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Happiness levels in South Africa

  • Authors: Georgiou, Michael
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Happiness -- South Africa , Well-being Social capital (Sociology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30161 , vital:30849
  • Description: One of the fundamental aspects of human life is the attempt to achieve happiness. Traditionally, happiness has been expressed within two specific spheres of understanding, these being the hedonic view and the eudemonic view. The former is the pursuit of wellbeing through pleasure, enjoyment and comfort, whereas the latter focuses on the pursuit of personal development, developing the best in oneself and keeping in line with one’s highest held principles. Such examples may include acting to the best of one’s abilities, expressing kindness, gratitude and the fulfilment of one’s potential. The philosophical tradition has now been incorporated into contemporary psychology for the development of the science of wellbeing. Recently, the term Happiness or what was commonly referred to as subjective well-being, has surged into the spotlight of positive psychology researchers worldwide, as it has shown to influence individuals and thereby organisations and society as well. There is evidence that indicates that an increase or decrease in individual happiness can have a positive influence on the lives of individuals, the way society operates and how economic structures perform. Many countries therefore are beginning to look at the measurement of happiness in an attempt to capitalise on the advantages this brings to their societies, economic activity and performance, and the improvement in the quality of the lives of its citizens. These countries are attempting to include the elements required to increase subjective well-being within the economic policies of the countries. This study aims at evaluating the Happiness Levels of South Africans and also aims at providing a basis for the current levels of happiness in the country, identify challenges that need to be addressed, and to provide a platform for further research where required. The primary data was collected through an online questionnaire, utilising the QuestionPro system supplied by the University. There were 840 valid respondents who completed the questionnaire in full. The questionnaire was developed utilising the happiness literature and previous questionnaires that have been developed in similar studies. A proposed conceptual model was developed and then tested utilising exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. A new model was iv developed which can be used to determine the happiness levels of South Africans. The study concluded with recommendations that governments, leaders, organisations and individuals in society can implement to increase the overall happiness of South Africans and to move the country forward in a positive and meaningful way so that we can all enjoy higher levels of happiness, prosperity and social capital. The results of this study further indicate that South Africans are generally happy and that optimism, workplace networks and work-life balance are important to their happiness. South African citizens generally have little faith in the government, the South African court system, the police services and the South African education system.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Human resources strategies for creating a green organisational culture

  • Authors: Jacobs, Petro
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Personnel management , Environmental responsibility Corporate culture Social responsibility of business
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22090 , vital:29839
  • Description: Organisations of the future have to focus strongly on sustainability to meet the needs of and ensure the survival of future generations. Many organisations either ignore environmental issues or address these issues superficially. To become a green organisation, requires a change in attitude, knowledge and behaviour and therefore a change in organisational culture. The purpose of this study was to explore Human Resources strategies for developing and implementing a green organisational culture in organisations. To address the main problem and the identified sub-problems, a literature study was undertaken. The concept of sustainability was explored, the rationale for going green and major stakeholders in creating a green organisational culture were identified. The literature study provided a synopsis of previous research on HR strategies for managing a culture change and more specifically, for creating and implementing a green culture in organisations. The research revealed that leadership, communication, recruitment, orientation, training, performance management, reward and recognition initiatives, as well as discipline, could be used to develop green values, attitudes and behaviours among organisational members. A web-based survey with a questionnaire as data collecting instrument was conducted among public and private organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area to determine the extent to which these organisations used the identified HR strategies to create a green organisational culture. A snowball sample technique was used. The main factors surveyed, included leadership, green technologies, green communication, HR strategies and procedures, brand communication and brand image. The results confirmed that executives or senior management were the main drivers to create a green culture; however, even though these leaders were considered passionate about the environment, they did not optimise the vision values and strategy to build a green organisational culture. The study also confirmed that although these organisations used green technologies to reduce waste, they did not encourage or reward employees for their contributions to green initiatives and did not adequately use communication in this respect. The results revealed that of the factors surveyed, leadership and HR strategies or procedures contributed the most to organisations developing a green organisational brand or image. The study confirmed the importance of using an integrated approach to develop a green organisation. Such an approach is initiated by senior management, through the formulation of a green vision, green values and a green strategy, and is supported by both technological resources and employee contributions. In addition, HR strategies should be aligned vertically and horizontally to develop an appropriate green mind-set and behaviour among all organisational members. In this respect, the HR department should also model appropriate green behaviours.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Improving internal control systems in the public sector: the Eastern Cape department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

