Dimensions of a memorable experience within a marine tourism context
- Authors: Jonas, Altouise Glowdean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Customer relations Relationship marketing Tourism -- Environmental aspects Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30540 , vital:30958
- Description: Worldwide, businesses are operating in an environment which is continuously changing, forcing them to adapt their strategies in order to remain competitive. Two changes were of particular importance to this study. Firstly, businesses are faced with an increasing demand from consumers for experiences as opposed to products and services. Secondly, consumers are demanding experiences that are not just ordinary, but are unique and memorable. As one of the largest and most diverse industries globally, tourism offers a multitude of tourist activities. Marine tourism is one of the oldest, most popular and fastest developing types of tourism globally. Marine tourism has also become popular in South Africa. This popularity might be attributed to the country’s expansive coastline and to it being home to one of the most diverse marine systems in the world. Marine tourism makes significant contributions to South Africa’s economy. More benefits can be derived from this lucrative type of tourism if attention is given to the design and provision of marine tourism experiences that go beyond average experiences, and become memorable experiences. The reason for conducting this research was to provide the South African tourism industry, and marine tourism operators in particular, with information which might assist them in designing and staging memorable experiences. Such memorable experiences could result in a competitive advantage and enable the operators to attract more customers, which in turn, will benefit the individual operators, the industry as a whole, and ultimately, the South African economy. The study focused on three marine tourism activities, namely; shark-diving, visits to marine protected areas and whale-watching. Eight dimensions, namely; Delight, Hedonism, Involvement, Knowledge, Meaningfulness, Novelty, Refreshment and Social-Interaction were identified as prospective dimensions of a memorable experience within a marine tourism context. v The study employed purposive, convenience and snowball sampling to identify potential respondents. Primary data was collected by means of an online survey and paper-based self-administered questionnaires. Four hundred and forty-four useable responses were received. The results of the empirical study showed a positive correlation between all the dimensions and memorable experience for each of the three activities and for all the activities combined. A second order factor analysis showed that the eight dimensions loaded onto two factors. The resulting factors were named as the Affective Domain (consisting of Hedonism, Refreshment, Delight and Involvement) and the Cognitive Domain (consisting of Knowledge, Social- Interaction, Meaningfulness and Novelty). A positive relationship was found between the Affective Domain and Memorable Experience and also between the Cognitive Domain and Memorable Experience. The Cognitive domain showed a stronger relationship with Memorable Experience than what the Affective Domain did, for all the activities combined. The memorability of an experience in the case of all three activities combined can, firstly, be improved by Involvement. This is closely followed by the following dimensions in the Affective Domain; Delight, Hedonism and Refreshment. Under the Cognitive Domain the factor which is most important for improving memorability of all the activities combined is Meaningfulness, followed by Knowledge, Novelty and Social-Interaction. Finally, structural equation modelling confirmed a model representing the eight experience dimensions (Delight, Hedonism, Involvement, Knowledge, Meaningfulness, Novelty, Refreshment and Social-Interaction) and identified the relationships between the dimensions and Memorable Experience. This study makes four important contributions. Firstly, it contributes to the under-researched topic of marine tourism in South Africa. Secondly, it adds to the literature on memorable tourism experiences, specifically memorable marine tourism experiences and provides a measurement instrument and framework for further research. Thirdly, the study identifies and confirms that ‘delight’ is an important dimension of a memorable marine tourism experience. vi Lastly, a model was developed which can be used by marine tourism operators to enhance their strategies, operations and facilities which will enable operators to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jonas, Altouise Glowdean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Customer relations Relationship marketing Tourism -- Environmental aspects Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30540 , vital:30958
- Description: Worldwide, businesses are operating in an environment which is continuously changing, forcing them to adapt their strategies in order to remain competitive. Two changes were of particular importance to this study. Firstly, businesses are faced with an increasing demand from consumers for experiences as opposed to products and services. Secondly, consumers are demanding experiences that are not just ordinary, but are unique and memorable. As one of the largest and most diverse industries globally, tourism offers a multitude of tourist activities. Marine tourism is one of the oldest, most popular and fastest developing types of tourism globally. Marine tourism has also become popular in South Africa. This popularity might be attributed to the country’s expansive coastline and to it being home to one of the most diverse marine systems in the world. Marine tourism makes significant contributions to South Africa’s economy. More benefits can be derived from this lucrative type of tourism if attention is given to the design and provision of marine tourism experiences that go beyond average experiences, and become memorable experiences. The reason for conducting this research was to provide the South African tourism industry, and marine tourism operators in particular, with information which might assist them in designing and staging memorable experiences. Such memorable experiences could result in a competitive advantage and enable the operators to attract more customers, which in turn, will benefit the individual operators, the industry as a whole, and ultimately, the South African economy. The study focused on three marine tourism activities, namely; shark-diving, visits to marine protected areas and whale-watching. Eight dimensions, namely; Delight, Hedonism, Involvement, Knowledge, Meaningfulness, Novelty, Refreshment and Social-Interaction were identified as prospective dimensions of a memorable experience within a marine tourism context. v The study employed purposive, convenience and snowball sampling to identify potential respondents. Primary data was collected by means of an online survey and paper-based self-administered questionnaires. Four hundred and forty-four useable responses were received. The results of the empirical study showed a positive correlation between all the dimensions and memorable experience for each of the three activities and for all the activities combined. A second order factor analysis showed that the eight dimensions loaded onto two factors. The resulting factors were named as the Affective Domain (consisting of Hedonism, Refreshment, Delight and Involvement) and the Cognitive Domain (consisting of Knowledge, Social- Interaction, Meaningfulness and Novelty). A positive relationship was found between the Affective Domain and Memorable Experience and also between the Cognitive Domain and Memorable Experience. The Cognitive domain showed a stronger relationship with Memorable Experience than what the Affective Domain did, for all the activities combined. The memorability of an experience in the case of all three activities combined can, firstly, be improved by Involvement. This is closely followed by the following dimensions in the Affective Domain; Delight, Hedonism and Refreshment. Under the Cognitive Domain the factor which is most important for improving memorability of all the activities combined is Meaningfulness, followed by Knowledge, Novelty and Social-Interaction. Finally, structural equation modelling confirmed a model representing the eight experience dimensions (Delight, Hedonism, Involvement, Knowledge, Meaningfulness, Novelty, Refreshment and Social-Interaction) and identified the relationships between the dimensions and Memorable Experience. This study makes four important contributions. Firstly, it contributes to the under-researched topic of marine tourism in South Africa. Secondly, it adds to the literature on memorable tourism experiences, specifically memorable marine tourism experiences and provides a measurement instrument and framework for further research. Thirdly, the study identifies and confirms that ‘delight’ is an important dimension of a memorable marine tourism experience. vi Lastly, a model was developed which can be used by marine tourism operators to enhance their strategies, operations and facilities which will enable operators to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Escalating debt in municipalities: a case study of financial sustainability in the Amahlathi Municipality
- Authors: Mashiyi, Buntu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance Debt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22651 , vital:30045
- Description: Municipalities have recently been in the media for the wrong reasons with certain allegations being levelled against these institutions. The allegations range from lack of service delivery, corruption and lack of good governance. This has resulted in communities showing frustrations through protests that result in the destruction of the existing infrastructure and, in some areas, boycotts towards payments of rates and services. The study seeks to establish the reasons that lead to ratepayers and communities not paying for rates and services. In the process of establishing the above, it seeks to come up with suggestions and solutions that can be implemented by municipalities to ensure that the ‘going concern’ is addressed. To achieve the above purpose a literature review was conducted on available sources of information looking at financial sustainability, the role of municipalities, powers and functions of municipalities and how these institutions are funded. The study also looked at literature regarding the strategies to increase revenue and improve debt collection. The study used Amahlathi Local Municipality as a case study where a sample was selected from the population. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to the sample and responses were received to the tune of 203 respondents. Questionnaires were both qualitative and quantitative as they had both open-ended and closed questions. Quantitative questionnaires were distributed to the community and the qualitative questionnaires were distributed for expert opinion. Analysis was done against the research questions to establish if there were any links to the literature and the findings of the study. The study found that communities are fed up with unsustainable or a lack of service delivery that the municipality is providing. This has been linked to some information gaps between the councillors and the community in terms of municipal programmes. More needs to be done in terms of ensuring that ward meetings are held on a regular basis so as to improve communication. There is also an observation of a ‘culture of non-payment’ emanating from political canvassing during voting periods which negatively affects the cash flows of the municipality and that public representatives need to champion debt collection endeavours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mashiyi, Buntu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance Debt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22651 , vital:30045
- Description: Municipalities have recently been in the media for the wrong reasons with certain allegations being levelled against these institutions. The allegations range from lack of service delivery, corruption and lack of good governance. This has resulted in communities showing frustrations through protests that result in the destruction of the existing infrastructure and, in some areas, boycotts towards payments of rates and services. The study seeks to establish the reasons that lead to ratepayers and communities not paying for rates and services. In the process of establishing the above, it seeks to come up with suggestions and solutions that can be implemented by municipalities to ensure that the ‘going concern’ is addressed. To achieve the above purpose a literature review was conducted on available sources of information looking at financial sustainability, the role of municipalities, powers and functions of municipalities and how these institutions are funded. The study also looked at literature regarding the strategies to increase revenue and improve debt collection. The study used Amahlathi Local Municipality as a case study where a sample was selected from the population. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to the sample and responses were received to the tune of 203 respondents. Questionnaires were both qualitative and quantitative as they had both open-ended and closed questions. Quantitative questionnaires were distributed to the community and the qualitative questionnaires were distributed for expert opinion. Analysis was done against the research questions to establish if there were any links to the literature and the findings of the study. The study found that communities are fed up with unsustainable or a lack of service delivery that the municipality is providing. This has been linked to some information gaps between the councillors and the community in terms of municipal programmes. More needs to be done in terms of ensuring that ward meetings are held on a regular basis so as to improve communication. There is also an observation of a ‘culture of non-payment’ emanating from political canvassing during voting periods which negatively affects the cash flows of the municipality and that public representatives need to champion debt collection endeavours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Espoused and actual employee value proposition (EVP) at the SPAR Group - Eastern Cape (SPAR EC)
- Authors: Prins, Alveno
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Supermarkets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23001 , vital:30291
- Description: Globally there is a shortage of talent with organisations facing the challenge of attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. It has therefore become a priority for any organisation to ensure, that the offer made to attract talent, extends beyond a salary. The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a strategic tool that could be used to ensure that the offer made to employees is indeed an offer of value, considering both extrinsic and intrinsic attributes; therefore, ensuring the attraction, engagement and retention of talent. All organisations have an EVP, whether documented or not; however, the effectiveness thereof should be questioned. This was the aim of this study, namely, to assess whether a gap exists between the espoused and actual employee value proposition at the SPAR Group – Eastern Cape (SPAR EC). The study used an existing questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 150 respondents. The questionnaire was adapted to align to the company and industry studied and aimed to answer the following questions: To what extent did employees expect to find, both intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the company? How important were these intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics to attract employees to the organisation? In addition, to what extent did employees experience the expected intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the organisation? These questions formed the essence of the study, using expectation, importance and experience as categories to distinguish the perceptions of respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that a gap does indeed exist between the espoused and actual EVP at SPAR EC. EVP attributes associated with people and their advancement, such as personal and career development opportunities, recognition provided to employees for exceptional performance, work-life balance and the level of involvement and empowerment of employees, were experienced to a lower extent in the organisation, when compared to the respondents’ level of expectation and how important they deem these attributes. It was therefore recommended that SPAR EC focus on these attributes, as employees determine for themselves the extent to which they experience “value” in organisations. Employees who view their organisations' EVP to be of less value are likely to withdraw, by either not contributing or by resigning from the organisation altogether (Heger, 2007).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Prins, Alveno
