Factors influencing the engagement levels of HR practitioners
- Authors: Naidoo, Sathasiven
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human capital -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58037 , vital:58500
- Description: South Africa is the third largest economy on the African continent. Moreover, it is the most technological, industrialised and diversified economy in Africa. Its economy consists of various sectors, such as mineral resources, financial, services and manufacturing sectors, as well as other sectors. It is imperative that these sectors are and remain competitive as they impact directly on the economy of the country and the continent which has an impact on all citizens in the country. An important resource is that of human resources in these sectors. Employees in these sectors form part of various departments of the specific organisation they are employed by, with their own duties and responsibilities. All departments in an organisation have an integral part to play to ensure that an organisation is indeed successful and sustainable. The human resources department plays an integral role and provides service to the various departments and thus impacts the success of the organisation. The HR practitioners who work within the HR department need to be engaged to fulfil their duties effectively. The purpose and primary objective of this study was to identify factors that influence the engagement of HR practitioners. To achieve this, a quantitative research approach was followed. HR practitioners were sent an electronic survey questionnaire to gauge their levels against communication, leadership support, meaningful work and rewards and recognition. The data from the empirical study was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study was also tested for validity and reliability. The study concluded with recommendations on how HR practitioners can be further engaged. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Feminization of agriculture, livelihoods and climate change in Chivi district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Muzapi, Admire
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Women in agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58002 , vital:58489
- Description: Given the historically disadvantaged position of women and their heavy reliance on climate-sensitive activities in many societies, the vagaries of the climate threaten the agrarian livelihoods of women in Chivi district. This study focuses on the impacts of climate change on women working in agriculture in one ward of Chivi district and on the feminization of agriculture during the period from 2000 to 2019. It explores how the roles of women have changed in agricultural production and in relation to household food security. It assesses women’s involvement in decision-making in agriculture as well as in household food security, and analyses the socio-economic impacts of climate change on women subsistence farmers, exploring the adaptation strategies that rural women working in agriculture implement in response to climate-risk events and threats. The study was influenced by ecofeminist theories and the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. Comparative analysis of household types was done after data gathering using participatory rural appraisal tools with women from three villages. Interviews were conducted with key informants from government departments and development institutions. The results show that climate-risk events and threats have resulted in feminization of agricultural labour as men branch out into wage labour, but that changing power relations in the form of decision-making in agriculture and issues related to household food security vary with the type of the household. Worsening climatic conditions have made it difficult for women to ensure household food security and to generate income through agrarian livelihoods. However, women have implemented adaptation strategies including conservation agriculture to mitigate crop failure, and to improve agricultural output and household daily consumption, and thus survive peak hunger periods. The study contributes to our understanding of the resilience of women in the Global South to climate-risk events and threats and contributes to our understanding of participatory rural appraisal tools in addition to conventional data collection tools. The study recommends that development institutions promote gender equality and that development institutions construct dams, rehabilitate collapsed irrigation schemes and accelerate the implementation of novel climate smart technologies in arid regions. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Foreign Direct Investment in SADC: Role of Soft and Hard Infrastructure
- Authors: Manamike, Taonga
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign , Southern African Development Community
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57831 , vital:58275
- Description: The study analyses the role that hard and soft infrastructure plays in attracting FDI inflows in the SADC region. As proxy for soft infrastructure, Internet users and governance indicators were used. Panel data was used for the analysis, for sixteen SADC member states, covering the period 2000 to 2018. Data was analysed using the multiple linear regression technique, applying the Random Effects Model. The results show that for soft infrastructure, government effectiveness (positive) and rule of law (negative) plays a vital and significant role in attracting FDI inflows into the SADC region. For hard infrastructure, telephone density and gross capital formation have a positive relationship with FDI. Soft infrastructure was found to be of more significance in attracting FDI inflows compared to hard infrastructure. Other variables, such as population growth rate, market size and trade openness were also found to have a significant relationship with FDI inflows in the SADC region. The study concludes that, although soft infrastructure plays a more significant role the two forms of infrastructure play a complimentary role in the attraction of FDI. To improve FDI inflows in SADC, the study recommended that SADC member states must dwell more on improving soft infrastructure, but also working on hard infrastructure development and making policies that attract FDI in the region. SADC countries should consider consolidating their policies towards both soft and hard infrastructures to obtain some form of convergence on infrastructural levels within the region. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Governance, institutional quality and economic complexity in Selected African countries
- Authors: Mini, Litha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Political stability -- Africa , Knowledge economy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57917 , vital:58416
