The influence of technology factors on turnover intentions amongst a sample of government employees in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mahlasela, Samkelisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13535 , vital:39677
- Description: Orientation: Technology affects organisations both positively and negatively and in some instances technology factors can result in turnover intentions for certain employees of organisations. Research purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate how technology-based job autonomy, technology-based job overload and technologybased job monitoring impact turnover intentions of employees. Motivation of the study: Exploring and understanding the relationship between technology factors and turnover intention amongst government employees to determine whether these factors affect government as much as they affect the private sector. Research design, approach and method: This research used a quantitative research approach. It drew a convenience sample of 182 employees (N= 182) from the South African Government. Main findings: The three main findings of the study were: Technology-based job autonomy was positively related to turnover intention. Technology-based job overload was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Finally, technology-based monitoring was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Practical/managerial implications: If organisations do not address the issue of monitoring and overload they are likely to experience many turnover intentions amongst the employees. Furthermore, the organisations with less autonomy are likely to lose their employees which means they will lose the resources that have been serving the organisation for a long time. This will also contribute to the organisation losing many funds as they would constantly have to train new employees. Contribution/value-add: The research adds value to the knowledge about the effects of technology factors on turnover intention by pointing out the reasons that lead to turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mahlasela, Samkelisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13535 , vital:39677
- Description: Orientation: Technology affects organisations both positively and negatively and in some instances technology factors can result in turnover intentions for certain employees of organisations. Research purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate how technology-based job autonomy, technology-based job overload and technologybased job monitoring impact turnover intentions of employees. Motivation of the study: Exploring and understanding the relationship between technology factors and turnover intention amongst government employees to determine whether these factors affect government as much as they affect the private sector. Research design, approach and method: This research used a quantitative research approach. It drew a convenience sample of 182 employees (N= 182) from the South African Government. Main findings: The three main findings of the study were: Technology-based job autonomy was positively related to turnover intention. Technology-based job overload was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Finally, technology-based monitoring was found to be positively related to turnover intention. Practical/managerial implications: If organisations do not address the issue of monitoring and overload they are likely to experience many turnover intentions amongst the employees. Furthermore, the organisations with less autonomy are likely to lose their employees which means they will lose the resources that have been serving the organisation for a long time. This will also contribute to the organisation losing many funds as they would constantly have to train new employees. Contribution/value-add: The research adds value to the knowledge about the effects of technology factors on turnover intention by pointing out the reasons that lead to turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Non-farm enterprises and rural development in South Africa : a case of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Work-life balance among self-initiated academic expatriates: An explanatory study of academics at the University of Fort Hare
- Harry, Tinashe Timothy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6174-6883
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6174-6883
- Date: 2015-05
- Subjects: Work-life balance
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25404 , vital:64236
- Description: This research investigated how self-initiated academic expatriates managed their work-life balance while in a foreign country. As many people are now self-initiating their career movement from one country to another, there is a need to understand how the self-initiated academic expatriates are managing the balance between work lives and personal lives. The research discussed and made use of a narrative and story-telling method in understanding the experiences of self-initiated academic expatriates. In order to generate knowledge specific to the local African context as most studies were conducted outside of Africa, narrative and story-telling method was seen as most suitable. A total of 25 participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The use of narrative inquiry in understanding the experiences of self-initiated academic expatriates who are based in South Africa will be illustrated in this research, with the implications of this being explored. The narratives of participants revealed four main themes. First, the participants narrated on the motivations to expatriate, why they chose South Africa as a destination will be discussed. Second, pathway into academia, how the participants ended up joining the academics profession will be presented in this thesis. Third, work and non-work related challenges being faced by the self-initiated academic expatriates are presented. Fourth, the way in which the participants worked around the challenges referred to as individual resourcing capability is presented. Solutions to the challenges highlights how individuals take action in response to their circumstances in aiding their self-development. Based on the findings from this study Self-initiated Expatriates-Individual Resourcing Capability Framework (SIE-IRC) is proposed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-05
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6174-6883
- Date: 2015-05
- Subjects: Work-life balance
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25404 , vital:64236