  • Authors: Mtshotshisa, Mongezi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32997 , vital:32489
  • Description: It is important to note that control weaknesses are of two types. Firstly, design weaknesses are where controls are inadequately designed. Secondly, implementation weaknesses are where controls may be designed very well, but implementation by officials may be inadequate or irregular. Hence this study is about improving internal control systems in the public sector. The objective of this study is to determine how the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture can move from an unqualified audit report to a clean audit report. The researcher found that internal controls are very important in the operations of the department as a whole, especial in financial governance. The internal controls play an integral part in the organisation because all processes need controls as a tool to mitigate against the risks. In order for the department to prevent the emphasis of matter on audit reports or to achieve clean audit report, it must strengthen its internal controls. Although this study did not cover the issues of pre-determined objectives, implementation of internal controls is necessary for the improvement of reporting on performance information. The study concluded that the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture complies with international best practice pertaining to internal controls and financial reporting. The department has a great opportunity to obtain a clean audit report. It also has the potential to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its internal controls by strengthening the functioning of the internal control committee, risk management committee as well as the finance committee (In Year Monitoring). The executive authority and senior management of the department are the people who should enforce the implementation of internal controls through the use of the internal control function of the department, although the audit committee assists in ensuring the effectiveness of these internal controls.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Improving tax compliance of small businesses through effective communication

  • Authors: Nontshinga, Chuma Zintle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business -- Taxation , Taxpayer compliance -- Communication Taxation Communication in law
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22902 , vital:30127
  • Description: The small business sector is growing rapidly worldwide. It has been noted that the small business sector plays a vital role in the social as well as the economic development of the country. However this has brought about some challenges with regards to tax compliance. Within the Eastern Cape there is a vast difference in customer base, with some taxpayers being illiterate the non-compliance challenge becomes rather a critical focus. The limited tax knowledge within the small business sector as well as the complex tax language has contributed to small businesses being tax non-compliant. It is for this reason that this study became apparent. The primary objective of this study is to identify the variables to improve tax compliance for the small business segment by investigating the determinants of effective communication. More specifically this study will investigate the influence of communication channels, communication frequency, Information Technology Communication and tax education on tax compliance. To achieve the primary objective of this study, secondary and primary research was undertaken. The positivistic research methodology was adopted as relationships were tested as well as it emphasised the quantification of the data collected and analysed. Four determinants of effective communication (Communication Channels, Communication Frequency, Information Technology Communication and Tax Education) served as the independent variables, while Perceived Success of Tax Compliance served as the dependent variable. The majority of respondents were females with a 61% representation and males represented 39% of the responds. Most respondents were between the ages of 36 and 45 years, the age group profile depicts the diversity of the maturity levels within the respondents. From the descriptive statistics it was observed that the majority of the respondents agreed that their businesses were tax compliant. For the independent variables, the reported average mean values ranged from 3.03 to 3.97 with the highest mean value being reported for the variable of Tax Education and the lowest score reported for Communication Frequency. In accordance with the literature review and the findings from the empirical data obtained and analysed in this study, it can be concluded that tax compliance is a function of many variables. The study has revealed that the determinants of effective communication that were identified as independent variables have an impact on the perceived success of tax compliance. In other words, an increase in the independent variable will lead to an increase in the level of tax compliance.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Improving the implementation and sustainability of corporate performance management at Amatola Water Board