- Description: African has relatively low levels of economic complexity as the continent is centred on the production and exporting of natural agricultural goods, non-renewable natural resources, minerals, and crude oil, additionally the agricultural sector continues to be the prevalent employer. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between governance, institutional quality, with economic complexity in Africa. Panel data for the period 1996 - 2019 is employed and the generalised method of moments (GMM) technique was selected due to the number of countries (36 countries) being more than the time periods (22 years). The Granger non-causality test of Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (2021) is used to figure out the direction of causality between the variables used in the study. The GMM results indicate that governance and institutional quality have a positive effect on economic complexity. The Granger causality test suggests that there is one directional causality from governance to economic complexity and from institutional quality to economic complexity. It is recommended that African countries improve governance through electing selfless leaders whose goal is improve the lives of its individuals. With regards to institutions, Africa needs to adopt strategies that support institutional quality which in turn will promote economic complexity. Policy makers should also create an environment or policies that are conducing for domestic and foreign investments, which in turn would improve the continent’s economic complexity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
HRM digitalisation and value added in the south African workplace
- Authors: Chapano, Munodani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Human Resources Assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57578 , vital:58094
- Description: The main objective of this study was to determine the extent and nature of value that HRM digitalisation can add to the South African workplace. Digitalisation is a product of 4IR, which refers to the process of leveraging and applying 4IR technologies within organisational operations, including HRM, with the aim of optimising business processes. HRM digitalisation refers to the adoption and application of digital HRM technologies of the 4IR in the conduct of HRM practices, policies, activities and transactions to optimise the HRM function. Due to a shortage of studies that shed light on the value contributed by HRM digitalisation in the workplace, a need arises to determine the extent and nature of this value and the strategies needed to unlock this potential in the context of the 4IR. Moreover, in most South African (SA) organisations, there has been a lack of a fully integrated approach to digital HRM. Thus, this study aims at exploring HRM digitalisation and the value it contributes to South African organisations, with the expectation of developing an articulated and integrative HRM digital strategy for South African organisations. This study was accomplished by means of a literature and an empirical study. The literature study provided theoretical information related to challenges and opportunities introduced by the 4IR in the world of work, with specific reference to the South African workplace and which therefore impact HRM and necessitate the need for digitalisation of HRM. In addition, the following were explored: HRM Digital Strategies that could be adopted and add value in the South African workplace; the extent and nature of that value; the challenges probably encountered in doing so and possible means to overcome the challenges. The discussion led to the development of a hypothetical, theoretical model of HRM digitalisation in the South African workplace. The hypothetical model was used as the basis for the development of a measuring instrument used to collect empirical data for this study. The empirical study used the online questionnaire survey as the data collection instrument that measured the extent and nature of value that various HRM Digital Strategies could vii | P a g e add to the South African workplace; perceived value and hard evidence of the impact of HRM digitalisation; and the extent and nature of challenges associated with the Adoption of HRM Digital Strategies across the HR value chain. The online survey questionnaire was administered to HR directors, HR managers, HR practitioners and line managers who worked in the automotive manufacturing industry in the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth and Buffalo City in East London in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A non-probability sampling procedure which comprised a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods was used to select participants for the study (n = 312). The results from the empirical study, computed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (such as paired-sample t-tests, Pearson’s product moment correlation and regression analysis) showed that organisations in South Africa had invested and adopted more of Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies and less of Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM HRM strategies across the HR value chain and as a result, had gained more value at relational level, followed by that at operational level. They gained the least value at transformational level. It was therefore revealed that if HRM professionals, managers and leaders within organisations want to boost the contribution of the HRM function towards achieving the strategic goals of the organisation (transformational level), digitalising the function is one of the best ways. They can achieve this by investing more of HRM Digital Strategies related to Digital Org (Design & Culture), followed by Digital Talent and Digital ERM strategies. Challenges related to the adoption of digital strategies across the HR value chain were only found to negatively influence Digital Org (Design & Culture) and Digital ERM strategies, whereas Digital Talent and Digital Media strategies were not negatively influenced. Based on the literature and empirical results of this study, an integrative HRM digitalisation model was designed to provide a framework approach for implementing HRM digitalisation in South African organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Human capital of financial planners and value creation in South African financial planning businesses
- Authors: Palframan, Jaqueline birgitta
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa , Corporations--Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58123 , vital:58582