- Description: This research investigated how self-initiated academic expatriates managed their work-life balance while in a foreign country. As many people are now self-initiating their career movement from one country to another, there is a need to understand how the self-initiated academic expatriates are managing the balance between work lives and personal lives. The research discussed and made use of a narrative and story-telling method in understanding the experiences of self-initiated academic expatriates. In order to generate knowledge specific to the local African context as most studies were conducted outside of Africa, narrative and story-telling method was seen as most suitable. A total of 25 participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The use of narrative inquiry in understanding the experiences of self-initiated academic expatriates who are based in South Africa will be illustrated in this research, with the implications of this being explored. The narratives of participants revealed four main themes. First, the participants narrated on the motivations to expatriate, why they chose South Africa as a destination will be discussed. Second, pathway into academia, how the participants ended up joining the academics profession will be presented in this thesis. Third, work and non-work related challenges being faced by the self-initiated academic expatriates are presented. Fourth, the way in which the participants worked around the challenges referred to as individual resourcing capability is presented. Solutions to the challenges highlights how individuals take action in response to their circumstances in aiding their self-development. Based on the findings from this study Self-initiated Expatriates-Individual Resourcing Capability Framework (SIE-IRC) is proposed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-05
Marketing Management: BEC 221 & 221E
- Authors: Viljoen, K , Chikandiwa, C
- Date: 2011-01
- Subjects: Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010247
- Description: Marketing Management: BEC 221 & 221E, Supplementary examination, January 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-01
- Authors: Viljoen, K , Chikandiwa, C
- Date: 2011-01
- Subjects: Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010247
- Description: Marketing Management: BEC 221 & 221E, Supplementary examination, January 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-01
Determinants of managers' attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality
- Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Authors: Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities--South Africa , Discrimination in employment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24857 , vital:63662
- Description: In regard to employment, people with disabilities are discriminated. Unfavourable employer attitudes result in discrimination toward people with disabilities. Entering and progressing in employment create a sense of independency, responsibility and build the self-esteem of people with disabilities. This study sought to determine the influence of individualism-collectivism and demographic factors (age, gender, and level of education) of managers’ attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The social and medical model of disability provided a framework for understanding the literature on attitudes toward people with disabilities. Data was collected from 110 respondents in small and medium enterprises using two scales (Individualism-collectivism Scale and Employer Attitudes toward People with Disabilities Scale). Independent t-tests were used to test each of the hypotheses in the study and ANOVA was used for comparisons among variables. No significant differences found in attitudes on individualistic and collectivistic oriented managers toward employing people with disabilities. In addition, no significant differences in attitudes of managers over age, gender and level of education toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises. People with disabilities can be a benefit to the organisations since their skills and talents can help the organisations to remain stable in the competitive global environment. , Thesis (MCom (IPS)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ntunzi, Bulelwa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1068-3672
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Discrimination against people with disabilities--South Africa , Discrimination in employment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24857 , vital:63662
- Description: In regard to employment, people with disabilities are discriminated. Unfavourable employer attitudes result in discrimination toward people with disabilities. Entering and progressing in employment create a sense of independency, responsibility and build the self-esteem of people with disabilities. This study sought to determine the influence of individualism-collectivism and demographic factors (age, gender, and level of education) of managers’ attitudes toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The social and medical model of disability provided a framework for understanding the literature on attitudes toward people with disabilities. Data was collected from 110 respondents in small and medium enterprises using two scales (Individualism-collectivism Scale and Employer Attitudes toward People with Disabilities Scale). Independent t-tests were used to test each of the hypotheses in the study and ANOVA was used for comparisons among variables. No significant differences found in attitudes on individualistic and collectivistic oriented managers toward employing people with disabilities. In addition, no significant differences in attitudes of managers over age, gender and level of education toward employing people with disabilities in small and medium enterprises. People with disabilities can be a benefit to the organisations since their skills and talents can help the organisations to remain stable in the competitive global environment. , Thesis (MCom (IPS)) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An examination of human resource management strategies and their contribution to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe
- Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Authors: Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Personnel management , Local government--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24024 , vital:62299
- Description: The study sought to examine human resource management strategies and their contributions to effective local government systems in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Local government in Zimbabwe, though being nearest to the people, is showing evidence of failure to discharge its mandate. Various factors have been used to explain the reasons behind local government‘s failures to provide services. None of these have touched on the role played by people management in ensuring local government performance. This was notwithstanding the fact that towards the last two decades of the twentieth century research emerged glorifying human resources as the source of organizational excellence. Consequently, being motivated by the fact that good people management strategies lead to excellent organizational performance, attention in this study focused on people management strategies in local government in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a mixed approach with a strong inclination towards qualitative methodology. The data was gleaned