  • Authors: Ntungwana, Sabelo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement Performance -- Management Performance -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33736 , vital:33012
  • Description: In the last century, researchers have studied how performance management systems could be applied effectively to achieve both financial and non-financial performance. This approach was a direct response to the need for strategic measurement systems to measure the performance of the organisation. As a results, various approaches were developed. And Amatola Water Board opted to adopt the Balanced Scorecard as its strategic measurement system. It contains outcome measures and the performance drivers of outcomes, linked together in connectedness relationships, and thus aims to be a proactive control system. Furthermore, the balanced scorecard is developed for use not only as a strategic measurement system but also as a strategic control system. Its purpose enables the departmental and personal goals to be aligned to the organisational strategy. The purpose of this research study was to first examine the extent to which there is a connectedness relationship between strategic performance and business performance. Secondly, the research study examined the extent to which the strategy is understood by all in the organisation. Thirdly, the study also examined the extent to which the performance management system is consistently applied. Finally, the study examined the extent to which performance is recognised and rewarded. Lastly, the research study discusses the empirical results and suggests some improvements to the performance measurement and management system. The researcher chose a quantitative approach to conduct the study. The quantitative approach was influenced by the positivistic research paradigm. A simple random sampling technique was used due to its probability that each unit in the population has an equal chance of being included in the sample. And a questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The instrument was anchored to a five (5) point Likert scale the Likert scale required the respondents to indicate their level of agreement with the statement. The statements ranged from strongly disagree to strongly agree. And the data collection instrument consisted of Thirty Five (35) questions. Regarding the pilot study, it was however not conducted for this research. The researcher acknowledged that a pilot study helps the researcher to determine how the questions are interpreted and understood by the respondents, but also indicated that it is only due to limited resources that the researcher omitted to conduct a pilot study. One Hundred and Thirty (130) questionnaires were distributed and one hundred and twenty seven (127) were returned achieving a response rate of ninety six (96) percent. And both Statistical® and SPSS® programmes were utilised for extraction of data for recognised reliability and validity. The research study revealed that Amatola Water has a performance measurement and management policy and it is being implemented. However, the study also revealed that communication and involvement is limited to management and lower level employees are not involved in the process from the beginning. The study showed evidence of lack of training for line management on how to properly execute and administer the performance measurement and management system effectively and successfully. And the analysis indicates lack of understanding of the contents of the shareholder’s compact and organisational strategy by lower level employees. Finally, the researcher made recommendations regarding the improvements in the implementation of the performance measurement and management system. And more recommendations are made regarding the participation of lower level employees in strategic direction and performance of the organization.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Indigenous knowledge for agricultural development: a framework for potato farming in Bui division, North West Region of Cameroon

  • Authors: Ngek, Shillie Peter
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Cameroon -- Bui , Agricultural industries -- Cameroon , Sustainable agriculture , Sustainable development , Indigenous peoples
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33703 , vital:32974
  • Description: Over the years, people have planned and carried out their activities depending on their indigenous knowledge base. In agriculture, documented importance of indigenous knowledge has been noted in different ways such as in crop health management, soil nutrient management, and food processing and food preservation. Indigenous smallholder farmers across the world have developed techniques that reflect their intimate knowledge of their local environments and ecosystems to improve their agricultural yields and minimise postharvest losses. However, such indigenous knowledge techniques are rarely documented or enhanced to boost agricultural practice and ensure food security. The present study has identified potato farming in Cameroon as a potential contributor to the socio-economic development of farmers, their communities and their country. The potato farming industry largely consists of smallholder farmers, predominantly women, producing primarily of immediate consumption. Historically, these farmers have been sustaining their farms through indigenous knowledge and practices that are not being exploited to the fullest beneficial opportunities for these farmers. It has often been suggested that Western highly mechanised approaches should be implemented to commercialise these farms in order to access these benefits. These approaches of mechanisation require large capital outlays, which these smallholder farmers cannot afford, hence the approach taken by the present study to capitalise on the indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers. The present study argued that working with the existing indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers, a level of commercialisation, with the resulting job creation and economic benefits, could be achieved. This study has succeeded in identifying the causes of postharvest potato losses on the smallholding farms, the obstacles in reducing these losses and the techniques to reduce these losses. The study provides important recommendations to improve smallholder potato farming in Cameroon. By implementing the findings of this study, the Cameroon government, prospective potato farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional authorities and NGOs could make a significant contribution to the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the reduction of poverty levels in these farming communities.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Integration of the new development bank into the international financial architecture

  • Authors: Chitenderu, Tafadzwa Thelmah
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: World Bank , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries Economic development -- International cooperation Financial institutions, International
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23924 , vital:30645
  • Description: The study looked at the integration of the BRICS New Development Bank into the international financial architecture. In doing so, it made use of an econometric evaluation of the impact of the loans received from the current dominant financial institutions, namely International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, on economic growth of ten self-selected African countries. Given the challenges and the failures of the Western dominated funding to African countries, it is important to ensure that the funding approach of the New Development Bank does not resemble that of the current international finance system. Using panel data and quantile regression econometric models on annual data from ten self-selected African countries that are recipients of World Bank and IMF loans from 1994 to 2014, this thesis presents a framework for the integration of the BRICS’ New Development Bank into the global financial architecture. The results obtained shows a negative and statistically significant impact of World Bank loans on Gross Domestic Product of the country under analysis and a positive statistically insignificant impact of IMF loans. Given the existing global financial institutions and the wealth of expertise at their disposal, this thesis concludes that the existing global financial structure cannot be done away with completely but the New Development Bank should rather perform a complementary role in the global finance space. Accordingly, the New Development Bank should champion a ‘post ideological rhetoric’ in the global financial architecture.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Interest rate liberalisation and economic growth in SADC countries

