Information communication technology (ICT) community centres and agricultural development in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: a case of Dwesa community
- Authors: Mukasi, Tafadzwa Jaquline
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Telecommunication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1686 , vital:27545
- Description: The development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in rural areas has
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mukasi, Tafadzwa Jaquline
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Telecommunication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agricultural innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1686 , vital:27545
- Description: The development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in rural areas has
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Financing tools, firm life cycle and growth of small, medium and micro enterprises in selected sub-Sahara African economies
- Ngonisa, Phillip https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0145-9062
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0145-9062
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Small business -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21794 , vital:51754
- Description: Finance is of paramount importance for small, medium and micro enterprises’ (SMMEs) growth, without which many firms fail to move along their growth continuum. Against this background, the study sought to examine the growth effects of financing tools across the different phases of SMMEs' life cycle in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) economies for the period spanning from 2003 to 2019. Firstly, due to the inherent heterogeneity nature of the SMMEs' financing landscapes across the world, the study starts by identifying the commonly used financing tools in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. These were found to be internal finance, bank debt, trade credit, non-bank finance and informal finance, with internal finance being the most prevalent financing tool. The second aspect of the study was to examine the growth effects of the identified financing tools on SMMEs' performance in Sub Sahara Africa. In achieving this objective, several panel estimation techniques were employed, which are the feasible generalised least squares (FGLS), cross-sectional dependence (SCC), random effects model (REM) and pooled ordinary least squares (POLS). The empirical results show that internal finance or savings, bank financing, trade credit, non-bank financing and informal financing are positive and statistically significant in explaining SMMEs growth in the region, with stronger evidence for a positive relationship between external finance (trade credit and bank finance) on SMMEs growth in Sub-Saharan African region. The third objective of the study was to investigate the growth effects of SMMEs’ financing tools across different phases of the firm life cycle. The same panel techniques as used in achieving the previous objective were utilized again. The empirical findings show that the growth effects of SMME financing tools evolve as SMMEs move along their growth continuum, and only bank finance proved to be a fundamental variable for SMMEs growth throughout the different phases of firm growth. Finally, motivated by SMMEs’ high dependence on internal finance or savings, the study explored the saving practices of SMMEs in Sub Saharan Africa using thematic analysis. The study findings show that SMMEs in Sub Sahara African economies systematically save through formal and informal financial systems. These findings are contrary to conventional wisdom, which suggests that SMMEs are a financial basket case. Basing on the study findings, policies aimed at reducing or lessening the burden of accessing finance are important to stimulate the growth of SMMEs. Most importantly, there is a need for lenders and sponsors to understand the firm life cycle-financing tool nexus to ensure SMMEs growth. Moreover, SMMEs in Sub Sahara African economies need to cultivate a spirit of thrift to minimize firm attrition rate, thereby promoting SMMEs' growth in the region. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Ngonisa, Phillip https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0145-9062
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance , Small business -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21794 , vital:51754
- Description: Finance is of paramount importance for small, medium and micro enterprises’ (SMMEs) growth, without which many firms fail to move along their growth continuum. Against this background, the study sought to examine the growth effects of financing tools across the different phases of SMMEs' life cycle in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) economies for the period spanning from 2003 to 2019. Firstly, due to the inherent heterogeneity nature of the SMMEs' financing landscapes across the world, the study starts by identifying the commonly used financing tools in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. These were found to be internal finance, bank debt, trade credit, non-bank finance and informal finance, with internal finance being the most prevalent financing tool. The second aspect of the study was to examine the growth effects of the identified financing tools on SMMEs' performance in Sub Sahara Africa. In achieving this objective, several panel estimation techniques were employed, which are the feasible generalised least squares (FGLS), cross-sectional dependence (SCC), random effects model (REM) and pooled ordinary least squares (POLS). The empirical results show that internal finance or savings, bank financing, trade credit, non-bank financing and informal financing are positive and statistically significant in explaining SMMEs growth in the region, with stronger evidence for a positive relationship between external finance (trade credit and bank finance) on SMMEs growth in Sub-Saharan African region. The third objective of the study was to investigate the growth effects of SMMEs’ financing tools across different phases of the firm life cycle. The same panel techniques as used in achieving the previous objective were utilized again. The empirical findings show that the growth effects of SMME financing tools evolve as SMMEs move along their growth continuum, and only bank finance proved to be a fundamental variable for SMMEs growth throughout the different phases of firm growth. Finally, motivated by SMMEs’ high dependence on internal finance or savings, the study explored the saving practices of SMMEs in Sub Saharan Africa using thematic analysis. The study findings show that SMMEs in Sub Sahara African economies systematically save through formal and informal financial systems. These findings are contrary to conventional wisdom, which suggests that SMMEs are a financial basket case. Basing on the study findings, policies aimed at reducing or lessening the burden of accessing finance are important to stimulate the growth of SMMEs. Most importantly, there is a need for lenders and sponsors to understand the firm life cycle-financing tool nexus to ensure SMMEs growth. Moreover, SMMEs in Sub Sahara African economies need to cultivate a spirit of thrift to minimize firm attrition rate, thereby promoting SMMEs' growth in the region. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
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
The role of funding composition on efficiency in public universities in South Africa
- Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20373 , vital:45659
- Description: Studies on the relationship between funding and efficiency of public universities in South Africa were triggered mainly by the decline of government spending on public universities while the enrolment of financially needy students is increasing. This increase is a product of government’s initiatives to redress the imbalances in access and success caused by the apartheid regime. However, the government seems to be grappling to strike a balance between its initiatives and funding. While the government’s HE transformation initiatives are appreciated, public universities are caught in a dilemma: their revenue is no longer sufficient for the operations given the increase in the number of unfunded and financially constrained students. It is with this background that the study evaluates the efficiency of public South African universities for the period 2009–2016 and how funding composition affects their efficiency. The study contributes to the existing literature in various ways First, a recent study on this subject matter found a decline in the average technical efficiency (TE) score of the South African public universities from 83percent in 2009 to 78percent in 2013. However, the study did not include non-academic staff among other input variables that are assumed to potentially influence performance outcomes of the universities. We therefore developed an argument that a biased conclusion on the subject matter is likely, if academic staff are assumed to dominate efficiency of public universities in South Africa while the efforts of non-academic staff are not considered. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the findings of this study revealed that over the study period the average TE of public universities in South Africa increased from 91percent to 95percent. These results suggest that academic and non-academic staff can be deemed as mutually inclusive variables and therefore neglecting either of them can lead to biased estimated average TE scores. The efficiency levels provided in this study can be used as performance benchmarks for identifying potential improvements required to reach a satisfactory level of efficiency. Second, the literature argues that different streams of revenue utilised for funding universities’ activities can provide alternative incentives which might have an impact on efficiency. However, none of the studies examined comparatively the impact of different revenue streams on the efficiency of the public universities in South Africa. Using a fixed-effects regression model, this study found that only traditional universities’ efficiency can be affected by student fees and private income, while government funding does not seem to bear a significant impact on the efficiency of all universities irrespective of their category. Precisely, student fees enhance the efficiency of traditional universities while private income is deleterious on the efficiency of the traditional universities. The study concluded that traditional universities use students’ fees efficiently to deliver quality academic services in a bid to safeguard their reputation and image while revenue from private funders is not efficiently utilised due to the principal-agent problem. In terms of state funding, it was concluded that government spending on public universities is yet to reach a minimum threshold level at which it can contribute significantly to the efficiency of the universities. Third, recent literature used Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) efficiency scores to determine the drivers of efficiency of public universities in South Africa. Although SFA can control for the stochastic error component in the econometric estimation, the model imposes several theoretical assumptions in the production function which may lead to biased estimations. As a result, several studies on efficiency analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) around the globe have reverted to using DEA. Using DEA efficiency scores and a Tobit model, this study found that that quality of staff, government funding, student fees, private income, and GDP per capita are positive factors of efficiency while the share of non-white to white staff was found as the determinant of inefficiency. It was concluded that adequate funding and proper management of income by the universities, economic growth and employment of highly educated academic staff can increase efficiency levels of public universities in South Africa, whereas an increase of non-white to white staff in South African public universities is a threat to the universities’ efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a cost-sharing framework is inevitable in the South African higher education (HE) system, particularly now that the government is heavily burdened due to the prevailing economic turmoil in the country. As a results, private funders and parents and/guardians are encouraged to honour their portion of obligations with universities. Due to limited funding across all sources, efforts dedicated to strengthen managerial competencies of public universities in South Africa can eliminate the principle-agent problem and therefore promote managerial efficiency. The South African government is encouraged to support its transformation initiatives on HEIs with adequate funding, otherwise the initiatives need to be revisited and revised to suit the current economic environment. Revision of these initiatives may include adjustment of the education standards such that state funding can be allocated to deserving students in terms of both finances and students’ performance starting from matric. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumi Vuyolwethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2426-9509
- Date: 2020-08
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20373 , vital:45659
- Description: Studies on the relationship between funding and efficiency of public universities in South Africa were triggered mainly by the decline of government spending on public universities while the enrolment of financially needy students is increasing. This increase is a product of government’s initiatives to redress the imbalances in access and success caused by the apartheid regime. However, the government seems to be grappling to strike a balance between its initiatives and funding. While the government’s HE transformation initiatives are appreciated, public universities are caught in a dilemma: their revenue is no longer sufficient for the operations given the increase in the number of unfunded and financially constrained students. It is with this background that the study evaluates the efficiency of public South African universities for the period 2009–2016 and how funding composition affects their efficiency. The study contributes to the existing literature in various ways First, a recent study on this subject matter found a decline in the average technical efficiency (TE) score of the South African public universities from 83percent in 2009 to 78percent in 2013. However, the study did not include non-academic staff among other input variables that are assumed to potentially influence performance outcomes of the universities. We therefore developed an argument that a biased conclusion on the subject matter is likely, if academic staff are assumed to dominate efficiency of public universities in South Africa while the efforts of non-academic staff are not considered. Using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the findings of this study revealed that over the study period the average TE of public universities in South Africa increased from 91percent to 95percent. These results suggest that academic and non-academic staff can be deemed as mutually inclusive variables and therefore neglecting either of them can lead to biased estimated average TE scores. The efficiency levels provided in this study can be used as performance benchmarks for identifying potential improvements required to reach a satisfactory level of efficiency. Second, the literature argues that different streams of revenue utilised for funding universities’ activities can provide alternative incentives which might have an impact on efficiency. However, none of the studies examined comparatively the impact of different revenue streams on the efficiency of the public universities in South Africa. Using a fixed-effects regression model, this study found that only traditional universities’ efficiency can be affected by student fees and private income, while government funding does not seem to bear a significant impact on the efficiency of all universities irrespective of their category. Precisely, student fees enhance the efficiency of traditional universities while private income is deleterious on the efficiency of the traditional universities. The study concluded that traditional universities use students’ fees efficiently to deliver quality academic services in a bid to safeguard their reputation and image while revenue from private funders is not efficiently utilised due to the principal-agent problem. In terms of state funding, it was concluded that government spending on public universities is yet to reach a minimum threshold level at which it can contribute significantly to the efficiency of the universities. Third, recent literature used Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) efficiency scores to determine the drivers of efficiency of public universities in South Africa. Although SFA can control for the stochastic error component in the econometric estimation, the model imposes several theoretical assumptions in the production function which may lead to biased estimations. As a result, several studies on efficiency analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HIEs) around the globe have reverted to using DEA. Using DEA efficiency scores and a Tobit model, this study found that that quality of staff, government funding, student fees, private income, and GDP per capita are positive factors of efficiency while the share of non-white to white staff was found as the determinant of inefficiency. It was concluded that adequate funding and proper management of income by the universities, economic growth and employment of highly educated academic staff can increase efficiency levels of public universities in South Africa, whereas an increase of non-white to white staff in South African public universities is a threat to the universities’ efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that a cost-sharing framework is inevitable in the South African higher education (HE) system, particularly now that the government is heavily burdened due to the prevailing economic turmoil in the country. As a results, private funders and parents and/guardians are encouraged to honour their portion of obligations with universities. Due to limited funding across all sources, efforts dedicated to strengthen managerial competencies of public universities in South Africa can eliminate the principle-agent problem and therefore promote managerial efficiency. The South African government is encouraged to support its transformation initiatives on HEIs with adequate funding, otherwise the initiatives need to be revisited and revised to suit the current economic environment. Revision of these initiatives may include adjustment of the education standards such that state funding can be allocated to deserving students in terms of both finances and students’ performance starting from matric. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-08
A Critical analysis of trade facilitation practices of Zimbabwe customs administration
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigating the factors affecting citizen's ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe municipality in the Easterrn Cape province
- Authors: Ntobongwana,Nolitha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1708 , vital:27551
- Description: E-government which refers to electronic Government is the process of transformation of relationships of government with its constituents ie the citizens, the businesses and between its own organs, through the use of the tools of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). E-government services are the outcome of e-governance that come as automated services delivered through ICTs particularly Internet based applications that provide access to and delivery of information or services to the public, businesses, other agencies and governmental departments. This study seeks to examine the factors affecting citizens ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe Municipality in the province of Eastern Cape and come with recommendations of how to address the issue. E-government services should be developed on platforms with the consideration of devices that people can have access to. The study showed that in as much as one can have cell phone that has access to internet , some website services such as home affairs enquiry applications are not accessible on a phone with a general web browser that has no Java Script capacity but has acces to internet. Therefore developing Short Message Service (SMS) based services or Unstructured Supplementary Serviuce Data (USSD) code that is available on all Globile System for Mobile (GSM) cell phones can increase accessibility of most services at a cheaper cost. The study concludes that although e-government is the future for our country and in this era of technology, much still has to be done in areas like Nkonkobe Municipality in Eastern Cape, as the citizens have no or lack appropriate tools to access the internet, and sometimes citizens are not aware of e-government services available. The research indicates that most citizens have cell phones despite the differences in handset capabilities, which therefore means that applications developed for e-government services can be ported foe accessibility to ordinary GSM cell phone including those without internet access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntobongwana,Nolitha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1708 , vital:27551