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Supermarkets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23001 , vital:30291
- Description: Globally there is a shortage of talent with organisations facing the challenge of attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. It has therefore become a priority for any organisation to ensure, that the offer made to attract talent, extends beyond a salary. The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a strategic tool that could be used to ensure that the offer made to employees is indeed an offer of value, considering both extrinsic and intrinsic attributes; therefore, ensuring the attraction, engagement and retention of talent. All organisations have an EVP, whether documented or not; however, the effectiveness thereof should be questioned. This was the aim of this study, namely, to assess whether a gap exists between the espoused and actual employee value proposition at the SPAR Group – Eastern Cape (SPAR EC). The study used an existing questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 150 respondents. The questionnaire was adapted to align to the company and industry studied and aimed to answer the following questions: To what extent did employees expect to find, both intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the company? How important were these intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics to attract employees to the organisation? In addition, to what extent did employees experience the expected intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the organisation? These questions formed the essence of the study, using expectation, importance and experience as categories to distinguish the perceptions of respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that a gap does indeed exist between the espoused and actual EVP at SPAR EC. EVP attributes associated with people and their advancement, such as personal and career development opportunities, recognition provided to employees for exceptional performance, work-life balance and the level of involvement and empowerment of employees, were experienced to a lower extent in the organisation, when compared to the respondents’ level of expectation and how important they deem these attributes. It was therefore recommended that SPAR EC focus on these attributes, as employees determine for themselves the extent to which they experience “value” in organisations. Employees who view their organisations' EVP to be of less value are likely to withdraw, by either not contributing or by resigning from the organisation altogether (Heger, 2007).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Establishing opportunities for using big data analysis at the Herald
- Authors: Joshua, Nadeem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Big data , Business intelligence -- Data processing Data mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30529 , vital:30957
- Description: A few years ago, merely mentioning the term ‘big data’ within industry circles, would more than likely have received a quirky and confused look; however, the term big data has gained huge popularity in recent years among IT professionals and academics. The big data phenomenon has exploded in popularity worldwide, and continues to grow exponentially with each passing day. It has been good news for many industries, as industries are going ablaze with the huge volume, variety and velocity of data. As technology advances it is lifting and removing so many boundaries, and answering questions that are not currently being asked. Therefore, it is that big data is taking the world by storm, and it is safe to say that big data has gone mainstream with countless benefits being developed within industries. The opportunity for employing big data strategies are many, according to McKinsey and Company, and the growth in big data will spark a new wave of ‘innovation, competition and productivity’ within businesses (McKinsey & Company, 2011). Taking advantage of these opportunities will be challenging for companies, creating the need for new skills, tools and ways of thinking. Implementing big data would help in creating new innovative business models, as executives are challenged to make their organisations resilient and agile in today’s challenging business environment. This research paper aimed to unpack the understanding of big data, the challenges, and the value to an organisation and provide a guideline or framework to implement a big data strategy. Furthermore, this research examines the opportunities and the potential value that organisations would obtain from implementing big data, as well as the challenges that could hinder implementation. Due to the rapid growth and size of data, decision-makers need to be able to gain valuable insights from such varied and rapidly changing data that will help organisations make far better, intelligent and data-driven decisions which may help in improving operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Joshua, Nadeem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Big data , Business intelligence -- Data processing Data mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30529 , vital:30957
- Description: A few years ago, merely mentioning the term ‘big data’ within industry circles, would more than likely have received a quirky and confused look; however, the term big data has gained huge popularity in recent years among IT professionals and academics. The big data phenomenon has exploded in popularity worldwide, and continues to grow exponentially with each passing day. It has been good news for many industries, as industries are going ablaze with the huge volume, variety and velocity of data. As technology advances it is lifting and removing so many boundaries, and answering questions that are not currently being asked. Therefore, it is that big data is taking the world by storm, and it is safe to say that big data has gone mainstream with countless benefits being developed within industries. The opportunity for employing big data strategies are many, according to McKinsey and Company, and the growth in big data will spark a new wave of ‘innovation, competition and productivity’ within businesses (McKinsey & Company, 2011). Taking advantage of these opportunities will be challenging for companies, creating the need for new skills, tools and ways of thinking. Implementing big data would help in creating new innovative business models, as executives are challenged to make their organisations resilient and agile in today’s challenging business environment. This research paper aimed to unpack the understanding of big data, the challenges, and the value to an organisation and provide a guideline or framework to implement a big data strategy. Furthermore, this research examines the opportunities and the potential value that organisations would obtain from implementing big data, as well as the challenges that could hinder implementation. Due to the rapid growth and size of data, decision-makers need to be able to gain valuable insights from such varied and rapidly changing data that will help organisations make far better, intelligent and data-driven decisions which may help in improving operations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating the business improvement strategies, practices and challenges in the platinum mining industry
- Authors: Mulaudzi, Marubini David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business planning -- South Africa , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32938 , vital:32412
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategies, practices and challenges relating to business performance and the implementation of business improvement to align production and maintenance strategies to the corporate strategy in Anglo American Platinum, a mining operation in South Africa. A set of questions were used in a qualitative research design through interview questions to collect data from corporate strategic management and the operational management involved in business improvement initiatives in the production and maintenance processes. Globally, mining companies are faced with many challenges, including safety, system integration and standardisation, caring for the environment, cost controlling and reliability of machinery and equipment. The mining industry is both labour and capital-intensive. While the South African labour force has unlimited demands on wages and salaries, most machinery runs at its maximum capacity and requires more capital for the operations to continue production, ensuring value creation for all stakeholders and hence sustainability of the operations. The situation was aggravated when market forces determining the commodity prices became volatile, causing the slump in the commodity prices. As a result, profit margins were eroded by the higher costs of production and higher wages costs. To create a sustainable, cost-effective operation and improve recovery and grades, mining companies such as Anglo American Platinum implemented a business improvement initiative. This study aims to evaluate the strategies, practices and challenges in relation to business improvement at Anglo American Platinum. Observations are that the impact of misalignment between corporate strategy, together with business improvement production and maintenance strategies, contribute minimally to the performance of production at Anglo American Platinum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mulaudzi, Marubini David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business planning -- South Africa , Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32938 , vital:32412
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategies, practices and challenges relating to business performance and the implementation of business improvement to align production and maintenance strategies to the corporate strategy in Anglo American Platinum, a mining operation in South Africa. A set of questions were used in a qualitative research design through interview questions to collect data from corporate strategic management and the operational management involved in business improvement initiatives in the production and maintenance processes. Globally, mining companies are faced with many challenges, including safety, system integration and standardisation, caring for the environment, cost controlling and reliability of machinery and equipment. The mining industry is both labour and capital-intensive. While the South African labour force has unlimited demands on wages and salaries, most machinery runs at its maximum capacity and requires more capital for the operations to continue production, ensuring value creation for all stakeholders and hence sustainability of the operations. The situation was aggravated when market forces determining the commodity prices became volatile, causing the slump in the commodity prices. As a result, profit margins were eroded by the higher costs of production and higher wages costs. To create a sustainable, cost-effective operation and improve recovery and grades, mining companies such as Anglo American Platinum implemented a business improvement initiative. This study aims to evaluate the strategies, practices and challenges in relation to business improvement at Anglo American Platinum. Observations are that the impact of misalignment between corporate strategy, together with business improvement production and maintenance strategies, contribute minimally to the performance of production at Anglo American Platinum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating the impact of energy policies on sustainable development in South Africa
- Authors: Julius, Ibitoye Oyebanji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Energy policy -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa Renewable energy sources -- South Africa Sustainable living -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30440 , vital:30944
- Description: The unachieved targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the end of 2015 by some developing countries including South Africa, lead to the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensuring access to sustainable, affordable, and modern energy is one of the 17 SDGs that the countries are expected to achieve before the end of 2030. Green growth is an important strategy for attaining this goal and a pathway to achieving the other goals. Therefore, an empirical study of the impact of energy policies on sustainable development is pertinent. Despite the importance of such research, there exists a gap in the literature relating to green growth and sustainable development from the SDGs point of view. This study fills the existing lacuna by developing an intertemporal holistic model which allows a study of the impact of energy policies on sustainable development in relation to the SDGs. Specifically, this thesis employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Toda-Yamamoto approaches to analyse the long-run relationship and direction of causality respectively between green growth policies and sustainable development in South Africa from 1984 to 2016. This research provides insights into the importance of green growth for factors such as deforestation, fuel exports, energy imports and agricultural development, thus adding to the existing literature on the impact of renewable energy on a country’s social, environmental and economic conditions. Results from the analysis of the long-run relationship between green growth and macroeconomic variables, indicate a positive unidirectional relationship between changes in green growth policies and gross capital formation. This finding suggests that adopting green growth policies leads to increased investments. In contrast, green growth was found to have a negative effect on national income (gross domestic product). However, the Granger causality tests do not establish causality between these variables. Although green growth policies stimulate investments, high start-up costs associated with the implementation of these policies may mean that the resultant higher investments are yet to be translated to higher income levels in the South African economy. The findings indicate a boost in the South African balance of payment within the study period iv iv as evidenced by the positive long-run relationship between green growth policies and fuel exports. Additionally, the results indicate that green growth energy policies have assisted in improving the resilience to international oil price shocks as shown in the negative and significant long-run relationship between green growth and energy imports. With regard to environmental variables, results suggest a substitutability effect between green growth policies and the consumption of non-renewable energy. However, no evidence is found on the impact of green growth policies on the levels of deforestation and carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions, as well as natural resource depletion. In relation to the social variables, adoption of green growth policies was found to lead to improved educational quality, with causality running in both directions. This finding supports the feedback hypothesis. Similarly, green growth policies had a positive impact on agricultural development, again with causality established in both directions. The outcome of the long-run relationship between green energy consumption and unemployment shows that the green growth policies is yet to have a significant impact on unemployment reduction in South Africa. Green growth also has an insignificant and indirect relationship with GDP per capita; this result was affirmed by the absence of causality between GDP per capita and green energy consumption. This research not only makes contributions to the literature on the relevance of green growth policies for achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability, it also suggests possible policy implications which highlight the need for adoption and continued implementation of green growth policies in developing countries such as South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Julius, Ibitoye Oyebanji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Energy policy -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa Renewable energy sources -- South Africa Sustainable living -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30440 , vital:30944
