The development of an optimised decision based methodology for the replacement timing of frontline equipment utilised within the quarrying industry
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area
- Authors: Mokoena, Lehlohonolo Edward
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Corporations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22736 , vital:30069
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area. The study findings indicate that Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) conducts corporate social investment programmes in the Uitenhage and Kwanobuhle communities. The study discovered that VWSA CSI programmes contribute to education, youth development, and enterprise development. Participants in this study gave responses that indicated their perceptions on the existence of these social programmes. The community also indicated its involvement and benefit in the VWSA CSI programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mokoena, Lehlohonolo Edward
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Corporations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22736 , vital:30069
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area. The study findings indicate that Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) conducts corporate social investment programmes in the Uitenhage and Kwanobuhle communities. The study discovered that VWSA CSI programmes contribute to education, youth development, and enterprise development. Participants in this study gave responses that indicated their perceptions on the existence of these social programmes. The community also indicated its involvement and benefit in the VWSA CSI programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of monetary policy on output and unemployment
- Authors: Mkhombo, Thabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Econometric models , Monetary policy -- South Africa Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32783 , vital:32360
- Description: Following the global financial crisis of 2007 and the ensuing global recessionary of 2009, most economies have been concerned with improving economic growth levels as well as lowering levels of unemployment rates. For the case of South Africa, much concern has been placed on the ability of monetary authorities to contribute to such macroeconomics objectives. therefore the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the monetary policy conduct on economic growth and unemployment.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mkhombo, Thabo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Econometric models , Monetary policy -- South Africa Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32783 , vital:32360
- Description: Following the global financial crisis of 2007 and the ensuing global recessionary of 2009, most economies have been concerned with improving economic growth levels as well as lowering levels of unemployment rates. For the case of South Africa, much concern has been placed on the ability of monetary authorities to contribute to such macroeconomics objectives. therefore the primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the monetary policy conduct on economic growth and unemployment.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
The external factors used to define the perceived success of software projects
- Authors: Coetzee, Jehan Pieter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management , Management information systems Customer relations -- Management -- Data processing Business information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21722 , vital:29741
- Description: The purpose of this quantitative research was to improve the way success of software projects is measured. This was done by identifying and exploring external factors that serve as success criteria. It is postulated that by understanding these factors, organisations will be able to focus their resource efforts on the most prevalent factors that they can use to judge software project success. This will ensure project success and ultimately create a competitive advantage for the organisation. The research started off with a structured literature review. This was followed by a research design based on a quantitative questionnaire presenting embedded units of analysis. The results provided a useful insight into the factors that are used to define the success of software projects. The outcome of the study is in the form of a model which highlights the following variables applied to define software project success: system quality, information quality, user satisfaction, net benefits and the traditional variables of time, budget and specification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Coetzee, Jehan Pieter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management , Management information systems Customer relations -- Management -- Data processing Business information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21722 , vital:29741
- Description: The purpose of this quantitative research was to improve the way success of software projects is measured. This was done by identifying and exploring external factors that serve as success criteria. It is postulated that by understanding these factors, organisations will be able to focus their resource efforts on the most prevalent factors that they can use to judge software project success. This will ensure project success and ultimately create a competitive advantage for the organisation. The research started off with a structured literature review. This was followed by a research design based on a quantitative questionnaire presenting embedded units of analysis. The results provided a useful insight into the factors that are used to define the success of software projects. The outcome of the study is in the form of a model which highlights the following variables applied to define software project success: system quality, information quality, user satisfaction, net benefits and the traditional variables of time, budget and specification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University as a result of excluding international students from the university funding model
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Janine Ingrid
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Student aid -- South Africa Students, Foreign -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23613 , vital:30587
- Description: The higher education sector in South Africa (SA) is currently facing financial constraints due to the admission of an increasing number of students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2015, students started protesting, demanding free higher education (OECD, 2017). In addition, the unstable political situation and declining economic conditions prevailing in the country also contributes to increased financial pressure on the higher education sector. Despite these conditions, it is important for higher education institutions (HEIs) in SA to respond decisively and efficiently without sacrificing their obligation to the neighbouring countries and their international duty as set forth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol (Mello, 2013). The South African government subsidies are an important source of income for universities. The SA government subsidises the international students at the same rate as the South African students (Cilliers, 2017). According to Cilliers (2017), no funding policy is currently available, which excludes the international students from the block grant. The research for this study was guided by the question whether the exclusion of international students’ subsidies from the SA government university funding model could have an adverse financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University. This study was conducted by means of the collection and analysis of secondary quantitative data. The SA government subsidies for the international students enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University for the period 2009 to 2015 were calculated in order to answer the research question. It was concluded that if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies, the financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University could be approximately R64,5 million in the 2017 academic year. The outcome of this study is to enable the policymakers, government officials and university administrators to realise the financial impact on the universities if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies. Although this study focused on the Nelson Mandela University, the impact of the exclusion of the international students from the SA government university funding model would be significant and negative for the universities, international offices, international students and the plans to internationalise teaching, learning and research at the South African universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Janine Ingrid
