Factors that influence the career success of women managers at a historically black institution in South Africa
- Authors: Chikuya, Albeter Fungai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11275 , vital:39052
- Description: Orientation: The government of South Africa is making efforts to facilitate the inclusion of women in the workplace, even though they still encounter various career barriers that inhibit their career success. Research purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the career success of women managers at a historically black institution. Motivation: Most studies that focused on career success opted for a positivist research paradigm, but this study is amongst the few that has employed the interpretivism paradigm to enable the researcher to understand subjectively the occupational challenges women experience. Research approach, design, methodology: The study was conducted to ascertain the factors that influence the career success of women managers. A sample of 20 participants was selected, and one on one semi-structured interviews were conducted with women managers who are currently working at the University of Fort Hare. A qualitative approach was suitable for the study because the challenges of the participants were expressed from their lived experiences. The interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six steps of data analysis. Main findings: The study revealed that women experience similar career challenges as they go up their career ladder. Such challenges include gender discrimination, resistance, the glass ceiling and work-life balance dilemma; hence, all these above affect the career success of women. Various themes emerged from the study, namely, the quests for further professional development and improvements, the heightened prioritisation of objective rewards and subjective rewards, negotiation between work and personal space as affecting career development and the resolution tactic: flee or fight. Practical/ managerial implications: An intervention is needed to ensure that organisations are more sensitive to the issues of women representation to top positions to enhance their career success. The study will be useful to both organisations and academics to design policies that will facilitate the career success of women. Contribution: The study is amongst the few that adopted the qualitative paradigm in investigating the factors influencing the career success of women managers, by understanding from their lived experiences. The implications of these findings for policy, practice and career counselling are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Chikuya, Albeter Fungai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11275 , vital:39052
- Description: Orientation: The government of South Africa is making efforts to facilitate the inclusion of women in the workplace, even though they still encounter various career barriers that inhibit their career success. Research purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the career success of women managers at a historically black institution. Motivation: Most studies that focused on career success opted for a positivist research paradigm, but this study is amongst the few that has employed the interpretivism paradigm to enable the researcher to understand subjectively the occupational challenges women experience. Research approach, design, methodology: The study was conducted to ascertain the factors that influence the career success of women managers. A sample of 20 participants was selected, and one on one semi-structured interviews were conducted with women managers who are currently working at the University of Fort Hare. A qualitative approach was suitable for the study because the challenges of the participants were expressed from their lived experiences. The interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six steps of data analysis. Main findings: The study revealed that women experience similar career challenges as they go up their career ladder. Such challenges include gender discrimination, resistance, the glass ceiling and work-life balance dilemma; hence, all these above affect the career success of women. Various themes emerged from the study, namely, the quests for further professional development and improvements, the heightened prioritisation of objective rewards and subjective rewards, negotiation between work and personal space as affecting career development and the resolution tactic: flee or fight. Practical/ managerial implications: An intervention is needed to ensure that organisations are more sensitive to the issues of women representation to top positions to enhance their career success. The study will be useful to both organisations and academics to design policies that will facilitate the career success of women. Contribution: The study is amongst the few that adopted the qualitative paradigm in investigating the factors influencing the career success of women managers, by understanding from their lived experiences. The implications of these findings for policy, practice and career counselling are suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Impact of business confidence on private investments in South Africa
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Job satisfaction, organisational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at a university in South Africa
- Authors: Landu, Mzimkulu Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4784 , vital:28520
- Description: The aim of this study explore the role of job satisfaction , organizational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at Walter Sisulu University at Ibika campus in Butterworth , in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of 70 administrative staff was drawn for the population of 170. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly and positively correlated with one another. Job satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively correlated with employee turnover. Organizational justice was also found to be significantly positively correlated with employee turnover. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational justice was found. The findings of this study will assist Ibika campus management in reducing employee turnover and increase the retention of administrative staff at Ibika campus and the entire Walter Sisulu administrative staff at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Landu, Mzimkulu Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4784 , vital:28520
- Description: The aim of this study explore the role of job satisfaction , organizational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at Walter Sisulu University at Ibika campus in Butterworth , in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of 70 administrative staff was drawn for the population of 170. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly and positively correlated with one another. Job satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively correlated with employee turnover. Organizational justice was also found to be significantly positively correlated with employee turnover. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational justice was found. The findings of this study will assist Ibika campus management in reducing employee turnover and increase the retention of administrative staff at Ibika campus and the entire Walter Sisulu administrative staff at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Leadership style and organisational culture's effect on employee organisational commitment at Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority
- Authors: Garande, Bertha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture Organizational commitment Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAdmin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8429 , vital:32787