- Description: E-government which refers to electronic Government is the process of transformation of relationships of government with its constituents ie the citizens, the businesses and between its own organs, through the use of the tools of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). E-government services are the outcome of e-governance that come as automated services delivered through ICTs particularly Internet based applications that provide access to and delivery of information or services to the public, businesses, other agencies and governmental departments. This study seeks to examine the factors affecting citizens ability to access e-government services in Nkonkobe Municipality in the province of Eastern Cape and come with recommendations of how to address the issue. E-government services should be developed on platforms with the consideration of devices that people can have access to. The study showed that in as much as one can have cell phone that has access to internet , some website services such as home affairs enquiry applications are not accessible on a phone with a general web browser that has no Java Script capacity but has acces to internet. Therefore developing Short Message Service (SMS) based services or Unstructured Supplementary Serviuce Data (USSD) code that is available on all Globile System for Mobile (GSM) cell phones can increase accessibility of most services at a cheaper cost. The study concludes that although e-government is the future for our country and in this era of technology, much still has to be done in areas like Nkonkobe Municipality in Eastern Cape, as the citizens have no or lack appropriate tools to access the internet, and sometimes citizens are not aware of e-government services available. The research indicates that most citizens have cell phones despite the differences in handset capabilities, which therefore means that applications developed for e-government services can be ported foe accessibility to ordinary GSM cell phone including those without internet access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Re-thinking rural development through agriculture
- Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Authors: Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Agriculture--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24532 , vital:63067
- Description: This study addresses the problem of abject rural poverty in the post-apartheid South Africa with specific reference to the Amathole Rural District (ARD) in the Eastern Cape Province (the poorest province in the country). Abject poverty is conceptualized as inability to meet the basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and clothes. The study is premised in the revisionist trajectory of rural economic development, which regards agriculture as the ‘engine’ for rural development. The thesis addressed the following issues on rural poverty reduction in the ARD; the efficacy of rural agriculture in rural poverty reduction, value-adding to rural farm produce, support that is required and social factors that may affect the residents’ ability to fight poverty through agriculture? The thesis adopted the concurrent transformative mixed research methodology; and data were collected from a purposive sample of 138 respondents using unstructured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were collected with the help of research assistance. The study established that the ARD residents were keen to fight abject poverty through rural agriculture but were constrained by the lack of arable land, financial resources, technological support, corruption and HIV/AIDs. In view of the above findings, the thesis concluded that deep collaboration and participation of strategic partners such as government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector is essential in the implementation of pro-poor strategies in the ARD. The thesis also called for further research into the following areas that have a direct influence on the efficacy of rural agriculture on the ARD’s development; ICT and development, the rural residents’ attitude towards savings and on the political economy of cooperative ventures in rural agriculture. The thesis also encouraged further research to establish new linkages and roles of the following pertinent partners in ARD’s development; government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Matunhu, Jephias (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8415-5867)
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape , Agriculture--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24532 , vital:63067
- Description: This study addresses the problem of abject rural poverty in the post-apartheid South Africa with specific reference to the Amathole Rural District (ARD) in the Eastern Cape Province (the poorest province in the country). Abject poverty is conceptualized as inability to meet the basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and clothes. The study is premised in the revisionist trajectory of rural economic development, which regards agriculture as the ‘engine’ for rural development. The thesis addressed the following issues on rural poverty reduction in the ARD; the efficacy of rural agriculture in rural poverty reduction, value-adding to rural farm produce, support that is required and social factors that may affect the residents’ ability to fight poverty through agriculture? The thesis adopted the concurrent transformative mixed research methodology; and data were collected from a purposive sample of 138 respondents using unstructured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were collected with the help of research assistance. The study established that the ARD residents were keen to fight abject poverty through rural agriculture but were constrained by the lack of arable land, financial resources, technological support, corruption and HIV/AIDs. In view of the above findings, the thesis concluded that deep collaboration and participation of strategic partners such as government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector is essential in the implementation of pro-poor strategies in the ARD. The thesis also called for further research into the following areas that have a direct influence on the efficacy of rural agriculture on the ARD’s development; ICT and development, the rural residents’ attitude towards savings and on the political economy of cooperative ventures in rural agriculture. The thesis also encouraged further research to establish new linkages and roles of the following pertinent partners in ARD’s development; government, the rural residents, NGOs and the business sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effectiveness of housing delivery in the Reconstruction and Development Programme in Duncan Village
- Authors: Millie, Lindile Churchill
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa , Public housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24199 , vital:62441
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Housing delivery in the Reconstruction and Development Programme in Duncan Village. This thesis has tried to answer to why there are still places like Duncan Village, situated at the heart of Buffalo City Metropolitan Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province with alarming rate at which the “shanty resident” has been growing and showing no signs of coming to an end? The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches in this research. The researcher conducted the research using officials from the Department of Human Settlements, officials from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Ward Councillor, and Duncan Village community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Millie, Lindile Churchill
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa , Public housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24199 , vital:62441
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Housing delivery in the Reconstruction and Development Programme in Duncan Village. This thesis has tried to answer to why there are still places like Duncan Village, situated at the heart of Buffalo City Metropolitan Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province with alarming rate at which the “shanty resident” has been growing and showing no signs of coming to an end? The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches in this research. The researcher conducted the research using officials from the Department of Human Settlements, officials from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Ward Councillor, and Duncan Village community. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Social protection and secondary education in Zimbabwe: the case of Masvingo District in Masvingo Province
- Authors: Mago, David
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Zimbabwe--Economic conditions , Elementary school dropouts , Zimbabwe--Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24554 , vital:63170