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Student aid -- South Africa Students, Foreign -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23613 , vital:30587
- Description: The higher education sector in South Africa (SA) is currently facing financial constraints due to the admission of an increasing number of students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. In 2015, students started protesting, demanding free higher education (OECD, 2017). In addition, the unstable political situation and declining economic conditions prevailing in the country also contributes to increased financial pressure on the higher education sector. Despite these conditions, it is important for higher education institutions (HEIs) in SA to respond decisively and efficiently without sacrificing their obligation to the neighbouring countries and their international duty as set forth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol (Mello, 2013). The South African government subsidies are an important source of income for universities. The SA government subsidises the international students at the same rate as the South African students (Cilliers, 2017). According to Cilliers (2017), no funding policy is currently available, which excludes the international students from the block grant. The research for this study was guided by the question whether the exclusion of international students’ subsidies from the SA government university funding model could have an adverse financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University. This study was conducted by means of the collection and analysis of secondary quantitative data. The SA government subsidies for the international students enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University for the period 2009 to 2015 were calculated in order to answer the research question. It was concluded that if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies, the financial impact on the Nelson Mandela University could be approximately R64,5 million in the 2017 academic year. The outcome of this study is to enable the policymakers, government officials and university administrators to realise the financial impact on the universities if the international students were excluded from the SA government subsidies. Although this study focused on the Nelson Mandela University, the impact of the exclusion of the international students from the SA government university funding model would be significant and negative for the universities, international offices, international students and the plans to internationalise teaching, learning and research at the South African universities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The fourth industrial revolution: assessing the intelligences of engineers in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Kapp, Jaco
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Artificial intelligence , Emotional intelligence , Automobile industry and trade -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22288 , vital:29937
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a new phenomenon that will impact human society drastically. It is complex, highly dynamic and constantly evolving at an everincreasing pace. To date the majority of research on the topic of the 4IR is focused on technological and scientific topics, with little to no work done on the human behavioural aspects such as intelligence. At the commencement of this paper only one other author published papers on the intelligences that are required to cope with the disruption associated with the 4IR. This paper is therefore the first known study paper which aims to determine the level of physical-, contextual-, emotional- and inspired intelligence of engineers in the South African automotive industry. Two comprehensive literature reviews were performed in this study. The first literature review aimed to create the context of this study by describing the historical significance, impact, drivers, critical emerging technologies and likely manufacturing scenarios of the 4IR. The second literature review investigated the theories of intelligence including the single factor approach as well as the theory of multiple intelligences. Additionally, the 4IR intelligence proposition is described and the application thereof in this study justified. A mixed method empirical study, consisting of 101 respondents, was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to comprehensively describe the level of awareness, timeframe, emerging technologies and likely manufacturing scenarios. Furthermore, the thematic analysis of open-ended responses was used to identify the potential positive and negative implications associated with the 4IR. After the level and importance of the four intelligence components were established, inferential statistical tests were performed to establish the relationship between the four intelligences as well as to identify any deviance in the responses based on demographic variables. The study concludes by making various managerial recommendations that could be applied by managers in the automotive sector in order for their companies to survive and prosper in the disruption to be caused by the 4IR. As it is clear that the 4IR will have an impact upon the South African automotive industry in the very near future, it is of the utmost importance that this topic be included into the organisations’ strategic dialogues as a matter of urgency. This study found the level of perceived intelligence of South African engineers to be high. Additionally, this cohort indicated a heightened level of awareness and in-depth knowledge surrounding the 4IR. Therefore, this study recommends that organisations leverage these strategic resources to their fullest benefit. Joint 4IR task teams should be setup comprising of engineers and individuals from other departments such as Information Technology (IT) and Human Resources (HR). These teams should spearhead pilot projects in line with the advances associated with the 4IR. Management should further take into cognisance, monitor and pro-actively investigate the possible behavioural and psychological implications associated with the increased use of technology. It is therefore recommended that regular surveys, open dialogues and possible voluntary psychometric evaluations be conducted wherever these new technologies are piloted. This study also found that the 4IR might lead to the loss of unskilled jobs which would have a broader socio-economic impact. In sharp contrast to popular belief, humans will still play an important role in the 4IR and as such organisations should, therefore, openly commit to educating and upskilling their lower skilled employees in line with the needs of the 4IR as this would be mutually beneficial for the organisation and employees. This would demonstrate the companies’ long-term commitment to their lesser skilled employees and reassure them of their job security, thereby reducing the risk of job losses and potential industrial action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kapp, Jaco
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Artificial intelligence , Emotional intelligence , Automobile industry and trade -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22288 , vital:29937