- Description: Orientation: “Any company can become a great place to work for”. This is an appealing statement but how are great places to work characterised? In an era characterised by turbulent changes in business environment due to elements like globalisation, organisations are trying their best to attain competitive advantage. Organisational commitment has been pointed by most researchers as a survival aspect for most organisations. However, internal organisational aspects such as leadership style and organisational culture needs to be closely looked at as they influence the level of commitment employees will have to an organisation. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the effect of leadership style and organisational culture on employee organisational commitment. Motivation for the study: Employee organisational commitment is becoming a challenge for organisations regardless of the type or field of operation. Factors like leadership style and organisational culture needs to be closely scrutinised if organisations are to be successful as they are constantly affected by drastic changes facing organisations in today’s world. Research design, approach and method: A questionnaire was used as a method for data collection and it was administered to a sample of 250 respondents at Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority in Zimbabwe. Random sampling was used to select respondents. Main findings: Chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis were applied in testing the statistical significance of the relationship among variables. The results indicated that leadership style and organisational culture had a significant positive relationship on organisational commitment. Practical implications: The results of this study showed that managers should strategise or develop programmes that enhances employee retention so as to overcome labour turnover problems due to lack of employee commitment. The study also clearly indicated that better leadership style and organisational culture is fundamental in enhancing employee commitment in an organisation. Contribution: The findings of this study showed that leadership style and organisational culture have a positive significant effect on employee commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Garande, Bertha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture Organizational commitment Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAdmin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8429 , vital:32787
- Description: Orientation: “Any company can become a great place to work for”. This is an appealing statement but how are great places to work characterised? In an era characterised by turbulent changes in business environment due to elements like globalisation, organisations are trying their best to attain competitive advantage. Organisational commitment has been pointed by most researchers as a survival aspect for most organisations. However, internal organisational aspects such as leadership style and organisational culture needs to be closely looked at as they influence the level of commitment employees will have to an organisation. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the effect of leadership style and organisational culture on employee organisational commitment. Motivation for the study: Employee organisational commitment is becoming a challenge for organisations regardless of the type or field of operation. Factors like leadership style and organisational culture needs to be closely scrutinised if organisations are to be successful as they are constantly affected by drastic changes facing organisations in today’s world. Research design, approach and method: A questionnaire was used as a method for data collection and it was administered to a sample of 250 respondents at Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority in Zimbabwe. Random sampling was used to select respondents. Main findings: Chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis were applied in testing the statistical significance of the relationship among variables. The results indicated that leadership style and organisational culture had a significant positive relationship on organisational commitment. Practical implications: The results of this study showed that managers should strategise or develop programmes that enhances employee retention so as to overcome labour turnover problems due to lack of employee commitment. The study also clearly indicated that better leadership style and organisational culture is fundamental in enhancing employee commitment in an organisation. Contribution: The findings of this study showed that leadership style and organisational culture have a positive significant effect on employee commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Local versus international celebrity endorsement credibility and consumer purchase intentions in the cosmetic industry
- Authors: Nyamakanga,Nyarai Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Purchasing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13891 , vital:39724
- Description: In order for a firm to create and improve the image of its product or services, celebrity endorsement is considered to be a highly effective tool which can influence consumer behaviour. This is evident in the increasing number of marketers who are harnessing the power of celebrities to endorse their products. However, for endorsement to be successful the celebrity endorsers must be viewed as credible by consumers. It has been shown that there are three dimensions that determine the level of credibility in celebrity endorsements: trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the credibility of local versus international celebrity endorsement in advertising on consumers’ intention to purchase cosmetic products in a South African (SA) context. This study focused on the cosmetic industry as it is an industry that relies heavily on endorsement to advertise and attract consumers to purchase products. Firms in this industry need to be aware of the criteria when selecting celebrity endorsers such as whether to hire an international or local celebrity as brand representatives. Thus, the researcher aimed to determine whether there is a difference in terms of credibility between local and international celebrity endorsers as viewed by SA consumers with respect to the cosmetic industry. The credibility of the celebrities was rated using the credibility scale developed by Ohanian (1990). The credibility scale rates the credibility of celebrities using the three factors of attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise. Two models were proposed for the study, one testing the credibility of local endorsers whilst the other testing the credibility of international endorsers. These dimensions were hypothetically by the researcher to determine their effect on consumer purchase intention. To hypothetically test the dimensions, a quantitative approach and design were used as methods of gathering and analysing data. A total of 237 selfadministered questionnaires were distributed at a University in the Eastern Cape (EC). Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using the descriptive statistical measures with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The inferential statistics were analysed using the multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the statistical significance of the model, which was found to be statistically significant for both models. The regression coefficients where then used to determine the strength of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable for each model. iii The study concluded that consumers perceive both local and international celebrity endorsers as credible and are influenced to purchase cosmetics products because of perceived credibility. The data analysis showed that local celebrity endorsers are perceived as more credible than international celebrity endorsers within the context of marketing cosmetic products in the South African industry. This means that consumers can be easily persuaded to purchase cosmetics products when marketed using locally based celebrity endorsers. The outcome of the research informatively helps managers to carefully select the endorser that will be able to create awareness, attract and retain loyal consumers through the advertisement. Inasmuch as marketers have to endorse local celebrities, it is also safe for them to consider international celebrity endorsers as their credibility to a lesser extent influences consumers to purchase products. However, marketers need to define and determine the target market, and select an endorser that aligns with the characteristics of the market. One of the study’s objectives was to test which of the three dimensions mentioned earlier had a stronger impact on consumer’s intention to purchase for both local and international endorsers. The attractiveness dimension indicated a much stronger influence on consumer purchase intention in comparison to the other dimensions for local celebrities and was found to be statistically significant. As the cosmetic industry is a beauty industry, it is recommended that firms in the industry use local attractive endorsers to market the cosmetic products. However, the endorser must also be trustworthy as it ranks second in terms of influence to intention to purchase. On the other hand the expertise dimension in international celebrities had the highest coefficient score indicating a greater strength and influence on consumer purchase intention and was the only dimension statistically significant. It is recommended that marketers in the cosmetic industry could employ international celebrities as endorsers by considering their level of expertise and experience in the cosmetics and other industries such the fashion industry, as well as previous advertisements they would have endorsed. The trend is often for marketers to consider, select and endorse the most attractive celebrities especially in the cosmetic industry, but this research has indicated that attractiveness is not the most important dimension that marketers should be using in selecting international celebrity endorsers. If marketers within a firm have adopted international celebrity endorsement, it is recommended they use it within a target market that is less price-sensitive whereby the high prices charged can cover the endorsement costs. It was also suggested that marketers can use international celebrity endorsers with expertise when introducing new products as consumers would need a iv lot of information on the product. Local celebrity endorsers would then be used when the product has been established
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyamakanga,Nyarai Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Purchasing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13891 , vital:39724
- Description: In order for a firm to create and improve the image of its product or services, celebrity endorsement is considered to be a highly effective tool which can influence consumer behaviour. This is evident in the increasing number of marketers who are harnessing the power of celebrities to endorse their products. However, for endorsement to be successful the celebrity endorsers must be viewed as credible by consumers. It has been shown that there are three dimensions that determine the level of credibility in celebrity endorsements: trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the credibility of local versus international celebrity endorsement in advertising on consumers’ intention to purchase cosmetic products in a South African (SA) context. This study focused on the cosmetic industry as it is an industry that relies heavily on endorsement to advertise and attract consumers to purchase products. Firms in this industry need to be aware of the criteria when selecting celebrity endorsers such as whether to hire an international or local celebrity as brand representatives. Thus, the researcher aimed to determine whether there is a difference in terms of credibility between local and international celebrity endorsers as viewed by SA consumers with respect to the cosmetic industry. The credibility of the celebrities was rated using the credibility scale developed by Ohanian (1990). The credibility scale rates the credibility of celebrities using the three factors of attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise. Two models were proposed for the study, one testing the credibility of local endorsers whilst the other testing the credibility of international endorsers. These dimensions were hypothetically by the researcher to determine their effect on consumer purchase intention. To hypothetically test the dimensions, a quantitative approach and design were used as methods of gathering and analysing data. A total of 237 selfadministered questionnaires were distributed at a University in the Eastern Cape (EC). Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using the descriptive statistical measures with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The inferential statistics were analysed using the multiple regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the statistical significance of the model, which was found to be statistically significant for both models. The regression coefficients where then used to determine the strength of the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable for each model. iii The study concluded that consumers perceive both local and international celebrity endorsers as credible and are influenced to purchase cosmetics products because of perceived credibility. The data analysis showed that local celebrity endorsers are perceived as more credible than international celebrity endorsers within the context of marketing cosmetic products in the South African industry. This means that consumers can be easily persuaded to purchase cosmetics products when marketed using locally based celebrity endorsers. The outcome of the research informatively helps managers to carefully select the endorser that will be able to create awareness, attract and retain loyal consumers through the advertisement. Inasmuch as marketers have to endorse local celebrities, it is also safe for them to consider international celebrity endorsers as their credibility to a lesser extent influences consumers to purchase products. However, marketers need to define and determine the target market, and select an endorser that aligns with the characteristics of the market. One of the study’s objectives was to test which of the three dimensions mentioned earlier had a stronger impact on consumer’s intention to purchase for both local and international endorsers. The attractiveness dimension indicated a much stronger influence on consumer purchase intention in comparison to the other dimensions for local celebrities and was found to be statistically significant. As the cosmetic industry is a beauty industry, it is recommended that firms in the industry use local attractive endorsers to market the cosmetic products. However, the endorser must also be trustworthy as it ranks second in terms of influence to intention to purchase. On the other hand the expertise dimension in international celebrities had the highest coefficient score indicating a greater strength and influence on consumer purchase intention and was the only dimension statistically significant. It is recommended that marketers in the cosmetic industry could employ international celebrities as endorsers by considering their level of expertise and experience in the cosmetics and other industries such the fashion industry, as well as previous advertisements they would have endorsed. The trend is often for marketers to consider, select and endorse the most attractive celebrities especially in the cosmetic industry, but this research has indicated that attractiveness is not the most important dimension that marketers should be using in selecting international celebrity endorsers. If marketers within a firm have adopted international celebrity endorsement, it is recommended they use it within a target market that is less price-sensitive whereby the high prices charged can cover the endorsement costs. It was also suggested that marketers can use international celebrity endorsers with expertise when introducing new products as consumers would need a iv lot of information on the product. Local celebrity endorsers would then be used when the product has been established