- Description: The study sought to examine the role of social protection in reducing school dropouts in secondary education in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the idea that despite the social assistance interventions that are in place, the school dropout phenomenon is still continuing among secondary school learners in the Masvingo District. This was achieved by discussing various programmes delivered by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The thesis also outlined various economic, social and political depressions that affected secondary education since Zimbabwe’s gaining of independence. From 1962 until 1980 the colonial government catered for the European child, this meant that secondary education was difficult to be accessed by blacks. Education maintained a bottleneck structure that favoured whites more than black people. After gaining independence, the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party introduced laws that allowed the black majority an opportunity to proceed with their education. Over the years the number of school dropouts is still increasing. This was curtailed by the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in 1991 to 1995. The introduction of the SAPs led to the introduction of user fees in education and health. This raised poverty levels which were curtailed by the macroeconomic situation in Zimbabwe. This was beyond the reach of many and led to the increase of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The major objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of social assistance in the reduction of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives are to analyse the role played by social assistance on the provision of secondary education and reduction of school dropouts and examining the impact of assistance on the education of the girl child. The last objective in the study was to identify a more comprehensive social assistance intervention for the support of secondary education. A more comprehensive social assistance intervention is intervention that provides support to secondary learners that includes among them uniforms, transport food and school fees. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology. The qualitative research methodology was used because it seeks to go deeper in what people experience on day to day activities. In-depth information helps to understand the successes and failures faced by NGOs and government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The study looked at how effective government and NGO assistance has been in reducing the number of school dropouts. Today there are a majority of NGOs, private organisations and government programmes that are working in secondary education assistance in Masvingo District. What matters most is that despite the growing rate of assistance by NGOs, individual help and government assistance the number of school dropouts is still increasing. The study’s theoretical framework is based on the Human rights based approach and the Transformative paradigm. The analysis relates to social assistance programmes focusing on the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and NGOs and their contribution in reducing the number of school dropouts. From the research findings, the research established the way forward that can be used to reduce the rate of school dropouts in Masvingo District and Zimbabwe at large. Lack of school fees, school uniforms, food and transport are the major causes of school dropouts in Masvingo District. The findings of the study revealed that Zimbabwe’s social assistance programmes are not adequate in reducing the number of school dropouts. The way forward that was proposed in the study in that the assistance to children at secondary education should be holistic approach. NGOs and government should work together to educate parents and children on the importance of secondary education. , Thesis (MSoc Dev.) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Mago, David
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Zimbabwe--Economic conditions , Elementary school dropouts , Zimbabwe--Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24554 , vital:63170
- Description: The study sought to examine the role of social protection in reducing school dropouts in secondary education in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the idea that despite the social assistance interventions that are in place, the school dropout phenomenon is still continuing among secondary school learners in the Masvingo District. This was achieved by discussing various programmes delivered by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The thesis also outlined various economic, social and political depressions that affected secondary education since Zimbabwe’s gaining of independence. From 1962 until 1980 the colonial government catered for the European child, this meant that secondary education was difficult to be accessed by blacks. Education maintained a bottleneck structure that favoured whites more than black people. After gaining independence, the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party introduced laws that allowed the black majority an opportunity to proceed with their education. Over the years the number of school dropouts is still increasing. This was curtailed by the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in 1991 to 1995. The introduction of the SAPs led to the introduction of user fees in education and health. This raised poverty levels which were curtailed by the macroeconomic situation in Zimbabwe. This was beyond the reach of many and led to the increase of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The major objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of social assistance in the reduction of school dropouts in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives are to analyse the role played by social assistance on the provision of secondary education and reduction of school dropouts and examining the impact of assistance on the education of the girl child. The last objective in the study was to identify a more comprehensive social assistance intervention for the support of secondary education. A more comprehensive social assistance intervention is intervention that provides support to secondary learners that includes among them uniforms, transport food and school fees. The study adopted the qualitative research methodology. The qualitative research methodology was used because it seeks to go deeper in what people experience on day to day activities. In-depth information helps to understand the successes and failures faced by NGOs and government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The study looked at how effective government and NGO assistance has been in reducing the number of school dropouts. Today there are a majority of NGOs, private organisations and government programmes that are working in secondary education assistance in Masvingo District. What matters most is that despite the growing rate of assistance by NGOs, individual help and government assistance the number of school dropouts is still increasing. The study’s theoretical framework is based on the Human rights based approach and the Transformative paradigm. The analysis relates to social assistance programmes focusing on the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and NGOs and their contribution in reducing the number of school dropouts. From the research findings, the research established the way forward that can be used to reduce the rate of school dropouts in Masvingo District and Zimbabwe at large. Lack of school fees, school uniforms, food and transport are the major causes of school dropouts in Masvingo District. The findings of the study revealed that Zimbabwe’s social assistance programmes are not adequate in reducing the number of school dropouts. The way forward that was proposed in the study in that the assistance to children at secondary education should be holistic approach. NGOs and government should work together to educate parents and children on the importance of secondary education. , Thesis (MSoc Dev.) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
The implementation of national health strategy (2009-2013) in Vungu District clinics, Midlands Province in Zimbabwe
- Mangwanya, M G https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0362-5546
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0362-5546
- Date: 2019-08
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19914 , vital:44454
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-08
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0362-5546
- Date: 2019-08
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19914 , vital:44454
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-08
Community engagement principles for implementation of information technology for development by higher education institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of marketing capabilities on the competitive advantage of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
- Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
- Authors: Mpongwana, Konaye https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4105-1536
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Market segmentation , Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20197 , vital:45407
- Description: It is usually understood that the development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of marketing capabilities (Intellectual capital, marketing strategy and market orientation) on the competitive advantage of SMMEs. Prior research has that early development of marketing capabilities enables firms to achieve competitive advantage. The issue to be attended to will be to identify the connection between the incorrect marketing capabilities and failure of SMMEs, if there is any. Furthermore, a thorough investigation looking at how the reduction of failure of SMMEs can be realised by investigating the marketing capabilities of SMMEs. Quantitative research approach was used in the study, with a population of 200 SMMEs, the Raosoft calculator is also used to calculate the sample size of 100 SMMEs which were used to collect the primary data of the study. Convenience sampling method was used by the researcher. The findings also revealed that SMMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The study recommends that SMME Owners/ Managers should consider spending a higher proportion of their time and money engaging in activities related to marketing throughout the life of their business. Therefore, it has concluded that effective deployment of marketing capabilities can lead to competitive advantage and greater performance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
Intergovermental policy integration and poverty eradication in a developmental state: the case of the PGDP and Amathole IDP in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Hofisi, Costa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2571-6991
- Authors: Hofisi, Costa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2571-6991
