A best practice guideline for a healthy work environment for professional nurses working in the South African Military Health Service
- Authors: Mabona, Jean Fezeka Madi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa , Medicine, Military -- South Africa South Africa -- National Defence Force -- Medical care , Work environment -- National Defence Force -- Medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30811 , vital:31146
- Description: Governments, internationally and nationally, are becoming aware of the importance of healthy work environments within their health departments, environments that are caring and supportive to health professionals. This awareness is brought about by the mounting evidence that healthy work environments are critical to recruiting and retaining health professionals. On the other hand, unhealthy work environments can contribute to medical errors, ineffective delivery of care, and conflict and stress among health professionals in the clinical setting and faculty shortage that can compromise academic excellence in the academic setting. The professional nurses working in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), a branch of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) could experience the military environment as unhealthy because it is rigid and controlled. The hierarchical rank structure could deprive them of their autonomy as the decision-making powers are directly proportional to the rank. Stressful conditions could be experienced when these professional nurses are taken away from the well equipped hospital environment to the deployment areas away from home. There was, however, no evidence found on the work environment of professional nurses in the SAMHS during literature review. The aim of the study is therefore to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in the SAMHS and their understanding of a healthy work environment and the scope and nature of a best practice guideline, then to integrate the evidence generated to the evidence emanating from the critical appraisal of the existing best practice guidelines from other health settings in order to develop a best practice guideline for a healthy work environment for nurses in the SAMHS. The study adopted a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research study was made up of three phases. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional nurses to collect information on their experiences of working in the SAMHS and their understanding of evidence-based best practice guidelines. The interviews were transcribed by an independent transcriptionist and data analyzed using the eight steps of data analysis as suggested by Tesch. Themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. The process of coding was supported by an independent coder. Lincoln and Guba’s model of Page | vii trustworthiness consisting of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability was used to ensure the validity of the study. An integrative literature review was conducted where the existing evidence-based best practice guidelines for healthy work environment for nurses were searched for, appraised, had data extracted and were synthesized in Phase 2. In Phase 3, evidence generated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 was triangulated, forming recommendations that were utilized to develop a best practice draft guideline for a healthy work environment for professional nurses working in the SAMHS. The draft guideline was sent to five expert reviewers for their comments and recommendations. These were considered in the development of the final guideline. The final guideline consists of several recommendations in four themes: the need for effective leadership to create an empowering environment; effective communication amongst members of the health team; a culture that supports team work, and; the need for an environment that promotes professional autonomy. Further recommendations were made to address factors that impact negatively on enhancement of a healthy work environment. The guideline is intended for use by SAMHS’ leadership, at Levels 2, the strategic level, Level 3, the formation level and Level 4, the unit level (hospitals, sickbays and clinics and nursing college) and all professional nurses working in all the military health institutions of the SAMHS, including the military clinics, sickbays and hospitals irrespective of positions. However, the guideline may also be adapted by nursing institutions outside the military such as public and private hospitals and clinics where they find it applicable. Results
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mabona, Jean Fezeka Madi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa , Medicine, Military -- South Africa South Africa -- National Defence Force -- Medical care , Work environment -- National Defence Force -- Medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30811 , vital:31146
- Description: Governments, internationally and nationally, are becoming aware of the importance of healthy work environments within their health departments, environments that are caring and supportive to health professionals. This awareness is brought about by the mounting evidence that healthy work environments are critical to recruiting and retaining health professionals. On the other hand, unhealthy work environments can contribute to medical errors, ineffective delivery of care, and conflict and stress among health professionals in the clinical setting and faculty shortage that can compromise academic excellence in the academic setting. The professional nurses working in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), a branch of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) could experience the military environment as unhealthy because it is rigid and controlled. The hierarchical rank structure could deprive them of their autonomy as the decision-making powers are directly proportional to the rank. Stressful conditions could be experienced when these professional nurses are taken away from the well equipped hospital environment to the deployment areas away from home. There was, however, no evidence found on the work environment of professional nurses in the SAMHS during literature review. The aim of the study is therefore to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in the SAMHS and their understanding of a healthy work environment and the scope and nature of a best practice guideline, then to integrate the evidence generated to the evidence emanating from the critical appraisal of the existing best practice guidelines from other health settings in order to develop a best practice guideline for a healthy work environment for nurses in the SAMHS. The study adopted a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research study was made up of three phases. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professional nurses to collect information on their experiences of working in the SAMHS and their understanding of evidence-based best practice guidelines. The interviews were transcribed by an independent transcriptionist and data analyzed using the eight steps of data analysis as suggested by Tesch. Themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. The process of coding was supported by an independent coder. Lincoln and Guba’s model of Page | vii trustworthiness consisting of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability was used to ensure the validity of the study. An integrative literature review was conducted where the existing evidence-based best practice guidelines for healthy work environment for nurses were searched for, appraised, had data extracted and were synthesized in Phase 2. In Phase 3, evidence generated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 was triangulated, forming recommendations that were utilized to develop a best practice draft guideline for a healthy work environment for professional nurses working in the SAMHS. The draft guideline was sent to five expert reviewers for their comments and recommendations. These were considered in the development of the final guideline. The final guideline consists of several recommendations in four themes: the need for effective leadership to create an empowering environment; effective communication amongst members of the health team; a culture that supports team work, and; the need for an environment that promotes professional autonomy. Further recommendations were made to address factors that impact negatively on enhancement of a healthy work environment. The guideline is intended for use by SAMHS’ leadership, at Levels 2, the strategic level, Level 3, the formation level and Level 4, the unit level (hospitals, sickbays and clinics and nursing college) and all professional nurses working in all the military health institutions of the SAMHS, including the military clinics, sickbays and hospitals irrespective of positions. However, the guideline may also be adapted by nursing institutions outside the military such as public and private hospitals and clinics where they find it applicable. Results
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A best practice guideline for clinical teaching at a public college of nursing
- Authors: Gcawu, Sybil Nyameka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching , Clinical medicine Medicine -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30194 , vital:30860
- Description: Clinical teaching is a critical component of the education and training of undergraduate nursing students. It determines the level of clinical competence that nursing students achieve during their studies. It should be informed by current best practice evidence available in the nursing care literature (Emanuel, Day, Diegnan & Prys-Muller, 2011:21-22). Clinical teaching is centred around provision of patient care in clinical practice. It takes place through an interaction between the nurse educator and the nursing students. During this process nursing students are moulded so they can demonstrate minimum competency in order to be registered by the regulatory body. Nursing students learn to become competent nurses in the clinical learning environment (Baxter 2006; Nash, 2007 in Franklin, 2013:35). In South Africa nurse educators are required to be fully responsible for clinical teaching through the use of appropriate teaching approaches and learning facilitation techniques (RSA DoH, 2013:91). The overall purpose of the current research study was to explore and describe the current clinical teaching practices of nurse educators; to search, appraise, extract and synthesise literature related to clinical teaching in nursing; and to develop A Best Practice Guideline for Clinical Teaching at a Public College of Nursing in the Eastern Cape Province. This had to be realized in three phases. In Phase One a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the nurse educators involved in clinical teaching within the Diploma in Nursing (General, Community, Psychiatric) and Midwifery programme. The data analysed was used as the basis of Phase Two—namely, an integrative literature review of evidence pertaining to the clinical teaching practices of nurse educators doing clinical teaching within the undergraduate programmes. The evidence from Phases One and Two was used to develop a draft Best Practice Guideline. The draft guideline was reviewed by a group of expert reviewers and their suggestions were incorporated in the final guideline. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the research study. The rigour of the research process was ensured by cognitive testing of the questionnaire, and by critical appraisal of the literature accessed from an integrative literature review. The v authenticity of critical appraisal was ensured by having the critical appraisal done by the researcher and an independent reviewer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gcawu, Sybil Nyameka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching , Clinical medicine Medicine -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30194 , vital:30860