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Mineral governance and human development : the case of Western Ghana
- Authors: Danso, Felix
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- Ghana Mining law -- Ghana Mineral industries -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8725 , vital:33472
- Description: This thesis focuses on mineral governance and how it can contribute to ameliorating human development challenges in Ghana. The study adopted the human centered mineral resource governance approach to assess the mineral governance structure in Ghana and identified that, the current system is a colonial legacy and does not promote human development in Ghana. The study, whilst recognizing the legacies of colonialism, argues that in order for mineral resources to be managed responsibly to promote human development, there should be a paradigm shift to focus on how mineral resources are governed. As a result, the study, relying on the human centered development approach investigates how mineral resources can be governed to promote development in Ghana, with specific focus on the mineral wealth Western Region of the country. Due to the finite nature of mineral resources, the human centered development approach argues that revenues from mineral resources should be invested in human capacity building and medical care delivery. Further, the mining sector should be integrated with other non-mining sectors of the economy to create jobs and provide alternative livelihoods which will go a long way to assist in the general expansion and growth of the country‟s economy. Although this thesis is a case study of mineral governance in Ghana, it can serve as a springboard to appreciate the role mineral governance can play in promoting people centered development in other sub – Saharan mineral wealth countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Danso, Felix
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- Ghana Mining law -- Ghana Mineral industries -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8725 , vital:33472
- Description: This thesis focuses on mineral governance and how it can contribute to ameliorating human development challenges in Ghana. The study adopted the human centered mineral resource governance approach to assess the mineral governance structure in Ghana and identified that, the current system is a colonial legacy and does not promote human development in Ghana. The study, whilst recognizing the legacies of colonialism, argues that in order for mineral resources to be managed responsibly to promote human development, there should be a paradigm shift to focus on how mineral resources are governed. As a result, the study, relying on the human centered development approach investigates how mineral resources can be governed to promote development in Ghana, with specific focus on the mineral wealth Western Region of the country. Due to the finite nature of mineral resources, the human centered development approach argues that revenues from mineral resources should be invested in human capacity building and medical care delivery. Further, the mining sector should be integrated with other non-mining sectors of the economy to create jobs and provide alternative livelihoods which will go a long way to assist in the general expansion and growth of the country‟s economy. Although this thesis is a case study of mineral governance in Ghana, it can serve as a springboard to appreciate the role mineral governance can play in promoting people centered development in other sub – Saharan mineral wealth countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions and experiences of small and medium enterprise owners towards the implementation of broad-based-black-economic-empowerment
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Personality and self-esteem as predictors of employability among final year students at a previously disadvantaged South African University
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria
- Authors: Aderibigbe, John Kolawole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8642 , vital:33250
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria, using the explanatory cross-sectional (survey) research design and three sampling techniques (The Two-stage Cluster Sampling Method, The Convenience Sampling Method and The Purposive Sampling Technique) to sample 1532 male and female graduate employees in Nigeria. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Six hypotheses were stated and tested in the study towards propounding a model, using Pearson Correlation Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that there is a weak positive relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.070, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.588, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.473, p<0.01; psychological capital is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 8.514; R2= 0.011; p <.05; emotional intelligence is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 5.945; R2= 0.008; p <.05; psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (1,1530) = 221.240; R2= 0.186; p <.05; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.657, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.183, p<.001; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on occupational stress, R= 0.100, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on psychological capital, R= 0.547, p<.001. Based on the results, the study concludes that psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour. The proposed model was, therefore, empirically confirmed. The researcher recommends that the empirical model of effective management of occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, which has been propounded in the study, should be adopted and applied by teachers, lecturers, seminar facilitators, workshop trainers, supervisors and managers during their coaching or training sessions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Aderibigbe, John Kolawole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8642 , vital:33250
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria, using the explanatory cross-sectional (survey) research design and three sampling techniques (The Two-stage Cluster Sampling Method, The Convenience Sampling Method and The Purposive Sampling Technique) to sample 1532 male and female graduate employees in Nigeria. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Six hypotheses were stated and tested in the study towards propounding a model, using Pearson Correlation Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that there is a weak positive relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.070, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.588, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.473, p<0.01; psychological capital is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 8.514; R2= 0.011; p <.05; emotional intelligence is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 5.945; R2= 0.008; p <.05; psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (1,1530) = 221.240; R2= 0.186; p <.05; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.657, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.183, p<.001; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on occupational stress, R= 0.100, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on psychological capital, R= 0.547, p<.001. Based on the results, the study concludes that psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour. The proposed model was, therefore, empirically confirmed. The researcher recommends that the empirical model of effective management of occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, which has been propounded in the study, should be adopted and applied by teachers, lecturers, seminar facilitators, workshop trainers, supervisors and managers during their coaching or training sessions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Psychological capital as a moderator on the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions amongst selected bank employees in the Amathole district, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of strategic leadership on competitive advantage & innovation performance : a case of small business in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Maziti, Lindah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- Technological innovations Small business -- Management Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8619 , vital:33200