  • Authors: Moyo, Clement Zibusiso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Economic development -- Africa, Southern Developing countries -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22791 , vital:30087
  • Description: The pioneers of financial liberalisation, McKinnon (1973) and Shaw (1973) argue that inter-est rates determined by market forces have a positive effect on economic growth rates. Inter-est rates that are kept at low levels through the intervention of a central bank discourage sav-ings and capital accumulation, and distort the allocation of resources. Interest rate liberalisa-tion results in higher real interest rates which could have a positive effect on savings, invest-ments and economic growth (Ang & McKibbin 2007). Interest rate liberalisation also reduces capital flight and encourages capital inflows by increasing return for investors which supple-ments domestic investments. Shaw (1973) argued that interest rate liberalisation promotes financial development by encouraging savings and increasing the availability of funds for lending purposes. The study provides an empirical analysis of the channels through which interest rate liberalisation impacts on economic growth in SADC countries for the period 1990 to 2015. The study is motivated by the concerns on the impact of interest rate liberalisation on eco-nomic growth in the period after the 2008-’09 global financial crisis as well as concerns that interest rate liberalisation increases the likelihood of financial crises. Higher interest rates resulting from interest rate liberalisation may increase the likelihood of financial crises by encouraging risk-taking on the part of banks in an attempt to take advantage of higher returns. Authorities in most countries have reduced interest rates in an attempt to boost aggregate demand, which is expected to speed up the recovery from the crisis. However, the lowering of interest rates may result in a decrease in savings and investments, which are the main drivers of long-term economic growth. Real interest rates below equilibrium may encourage banks to take more risks in their lending practices in order to earn higher returns which may result in an increase in non-performing loans. The influence of interest rates on financial crises has thus received considerable attention since the onset of the 2008-’09 global financial crisis and this thesis contributes to the literature by determining how interest rates impact on economic growth in SADC countries and whether interest rate liberalisation increases the likelihood of financial crises. The study examines the relationship between interest rate liberalisation and economic growth through different channels. These include savings and investments, capital flows and finan-cial development. The study uses the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator proposed by Pesaran et al (1999) to estimate the effect of interest rate liberalisation on economic growth through the abovementioned channels. The study also examines whether interest rate liberalisation increases the likelihood of financial crises. This is estimated using the logit model, due to the binary nature of the dependent variable. The results provide limited support for the McKinnon and Shaw hypothesis. Interest rate liberalisation has a positive effect on economic growth through higher savings and investments. Interest rate liberalisation has a positive outcome on capital inflows, which indicates that the prospect of earning higher returns encourages foreign investors to invest in the domestic economy. However, capital inflows do not enhance economic growth. This could be due to the low levels of human capital in SADC countries. Interest rate liberalisation boosts financial development through higher savings and invest-ments. However, financial development has a negative effect on economic growth because of the link between financial development and financial crises. The results show that interest rate liberalisation decreases the likelihood of financial crises directly, however, it increases the probability of financial crises indirectly through financial development. This suggests that the major cause of financial crises in the region is the low levels of institutional quality and lack of adequate supervisory frameworks to monitor the functioning of the financial system. Therefore, the results imply that the negative impact of interest rate liberalisation may outweigh the positive effect of higher savings and investments in SADC countries. A number of policy recommendations can be drawn from the study. Liberalisation of interest rates has a positive effect on economic growth through savings and investments. However improving the levels of institutional quality is vital for preventing financial crises. Interest rate liberalisation may not have a direct influence on financial crises, but higher levels of fi-nancial development emanating from higher interest rates increase the likelihood of financial crises. Therefore, a sound monitoring framework is necessary for the benefits of financial liberalisation to be realised. Also, investment in education, training and research and development is a necessity so as to increase levels of human capital, which in turn may allow the region to reap the benefits of capital inflows.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Investigating the levels of management and leadership development among medical doctors