- Description: Improved healthcare enables people to live longer and thus spend more time in retirement than ever before. In addition, South Africans have a low propensity to save and invest, resulting in the danger of them living longer than their finances permit. The financial planning industry is also experiencing the technological automation of many transactional services, which could make the “traditional” role of financial planners redundant. Furthermore, financial planning businesses are prone to failure, especially during the start-up phase. As such, appropriate business management strategies, especially those relating to human capital, are critical to facilitate the effective development of financial planning businesses and which will enable financial planners to better engage with existing and new clients, resulting in creating more value creation for their financial planning businesses and benefitting the South African economy at large. It is a well-known fact that people who engage with a financial planner report better outcomes in terms of financial and general well-being than those who approach financial planning with a “do-it-yourself” mindset, which further emphasises why the longevity of financial planning businesses in South Africa is important. To date, however, limited academic research has been conducted on the influence of financial planners’ human capital on value creation in their financial planning businesses. Furthermore, although research in the financial planning field is growing, previous research has mostly focused on areas pertaining to financial advice, the financial planning process and products used in financial planning, rather than on the creation of profitable businesses or on how to create value within these businesses. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of selected Human capitals of financial planners on value creation in South African financial planning businesses. More specifically, the study investigates the influence of the independent variables of Social capital (measured individually in terms of its sub-categories, Relational social capital, Network social capital and Cognitive social capital), Entrepreneurial capital and Psychological capital on the dependent variables (Perceived financial value creation and Perceived non-financial value creation). v Based on the primary objective and research questions of the study, as well as the assumptions of the researcher, this study was positioned in the positivistic research paradigm and a deductive approach to theory development was adopted. The purpose of the study was explanatory, and a mono-method, quantitative methodological approach was selected. A survey strategy using a cross-sectional approach was undertaken and a measuring instrument in the form of an online questionnaire was developed to gather the data required. After undertaking a pilot study, the electronic link to the covering letter and online questionnaire was sent to potential respondents identified through the convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The data collection yielded 360 usable responses from South African financial planners on which to undertake the statistical analysis. Data analysis ensued to investigate the hypothesised relationships between the independent and dependent variables. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on each of the factors that made up the measurement models. These CFAs were compared to the various goodness-of-fit indices and then validity and reliability assessments of the factors were conducted to confirm the suitability of the measuring instrument. Thereafter, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, average variance extracted (AVE) estimates and squared correlations between the constructs were reported. The hypothesised model was confirmed based on these analyses. Descriptive statistics and correlation results on the dependent and independent variables were then reported. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the statistical technique to test the significance of the hypothesised direct and moderating relationships. The results confirmed a direct, significant relationship between all the independent variables, namely, Social capital (measured individually in terms of its sub-categories, Relational social capital, Network social capital and Cognitive social capital), Entrepreneurial capital and Psychological capital, and the dependent variables (Perceived financial value creation and Perceived non-financial value creation). Regarding the hypothesised moderating influence of Social capital on the relationships between the independent variables Entrepreneurial capital and Psychological capital, and the dependent variables, it was found that only Relational social capital and Network social capital moderated the relationship between Psychological capital and Perceived financial value creation. vi This study has contributed to the body of knowledge of financial planning in general, as well as how the human capital of financial planners influences both financial and non-financial value creation in financial planning businesses. Practical recommendations were made that could enhance financial planners’ value creation in financial planning businesses, which, in turn, would influence the sustainability of these important businesses. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Improving hospital efficiency through preventative medical equipment maintenance intervention
- Authors: Hill, Michael Gary
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Medical suppliers , Medical imaging equipment industry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57687 , vital:58200
- Description: This research study explores the management of medical equipment maintenance within South African Hospitals. The study aims to identify the risks and challenges Clinical Engineers experience at their facilities. This study was initiated because the author discovered multiple abandoned medical devices in a single ward that were not reported to the Clinical Engineering Department. This study compromises of secondary research in the form of a literature review that that explores Clinical engineering, the medical negligence claims and the importance of medical equipment maintenance and the management thereof. Primary data was collected from Clinical Engineers at various facilities, that were asked to participate in an online questionnaire. The primary research was based in a pragmatist paradigm with an inductive approach, using a mixed methods methodological choice. A survey strategy was used over a cross-sectional time horizon. The empirical results provided an understanding into how the Clinical Engineers are managing the maintenance of their medical equipment and the challenges that they face, looking at the inventory management systems, resource management, preventative maintenance, and fault reporting. Recommendations and conclusion were made relating to the findings of the primary research and the insight it provided. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Investment promotions within port systems: a case of the port of Ngqura, south Africa
- Authors: Booi, Nozipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Investment -- South Africa , Investment analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57601 , vital:58180