from documents from local authorities, interviews, focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys. The study focused on local authorities in Manicaland Province. The results of the study confirmed the existence of human resource management strategies in local authorities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The human resource management strategies have however not resulted in excellent performance of local authorities. The reason behind this is attributable to severe resource constraints. Excellent people management strategies were found to be on paper as there were no resources to support them. The dearth of resources in local authorities was found to be attributed to the economic, political, legal and social factors engulfing the local government system in Zimbabwe. Consequently, local government in Zimbabwe remain stressed and in dire need of a ―Lazarus moment‖. There is an engineer with skills to construct dams to quench the thirst souls in the city but there are no resources to construct the dams. The fireman‘s truck rushes to quench a fire outbreak only to arrive at the scene with no water. In view of this, the study recommends that the review of the local government legal framework be speeded up and more autonomy be granted to local authorities. Such a review would have a bearing on the notion of decentralization, democratization and consequently economic development. In addition, government must seriously consider setting aside a portion of its budget towards support of local authorities. v Where democratic ethos exists, there is transparency, accountability, the rule of law and responsiveness. The human resource in local government would in turn promote democracy and excellence. Other strategies such as granting of garnishing powers to local authorities as well as giving their police arresting would further nourish their resource base. When this happen people management strategies would contribute to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe. Further studies on the contribution of human resource management strategies in effective local government systems after the complete overhaul of the current legislative regime would nonetheless be of interest to researchers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Mutongoreni, Noah Ariel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6039-6241
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Personnel management , Local government--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24024 , vital:62299
- Description: The study sought to examine human resource management strategies and their contributions to effective local government systems in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Local government in Zimbabwe, though being nearest to the people, is showing evidence of failure to discharge its mandate. Various factors have been used to explain the reasons behind local government‘s failures to provide services. None of these have touched on the role played by people management in ensuring local government performance. This was notwithstanding the fact that towards the last two decades of the twentieth century research emerged glorifying human resources as the source of organizational excellence. Consequently, being motivated by the fact that good people management strategies lead to excellent organizational performance, attention in this study focused on people management strategies in local government in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a mixed approach with a strong inclination towards qualitative methodology. The data was gleaned from documents from local authorities, interviews, focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys. The study focused on local authorities in Manicaland Province. The results of the study confirmed the existence of human resource management strategies in local authorities in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The human resource management strategies have however not resulted in excellent performance of local authorities. The reason behind this is attributable to severe resource constraints. Excellent people management strategies were found to be on paper as there were no resources to support them. The dearth of resources in local authorities was found to be attributed to the economic, political, legal and social factors engulfing the local government system in Zimbabwe. Consequently, local government in Zimbabwe remain stressed and in dire need of a ―Lazarus moment‖. There is an engineer with skills to construct dams to quench the thirst souls in the city but there are no resources to construct the dams. The fireman‘s truck rushes to quench a fire outbreak only to arrive at the scene with no water. In view of this, the study recommends that the review of the local government legal framework be speeded up and more autonomy be granted to local authorities. Such a review would have a bearing on the notion of decentralization, democratization and consequently economic development. In addition, government must seriously consider setting aside a portion of its budget towards support of local authorities. v Where democratic ethos exists, there is transparency, accountability, the rule of law and responsiveness. The human resource in local government would in turn promote democracy and excellence. Other strategies such as granting of garnishing powers to local authorities as well as giving their police arresting would further nourish their resource base. When this happen people management strategies would contribute to effective local government systems in Zimbabwe. Further studies on the contribution of human resource management strategies in effective local government systems after the complete overhaul of the current legislative regime would nonetheless be of interest to researchers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Dynamics of agricultural micro, small and medium enterprise life-cycle financing and implications for sector development in Zimbabwe
- Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture--Economic aspects--Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture--Economic aspects--Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Organizational commitment, age and gender effects on organizational citizenship behaviour of university employees
- Authors: Khayundi, Daniel Asiachi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25755 , vital:64476
- Description: Organizational citizenship behaviour is one of the important factors that enhance organizational effectiveness. The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Organizational commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). In this study, age and gender effects on OCB of tertiary institution employees were also examined. The data was collected from 68 academic and administration staff from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus through questionnaires. The results show that 68 respondents are of the view that organizational commitment impacts positively in enhancing the organizational citizenship behaviour of the employees. The findings also reveal that age and gender play no role in the practice of employees OCB. Management can increase the levels of OCB in their employees by recognizing employees who engage themselves in such behaviour. Implications that can help management in the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus in augmenting the OCB of employees is also discussed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Khayundi, Daniel Asiachi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25755 , vital:64476