- Description: Clinical teaching is a critical component of the education and training of undergraduate nursing students. It determines the level of clinical competence that nursing students achieve during their studies. It should be informed by current best practice evidence available in the nursing care literature (Emanuel, Day, Diegnan & Prys-Muller, 2011:21-22). Clinical teaching is centred around provision of patient care in clinical practice. It takes place through an interaction between the nurse educator and the nursing students. During this process nursing students are moulded so they can demonstrate minimum competency in order to be registered by the regulatory body. Nursing students learn to become competent nurses in the clinical learning environment (Baxter 2006; Nash, 2007 in Franklin, 2013:35). In South Africa nurse educators are required to be fully responsible for clinical teaching through the use of appropriate teaching approaches and learning facilitation techniques (RSA DoH, 2013:91). The overall purpose of the current research study was to explore and describe the current clinical teaching practices of nurse educators; to search, appraise, extract and synthesise literature related to clinical teaching in nursing; and to develop A Best Practice Guideline for Clinical Teaching at a Public College of Nursing in the Eastern Cape Province. This had to be realized in three phases. In Phase One a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the nurse educators involved in clinical teaching within the Diploma in Nursing (General, Community, Psychiatric) and Midwifery programme. The data analysed was used as the basis of Phase Two—namely, an integrative literature review of evidence pertaining to the clinical teaching practices of nurse educators doing clinical teaching within the undergraduate programmes. The evidence from Phases One and Two was used to develop a draft Best Practice Guideline. The draft guideline was reviewed by a group of expert reviewers and their suggestions were incorporated in the final guideline. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the research study. The rigour of the research process was ensured by cognitive testing of the questionnaire, and by critical appraisal of the literature accessed from an integrative literature review. The v authenticity of critical appraisal was ensured by having the critical appraisal done by the researcher and an independent reviewer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A business process management framework for enhancing enterprise resource planning value derived in supply chain optimization
- Authors: Sahdeo, Viresh
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Workflow -- Management Performance -- Management Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34833 , vital:33459
- Description: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems easily diffuse knowledge and allow good business decisions for Information System (IS) technological and organizational advancement. This research is an investigation of how to improve the strategic management and operational efficiency of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). A Business Process Management (BPM) framework was designed to integrate varying perspectives of organizational activities for wider collaboration and value derivation. The systematic methodology of Business process management (BPM) enables corporates to be more effective and efficient through continual process improvement. Elements used to build the BPM framework explain how to successfully derive value, inclusive of the performance indicators to measure outcomes. The model was tested with questionnaire data collected from corporates operating in the Southern African region and further refined based on Cronbach alpha reliability tests. The findings improve the interpretation of the determinants for the success of BPM and ERP IS from the user’s perspective. The results show that continuous improvement efforts and organisational support have positive influence on performance and validate the importance of quality, service, information, integration and workflow dependencies. Originality/value – This research extends prior work of BPM frameworks to follow up on customer orientation and servitization. Studies have not investigated relationship commitment between IT and operational business units. The relationship and interdependence of organisational functions is essential for Supply Chain value creation. Industrialization and information technology(IT) integration faces new opportunities. The agility of IT is further explored more into efforts of collaboration, structure, and innovation for future changes, emerging technologies and practices envisioned. This research seeks to propose a framework for the future development of smart supply chain, which can provide theory and case for intelligent operational activities with key technologies, such as RFID, Neural Networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence(AI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sahdeo, Viresh
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Workflow -- Management Performance -- Management Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34833 , vital:33459
- Description: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems easily diffuse knowledge and allow good business decisions for Information System (IS) technological and organizational advancement. This research is an investigation of how to improve the strategic management and operational efficiency of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). A Business Process Management (BPM) framework was designed to integrate varying perspectives of organizational activities for wider collaboration and value derivation. The systematic methodology of Business process management (BPM) enables corporates to be more effective and efficient through continual process improvement. Elements used to build the BPM framework explain how to successfully derive value, inclusive of the performance indicators to measure outcomes. The model was tested with questionnaire data collected from corporates operating in the Southern African region and further refined based on Cronbach alpha reliability tests. The findings improve the interpretation of the determinants for the success of BPM and ERP IS from the user’s perspective. The results show that continuous improvement efforts and organisational support have positive influence on performance and validate the importance of quality, service, information, integration and workflow dependencies. Originality/value – This research extends prior work of BPM frameworks to follow up on customer orientation and servitization. Studies have not investigated relationship commitment between IT and operational business units. The relationship and interdependence of organisational functions is essential for Supply Chain value creation. Industrialization and information technology(IT) integration faces new opportunities. The agility of IT is further explored more into efforts of collaboration, structure, and innovation for future changes, emerging technologies and practices envisioned. This research seeks to propose a framework for the future development of smart supply chain, which can provide theory and case for intelligent operational activities with key technologies, such as RFID, Neural Networks, machine learning and artificial intelligence(AI).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A case study to explore developing a community of practice to support emergent literacy in preschool children's play
- Authors: Martin, Tamarynd
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education , Children -- Language , Reading (Preschool) , Toddlers -- Books and reading
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31841 , vital:31850
- Description: In South Africa at present, Literacy is a cause for rising concern, with reading and writing competency in primary school being at an all-time low. It is a widespread belief that part of the problem lies with the lack early childhood education. Only 37% of children under the age of five attend an early childhood development centre. Furthermore, South Africa has a shortage of educators, specifically within the domain of early childhood development. With more research being done in the area of literacy, more educators concur that emergent literacy forms the foundation of formal reading and writing later on. This study is a participatory case study, which reflects on the importance of literacy in the early years, showing the belief that pre-formal schooling, specifically emergent literacy, is directly linked to proficiency in reading and writing in formal schooling. This study also highlights how educators in early childhood development can be involved in ongoing reflective interventions through in-service training and communities of practice. This community of practice was developed as a series of focus groups, which met on a weekly basis to discuss and share thoughts, opinions and experiences surrounding emergent literacy in a preschool context. From multiple focus groups, I found that the participants became more confident in sharing their experiences and building upon each other’s ideas and thoughts. The focus groups, not only added to their understanding of emergent literacy, but enthused them and created more of an awareness in their day to day practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Martin, Tamarynd
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education , Children -- Language , Reading (Preschool) , Toddlers -- Books and reading
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31841 , vital:31850
- Description: In South Africa at present, Literacy is a cause for rising concern, with reading and writing competency in primary school being at an all-time low. It is a widespread belief that part of the problem lies with the lack early childhood education. Only 37% of children under the age of five attend an early childhood development centre. Furthermore, South Africa has a shortage of educators, specifically within the domain of early childhood development. With more research being done in the area of literacy, more educators concur that emergent literacy forms the foundation of formal reading and writing later on. This study is a participatory case study, which reflects on the importance of literacy in the early years, showing the belief that pre-formal schooling, specifically emergent literacy, is directly linked to proficiency in reading and writing in formal schooling. This study also highlights how educators in early childhood development can be involved in ongoing reflective interventions through in-service training and communities of practice. This community of practice was developed as a series of focus groups, which met on a weekly basis to discuss and share thoughts, opinions and experiences surrounding emergent literacy in a preschool context. From multiple focus groups, I found that the participants became more confident in sharing their experiences and building upon each other’s ideas and thoughts. The focus groups, not only added to their understanding of emergent literacy, but enthused them and created more of an awareness in their day to day practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A characterization of landslide occurrence in the Kigezi Highlands of South Western Uganda
- Authors: Nseka, Denis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Landslides -- Uganda , Land degradation -- Uganda Earth movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33791 , vital:33029
- Description: The frequency and magnitude of landslide occurrence in the Kigezi highlands of South Western Uganda has increased, but the key underpinnings of the occurrences are yet to be understood. The overall aim of this study was to characterize the parameters underpinning landslide occurrence in the Kigezi highlands. This information is important for predicting or identifying actual and potential landslide sites. This should inform policy, particularly in terms of developing early warning systems to landslide hazards in these highlands. The present study analysed the area’s topography, soil properties as well as land use and cover changes underpinning the spatialtemporal distribution of landslide occurrence in the region. The present study focussed on selected topographic parameters including slope gradient, profile curvature, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Stream Power Index (SPI), and Topographic Position Index (TPI). These factors were parameterized in the field and GIS environment using a 10 m Digital Elevation Model. Sixty five landslide features were surveyed and mapped. Soil properties were characterised in relation to slope position. Onsite soil property analysis was conducted within the landslide scars, auger holes and full profile representative sites. Furthermore, soil infiltration and strength tests, as well as clay mineralogy analyses were also conducted. An analysis of the spatial-temporal land use and cover changes was undertaken using satellite imagery spanning the period between 1985 and 2015. Landslides were noted to concentrate along topographic hollows in the landscape. The occurrence is dominant where slope gradient is between 25˚ and 35˚, profile curvature between 0.1 and 5, TWI between 8 and 18, SPI >10 and TPI between -1 and 1. Landslides are less pronounced on slope zones where slope gradient is <15˚ and >45˚, profile curvature <0, TWI <8 and >18, SPI <10 and TPI >1. Deep soil profiles ranging between 2.5 and 7 meters are a major characteristic of the study area. Soils are characterized by clay pans at a depth ranging between 0.75 and 3 meters within the profiles. The study area is dominated by clay texture, except for the uppermost surface horizons, which are loamy sand. All surface horizons analysed had the percentage of sand, silt and clay ranging from 33 to 55%, 22 to 40% and 10 to 30% respectively. In the deeper horizons, sand was observed to reduce drastically to less than 23%, while clay increased to greater than 50%. The clay content is very high in the deeper horizons exceeding 35%. By implication, such soils with a very