- Description: The unachieved targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the end of 2015 by some developing countries including South Africa, lead to the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ensuring access to sustainable, affordable, and modern energy is one of the 17 SDGs that the countries are expected to achieve before the end of 2030. Green growth is an important strategy for attaining this goal and a pathway to achieving the other goals. Therefore, an empirical study of the impact of energy policies on sustainable development is pertinent. Despite the importance of such research, there exists a gap in the literature relating to green growth and sustainable development from the SDGs point of view. This study fills the existing lacuna by developing an intertemporal holistic model which allows a study of the impact of energy policies on sustainable development in relation to the SDGs. Specifically, this thesis employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Toda-Yamamoto approaches to analyse the long-run relationship and direction of causality respectively between green growth policies and sustainable development in South Africa from 1984 to 2016. This research provides insights into the importance of green growth for factors such as deforestation, fuel exports, energy imports and agricultural development, thus adding to the existing literature on the impact of renewable energy on a country’s social, environmental and economic conditions. Results from the analysis of the long-run relationship between green growth and macroeconomic variables, indicate a positive unidirectional relationship between changes in green growth policies and gross capital formation. This finding suggests that adopting green growth policies leads to increased investments. In contrast, green growth was found to have a negative effect on national income (gross domestic product). However, the Granger causality tests do not establish causality between these variables. Although green growth policies stimulate investments, high start-up costs associated with the implementation of these policies may mean that the resultant higher investments are yet to be translated to higher income levels in the South African economy. The findings indicate a boost in the South African balance of payment within the study period iv iv as evidenced by the positive long-run relationship between green growth policies and fuel exports. Additionally, the results indicate that green growth energy policies have assisted in improving the resilience to international oil price shocks as shown in the negative and significant long-run relationship between green growth and energy imports. With regard to environmental variables, results suggest a substitutability effect between green growth policies and the consumption of non-renewable energy. However, no evidence is found on the impact of green growth policies on the levels of deforestation and carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions, as well as natural resource depletion. In relation to the social variables, adoption of green growth policies was found to lead to improved educational quality, with causality running in both directions. This finding supports the feedback hypothesis. Similarly, green growth policies had a positive impact on agricultural development, again with causality established in both directions. The outcome of the long-run relationship between green energy consumption and unemployment shows that the green growth policies is yet to have a significant impact on unemployment reduction in South Africa. Green growth also has an insignificant and indirect relationship with GDP per capita; this result was affirmed by the absence of causality between GDP per capita and green energy consumption. This research not only makes contributions to the literature on the relevance of green growth policies for achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability, it also suggests possible policy implications which highlight the need for adoption and continued implementation of green growth policies in developing countries such as South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Examining the long-run equilibrium between South African and United States markets
- Authors: Meyiwa, Zenande Mandilakhe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models Macroeconomic studies Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22692 , vital:30058
- Description: The objective of this study is to examine the long-run equilibrium between the markets of South Africa and the United States of America (USA). To achieve this, the study reviews theoretical literature that examines the link between stock market returns, the real effective exchange rate and interest rates. Furthermore, the study provides a review of previous empirical literature. In addition, the study estimates a number of time series econometric techniques to examine the equilibrium between the four variables. The study estimates: The Johansen co-integration test, the Granger causality test in the VAR system; the Impulse Response Function, as well as the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition. The period under review is January 1996 to January 2016. The Granger Causality test revealed that there is a one-way causality from interest rates to the JSE ALSI (South African stock exchange) and the Russell 3000 index (USA stock market indicator), and a unidirectional causality that runs from the Russell 3000 to the real effective exchange rate. Furthermore, the study found that the real effective exchange rate Granger causes interest rates. The results for the Generalised Impulse Response Function and the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition underscore the findings of the Granger Causality test. In addition, the Generalised Impulse Response Function and the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition revealed that each variable experiences a very large response from its own shock. Since interest rates have an influence on stock market returns, the study recommended that companies listed on the JSE should develop appropriate debt management policies that will ensure cash flows are not affected when interest rates rise. The Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and US Stock market movements do not have a material effect on the JSE ALSI performance, therefore, the study recommended that the JSE can be marketed to international investors as a relatively safe market for international portfolio diversification. Lastly, South African businesses, along with local and international investors, should constantly monitor developments on the real effective exchange rate since they have an effect on interest rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Meyiwa, Zenande Mandilakhe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models Macroeconomic studies Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22692 , vital:30058
- Description: The objective of this study is to examine the long-run equilibrium between the markets of South Africa and the United States of America (USA). To achieve this, the study reviews theoretical literature that examines the link between stock market returns, the real effective exchange rate and interest rates. Furthermore, the study provides a review of previous empirical literature. In addition, the study estimates a number of time series econometric techniques to examine the equilibrium between the four variables. The study estimates: The Johansen co-integration test, the Granger causality test in the VAR system; the Impulse Response Function, as well as the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition. The period under review is January 1996 to January 2016. The Granger Causality test revealed that there is a one-way causality from interest rates to the JSE ALSI (South African stock exchange) and the Russell 3000 index (USA stock market indicator), and a unidirectional causality that runs from the Russell 3000 to the real effective exchange rate. Furthermore, the study found that the real effective exchange rate Granger causes interest rates. The results for the Generalised Impulse Response Function and the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition underscore the findings of the Granger Causality test. In addition, the Generalised Impulse Response Function and the Forecast Error Variance Decomposition revealed that each variable experiences a very large response from its own shock. Since interest rates have an influence on stock market returns, the study recommended that companies listed on the JSE should develop appropriate debt management policies that will ensure cash flows are not affected when interest rates rise. The Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and US Stock market movements do not have a material effect on the JSE ALSI performance, therefore, the study recommended that the JSE can be marketed to international investors as a relatively safe market for international portfolio diversification. Lastly, South African businesses, along with local and international investors, should constantly monitor developments on the real effective exchange rate since they have an effect on interest rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring management challenges faced by small and medium sized enterprises in the South African construction industry – the case of selected construction companies in Gauteng
- Authors: Moloi, Diile Evelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32322 , vital:32021
- Description: Often the role of management is described in terms of profit making, maximizing economic opportunities and practicing total entrepreneurship while at the same time ensuring ethical practices in organisations. This makes a manager’s role to be significant to the growth and sustainability of the business. Management is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that systems and processes in the business operate as intended through effective and efficient use of resources and appropriate delegation to employees. The process of managing does, however, come with its own challenges and every day management must attend to these challenges to ensure that the organisation remains profitable in spite of operational interruptions. Management often lacks resources and the capacity required for the realisation of effective operational success. The business landscape is highly evolved ever since globalisation and opening of international trade markets has come into play. The evolution has made trade and regular transacting among companies to be standardized with minor differences for some products and services. The rapid changes that come as a result of this are often beyond what most organisations and its management, particular small business owners, are able to comprehend and deal with. Disregard of the management challenges has the potential to be detrimental to the smooth running of the business and negatively impact finances of the business. The problem herein is the result of a collapse of many small businesses due to inadequate management of internal challenges. The primary objective of this study was to explore the management challenges faced by SME managers in the South African construction industry. The aim was to outline the management challenges in support of previous research findings in the field of management studies. Through literature research, the variables of resources, skills, control systems and financial management were identified as having an influence of the effective management of the organisations. The variables were used in the development of a conceptual framework that may be used in addressing the management challenges. The empirical research results identified skills and financial management challenges to be most critical to the overall effective management of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moloi, Diile Evelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32322 , vital:32021
- Description: Often the role of management is described in terms of profit making, maximizing economic opportunities and practicing total entrepreneurship while at the same time ensuring ethical practices in organisations. This makes a manager’s role to be significant to the growth and sustainability of the business. Management is entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that systems and processes in the business operate as intended through effective and efficient use of resources and appropriate delegation to employees. The process of managing does, however, come with its own challenges and every day management must attend to these challenges to ensure that the organisation remains profitable in spite of operational interruptions. Management often lacks resources and the capacity required for the realisation of effective operational success. The business landscape is highly evolved ever since globalisation and opening of international trade markets has come into play. The evolution has made trade and regular transacting among companies to be standardized with minor differences for some products and services. The rapid changes that come as a result of this are often beyond what most organisations and its management, particular small business owners, are able to comprehend and deal with. Disregard of the management challenges has the potential to be detrimental to the smooth running of the business and negatively impact finances of the business. The problem herein is the result of a collapse of many small businesses due to inadequate management of internal challenges. The primary objective of this study was to explore the management challenges faced by SME managers in the South African construction industry. The aim was to outline the management challenges in support of previous research findings in the field of management studies. Through literature research, the variables of resources, skills, control systems and financial management were identified as having an influence of the effective management of the organisations. The variables were used in the development of a conceptual framework that may be used in addressing the management challenges. The empirical research results identified skills and financial management challenges to be most critical to the overall effective management of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting female students studying engineering at a higher education institution
- Authors: Boshoff, Hildegarde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in engineering -- South Africa , Women -- Education (Graduate) -- South Africa Sex discrimination in education -- South Africa South Africa -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21746 , vital:29745
