoor gym. Subjective norms had the strongest significant effect on intentions. Outdoor gym installations are growing globally, as well as in South Africa and local governments regard outdoor gyms as an inexpensive solution to improving public health (Madren, 2013). This study can assist in the design of future physical activity intervention programs. The findings of the study are important as there are a number of public benefits of exercising at outdoor gyms (Madren, 2013: 1). The results of the study revealed the importance of subjective norms in the context of outdoor gyms. The findings further suggested that a special relationship existed between attitudes and subjective norms, which should be considered for effective health interventions. The role of perceived behaviour control is also significant and intervention campaigns should consider a number of proposals suggested in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Greyling, Grant André
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Outdoor recreation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Outdoor recreation industry -- South Africa , Parks -- Public use -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7483 , vital:21787
- Description: The main research problem of this study was to investigate underlying factors, which influence people in the use of outdoor gyms in South Africa. The main research problem gave rise to five research sub-problems. The sub-problems were addressed by the following actions. A literature study was conducted to investigate theories explaining human behaviour. Particular attention was given to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which provided the basis for the research design. A pilot study was conducted with ten members in the sample group to identify accessible behavioural, normative and control beliefs in order to construct a list of modal accessible beliefs, reflective of the most commonly held beliefs for the population. A standard questionnaire was developed, incorporating Ajzen’s (2002) conceptual and methodological considerations. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 974 members of the public from diverse backgrounds. The response rate was 21%, with 203 questionnaires being returned. The final sample size was 156, due to 47 questionnaires being incorrectly completed. The results from the study were largely consistent with the existing literature. A remarkable finding was the strong degree of multi-collinearity displayed between attitude and subjective norms. For this reason, t-stats were used (instead of regression coefficients) to compare the strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The model explained 34% of the variation in intention to use an outdoor gym. Subjective norms had the strongest significant effect on intentions. Outdoor gym installations are growing globally, as well as in South Africa and local governments regard outdoor gyms as an inexpensive solution to improving public health (Madren, 2013). This study can assist in the design of future physical activity intervention programs. The findings of the study are important as there are a number of public benefits of exercising at outdoor gyms (Madren, 2013: 1). The results of the study revealed the importance of subjective norms in the context of outdoor gyms. The findings further suggested that a special relationship existed between attitudes and subjective norms, which should be considered for effective health interventions. The role of perceived behaviour control is also significant and intervention campaigns should consider a number of proposals suggested in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A case study of industrial relations climate in Zimbabwean mining company
- Authors: Chabaya, Blessing
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- Zimbabwe , Collective bargaining -- Mining industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020863
- Description: Research problem: Various factors which influence industrial relations climate can be classified as input variables (Dastmalchian, Adamason and Blyton, 1991). The industrial relations climate (IRC) in turn has the potential to positive or negatively influence and be influenced by the industrial relations outcomes of the organisation such as labour turnover, industrial action and productivity. Management therefore need to be aware of the prevailing IRC as well as the factors influencing the prevailing industrial relations climate so as to take the necessary and relevant measures and steps to improve the labour-management relations. Research objectives: The research objectives for addressing the research problem were mainly to ascertain the prevailing labour relations climate within the selected mine. The second objective was to identify the factors that shape labour relations climate and thirdly to establish the impact of the prevailing industrial relations climate within the mine Research questions: Research questions for the study were developed and were; What is the overall labour relations climate? What is the contribution of each of the five dimensions to the overall labour relations climate? What is the relationship between the subgroups, distinguished by union affiliation and occupational level? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, age, race years in organization, full-time or part-time, union affiliation, years in union, union status, occupational level, educational level and the five dimensions of the labour relations climate? What are the factors that shape the industrial relations climate with particular reference to the following factors such as the organisational context and background, the structure of the organisation, the Human Resources context, the Industrial Relations context and Industrial relations outcomes? Research design: The study was descriptive research and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to address the objectives of the study. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were also used to collect data relating to the IRC and the factors influencing the industrial relations climate. Human Resources records and reports were also used to provide secondary data for industrial relations outcomes. Major findings: The results from the study revealed that overall a negative IRC prevailed within the mine. This also applied to the five dimensions of climate that were measured. It was found that there was agreement between the unionised and the non-unionised employees’ perceptions of the industrial relations climate and similarly, when the miners’ perception of climate was compared with the more managerial group. The only really significant difference in perception was that management felt that the climate was fairer than did the miners. The results also revealed that the organisational environment and structure and the human resources and industrial relations contexts were consistent with the literature descriptions of an organisational environment that would inhibit a positive industrial relations climate. The results for the organisational outcomes, in particular absenteeism and turnover were also found to be consistent with those of organisations were the prevailing industrial relations climate was negative. The results also revealed that organisational age, size, ownership, structure, formalisation, decision-making, labour market, union-management consultation, communication were influenced and shaped the prevailing IRC. It also revealed that the prevailing IRC had impact on the levels of absenteeism and labour turnover.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chabaya, Blessing
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- Zimbabwe , Collective bargaining -- Mining industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020863
- Description: Research problem: Various factors which influence industrial relations climate can be classified as input variables (Dastmalchian, Adamason and Blyton, 1991). The industrial relations climate (IRC) in turn has the potential to positive or negatively influence and be influenced by the industrial relations outcomes of the organisation such as labour turnover, industrial action and productivity. Management therefore need to be aware of the prevailing IRC as well as the factors influencing the prevailing industrial relations climate so as to take the necessary and relevant measures and steps to improve the labour-management relations. Research objectives: The research objectives for addressing the research problem were mainly to ascertain the prevailing labour relations climate within the selected mine. The second objective was to identify the factors that shape labour relations climate and thirdly to establish the impact of the prevailing industrial relations climate within the mine Research questions: Research questions for the study were developed and were; What is the overall labour relations climate? What is the contribution of each of the five dimensions to the overall labour relations climate? What is the relationship between the subgroups, distinguished by union affiliation and occupational level? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, age, race years in organization, full-time or part-time, union affiliation, years in union, union status, occupational level, educational level and the five dimensions of the labour relations climate? What are the factors that shape the industrial relations climate with particular reference to the following factors such as the organisational context and background, the structure of the organisation, the Human Resources context, the Industrial Relations context and Industrial relations outcomes? Research design: The study was descriptive research and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to address the objectives of the study. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were also used to collect data relating to the IRC and the factors influencing the industrial relations climate. Human Resources records and reports were also used to provide secondary data for industrial relations outcomes. Major findings: The results from the study revealed that overall a negative IRC prevailed within the mine. This also applied to the five dimensions of climate that were measured. It was found that there was agreement between the unionised and the non-unionised employees’ perceptions of the industrial relations climate and similarly, when the miners’ perception of climate was compared with the more managerial group. The only really significant difference in perception was that management felt that the climate was fairer than did the miners. The results also revealed that the organisational environment and structure and the human resources and industrial relations contexts were consistent with the literature descriptions of an organisational environment that would inhibit a positive industrial relations climate. The results for the organisational outcomes, in particular absenteeism and turnover were also found to be consistent with those of organisations were the prevailing industrial relations climate was negative. The results also revealed that organisational age, size, ownership, structure, formalisation, decision-making, labour market, union-management consultation, communication were influenced and shaped the prevailing IRC. It also revealed that the prevailing IRC had impact on the levels of absenteeism and labour turnover.
- Full Text:
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