  • Authors: Mdingi, Simphiwe Lukhanyo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22957 , vital:30154
  • Description: Private medical practice, as a division of primary healthcare, involves profitable medical practices and businesses owned and run by qualified medical practitioners that provide a healthcare service to their community. It is thus inevitable that the function of management forms a vital part of the medical practitioner’s responsibilities and entails daily, weekly and monthly duties such as training and managing staff members, general administration, ordering medical supplies, liaising with patients, clients and suppliers, generating accurate invoices, paying bills, wages and salaries, handling debtors and creditors; as well as many other tasks aimed at ensuring that his/her medical practice runs smoothly and cost effectively while continuing to focus on growing its patient/client base and income generating capabilities. Therefore, competent and effective management and leadership skills are essential to the success of a private medical practice and healthcare department at large, that will be able to provide its community with a healthcare service marked by excellence; contributing not only to its community’s employment rate and economy, but also to the general well being of its members. The treatise has identified that, although the medical industry in South Africa has invested heavily in the academic, clinical and practical development and training of medical practitioners and healthcare personnel in the past, many gaps exist in adequately equipping medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals with leadership skills aimed at the successful management of their private practices, healthcare departments and hospitals at large. With a view to bridge these gaps, it has been the main purpose of this study to identify the primary and specific factors that contribute to the lack of leadership and management development among medical practitioners in private practice. The empirical study included data collected via the distribution of a self-administered online survey among 100 medical practitioners in private practice and in management positions in the Western Cape area. The findings generated by the survey indicate that the level of management and leadership development among medical doctors in private practice in western cape is low mainly due to the current academic curriculum for medical doctors, lack of relevant, contemporary information regarding effective management and leadership development training for medical practitioners, lack of clinical leadership development and training, lack of suitable, available leadership and management mentoring/coaching for medical practitioners, as well as the medical profession’s neglect of conveying and imprinting the importance of the need for medical practitioners’ to acquire and become equipped with these skills. In light of these findings, a framework for management and leadership skills development among medical practitioners was constructed for consideration by policy makers, accompanied by recommendations aimed at actioning improvements that will positively impact the healthcare industry at large.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Is craft brewing a threat to the sales of mainstream brands in South Africa

  • Authors: Martin, Carmen Estelle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Sales management -- South Africa , Brand name products -- South Africa Marketing -- South Africa -- Management Brewing -- Economic aspects Beer -- South Africa -- History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22563 , vital:30006
  • Description: The study aims to answer the question of whether craft brewing is a threat to the sales of mainstream brands in South Africa. This is done through a quantitative multiple case research study into craft breweries within South Africa. The justification of the research resides within the hype around the increase in craft breweries within South Africa. The theoretical framework of the thesis consists of history of beer, the elements of beer, the supply of raw materials to manufacture beer and the definition of craft beer. The comparison is done between the United States Craft beer market and the South African Beer market. The empirical part of the study is divided into six parts. It starts with an explanation of the method of the study, the questionnaire design as well as the data collection methods. Thereafter the topic is further justified, and validity, reliability, limitations and ethical issues will be considered. The results and analysis and findings section there are 212 craft brewers appearing on the Brewers Association membership list, the purposive sampling method meant that the questionnaires were sent out to 192 craft brewers across South Africa. Of the total of 192 questionnaires distributed, only 22 responded to the study, effectively granting us a usable response rate of 11.5%. Due to the closed niche of the alcohol market that craft brewing is competing in, as well as the low participation rate, it was concluded that within South Africa craft brewing though a contender does not impact mainstream brands.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Job embeddedness, employee retention and innovative work behaviours at a selected municipality

  • Authors: Lippert, Cuan Roberto
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa Work ethic -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22520 , vital:29996
  • Description: The importance of job embeddedness with its combined forces of fit, links and sacrifice has previously been centred on predicting retention. At the present time, job embeddedness is also considered as a factor influencing innovative work behaviours. The current study extends this line of research by examining the relationship between job embeddedness, employee retention and innovative work behaviours of employees working in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate. Research on how job embeddedness influences employee retention and innovative work behaviours, is important in the light of retaining knowledgeable staff in the current municipal setting. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted on a non-probability purposive sample (N = 131) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate. Correlational results revealed a significant positive linear relationship between on-the-job embeddedness and innovative work behaviours. However, a significant negative linear relationship was reported between on-the-job embeddedness and retention, measured by employees’ perceptions of job prospects and future intentions to leave the organisation. Furthermore, a significant positive linear relationship was reported between off-the-job embeddedness and innovative work behaviours. The study revealed significant differences between age and on-the-job embeddedness. Lastly, significant differences were found between marital status, language and tenure in relation to off-the-job embeddedness. The findings of the study contribute to the research body of knowledge with respect to employee retention and innovative work behaviours at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate. The final chapter concludes the research with recommendations for future research practices.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Livelihood strategies of airport valley community in Nelson Mandela Bay