- Description: Engineering is of vital importance for humankind. Engineering combines the fields of mathematics and science, including engineering science and technology, in order to solve problems in the real world and in order to improve the society and economies of countries. It includes the ability to implement ideas in a cost effective and practical manner. Some of these solutions may include sustainability, needs of society, necessary risks and protection of the environment. Engineers develop ideas by using production of technology in order to improve the living of humankind. This includes designing and manufacturing different products based on customer needs and expectations. Although a field in engineering is largely a male-dominated career, women are becoming more interested in this career, compared to a few years ago. The problem remains that female students are still in the minority compared to their male counterparts studying engineering. Therefore, universities need to find solutions to attract female students towards engineering. There are various reasons why female students choose to study engineering, which include different influences, encouragements and their perception towards the Faculty and the academic staff. Thus, the purpose of the research study is to identify the reasons for both genders, currently studying engineering at Nelson Mandela University, formally known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), why they chose to study engineering, what influenced their studies, their encouragements or discouragements and overall perception and experience while studying engineering. The main focus will be on female students. This research study was an exploratory, mixed method study, which contains literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. A literature study was compiled by using secondary sources in order to identify the importance of engineering internationally and within South Africa, women in the workplace and female students studying towards engineering. The empirical study, which consisted of a survey, was compiled and distributed to all Nelson Mandela University undergraduate students studying towards an engineering qualification. Respondents were asked various questions regarding pre-studies and their perceptions and experiences during their studies. This includes their experience with the academic staff and the Faculty of Engineering in general. For the analysis of the data, both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used. Some of the findings from the research study include that both genders develop an interest for engineering at a young age (between ages 13 – 18). Therefore, an interest is developed during high school level. Both genders choose to study engineering for the same reasons. The interest for choosing a career for both genders was triggered by a qualified engineer’s influence. During high school, female students take part in science, mathematics and engineering programmes and participate in competitions or contests. Both gender’s science, mathematics and engineering abilities increased since they started their studies at a higher education institution. From the findings, both genders indicated that they have a high level of interest in engineering, they are satisfied with their choice of engineering field and they are committed to complete their engineering qualification. Both genders are confident that they will find employment in engineering that pays well. Female students believe that they are better at problem solving activities, they are more committed to their studies, they work better with other people and they are more confident in their engineering abilities compared to the male counterparts. The findings also include that during their studies, both genders receive encouragement from various factors, but the significant source of encouragement for both genders are their mothers and employment opportunities. Whereas the most significant source of discouragement for both genders are their grades or academic performance and the amount of time required for engineering. Both genders receive equal quality in lecturing throughout their studies and the academic staff do not treat female students different from male students. It is also significant that female students receive support from the Faculty of Engineering. Female students will definitely encourage other females to study towards a field in engineering and find the academic staff approachable. Academic staff does give regular feedback to students regarding their academic performance. Therefore both genders know at all-time their academic performance and therefore will be able to improve their results. There are not enough female lecturers within the Engineering Department. Female lecturers serve as role models for female students. Therefore, the University’s management team needs to investigate this matter. The research study concluded with recommendations and considerations, contribution towards the body of knowledge, future research and the limitations of the study. Furthermore, the study offers an understanding of engineering students at Nelson Mandela University, which includes their current overall experience during their studies. The treatise will therefore assist the readers and especially Nelson Mandela University to attract and retain female students by addressing their challenges they experience during their studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Boshoff, Hildegarde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in engineering -- South Africa , Women -- Education (Graduate) -- South Africa Sex discrimination in education -- South Africa South Africa -- Education (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21746 , vital:29745
- Description: Engineering is of vital importance for humankind. Engineering combines the fields of mathematics and science, including engineering science and technology, in order to solve problems in the real world and in order to improve the society and economies of countries. It includes the ability to implement ideas in a cost effective and practical manner. Some of these solutions may include sustainability, needs of society, necessary risks and protection of the environment. Engineers develop ideas by using production of technology in order to improve the living of humankind. This includes designing and manufacturing different products based on customer needs and expectations. Although a field in engineering is largely a male-dominated career, women are becoming more interested in this career, compared to a few years ago. The problem remains that female students are still in the minority compared to their male counterparts studying engineering. Therefore, universities need to find solutions to attract female students towards engineering. There are various reasons why female students choose to study engineering, which include different influences, encouragements and their perception towards the Faculty and the academic staff. Thus, the purpose of the research study is to identify the reasons for both genders, currently studying engineering at Nelson Mandela University, formally known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), why they chose to study engineering, what influenced their studies, their encouragements or discouragements and overall perception and experience while studying engineering. The main focus will be on female students. This research study was an exploratory, mixed method study, which contains literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. A literature study was compiled by using secondary sources in order to identify the importance of engineering internationally and within South Africa, women in the workplace and female students studying towards engineering. The empirical study, which consisted of a survey, was compiled and distributed to all Nelson Mandela University undergraduate students studying towards an engineering qualification. Respondents were asked various questions regarding pre-studies and their perceptions and experiences during their studies. This includes their experience with the academic staff and the Faculty of Engineering in general. For the analysis of the data, both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used. Some of the findings from the research study include that both genders develop an interest for engineering at a young age (between ages 13 – 18). Therefore, an interest is developed during high school level. Both genders choose to study engineering for the same reasons. The interest for choosing a career for both genders was triggered by a qualified engineer’s influence. During high school, female students take part in science, mathematics and engineering programmes and participate in competitions or contests. Both gender’s science, mathematics and engineering abilities increased since they started their studies at a higher education institution. From the findings, both genders indicated that they have a high level of interest in engineering, they are satisfied with their choice of engineering field and they are committed to complete their engineering qualification. Both genders are confident that they will find employment in engineering that pays well. Female students believe that they are better at problem solving activities, they are more committed to their studies, they work better with other people and they are more confident in their engineering abilities compared to the male counterparts. The findings also include that during their studies, both genders receive encouragement from various factors, but the significant source of encouragement for both genders are their mothers and employment opportunities. Whereas the most significant source of discouragement for both genders are their grades or academic performance and the amount of time required for engineering. Both genders receive equal quality in lecturing throughout their studies and the academic staff do not treat female students different from male students. It is also significant that female students receive support from the Faculty of Engineering. Female students will definitely encourage other females to study towards a field in engineering and find the academic staff approachable. Academic staff does give regular feedback to students regarding their academic performance. Therefore both genders know at all-time their academic performance and therefore will be able to improve their results. There are not enough female lecturers within the Engineering Department. Female lecturers serve as role models for female students. Therefore, the University’s management team needs to investigate this matter. The research study concluded with recommendations and considerations, contribution towards the body of knowledge, future research and the limitations of the study. Furthermore, the study offers an understanding of engineering students at Nelson Mandela University, which includes their current overall experience during their studies. The treatise will therefore assist the readers and especially Nelson Mandela University to attract and retain female students by addressing their challenges they experience during their studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting the career advancement of black women in a selected manufacturing firm in Gauteng
- Authors: Netnou, Zola Nomzamo Joan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in the professions -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Career development , Women -- Employment -- Economical aspects , Sex role in the work environment , Sexual division of labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33578 , vital:32889
- Description: Career advancement is viewed as an important element of job satisfaction and employee retention, however the gender differences observed in the workplace globally mean that there is gender inequality even in career growth. With South Africa’s long history of discrimination, career advancement disparities are observed along racial and gender lines. The current study’s focus is on the factors affecting the career advancement of a group of black women working for a selected manufacturing firm in Gauteng. The study highlights the importance of both the individual and the organisation in driving career advancement and asserts that there are self-driven and employer-driven factors affecting the career growth of black women employed by the selected firm. The primary objective of this study was to investigate and analyse factors affecting the career advancement of South African black African women (hereafter referred to as black women) employed by the manufacturing company. After a comprehensive literature study, three self-driven factors (pre-career choices, career capital development and attitude towards gender discrimination) and three employer-driven factors (mentorship opportunities, organisational leadership and organisational culture) were identified as factors affecting career advancement. These were subsequently empirically tested. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study. The sample chosen was the entire population of black women employed by the business in question. Using the survey research method, a structured questionnaire was distributed resulting in an 85% response rate. Cronbach’s alpha was employed to test the reliability or internal consistency of the research instruments, resulting in the minimum acceptable level of 0.70 being met. The data collected were subjected to statistical analyses using simple regression analysis, one-factor Anova and descriptive statistics. The simple regression analysis revealed that pre-career choices had a statistically significant positive influence on career advancement. Furthermore, the findings suggest a link between education and employability, as the majority of the respondents (53%) possessed tertiary qualifications. Although no empirical evidence was found to support the influence of the other five factors on career advancement, the use of descriptive statistics revealed clear differences brought about by variations in education, such as the significantly higher levels of career capital for respondents with post-graduate qualifications in comparison to the total sample. The findings of this study informed the recommendations made to promote the career advancement of the black women employed by the selected firm. These were recommendations for individuals to enhance their career capital through education and the pursuit of career goals, and for the organisation to support career development with a conducive environment that values all employees and affords them equal opportunities for growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Netnou, Zola Nomzamo Joan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in the professions -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Career development , Women -- Employment -- Economical aspects , Sex role in the work environment , Sexual division of labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33578 , vital:32889