- Description: Organizational citizenship behaviour is one of the important factors that enhance organizational effectiveness. The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Organizational commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). In this study, age and gender effects on OCB of tertiary institution employees were also examined. The data was collected from 68 academic and administration staff from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus through questionnaires. The results show that 68 respondents are of the view that organizational commitment impacts positively in enhancing the organizational citizenship behaviour of the employees. The findings also reveal that age and gender play no role in the practice of employees OCB. Management can increase the levels of OCB in their employees by recognizing employees who engage themselves in such behaviour. Implications that can help management in the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus in augmenting the OCB of employees is also discussed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape province; South Africa
- Authors: Mqaba, Mzuyanda Victor
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1612 , vital:27488
- Description: This study investigated the impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of agricultural cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this empirical study were to examine (1) the impact of government support on growth of cooperatives, (2) assess the impact of government support on the performance of cooperatives, (3) reviewing the impact of government support on survival of cooperatives. A total sample of 157 agricultural cooperatives which consisted of poultry, maize, goat, nursery, sheep and vegetable coops was used. Stratified random sampling technique was used and a self-administered questionnaire used to gather primary data. The primary data of the study was gathered from the cooperatives managers only as they were the targeted respondents. Gathered data went through factor analysis, anova test and correlation analysis for the statistical analysis purposefully to arrive in study findings and conclusion. The findings of the study drawn from the 66% response rate concluded that government support has a statistical significant impact on growth of cooperatives. The study also indicated that government support has a significant impact on the survival of cooperatives. It is also reported that the performance of cooperatives is significantly impacted positively by government support. The findings of the study also indicated that agricultural cooperatives are not satisfied with the present government support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mqaba, Mzuyanda Victor
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Producer cooperatives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1612 , vital:27488
- Description: This study investigated the impact of government support on growth, survival and performance of agricultural cooperatives in selected areas of Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this empirical study were to examine (1) the impact of government support on growth of cooperatives, (2) assess the impact of government support on the performance of cooperatives, (3) reviewing the impact of government support on survival of cooperatives. A total sample of 157 agricultural cooperatives which consisted of poultry, maize, goat, nursery, sheep and vegetable coops was used. Stratified random sampling technique was used and a self-administered questionnaire used to gather primary data. The primary data of the study was gathered from the cooperatives managers only as they were the targeted respondents. Gathered data went through factor analysis, anova test and correlation analysis for the statistical analysis purposefully to arrive in study findings and conclusion. The findings of the study drawn from the 66% response rate concluded that government support has a statistical significant impact on growth of cooperatives. The study also indicated that government support has a significant impact on the survival of cooperatives. It is also reported that the performance of cooperatives is significantly impacted positively by government support. The findings of the study also indicated that agricultural cooperatives are not satisfied with the present government support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight railways in African and European countries
- Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Impact of business confidence on private investments in South Africa
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of IDP implementation and sustainable development : the case of the housing sector in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mwatenga, John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: City planning Sustainable development Housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13447 , vital:39667
- Description: This research study assessed the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan and sustainable development in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: i) to identify factors affecting the provision of dwelling units in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and their effect on sustainable development in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; to assess the perceptions of the municipality and the community on the role of the IDP as a tool for development; iii) to suggest strategies that can be adopted to improve IDP implementation for sustainable development in the area. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers. The sustainable development theory, the incremental planning model and the rational planning model underpinned the study. Although three theories were used, the sustainable development theory was the major theory adopted in this study. The mixed research methods are used to collect the primary data for this study. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods is deemed most appropriate for this research study, as most researchers regard them as best methods in answering the research questions. The use of mixed methods has the assumption that both approaches can complement each other and help in avoiding unnecessary shortcomings. Since the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data, an interview guide and questionnaires were used. Interviews were conducted with three (3) municipal officials as well as (2) councillors from Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM), whereas questionnaires were distributed to (90) community members. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the IDP implementation and sustainable development in Mangaung metropolitan municipality. Firstly, there is satisfactory majority understanding among the participants regarding Integrated Development Plan and its related processes. The respondents have a common view that the IDP is a key tool that buoys development and that continued implementation challenges halt every form of development within the municipal area. Secondly, there is implementation of the IDP in Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM); nevertheless, the extent of implementation has not had the anticipated effect on the general populace in communities, given the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies in resource utilisation. Thirdly, it was also discovered that the municipality currently has serious housing backlogs that have brought auxiliary challenges thus impeding developmental efforts of MMM. Fourthly, the study also concluded that the causes of housing backlogs are: apartheid legacy, influx of foreign nationals, lack of oversight monitoring, heightened poverty, corruption, poor governance, insufficient budget, ineffective IDP implementation, urbanisation, natural population; unemployment and lack of capacity and skills can be regarded as the major contributors to housing shortages currently plaguing MMM. Thus the study recommended that an oversight, monitoring and evaluation policy, good governance, public participation, utilisation of PPPs and implementation of environmental management policy will go a long way in enhancing IDP implementation towards attaining sustainable development in the Mangaung metropolitan municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mwatenga, John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: City planning Sustainable development Housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13447 , vital:39667
- Description: This research study assessed the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan and sustainable development in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: i) to identify factors affecting the provision of dwelling units in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and their effect on sustainable development in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality; to assess the perceptions of the municipality and the community on the role of the IDP as a tool for development; iii) to suggest strategies that can be adopted to improve IDP implementation for sustainable development in the area. The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers. The sustainable development theory, the incremental planning model and the rational planning model underpinned the study. Although three theories were used, the sustainable development theory was the major theory adopted in this study. The mixed research methods are used to collect the primary data for this study. The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods is deemed most appropriate for this research study, as most researchers regard them as best methods in answering the research questions. The use of mixed methods has the assumption that both approaches can complement each other and help in avoiding unnecessary shortcomings. Since the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data, an interview guide and questionnaires were used. Interviews were conducted with three (3) municipal officials as well as (2) councillors from Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM), whereas questionnaires were distributed to (90) community members. The analysis of the study made the following conclusions about the IDP implementation and sustainable development in Mangaung metropolitan municipality. Firstly, there is satisfactory majority understanding among the participants regarding Integrated Development Plan and its related processes. The respondents have a common view that the IDP is a key tool that buoys development and that continued implementation challenges halt every form of development within the municipal area. Secondly, there is implementation of the IDP in Mangaung metropolitan municipality (MMM); nevertheless, the extent of implementation has not had the anticipated effect on the general populace in communities, given the ineffectiveness and inefficiencies in resource utilisation. Thirdly, it was also discovered that the municipality currently has serious housing backlogs that have brought auxiliary challenges thus impeding developmental efforts of MMM. Fourthly, the study also concluded that the causes of housing backlogs are: apartheid legacy, influx of foreign nationals, lack of oversight monitoring, heightened poverty, corruption, poor governance, insufficient budget, ineffective IDP implementation, urbanisation, natural population; unemployment and lack of capacity and skills can be regarded as the major contributors to housing shortages currently plaguing MMM. Thus the study recommended that an oversight, monitoring and evaluation policy, good governance, public participation, utilisation of PPPs and implementation of environmental management policy will go a long way in enhancing IDP implementation towards attaining sustainable development in the Mangaung metropolitan municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The implications of teacher development in the improvement of learner achievement in the Kwamhlanga sub-district of Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Impact of performance evaluation on service rendering by the Department of Education in the Lady Frere District at selected schools (2010-2011)
- Authors: Ngodwane, Anele Anthony
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: Performance standards , Education and state , School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26437 , vital:65312
- Description: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of performance evaluation on the service rendering by the department of education. There have been studies made around performance management system but to my knowledge it was the first of this nature in Lady Frere District. Performance Management System has not been a success ever since its implementation. A lot had happened in our country from apartheid era to the present democratic dispensation. Among the achievements South Africa masters is the ability to formulate or the formulation of policies but its weakness is on the implementation. Performance management system is among the policies that were developed but its implementation has never been a success. Its main aim is to enhance service delivery and attempt to make government effective and efficient. This research considers if performance management system and performance evaluation might address the question of service delivery in the Department of Education in Lady Frere District. Findings on this research spell it out that effective implementation performance management system will lead to an enhanced service delivery. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01