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25744 , vital:64475
- Description: The post-apartheid South African government inherited an economy characterised by a dichotomy between well developed and affluent whites and the underdeveloped and impoverished African blacks. This dichotomy was manifest in sharp divisions with regard to access to decent housing, health, education and transport just to mention a few, thus reflecting poverty, as a widespread phenomenon. Since 1994, the South African government has made major efforts aimed at addressing poverty, however, that poverty persists, despite the efforts, cannot be contested. One of the major challenges has been the disjuncture between policies at various spheres of government. This study examines the articulation between two spheres of government focusing on the Provincial Growth and Development Programme of the Eastern Cape and the integrated development plan of Amathole District Municipality. Currently not much research has been carried out in this area. This study illuminates various analytical and practical issues and hopefully provides a useful basis for improvement in the government’s declared commitment to poverty eradication. Triangulating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the study aimed to investigate the integration of the Provincial Growth and Development Program and the Integrated Development Plan and the contribution of these policy instruments towards poverty eradication in the Eastern Cape. A further aim was to analyse community participation in and knowledge of the PGDP and Amathole IDP and how they have been effective. This was an empirically grounded study, based on the use of a combination of data collection methods, analysis of primary and secondary sources of data including government documents, administering in-depth interviews to a range of informants within government, the community and a questionnaire survey of a sample drawn from members of the community in the Amatole District Municipality and, finally the use of Amatole district as a case study which was the major unit of analysis. The findings from the study revealed that there is a plethora of challenges confronting policy integration, often resulting in institutional paralysis and inertia. Such challenges vary from lack of capacity in local government, lack of political will, policy shifts, a plethora of legislation, competing if not conflicting priorities, nonattendance of Intergovernmental forums, lack of cooperation by sector departments, contradictions between legislation, policy inconsistencies, conceptual imprecision and conceptual blurring. Moreover, the neo-liberal ideology informing development planning not only in the province, but in South Africa as a whole as propagated by western main stream economists leaves benefits indeed merely ‘trickling down’ to the poor and not ‘pouring’, such that the transition in South Africa has been reduced to an ‘elite transition’. The research results confirm, as observed elsewhere, that experiences of several developing countries over the past decades do not appear to support the trickle down hypothesis. On the other hand, community participation is also stifled by lack of participatory spaces, poor participatory methodologies and structures which make participation difficult while the poor remain trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. Real participation goes beyond ‘passive development objects’ and ‘recipients of development’ to ensuring that people are empowered to become ‘masters of their own development’ within the context of a participatory democratic developmental state. There is need for not only a thorough examination of the political use of the ‘local’, the ‘poor’ but even the very conceptualisation of participation and its methodologies for effective community participation to be realised. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hofisi, Costa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2571-6991
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25744 , vital:64475
- Description: The post-apartheid South African government inherited an economy characterised by a dichotomy between well developed and affluent whites and the underdeveloped and impoverished African blacks. This dichotomy was manifest in sharp divisions with regard to access to decent housing, health, education and transport just to mention a few, thus reflecting poverty, as a widespread phenomenon. Since 1994, the South African government has made major efforts aimed at addressing poverty, however, that poverty persists, despite the efforts, cannot be contested. One of the major challenges has been the disjuncture between policies at various spheres of government. This study examines the articulation between two spheres of government focusing on the Provincial Growth and Development Programme of the Eastern Cape and the integrated development plan of Amathole District Municipality. Currently not much research has been carried out in this area. This study illuminates various analytical and practical issues and hopefully provides a useful basis for improvement in the government’s declared commitment to poverty eradication. Triangulating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the study aimed to investigate the integration of the Provincial Growth and Development Program and the Integrated Development Plan and the contribution of these policy instruments towards poverty eradication in the Eastern Cape. A further aim was to analyse community participation in and knowledge of the PGDP and Amathole IDP and how they have been effective. This was an empirically grounded study, based on the use of a combination of data collection methods, analysis of primary and secondary sources of data including government documents, administering in-depth interviews to a range of informants within government, the community and a questionnaire survey of a sample drawn from members of the community in the Amatole District Municipality and, finally the use of Amatole district as a case study which was the major unit of analysis. The findings from the study revealed that there is a plethora of challenges confronting policy integration, often resulting in institutional paralysis and inertia. Such challenges vary from lack of capacity in local government, lack of political will, policy shifts, a plethora of legislation, competing if not conflicting priorities, nonattendance of Intergovernmental forums, lack of cooperation by sector departments, contradictions between legislation, policy inconsistencies, conceptual imprecision and conceptual blurring. Moreover, the neo-liberal ideology informing development planning not only in the province, but in South Africa as a whole as propagated by western main stream economists leaves benefits indeed merely ‘trickling down’ to the poor and not ‘pouring’, such that the transition in South Africa has been reduced to an ‘elite transition’. The research results confirm, as observed elsewhere, that experiences of several developing countries over the past decades do not appear to support the trickle down hypothesis. On the other hand, community participation is also stifled by lack of participatory spaces, poor participatory methodologies and structures which make participation difficult while the poor remain trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty. Real participation goes beyond ‘passive development objects’ and ‘recipients of development’ to ensuring that people are empowered to become ‘masters of their own development’ within the context of a participatory democratic developmental state. There is need for not only a thorough examination of the political use of the ‘local’, the ‘poor’ but even the very conceptualisation of participation and its methodologies for effective community participation to be realised. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the challenges to housing delievery in the Engcobo Municipality - Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jiyose, L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
- Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jiyose, L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
- Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the implementation of phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa
- Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola
- Authors: Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa Medical policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8714 , vital:33439
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa was implemented. This evaluation focused on evaluation of reengineering of the primary health care system which is listed as one of the areas that was highlighted by the Department as needing attention during the implementation of Phase 1 of NHI. Reengineering of Primary Health Care was pronounced as the heart-beat of NHI. This is the approach that South Africa chose to implement to strengthen the current health care system. Specific measures that were selected to strengthen the current health system would be prioritized in Phase 1. Re-engineering of Primary Health Care is trusted with making a contribution to creation of a unified health care system. These areas would assist to close gaps which are a result of the current fragmented health care system. Inherited from the apartheid government of South Africa the current health care system has two fragments. One fragment is a highly resourced private health sector which provides quality health care for only 16 percent of the population while leaving 84percent of South Africans to access health care from the under-resourced public health sector. Fragmentation has contributed to inefficiencies in provision of health care. Post 1994 the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on economic and socioeconomic status which paved a way for progressive provision of universal coverage. To operationalize provisions of the Constitution of South Africa, the democratic government is implementing NHI which is a United Nations programme. To achieve a sustainable NHI, Phase 1 implementation also focused on strengthening the current health system. Through phased NHI implementation health financing reforms will become a reality. South Africa is implementing National Health Insurance policy to strategically redress health care financing which has resulted into an unequally fragmented health system. The end of a fragmented health system will give way to the birth of an ideal unified health system and universal coverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of National Health Insurance was implemented. Document method was used to collect documents, select and analyze data. This evaluation complements other studies which have contributed to the body of knowledge about implementation of programmes which will bring about realization of universal coverage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntlangula, Margaret Nokuzola