- Description: Career advancement is viewed as an important element of job satisfaction and employee retention, however the gender differences observed in the workplace globally mean that there is gender inequality even in career growth. With South Africa’s long history of discrimination, career advancement disparities are observed along racial and gender lines. The current study’s focus is on the factors affecting the career advancement of a group of black women working for a selected manufacturing firm in Gauteng. The study highlights the importance of both the individual and the organisation in driving career advancement and asserts that there are self-driven and employer-driven factors affecting the career growth of black women employed by the selected firm. The primary objective of this study was to investigate and analyse factors affecting the career advancement of South African black African women (hereafter referred to as black women) employed by the manufacturing company. After a comprehensive literature study, three self-driven factors (pre-career choices, career capital development and attitude towards gender discrimination) and three employer-driven factors (mentorship opportunities, organisational leadership and organisational culture) were identified as factors affecting career advancement. These were subsequently empirically tested. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study. The sample chosen was the entire population of black women employed by the business in question. Using the survey research method, a structured questionnaire was distributed resulting in an 85% response rate. Cronbach’s alpha was employed to test the reliability or internal consistency of the research instruments, resulting in the minimum acceptable level of 0.70 being met. The data collected were subjected to statistical analyses using simple regression analysis, one-factor Anova and descriptive statistics. The simple regression analysis revealed that pre-career choices had a statistically significant positive influence on career advancement. Furthermore, the findings suggest a link between education and employability, as the majority of the respondents (53%) possessed tertiary qualifications. Although no empirical evidence was found to support the influence of the other five factors on career advancement, the use of descriptive statistics revealed clear differences brought about by variations in education, such as the significantly higher levels of career capital for respondents with post-graduate qualifications in comparison to the total sample. The findings of this study informed the recommendations made to promote the career advancement of the black women employed by the selected firm. These were recommendations for individuals to enhance their career capital through education and the pursuit of career goals, and for the organisation to support career development with a conducive environment that values all employees and affords them equal opportunities for growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing customer relationship management at an automotive component manufacturer in East London
- Authors: Makaza, Lufezo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London -- Management , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22585 , vital:30013
- Description: In the late 1990s, customer relationship management (CRM) was formed as a popular business term, which holds the same roots as relationship marketing and enhances the paradigm with the emerging information technologies (Öztayşi, Sezgin, Özok, 2011:944). For a supply chain to be effective, an organisation must decide on the nature of the relationship appropriate to product and market conditions and adapt management practises to that relationship (Bensaou, 1999:35). Current competitive challenges induced by globalisation, and advances in information technology have forced companies to focus on managing customer relationships. This study offers a modest contribution to evaluating factors influencing customer relationship management at an automotive component manufacturer in East London. The challenge for businesses is changing the current paradigm to a customer-centric approach. A theoretical overview was conducted to evaluate various definitions, CRM models, factors influencing CRM and the impact of competitive advantage on critical success factors. The research highlighted a number of common themes of CRM, which includes keeping the customer happy, customer satisfaction, reciprocal relationship between the organisation and employees, enthusiasm, involvement and motivation. This research identified which factors make positive contributions to key competitive advantage outcomes such as price, quality, delivery and flexibility capability. The study included an evaluation of findings. From the survey responses, the results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the customer relationship management success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies. Survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top items identified in each factor group. Many factors influence CRM success in the organisation. The findings led to the conclusion that top management needs to support, and place focus on key activities that form part of the value proposition, capabilities and mix of resources on the CRM process, as well as the people and the procedures that make effective value creation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Makaza, Lufezo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London -- Management , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22585 , vital:30013
- Description: In the late 1990s, customer relationship management (CRM) was formed as a popular business term, which holds the same roots as relationship marketing and enhances the paradigm with the emerging information technologies (Öztayşi, Sezgin, Özok, 2011:944). For a supply chain to be effective, an organisation must decide on the nature of the relationship appropriate to product and market conditions and adapt management practises to that relationship (Bensaou, 1999:35). Current competitive challenges induced by globalisation, and advances in information technology have forced companies to focus on managing customer relationships. This study offers a modest contribution to evaluating factors influencing customer relationship management at an automotive component manufacturer in East London. The challenge for businesses is changing the current paradigm to a customer-centric approach. A theoretical overview was conducted to evaluate various definitions, CRM models, factors influencing CRM and the impact of competitive advantage on critical success factors. The research highlighted a number of common themes of CRM, which includes keeping the customer happy, customer satisfaction, reciprocal relationship between the organisation and employees, enthusiasm, involvement and motivation. This research identified which factors make positive contributions to key competitive advantage outcomes such as price, quality, delivery and flexibility capability. The study included an evaluation of findings. From the survey responses, the results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the customer relationship management success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies. Survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top items identified in each factor group. Many factors influence CRM success in the organisation. The findings led to the conclusion that top management needs to support, and place focus on key activities that form part of the value proposition, capabilities and mix of resources on the CRM process, as well as the people and the procedures that make effective value creation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance
- Authors: Mtimba, Sinaye Akhumzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Finance, Personal , Financial literacy Financial planners Middle class -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22813 , vital:30099
- Description: With the rising day to day expenses especially post retirement when income streams are running low, financial planning helps to better manage such events more effectively. Through a proper financial plan individuals do not just deal with wealth creation and wealth protection but are able to start from the basics of budgeting, were individuals are taught how to live within their means. In South Africa, financial planning has been seen to be focusing on the more affluent clients. This has resulted in a distinct lack of academic literature done on middle income black professionals in relation to financial planning. This is despite the increase of the black middle class population which has been accompanied with an increased purchasing power exceeding that of the previously wealthier white middle class. The growth of the black middle class in South Africa has been accompanied with stumbling blocks, ranging from the lack of financial literacy of the black middle class, negative attitude towards the financial services industry that influence financial decision making, and the pre-existing perception that are built on the lack of financial awareness, a legacy left by the history of division that South Africa had. Therefore the main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance. Both secondary and primary data were used to help achieve the primary research objective of the study. An in-depth literature review on the financial planning industry in South Africa that included the nature of financial planning, the role of the financial planner, the six step financial planning process, the importance and benefits of financial planning, current trends in the financial planning industry, financial planning and the middle income black professionals and the factors that influence the middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance was conducted. Selected study of the literature revealed six factors that might influence an individual’s intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness, Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy, Trust and Perceived rewards. A theoretical framework was proposed illustrating the relationships between the factors influencing middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance that were to be empirically tested. A positivistic research paradigm was followed and a quantitative approach was implemented. Snowball and convenience sampling was used and a total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to middle income black professionals in the Eastern Cape. For the purpose of this study, middle income black professionals refer to qualified working individuals in the middle income bracket, including teachers, nurses, administrative workers, office-based municipal workers and employees in the private sector, such as those working in the banks and retail supervisors. These were distributed to verify their intentional behaviour with regards to seeking financial planning assistance. From the 300 questionnaires distributed, 271 usable questionnaires were yielded. Statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlations and multiple regression analysis were performed on the gathered data. Demographic data relating to the gender, age and first language of the respondents was collected. An exploratory factor analysis was undertaken, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. As a result of the factor analysis the operational definitions were rephrased. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported were all greater than 0.7, deeming the scales measuring the various dimensions reliable. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients were established to investigate the associations between the variables. Significant positive correlations were reported between all of the variables. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that the majority of respondents agreed that Attitude (77.73%), Financial self-efficacy (61.13%) and Perceived rewards (76.98%) were the most influencing factors. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that three factors had a significant positive influence on the dependent variable Intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness and Perceived rewards. The factors Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy and Trust were rejected as there was no significant relationship found between them and the Intention to seek financial planning assistance. Based on the results, it is recommended that financial service providers focus on financial education by engaging with the middle income black professionals through accessible media such as radio and television. Furthermore, financial service providers should shift from a sales orientated philosophy to a lifestyle financial planning advice philosophy that encourage value for the service rendered to the client and sells benefit than product. The Department of Education should put in place basic financial planning curriculum that can be deliverable at schooling level and is examinable in order to improve the basic financial knowledge and awareness amongst the next generation. Lastly the middle income black professionals are encouraged to read their documents when taking out financial products as well as financial related articles to develop their financial knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mtimba, Sinaye Akhumzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Finance, Personal , Financial literacy Financial planners Middle class -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22813 , vital:30099
- Description: With the rising day to day expenses especially post retirement when income streams are running low, financial planning helps to better manage such events more effectively. Through a proper financial plan individuals do not just deal with wealth creation and wealth protection but are able to start from the basics of budgeting, were individuals are taught how to live within their means. In South Africa, financial planning has been seen to be focusing on the more affluent clients. This has resulted in a distinct lack of academic literature done on middle income black professionals in relation to financial planning. This is despite the increase of the black middle class population which has been accompanied with an increased purchasing power exceeding that of the previously wealthier white middle class. The growth of the black middle class in South Africa has been accompanied with stumbling blocks, ranging from the lack of financial literacy of the black middle class, negative attitude towards the financial services industry that influence financial decision making, and the pre-existing perception that are built on the lack of financial awareness, a legacy left by the history of division that South Africa had. Therefore the main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance. Both secondary and primary data were used to help achieve the primary research objective of the study. An in-depth literature review on the financial planning industry in South Africa that included the nature of financial planning, the role of the financial planner, the six step financial planning process, the importance and benefits of financial planning, current trends in the financial planning industry, financial planning and the middle income black professionals and the factors that influence the middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance was conducted. Selected study of the literature revealed six factors that might influence an individual’s intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness, Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy, Trust and Perceived rewards. A theoretical framework was proposed illustrating the relationships between the factors influencing middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance that were to be empirically tested. A positivistic research paradigm was followed and a quantitative approach was implemented. Snowball and convenience sampling was used and a total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to middle income black professionals in the Eastern Cape. For the purpose of this study, middle income black professionals refer to qualified working individuals in the middle income bracket, including teachers, nurses, administrative workers, office-based municipal workers and employees in the private sector, such as those working in the banks and retail supervisors. These were distributed to verify their intentional behaviour with regards to seeking financial planning assistance. From the 300 questionnaires distributed, 271 usable questionnaires were yielded. Statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlations and multiple regression analysis were performed on the gathered data. Demographic data relating to the gender, age and first language of the respondents was collected. An exploratory factor analysis was undertaken, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. As a result of the factor analysis the operational definitions were rephrased. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported were all greater than 0.7, deeming the scales measuring the various dimensions reliable. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients were established to investigate the associations between the variables. Significant positive correlations were reported between all of the variables. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that the majority of respondents agreed that Attitude (77.73%), Financial self-efficacy (61.13%) and Perceived rewards (76.98%) were the most influencing factors. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that three factors had a significant positive influence on the dependent variable Intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness and Perceived rewards. The factors Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy and Trust were rejected as there was no significant relationship found between them and the Intention to seek financial planning assistance. Based on the results, it is recommended that financial service providers focus on financial education by engaging with the middle income black professionals through accessible media such as radio and television. Furthermore, financial service providers should shift from a sales orientated philosophy to a lifestyle financial planning advice philosophy that encourage value for the service rendered to the client and sells benefit than product. The Department of Education should put in place basic financial planning curriculum that can be deliverable at schooling level and is examinable in order to improve the basic financial knowledge and awareness amongst the next generation. Lastly the middle income black professionals are encouraged to read their documents when taking out financial products as well as financial related articles to develop their financial knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors that influence business success in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale township areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Fisher, Theo Andre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21938 , vital:29803