- Authors: Ngodwane, Anele Anthony
- Date: 2012-01
- Subjects: Performance standards , Education and state , School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26437 , vital:65312
- Description: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of performance evaluation on the service rendering by the department of education. There have been studies made around performance management system but to my knowledge it was the first of this nature in Lady Frere District. Performance Management System has not been a success ever since its implementation. A lot had happened in our country from apartheid era to the present democratic dispensation. Among the achievements South Africa masters is the ability to formulate or the formulation of policies but its weakness is on the implementation. Performance management system is among the policies that were developed but its implementation has never been a success. Its main aim is to enhance service delivery and attempt to make government effective and efficient. This research considers if performance management system and performance evaluation might address the question of service delivery in the Department of Education in Lady Frere District. Findings on this research spell it out that effective implementation performance management system will lead to an enhanced service delivery. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2012
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012-01
The effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Stock exchanges --South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13359 , vital:39637
- Description: The South African stock market has become a major player in the African Securities Exchanges Association through its performance. Gold is one of the commodities that are traded at Johannesburg Stock Exchange, hence gold price fluctuations are the crucial factor that JSE needs to keep its eye on. The demand for gold in South Africa is continuously rising because gold has full security, less credit risk and is a highly liquid instrument. Based on the given background, the study examines the effect of gold price volatility on stock market returns in South Africa, employing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1.1) model. The study used monthly data covering the period from 2005 to 2017. The Storage model and discounted cash flows model which are the theories that connect gold price and stock market were specified. The research findings are supported by previous studies. The gold price volatility was found to have a negative effect on stock market returns, and the proxy of stock market returns is the All Share Index. The study will help to provide an understanding of how gold price volatility affects the stock market that will help policymakers to come up with policies that are relevant to volatility of gold price towards stock market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Work-family conflict, stress and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Dywili, Mtutuzeli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa , Job stress -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24128 , vital:62382
- Description: The study examines work-family conflict, stress, and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The participants were female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The independent variables for the study were, demographic and occupational variables, while stress is the dependent variable. Work-family conflict is dependent on demographic and occupational variables, while on the other hand is independent to stress. The demographic variables concerned are age, marital status, number of children and age of the last born child. The occupational variable on the other hand is occupational level, i.e. managerial versus non-managerial. The measuring instruments were a self-designed questionnaire to measure the demographic and occupational variables, a questionnaire developed by Stephens and Sommer (1996) to measure work-family conflict (cronbach’s alpha = 0,90) and the Effort – Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire (Pikhart, Bobak, Siegrist, Pajak, Rywick, Kyshegyi, Gostaus, Skodova& Marmot, 1996) to measure stress at workplace. Cronbach’s alpha for the whole questionnaire reaches the value of 0,89. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dywili, Mtutuzeli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa , Job stress -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24128 , vital:62382
- Description: The study examines work-family conflict, stress, and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The participants were female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The independent variables for the study were, demographic and occupational variables, while stress is the dependent variable. Work-family conflict is dependent on demographic and occupational variables, while on the other hand is independent to stress. The demographic variables concerned are age, marital status, number of children and age of the last born child. The occupational variable on the other hand is occupational level, i.e. managerial versus non-managerial. The measuring instruments were a self-designed questionnaire to measure the demographic and occupational variables, a questionnaire developed by Stephens and Sommer (1996) to measure work-family conflict (cronbach’s alpha = 0,90) and the Effort – Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire (Pikhart, Bobak, Siegrist, Pajak, Rywick, Kyshegyi, Gostaus, Skodova& Marmot, 1996) to measure stress at workplace. Cronbach’s alpha for the whole questionnaire reaches the value of 0,89. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Public-private partnerships as an alternative mechanism for effective public service delivery in Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa
- Authors: Madziro, Emmanuel Kudzanai
- Date: 2016-11
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation , Municipal services , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22990 , vital:53396