- Description: The primary role of ports is to provide an enabling logistical solution for within the transport sector. Ports within South Africa perform this primary role in strict accordance with the National Ports Act 12 of 2005. The liberalisation of economies from closed economies to open economies has impacted the transformation of the transport sector; sea borne trade through ports accounts for 80% of the global trade by volume and 70% by value. Open economies have increased the need for integration of economies and triggered a highly competitive market for ports globally competing for volumes or throughput. To attract volumes, ports need to have sound investment promotions strategies that are responding to market needs. Thus, the primary objective of the research study was to investigate and analyse the various factors that affect investment promotions within the port system, evaluating how these factors can be utilised by the Port of Ngqura to increase volumes and grow market share. Therefore, attention was placed on understanding the value proposition the port has to offer to potential investors to foster FDIs. The researcher employed an interpretivist qualitative research methodology to explore its research aim and objectives. Secondary data in the form of document analysis was used in this research study. The documents analysed are mainly Academic Journals, Policy Documents, Transnet Annual Reports, South African Port Regulator Reports (quarterly and annual reports), Industry Articles, and Published Books. The data collected from secondary sources was analysed through content analysis. The document analysis conducted to understand the determinants of investments at the Port of Ngqura, revealed that the regulatory framework, port costs, availability of infrastructure, connectivity to the hinterland market, safety and security, intermodal transport, and efficiency levels can influence investment promotions within the port, and the determinants can be utilised to increase the volumes at the Port of Ngqura. The research study reviewed the mentioned additional factors such as the speed in responding to enquiries, the packaging of information, the linkages to other development zones and guarantees of secure operations are also determinants that potential investors look for. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Key factors affecting the retention of production pharmacists in pharmaceutical manufacturing in South Africa
- Authors: Mvunyiswa, Mzwandile
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry , Pharmacists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58013 , vital:58498
- Description: he goal of the study was to look at elements that influenced the retention of production pharmacists in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The South African pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is in charge of producing a wide range of pharmaceutical products for both the domestic and foreign markets. Production pharmacists are leaving the industry to pursue employment outside of the production environment, which is a problem for the industry. The goal of the study was to discover crucial factors that would help pharmacists in South Africa stay in the pharmaceutical product manufacturing industry. After doing a literature review to identify the determinants of retention, a hypothesis model was created to see if the identified factors had a positive link with pharmacist retention. The information was gathered via a survey with a questionnaire that was prepared and distributed to 81 people. Factor analysis confirmed the factors measured in the study, with Employee Reward and Recognition emerging as two separate factors. The study revealed that the factor of Employee Reward and Recognition (Factor A), which means receiving rewards and recognition was done in a fair and competitive manner did not relate to Employee Reward and Recognition as an actual Retention Factor (Factor B), or with Leadership, Training, Employee Career Development, Work-Life Balance or Job Security. In general, positive responses were received for Employee Reward and Recognition A (receiving rewards and recognition, and this was done in a fair and competitive manner), and neutral responses were received for Leadership, Work-Life Balance and Job Security and negative responses were recorded for Employee Career Development, Training and Employee Rewards and Recognition B (effectiveness of reward system to retain pharmaceutical talent). Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies must devise strategies to address the factors that elicited negative and neutral responses from the respondents. If the factors are not addressed, important talent, such as pharmacists, may be lost. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Local economic development and Re-Industrialisation: A case study of Dimbaza
- Authors: Mbebe, Dumisani Bakhulule Lennox
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58081 , vital:58548
- Description: The Local Economic Development (LED) and reindustrialisation of Dimbaza is viewed as a wellspring of valuable economic growth. Contemporary LED professionals have been at a loggerheads in dealing with challenges in addressing the core concept of LED and a Re-industrialised environment in bringing economic growth. The LED and reindustrialisation agenda is providing a platform for the participation local inhabitants and value creation in the mainstream of economy. It also poses development questions about the seriousness of economic decisions by those given powers to set the economic direction of the area of Dimbaza. Government policies such as the Eastern Cape provincial growth development plan, Buffalo city integrated development plan and LED strategy are attempts to entrench the concept of localism across Dimbaza and meet the challenge of engaging LED participants to creatively deal with their economic problems. While LED scholars have written a length, there have been limitations when LED is used to enhance reindustrialisation in bringing sustainable economic growth. This study seeks to contribute to the current economic conversations on LED and Reindustrialisation by critically reviewing the available literature while challenging those with decision-making authority and their seriousness in bringing about LED and Reindustrialisation in Dimbaza. Furthermore, the study serves as a diagnostic tool to stimulate further engagement around LED and Reindustrialisation process in relation to its policy impact. The study focused on deductive research method, which aimed at testing the existing theory of knowledge with the aim of creating new theoretical thinking. To understand better LED and Reindustrialisation of Dimbaza as a tool, previously, it has yielded results in addressing unemployment and poverty. The study has employed a qualitative research method within which a systematic reviews of both primary and secondary literature to address unemployment and poverty in Dimbaza. As part of the methodology of the study, thematic content analysis to produce findings has been explores, assuming that it will contribute in bringing meaning and results to the study. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Making government accountable for socio-economic injustices: challenges for Zimbabwean social movements
- Authors: Nyamweda, Amorlett Gamuchirai
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic conditions -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58102 , vital:58557