  • Authors: Kungune, Tamara
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30972 , vital:31242
  • Description: Poverty is one of the major problems facing South Africa. It is seen as a multidimensional concept alluded to several causes. Poverty is more prone in South Africa’s townships that are found in the periphery of cities, due to the country’s history of racial segregation. This research dissertation presents livelihood strategies of Airport Valley community in Nelson Mandela Bay. People in this community suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low income, poor housing, high crime environment and bad health to mention a few. Data collection was accomplished through questionnaires and observations. The results revealed that households in Airport Valley depend mostly on government social grants and are engaged in activities that do not pay decent salaries. A high percentage of energetic men and women of working age are either underemployed or unemployed. People in this community have access to a variety of assets including human capital which is constituted by the quantity and quality of labour available, education, skills and health of the household members.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Microfinace and poverty alleviation in Uganda

  • Authors: Ben, Ssembajjwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Microfinance -- Uganda , Economic development -- Uganda Economic assistance, Domestic Poverty -- Economic aspects -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23624 , vital:30588
  • Description: Microfinance began in Uganda in the early 1990s as a response to the failure by formal financial institutions to extend financial services to the poor because of the high transaction costs involved. These microfinance institutions provide financial and non-financial services to the poor in order for the poor to generate incomes and consequently alleviate poverty. The advent of microfinance institutions was not accidental but rather in response to the people’s needs and they have therefore been beneficial for the people of Uganda. Because of that, several MFIs have been initiated to help the poor. Although many services are provided, the study focused on credit services. As most of the MFIs have to balance the business goal of profit maximization and the social goal of poverty reduction, the main objective of this study was to explore whether microfinance in Uganda is an effective tool for poverty alleviation. The study was conducted in four districts, namely Mukono, Mpigi, Wakiso and Luwero. Using random probability sampling, a sample of 170 was drawn from a pool of 300 MFI clients. and all of them responded. MFI officials were also interviewed. A total 136 officials were obtained from 47 MFI branches. The study used descriptive methods of analysis, a Likert scale to derive means, as well as a Principal Component Analysis technique. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect if there were any statistically significant differences among the demographic variables used in the study. A Probit Regression Model was used to determine the impact of certain variables drawn from Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on poverty in Uganda. The results obtained proved that MFIs in general are effective in combating poverty in Uganda. Variables that are significant in poverty reduction through loan use are land, education, employment, household incomes and occupations of the respondents, loan sizes and improved livelihoods. Despite the positive impact of MFI loans in Uganda, the MFIs are faced with a number of challenges. The results from the interviews with the MFI officials indicated that MFIs are challenged by increasing competition, bad debt, multiple borrowings by clients, and information asymmetry. The study recommended reduced interest rates on agricultural, education and business loans. The public must also be sensitised about borrowing and there should be increased monitoring and supervision of clients, improved assessment of creditworthiness, and government should ensure an enabling environment and encourage group loans. Effort should be exerted to create employment opportunities. The study also recommended improvement in market intelligence and to be alert in gathering information on client profiles. it was recommended that microloan insurance and savings must be encouraged, operational costs be reduced, portfolios be expanded to increase loans and outreach must be maximised. Lastly, the thesis put forward some potential areas for further studies.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Moral individualism in South African emerging adults

  • Authors: Geddie, Alison Sarah
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Moral development -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects Business ethics -- South Africa Young adults -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22145 , vital:29854
  • Description: The intention of this study was to explore moral individualism in South African emerging adults. This was done by examining emerging adults’ ability to identify moral issue, the propensity for moral individualism among emerging adults, identifying moral individualism’s impact on emerging adult’s moral judgments of others and exploring future implications of moral individualism for organisations. This was a qualitative study and data was obtained by conducting focus group discussions. Four focus groups of five to seven people were conducted. Twenty participants participated in total and these groups were conducted until data saturation was reached. These focus groups consisted of prospective professionals studying towards a qualification. There individuals were between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three. Data collected from these focus groups was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that, although participants exhibit elements of moral individualism, many of their views, specifically views on moral judgements of others, do not align with the framework presented by moral individualism. This suggests that although individual moral frameworks play a role in how individuals interact with organisations, this is not done from a moral individualist frame work.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Organisational factors that influence the turnover of core employees