- Description: Orientation: The manner in which Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) perform is important for the sustainability of the enterprise. The role of strategic leadership on competitive advantage and innovation performance are investigated within this. Research purpose: To determine whether strategic leadership has an effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Secondly, to determine if innovation performance has an effect on competitive advantage. Motivation for the study: Contradictory views still exist on the concept of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance and the effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. This study contributes to these views within the South African SMME context. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used and a questionnaire self-administered to a sample of 275 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality drawn through simple random sampling from a population 950 SMMEs available from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) database. Main findings: The result showed that strategic leadership have a positive effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. Practical implications: More is needed to develop strategic leadership. This can be done through leadership training and development, support from government of leaders of SMMEs and finally, a leader can take personal efforts to acquire competencies that allow them to make better decisions in managing the small business. Contribution: The study advances theory on leadership by showing its role on competitive advantage and innovation performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Maziti, Lindah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- Technological innovations Small business -- Management Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8619 , vital:33200
- Description: Orientation: The manner in which Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) perform is important for the sustainability of the enterprise. The role of strategic leadership on competitive advantage and innovation performance are investigated within this. Research purpose: To determine whether strategic leadership has an effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Secondly, to determine if innovation performance has an effect on competitive advantage. Motivation for the study: Contradictory views still exist on the concept of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance and the effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. This study contributes to these views within the South African SMME context. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used and a questionnaire self-administered to a sample of 275 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality drawn through simple random sampling from a population 950 SMMEs available from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) database. Main findings: The result showed that strategic leadership have a positive effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. Practical implications: More is needed to develop strategic leadership. This can be done through leadership training and development, support from government of leaders of SMMEs and finally, a leader can take personal efforts to acquire competencies that allow them to make better decisions in managing the small business. Contribution: The study advances theory on leadership by showing its role on competitive advantage and innovation performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services in the Eastern Cape: a case of Alfed Nzo District Municipality
- Authors: Makali, Andile Ernest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health-care services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13546 , vital:39678
- Description: The study sought to assess the effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services. Since the democratic elections, the South African government was faced with the task of eliminating the racially based municipal system that segregated certain groups of people in service delivery. To deal with the determination and re-determination of municipal boundaries the Municipal Demarcation Board (MBD) was established in 1998. The study used secondary data to achieve its objectives. A number of official documents and sources that were used for this study. These included government documents, municipal documents, NGO documents, private sector documents. Results showed that municipal revenue is negatively affected by demarcations. Alfred Nzo District Municipality is no exception to this. Furthermore, demarcation processes have implications for health human resources and other municipal health processes. Human resources such as nurses and doctors are sometimes shifted from one municipality to another. Other negative consequences (especially in the transition period) may result from issues related to the supply chain, long-term contracts, municipal plans and policies, financial and other systems, information and databases, asset registers and asset maintenance, and repairs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makali, Andile Ernest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health-care services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13546 , vital:39678
- Description: The study sought to assess the effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services. Since the democratic elections, the South African government was faced with the task of eliminating the racially based municipal system that segregated certain groups of people in service delivery. To deal with the determination and re-determination of municipal boundaries the Municipal Demarcation Board (MBD) was established in 1998. The study used secondary data to achieve its objectives. A number of official documents and sources that were used for this study. These included government documents, municipal documents, NGO documents, private sector documents. Results showed that municipal revenue is negatively affected by demarcations. Alfred Nzo District Municipality is no exception to this. Furthermore, demarcation processes have implications for health human resources and other municipal health processes. Human resources such as nurses and doctors are sometimes shifted from one municipality to another. Other negative consequences (especially in the transition period) may result from issues related to the supply chain, long-term contracts, municipal plans and policies, financial and other systems, information and databases, asset registers and asset maintenance, and repairs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of emotional intelligence on the work and carrer performance of early career academics at the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Marembo, Mathew
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Career development Emotional intelligence Personnel management -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8541 , vital:33091