high clay content and plasticity index are considered as Vertisols, with a profound influence in the occurrence of landslides. The top soil predominantly contains more quartz, while subsurface horizons have considerable amounts of illite/muscovite as the dominant clay minerals, ranging from 43% to 47 %. The liquid limit, plasticity index, computed weighted plasticity index (PIw), expansiveness (ɛex) and dispersion ranging from 50, 22, 17, 10 and 23 to 66, 44,34,54 and 64, respectively also have strong implications for landslide occurrence. Landslides are not normally experienced during or immediately after extreme rainfall events but occur later in the rainfall season. By implication, this time lag in landslide occurrence and rainfall distribution, is due to the initial infiltration through quartz dominated upper soil layers, before illite/muscovite clays in the lower soil horizons get saturated. Whereas forest cover reduced from 40 % in 1985 to 8% in 2015, cultivated land and settlements increased from 16% and 11% to 52% and 25% respectively during the same period. The distribution of cultivated land decreased in lower slope sections within gradient group < 15˚ by 59%. It however increased in upper sections within gradient cluster 25˚ to 35˚ by over 85% during the study period. There is a shift of cultivated land to the steeper sensitive upper slope elements associated with landslides in the study area. More than 50% of the landslides are occurring on cultivated land, 20% on settlements while less than 15 % and 10% are occurring on grassland and forests with degraded areas respectively. Landslides in Kigezi highlands are triggered by a complex interaction of multiple- factors, including dynamic triggers and ground condition variables. Topographic hollows are convergence zones within the landscape where all the parameters interact to cause landslides. Topographic hollows are therefore potential and actual landslide sites in the study area. Characterized by deep soil horizons with high clay content dominated by illite/muscovite minerals in the sub soils and profile concave forms with moderately steep slopes, topographic hollows are the most vulnerable slope elements to landslide occurrence. The spatial temporal patterns of landslide occurrence in the study area has changed due to increased cultivation of steep middle and upper slopes. Characterized by deep soil horizons with high clay content dominated by illite/muscovite minerals in the sub soils and profile concave forms with moderately steep slopes, topographic hollows are the most vulnerable slope elements to landslide occurrence. The spatial-temporal patterns of landslide occurrence in the study area has changed due to increased cultivation of steep middle and upper slopes. A close spatial and temporal correlation between land use/cover changes and landslide occurrence is discernible. The understanding of these topographical, pedological and land use/cover parameters and their influence on landslide occurrence is important in land management. It is now possible to identify and predict actual and potential landslide zones, and also demarcate safer zones for community activities. The information generated about the area’s topographic, pedological and land cover characteristics should help in vulnerability mitigation and enhance community resilience to landslide hazards in this fragile highland ecosystem. This can be done through designating zones for community activities while avoiding potential landslide zones. It is also recommended that, tree cover restoration be done in the highlands and the farmers encouraged to re-establish terrace farming while avoiding cultivation of sensitive steep middle and upper slope sections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nseka, Denis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Landslides -- Uganda , Land degradation -- Uganda Earth movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33791 , vital:33029
- Description: The frequency and magnitude of landslide occurrence in the Kigezi highlands of South Western Uganda has increased, but the key underpinnings of the occurrences are yet to be understood. The overall aim of this study was to characterize the parameters underpinning landslide occurrence in the Kigezi highlands. This information is important for predicting or identifying actual and potential landslide sites. This should inform policy, particularly in terms of developing early warning systems to landslide hazards in these highlands. The present study analysed the area’s topography, soil properties as well as land use and cover changes underpinning the spatialtemporal distribution of landslide occurrence in the region. The present study focussed on selected topographic parameters including slope gradient, profile curvature, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Stream Power Index (SPI), and Topographic Position Index (TPI). These factors were parameterized in the field and GIS environment using a 10 m Digital Elevation Model. Sixty five landslide features were surveyed and mapped. Soil properties were characterised in relation to slope position. Onsite soil property analysis was conducted within the landslide scars, auger holes and full profile representative sites. Furthermore, soil infiltration and strength tests, as well as clay mineralogy analyses were also conducted. An analysis of the spatial-temporal land use and cover changes was undertaken using satellite imagery spanning the period between 1985 and 2015. Landslides were noted to concentrate along topographic hollows in the landscape. The occurrence is dominant where slope gradient is between 25˚ and 35˚, profile curvature between 0.1 and 5, TWI between 8 and 18, SPI >10 and TPI between -1 and 1. Landslides are less pronounced on slope zones where slope gradient is <15˚ and >45˚, profile curvature <0, TWI <8 and >18, SPI <10 and TPI >1. Deep soil profiles ranging between 2.5 and 7 meters are a major characteristic of the study area. Soils are characterized by clay pans at a depth ranging between 0.75 and 3 meters within the profiles. The study area is dominated by clay texture, except for the uppermost surface horizons, which are loamy sand. All surface horizons analysed had the percentage of sand, silt and clay ranging from 33 to 55%, 22 to 40% and 10 to 30% respectively. In the deeper horizons, sand was observed to reduce drastically to less than 23%, while clay increased to greater than 50%. The clay content is very high in the deeper horizons exceeding 35%. By implication, such soils with a very high clay content and plasticity index are considered as Vertisols, with a profound influence in the occurrence of landslides. The top soil predominantly contains more quartz, while subsurface horizons have considerable amounts of illite/muscovite as the dominant clay minerals, ranging from 43% to 47 %. The liquid limit, plasticity index, computed weighted plasticity index (PIw), expansiveness (ɛex) and dispersion ranging from 50, 22, 17, 10 and 23 to 66, 44,34,54 and 64, respectively also have strong implications for landslide occurrence. Landslides are not normally experienced during or immediately after extreme rainfall events but occur later in the rainfall season. By implication, this time lag in landslide occurrence and rainfall distribution, is due to the initial infiltration through quartz dominated upper soil layers, before illite/muscovite clays in the lower soil horizons get saturated. Whereas forest cover reduced from 40 % in 1985 to 8% in 2015, cultivated land and settlements increased from 16% and 11% to 52% and 25% respectively during the same period. The distribution of cultivated land decreased in lower slope sections within gradient group < 15˚ by 59%. It however increased in upper sections within gradient cluster 25˚ to 35˚ by over 85% during the study period. There is a shift of cultivated land to the steeper sensitive upper slope elements associated with landslides in the study area. More than 50% of the landslides are occurring on cultivated land, 20% on settlements while less than 15 % and 10% are occurring on grassland and forests with degraded areas respectively. Landslides in Kigezi highlands are triggered by a complex interaction of multiple- factors, including dynamic triggers and ground condition variables. Topographic hollows are convergence zones within the landscape where all the parameters interact to cause landslides. Topographic hollows are therefore potential and actual landslide sites in the study area. Characterized by deep soil horizons with high clay content dominated by illite/muscovite minerals in the sub soils and profile concave forms with moderately steep slopes, topographic hollows are the most vulnerable slope elements to landslide occurrence. The spatial temporal patterns of landslide occurrence in the study area has changed due to increased cultivation of steep middle and upper slopes. Characterized by deep soil horizons with high clay content dominated by illite/muscovite minerals in the sub soils and profile concave forms with moderately steep slopes, topographic hollows are the most vulnerable slope elements to landslide occurrence. The spatial-temporal patterns of landslide occurrence in the study area has changed due to increased cultivation of steep middle and upper slopes. A close spatial and temporal correlation between land use/cover changes and landslide occurrence is discernible. The understanding of these topographical, pedological and land use/cover parameters and their influence on landslide occurrence is important in land management. It is now possible to identify and predict actual and potential landslide zones, and also demarcate safer zones for community activities. The information generated about the area’s topographic, pedological and land cover characteristics should help in vulnerability mitigation and enhance community resilience to landslide hazards in this fragile highland ecosystem. This can be done through designating zones for community activities while avoiding potential landslide zones. It is also recommended that, tree cover restoration be done in the highlands and the farmers encouraged to re-establish terrace farming while avoiding cultivation of sensitive steep middle and upper slope sections.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A common currency for countries within the economic community of West African states
- Authors: Djessou, Oze Marie Pascale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic Community of West African States , Africa, West -- Economic integration , Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22027 , vital:29814
- Description: While the West African sub-region has progressed in its efforts to achieve sustainable development, more intensive efforts are needed to address its developmental constraints. Among these constraints, the fragmentation of the sub-continent into small and landlocked countries remain one of the structural challenges to be faced. For this reason, strengthening regional co-operation and economic integration is a significant part in the improvement of the region’s economic performance. Monetary integration, which involves the use of a common currency within the area, is part of the process of economic integration. This study reflects upon the difficulties experienced by countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) without a common currency to facilitate economic growth and development. The study adopted a descriptive methodology and embarked on a thorough analysis of recent and relevant secondary sources. This was done in order to determine the expected effects of a common currency in the community, as well as to evaluate the viability of a single currency in the area. The findings indicate that there are potential gains expected from the establishment of a common currency in the relevant community of countries. These gains are contingent upon the meeting of a number of preconditions. These conditions include, inter alia, the need for a multidimensional approach to regionalism, the sustainability of the fiscal policy framework in the region and a greater convergence of the ECOWAS economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Djessou, Oze Marie Pascale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic Community of West African States , Africa, West -- Economic integration , Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22027 , vital:29814