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa Medical policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8714 , vital:33439
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of the National Health Insurance Policy in South Africa was implemented. This evaluation focused on evaluation of reengineering of the primary health care system which is listed as one of the areas that was highlighted by the Department as needing attention during the implementation of Phase 1 of NHI. Reengineering of Primary Health Care was pronounced as the heart-beat of NHI. This is the approach that South Africa chose to implement to strengthen the current health care system. Specific measures that were selected to strengthen the current health system would be prioritized in Phase 1. Re-engineering of Primary Health Care is trusted with making a contribution to creation of a unified health care system. These areas would assist to close gaps which are a result of the current fragmented health care system. Inherited from the apartheid government of South Africa the current health care system has two fragments. One fragment is a highly resourced private health sector which provides quality health care for only 16 percent of the population while leaving 84percent of South Africans to access health care from the under-resourced public health sector. Fragmentation has contributed to inefficiencies in provision of health care. Post 1994 the Constitution outlawed discrimination based on economic and socioeconomic status which paved a way for progressive provision of universal coverage. To operationalize provisions of the Constitution of South Africa, the democratic government is implementing NHI which is a United Nations programme. To achieve a sustainable NHI, Phase 1 implementation also focused on strengthening the current health system. Through phased NHI implementation health financing reforms will become a reality. South Africa is implementing National Health Insurance policy to strategically redress health care financing which has resulted into an unequally fragmented health system. The end of a fragmented health system will give way to the birth of an ideal unified health system and universal coverage. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Phase 1 of National Health Insurance was implemented. Document method was used to collect documents, select and analyze data. This evaluation complements other studies which have contributed to the body of knowledge about implementation of programmes which will bring about realization of universal coverage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigating the impact of psychological capital on job burnout amongst the nurses at Victoria hospital Alice, Eastern Cape province
- Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Authors: Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Human capital--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23405 , vital:57728
- Description: The study investigates the impact of psychological capital on job burnout among the nurses at Victoria hospital at Alice, Eastern Cape. Explanatory survey research design was used in this study. Sampling techniques such as convenience method and also adopted purposive sampling were used in this study, and the data collected used a validated survey questionnaire. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed to the nurses at Victoria hospital, only 92 were answered. However, the researcher analysed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The statistical descriptions of respondents’ biographic and occupational data were all from Victoria hospital nurses. In terms of the participant’s age, between the age of 23-27, it is 18.5%, between 28-32, it is 15.2%, between 29-33, it is 18.4%, between 34-38, it is 14.3%, between 39-43, it is 15.3%, between 44-48, it is 12%, between 49-53, it is 8.8%, and lastly between 54-58, it is 13%. In terms of gender, 31.5% were male participants and 68.5% were female participants. In terms of occupational categories, nurses who are working at senior management positions are at 8.9%, professional nurses at 48.9% and non-professional nurses at 42.2%. In terms of marital status, married participants were at 35.2%, single, 56.0% and widows at 8.8%. In terms of working experience, the years range from one to above 16 years. 48.9% were participants who had 1-5 years working experience, 27.2% were participants with 6-10 experience, 8.7%, who had 11-15 years, and lastly 15.2% were the participants who had 16 years and above working experience. In terms of educational qualifications, participants with grade 12 were at 24.4%, diploma 40.0%, degree 33.3% and lastly were postgraduates participants at 2.2%. The final findings indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and job burnout, r=-0.437, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between hope and job burnout, r= -0.457, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between resilience and job burnout, r= - 0.312 p<0.1 and that there is a significant negative relationship between optimism and job burnout, r= -0.287 p<0.01. Other findings showed that there is a significant independent impact of self-efficacy on job burnout, B= -0.760, t= -1.394, p>0.05, there is no significant independent impact of hope on job burnout, that B= -1.282 t= -2.280, p<0.05, there is no significant impact of resilience on job burnout, B= 0.009, t= 0.22 p>0.05, and lastly, there is no significant independent impact of optimism on job burnout, B= 0.919 t=1.594, p>0.05. Last findings showed that there is a significant joint impact of psychological capital dimensions, F=6.671, R2= 0.243, p<0.01. In conclusion, it is confirmed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital dimensions and job burnout, secondly, there is a significant independent impact of psychological capital dimensions and job burnout. Lastly, there is a significant positive jointly impact of psychological capital dimensions on job burnout. , Thesis (MCom: IPS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Malinge, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4504-7964
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Burn out (Psychology) , Human capital--Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23405 , vital:57728
- Description: The study investigates the impact of psychological capital on job burnout among the nurses at Victoria hospital at Alice, Eastern Cape. Explanatory survey research design was used in this study. Sampling techniques such as convenience method and also adopted purposive sampling were used in this study, and the data collected used a validated survey questionnaire. Out of 150 questionnaires distributed to the nurses at Victoria hospital, only 92 were answered. However, the researcher analysed data using descriptive and inferential statistics through Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The statistical descriptions of respondents’ biographic and occupational data were all from Victoria hospital nurses. In terms of the participant’s age, between the age of 23-27, it is 18.5%, between 28-32, it is 15.2%, between 29-33, it is 18.4%, between 34-38, it is 14.3%, between 39-43, it is 15.3%, between 44-48, it is 12%, between 49-53, it is 8.8%, and lastly between 54-58, it is 13%. In terms of gender, 31.5% were male participants and 68.5% were female participants. In terms of occupational categories, nurses who are working at senior management positions are at 8.9%, professional nurses at 48.9% and non-professional nurses at 42.2%. In terms of marital status, married participants were at 35.2%, single, 56.0% and widows at 8.8%. In terms of working experience, the years range from one to above 16 years. 48.9% were participants who had 1-5 years working experience, 27.2% were participants with 6-10 experience, 8.7%, who had 11-15 years, and lastly 15.2% were the participants who had 16 years and above working experience. In terms of educational qualifications, participants with grade 12 were at 24.4%, diploma 40.0%, degree 33.3% and lastly were postgraduates participants at 2.2%. The final findings indicated that there is a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and job burnout, r=-0.437, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between hope and job burnout, r= -0.457, p<0.01, that there is a significant negative relationship between resilience and job burnout, r= - 0.312 p<0.1 and that there is a significant negative relationship between optimism and job burnout, r= -0.287 p<0.01. Other findings showed that there is a significant independent impact of self-efficacy on job burnout, B= -0.760, t= -1.394, p>0.05, there is no significant independent impact of hope on job burnout, that B= -1.282 t= -2.280, p<0.05, there is no significant impact of resilience on job burnout, B= 0.009, t= 0.22 p>0.05, and lastly, there is no significant independent impact of optimism on job burnout, B= 0.919 t=1.594, p>0.05. Last findings showed that there is a significant joint impact of psychological capital dimensions, F=6.671, R2= 0.243, p<0.01. In conclusion, it is confirmed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital dimensions and job burnout, secondly, there is a significant independent impact of psychological capital dimensions and job burnout. Lastly, there is a significant positive jointly impact of psychological capital dimensions on job burnout. , Thesis (MCom: IPS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
The determinants of the currency deposit ratio of South Africa: an econometric analysis
- Authors: Chiwota, Richard
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Econometricshttp://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85040763
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19694 , vital:43169