- Description: Presently, all South African businesses, including South African township small businesses, are required to be agile, innovative and highly adaptive in order to survive in a tough retail-trading environment. The reasons for having to adapt their strategies are due to the poor economic conditions and political uncertainty that South Africans are currently experiencing. Businesses owners are facing various challenges and have to mitigate and even eliminate numerous negative influences that potentially impede the growth and the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose for undertaking this research study was to establish a deeper understanding of township small businesses that operate in the township setting in South Africa. Many residents of the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay are unemployed. Some unemployed residents and those who were retrenched due to the tough South African economic environment started their own businesses, with the expectation of earning a sustainable income. However, the majority of these businesses were not able to establish themselves successfully. The question addressed in this study was therefore: what factors influence the success of small businesses in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships situated of the Nelson Mandela Bay? Thereafter, the researcher recommended strategies that the township small business owners should implement to improve their chances of operating more successful businesses. The selected factors that could negatively impact township small business success are mentioned below. The influencing factors that were discussed are: Competition; The formal and informal education levels of business owners and the township communities; The unemployment rate of township dwellers; Crime; and the disposable income levels of township communities. The research findings indicate that the majority of the township small businesses are influenced by the mentioned factors, especially crime. This conclusion was made after a sample of 50 respondents had completed structured interview questionnaires and after the results of the questionnaires had been analysed. This research study targeted township small business owners who operate in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher’s intention was to assist the township small business owners with strategies to mitigate the influences that competition (from locally owned township small businesses, foreign shopkeepers and township shopping malls), formal and informal education levels, unemployment, crime and disposable income levels of township communities have on their small businesses. In conclusion, the results of the research study show that the small business owners, together with government, should implement the recommendations that were made by the researcher in order to improve the success rate of their township small businesses. More vibrant and successful township small businesses will ultimately lead to better job opportunities and eventually to a flourishing South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fisher, Theo Andre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21938 , vital:29803
- Description: Presently, all South African businesses, including South African township small businesses, are required to be agile, innovative and highly adaptive in order to survive in a tough retail-trading environment. The reasons for having to adapt their strategies are due to the poor economic conditions and political uncertainty that South Africans are currently experiencing. Businesses owners are facing various challenges and have to mitigate and even eliminate numerous negative influences that potentially impede the growth and the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose for undertaking this research study was to establish a deeper understanding of township small businesses that operate in the township setting in South Africa. Many residents of the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay are unemployed. Some unemployed residents and those who were retrenched due to the tough South African economic environment started their own businesses, with the expectation of earning a sustainable income. However, the majority of these businesses were not able to establish themselves successfully. The question addressed in this study was therefore: what factors influence the success of small businesses in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships situated of the Nelson Mandela Bay? Thereafter, the researcher recommended strategies that the township small business owners should implement to improve their chances of operating more successful businesses. The selected factors that could negatively impact township small business success are mentioned below. The influencing factors that were discussed are: Competition; The formal and informal education levels of business owners and the township communities; The unemployment rate of township dwellers; Crime; and the disposable income levels of township communities. The research findings indicate that the majority of the township small businesses are influenced by the mentioned factors, especially crime. This conclusion was made after a sample of 50 respondents had completed structured interview questionnaires and after the results of the questionnaires had been analysed. This research study targeted township small business owners who operate in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher’s intention was to assist the township small business owners with strategies to mitigate the influences that competition (from locally owned township small businesses, foreign shopkeepers and township shopping malls), formal and informal education levels, unemployment, crime and disposable income levels of township communities have on their small businesses. In conclusion, the results of the research study show that the small business owners, together with government, should implement the recommendations that were made by the researcher in order to improve the success rate of their township small businesses. More vibrant and successful township small businesses will ultimately lead to better job opportunities and eventually to a flourishing South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors that influence the throughput of engineering students at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Joubert, Petrus Jacobus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30496 , vital:30953
- Description: The current throughput rate of engineering students is an enormous concern, especially in light of the current financial pressure on universities and the goal for the education sector in the National Development Plan 2030, which is to increase annual enrolment levels at universities from 950 000 in 2010 to 1,6 million by 2030 (National Planning Commission, 2011). The low throughput rate of engineering students makes engineering qualifications unsustainable. In a scarce skills list, which highlights the importance of the problem that South Africa is facing, five engineering disciplines are in the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa (Scarce skills, 2016) and, therefore, this study only focuses on engineering students’ throughput rate. Regarding the future enrolment goal for 2030, it is important for universities to understand the factors that influence the throughput rate of engineering students, which the universities have control over. This will put the universities in a position to implement interventions to change negative influences on the throughput rate of engineering students into positive ones. This study consists of a literature review, firstly focusing on the factors influencing the student throughput rate internationally. The literature review then focuses on South African factors and lastly discusses three main categories, namely student engagement, the use of technology and the academic environment. The eight variables that are under study are grouped into these three main categories. The primary data, which were collected through the use of a questionnaire in order to have a good understanding of the factors influencing the throughput rate, were reported and analysed. The results of this study revealed the factors that influenced the throughput rate most positively and negatively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Joubert, Petrus Jacobus
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30496 , vital:30953
- Description: The current throughput rate of engineering students is an enormous concern, especially in light of the current financial pressure on universities and the goal for the education sector in the National Development Plan 2030, which is to increase annual enrolment levels at universities from 950 000 in 2010 to 1,6 million by 2030 (National Planning Commission, 2011). The low throughput rate of engineering students makes engineering qualifications unsustainable. In a scarce skills list, which highlights the importance of the problem that South Africa is facing, five engineering disciplines are in the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa (Scarce skills, 2016) and, therefore, this study only focuses on engineering students’ throughput rate. Regarding the future enrolment goal for 2030, it is important for universities to understand the factors that influence the throughput rate of engineering students, which the universities have control over. This will put the universities in a position to implement interventions to change negative influences on the throughput rate of engineering students into positive ones. This study consists of a literature review, firstly focusing on the factors influencing the student throughput rate internationally. The literature review then focuses on South African factors and lastly discusses three main categories, namely student engagement, the use of technology and the academic environment. The eight variables that are under study are grouped into these three main categories. The primary data, which were collected through the use of a questionnaire in order to have a good understanding of the factors influencing the throughput rate, were reported and analysed. The results of this study revealed the factors that influenced the throughput rate most positively and negatively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Financial constraints of SMMEs in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Freestate Province
- Authors: Mashiyi, Gcobani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Business enterprises -- Finance Development credit corporations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22672 , vital:30053
- Description: SMMEs have been identified as key role players in economic growth and development in South Africa. SMMEs contribute fifty two percent in the Growth and Domestic Product. Subsequently to that there various interventions by South African Government to support small enterprise developments with intentions to address financial constraints faced by SMMEs emanating from lack of access to funding. Despite these efforts or interventions by South African Government SMMEs are still confronted by financial constraints that if difficult for them to sustain themselves. Financial Institutions are still reluctant to avail finances to SMMEs because of their risk profile being in the new venture category. Tedious and complex funding application processes, complex funding criteria and geographical location of SMMEs prohibits SMMEs in accessing funding from Development Finance Institutions. To do this a survey existing literatures was viewed and analysed. Viewed and analysed literature indicated various constraints faced by SMMEs in South Africa. Among factors contribute to SMMEs financial constraints are the size and capacity of SMMEs serves as stumbling blocks to financial access, extent to which the complex requirements on the funding application forms affect access to funding by SMMEs in the District Municipality and geographic location of SMMEs effects on their access to funding from DFIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mashiyi, Gcobani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Business enterprises -- Finance Development credit corporations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22672 , vital:30053
- Description: SMMEs have been identified as key role players in economic growth and development in South Africa. SMMEs contribute fifty two percent in the Growth and Domestic Product. Subsequently to that there various interventions by South African Government to support small enterprise developments with intentions to address financial constraints faced by SMMEs emanating from lack of access to funding. Despite these efforts or interventions by South African Government SMMEs are still confronted by financial constraints that if difficult for them to sustain themselves. Financial Institutions are still reluctant to avail finances to SMMEs because of their risk profile being in the new venture category. Tedious and complex funding application processes, complex funding criteria and geographical location of SMMEs prohibits SMMEs in accessing funding from Development Finance Institutions. To do this a survey existing literatures was viewed and analysed. Viewed and analysed literature indicated various constraints faced by SMMEs in South Africa. Among factors contribute to SMMEs financial constraints are the size and capacity of SMMEs serves as stumbling blocks to financial access, extent to which the complex requirements on the funding application forms affect access to funding by SMMEs in the District Municipality and geographic location of SMMEs effects on their access to funding from DFIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission: a case of the globally developed markets and developing stock markets in Africa
- Authors: Chima, Anyikwa Izunna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Money market , Investment analysis Capital market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23935 , vital:30646