- Description: While the West African sub-region has progressed in its efforts to achieve sustainable development, more intensive efforts are needed to address its developmental constraints. Among these constraints, the fragmentation of the sub-continent into small and landlocked countries remain one of the structural challenges to be faced. For this reason, strengthening regional co-operation and economic integration is a significant part in the improvement of the region’s economic performance. Monetary integration, which involves the use of a common currency within the area, is part of the process of economic integration. This study reflects upon the difficulties experienced by countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) without a common currency to facilitate economic growth and development. The study adopted a descriptive methodology and embarked on a thorough analysis of recent and relevant secondary sources. This was done in order to determine the expected effects of a common currency in the community, as well as to evaluate the viability of a single currency in the area. The findings indicate that there are potential gains expected from the establishment of a common currency in the relevant community of countries. These gains are contingent upon the meeting of a number of preconditions. These conditions include, inter alia, the need for a multidimensional approach to regionalism, the sustainability of the fiscal policy framework in the region and a greater convergence of the ECOWAS economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A comparative analysis of the determinants of South Africa bilateral trade flows with the European Union-Southern African development community economic partnership agreement and trade development and cooperation agreement
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31875 , vital:31857
- Description: This research dissertation presents the impact of economic size, market size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with the European Union under the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). The Big Five EU members are used to represent the EU trading bloc. The research also examines the effects of economic size, market size and ex-change rate on South African trade flows with members of the Southern African Customs Union and of the European Union in what is called the European Union-Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA). The research employs comparative analysis aimed at identifying the differences in the effects of market size, economic size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with these two trading blocs. The study exploits panel data on international trade of South Africa over the period 2000-’16. A gravity model of trade is used to identify the effect of these three variables on South Africa’s trade flows. The empirical analysis relies on a panel data econometrics framework as an estimation technique for the gravity model of trade between South Africa and the Big Five EU members. This shows the outcomes of the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate on the trade flows of South Africa in the TDCA. The same technique is applied to estimate the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate to trade flows of South Africa with the Big Five EU members as well as the other SACU members representing the SADC-EU EPA. In the panel data approach, three models are adopted. These are pooled OLS, fixed effects and random effects that can be estimated. The Hausman tests shows that the random effect is appropriate in the TDCA gravity function and the results indicate a positive relationship be-tween South Africa’s economic/market size and South Africa’s trade flows in the TDCA. In the EU-SADC EPA, the Hausman tests indicated that the fixed effect models are appropriate and the results show a positive relationship between economic size and market size with South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. However, in the TDCA, the random effect model shows that exchange rate and the trading partner’s market size have a negative outcome on South Africa trade flows. The fixed effect model shows a negative relationship between the exchange rate and South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. The results also show that it is better for South Africa to trade in the EU-SADC EPA than to remain in the TDCA. This is because the outcomes of economic and market size on South Africa’s trade flows are greater in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. On the other hand the negative effect of the exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows is less in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. The research recommends that policy-makers select trading partners based on the sizes of their markets and economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic integration , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Southern African Customs Union
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31875 , vital:31857
- Description: This research dissertation presents the impact of economic size, market size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with the European Union under the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). The Big Five EU members are used to represent the EU trading bloc. The research also examines the effects of economic size, market size and ex-change rate on South African trade flows with members of the Southern African Customs Union and of the European Union in what is called the European Union-Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-SADC EPA). The research employs comparative analysis aimed at identifying the differences in the effects of market size, economic size and exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows with these two trading blocs. The study exploits panel data on international trade of South Africa over the period 2000-’16. A gravity model of trade is used to identify the effect of these three variables on South Africa’s trade flows. The empirical analysis relies on a panel data econometrics framework as an estimation technique for the gravity model of trade between South Africa and the Big Five EU members. This shows the outcomes of the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate on the trade flows of South Africa in the TDCA. The same technique is applied to estimate the effects of economic size, market size and exchange rate to trade flows of South Africa with the Big Five EU members as well as the other SACU members representing the SADC-EU EPA. In the panel data approach, three models are adopted. These are pooled OLS, fixed effects and random effects that can be estimated. The Hausman tests shows that the random effect is appropriate in the TDCA gravity function and the results indicate a positive relationship be-tween South Africa’s economic/market size and South Africa’s trade flows in the TDCA. In the EU-SADC EPA, the Hausman tests indicated that the fixed effect models are appropriate and the results show a positive relationship between economic size and market size with South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. However, in the TDCA, the random effect model shows that exchange rate and the trading partner’s market size have a negative outcome on South Africa trade flows. The fixed effect model shows a negative relationship between the exchange rate and South Africa’s trade flows in the EU-SADC EPA. The results also show that it is better for South Africa to trade in the EU-SADC EPA than to remain in the TDCA. This is because the outcomes of economic and market size on South Africa’s trade flows are greater in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. On the other hand the negative effect of the exchange rate on South Africa’s trade flows is less in the EU-SADC EPA than in the TDCA. The research recommends that policy-makers select trading partners based on the sizes of their markets and economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A comparative study of South Africa's vat rate
- Authors: Pieterse, Marli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Value-added tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23049 , vital:30401
- Description: This treatise compared South Africa's VAT rate to the VAT rate trends of other developing counties (such as Brazil and India), as well as international VAT rate developments. Brazil introduced VAT in 1965 and currently has a multi-dimensional VAT rate system consists of five types of VAT, each type of taxing consumers a t different rate depending on the type of product, the municipality or the consumer's turnover. Brazil's average VAT rate is currently 19%. India moved from an origin-based VAT rate system to a GST rate system in 2017. Their GST system levies VAT on a federal level. as well as a state level and on all interstate transactions. India's GST rates varies depending on the luxurious nature of the supply and their average GST rate is currently 15%. South Africa VAT in 1991 and it comprises of a single-rate VAT system where goods and services of vendors are taxed at 14%, unless the specific goods or services fall under the list of exepted or zero-rated items. South Africa's VAT rate remained unchanged since 1993. Per the research it was noted that despite facing similar political, economical and social dilemmas, developing countries such as India and Brazil changed their VAT rates numerous time since its inception, where South Africa only increased their VAT rate once. Brazil and India furthermore have higher average VAT rates than South Africa, despite correlation with the respective poverty levels indicating otherwise.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pieterse, Marli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Value-added tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23049 , vital:30401
- Description: This treatise compared South Africa's VAT rate to the VAT rate trends of other developing counties (such as Brazil and India), as well as international VAT rate developments. Brazil introduced VAT in 1965 and currently has a multi-dimensional VAT rate system consists of five types of VAT, each type of taxing consumers a t different rate depending on the type of product, the municipality or the consumer's turnover. Brazil's average VAT rate is currently 19%. India moved from an origin-based VAT rate system to a GST rate system in 2017. Their GST system levies VAT on a federal level. as well as a state level and on all interstate transactions. India's GST rates varies depending on the luxurious nature of the supply and their average GST rate is currently 15%. South Africa VAT in 1991 and it comprises of a single-rate VAT system where goods and services of vendors are taxed at 14%, unless the specific goods or services fall under the list of exepted or zero-rated items. South Africa's VAT rate remained unchanged since 1993. Per the research it was noted that despite facing similar political, economical and social dilemmas, developing countries such as India and Brazil changed their VAT rates numerous time since its inception, where South Africa only increased their VAT rate once. Brazil and India furthermore have higher average VAT rates than South Africa, despite correlation with the respective poverty levels indicating otherwise.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
A comparison of conventional and ultrasonic seams in swimwear
- Authors: Tyalana, Nommiselo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Textile finishing , Textile finishing agents Seams (Sewing) Textile fabrics Textile fibers Textile design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36727 , vital:34048
- Description: Ultrasonic welding technology is a relatively new technology in apparel construction, this research forms part of a study to assess its effectiveness as a joining technology that can be used in ladies swimwear. The ultimate aim was to determine whether the ultrasonic welding joining technique could be successfully used in assembling ladies swimwear garments, comprising only synthetic fibres, namely polyester/Lycra, polyamide/Lycra, polyamide/Lycra power-net and polyamide/Lycra mesh warp knitted fabrics. These specific swimwear fabrics were selected since they comprise 100% thermoplastic synthetic fibres, considered ideal for ultrasonic welding. This study essentially compares and contrasts the performance of two seam joining techniques: namely conventional sewing and ultrasonic welding, in terms of seam strength, when used in the above mentioned four fabrics. Conventionally sewn and ultrasonically welded seams were produced, straight and curved, in both the wale and course directions of the fabrics. The conventionally sewn seams were produced using two sewing machines; namely an overlocker, also known as a mock safety sewing machine, and a cover seam machines. All conventionally sewn seams were stitched and tested under similar conditions. The ultrasonic welded seams were produced using three different wheels, a Medium Male Knurled pattern wheel, a Staggered Triple Stitch pattern wheel and a Single Stitch pattern wheel. The amplitude and speed of the welding machine, during the ultrasonic seaming, were kept constant, except when welding the polyamide/Lycra power-net and the polyamide/Lycra mesh fabrics when the pressure had to be drastically reduced in order to avoid excessively softened seams. The results of the study are presented in the form of line charts, scatter charts and tables. The ultrasonic welded seams, joined with the Medium Male Knurled wheel, exhibited surface waviness, as opposed to those joined with the Staggered Triple Stitch wheel which were smooth. It was found that, in terms of seam strength, the ultrasonic seams produced with the Single Stitch and Medium Male Knurled pattern wheels out performed those produced with the Staggered Triple Stitch wheels. The polyester/Lycra fabric was found easier to handle during the ultrasonic seaming process than the polyamide/Lycra fabric, although the strength of the ultrasonic seams in the polyester/Lycra fabric did not differ consistently from those of the polyamide/Lycra fabric. It was found that the conventional sewn seams were consistently stronger, and had a better appearance, than the ultrasonic welded seams. Although some promising results were obtained, in terms of the strength of the ultrasonic welded seams, the results overall were far too variable, inconsistent and unsatisfactory for this technique of seaming to be recommended at this stage for any of the swimwear fabrics covered. Further, more in depth, studies are required in order to gain a better understating of the effect of the various ultrasonic seaming parameters, as well as fabric parameters on ultrasonic seam strength and consistency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Tyalana, Nommiselo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Textile finishing , Textile finishing agents Seams (Sewing) Textile fabrics Textile fibers Textile design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36727 , vital:34048