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a new phenomenon that will impact human society drastically. It is complex, highly dynamic and constantly evolving at an everincreasing pace. To date the majority of research on the topic of the 4IR is focused on technological and scientific topics, with little to no work done on the human behavioural aspects such as intelligence. At the commencement of this paper only one other author published papers on the intelligences that are required to cope with the disruption associated with the 4IR. This paper is therefore the first known study paper which aims to determine the level of physical-, contextual-, emotional- and inspired intelligence of engineers in the South African automotive industry. Two comprehensive literature reviews were performed in this study. The first literature review aimed to create the context of this study by describing the historical significance, impact, drivers, critical emerging technologies and likely manufacturing scenarios of the 4IR. The second literature review investigated the theories of intelligence including the single factor approach as well as the theory of multiple intelligences. Additionally, the 4IR intelligence proposition is described and the application thereof in this study justified. A mixed method empirical study, consisting of 101 respondents, was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to comprehensively describe the level of awareness, timeframe, emerging technologies and likely manufacturing scenarios. Furthermore, the thematic analysis of open-ended responses was used to identify the potential positive and negative implications associated with the 4IR. After the level and importance of the four intelligence components were established, inferential statistical tests were performed to establish the relationship between the four intelligences as well as to identify any deviance in the responses based on demographic variables. The study concludes by making various managerial recommendations that could be applied by managers in the automotive sector in order for their companies to survive and prosper in the disruption to be caused by the 4IR. As it is clear that the 4IR will have an impact upon the South African automotive industry in the very near future, it is of the utmost importance that this topic be included into the organisations’ strategic dialogues as a matter of urgency. This study found the level of perceived intelligence of South African engineers to be high. Additionally, this cohort indicated a heightened level of awareness and in-depth knowledge surrounding the 4IR. Therefore, this study recommends that organisations leverage these strategic resources to their fullest benefit. Joint 4IR task teams should be setup comprising of engineers and individuals from other departments such as Information Technology (IT) and Human Resources (HR). These teams should spearhead pilot projects in line with the advances associated with the 4IR. Management should further take into cognisance, monitor and pro-actively investigate the possible behavioural and psychological implications associated with the increased use of technology. It is therefore recommended that regular surveys, open dialogues and possible voluntary psychometric evaluations be conducted wherever these new technologies are piloted. This study also found that the 4IR might lead to the loss of unskilled jobs which would have a broader socio-economic impact. In sharp contrast to popular belief, humans will still play an important role in the 4IR and as such organisations should, therefore, openly commit to educating and upskilling their lower skilled employees in line with the needs of the 4IR as this would be mutually beneficial for the organisation and employees. This would demonstrate the companies’ long-term commitment to their lesser skilled employees and reassure them of their job security, thereby reducing the risk of job losses and potential industrial action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of macroeconomic factors on the South African equity market
- Authors: Mpuku, Cwayita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Capital market -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32238 , vital:31990
- Description: The South African equity market is the largest equity market in Africa and plays an important role in the development of the South African economy. It is a relatively large source of finance for companies that want to invest in capital and expand their businesses. Firms that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) are therefore privy to an additional source of capital funds in addition having access to the credit markets. The development of a country’s equity market gives an indication of the extent to which firms have access to long-term funds which are needed for investment in production of goods and services and the growth of the economy. Historical evidence shows that downturns in the equity markets can disrupt economic performance of countries. The 1929 global depression and the 2008 global recession are examples of economic disruptions that have origins in the equity markets (Mishkin, 2013:190). An understanding of the risk factors that drive an equity market is therefore beneficial to both individuals and institutions. Individuals and institutions participate in the equity market by buying and selling shares of companies that are listed on the JSE. About 40 per cent of shares on the JSE are held by institutional investors such as pension funds and unit trusts (Ambrosi, 2014). The equity market therefore has an impact on people’s savings and pension funds invested by intermediary institutions. Investors who participate in the equity market do so with the expectation of receiving returns on their investment, but such returns don’t come without risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mpuku, Cwayita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions -- Econometric models , Capital market -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32238 , vital:31990
- Description: The South African equity market is the largest equity market in Africa and plays an important role in the development of the South African economy. It is a relatively large source of finance for companies that want to invest in capital and expand their businesses. Firms that are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) are therefore privy to an additional source of capital funds in addition having access to the credit markets. The development of a country’s equity market gives an indication of the extent to which firms have access to long-term funds which are needed for investment in production of goods and services and the growth of the economy. Historical evidence shows that downturns in the equity markets can disrupt economic performance of countries. The 1929 global depression and the 2008 global recession are examples of economic disruptions that have origins in the equity markets (Mishkin, 2013:190). An understanding of the risk factors that drive an equity market is therefore beneficial to both individuals and institutions. Individuals and institutions participate in the equity market by buying and selling shares of companies that are listed on the JSE. About 40 per cent of shares on the JSE are held by institutional investors such as pension funds and unit trusts (Ambrosi, 2014). The equity market therefore has an impact on people’s savings and pension funds invested by intermediary institutions. Investors who participate in the equity market do so with the expectation of receiving returns on their investment, but such returns don’t come without risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of monetary policy on profitability of four major banks in South Africa
- Authors: Nyakombi, Kulasande Dolly
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Econometric models , Financial services industry -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33589 , vital:32890
- Description: This study examines the effect of monetary policy on the profitability of the four major banks in South Africa, namely; Standard Bank, Ned bank, ABSA and FNB. The annual data used is for the period of 1999 to 2015, the study use Pooled OLS effects and Fixed effects to investigate the impact of Monetary Policy on Bank Profitability using Return on Assets as profitability measure. Empirical results indicate that monetary policy proxies by repo rate and lending rates were found to have no significant impact on bank profitability in the four major South African banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyakombi, Kulasande Dolly
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Econometric models , Financial services industry -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33589 , vital:32890