- Description: imbabwe's socio-economic development crisis revived citizen agency and birthed several social movements. The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges that social movements face in holding the Zimbabwean government to account for Zimbabwe’s crisis. Three social movements, Occupy Africa Unity Square, #Tajamuka/Sesjikile and #ThisFlag were selected for in-depth qualitative inquiry. The study examined their activities between 2013 – 2020 during which time they were the most prominent social movements in Zimbabwe. Primary data was derived from social media and key informant interviews. Secondary data was derived from a desktop review of textbooks, commentaries, social movement documents, journal, and online newspaper articles. Using the Thematic Data Analysis technique, data was organized into three themes namely the socio-economic challenges faced by Zimbabweans, the role played by social movements to bring the Zimbabwean government to account for the socio-economic development crisis and the challenges social movements encountered in the process. The Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) found that social movements collectively engaged in protest action, lobbying, shutdowns, and legal action to make the government accountable for socio-economic injustices. In exacting government accountability, Zimbabwean social movements encounter the challenges of overreliance on social media, limited civic space, a decline of social movements, individual centered movement leadership, disengaged citizenry, absence of strategic plans, an uncooperative government and disunity amongst activists. This study recommends social movements’ leaders to develop protracted strategies for mobilisation beyond urban centers. It also recommends that movements prioritise socio-economic reforms and development projects which bring material benefits to citizens as these are more likely to be realised in the immediate future as opposed to political reforms. To revamp the Zimbabwean economy, the study recommends the citizens of Zimbabwe to be more actively involved in the affairs of their country, the armed forces to establish strong institutions and reconsider the role they should play to ensure socio-economic or political transformation and the government to demonstrate political will to deal with the crisis in Zimbabwe by instituting political reforms. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Manager’s Adoption of New Smart Retail Technology at Clicks Group
- Authors: Mdoda, Athenkosi Sindile
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stores, Retail--Electric equipment , Stores, Retail
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57906 , vital:58402
- Description: SRT is the interactive retail system that offers retail services to customers via a network of smart or intelligent objects and devices that can sense the environment and engage in real-time data collection, communication, interaction and feedback and it can be integrated to the physical stores. The fourth industrial revolution is driving companies across the globe to familiarize themselves with technology and to innovate. Retail industry has been at the forefront of innovation, amongst other industries with the goal of driving efficiency, cost reduction, relevance, profitability, customer retention and a quest to remain competitive. South African companies are not any different as this innovation has seen technology transformation move into brick-and-mortar stores and the online market. The key factor of innovation in retail is the smart retail technology (SRT). The adoption of technology is imperative so that organisations not only develop policies but are able to gain value and achieve the desired outcomes. The adoption of technology operates as means to allow management to actively contribute in an environment of continued innovation with strategic benefits, therefore, indicating the significance and value of understanding the perspective of technology adoption and shape organisational strategy and its practices. Managers are key drivers of adoption and their actions significantly contribute to achieving an alignment between the company and external environment. The primary objective of this study is to explore the perceptions and attitudes of lower to middle level managers towards technology adoption at Clicks stores in South Africa. This study is specifically focused on managers’ adoption of smart retail technology at Clicks by analysing factors such as facilitating conditions, institutional culture, demographics, knowledge, manager’s attitudes (SRT ease of use) and managers attitudes (SRT benefits) as dependent factors and SRT adoption as an independent factor. An empirical study consisting of an online survey (QuestionPro) was conducted with 211 employees who work for Clicks in South Africa. The data was then analysed using STATISTICA with help from a statistician and the results presented in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. The key findings from this study indicated that institutional culture influencing SRT adoption, manager’s knowledge about SRT and store manager as a designation, all have an influence on manager adoption of SRT at iv Clicks. Recommendations were made to management on what steps can be taken to drive SRT adoption at Clicks. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Measuring the effectiveness of road Infrastructure support in the OR Tambo Region
- Authors: Malotana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Roads -- Maintenance and repair , Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57819 , vital:58273
- Description: The term "road infrastructure" refers to the roads and structures that are used to convey commuters and goods. In the numerous road facilities, structures, road classifications, electronic traffic systems, signage, and markings, the mission of road infrastructure is to assist efficiency by providing safety and trouble-free transportation. There are fundamental elements that determine the availability of resources required in society and the efficiency with which they are used to accomplish economic growth. Investment in public capital, such as road infrastructure, which is a major economic engine, is critical because infrastructure helps an economy thrive. The importance of road infrastructure and the major role it plays in economic growth can be seen in studies in developed European nations, New Zealand and the Slovak Republic, where road infrastructure is regarded as a catalyst for economic progress. Investment in public capital, such as road infrastructure, has economic benefits since it acts as the economy's backbone. The Eastern Cape's growth has been acknowledged and included in South Africa's national development strategies and efforts; nonetheless, based on deliverables and results, the province ranks among South Africa's least developed provinces. The Eastern Cape has long been designated by development programmes such as the Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) as an area that will not only generate development and progress for the province, but also for South Africa as a whole. This is sought to be