- Description: Public-Private Partnerships developed in the 1980`s mainly associated with privatising and laissez faire concept and it emerged with the leadership of Regan in the USA and Thatcher in the UK. During this period the role of national governments was intensely debated (Deloitte, 2010). These debates generated the notion of New Public Management theory, that tried to use competitive techniques and certain free market principles within government entities that considered the involvement of the free enterprise in the provision of government service delivery (Kaberuka, 2011). Public-Private Partnerships are a vital component; it is the main reason why they were recognized significantly particularly during the 1990s, predominantly in first world countries and subsequently in developing countries. Basically a Public Private Partnership (PPP) denotes a legal agreement between the public sector and a private enterprise (Kaberuka, 2011). It aims to unite the ability of both public and private sector in manner that will ensure that neither of the side execute the plan on its own. Under this binding agreement, the expertise and wealth, assets of both public and private sector procedure of decision-making are used mutually during the provision of public services or facilities. Both of these parties carry the risk associated, as well as the benefits that will be accrued from the projects. There are particular reasons why the public sector prefers PPPs. These include reduction of the total costs and the primary expenditure that will allow the private sector to help in the elimination of the expenditures to be incurred. (Reynaers et al, 2014). Some of the reasons include the lack of government managerial competencies and certain technical expertise. Furthermore, efficient and novelty in the delivering of public services and goods mainly due to the ability of private sector to have leadership and managerial competencies that allow the provision of supplementary benefits in the PPP in contradictory to conventional projects. (Reynaers et al, 2014). PPPs also ensure competitiveness between the private and public sector entities, which encourage the elimination of unnecessary expenses and the provision of standard services. One of the main characteristics of PPPs is the amalgamating and generation provision of particular public services (Raja et al, 2011). This mean that the particular private entity will execute both projects. Hence therefore, it will have less commitment pertaining to the prioritization of the construction phase, given the fact that it will accrue rewards in the future, particularly during the operation stage. (Raja et al, 2011). This mechanism is pragmatic if the magnitude of service that has to be provided when the quality of service that has to be provided can be precisely be depicted and examined during the course of contractual legal discussion between the two parties. Facilities are usually transferred to the public sector after a pre-determined period. The responsibilities of public and private sector must be specified during the discussion of the contractual agreement. The public participant should the assume the responsibility for establishing social benefit of a project, facilitating with influential decision makers, evaluation of standards, guaranteeing the interests of the public, consequently it should also assume the financial unprofitability of investments, the approximation of the expenditure and sup ply of fundamental information pertaining the projects (Heald et al, 2011). Public-private partnership is a relationship that necessitates the inclusion of both stakeholders which include the private and public sector. PPPs are perceived as solution for effective provision of social infrastructure that is vital for economic development and consistency in both developing and developing worlds (Heald et al 2011). The fiscal, expertise, and lack of competency personnel in public sector can be resolved through engaging the concept of PPPs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2016
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016-11
- Authors: Madziro, Emmanuel Kudzanai
- Date: 2016-11
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation , Municipal services , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22990 , vital:53396
- Description: Public-Private Partnerships developed in the 1980`s mainly associated with privatising and laissez faire concept and it emerged with the leadership of Regan in the USA and Thatcher in the UK. During this period the role of national governments was intensely debated (Deloitte, 2010). These debates generated the notion of New Public Management theory, that tried to use competitive techniques and certain free market principles within government entities that considered the involvement of the free enterprise in the provision of government service delivery (Kaberuka, 2011). Public-Private Partnerships are a vital component; it is the main reason why they were recognized significantly particularly during the 1990s, predominantly in first world countries and subsequently in developing countries. Basically a Public Private Partnership (PPP) denotes a legal agreement between the public sector and a private enterprise (Kaberuka, 2011). It aims to unite the ability of both public and private sector in manner that will ensure that neither of the side execute the plan on its own. Under this binding agreement, the expertise and wealth, assets of both public and private sector procedure of decision-making are used mutually during the provision of public services or facilities. Both of these parties carry the risk associated, as well as the benefits that will be accrued from the projects. There are particular reasons why the public sector prefers PPPs. These include reduction of the total costs and the primary expenditure that will allow the private sector to help in the elimination of the expenditures to be incurred. (Reynaers et al, 2014). Some of the reasons include the lack of government managerial competencies and certain technical expertise. Furthermore, efficient and novelty in the delivering of public services and goods mainly due to the ability of private sector to have leadership and managerial competencies that allow the provision of supplementary benefits in the PPP in contradictory to conventional projects. (Reynaers et al, 2014). PPPs also ensure competitiveness between the private and public sector entities, which encourage the elimination of unnecessary expenses and the provision of standard services. One of the main characteristics of PPPs is the amalgamating and generation provision of particular public services (Raja et al, 2011). This mean that the particular private entity will execute both projects. Hence therefore, it will have less commitment pertaining to the prioritization of the construction phase, given the fact that it will accrue rewards in the future, particularly during the operation stage. (Raja et al, 2011). This mechanism is pragmatic if the magnitude of service that has to be provided when the quality of service that has to be provided can be precisely be depicted and examined during the course of contractual legal discussion between the two parties. Facilities are usually transferred to the public sector after a pre-determined period. The responsibilities of public and private sector must be specified during the discussion of the contractual agreement. The public participant should the assume the responsibility for establishing social benefit of a project, facilitating with influential decision makers, evaluation of standards, guaranteeing the interests of the public, consequently it should also assume the financial unprofitability of investments, the approximation of the expenditure and sup ply of fundamental information pertaining the projects (Heald et al, 2011). Public-private partnership is a relationship that necessitates the inclusion of both stakeholders which include the private and public sector. PPPs are perceived as solution for effective provision of social infrastructure that is vital for economic development and consistency in both developing and developing worlds (Heald et al 2011). The fiscal, expertise, and lack of competency personnel in public sector can be resolved through engaging the concept of PPPs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2016