- Description: This study examines the effect of monetary policy on the profitability of the four major banks in South Africa, namely; Standard Bank, Ned bank, ABSA and FNB. The annual data used is for the period of 1999 to 2015, the study use Pooled OLS effects and Fixed effects to investigate the impact of Monetary Policy on Bank Profitability using Return on Assets as profitability measure. Empirical results indicate that monetary policy proxies by repo rate and lending rates were found to have no significant impact on bank profitability in the four major South African banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of performance and reward on employee engagement
- Dwane, Ithembekil’Inkosi Den-Boy
- Authors: Dwane, Ithembekil’Inkosi Den-Boy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employee motivation Employees -- Attitudes Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29940 , vital:30797
- Description: In today’s increasing competitive environment employees look for organisations that best meet their expectations. Few barriers prevent mobility of employees between companies, therefore employees may easily change from one organisation to another should they feel that they are not fully challenged and engaged. In a global environment where maintaining competitive advantage is of paramount importance, it is essential to develop effective retention strategies. In order to retain employees companies must try to offer an engaging environment to employees in order to satisfy these expectations in a different way from their competitors with a compelling value and attempts to increase performance and engagement amongst their employees. Nonetheless, employers are more aware now of the importance of an engaged workforce as a way of gaining competitive advantage in these challenging times, where employee attrition is high. Therefore retaining skilled and talented employees has become one of the major challenges faced by all sectors in South Africa, especially the financial sector as a whole. In order to alleviate this challenge companies have developed a robust performance management system and reward initiatives that enhance engagement. This study aimed to explore the impact of performance and reward on employee engagement, and to contribute to the human resource management science literature. The study also aimed to make recommendations on the management factors that determine these variables. The literature review explored traditional and emerging concepts, importance of employee engagement, types and characteristics of engaged II employees. The researcher further elaborated on the literature by including engagement factors, barriers and models. The second chapter of the literature then covered the concept of performance (individual and team) in detail and the concept of reward (extrinsic and intrinsic). From the literature review a performance, reward and engagement questionnaire was designed to find empirical responses to these challenges. The study adopted a quantitative approach (N = 275) testing the relationship of performance and reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) on the dependent variable, employee engagement. The study also entailed a cross sectional design approach. Minitab version 18 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. The findings support a strong correlation between the performance and employee engagement. The findings also indicate that there is a strong correlation between reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) and employee engagement across all employees. From the research findings there is also a strong correlation between the performance and employee engagement. The findings also indicate that there is a strong correlation between reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) and employee engagement across all employees that formed part of this research. The main findings also include some insights for organisations to consider and recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dwane, Ithembekil’Inkosi Den-Boy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employee motivation Employees -- Attitudes Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29940 , vital:30797
- Description: In today’s increasing competitive environment employees look for organisations that best meet their expectations. Few barriers prevent mobility of employees between companies, therefore employees may easily change from one organisation to another should they feel that they are not fully challenged and engaged. In a global environment where maintaining competitive advantage is of paramount importance, it is essential to develop effective retention strategies. In order to retain employees companies must try to offer an engaging environment to employees in order to satisfy these expectations in a different way from their competitors with a compelling value and attempts to increase performance and engagement amongst their employees. Nonetheless, employers are more aware now of the importance of an engaged workforce as a way of gaining competitive advantage in these challenging times, where employee attrition is high. Therefore retaining skilled and talented employees has become one of the major challenges faced by all sectors in South Africa, especially the financial sector as a whole. In order to alleviate this challenge companies have developed a robust performance management system and reward initiatives that enhance engagement. This study aimed to explore the impact of performance and reward on employee engagement, and to contribute to the human resource management science literature. The study also aimed to make recommendations on the management factors that determine these variables. The literature review explored traditional and emerging concepts, importance of employee engagement, types and characteristics of engaged II employees. The researcher further elaborated on the literature by including engagement factors, barriers and models. The second chapter of the literature then covered the concept of performance (individual and team) in detail and the concept of reward (extrinsic and intrinsic). From the literature review a performance, reward and engagement questionnaire was designed to find empirical responses to these challenges. The study adopted a quantitative approach (N = 275) testing the relationship of performance and reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) on the dependent variable, employee engagement. The study also entailed a cross sectional design approach. Minitab version 18 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. The findings support a strong correlation between the performance and employee engagement. The findings also indicate that there is a strong correlation between reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) and employee engagement across all employees. From the research findings there is also a strong correlation between the performance and employee engagement. The findings also indicate that there is a strong correlation between reward (extrinsic and intrinsic) and employee engagement across all employees that formed part of this research. The main findings also include some insights for organisations to consider and recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of poverty alleviation on sustainable development in South Africa and Uganda
- Authors: Ngonde, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Uganda Economic development -- South Africa Economic development -- Uganda South Africa -- Economic conditions Uganda -- Economic conditions Poverty -- South Africa Poverty -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33419 , vital:32852