  • Authors: Naidu, Ricardo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Labor turnover , Employee motivation Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Organization -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32871 , vital:32381
  • Description: The importance of human resources has been highlighted by many academic studies in recent times. This increase in interest has been a result of evidence that shows that employees contribute significantly to an organisation’s ability to gain a sustainable competitive advantage as well as to achieve increased efficiencies. It is therefore imperative that organisations retain this valuable asset to prevent the negative outcomes associated with high employee turnover. A high level of employee turnover tends to be exacerbated when these employees happen to be part of the core employees within the business. The organisation that motivated this study experienced an unacceptable level of core employee turnover. This study therefore aimed at identifying the organisational factors that influenced core employee turnover and in doing so, also ascertaining what relationship existed between these factors. The factors identified in the study were employee engagement, HRM practices, organisational culture, organisational support and organisational structure. These factors were uncovered and discussed by conducting a thorough review of the literature available on the subject. The literature review not only revealed the benefits associated with these factors, but also showed that the absence of these organisational factors has a negative influence on employee turnover. The study also utilised quantitative methods to collect and analyse data from respondents in the selected organisation. This focused on their opinions regarding the relationship between the various organisational factors and turnover intention. The data obtained indicated that all of the independent variables identified displayed a linear negative relationship with turnover intention and it could therefore be concluded that negative perceptions on employee engagement, HRM practices, organisational culture, perceived organisational support and organisational structure all had a negative impact on turnover intention. It was also noted that perceived organisational support displayed the strongest negative relationship with turnover intention. Consequently it can therefore be recommended that in order for organisations to retain core employees, it is necessary to develop robust systems that address employee needs on employee engagement, HRM practices, organisational culture, organisational support and organisational structure. A further recommendation made is that careful attention should be given to developing employee perceptions on organisational support, as the results showed that this is the most important factor in influencing core employee turnover behaviour.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Perceived organisational support and well-being: the mediating effect of psychological capital

  • Authors: Roemer, Anja
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Positive psychology , Psychology, Applied Organizational behavior Well-being
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23283 , vital:30513
  • Description: The field of Positive Psychology focuses on the strengths and positive capacities of human beings and investigates how mental well-being can be actively enhanced. Analysis of those factors influencing employee well-being constitutes a valuable approach for research purposes. Based on the Job Demands-Resources Theory and the Conservation of Resources Theory, it was assumed that Perceived Organisational Support (POS) and the higher-order construct of Psychological Capital (PsyCap), consisting of the facets of self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, are all resources that can contribute to a sense of greater well-being for employees. It was proposed that POS fuels the capacity of PsyCap, which can then result in an accumulation of resources leading to enhanced well-being. It was therefore hypothesised that the positive capacity of PsyCap would mediate the relationship between POS and well-being. A non-experimental, cross-sectional design using convenience and snowball sampling via personal contacts and social media was utilised. A research sample of 159 South African participants who completed an online survey was thus recruited. The respective constructs were assessed by means of the Survey of Perceived Organisational Support (SPOS), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). All measures revealed excellent reliability. The SPOS and the WEMWBS were found to be valid after minor construct modifications had been made. The four-factor structure of the PCQ-24 could not be validated due to high inter-correlations between the subscales. Each subscale, however, was shown to be valid. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that POS, PsyCap and well-being are positively correlated with each other. Hierarchical regression analyses, structural equation modelling, and bootstrapping revealed that PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between POS and well-being. This implies that organisations can contribute to a greater sense of well-being in their employees by systematically enhancing their PsyCap through the offer of support structures.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Perceptions, knowledge and attitude of primary health care staff on the implementation of an ideal clinic strategy

  • Authors: Messiahs, Avril
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa , Clinics -- South Africa Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32204 , vital:31985
  • Description: The study sought to understand the perceptions, knowledge and attitude of primary healthcare (PHC) staff with the implementation of the ideal clinic strategy (ICS). The ICS is a new standard of healthcare process implemented by the South African Department of Health (SA DoH) at PHC level in both private and public sector. This study however only focuses on the public sector. The ICS is implemented in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the SA DoH Strategic Plan 2014 – 2019. The study utilised a quantitative methodological approach to investigate the research question. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University and the National Department of Health to conduct the study in 10 clinics that were identified as ideal clinics in the rolling out of the ICS. The sample consisted of 48 clinical and 146 non-clinical staff within primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of the elected 10 clinics. One hundred and ninety-four (194) questionnaires were therefore distributed to these staff members, but only 135 usable questionnaires were returned. This translated into a response rate of 69.6%. The empirical results showed that: - most participants were knowledgeable about the implementation of the ICS; - females were more knowledgeable about the strategy than males, although the difference was not significant; - male participants were however more engaged with the ICS than females; - clinical staff members were perceived to be more engaged in the implementation of the ICS than the non-clinical staff; - more than half of the participants (53.5%) perceived the implementing the ICS as not being easy; and - more females than males perceived the implementation of ICS as being easy. The study provides important recommendations based on the above-mentioned findings.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Performance assessment of infrastructure and housing contractors in Buffalo City

