The impact of job embeddedness on innovative work behaviours
- Authors: Wood, Jaryd Marc
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Work ethic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44379 , vital:37160
- Description: Modern day organisations compete in an ever growing and highly competitive global environment. International competitiveness continues to play a critical role in ensuring that both organisations and employees grow and succeed. An organisation’s and employee’s ability to innovate remains one of the key factors in ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant amongst global organisations. Globalisation, access to advanced technology and the enhanced ability to travel has further enabled consumers and to keep up to date with international trends. These phenomena’s make it increasingly and ever important to remain relevant and innovate to attract new customers or consumers and to retain the current ones. The term job embeddedness relates to the relationships employees have between the organisation they work for and the community they form part of. It is felt that a link may exist between job embeddedness and employees engagement in innovative work behaviours to ensure that employees continuously generate new and improved processes, ideas, technologies to contribute to the organisations success. It is against this setting that an empirical study was created for the purpose of concluding evidential data needed to draw conclusions and make recommendations to leadership within organisation’s relating to the impact that job embeddedness has on engagement in innovative work behaviours. Furthermore, the impact of job embeddedness is tested against employee’s engagement in innovative work behaviours. 90 professional part-time executive MBA programme individuals who were enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa and who are based at the four major centres of the Business School, which included Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were approached to take part in this study. These individuals were employed in a variety of spheres in industry, including engineering, financial services, information technology, accounting and management in organisations that spanned a multitude of additional industries. As a result of these individuals participation, 549 participants took part in the survey. Key findings of the study includes that employee fit into the organisation, employee fit into the community and employee perceived sacrifice in the event of leaving the organisation are all significantly related to engagement in innovative work behaviours. A key recommendation of the study would be that in order to increase the organisational aspect of job embeddedness, organisational leaders would need to consider ways to or place emphasis on factors that would promote organisational fit and organisational sacrifice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wood, Jaryd Marc
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Work ethic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44379 , vital:37160
- Description: Modern day organisations compete in an ever growing and highly competitive global environment. International competitiveness continues to play a critical role in ensuring that both organisations and employees grow and succeed. An organisation’s and employee’s ability to innovate remains one of the key factors in ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant amongst global organisations. Globalisation, access to advanced technology and the enhanced ability to travel has further enabled consumers and to keep up to date with international trends. These phenomena’s make it increasingly and ever important to remain relevant and innovate to attract new customers or consumers and to retain the current ones. The term job embeddedness relates to the relationships employees have between the organisation they work for and the community they form part of. It is felt that a link may exist between job embeddedness and employees engagement in innovative work behaviours to ensure that employees continuously generate new and improved processes, ideas, technologies to contribute to the organisations success. It is against this setting that an empirical study was created for the purpose of concluding evidential data needed to draw conclusions and make recommendations to leadership within organisation’s relating to the impact that job embeddedness has on engagement in innovative work behaviours. Furthermore, the impact of job embeddedness is tested against employee’s engagement in innovative work behaviours. 90 professional part-time executive MBA programme individuals who were enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa and who are based at the four major centres of the Business School, which included Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were approached to take part in this study. These individuals were employed in a variety of spheres in industry, including engineering, financial services, information technology, accounting and management in organisations that spanned a multitude of additional industries. As a result of these individuals participation, 549 participants took part in the survey. Key findings of the study includes that employee fit into the organisation, employee fit into the community and employee perceived sacrifice in the event of leaving the organisation are all significantly related to engagement in innovative work behaviours. A key recommendation of the study would be that in order to increase the organisational aspect of job embeddedness, organisational leaders would need to consider ways to or place emphasis on factors that would promote organisational fit and organisational sacrifice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of land restitution and resettlement in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: restoring dignity without strengthening livelihoods?