- Description: Ultrasonic welding technology is a relatively new technology in apparel construction, this research forms part of a study to assess its effectiveness as a joining technology that can be used in ladies swimwear. The ultimate aim was to determine whether the ultrasonic welding joining technique could be successfully used in assembling ladies swimwear garments, comprising only synthetic fibres, namely polyester/Lycra, polyamide/Lycra, polyamide/Lycra power-net and polyamide/Lycra mesh warp knitted fabrics. These specific swimwear fabrics were selected since they comprise 100% thermoplastic synthetic fibres, considered ideal for ultrasonic welding. This study essentially compares and contrasts the performance of two seam joining techniques: namely conventional sewing and ultrasonic welding, in terms of seam strength, when used in the above mentioned four fabrics. Conventionally sewn and ultrasonically welded seams were produced, straight and curved, in both the wale and course directions of the fabrics. The conventionally sewn seams were produced using two sewing machines; namely an overlocker, also known as a mock safety sewing machine, and a cover seam machines. All conventionally sewn seams were stitched and tested under similar conditions. The ultrasonic welded seams were produced using three different wheels, a Medium Male Knurled pattern wheel, a Staggered Triple Stitch pattern wheel and a Single Stitch pattern wheel. The amplitude and speed of the welding machine, during the ultrasonic seaming, were kept constant, except when welding the polyamide/Lycra power-net and the polyamide/Lycra mesh fabrics when the pressure had to be drastically reduced in order to avoid excessively softened seams. The results of the study are presented in the form of line charts, scatter charts and tables. The ultrasonic welded seams, joined with the Medium Male Knurled wheel, exhibited surface waviness, as opposed to those joined with the Staggered Triple Stitch wheel which were smooth. It was found that, in terms of seam strength, the ultrasonic seams produced with the Single Stitch and Medium Male Knurled pattern wheels out performed those produced with the Staggered Triple Stitch wheels. The polyester/Lycra fabric was found easier to handle during the ultrasonic seaming process than the polyamide/Lycra fabric, although the strength of the ultrasonic seams in the polyester/Lycra fabric did not differ consistently from those of the polyamide/Lycra fabric. It was found that the conventional sewn seams were consistently stronger, and had a better appearance, than the ultrasonic welded seams. Although some promising results were obtained, in terms of the strength of the ultrasonic welded seams, the results overall were far too variable, inconsistent and unsatisfactory for this technique of seaming to be recommended at this stage for any of the swimwear fabrics covered. Further, more in depth, studies are required in order to gain a better understating of the effect of the various ultrasonic seaming parameters, as well as fabric parameters on ultrasonic seam strength and consistency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A congestion aware ant colony optimisation-based routing and wavelength assignment algorithm for transparent flexi-grid optical burst switched networks
- Authors: Oladipo, Joshua Femi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ants -- Behavior -- Mathematical models , Distributed algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34733 , vital:33432
- Description: Optical Burst Switching (OBS) over transparent exi-grid optical networks, is considered a potential solution to the increasing pressure on backbone networks due to the increase in internet use and widespread adoption of various high bandwidth applications. Both technologies allow for more e cient usage of a networks resources. However, transmissions over exi-grid networks are more susceptible to optical impairments than transmissions made over xed-grid networks, and OBS suers from high burst loss due to contention. These issues need to be solved in order to reap the full benets of both technologies. An open issue for OBS whose solution would mitigate both issues is the Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) algorithm. Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) is a method of interest for solving the RWA problem on OBS networks. This study aims to improve on current dynamic ACO-based solutions to the Routing and Wavelength Assignment problem on transparent exi-grid Optical Burst Switched networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oladipo, Joshua Femi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ants -- Behavior -- Mathematical models , Distributed algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34733 , vital:33432
- Description: Optical Burst Switching (OBS) over transparent exi-grid optical networks, is considered a potential solution to the increasing pressure on backbone networks due to the increase in internet use and widespread adoption of various high bandwidth applications. Both technologies allow for more e cient usage of a networks resources. However, transmissions over exi-grid networks are more susceptible to optical impairments than transmissions made over xed-grid networks, and OBS suers from high burst loss due to contention. These issues need to be solved in order to reap the full benets of both technologies. An open issue for OBS whose solution would mitigate both issues is the Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) algorithm. Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) is a method of interest for solving the RWA problem on OBS networks. This study aims to improve on current dynamic ACO-based solutions to the Routing and Wavelength Assignment problem on transparent exi-grid Optical Burst Switched networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A content analysis of web-based reporting of corporate social responsibility in selected transport sector state owned entities
- Authors: Khomari, Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31262 , vital:31349
- Description: Organisations today are experiencing immense pressure to act responsibly, both socially and ethically. Stakeholders expect organisations to operate with integrity, whilst still being profitable. This pressure is due to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becoming increasingly a mark of good governance. Corporate performance is no longer measured by only financial statements, but CSR is deemed a corporate imperative for financial performance. This non-financial reporting has forced organisations to take cognisance of environmental, social and governance reporting, a process called Integrated Reporting. The purpose of this research was to explore website reporting of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the transport sector. The study explored the phenomenon through six questions: What are the titles used to communicate CSR on SOE websites? What are the CSR activities communicated on SOE websites? What are the similarities and differences of the CSR initiatives communicated on the websites? Who are the stakeholders reached through CSR? What are the reporting practices on the SOE website? What are the similarities and differences of the reporting practices on the SOE websites. This research study was carried out in two stages. The first phase was to examine the corporate websites of the SOEs. The second phase was to use the data collected from the websites to understand CSR representation in SOEs. The purpose is to explore the communication of CSR on the various websites of the SOEs. A key finding of the research is that SOEs use different strategies to communicate CSR on their websites. SOEs communicate CSR activities using multiple titles and use various media on their websites. Additionally, there are variances with the framing of information on the websites. The varying communication strategies indicate the multiple stakeholders targeted by the different CSR focus areas. The research concluded that the different titles made it difficult for stakeholders to access information on the websites. Standardisation of CSR terms and consistency of reporting would make it easier for readers to access information. Further research is recommended in the adoption of strategic communication models by SOEs, as this will assist in the framing of websites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Khomari, Jane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31262 , vital:31349
- Description: Organisations today are experiencing immense pressure to act responsibly, both socially and ethically. Stakeholders expect organisations to operate with integrity, whilst still being profitable. This pressure is due to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becoming increasingly a mark of good governance. Corporate performance is no longer measured by only financial statements, but CSR is deemed a corporate imperative for financial performance. This non-financial reporting has forced organisations to take cognisance of environmental, social and governance reporting, a process called Integrated Reporting. The purpose of this research was to explore website reporting of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the transport sector. The study explored the phenomenon through six questions: What are the titles used to communicate CSR on SOE websites? What are the CSR activities communicated on SOE websites? What are the similarities and differences of the CSR initiatives communicated on the websites? Who are the stakeholders reached through CSR? What are the reporting practices on the SOE website? What are the similarities and differences of the reporting practices on the SOE websites. This research study was carried out in two stages. The first phase was to examine the corporate websites of the SOEs. The second phase was to use the data collected from the websites to understand CSR representation in SOEs. The purpose is to explore the communication of CSR on the various websites of the SOEs. A key finding of the research is that SOEs use different strategies to communicate CSR on their websites. SOEs communicate CSR activities using multiple titles and use various media on their websites. Additionally, there are variances with the framing of information on the websites. The varying communication strategies indicate the multiple stakeholders targeted by the different CSR focus areas. The research concluded that the different titles made it difficult for stakeholders to access information on the websites. Standardisation of CSR terms and consistency of reporting would make it easier for readers to access information. Further research is recommended in the adoption of strategic communication models by SOEs, as this will assist in the framing of websites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of disaster risk management in local governance with reference to Sarah Baartman District Municipality
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Rene Cheryl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Disaster relief -- Citizen participation , Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34487 , vital:33385