- Description: The widespread impact of the 2007 global financial crisis and the subsequent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis added new impetus to the on-going international discussions about the sustainability of a financial integration model. Moreover, the crisis revealed the complexity of the international transmission of financial shocks and the financial vulnerabilities of different financial markets. More so, it exposed the major weaknesses in our knowledge of how the forces that drive global financial systems operate. This is compounded by a failure to appreciate the scope of interdependencies that exist across markets and their potential to destabilise the global financial system in times of crises. At the heart of this weakness is the inability to accurately understand the various propagation mechanisms and channels through which a crisis from one market is transmitted to other markets. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to empirically investigate the role of financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission, using weekly data between the period 3 January 2003 to 26 December 2014. The study covers 27 stock markets, comprising 13 African stock markets, 10 developed stock markets and four emerging stock markets. The study employed two empirical frameworks: the first framework focused on the short-run and long-run relationships between African stock markets and major global stock markets using the Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test, GIRF and GFEVD. The second framework focused on testing evidence of contagion and volatility transmission using the DCC-GJRGARCH model and AS model. The results show that the majority of African stock markets moved together in the long-run with the major global stock markets during the pre-crisis and Eurozone crisis periods. While the long-run relationship between African stock markets and the major global markets disappeared during the period of the global financial crisis, the relationship re-emerged during the Eurozone crisis period. From the analysis of Granger causality test, the results show some differences exist in terms of the relative strength of the causal linkages across markets and periods. However, it was shown that strong causal linkages emerged during the global financial and Eurozone crisis periods relative to the pre-crisis period. Also, the leading role of the major developed markets, compared to the emerging markets, is demonstrated throughout the analysis of causality tests. Moreover, the sensitivity of African markets to shocks from the global markets was clearly highlighted by analysis of the GIRF and GFEVD, especially during both crisis periods. Furthermore, the results from the AS model confirm significant evidence of mean and volatility spill-over effects from the major global markets to African markets especially during the periods of both crises. In addition, the level of volatility was found to be more persistent and asymmetric during both crisis periods compared to the pre-crisis period. The results confirm the existence of contagion effects through the analysis of the conditional correlation during both crisis periods. More importantly, the analysis of conditional correlation emphasised evidence of heightened co-movement between African markets and the major global markets during the periods of crisis. Consequently, the decoupling phenomenon is rejected in favour of synchronisation of business cycles between African stock markets and the major global markets. The findings of this study have several important implications for the policymakers and investors in Africa and the world at large. The findings of this study not only provide some information about the level of financial integration but also the effect of growing financial linkages between African markets and the global markets, which is important for designing appropriate regulatory frameworks. Also, the knowledge about the dynamic interrelationship in terms of contagion and volatility transmission between African markets and the major global markets can be utilised by investors, and thereby help them to make better investment decisions. Consequently, the findings of this study point to a need for policymakers in general and in Africa in particular, to monitor closely changes in financial development in other markets in order to reduce the vulnerability of domestic markets to external shocks. To mitigate the impact of the external shocks, greater co-operation and co-ordination, with proper supervision of different markets‟ fiscal and monetary policies, should be encouraged. Such policies need to be carefully aligned with the objective of external sustainability. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships and mergers, foreign institutional investments, cross market listing of shares, corporatisation of exchanges and the introduction of private ownership. Above all, effective regulation is needed to realise the benefits of financial market integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chima, Anyikwa Izunna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Money market , Investment analysis Capital market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23935 , vital:30646
- Description: The widespread impact of the 2007 global financial crisis and the subsequent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis added new impetus to the on-going international discussions about the sustainability of a financial integration model. Moreover, the crisis revealed the complexity of the international transmission of financial shocks and the financial vulnerabilities of different financial markets. More so, it exposed the major weaknesses in our knowledge of how the forces that drive global financial systems operate. This is compounded by a failure to appreciate the scope of interdependencies that exist across markets and their potential to destabilise the global financial system in times of crises. At the heart of this weakness is the inability to accurately understand the various propagation mechanisms and channels through which a crisis from one market is transmitted to other markets. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to empirically investigate the role of financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission, using weekly data between the period 3 January 2003 to 26 December 2014. The study covers 27 stock markets, comprising 13 African stock markets, 10 developed stock markets and four emerging stock markets. The study employed two empirical frameworks: the first framework focused on the short-run and long-run relationships between African stock markets and major global stock markets using the Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test, GIRF and GFEVD. The second framework focused on testing evidence of contagion and volatility transmission using the DCC-GJRGARCH model and AS model. The results show that the majority of African stock markets moved together in the long-run with the major global stock markets during the pre-crisis and Eurozone crisis periods. While the long-run relationship between African stock markets and the major global markets disappeared during the period of the global financial crisis, the relationship re-emerged during the Eurozone crisis period. From the analysis of Granger causality test, the results show some differences exist in terms of the relative strength of the causal linkages across markets and periods. However, it was shown that strong causal linkages emerged during the global financial and Eurozone crisis periods relative to the pre-crisis period. Also, the leading role of the major developed markets, compared to the emerging markets, is demonstrated throughout the analysis of causality tests. Moreover, the sensitivity of African markets to shocks from the global markets was clearly highlighted by analysis of the GIRF and GFEVD, especially during both crisis periods. Furthermore, the results from the AS model confirm significant evidence of mean and volatility spill-over effects from the major global markets to African markets especially during the periods of both crises. In addition, the level of volatility was found to be more persistent and asymmetric during both crisis periods compared to the pre-crisis period. The results confirm the existence of contagion effects through the analysis of the conditional correlation during both crisis periods. More importantly, the analysis of conditional correlation emphasised evidence of heightened co-movement between African markets and the major global markets during the periods of crisis. Consequently, the decoupling phenomenon is rejected in favour of synchronisation of business cycles between African stock markets and the major global markets. The findings of this study have several important implications for the policymakers and investors in Africa and the world at large. The findings of this study not only provide some information about the level of financial integration but also the effect of growing financial linkages between African markets and the global markets, which is important for designing appropriate regulatory frameworks. Also, the knowledge about the dynamic interrelationship in terms of contagion and volatility transmission between African markets and the major global markets can be utilised by investors, and thereby help them to make better investment decisions. Consequently, the findings of this study point to a need for policymakers in general and in Africa in particular, to monitor closely changes in financial development in other markets in order to reduce the vulnerability of domestic markets to external shocks. To mitigate the impact of the external shocks, greater co-operation and co-ordination, with proper supervision of different markets‟ fiscal and monetary policies, should be encouraged. Such policies need to be carefully aligned with the objective of external sustainability. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships and mergers, foreign institutional investments, cross market listing of shares, corporatisation of exchanges and the introduction of private ownership. Above all, effective regulation is needed to realise the benefits of financial market integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Financial viability and sustainability of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma catchment management agency upon establishment
- Authors: Madube-dube, Melikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Management Watersheds -- South Africa -- Finance Water resources development -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30832 , vital:31170
- Description: The National Water Act, 36 of 1998 through chapter seven mandates the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to establish (CMAs) throughout the Republic of South Africa. These CMAs are institutions geographically based with their boundaries coinciding, as far as is possible, with the river catchment boundaries. The purpose of establishing the CMAs is to delegate the raw water resources management function to the regional or catchment level or in water management areas. There were previously two water management areas (WMAs) in the Eastern Cape as proposed by the 2004 National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS), namely WMA twelve (WMA 12) and WMA fifteen (WMA 15). WMA twelve ran from the Mzimvubu to Kieskamahoek Rivers with WMA fifteen running from the Great Fish to the Tsitsikamma Rivers. The 2012 edition of the NWRS proposed the amalgamation of the two WMAs into one, running from the Mzimvubu to the Tsitsikamma Rivers, coinciding with the provincial boundary. The amalgamation of the two WMAs is due to the management and financial viability of the institution. When established, the institution will be called the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The CMA determines its budget allocation by identifying and costing the functions that will be performed and dividing those by the registered volumes of allocated water which equals the tariff/charge. The tariff is recovered from the raw water users or customers (DWS, 2015b). Water users are categorised with their water use as follows: Agricultural sector, Municipal sector, Industry and mining, Hydropower, High assurance use Water has been declared a scarce resource in South Africa due to, amongst others, pollution, infrastructure development, and changes in climatic conditions such as droughts (Water Research Commission, n.d.,; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 2016). Poor attendance and participation by water stakeholder representatives in raw water tariff consultation sessions have been established. In addition to the above are fair and good participation by both stakeholders coupled with negative feedback from the questionnaires. These challenges have great potential to render the agency as financially unviable and unsustainable when established. However, the above issues do not preclude other challenges as identified in the research area. Proposed recommendations to turn the fortunes of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma CMA around when established should be explored in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Madube-dube, Melikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Management Watersheds -- South Africa -- Finance Water resources development -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30832 , vital:31170
- Description: The National Water Act, 36 of 1998 through chapter seven mandates the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to establish (CMAs) throughout the Republic of South Africa. These CMAs are institutions geographically based with their boundaries coinciding, as far as is possible, with the river catchment boundaries. The purpose of establishing the CMAs is to delegate the raw water resources management function to the regional or catchment level or in water management areas. There were previously two water management areas (WMAs) in the Eastern Cape as proposed by the 2004 National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS), namely WMA twelve (WMA 12) and WMA fifteen (WMA 15). WMA twelve ran from the Mzimvubu to Kieskamahoek Rivers with WMA fifteen running from the Great Fish to the Tsitsikamma Rivers. The 2012 edition of the NWRS proposed the amalgamation of the two WMAs into one, running from the Mzimvubu to the Tsitsikamma Rivers, coinciding with the provincial boundary. The amalgamation of the two WMAs is due to the management and financial viability of the institution. When established, the institution will be called the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency (CMA). The CMA determines its budget allocation by identifying and costing the functions that will be performed and dividing those by the registered volumes of allocated water which equals the tariff/charge. The tariff is recovered from the raw water users or customers (DWS, 2015b). Water users are categorised with their water use as follows: Agricultural sector, Municipal sector, Industry and mining, Hydropower, High assurance use Water has been declared a scarce resource in South Africa due to, amongst others, pollution, infrastructure development, and changes in climatic conditions such as droughts (Water Research Commission, n.d.,; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 2016). Poor attendance and participation by water stakeholder representatives in raw water tariff consultation sessions have been established. In addition to the above are fair and good participation by both stakeholders coupled with negative feedback from the questionnaires. These challenges have great potential to render the agency as financially unviable and unsustainable when established. However, the above issues do not preclude other challenges as identified in the research area. Proposed recommendations to turn the fortunes of the Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma CMA around when established should be explored in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Foreign aid and social development in Burundi
- Authors: Burarame, Yvette
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Burundi , Burundi -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23559 , vital:30580