achieved by the Spatial Development Initiative for the Wild-Coast in OR Tambo District Municipality, which states that "integrated sustainable rural development in the context of community, public, and private partnership initiatives.”, p. 2) This research contributes to the goal of research, which includes testing, the identification of causes and consequences, the building of a foundation for future research, and the growth of knowledge (Apuke, 2017, p. 40). The study follows a quantitative research approach and uses two main methodological procedures in order to complete this study; namely a literature review and questionnaire survey. Employees of the South African Department of Transport's National Road Infrastructure implementing agent SANRAL make up the research population in this study. The study concludes that the delivery of an effective road network in the OR v Tambo Region can serve as the base for the establishment of innovative PPP policies, the pillar of socio-economic development and transformation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa
- Authors: Mthi, Yolokazi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Bus travel -- South Africa , Bus industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57969 , vital:58451
- Description: The transportation industry makes a significant contribution to the economy of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), national investment and employment, and plays an essential role in people’s daily lives. Within the transportation industry, this study specifically focused on long-distance coach liners. Long-distance coach liners add significant value to South Africa’s economy. However, no research focusing specifically on passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa exists. Thus, the study aims to fill this void by investigating passengers’ perceived experience and satisfaction with long-distance coach liners in South Africa. The five dimensions of an experience, namely aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency were identified as potential dimensions of measuring passengers’ experience within a long-distance coach liner context to achieve the aim of the study. The study employed convenience and snowballing sampling to identify potential respondents. Primary data was collected utilising an online survey, SurveyMonkey, and 399 useable responses were received. To strengthen the validity of this study, inferential statistics were used to examine exploratory factor analysis to find latent factors. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was executed on the 44 items intended to measure the independent and dependent variables. The EFA was executed on the correlation matrix between the items. Five factors were extracted for the independent factors and one factor extracted as a dependent factor. A reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) was calculated for each factor to estimate the internal consistency of each of the items. The identified factors, with their respective items, were found to be reliable. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were any statistically significant differences between the mean score of selected profile variables (age, occupation, travel purpose and frequency with which respondents had travelled by long-distance coach liner) and the study's identified factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence or predictive effect that one or more (independent) variables has concerning the other (dependent) variable. In the current study, multiple regression analysis was utilised to examine the influence of the independent factors on the dependent variable. vi The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between factors such as aesthetics, entertainment, peace of mind, economic value and efficiency and passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that all the independent factors influence passengers’ satisfaction. However, only two factors namely efficiency (ꞵ=0.455, p=0.000) and peace of mind (ꞵ=0.552, p=0.000) were found to be significant predictors of passengers’ satisfaction. This implies that when efficiency and peace of mind are improved, customer satisfaction will also increase. Based on the findings of the study, valuable recommendations were highlighted in Chapter 6 of the study. The study will make important contributions. Firstly, the findings will assist long-distance coach liner businesses to improve their competitive position by enhancing the experiences and satisfaction that they offer to passengers. Secondly, the study contributes to the literature on passengers’ experience and satisfaction within the transportation industry in South Africa. Thirdly, the empirical results will serve as a foundation for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Perceived impacts of Swartkop Nature Reserve on community livelihoods in Motherwell, Gqeberha
- Authors: Pebane, Mpho Arnold
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Nature Reserve -- Gqeberha , Effect of pollution on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58135 , vital:58589
- Description: This study investigated the perceived impacts of Swartkop Nature Reserve on community livelihoods in Motherwell, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The study was motivated by tons of litter and rubble due to neglect of the nature reserve by the community and the municipality. These problems have the potential to cause pollution and ecological degradation. The study was therefore pursued to understand the reasons behind the neglect of the nature reserve, determine how the community is involved in governance and management of the nature reserve and analyse their perceptions about the impact of Swartkop Nature Reserve on their livelihood and community development. The qualitative research methodology was utilised and primary data obtained through self-administered unstructured interviews with thirty-two participants. The participants of the study were from the community of Motherwell; particularly residents of wards 6, 7 and 9. These residents were chosen because of their proximity to the nature reserve and the fact that they are more affected than any other ward that is not as close to the nature reserve. The study found that lack of education and awareness, lack of collaboration between the community and municipality, lack of activism among residents, poor upbringing of some participants are some of the reasons that have contributed towards littering and illegal dumping. Furthermore, failure by the municipality to provide services to the community, especially in collecting refuse and provision of designated landfill, was another finding about what has contributed to the littering on the nature reserve. In terms of impact on livelihoods, the study revealed several activities such as farming, harvesting of medicinal plants, recreational activities, recycling and fishing which could enable the community benefit from the nature reserve. Based on the findings, the study recommends a redeclaration of Swartkop Nature Reserve to incorporate heritage and culture as predominant activities that should take place. Furthermore, it is recommended that the municipality should strive to halt the expansion of the informal settlement and illegal dumping of refuse and rubble in the nature reserve as these are major risks that threaten the biodiversity of the nature reserve. A partnership was proposed between the municipality and the community vi through its Community Trust and Ward-Based Cooperatives as consultative platforms. This partnership between the municipality and community should champion the conservation of the nature reserve which will include reserve management planning, fencing and security, law enforcement, rehabilitation, reintroduction of animals and socio-economic development to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the community of Motherwell. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Perceptions of South African original equipment manufacturers about pursuing new global electrical vehicle strategy