- Description: The devastation and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters have become a global concern, particularly as such disasters affect the most vulnerable in society. The devastation they wreak frequently involves loss of lives and property. Globally, Disaster Management has moved in approach from reactive to proactive. Disaster management is now more than a field of study; it is the application of practices and principles which enable disasters to be managed both prior to and in the aftermath of their occurrence. Disaster risk management is the development approach to Disaster Management. The study addresses the integration of disaster risk management into integrated development planning at the local level in South Africa. The impact of disasters on social and economic development is of special interest. In many instances, resources that have been planned for development have to be diverted for response activities during disasters. Thus, development and disaster risk management are two sides of the same coin and should be dealt with in unison and not separately. There is also now widespread international acknowledgement for the idea of mainstreaming disaster risk management into development planning, particularly at the local level of government. The central argument of this study is that by integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level, the risks faced by communities can be reduced. Risks can be even further reduced, and development enhanced when communities play an active role in disaster risk management. Within this context, the main objective of the study was to develop a model for integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level. To achieve this key objective, the study used theoretical and empirical studies. The theoretical aspect focussed on international frameworks and national legislation for Disaster Management. Legislative requirements pertaining to the involvement of communities in integrated development planning were explored, as was the literature on asset-based community development. Empirical research complimented the theoretical research through the use of qualitative methods to collect data. This involved semi-structured interviews with eight government officials involved in provincial, district and municipal Disaster Management programmes, and focus group discussions with sixty ward committee members, so that community viewpoints would be included. The findings of the study reveal that the integration of disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level can greatly contribute towards reducing the risks faced by communities, especially high-risk communities. The study also revealed that by carefully considering and using community assets, local government could ameliorate the financial effects of Disaster Management and empower communities as first responders. The thesis gives an outline of a model that may be used by local government to integrate risks and community assets into an integrated development plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Rene Cheryl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Disaster relief -- Citizen participation , Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34487 , vital:33385
- Description: The devastation and destruction caused by natural and man-made disasters have become a global concern, particularly as such disasters affect the most vulnerable in society. The devastation they wreak frequently involves loss of lives and property. Globally, Disaster Management has moved in approach from reactive to proactive. Disaster management is now more than a field of study; it is the application of practices and principles which enable disasters to be managed both prior to and in the aftermath of their occurrence. Disaster risk management is the development approach to Disaster Management. The study addresses the integration of disaster risk management into integrated development planning at the local level in South Africa. The impact of disasters on social and economic development is of special interest. In many instances, resources that have been planned for development have to be diverted for response activities during disasters. Thus, development and disaster risk management are two sides of the same coin and should be dealt with in unison and not separately. There is also now widespread international acknowledgement for the idea of mainstreaming disaster risk management into development planning, particularly at the local level of government. The central argument of this study is that by integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level, the risks faced by communities can be reduced. Risks can be even further reduced, and development enhanced when communities play an active role in disaster risk management. Within this context, the main objective of the study was to develop a model for integrating disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level. To achieve this key objective, the study used theoretical and empirical studies. The theoretical aspect focussed on international frameworks and national legislation for Disaster Management. Legislative requirements pertaining to the involvement of communities in integrated development planning were explored, as was the literature on asset-based community development. Empirical research complimented the theoretical research through the use of qualitative methods to collect data. This involved semi-structured interviews with eight government officials involved in provincial, district and municipal Disaster Management programmes, and focus group discussions with sixty ward committee members, so that community viewpoints would be included. The findings of the study reveal that the integration of disaster risk management plans into integrated development plans at the local level can greatly contribute towards reducing the risks faced by communities, especially high-risk communities. The study also revealed that by carefully considering and using community assets, local government could ameliorate the financial effects of Disaster Management and empower communities as first responders. The thesis gives an outline of a model that may be used by local government to integrate risks and community assets into an integrated development plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of organisational justice in the South African financial service industry
- Authors: Mrwebi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior , Financial services industry -- South Africa -- Management Intrinsic motivation Employee retention Labor turnover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33065 , vital:32513
- Description: Organisational justice has captured the interest of scholars in recent years since it is associated with the perceptions and reactions of an individual, to the presence of fairness in an organisation. It thus captures what an individual feel or evaluates to be, morally correct rather than viewing it to be something prescriptive. This study was aimed at investigating the extent of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention in the South African financial services industry. A hypothetical model and measuring instrument was developed in order to investigate factors that may influence the organisational justice in the financial services industry. Six independent variables (trustworthiness of management, employee engagement, reward system, organisational transparency, two-way communication and organisational climate) were identified as variables that have the potential to influence organisational justice (mediating variable). It was also hypothesised that organisational justice) has the potential to affect the dependent variables (organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention). Furthermore, nine null-hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalised with various items that were obtained from other measuring instruments or self-developed items. A quantitative research approach followed. This study made use of the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient and judgemental sampling, as there is no data base of financial services firms available in South Africa. A purposive sample of 800 respondents was drawn from four provinces in South Africa. Factor and regression analyses were used to test the significance of the relationship between the various independent and dependent variables. The mediating variable of organisational justice was viewed by respondents as a two-dimensional construct, namely procedural-interactional justice and distributive justice. Consequently, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and organisational climate were identified as independent variables that could have an impact on the procedural-interactional justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between trustworthiness of management and employee engagement and procedural-interactional justice. The independent variables, trustworthiness of management, extrinsic rewards and organisational climate, could have an impact on distributive justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between employee engagement, intrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and distributive justice. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge in the financial services literature in South Africa, by developing a theoretical model and a measuring instrument of organisational justice in the financial services industry. The antecedents of organisational justice in the financial services industry are not well documented in literature and findings of this study could thus contribute towards closing this gap in literature. The findings of this study could also inform policy formulation to assist with the implementation of organisational justice programmes in the financial services industry. This study provided useful and very practical guidelines to organisations in order to ensure the effective strategising and management of OJ that could enhance their local and global competitiveness and long-term survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mrwebi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior , Financial services industry -- South Africa -- Management Intrinsic motivation Employee retention Labor turnover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33065 , vital:32513
- Description: Organisational justice has captured the interest of scholars in recent years since it is associated with the perceptions and reactions of an individual, to the presence of fairness in an organisation. It thus captures what an individual feel or evaluates to be, morally correct rather than viewing it to be something prescriptive. This study was aimed at investigating the extent of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention in the South African financial services industry. A hypothetical model and measuring instrument was developed in order to investigate factors that may influence the organisational justice in the financial services industry. Six independent variables (trustworthiness of management, employee engagement, reward system, organisational transparency, two-way communication and organisational climate) were identified as variables that have the potential to influence organisational justice (mediating variable). It was also hypothesised that organisational justice) has the potential to affect the dependent variables (organisational citizenship behaviour, ethical behaviour and employee retention). Furthermore, nine null-hypotheses were developed to test the relationship between independent, mediating and dependent variables. All these variables were clearly defined and operationalised with various items that were obtained from other measuring instruments or self-developed items. A quantitative research approach followed. This study made use of the non-probability sampling technique, specifically convenient and judgemental sampling, as there is no data base of financial services firms available in South Africa. A purposive sample of 800 respondents was drawn from four provinces in South Africa. Factor and regression analyses were used to test the significance of the relationship between the various independent and dependent variables. The mediating variable of organisational justice was viewed by respondents as a two-dimensional construct, namely procedural-interactional justice and distributive justice. Consequently, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and organisational climate were identified as independent variables that could have an impact on the procedural-interactional justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between trustworthiness of management and employee engagement and procedural-interactional justice. The independent variables, trustworthiness of management, extrinsic rewards and organisational climate, could have an impact on distributive justice to predict organisational citizenship behaviour and reputable employee retention in the financial services industry. No relationships were identified between employee engagement, intrinsic rewards, organisational transparency and distributive justice. The findings of this study have contributed to the body of knowledge in the financial services literature in South Africa, by developing a theoretical model and a measuring instrument of organisational justice in the financial services industry. The antecedents of organisational justice in the financial services industry are not well documented in literature and findings of this study could thus contribute towards closing this gap in literature. The findings of this study could also inform policy formulation to assist with the implementation of organisational justice programmes in the financial services industry. This study provided useful and very practical guidelines to organisations in order to ensure the effective strategising and management of OJ that could enhance their local and global competitiveness and long-term survival.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the provisions taxing maintenance payments in terms of the South African income tax legislation