- Description: The success of a nation is often determined by economic growth which, however, cannot reduce poverty, create jobs and enhance the general standards of living on its own. Therefore, policy makers should focus on policies that are more inclusive and promote sustainable development. Currently, poverty is the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development in most regions of the world. This study thus sought to investigate the impact of poverty alleviation on sustainable development in South Africa and Uganda. An Autoregressive Distributed Lags model (ARDL) was used in order to achieve the aim of this study. The variables analysed in this study were: The Human Sustainable Development Index as an indicator of sustainable development, gross national income per capita as an indicator of poverty, as well as life expectancy, expected years of schooling and carbon dioxide emissions (metric tons per capita) for the period during 1990 and 2014. The empirical findings in this study revealed that all the variables share a long run relationship in both countries. These results also showed that, in the long run, a reduction in poverty and an increase in the expected years of schooling had a significant positive impact on sustainable development, while an increase in the carbon dioxide emissions had a negative effect on sustainable development within South Africa. On the other hand, a reduction in poverty and an increase in the expected years of schooling had a positive effect on sustainable development in Uganda in the long run, unlike carbon dioxide emissions that had no effect. Since a cointegrating relationship was found to exist between the variables, an Error Correction Model (ECM) was estimated. The ECM results revealed that, for South Africa, poverty alleviation had no impact on sustainable development in the short run, unlike expected years of schooling and carbon dioxide emissions that had a positive and negative impact, respectively. In Uganda however, poverty alleviation and expected years of schooling had a positive impact on sustainable development unlike carbon dioxide emissions that had no impact. This study thus revealed that poverty alleviation positively influences the level of sustainable development. However, achieving sustainable development does not solely rely on reducing poverty, but requires policy makers to design strategies that are inclusive and encompass the different aspects of sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngonde, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Uganda Economic development -- South Africa Economic development -- Uganda South Africa -- Economic conditions Uganda -- Economic conditions Poverty -- South Africa Poverty -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33419 , vital:32852
- Description: The success of a nation is often determined by economic growth which, however, cannot reduce poverty, create jobs and enhance the general standards of living on its own. Therefore, policy makers should focus on policies that are more inclusive and promote sustainable development. Currently, poverty is the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development in most regions of the world. This study thus sought to investigate the impact of poverty alleviation on sustainable development in South Africa and Uganda. An Autoregressive Distributed Lags model (ARDL) was used in order to achieve the aim of this study. The variables analysed in this study were: The Human Sustainable Development Index as an indicator of sustainable development, gross national income per capita as an indicator of poverty, as well as life expectancy, expected years of schooling and carbon dioxide emissions (metric tons per capita) for the period during 1990 and 2014. The empirical findings in this study revealed that all the variables share a long run relationship in both countries. These results also showed that, in the long run, a reduction in poverty and an increase in the expected years of schooling had a significant positive impact on sustainable development, while an increase in the carbon dioxide emissions had a negative effect on sustainable development within South Africa. On the other hand, a reduction in poverty and an increase in the expected years of schooling had a positive effect on sustainable development in Uganda in the long run, unlike carbon dioxide emissions that had no effect. Since a cointegrating relationship was found to exist between the variables, an Error Correction Model (ECM) was estimated. The ECM results revealed that, for South Africa, poverty alleviation had no impact on sustainable development in the short run, unlike expected years of schooling and carbon dioxide emissions that had a positive and negative impact, respectively. In Uganda however, poverty alleviation and expected years of schooling had a positive impact on sustainable development unlike carbon dioxide emissions that had no impact. This study thus revealed that poverty alleviation positively influences the level of sustainable development. However, achieving sustainable development does not solely rely on reducing poverty, but requires policy makers to design strategies that are inclusive and encompass the different aspects of sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of technology on job redesign
- Authors: Merchant, Amelia Sarwal
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work design , Job analysis Job enrichment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32006 , vital:31908
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to establish the impact of cognitive technology on job redesign. The study was prompted by the uncertainty on employee job security and satisfaction introduced by leaps in technological development. The study adopted a qualitative approach and targeted business, human resources and IT executives to provide insights on the adoption of cognitive technology and its impact on employees and business profitability. Data were collected through in-depth interviews guided by semi-structured interview guides. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that cognitive technology creates new jobs that require employees to have more advanced skills; challenges employees and companies to collaborate in order to transition to higher levels of efficiency and productivity; and enables employees to advance their careers. Cognitive technology also enables companies to seek improved strategies for job redesign and staff retention. The findings also indicate that employees can be anxious and fearful about job security; companies may lack the capacity or resources to support employees to upskill; and employees may seek alternative employment opportunities. When introducing cognitive technology and conducting the inevitable job redesign the following recommendations were made: Companies should develop change management programs to assure that all employees are on board; Develop a clear roadmap for the roll-out of activities associated with cognitive technology and job redesign; and establish support structures and resources to assist staff to acquire new skills to transition from old to new roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Merchant, Amelia Sarwal
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work design , Job analysis Job enrichment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32006 , vital:31908
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to establish the impact of cognitive technology on job redesign. The study was prompted by the uncertainty on employee job security and satisfaction introduced by leaps in technological development. The study adopted a qualitative approach and targeted business, human resources and IT executives to provide insights on the adoption of cognitive technology and its impact on employees and business profitability. Data were collected through in-depth interviews guided by semi-structured interview guides. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that cognitive technology creates new jobs that require employees to have more advanced skills; challenges employees and companies to collaborate in order to transition to higher levels of efficiency and productivity; and enables employees to advance their careers. Cognitive technology also enables companies to seek improved strategies for job redesign and staff retention. The findings also indicate that employees can be anxious and fearful about job security; companies may lack the capacity or resources to support employees to upskill; and employees may seek alternative employment opportunities. When introducing cognitive technology and conducting the inevitable job redesign the following recommendations were made: Companies should develop change management programs to assure that all employees are on board; Develop a clear roadmap for the roll-out of activities associated with cognitive technology and job redesign; and establish support structures and resources to assist staff to acquire new skills to transition from old to new roles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of the LRA amendments 2015 - section 198 on labour flexibility in the nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry
- Authors: Badenhorst, Petri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23360 , vital:30535
- Description: For many years businesses have been capitalising on the benefits that employees employed on a temporary basis through temporary employment services (labour brokers) has had to offer in terms of labour flexibility. Following the passing of the amended Labour Relations Act of South Africa in early 2015, much attention has been given to section 198 as this section aims to further regulate the use temporary employment. The main objective of this paper consists in studying the impact that the recent amendments to section 198 of the Labour Relations Act have had on labour flexibility in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry. The paper examines how businesses have historically benefitted from the use of temporary labour, how these benefits are slowly being removed, and how businesses are responding to mitigate the risks associated with this legislative change whilst becoming compliant. As the topic being researched is still very recent, with certain legal aspects remaining to be fully tested in the courts, it is hoped that that this study will provide sufficient information to assist all the stakeholders of businesses to make more informative decisions in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Badenhorst, Petri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23360 , vital:30535
- Description: For many years businesses have been capitalising on the benefits that employees employed on a temporary basis through temporary employment services (labour brokers) has had to offer in terms of labour flexibility. Following the passing of the amended Labour Relations Act of South Africa in early 2015, much attention has been given to section 198 as this section aims to further regulate the use temporary employment. The main objective of this paper consists in studying the impact that the recent amendments to section 198 of the Labour Relations Act have had on labour flexibility in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry. The paper examines how businesses have historically benefitted from the use of temporary labour, how these benefits are slowly being removed, and how businesses are responding to mitigate the risks associated with this legislative change whilst becoming compliant. As the topic being researched is still very recent, with certain legal aspects remaining to be fully tested in the courts, it is hoped that that this study will provide sufficient information to assist all the stakeholders of businesses to make more informative decisions in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of microfinance lending on economic growth in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Matema, Travy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31819 , vital:31848
- Description: Given the importance of the potential of microfinance lending as a means of addressing poverty alleviation and fostering economic growth especially in developing countries, this study evaluates the influence of MFI lending on economic growth in Zimbabwe. Hence this study will provide empirical evidence as to whether MFI lending has an influence on economic growth in Zimbabwe. The study employed the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model using quarterly data from 2000- 2016. The stationary tests revealed that the dependent variable was I(1) and the independent variables had mixed stationarity properties l(0) and l(1). The ARDL Bounds Co-integration test showed that there is co-integration between microfinance and economic growth. The findings of the Error Correction Model indicated that microfinance positively influences economic growth. Furthermore, by investing in microfinance lending the economy will be positively influenced within a year’s time. This study provides justification for the pursual of capitalising on microfinance lending as well as for Developmental Institutions and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to prioritise funding for microfinance lending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Matema, Travy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31819 , vital:31848
- Description: Given the importance of the potential of microfinance lending as a means of addressing poverty alleviation and fostering economic growth especially in developing countries, this study evaluates the influence of MFI lending on economic growth in Zimbabwe. Hence this study will provide empirical evidence as to whether MFI lending has an influence on economic growth in Zimbabwe. The study employed the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model using quarterly data from 2000- 2016. The stationary tests revealed that the dependent variable was I(1) and the independent variables had mixed stationarity properties l(0) and l(1). The ARDL Bounds Co-integration test showed that there is co-integration between microfinance and economic growth. The findings of the Error Correction Model indicated that microfinance positively influences economic growth. Furthermore, by investing in microfinance lending the economy will be positively influenced within a year’s time. This study provides justification for the pursual of capitalising on microfinance lending as well as for Developmental Institutions and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to prioritise funding for microfinance lending.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of the state IT agency’s current performance-based rewards on employee motivation
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of transformational and transcendental leadership on the engagement and job performance of employees in SMME’s
- Authors: Govender, Roxanne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Performance -- Management Job satisfaction -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth Leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22167 , vital:29865
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of transformational and transcendental leadership adopted by SMME owners, and to investigate the subsequent influence on the engagement and job performance of employees working in SMME’s in Port Elizabeth. These small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) were selected as they play a fundamental role in South Africa’s economy. These organisations drive innovation, facilitate job creation and foster economic growth. However, these SMME’s are facing an increased failure rate which has an impact on continuity for the foreseeable future. A significant reason for the increased failure rate has been identified as poor leadership practice which significantly influences the engagement and job performance of employees in SMME’s. To address and solve this problem, the research design and methodology followed a quantitative approach. A quantitative approach was deemed to be the most appropriate when the objectives and nature of the study were revised. The population was identified to be all employees working for the small, medium and micro-sized enterprises conducting business in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province. The sample for this study was selected using judgement and convenience sampling as it was inexpensive and respondents were more available which enabled a larger sample size quicker (Wegner, 2016, p.161). A cross-sectional study then supplemented these sampling methods. Lastly, an empirical study was conducted to test the hypotheses formulated in Figure 1.1. The findings from the empirical study indicated that transformational leadership significantly influenced engagement and trancendental leadership significantly influenced job performance. The findings also indicated that the demographic variables in the study had no influence on the level of transformational and transcendental leadership that SMME owners and management exhibit in the workplace. The majority of respondents agreed that a high level of transformational and transcendental leadership was currently being exhibited by SMME owners and management. Recommendations were made in an effort to improve the current levels of transformational and transcendental leadership of SMME owners and management. There would be a subsequent impact on the engagement and job performance of employees. When employees are satisfied, there is a greater sense of responsibility and integrity which results in greater job performance. There is also a positive ripple effect on the performance of the organisation. This paints a positive picture for South Africa’s economy and SMME continuity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Govender, Roxanne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Performance -- Management Job satisfaction -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth Leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22167 , vital:29865