- Authors: Xaba, Mzingaye Brilliant
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reparations for historic injustices -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96336 , vital:31264
- Description: Land reform in South Africa, which is comprised of land redistribution, land tenure reform, and land restitution, continues to be an emotive subject and has largely racially polarised South Africa. The slow pace of land reform, expropriation, the amount of land to be returned to black people, debates around the role of the Constitution in land reform, the market-based approach and the perceived negative attitude of white farmers have dominated the debates on land reform. There is, therefore, a huge chorus on the struggles for land acquisition and less on what happens when people are given land. A few studies on post-settlement livelihoods experience have managed to close this gap slightly in the literature by showing that land reform has contributed little or no material and livelihood benefits to beneficiaries and that many farms are lying idle after land reform, especially land restitution, projects. These studies on post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land reform beneficiaries have not managed to capture fully the “voices” of beneficiaries on land and livelihoods. This dissertation seeks to provide a sociological documentation of the post-settlement livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries. It does this by primarily tracing the ability and/or the inability of land restitution beneficiaries of Macleantown, about 40 kilometres northwest of East London, in the Eastern Cape to reconstruct livelihoods after resettlement, bearing in mind that these land restitution beneficiaries have been resettled twice, during forced removals in the 1970s and after land restitution, post-1994. Therefore, the study engages with questions of whether or in what ways land compensated restitution beneficiaries have managed to reconstruct livelihoods after land transfer. To capture the livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries fully, I also studied the Salem restitution case, which is 20km away from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Because land restitution involves resettlement, I decided to use two resettlement theories, namely Thayer Scudder’s four stages model and Michael Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR), to understand risks associated with resettlement. Additionally, since this dissertation seeks to understand and document livelihood reconstruction and poverty reduction within the context of restitution resettlement, I also utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods approach and Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. This thesis is based on multiple research methods that include documentary study, focus group discussions, conversations, archival research, in-depth interviews, transect walks, participant observation and life histories. My findings show that land transfer under the land restitution programme has largely not enabled land beneficiaries in Macleantown and Salem to reconstruct land-based livelihoods after settlement. I also established that land restitution beneficiaries face risks that are identified by resettlement theorists such as lack of proper planning, resettling trauma, struggles in community reconstruction and poverty. Beneficiaries have not managed to reap any meaningful benefits from the land, meaning that restitution has not led to self-sufficiency for these beneficiaries because all land beneficiaries are heavily dependent on social grants. However, one needs to emphasize that land restitution has restored the dignity of beneficiaries because beneficiaries have accessed their forefathers’ land that they fought for. This is because beneficiaries believed that it was their duty to fight for their land on behalf of their ancestors. I reach the conclusion that the whole idea that restitution claimants who are scattered all over can be grouped into a Community Property Association (CPA) and farm collectively as a ‘community’ to improve livelihoods is a misleading romanticisation of the envisaged outcomes of the land restitution project. Time has passed after land dispossession and land claimants are different human beings to what they were before land dispossession, i.e. far from the agrarian society they were before land dispossession. Group dynamics, lack of adequate post-settlement support (PSS), land reform designs, lack of commercial agricultural skills, as well as entitlement syndrome, old age of beneficiaries, infighting and marginality of agricultural business has made it nearly impossible for restitution beneficiaries to reconstruct land-based livelihoods. Additionally, the government appears to be more interested in ‘correcting apartheid’ rather than creating viable farms. It is important to state that this thesis does not advocate for the erasure of the restitution programme or to belittle land beneficiaries but argues for the rethinking of the restitution model in the context of massive failures, as well as coming up with a new and flexible model of land restitution that will meet the modern needs of beneficiaries. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the risks and the challenges of livelihoods reconstruction faced by resettling communities through an investigation into the post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land restitution beneficiaries through ‘thick descriptions’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xaba, Mzingaye Brilliant
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Reparations for historic injustices -- South Africa , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Social aspects , Land tenure -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96336 , vital:31264