- Description: The main objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of the currency deposit ratio of South Africa. The stability of the demand for money has been a recurring area of interest of empirical research on the South African economy. Underlying this interest in the behavior of money demand is the potential role of movement in monetary aggregates as indicators of future developments in inflation. Specifically, if a stable relationship exists between the demand for money and its determinants, changes in the money supply can provide useful information in the longer terms. While there has been considerable empirical research on estimating the money demand function for many less developed countries (LDCs), the currency demand function has been largely ignored. The study used secondary data sourced from the South African Reserve Bank, Statistics South Africa and Quantec. It also used annual data from 2000 to 2018 with an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique used for regression purposes. The study opted for this model because the variables were a mixture of me (0) and me (1). The empirical results show that income had a positive relationship with currency deposit ratio. In other words, when income increases, the amount of currency in circulation increases relative to deposits. Results show that there is a negative relationship between inflation and currency demand ratio. The SARB has to monitor changes in income in order to keep pace with the demand for cash. They must also use other monetary policy operational variables such as M3 to ensure that there is a match between income and money demand and money supply. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
- Authors: Chiwota, Richard
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Econometricshttp://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85040763
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19694 , vital:43169
- Description: The main objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of the currency deposit ratio of South Africa. The stability of the demand for money has been a recurring area of interest of empirical research on the South African economy. Underlying this interest in the behavior of money demand is the potential role of movement in monetary aggregates as indicators of future developments in inflation. Specifically, if a stable relationship exists between the demand for money and its determinants, changes in the money supply can provide useful information in the longer terms. While there has been considerable empirical research on estimating the money demand function for many less developed countries (LDCs), the currency demand function has been largely ignored. The study used secondary data sourced from the South African Reserve Bank, Statistics South Africa and Quantec. It also used annual data from 2000 to 2018 with an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique used for regression purposes. The study opted for this model because the variables were a mixture of me (0) and me (1). The empirical results show that income had a positive relationship with currency deposit ratio. In other words, when income increases, the amount of currency in circulation increases relative to deposits. Results show that there is a negative relationship between inflation and currency demand ratio. The SARB has to monitor changes in income in order to keep pace with the demand for cash. They must also use other monetary policy operational variables such as M3 to ensure that there is a match between income and money demand and money supply. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
The dynamics of household debt in South Africa
- Authors: Mabitle, Mope
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Debt , Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21781 , vital:51751
- Description: Household debt as a proportion of South African household disposable income remain alarmingly above 70 percent. Impliedly, the majority of households are spending the bulk of their income on servicing debt. This not only puts a strain on household welfare but also on economic growth as household spending is the major contributor to economic activity in the country. Based on this background, the study examines the dynamics of the South African household debt. The analysis was done both at the macro and individual/household level (micro). The macro-level data covered the period from 1994 to 2018 utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model. The empirical results indicated that there is both a long-term and short-term relationship between the variables of interest. The results further show that the majority of low-income households in South Africa borrow more, as a way to smoothen their consumption. Interest rate as the official instrument to counter borrowing was found to have a positive relationship with household debt, indicating that households borrow to settle the existing debt as interest rates increases. The dummy variable used to capture the credit regulations enactment/amendments was found to be insignificant in the long run. This suggests that credit regulations implemented in South Africa have not reduced the propensity to borrow. At a micro level, the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data was used. Five waves of data were collected on the same individuals every 2 years. Panel regressions were employed in the analysis and the empirical results revealed that employment and income at the micro-level are found to be strong determinants of household debt. The results further showed that being a male and a white individual was positively associated with the likelihood of taking up more debt in general. On the other hand, the results indicated that being a black African is associated with a high likelihood of using services from most of the informal non-banking institutions. The results also revealed that the greater the education level of the head of the household, the higher the probability of taking more debt. One of the telltale signs of over-indebtedness is the persistence of debt, households respond to increased debt and their inability to repay it by increasing their borrowing. The study also investigated the transmission matrices of households in and out of debt. The results indicate a higher transition frequency in and out of debt on informal loans from the non-banking sector that is normally accessed by the poorer households, this could indicate debt entrapment and the persistence of debt at lower-income levels. Based on empirical results, the study recommended policies that would support consumption without necessarily increasing the credit appetite of household debt. Additional recommendations are those that support selective lending and the strengthening of the risk management of lending institutions. Furthermore, to combat the rising levels of household debt, several measures are proposed in the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Mabitle, Mope
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Debt , Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21781 , vital:51751
- Description: Household debt as a proportion of South African household disposable income remain alarmingly above 70 percent. Impliedly, the majority of households are spending the bulk of their income on servicing debt. This not only puts a strain on household welfare but also on economic growth as household spending is the major contributor to economic activity in the country. Based on this background, the study examines the dynamics of the South African household debt. The analysis was done both at the macro and individual/household level (micro). The macro-level data covered the period from 1994 to 2018 utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model. The empirical results indicated that there is both a long-term and short-term relationship between the variables of interest. The results further show that the majority of low-income households in South Africa borrow more, as a way to smoothen their consumption. Interest rate as the official instrument to counter borrowing was found to have a positive relationship with household debt, indicating that households borrow to settle the existing debt as interest rates increases. The dummy variable used to capture the credit regulations enactment/amendments was found to be insignificant in the long run. This suggests that credit regulations implemented in South Africa have not reduced the propensity to borrow. At a micro level, the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data was used. Five waves of data were collected on the same individuals every 2 years. Panel regressions were employed in the analysis and the empirical results revealed that employment and income at the micro-level are found to be strong determinants of household debt. The results further showed that being a male and a white individual was positively associated with the likelihood of taking up more debt in general. On the other hand, the results indicated that being a black African is associated with a high likelihood of using services from most of the informal non-banking institutions. The results also revealed that the greater the education level of the head of the household, the higher the probability of taking more debt. One of the telltale signs of over-indebtedness is the persistence of debt, households respond to increased debt and their inability to repay it by increasing their borrowing. The study also investigated the transmission matrices of households in and out of debt. The results indicate a higher transition frequency in and out of debt on informal loans from the non-banking sector that is normally accessed by the poorer households, this could indicate debt entrapment and the persistence of debt at lower-income levels. Based on empirical results, the study recommended policies that would support consumption without necessarily increasing the credit appetite of household debt. Additional recommendations are those that support selective lending and the strengthening of the risk management of lending institutions. Furthermore, to combat the rising levels of household debt, several measures are proposed in the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
An exploration of curriculum reforms in public schools in the Eastern Cape Province : a case study of Umtata District (1994-2014)
- Authors: Daniel, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9132 , vital:34271