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of transformational and transcendental leadership adopted by SMME owners, and to investigate the subsequent influence on the engagement and job performance of employees working in SMME’s in Port Elizabeth. These small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) were selected as they play a fundamental role in South Africa’s economy. These organisations drive innovation, facilitate job creation and foster economic growth. However, these SMME’s are facing an increased failure rate which has an impact on continuity for the foreseeable future. A significant reason for the increased failure rate has been identified as poor leadership practice which significantly influences the engagement and job performance of employees in SMME’s. To address and solve this problem, the research design and methodology followed a quantitative approach. A quantitative approach was deemed to be the most appropriate when the objectives and nature of the study were revised. The population was identified to be all employees working for the small, medium and micro-sized enterprises conducting business in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province. The sample for this study was selected using judgement and convenience sampling as it was inexpensive and respondents were more available which enabled a larger sample size quicker (Wegner, 2016, p.161). A cross-sectional study then supplemented these sampling methods. Lastly, an empirical study was conducted to test the hypotheses formulated in Figure 1.1. The findings from the empirical study indicated that transformational leadership significantly influenced engagement and trancendental leadership significantly influenced job performance. The findings also indicated that the demographic variables in the study had no influence on the level of transformational and transcendental leadership that SMME owners and management exhibit in the workplace. The majority of respondents agreed that a high level of transformational and transcendental leadership was currently being exhibited by SMME owners and management. Recommendations were made in an effort to improve the current levels of transformational and transcendental leadership of SMME owners and management. There would be a subsequent impact on the engagement and job performance of employees. When employees are satisfied, there is a greater sense of responsibility and integrity which results in greater job performance. There is also a positive ripple effect on the performance of the organisation. This paints a positive picture for South Africa’s economy and SMME continuity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The intention of third party logistics service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices
- Authors: Jappie, Abdul-Gasiep
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa -- Management Industrial procurement -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30605 , vital:30975
- Description: With the increase in global trade, an escalation of industry competition, greater customer expectations and increasingly larger and more complex supply chains, third-party logistics (3PL) providers play an increasingly important role in international trade. Driven by globalisation and the advances in information technology, 3PL services have experienced unprecedented growth around the world. Given its prominence in global trade, 3PL service providers have, since the late 1980’s, attracted increased scholarly attention and as such, many practitioners regard 3PL providers as integral to external parties that may be consulted for any and all matters related to logistics service, and that are often engaged in the strategic coordination of businesses supply chain activities. Although the body of literature concerned with environmental issues in disciplines such as production and marketing have grown, similar literature involving logistics has been scarce, but expanding. Notwithstanding this growing literature, more research on environmental issues within the logistics industry is required, since the logistics service industry may have a greater negative environmental impact than other service sectors. Despite extensive scientific literature on the outsourcing of logistics functions and 3PL strategy, comparatively fewer studies on environmental sustainability exist in the 3PL industry. It is against this background that the main research question to be addressed in this study is which factors influence the intentions of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. A quantitative research methodology was adopted in this study to empirically test the proposed hypothetical model. By means of non-probability sampling, namely convenience sampling, a total of 122 3PL service providers were targeted within Nelson Mandela Bay during the empirical study. This was done by means of a survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were utilised to summarise the data collected from the sample. To test the hypothesised relationships in the theoretical model, multiple regression analyses were used. The influence of three internal factors (management support, organisational culture and availability of resources) three external factors (competitive pressure, customer pressure and government influences) on the intention of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices xii were assessed. The findings of this analysis showed that management and organisational support, customer pressures and government influences and have a significant influence on the intention to adopt environmentally sustainable practices for these businesses. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge regarding the intentions of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology which have been justified and applied. This can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of adopting sustainable business practices. The measuring instrument and hypothetical model developed can also be used by organisations in other industries to investigate intentions to adopt sustainable practices. This study also provided useful and very practical guidelines to 3PL service providers as to ensure effective adoption of sustainable business practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jappie, Abdul-Gasiep
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa , Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa -- Management Industrial procurement -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30605 , vital:30975