  • Authors: Ngqinambi, Thomakazi Thobeka
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Performance standards , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management Contractors' operations Organizational effectiveness
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33682 , vital:32964
  • Description: It is evident that contractors in Buffalo City Metro Municipality are not successfully executing the projects appropriately. The effects can be a result of factors contributing to poor performance. Expenditure trends tell a frightening story in relation to the performance of the contractors as the main spenders on capital and operating project budgets. The municipality is faced with projects that have time and cost overruns, poor project implementation and total abandonment. There is no proper performance measurement instrument in place; as a result, the council struggles to terminate poor performing contractors. This study focuses on key performance indicators that can be employed by the municipality to measure performance of contractors and evaluate progress. Also this study outlined the factors affecting contractor performance during construction so as to understand the effects of these factors on the performance. A questionnaire was utilised to collect information from construction stakeholders. In order for contractors to improve their overall performance, focus should be on construction time and cost. Clients must improve on speed of decision-making during construction.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Plight of small-scale citrus farmers in Ngqushwa and Addo, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Mdingi, Chulumanco
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Peddie , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22714 , vital:30066
  • Description: During colonial and Apartheid regimes, blacks were limited to only being subsistence and labourers of white commercial farmers, and this contributed to inequality between the two race groups. White commercial farmers were significantly supported by the previous regimes through research, finance and machinery. However, the new government has proven to have failed in properly coordinated support programmes to small-scale black farmers leading into compromised livelihoods and vulnerability. This is a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews for data gathering with nine small-scale citrus farmers from Ngqushwa and Addo. The key findings of the study showed that small-scale citrus farmers have difficulty with accessing finance for expansion. These farmers have no other sources of income; they solely depend on the sale of their produce to make a living. Access to land still remains a challenge, thus limiting their aspirations of expansion. Access to lucrative markets is dependent on forming relationships with established white marketing and export agencies. The government programmes that some of these farmers took part in left them vulnerable due to the abrupt stopping of the rollout before the stipulated term ended. The poor coordination of the limited support that relevant institutions provide has emerged as a key factor that threatens the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Possible future jobs in the republic of South Africa by 2030

  • Authors: Kasvosve, Johanis
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Industries -- Technological innovations , Labor market -- South Africa Employment (Economic theory)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30660 , vital:31008
  • Description: The 21st century has experienced dramatic, fundamental and unprecedented changes that have seen many organisations having to reconsider their competitive strategies in order to remain relevant in the market place. Within the context of South Africa, these changes have resulted in the disappearance, dwindling or expansion of some jobs. The dawn of the 21st century marked the beginning of the Fourth Industrial Revolutions (Industry 4.0). Although Industry 4.0 can bring about great promises for the future, the patterns of consumption, production and employment created by it also pose substantive challenges in the form of technological unemployment requiring proactive adaptation by businesses, governments and individuals. This study aimed at identifying possible future jobs in the Republic of South Africa as we transition to 2030. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and Environmental Scanning were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that technological advancements, economic, urbanisation, globalisation, economic, political, demographic and environmental factors are the major determinants of future jobs. Chapter 4 dealt with the application of the CLA. This research ought to be understood in the context that utility of CLA is not in predicting the future of jobs but in creating transformative spaces for the creation of alternative futures that are desirable for the country as we transition to 2030. Some of the key findings emanating for this study are that Industry 4.0 is poised to render routine manufacturing jobs redundant. Furthermore, the advancements in technology are posed to result in massive employment opportunities for developers of web tolls, applications, hardware design and engineers and those working in web-based businesses. More jobs are likely to emanate from greening the economy. Progressive emancipation of women is likely to result in occupations and working x arrangements that facilitate a successful compromise between work life and private lives resulting in social care jobs. A number of strategic considerations and recommendations were also sponsored with a view to respond to the trends shaping the future of jobs in South Africa.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
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