- Authors: Mmushi, Thabang
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electric vehicles , Motor vehicles
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57936 , vital:58429
- Description: Global strategy in the automotive industry focusses on limiting climate changes and preservation of natural resources by gradually shifting towards non-gas emission transportation such as electrical vehicles (EVs). The strategic thinking and planning have advanced significantly globally. Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) are responding to this growing demand of EVs by focusing investments on the research and development (R&D) and setting up manufacturing facilities. This EV strategy showed great degree of success already over the past few years. (Nathalie Ortar & Marianne Ryghaug, 2019) In 2013, sales of EVs were introduced in the South African market. The adoption of EVs is very low and existing studies suggest consumer perceptions towards EVs and possible social economic barriers in the South African automotive market prevent the adoption or intention to purchase EVs. The purpose of this research study was to unpack perception withholding the uptake of the EVs manufacturing in South Africa. It aimed to assess the barriers of the local automotive industry in pursuing the global strategy. The research structure was realised through conducting a literature review to explore the existing research topic. Empirical research evidence was obtained through conducting interviews which targeted existing OEMs whom the parent plants are currently manufacturing EVs globally. The study focused on key factors such as consumer knowledge, local infrastructure, and market uncertainty about EVs. The findings of the study highlighted consumers are knowledgeable about the benefits of owning EVs. However, the willingness set up a manufacturing infrastructure for EVs was highly not favourable for a majority of the factors such as power supply shortage, EVs supply chain shortage, small local market, and lack of proactive policies to drive EVs adoption or attract global investment. With these perceived positive opinions from respondents, it is down to government and private companies to work in cohesion to provide a conducive environment for EVs manufacturing in future. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Port performance and the unexplored perceptions linked to operational outputs
- Authors: Woods, Ryan
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Container terminals , Pressure vessels
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58257 , vital:58801
- Description: The role that container terminals play in global trade and building the economies of many countries, requires high levels of performance and efficient turnaround of container vessels. High performance entails providing fast, reliable and efficient port services which is a non-negotiable pre-requisite from the port’s customers. Existing port customers are the shipping lines that make use of the port systems to service their own respective business customers that make use of their shipping services. Transnet and more specifically, Ngqura Container Terminal (NCT) has always been known for providing fast, reliable and efficient port services since its opening in October 2009, with new state of the art equipment and the latest in port operating systems. Fast forward twelve years later and a steady decline in port performance and port efficiencies over the years, has led to numerous outcries from port users and the industry as a whole. Shipping lines are not satisfied with current performance levels and other port users such as trucking companies struggle with bad port performance and efficiencies. This prompted the need to look into why the performance levels has been steadily declining over the past few years. With increased pressure from shipping lines and other stakeholders, there is a glaring need to improve on port performance and efficiencies if NCT is to maintain the business it currently has. Change is also necessary for it to compete for new business which is one of the reasons that prompted this research study. A literature study and a survey questionnaire make up the main input for this research as well as interviews with key operations and planning managers. The purpose of the research was to explore the non-technical factors perceived by NCT operational and planning staff, to have an impact on port performance and the decline thereof. This study focused on the perceptions of NCT’s operational and planning staff of port performance and the perceived impact that reward and recognition, rest periods, job design and leadership have on that performance levels. The methodology used in the research is a mixed-method approach with the quantitative portion underpinned by a survey questionnaire and the iv qualitative portion underpinned by interviews conducted with key management staff. The data was measured and interpreted using descriptive statistics and analysis of the mean scores. The Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine if there were relationships between the factors and the significance of those relationships, if any. An Anova analysis was done on the mean score answer of each category of operational staff in the quantitative sample, to determine if the mean score of the different operational categories in my sample are statistically significantly different from each other. The need for drastic improvement of performance outputs in Transnet and more specifically NCT has been highlighted throughout the research as it is of critical importance due to the nature of NCT’s business model of being a transhipment hub. This study has contributed positively by demonstrating the operational staffers and management’s willing responses in an effort to improve performance outputs on both technical and non-technical levels. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Re-industrialisation of the Nelson Mandela Metropole regional economy
- Authors: Sipuka, Msingathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic growth , Economic development -- Nelson Mandela