- Description: With the increase in global trade, an escalation of industry competition, greater customer expectations and increasingly larger and more complex supply chains, third-party logistics (3PL) providers play an increasingly important role in international trade. Driven by globalisation and the advances in information technology, 3PL services have experienced unprecedented growth around the world. Given its prominence in global trade, 3PL service providers have, since the late 1980’s, attracted increased scholarly attention and as such, many practitioners regard 3PL providers as integral to external parties that may be consulted for any and all matters related to logistics service, and that are often engaged in the strategic coordination of businesses supply chain activities. Although the body of literature concerned with environmental issues in disciplines such as production and marketing have grown, similar literature involving logistics has been scarce, but expanding. Notwithstanding this growing literature, more research on environmental issues within the logistics industry is required, since the logistics service industry may have a greater negative environmental impact than other service sectors. Despite extensive scientific literature on the outsourcing of logistics functions and 3PL strategy, comparatively fewer studies on environmental sustainability exist in the 3PL industry. It is against this background that the main research question to be addressed in this study is which factors influence the intentions of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. A quantitative research methodology was adopted in this study to empirically test the proposed hypothetical model. By means of non-probability sampling, namely convenience sampling, a total of 122 3PL service providers were targeted within Nelson Mandela Bay during the empirical study. This was done by means of a survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were utilised to summarise the data collected from the sample. To test the hypothesised relationships in the theoretical model, multiple regression analyses were used. The influence of three internal factors (management support, organisational culture and availability of resources) three external factors (competitive pressure, customer pressure and government influences) on the intention of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices xii were assessed. The findings of this analysis showed that management and organisational support, customer pressures and government influences and have a significant influence on the intention to adopt environmentally sustainable practices for these businesses. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge regarding the intentions of 3PL service providers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology which have been justified and applied. This can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of adopting sustainable business practices. The measuring instrument and hypothetical model developed can also be used by organisations in other industries to investigate intentions to adopt sustainable practices. This study also provided useful and very practical guidelines to 3PL service providers as to ensure effective adoption of sustainable business practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The intersection between social development and the internationalisation of higher education in Colombia
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The key drivers of grain commodity prices in South Africa: a market intelligence approach
- Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Authors: Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marketing research -- South Africa , Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Grain -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22725 , vital:30068
- Description: Grain forms a staple part of the majority of the global populations’ diets and it is used a raw material for animal feed in many countries. The envisaged increase in population in years to come can be expected to increase the demand of grain globally. Grain production is expected to fulfil energy requirements since developed countries are increasingly utilising grain as an alternative energy source to reduce the negative environmental effects caused by energy derived from fossil fuels. The grain value chain in South Africa consists of grain producers, input suppliers, millers and processors, as well as traders and speculators. The majority of the grain producers in South Africa are commercial farmers who play an important role in the economy of the country. South Africa trades their grain commodities on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange where grain prices are controlled by different social, economic and political factors. This gives rise to grain commodity price volatility because of its sensitivity to market changes. This study focuses on the difficulty faced by the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain, like traders and speculators, who are exposed to price related risks as a result of the volatility of the grain commodity. It presents the current mitigation strategies that are available to hedge against these risks. Research shows that the current mitigation strategies are not being fully utilised by the grain producers because of their lack of skills and the time to search through and make sense of the datasets on the abundance of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This study presents a market intelligence approach as a solution to the grain volatility price risk. Market intelligence is utilised to enable the prediction of grain prices and to discover the factors that are driving the market at different periods. This is achieved by utilising neural networks and relative importance statistical techniques. In this study, it was found that the impact of the different factors changes from time to time. It proposed a technique for making sense of the changes in the prices of grain commodities. A framework for the implementation of market intelligence to mitigate against price volatility risks is proposed as an output of this study. The impact of the findings of this study to the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain is that they can have insight on which factor is driving the market at a given period. This would enable then to adjust their activities and enable increased profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marketing research -- South Africa , Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Grain -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22725 , vital:30068
- Description: Grain forms a staple part of the majority of the global populations’ diets and it is used a raw material for animal feed in many countries. The envisaged increase in population in years to come can be expected to increase the demand of grain globally. Grain production is expected to fulfil energy requirements since developed countries are increasingly utilising grain as an alternative energy source to reduce the negative environmental effects caused by energy derived from fossil fuels. The grain value chain in South Africa consists of grain producers, input suppliers, millers and processors, as well as traders and speculators. The majority of the grain producers in South Africa are commercial farmers who play an important role in the economy of the country. South Africa trades their grain commodities on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange where grain prices are controlled by different social, economic and political factors. This gives rise to grain commodity price volatility because of its sensitivity to market changes. This study focuses on the difficulty faced by the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain, like traders and speculators, who are exposed to price related risks as a result of the volatility of the grain commodity. It presents the current mitigation strategies that are available to hedge against these risks. Research shows that the current mitigation strategies are not being fully utilised by the grain producers because of their lack of skills and the time to search through and make sense of the datasets on the abundance of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This study presents a market intelligence approach as a solution to the grain volatility price risk. Market intelligence is utilised to enable the prediction of grain prices and to discover the factors that are driving the market at different periods. This is achieved by utilising neural networks and relative importance statistical techniques. In this study, it was found that the impact of the different factors changes from time to time. It proposed a technique for making sense of the changes in the prices of grain commodities. A framework for the implementation of market intelligence to mitigate against price volatility risks is proposed as an output of this study. The impact of the findings of this study to the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain is that they can have insight on which factor is driving the market at a given period. This would enable then to adjust their activities and enable increased profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between conflict cycles and sustainable development goals
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018