- Description: Orientation – Early Career Academics (ECAs) in their quest to make significant strides in their academic career are faced with a changing academic context, limited support from employers and circumstances emanating from globalization. All these may arouse emotions, fears, anxieties and uncertainties. Many authorities have exhibited emotional intelligence (EI) to be important in terms of self-management, coping and adaptation. In this regard EI may be influential in the career performance of ECAs. Research Purpose – The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EI on the career and work performance of ECAs at the University of Fort Hare. Motivation of the Study – EI is criticized for not being easily measurable and also for not being a sufficient predicting factor to individual performance. Little research exists on EI as a predictor to ECAs career progression. Research Approach, Design and Method – The study utilized quantitative data measurement scales. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale was used to measure EI whilst career performance was measured using the Perceived Career Success Scale. The principles of structural equation modelling were applied in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main Findings - Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors from the SEIS, which were named expression of emotion, perception of emotion, use of emotion and regulation of emotion. Expression, perception and regulation of emotions were found to significantly influence job success, interpersonal success, non-organisational success and hierarchical success. The overall EI was not significant to explain change in ECAs career performance. The researcher also found no significant differences in the EI scores on the basis of ECAs age, gender and work experience. Practical/Managerial Implications - The findings to this study may be useful for career counselling and personal development such that an individual may be able to maximize performance and achievement of career goals. The study recommends that EI may be incorporated in learning programs so that ECAs and other professionals may improve their EI. Future research is encouraged on both ECAs and their senior counterparts in the same context of EI. Contribution or value-add – The study contributes to the debate on the predictive power of EI which is criticised by some authorities in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Marembo, Mathew
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Career development Emotional intelligence Personnel management -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8541 , vital:33091
- Description: Orientation – Early Career Academics (ECAs) in their quest to make significant strides in their academic career are faced with a changing academic context, limited support from employers and circumstances emanating from globalization. All these may arouse emotions, fears, anxieties and uncertainties. Many authorities have exhibited emotional intelligence (EI) to be important in terms of self-management, coping and adaptation. In this regard EI may be influential in the career performance of ECAs. Research Purpose – The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EI on the career and work performance of ECAs at the University of Fort Hare. Motivation of the Study – EI is criticized for not being easily measurable and also for not being a sufficient predicting factor to individual performance. Little research exists on EI as a predictor to ECAs career progression. Research Approach, Design and Method – The study utilized quantitative data measurement scales. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale was used to measure EI whilst career performance was measured using the Perceived Career Success Scale. The principles of structural equation modelling were applied in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main Findings - Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors from the SEIS, which were named expression of emotion, perception of emotion, use of emotion and regulation of emotion. Expression, perception and regulation of emotions were found to significantly influence job success, interpersonal success, non-organisational success and hierarchical success. The overall EI was not significant to explain change in ECAs career performance. The researcher also found no significant differences in the EI scores on the basis of ECAs age, gender and work experience. Practical/Managerial Implications - The findings to this study may be useful for career counselling and personal development such that an individual may be able to maximize performance and achievement of career goals. The study recommends that EI may be incorporated in learning programs so that ECAs and other professionals may improve their EI. Future research is encouraged on both ECAs and their senior counterparts in the same context of EI. Contribution or value-add – The study contributes to the debate on the predictive power of EI which is criticised by some authorities in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of foreign capital inflow on domestic savings in South Africa
- Authors: Mhloluvele, Nonkuthalo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , International finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29387 , vital:77960
- Description: This study examined the impact of foreign capital inflow on domestic savings in South Africa. Data was extracted from the World Bank from 1990-2014. The study employed the Johansen co-integration technique to analyse the long run relationship between the variables of interest. Having established the presence of co-integration, the vector error correction model was also estimated to analyse the short run interaction between the variables. The long run results illustrated that there is a positive relationship between domestic savings and foreign direct investment, remittances and GDP per capita, while on the other hand there is a negative relationship between domestic savings, interest rate and ODA. Granger causality tests were also conducted and the results indicate that the different forms of external financial flows Granger cause savings in South Africa. What is interesting from the empirical results is the negative relationship between interest rate and domestic savings which implies that South Africans are net borrowers as the income effect surpasses the substitution effect. This in part explains the low levels of domestic savings being experienced by South Africa since an increase in interest rate results in people paying more debt and this will reduce domestic savings. In addition, the results also suggest that foreign capital flows complement savings in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mhloluvele, Nonkuthalo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , International finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29387 , vital:77960
- Description: This study examined the impact of foreign capital inflow on domestic savings in South Africa. Data was extracted from the World Bank from 1990-2014. The study employed the Johansen co-integration technique to analyse the long run relationship between the variables of interest. Having established the presence of co-integration, the vector error correction model was also estimated to analyse the short run interaction between the variables. The long run results illustrated that there is a positive relationship between domestic savings and foreign direct investment, remittances and GDP per capita, while on the other hand there is a negative relationship between domestic savings, interest rate and ODA. Granger causality tests were also conducted and the results indicate that the different forms of external financial flows Granger cause savings in South Africa. What is interesting from the empirical results is the negative relationship between interest rate and domestic savings which implies that South Africans are net borrowers as the income effect surpasses the substitution effect. This in part explains the low levels of domestic savings being experienced by South Africa since an increase in interest rate results in people paying more debt and this will reduce domestic savings. In addition, the results also suggest that foreign capital flows complement savings in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of intra- and inter- regional integration on trade flows in Africa