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58190 , vital:58675
- Description: The main assumption underlying this study is that structural change brings about growth and in turn translates to poverty reduction through the expansion of labour absorbing economic sectors and employment in higher productivity non-primary sectors. Since labour productivity in non-primary sectors is higher, the large-scale migration of labour out of primary activity should raise labour incomes and result in poverty reducing growth. Economic growth driven by structural change in income and employment should therefore aid and promote poverty reduction. Notwithstanding the important role of the national sphere of government in setting the industrial policy framework in the country, this research places emphasis on the role and contribution of regional economies in translating active industrial policy into implementation and development results. In South Africa the rise in poverty can be partially attributed to an economy that is not growing at the required rates needed to, among others, create the necessary employment opportunities at scale. The ability to adequately respond to these national development challenges depends on key economic regions in the country unlocking growth in several economic sectors, in particular the manufacturing sector which is described as labour-intensive and with a high multiplier effect on the economy. To this end, the capacity of regional governments working with regional stakeholders to plan, coordinate, implement and provide oversight over integrated regional industrialisation strategies and implementation plans becomes pivotal. Equally, the Nelson Mandela Metropole, which is the geographic area of focus for this study, has identified and prioritised the growth of the manufacturing sector as one of its economic priorities, reflecting its ambition of driving a programme of re-industrialisation and positioning the region as one of the country’s industrial centres. The main proposition of this study is that the Nelson Mandela Metropole, like other regional economies in the country, is not able to drive the programme of re-industrialisation. The reason for this inability is that it does not have a coherent framework of levers that are at the disposal of regional governments and regional stakeholders to design and implement a programme of re-industrialisation within the ii context of a globalised economy but that takes into consideration national peculiarities of the manufacturing sector. The fact that the regions do not have an integrated regional implementation plan for reviving the manufacturing sector creates an eco-system where there is limited coordination of the actions of different role players, in turn limiting collaboration within the region. The research has identified a gap in the literature between the two areas that impact on this study, namely, industrial development and regional economic development. The study navigates the literature across these two areas to emerge with a synthesised framework of strategic enablers for industrialisation at a regional level. These strategic enablers can be used by regional governments to develop an integrated regional framework to drive the industrialisation programme at this level. With specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropole, the study used a mixed methods research approach to assess regional actors’ views on the strategic enablers identified through the literature. A survey was employed to extract data from manufacturing enterprises in the region on the perceived constraints to the growth of the manufacturing sector. The quantitative data were complemented by qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with key regional informants. The results of the study reveal some of the general weaknesses that confront the region as it pursues regional industrialisation. Importantly, the study uses the identified regional strategic enablers to develop a framework that can be used by regional actors to design an implementation plan. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Reimagining Culture and Creative Industries: Developing Career Connected Pathways
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Scenarios for South Africa’s ocean economy towards 2060
- Authors: Hadi, Nomtha
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development--South Africa , Economic development--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57676 , vital:58195
- Description: The ocean is becoming the new focal point in the discourse on growth and sustainable development, both at national and international levels. Scenario planning improves the quality of the strategic conversations that organisations need to have as a position in preparing for the future. In this research, scenarios for South Africa’s ocean economy towards 2060 were developed and explored by considering the six key ocean sectors as outlined in the Operations Phakisa Strategy, namely, Marine Transport and Manufacturing, Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Aquaculture, Small Harbours, Coastal and Marine Tourism, Marine Protection Services and Ocean Governance. The research process was guided by Inayatullah’s six pillars and linked methods towards scenario development. Existing studies do not take into consideration the various social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legislative and ethical factors influencing the growth of the ocean economy. With the ocean increasingly being considered a new economic frontier, sustainable development has become pertinent for supporting and facilitating continued economic growth areas without compromising on environmental, social, or economic factors. Sustainable development within the ocean economy is further supported by Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, sea and marine resources. A literature review was conducted to gain a better understanding of the ocean economy, and primary data was collected through a real-time Delphi platform and semi-structured interviews. The real-time Delphi collected information on the key megatrends that continue to shape the ocean economy and key drivers and wild cards that can affect the sustainability of the key ocean economy industries. In addition, semi-structured interviews collected information on the proposed scenarios and the capacity needed in growing and promoting a sustainable ocean economy for South Africa towards 2060. A scenario matrix was developed for South Africa’s ocean economy and four scenarios and their implications were analysed. The preferred scenario was a resilient ocean economy towards 2060. The study also took a step forward with a view to provide reference to stakeholders and governments in progressing towards a possible scenario and developed an integrated vision for a sustainable ocean economy for South Africa towards 2060. This proposed vision is to ABSTRACT v mitigate against future challenges, collaborate and proactively utilise the development opportunities offered by the ocean economy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04