- Authors: Zulu, Nkosinathi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35885 , vital:33856
- Description: The tax implications of contributions towards maintenance are not always clear to a typical taxpayer. The duty of support is often the driving force behind the contributions made. Donations, payments made by ‘Blessors’, and child maintenance are fundamental objects of attention in this study, although all maintenance payments are considered from a tax perspective with reference to the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962. The main aim of the study was to illustrate and analyse the interaction of the rules governing the taxation of maintenance payments. Tax abuse was assessed in relation to the anti-avoidance provisions in effect in the legislation. The results were benchmarked against data relating to Australia. In the social context, a fundamental difference in the systems was observed, and the Australian provision may be considered for possible adoption in South Africa. In the context of tax per se, the study found that the operation of the attribution rules in the provisions in South African tax law pertaining to the taxation of child maintenance renders the provisions adequate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Zulu, Nkosinathi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35885 , vital:33856
- Description: The tax implications of contributions towards maintenance are not always clear to a typical taxpayer. The duty of support is often the driving force behind the contributions made. Donations, payments made by ‘Blessors’, and child maintenance are fundamental objects of attention in this study, although all maintenance payments are considered from a tax perspective with reference to the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962. The main aim of the study was to illustrate and analyse the interaction of the rules governing the taxation of maintenance payments. Tax abuse was assessed in relation to the anti-avoidance provisions in effect in the legislation. The results were benchmarked against data relating to Australia. In the social context, a fundamental difference in the systems was observed, and the Australian provision may be considered for possible adoption in South Africa. In the context of tax per se, the study found that the operation of the attribution rules in the provisions in South African tax law pertaining to the taxation of child maintenance renders the provisions adequate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) dispute resolution process
- Authors: Olivier, Carl Hendré
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Conflict management Civil procedure -- Trials, litigation, etc Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23011 , vital:30294
- Description: The SARS dispute resolution process was developed to ensure disputes are resolved in a constitutional manner (i.e. fair, accountable and efficient). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the dispute resolution process adheres to the constitutional requirements as required in terms of section 195 of the Constitution. The study summarised the rules of the dispute process in the various stages (i.e. assessment / discovery stage, objection stage, appeal stage and the litigation stage). The litigation stage was considered to be out of the scope for the study. Using the summary, the significant processes were identified based on set criteria for detailed analysis. The significant processes identified were:Prescribed form and manner, date of delivery and objection against an assessment and extension of time periods, Reasons for assessment, Appeal against rejection of an objection Each of the significant processes was analysed in detail by considering the treatment of the processes in various cases in the courts. Based on the analysis, the following conclusions were reached on the significant processes:Prescribed form and manner, objection against an assessment and extension of time periods – This process was considered to be flawed since the process does not provide for the SARS to be responsible for clerical or processing errors. It was recommended that the taxpayer should not be bound by the set timelines should the SARS issue an assessment which contains clerical or processing errors. It was also noted that there are no set rules when there is evidence of fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts in the case and it was recommended that set rules be included in the rules and the TAA to address the consequences, prescription period and processes surrounding cases where fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts is present. Reasons for assessment – The process was considered to be adequate, however it was recommended that the process be improved by including a set criteria for the SARS to comply with when providing reasons for an assessment to the taxpayer., Appeal against rejection of an objection – The process was considered to be adequate. Based on the findings, the conclusion was drawn that the dispute resolution process is considered to be adequate and constitutional with some reservations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Olivier, Carl Hendré
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Conflict management Civil procedure -- Trials, litigation, etc Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23011 , vital:30294
- Description: The SARS dispute resolution process was developed to ensure disputes are resolved in a constitutional manner (i.e. fair, accountable and efficient). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the dispute resolution process adheres to the constitutional requirements as required in terms of section 195 of the Constitution. The study summarised the rules of the dispute process in the various stages (i.e. assessment / discovery stage, objection stage, appeal stage and the litigation stage). The litigation stage was considered to be out of the scope for the study. Using the summary, the significant processes were identified based on set criteria for detailed analysis. The significant processes identified were:Prescribed form and manner, date of delivery and objection against an assessment and extension of time periods, Reasons for assessment, Appeal against rejection of an objection Each of the significant processes was analysed in detail by considering the treatment of the processes in various cases in the courts. Based on the analysis, the following conclusions were reached on the significant processes:Prescribed form and manner, objection against an assessment and extension of time periods – This process was considered to be flawed since the process does not provide for the SARS to be responsible for clerical or processing errors. It was recommended that the taxpayer should not be bound by the set timelines should the SARS issue an assessment which contains clerical or processing errors. It was also noted that there are no set rules when there is evidence of fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts in the case and it was recommended that set rules be included in the rules and the TAA to address the consequences, prescription period and processes surrounding cases where fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material facts is present. Reasons for assessment – The process was considered to be adequate, however it was recommended that the process be improved by including a set criteria for the SARS to comply with when providing reasons for an assessment to the taxpayer., Appeal against rejection of an objection – The process was considered to be adequate. Based on the findings, the conclusion was drawn that the dispute resolution process is considered to be adequate and constitutional with some reservations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical appraisal of 21st century peacebuilding in post-colonial Africa
- Authors: Kepe, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Peace-building -- Africa -- 21st century , Conflict management -- Africa Africa -- Politics and government Peacekeeping forces -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30726 , vital:31035
- Description: This study presents a critical appraisal of 21st century peacebuilding in Africa predicated on the evasive nature of peace and development on the continent. Peacebuilding and development initiatives have tended to be unsustainable and post-conflict states have tended to revert to conflict shortly after transitions. This reversion is a cause for concern as the continent has made concerted efforts in establishing organisations and invested large sums of funds in ensuring that the prevalence of conflict and subsequent issues culminating from the instability of conflict-ridden nations diminish. Peacebuilding in Africa remains a field that is continually scrutinised due to the nuanced nature of conflict which occurs in the continent. These include, inter alia, the historically Eurocentric nature of conflict resolution endeavours of the contemporary society which subjects Africa towards being aspirants of modernity in perpetuity through peacebuilding efforts that embody conflict resolution methods that overlook the antecedents of the conflict; an endemic cycle that is erroneous to the efforts of bringing peace that is sustainable. Moreover, although there is an extensive body of work pertaining to understanding of sustainable peace, which focusses mostly on the political economy of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, it has been identified that not many studies have been done in a way which seeks to address the Eurocentric epistemologies, philosophies and practices which may affect peacebuilding in conflict ridden ‘post-colonial’ African states. Thus, the analytical perspective of the study will be to explore the orientation of ‘coloniality’ and ‘subjectivity’ in the field and attempt to bring in a decolonial perspective to the debates on conflict and peace in Africa. Quintessential to the author was the prevalence and reoccurrence of conflict in Africa, a pertinent feature which resulted to the development of this study. Moreover, the author undertook the journey which sought to unravel the nuanced nature in which conflict manifests in an African context, as well as seeking to establish sustainable methods of resolving conflict. By analysing various efforts and existing methods of peacebuilding, the author aims to find the problem to the cause which leads conflict ridden states to revert to conflict. The study is fundamentally premised on the theoretical and analytical critic of conflict resolution in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kepe, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Peace-building -- Africa -- 21st century , Conflict management -- Africa Africa -- Politics and government Peacekeeping forces -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30726 , vital:31035
- Description: This study presents a critical appraisal of 21st century peacebuilding in Africa predicated on the evasive nature of peace and development on the continent. Peacebuilding and development initiatives have tended to be unsustainable and post-conflict states have tended to revert to conflict shortly after transitions. This reversion is a cause for concern as the continent has made concerted efforts in establishing organisations and invested large sums of funds in ensuring that the prevalence of conflict and subsequent issues culminating from the instability of conflict-ridden nations diminish. Peacebuilding in Africa remains a field that is continually scrutinised due to the nuanced nature of conflict which occurs in the continent. These include, inter alia, the historically Eurocentric nature of conflict resolution endeavours of the contemporary society which subjects Africa towards being aspirants of modernity in perpetuity through peacebuilding efforts that embody conflict resolution methods that overlook the antecedents of the conflict; an endemic cycle that is erroneous to the efforts of bringing peace that is sustainable. Moreover, although there is an extensive body of work pertaining to understanding of sustainable peace, which focusses mostly on the political economy of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, it has been identified that not many studies have been done in a way which seeks to address the Eurocentric epistemologies, philosophies and practices which may affect peacebuilding in conflict ridden ‘post-colonial’ African states. Thus, the analytical perspective of the study will be to explore the orientation of ‘coloniality’ and ‘subjectivity’ in the field and attempt to bring in a decolonial perspective to the debates on conflict and peace in Africa. Quintessential to the author was the prevalence and reoccurrence of conflict in Africa, a pertinent feature which resulted to the development of this study. Moreover, the author undertook the journey which sought to unravel the nuanced nature in which conflict manifests in an African context, as well as seeking to establish sustainable methods of resolving conflict. By analysing various efforts and existing methods of peacebuilding, the author aims to find the problem to the cause which leads conflict ridden states to revert to conflict. The study is fundamentally premised on the theoretical and analytical critic of conflict resolution in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical discourse analysis of Nelson Mandela University’s Facebook page: a case of transformational communication