- Authors: Taylor, Nina-Mari
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: International trade Trade blocs Regionalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12408 , vital:39260
- Description: Regional integration is regarded as a formation which would allow African countries to improve their trade performance and economic growth. By subscribing to such a regional integration grouping, successful regional trade integration could assist African countries in achieving economies of scale, expand respective domestic markets, reduce marginalisation as well as the collective utilisation and exploitation of resources. Such achievements could, gradually, raise the competitiveness of African countries in respect of the global market. By collaborating in regional integration agreements, groups of countries are sought to increase their collective bargaining power and co-operation amongst the member countries. Regional integration can, therefore, be regarded as a necessary means by which economic development, growth and trade can be enhanced amongst African countries. The associated advantages and benefits of regional integration could improve the productive capacity of African counties and strengthen both their individual and continental position in the process of globalisation and integration into the world economy. This study endeavours to examine the impact of intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration on trade flows among and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. The relevant theoretical and empirical literature regarding regional integration is considered as well as the challenges faced by regional economic communities in Africa. The study is based on an Augmented Gravity Model and it employs Panel Data Estimation Techniques and Panel Unit Root Tests. The Hausman test results proved the Fixed Effects Model to be the most applicable to the study. The empirical findings revealed that both intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration had a positive bearing on trade flows and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. Hence, regional integration is concluded as having a prominent role in promoting trade flows in Africa and the study recommends that African countries and regional economic communities should pursue deeper economic integration and continental integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Taylor, Nina-Mari
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: International trade Trade blocs Regionalism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12408 , vital:39260
- Description: Regional integration is regarded as a formation which would allow African countries to improve their trade performance and economic growth. By subscribing to such a regional integration grouping, successful regional trade integration could assist African countries in achieving economies of scale, expand respective domestic markets, reduce marginalisation as well as the collective utilisation and exploitation of resources. Such achievements could, gradually, raise the competitiveness of African countries in respect of the global market. By collaborating in regional integration agreements, groups of countries are sought to increase their collective bargaining power and co-operation amongst the member countries. Regional integration can, therefore, be regarded as a necessary means by which economic development, growth and trade can be enhanced amongst African countries. The associated advantages and benefits of regional integration could improve the productive capacity of African counties and strengthen both their individual and continental position in the process of globalisation and integration into the world economy. This study endeavours to examine the impact of intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration on trade flows among and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. The relevant theoretical and empirical literature regarding regional integration is considered as well as the challenges faced by regional economic communities in Africa. The study is based on an Augmented Gravity Model and it employs Panel Data Estimation Techniques and Panel Unit Root Tests. The Hausman test results proved the Fixed Effects Model to be the most applicable to the study. The empirical findings revealed that both intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration had a positive bearing on trade flows and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. Hence, regional integration is concluded as having a prominent role in promoting trade flows in Africa and the study recommends that African countries and regional economic communities should pursue deeper economic integration and continental integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of oil prices on the trade balance of South Africa
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of road construction on the livelihoods of rural communities : a case of Nyandeni Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ndesi, Zabambo Nale
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Roads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8769 , vital:33542
- Description: All over the world many rural households are engaged in different economic activities to sustain their livelihoods. To a large extent, a household’s ability to do this depends on access to basic assets such as infrastructure, social, human, finance or physical. Access to these assets can be affected by large projects such as road construction which can either enhance or hinder access to key assets. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Highway in the Eastern Cape Province on the livelihoods of rural households in the Nyandeni local municipality. The study also seeks to investigate the dominant household economic activities within the municipality, factors affecting the choice of these activities and the probable impact of the construction of the N2 highway on these economic activities and livelihood strategies. The road construction is translated as a ‘shock’ in the livelihood context, hence the study further seeks to document how households respond to road construction ‘shock’ to their livelihoods, based on the findings of the study. The study applied a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative and quantitative data. Two sources of data are used; a survey of 40 households in the Nyandeni local municipality which provided the qualitative data and survey data from the PSPPD-II quantitative data from project conducted by the Economics department at the University of Fort Hare, which provided the quantitative data. The multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the livelihood strategies used as well as the related determinants. The results showed that financial, social and physical capitals are key assets that support livelihoods in Nyandeni municipality, which were highly determined by the deprivation score, social grants and community networks. To get a clearer understanding of the underlying effects of the road construction, focus prompts interviews were also conducted. These were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the road construction had both the negative and positive effects. The positive effects included better links to social facilities such as hospitals and schools as well as neighbouring municipalities. The construction also created employment for construction workers. In addition, the construction company helped households whose houses were destroyed near the road to build better houses. Although the households complained of danger from high speed vehicles because of better roads, they also indicated that the speed bumps in some areas led to an improvement in well-being especially for school children. The negative effects included destruction of burial grounds as well as the weakening of housing structures due to blasting. Further, some vegetation which was used by households as a source of livelihood was destroyed during road construction. In some cases, social capital assets were also disturbed as a result of the displacement that occurred in the process. Responses by households have been mixed, with some households taking advantage of increased access to markets as well as finances to find alternative sources of livelihoods. Households that responded negatively constantly seek out reimbursement from the government and construction company without much success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ndesi, Zabambo Nale