- Description: This study scrutinized foreign aid and social development in Burundi. It analysed the relationship between the amount of foreign aid received and enrolment in basic education in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and educational equality in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and the teaching and learning process in Burundi and finally explored the problems in basic education that need solutions. This study made use of various related literature on social development, basic education and foreign aid. It mainly scrutinised literature on basic education in Burundi. This study used a case study research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A quantitative approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of foreign aid on social development, while a qualitative approach was adopted to descriptively explain the events linking the findings to the objectives of the study. Thirty six respondents from the provincial education administration office were interviewed and observed and document analysis was performed. These were the main instruments for data collection. This study found that despite incoming foreign aid, the gender issues affecting education were not addressed, residents from marginalised areas had not adequately accessed foreign aid and net development assistance in Burundi was affected by politics, preventing a number of areas from benefitting. It also highlights shortages in school learning materials, late disbursement of education funds and civil conflict, among others. This study recommended the incorporation of government ministries and departments in donor-funded projects to reduce stand-alone projects, to emphasise project monitoring and evaluation, to emphasise mutual accountability and to encourage donor support for national educational priorities, to work on joint and coordinated analysis and missions, to address gender disparities and finally, to separate national politics from foreign aid projects and agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Burarame, Yvette
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- Burundi , Burundi -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23559 , vital:30580
- Description: This study scrutinized foreign aid and social development in Burundi. It analysed the relationship between the amount of foreign aid received and enrolment in basic education in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and educational equality in Burundi, the relationship between the amount of foreign aid and the teaching and learning process in Burundi and finally explored the problems in basic education that need solutions. This study made use of various related literature on social development, basic education and foreign aid. It mainly scrutinised literature on basic education in Burundi. This study used a case study research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A quantitative approach was used to quantify the effectiveness of foreign aid on social development, while a qualitative approach was adopted to descriptively explain the events linking the findings to the objectives of the study. Thirty six respondents from the provincial education administration office were interviewed and observed and document analysis was performed. These were the main instruments for data collection. This study found that despite incoming foreign aid, the gender issues affecting education were not addressed, residents from marginalised areas had not adequately accessed foreign aid and net development assistance in Burundi was affected by politics, preventing a number of areas from benefitting. It also highlights shortages in school learning materials, late disbursement of education funds and civil conflict, among others. This study recommended the incorporation of government ministries and departments in donor-funded projects to reduce stand-alone projects, to emphasise project monitoring and evaluation, to emphasise mutual accountability and to encourage donor support for national educational priorities, to work on joint and coordinated analysis and missions, to address gender disparities and finally, to separate national politics from foreign aid projects and agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Funding challenges for infrastructure development in Knysna Municipality
- Authors: Kalawe, Chumisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22299 , vital:29941
- Description: Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. Local government is mandated to deliver the majority of basic services. One of the key advances of the 1996 Constitution was the granting of autonomy to local government. In the new democratic disposition, a municipality is afforded the right to govern autonomously with regard to the local affairs of the community. The context of the research is Knysna Municipal area and its ageing and inadequate infrastructure. Tourism is one of the key drivers of Knysna’s economy and this industry provides job opportunities for labourers, non-skilled and skilled people. Adequate infrastructure is crucial for tourism and local economic development. Over the years Greater Knysna has been faced with an infrastructure challenge. The most affected area is water followed by roads infrastructure. The discussion in this research focuses on funding challenges and how funding could be sourced and allocated to improve the ageing and inadequate infrastructure in the town. The theoretical base that underpins this research centres around relevant local government legislation, local government revenue trends, public finance investments, government fiscal sustainability and local economic development and skills shortages. A quantitative research method was chosen for this study. The data collected in this study revealed that the Knysna municipality is faced with serious infrastructure challenges due to various reasons, such as (not limited to), funding problems, poor planning, lack of political will and population growth. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field and was the first study of this nature conducted for the Knysna Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kalawe, Chumisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Knysna , Local government -- South Africa -- Knysna Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22299 , vital:29941
- Description: Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. Local government is mandated to deliver the majority of basic services. One of the key advances of the 1996 Constitution was the granting of autonomy to local government. In the new democratic disposition, a municipality is afforded the right to govern autonomously with regard to the local affairs of the community. The context of the research is Knysna Municipal area and its ageing and inadequate infrastructure. Tourism is one of the key drivers of Knysna’s economy and this industry provides job opportunities for labourers, non-skilled and skilled people. Adequate infrastructure is crucial for tourism and local economic development. Over the years Greater Knysna has been faced with an infrastructure challenge. The most affected area is water followed by roads infrastructure. The discussion in this research focuses on funding challenges and how funding could be sourced and allocated to improve the ageing and inadequate infrastructure in the town. The theoretical base that underpins this research centres around relevant local government legislation, local government revenue trends, public finance investments, government fiscal sustainability and local economic development and skills shortages. A quantitative research method was chosen for this study. The data collected in this study revealed that the Knysna municipality is faced with serious infrastructure challenges due to various reasons, such as (not limited to), funding problems, poor planning, lack of political will and population growth. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field and was the first study of this nature conducted for the Knysna Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Happiness in the South African engineering industry
- Authors: Poorun, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Engineering -- Employment -- South Africa Corporate culture -- South Africa Happiness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23120 , vital:30430
- Description: Happiness, or what is commonly referred to as subjective well-being, is under investigation worldwide across many different sectors as it influences individuals, the organisation and society. Although researchers and lay people often define happiness as life satisfaction or a sense of wellbeing, literature also defines happiness as positive subjective experiences. Research confirms that an increase in individual happiness is advantageous to the individual and it enables societies to function better, thereby supporting the notion to incorporate aspects of happiness when formulating economic policy. Many countries around the world have identified happiness as a key factor influencing economic growth and citizen wellness. Countries are taking steps to measure their success as a society – from not only how much the economy grows – but also from how much their lives are improved, not only from standard of living, but also from quality of life. Engineering is a profession in which scientific knowledge and mathematical ability are practised applying sound judgement to develop ways to benefit humankind. South Africa has a major shortage of qualified engineers. The Engineering Council of South Africa reported that South Africa only has one engineer per 3 166 of the population, whereas other countries like Brazil has 227, Australia has 455 and Chile has 681. The best investment any country can therefore make for its future prospects is in education in the engineering field. It is imperative that people are attracted to engineering careers and that they are retained in this profession. Improving the happiness levels of engineers will assist in the attraction and retention of members in the engineering industry. The purpose of engineering and even other technological sciences is very important for both past and future economic performance. Without the appropriate people in these careers, the economic success, securities and scientific leadership will decrease. Traditional market-based measures alone do not provide an adequate portrayal of quality of life. The focus of economic measurement should change from production toward people’s well-being or happiness. Most happiness research focuses on countries, which enables comparisons. This study focuses on happiness levels of South African engineers. Previous work has explored other professions, such as physiotherapists, veterinarians and employees in the financial sector. The primary data were collected from the sample of 686 engineers by means of an on-line questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed from literature and using extracts from similar happiness studies questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted amongst engineers working in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the questionnaire was sent to the listed email addresses of the Engineering Council of South Africa. A representative sample of 395 respondents participated in the study who fully completed all sections of the questionnaire. A proposed conceptual model was compiled and tested using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results of the study indicate that the factors Workplace influence, workplace relationships, Work-life balance and Purpose load onto the factor, Work Satisfaction. The factors Work satisfaction, Optimism, Leisure, S.A. Pride, Classism and Trust determine the happiness of engineers in South Africa. The results of this study further indicate that engineers in South Africa are generally happy and that they rate workplace relationships highly. Engineers generally have little faith in the government, the South African court system and the South African education system. This study is the first of its kind conducted in South Africa and makes a valuable contribution in understanding the happiness of engineers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Poorun, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Engineering -- Employment -- South Africa Corporate culture -- South Africa Happiness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23120 , vital:30430
- Description: Happiness, or what is commonly referred to as subjective well-being, is under investigation worldwide across many different sectors as it influences individuals, the organisation and society. Although researchers and lay people often define happiness as life satisfaction or a sense of wellbeing, literature also defines happiness as positive subjective experiences. Research confirms that an increase in individual happiness is advantageous to the individual and it enables societies to function better, thereby supporting the notion to incorporate aspects of happiness when formulating economic policy. Many countries around the world have identified happiness as a key factor influencing economic growth and citizen wellness. Countries are taking steps to measure their success as a society – from not only how much the economy grows – but also from how much their lives are improved, not only from standard of living, but also from quality of life. Engineering is a profession in which scientific knowledge and mathematical ability are practised applying sound judgement to develop ways to benefit humankind. South Africa has a major shortage of qualified engineers. The Engineering Council of South Africa reported that South Africa only has one engineer per 3 166 of the population, whereas other countries like Brazil has 227, Australia has 455 and Chile has 681. The best investment any country can therefore make for its future prospects is in education in the engineering field. It is imperative that people are attracted to engineering careers and that they are retained in this profession. Improving the happiness levels of engineers will assist in the attraction and retention of members in the engineering industry. The purpose of engineering and even other technological sciences is very important for both past and future economic performance. Without the appropriate people in these careers, the economic success, securities and scientific leadership will decrease. Traditional market-based measures alone do not provide an adequate portrayal of quality of life. The focus of economic measurement should change from production toward people’s well-being or happiness. Most happiness research focuses on countries, which enables comparisons. This study focuses on happiness levels of South African engineers. Previous work has explored other professions, such as physiotherapists, veterinarians and employees in the financial sector. The primary data were collected from the sample of 686 engineers by means of an on-line questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed from literature and using extracts from similar happiness studies questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted amongst engineers working in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the questionnaire was sent to the listed email addresses of the Engineering Council of South Africa. A representative sample of 395 respondents participated in the study who fully completed all sections of the questionnaire. A proposed conceptual model was compiled and tested using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The results of the study indicate that the factors Workplace influence, workplace relationships, Work-life balance and Purpose load onto the factor, Work Satisfaction. The factors Work satisfaction, Optimism, Leisure, S.A. Pride, Classism and Trust determine the happiness of engineers in South Africa. The results of this study further indicate that engineers in South Africa are generally happy and that they rate workplace relationships highly. Engineers generally have little faith in the government, the South African court system and the South African education system. This study is the first of its kind conducted in South Africa and makes a valuable contribution in understanding the happiness of engineers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018