- Description: This research explores the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Public schools in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to a case study of Umtata District (1994- 2014). The study was accomplished using the qualitative research method in which the views of 20 participants comprising of principals and teachers were explored about: How effective are the curriculum changes brought about by the democratic system of government in the South African education system? Which factors are limiting the effectiveness of the implementation of curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? What are the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Which strategies can the Eastern Cape Department of Education adopt to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Findings that some of the curriculum changes brought about by the Democratic System of Government in the South African Education System were associated with review and change of the language used in education and learning, technology, computer education and data handling. From this analysis of the interview findings, it is evident that curriculum reviews and change not only influenced the change of language policy in the South African education system to support diversity and multiculturalism, but also new technologies and science in teaching and learning. Even though it was evident from the responses of most of the teachers that enormous successes have been achieved, it also emerged from the findings that there have also been challenges and impediments. It emerged from the analysis of the interview findings that some of the factors limiting the effectiveness of curriculum effectiveness in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province are associated with lack of resources, lack of skills, lack of text books, poor review and modifications of the syllabus, and poor consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, findings still revealed that as much as there are some limitations, the curriculum reviews and change undertaken since the 1994 democratic dispensation significantly influenced the improvement of the performance of the contemporary South African public education system. The analysis of the interview findings revealed the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province to be associated with improved pass rates, improved performance in science and data handling, and improved responsiveness to changing needs and demands of the contemporary world. Considering the findings of this study, it is argued that the directors in the Eastern Cape Department of Education must evaluate the decision to apply the following strategies to influence improvement of the successful implementation of the curriculum. Such strategies would involve situational analysis, curriculum and syllabus development, investment in relevant key success factors (skills, technology & infrastructure), teaching and learning methods, and measuring and improving. Future studies can still explore and develop a framework for measuring and improving the implementation of curriculum reform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Daniel, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9132 , vital:34271
- Description: This research explores the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Public schools in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to a case study of Umtata District (1994- 2014). The study was accomplished using the qualitative research method in which the views of 20 participants comprising of principals and teachers were explored about: How effective are the curriculum changes brought about by the democratic system of government in the South African education system? Which factors are limiting the effectiveness of the implementation of curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? What are the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Which strategies can the Eastern Cape Department of Education adopt to improve the effectiveness of the curriculum reforms in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province? Findings that some of the curriculum changes brought about by the Democratic System of Government in the South African Education System were associated with review and change of the language used in education and learning, technology, computer education and data handling. From this analysis of the interview findings, it is evident that curriculum reviews and change not only influenced the change of language policy in the South African education system to support diversity and multiculturalism, but also new technologies and science in teaching and learning. Even though it was evident from the responses of most of the teachers that enormous successes have been achieved, it also emerged from the findings that there have also been challenges and impediments. It emerged from the analysis of the interview findings that some of the factors limiting the effectiveness of curriculum effectiveness in the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province are associated with lack of resources, lack of skills, lack of text books, poor review and modifications of the syllabus, and poor consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders. However, findings still revealed that as much as there are some limitations, the curriculum reviews and change undertaken since the 1994 democratic dispensation significantly influenced the improvement of the performance of the contemporary South African public education system. The analysis of the interview findings revealed the effects of curriculum reforms on the performance of the public schools in the Eastern Cape Province to be associated with improved pass rates, improved performance in science and data handling, and improved responsiveness to changing needs and demands of the contemporary world. Considering the findings of this study, it is argued that the directors in the Eastern Cape Department of Education must evaluate the decision to apply the following strategies to influence improvement of the successful implementation of the curriculum. Such strategies would involve situational analysis, curriculum and syllabus development, investment in relevant key success factors (skills, technology & infrastructure), teaching and learning methods, and measuring and improving. Future studies can still explore and develop a framework for measuring and improving the implementation of curriculum reform.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of the effects of leadership on performance : the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngunge, Lindiwe Esther
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14082 , vital:39803
- Description: The research investigated the impact of leadership on performance in the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape. The research used a mixed method methodology combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size was N=60 using purposive sampling. The dependant variable in the research was the school performance and the independent variable is the good leadership. The questionnaire was analysed quantitatively from a total key respondent of 45 leaders in the different schools.15 school educational leaders were interviewed and analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Research findings indicated that there is still male domination in school leadership positions over females. The leadership composition is 53percent males and 47percent females in Eastern Cape. School leadership positions are, in general, held by long serving members who are former teachers with a higher degree of seniority than the young school leaders. This is typical of traditional Xhosa societies dominated by elders in decision making. 73percent of the responses show a democratic leadership style when investigating how school leaders manage schools. The second most common leadership style is situational at 66percent, and the least prevalent management style is autocratic, which includes less than 10percent of the respondents. 60percent of the schools are performing and 40percent are underperforming, but overall there is good leadership in schools despite very poor results evidenced in the past 5 years. The research shows a strong correlation between the schools that had good performance and those that had good leadership in which the dominant leadership style was 'bureaucratic' and 'situational'. The schools that had poor results that were underperforming also showed trends of poor leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngunge, Lindiwe Esther
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14082 , vital:39803
- Description: The research investigated the impact of leadership on performance in the case of selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape. The research used a mixed method methodology combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample size was N=60 using purposive sampling. The dependant variable in the research was the school performance and the independent variable is the good leadership. The questionnaire was analysed quantitatively from a total key respondent of 45 leaders in the different schools.15 school educational leaders were interviewed and analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Research findings indicated that there is still male domination in school leadership positions over females. The leadership composition is 53percent males and 47percent females in Eastern Cape. School leadership positions are, in general, held by long serving members who are former teachers with a higher degree of seniority than the young school leaders. This is typical of traditional Xhosa societies dominated by elders in decision making. 73percent of the responses show a democratic leadership style when investigating how school leaders manage schools. The second most common leadership style is situational at 66percent, and the least prevalent management style is autocratic, which includes less than 10percent of the respondents. 60percent of the schools are performing and 40percent are underperforming, but overall there is good leadership in schools despite very poor results evidenced in the past 5 years. The research shows a strong correlation between the schools that had good performance and those that had good leadership in which the dominant leadership style was 'bureaucratic' and 'situational'. The schools that had poor results that were underperforming also showed trends of poor leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018