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Roads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8769 , vital:33542
- Description: All over the world many rural households are engaged in different economic activities to sustain their livelihoods. To a large extent, a household’s ability to do this depends on access to basic assets such as infrastructure, social, human, finance or physical. Access to these assets can be affected by large projects such as road construction which can either enhance or hinder access to key assets. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Highway in the Eastern Cape Province on the livelihoods of rural households in the Nyandeni local municipality. The study also seeks to investigate the dominant household economic activities within the municipality, factors affecting the choice of these activities and the probable impact of the construction of the N2 highway on these economic activities and livelihood strategies. The road construction is translated as a ‘shock’ in the livelihood context, hence the study further seeks to document how households respond to road construction ‘shock’ to their livelihoods, based on the findings of the study. The study applied a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative and quantitative data. Two sources of data are used; a survey of 40 households in the Nyandeni local municipality which provided the qualitative data and survey data from the PSPPD-II quantitative data from project conducted by the Economics department at the University of Fort Hare, which provided the quantitative data. The multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the livelihood strategies used as well as the related determinants. The results showed that financial, social and physical capitals are key assets that support livelihoods in Nyandeni municipality, which were highly determined by the deprivation score, social grants and community networks. To get a clearer understanding of the underlying effects of the road construction, focus prompts interviews were also conducted. These were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the road construction had both the negative and positive effects. The positive effects included better links to social facilities such as hospitals and schools as well as neighbouring municipalities. The construction also created employment for construction workers. In addition, the construction company helped households whose houses were destroyed near the road to build better houses. Although the households complained of danger from high speed vehicles because of better roads, they also indicated that the speed bumps in some areas led to an improvement in well-being especially for school children. The negative effects included destruction of burial grounds as well as the weakening of housing structures due to blasting. Further, some vegetation which was used by households as a source of livelihood was destroyed during road construction. In some cases, social capital assets were also disturbed as a result of the displacement that occurred in the process. Responses by households have been mixed, with some households taking advantage of increased access to markets as well as finances to find alternative sources of livelihoods. Households that responded negatively constantly seek out reimbursement from the government and construction company without much success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The implementation of leadership development strategic plan : a case study of the department of education in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Dom, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Development leadership Strategic planning Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11288 , vital:39053
- Description: The study used qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the implementation of leadership development strategic plan in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The study sought to establish what does the Department‘s policy of leadership development entail to Human Resource Management and Development and what challenges are there in the implementation of the policy and what interventions are necessary to improve the implementation of the leadership policy. The study established that given the need for a transformed public service in line with the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, fundamental reforms to the administration, governance and the funding of education in general had to be given maximum attention hence the need for the adoption and implementation of the leadership development strategic plan in the Provincial Department of Education of the Eastern Cape. The study revealed that the nature of challenges that the department is facing speaks a lot the need for leadership development at the provincial level. However, the implementation of the strategic plan is marred by the challenges that include resources constraints and lack of funding among others. The study therefore came up with some recommendation that can help to improve the implementation of the leadership development plan in the public service sector especially as it relates to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dom, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Development leadership Strategic planning Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11288 , vital:39053
- Description: The study used qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the implementation of leadership development strategic plan in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The study sought to establish what does the Department‘s policy of leadership development entail to Human Resource Management and Development and what challenges are there in the implementation of the policy and what interventions are necessary to improve the implementation of the leadership policy. The study established that given the need for a transformed public service in line with the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, fundamental reforms to the administration, governance and the funding of education in general had to be given maximum attention hence the need for the adoption and implementation of the leadership development strategic plan in the Provincial Department of Education of the Eastern Cape. The study revealed that the nature of challenges that the department is facing speaks a lot the need for leadership development at the provincial level. However, the implementation of the strategic plan is marred by the challenges that include resources constraints and lack of funding among others. The study therefore came up with some recommendation that can help to improve the implementation of the leadership development plan in the public service sector especially as it relates to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media on the intention to vote for student political organisations in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017