- Authors: Ndayi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Online social networks Internet marketing Communication in management Nelson Mandela University Metropolitan University -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32815 , vital:32366
- Description: The South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) calls for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop, execute and establish strategies for achieving transformed racial truths - inside and outside the classroom. In HEIs, the social media platform, and most particularly, Facebook, is increasingly being used as a platform to critically and rigorously engage students and universities. The study presents Facebook as a social media platform that can contribute towards the transformation agenda. To illustrate this, the Nelson Mandela University was used as a single case study. Using a qualitative research approach, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was used to analyse the Facebook posts that were shared by the university in 2015. This was done in consideration of the national Higher Education transformation themes, the university’s Vision 2020 strategic goals, as well as the university’s values. It was found that the institution partially uses the platform to address transformation. In addition to this, it was found that race representation for posts relating to excellence, student recruitment and protests reinforce race-based stereotypes. To address the gaps, the study recommends that the university includes posts that enhance engagement, race literacy, and race representation. The study contributes to the developing literature on the use of social media towards race transformation in South African HEIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ndayi, Viwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Online social networks Internet marketing Communication in management Nelson Mandela University Metropolitan University -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32815 , vital:32366
- Description: The South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) calls for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop, execute and establish strategies for achieving transformed racial truths - inside and outside the classroom. In HEIs, the social media platform, and most particularly, Facebook, is increasingly being used as a platform to critically and rigorously engage students and universities. The study presents Facebook as a social media platform that can contribute towards the transformation agenda. To illustrate this, the Nelson Mandela University was used as a single case study. Using a qualitative research approach, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was used to analyse the Facebook posts that were shared by the university in 2015. This was done in consideration of the national Higher Education transformation themes, the university’s Vision 2020 strategic goals, as well as the university’s values. It was found that the institution partially uses the platform to address transformation. In addition to this, it was found that race representation for posts relating to excellence, student recruitment and protests reinforce race-based stereotypes. To address the gaps, the study recommends that the university includes posts that enhance engagement, race literacy, and race representation. The study contributes to the developing literature on the use of social media towards race transformation in South African HEIs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical review of the penalty provisions of the Tax Administration Act
- Authors: Mavundla, Dineo Shaleen
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Tax Administration Act, 2011 , Tax administration and procedure Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31808 , vital:31847
- Description: In previous years SARS faced a challenge of imposing additional taxes and penalties consistently. The Tax Administration Act (TAA) was introduced in order to consolidate the administrative provisions of the various taxation acts and to consistently apply penalty provisions that were previously included in, amongst others, section 75B and 76 of the Income Tax Act and section 60 of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act. The penalty provisions are contained in chapter 15, 16 and 17 of the TAA. These penalty provisions now apply to all tax types, excluding customs and excise. It could be said that the tax system in South Africa is based on an honesty policy. Taxpayers are expected to submit accurate returns. The main purpose of the penalties is to ensure the accuracy of the returns submitted and to avoid loss to the fiscus. The principle found in ITC 14891 is "a relevant factor in the assessment of a penalty is the loss occasioned to the fiscus.". This study critically analyses the administrative non-compliance penalties contained in chapter 15 and the understatement penalties in chapter 16 of the TAA. This was done through literature and case law (where appropriate), to determine what the legislature intends and to test the provisions against the Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). It was found that the introduction of the penalty provisions in the TAA have not completely brought about consistency in the application of the penalties. It was 1 ITC 1489 53 SATC 99 at 108. also found that there were instances where penalty provisions were applied incorrectly, either by the system or by tax officials, which consequently added to taxpayers’ administrative burden. The current study proposes this as an unfair application of the penalty provisions as it deviates from the intention of the legislature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mavundla, Dineo Shaleen
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Tax Administration Act, 2011 , Tax administration and procedure Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31808 , vital:31847
- Description: In previous years SARS faced a challenge of imposing additional taxes and penalties consistently. The Tax Administration Act (TAA) was introduced in order to consolidate the administrative provisions of the various taxation acts and to consistently apply penalty provisions that were previously included in, amongst others, section 75B and 76 of the Income Tax Act and section 60 of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act. The penalty provisions are contained in chapter 15, 16 and 17 of the TAA. These penalty provisions now apply to all tax types, excluding customs and excise. It could be said that the tax system in South Africa is based on an honesty policy. Taxpayers are expected to submit accurate returns. The main purpose of the penalties is to ensure the accuracy of the returns submitted and to avoid loss to the fiscus. The principle found in ITC 14891 is "a relevant factor in the assessment of a penalty is the loss occasioned to the fiscus.". This study critically analyses the administrative non-compliance penalties contained in chapter 15 and the understatement penalties in chapter 16 of the TAA. This was done through literature and case law (where appropriate), to determine what the legislature intends and to test the provisions against the Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). It was found that the introduction of the penalty provisions in the TAA have not completely brought about consistency in the application of the penalties. It was 1 ITC 1489 53 SATC 99 at 108. also found that there were instances where penalty provisions were applied incorrectly, either by the system or by tax officials, which consequently added to taxpayers’ administrative burden. The current study proposes this as an unfair application of the penalty provisions as it deviates from the intention of the legislature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for aligning ICT service providers' products and services to the needs of SME customers
- Authors: Mhlongo, Sizwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- Computer networks , Business enterprises -- information technology Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31911 , vital:31861
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enhance economic growth and innovation, create jobs, and stimulate competition in the economy. However, SMEs face several challenges that influence their longevity, growth, and success. Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption has the potential to alleviate some of these challenges faced by SMEs and to enhance their competitiveness. The adoption and use of ICT can bring benefits in terms of increasing their efficiency, innovation, growth and competitive advantages. However, SMEs are currently not taking full advantage of exploiting the potential of ICT products and services. Mostly, SMEs depend on the advice provided by their ICT service providers regarding the best ICT products and services they should adopt due to the lack of in-house ICT skills and capabilities. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for ICT service providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was proposed by this study based on the literature review, an empirical study was conducted among the SME respondents within the Gauteng province of South Africa. The questionnaire used for this study collected data to measure the SMEs’ perceptions on the availability, awareness, usage and the value added by the adoption of ICT products and services and the level of the satisfaction of the ICT needs of SMEs. The findings of this study indicate that gaps and misalignments exist between the ICT needs of SMEs and the ICT service providers’ products and services targeted to SMEs. The major discovery from the conducted empirical study revealed that ICT service providers mostly fulfil only the basic level needs of SMEs such as ICT infrastructure needs but do not fully address the higher level needs such as the digital transformation needs of SMEs. In conclusion, this study recommends that it is crucial for ICT services providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs in order to successfully target and market to the SME segment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mhlongo, Sizwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- Computer networks , Business enterprises -- information technology Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31911 , vital:31861
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enhance economic growth and innovation, create jobs, and stimulate competition in the economy. However, SMEs face several challenges that influence their longevity, growth, and success. Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption has the potential to alleviate some of these challenges faced by SMEs and to enhance their competitiveness. The adoption and use of ICT can bring benefits in terms of increasing their efficiency, innovation, growth and competitive advantages. However, SMEs are currently not taking full advantage of exploiting the potential of ICT products and services. Mostly, SMEs depend on the advice provided by their ICT service providers regarding the best ICT products and services they should adopt due to the lack of in-house ICT skills and capabilities. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for ICT service providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was proposed by this study based on the literature review, an empirical study was conducted among the SME respondents within the Gauteng province of South Africa. The questionnaire used for this study collected data to measure the SMEs’ perceptions on the availability, awareness, usage and the value added by the adoption of ICT products and services and the level of the satisfaction of the ICT needs of SMEs. The findings of this study indicate that gaps and misalignments exist between the ICT needs of SMEs and the ICT service providers’ products and services targeted to SMEs. The major discovery from the conducted empirical study revealed that ICT service providers mostly fulfil only the basic level needs of SMEs such as ICT infrastructure needs but do not fully address the higher level needs such as the digital transformation needs of SMEs. In conclusion, this study recommends that it is crucial for ICT services providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs in order to successfully target and market to the SME segment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018