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016-11
A netnographic analysis of complaints and service responses on selected South African banks' Twitter handles
- Authors: Poswa, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Digital ethnology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23438 , vital:57731
- Description: This study is a Netnographic investigation of numerous customer complaints and service responses on selected South African (SA) banks’ Twitter handles. The fulcrum of the study is significantly linked to the Justice theories which thus form the underpinning theories of the study. The study is based on qualitative data derived from selected SA banks’ Twitter handles for duration of at least three months. The study has its philosophy or paradigm deeply rooted in the Interpretivism paradigm. The qualitative research approach is then employed in the study along with the exploratory research design which allows the extrapolation of meaningful conclusions on the findings of the investigation based on the secondary data extracted from 1286 complaints on selected SA banks’ Twitter handles. The researcher makes use of thematic analysis to categorise, investigate, consolidate, define, and create reports on the themes identified in the data set thus enabling the drawing of meaningful inferences. The researcher’s findings point out that customer complaints generally spring from outcome service failure. Outcome service failure defines occurrences where clients are disappointed with banking services or the banking experience regardless of the service or product purchased. Complaints also emanated from process service failures which mostly describe incomplete service delivery. It is thus critically recommended that banks must make sure that process failures are curtailed through an effective improvement of the value chain system. This will also take into account a proper training of banking services personnel and staff. Furthermore, it is also suggested that increased mentoring, and improving or standardising training methods might help to improve bank employee service performance hence reducing incidents of failure. A closer look at the justice theories, it is identified in the study that, banks must try to uphold by all means through effective use of distributive justice service recovery. This is through the application of fairness and courtesy when addressing customer complaints especially on public social platforms such as Twitter. Eventually, this results in increased customer satisfaction and repeated patronage for the respective banks. Through interactional justice service recovery, banks are compelled to try in every way possible not to automate their responses to client complaints in their various or different manner. Procedural justice recovery suggests that banks should take into 3 cognizance better and more effective avenues of promptly responding to their clients hence improving the effectiveness of their service recovery processes. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Poswa, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Digital ethnology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23438 , vital:57731
- Description: This study is a Netnographic investigation of numerous customer complaints and service responses on selected South African (SA) banks’ Twitter handles. The fulcrum of the study is significantly linked to the Justice theories which thus form the underpinning theories of the study. The study is based on qualitative data derived from selected SA banks’ Twitter handles for duration of at least three months. The study has its philosophy or paradigm deeply rooted in the Interpretivism paradigm. The qualitative research approach is then employed in the study along with the exploratory research design which allows the extrapolation of meaningful conclusions on the findings of the investigation based on the secondary data extracted from 1286 complaints on selected SA banks’ Twitter handles. The researcher makes use of thematic analysis to categorise, investigate, consolidate, define, and create reports on the themes identified in the data set thus enabling the drawing of meaningful inferences. The researcher’s findings point out that customer complaints generally spring from outcome service failure. Outcome service failure defines occurrences where clients are disappointed with banking services or the banking experience regardless of the service or product purchased. Complaints also emanated from process service failures which mostly describe incomplete service delivery. It is thus critically recommended that banks must make sure that process failures are curtailed through an effective improvement of the value chain system. This will also take into account a proper training of banking services personnel and staff. Furthermore, it is also suggested that increased mentoring, and improving or standardising training methods might help to improve bank employee service performance hence reducing incidents of failure. A closer look at the justice theories, it is identified in the study that, banks must try to uphold by all means through effective use of distributive justice service recovery. This is through the application of fairness and courtesy when addressing customer complaints especially on public social platforms such as Twitter. Eventually, this results in increased customer satisfaction and repeated patronage for the respective banks. Through interactional justice service recovery, banks are compelled to try in every way possible not to automate their responses to client complaints in their various or different manner. Procedural justice recovery suggests that banks should take into 3 cognizance better and more effective avenues of promptly responding to their clients hence improving the effectiveness of their service recovery processes. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
The contribution of smallholder agriculture production to food security in rural Zimbabwe : a case study of Masvingo Province
- Authors: Toringepi, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Agricultural productivity -- Zimbabwe Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5598 , vital:29350
- Description: Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Toringepi, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Agricultural productivity -- Zimbabwe Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5598 , vital:29350
- Description: Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of oil prices on the trade balance of South Africa
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017