- Description: Land reform in South Africa, which is comprised of land redistribution, land tenure reform, and land restitution, continues to be an emotive subject and has largely racially polarised South Africa. The slow pace of land reform, expropriation, the amount of land to be returned to black people, debates around the role of the Constitution in land reform, the market-based approach and the perceived negative attitude of white farmers have dominated the debates on land reform. There is, therefore, a huge chorus on the struggles for land acquisition and less on what happens when people are given land. A few studies on post-settlement livelihoods experience have managed to close this gap slightly in the literature by showing that land reform has contributed little or no material and livelihood benefits to beneficiaries and that many farms are lying idle after land reform, especially land restitution, projects. These studies on post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land reform beneficiaries have not managed to capture fully the “voices” of beneficiaries on land and livelihoods. This dissertation seeks to provide a sociological documentation of the post-settlement livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries. It does this by primarily tracing the ability and/or the inability of land restitution beneficiaries of Macleantown, about 40 kilometres northwest of East London, in the Eastern Cape to reconstruct livelihoods after resettlement, bearing in mind that these land restitution beneficiaries have been resettled twice, during forced removals in the 1970s and after land restitution, post-1994. Therefore, the study engages with questions of whether or in what ways land compensated restitution beneficiaries have managed to reconstruct livelihoods after land transfer. To capture the livelihood experiences of land restitution beneficiaries fully, I also studied the Salem restitution case, which is 20km away from Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. Because land restitution involves resettlement, I decided to use two resettlement theories, namely Thayer Scudder’s four stages model and Michael Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR), to understand risks associated with resettlement. Additionally, since this dissertation seeks to understand and document livelihood reconstruction and poverty reduction within the context of restitution resettlement, I also utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods approach and Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. This thesis is based on multiple research methods that include documentary study, focus group discussions, conversations, archival research, in-depth interviews, transect walks, participant observation and life histories. My findings show that land transfer under the land restitution programme has largely not enabled land beneficiaries in Macleantown and Salem to reconstruct land-based livelihoods after settlement. I also established that land restitution beneficiaries face risks that are identified by resettlement theorists such as lack of proper planning, resettling trauma, struggles in community reconstruction and poverty. Beneficiaries have not managed to reap any meaningful benefits from the land, meaning that restitution has not led to self-sufficiency for these beneficiaries because all land beneficiaries are heavily dependent on social grants. However, one needs to emphasize that land restitution has restored the dignity of beneficiaries because beneficiaries have accessed their forefathers’ land that they fought for. This is because beneficiaries believed that it was their duty to fight for their land on behalf of their ancestors. I reach the conclusion that the whole idea that restitution claimants who are scattered all over can be grouped into a Community Property Association (CPA) and farm collectively as a ‘community’ to improve livelihoods is a misleading romanticisation of the envisaged outcomes of the land restitution project. Time has passed after land dispossession and land claimants are different human beings to what they were before land dispossession, i.e. far from the agrarian society they were before land dispossession. Group dynamics, lack of adequate post-settlement support (PSS), land reform designs, lack of commercial agricultural skills, as well as entitlement syndrome, old age of beneficiaries, infighting and marginality of agricultural business has made it nearly impossible for restitution beneficiaries to reconstruct land-based livelihoods. Additionally, the government appears to be more interested in ‘correcting apartheid’ rather than creating viable farms. It is important to state that this thesis does not advocate for the erasure of the restitution programme or to belittle land beneficiaries but argues for the rethinking of the restitution model in the context of massive failures, as well as coming up with a new and flexible model of land restitution that will meet the modern needs of beneficiaries. This thesis contributes to an understanding of the risks and the challenges of livelihoods reconstruction faced by resettling communities through an investigation into the post-settlement livelihoods experiences of land restitution beneficiaries through ‘thick descriptions’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of perceived ethical leadership on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically: a case study within a South African-based financial institution
- Authors: Rudzani, Magau
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Leadership Business ethics Ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40768 , vital:36234
- Description: Ethical leaders consistently set ethical principles within the institution and act in accordance with them; hence, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance for employees. As the business world is constantly evolving, leaders increasingly are required to ethically lead across different sectors. Current literature on ethical leadership and its influence of employees reflects mostly a Western, European and Asian-based private-sector perspective, pointing toward a compliance-oriented understanding of ethical and unethical leadership. This study examined how perceived ethical orientation of a leader has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically within a South African context. Qualitative data was collected as the study adopted the interpretivist paradigm, which made it easier for participants to use descriptive words and qualifying statements to express the level of influence their leaders had on their ethical orientation. The target population of the study included all staff of the institution; and participants were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected from 12 employees using semi-structure interviews. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to identify and organise participants’ experiences into themes that established the basis for the study findings. These findings confirmed that perceived leader ethical orientation has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically. The study found that ethical leaders had a track record of being consistent, honest, trustworthy, truthful and credible, and being a role model. In addition, the study also found that unethical leaders are easily identifiable by their perpetual inability to uphold principles of integrity, reliability, rationality, and social justice and fairness. The researcher concluded that the moral identity of the leader has an influence on followers’ predisposition to behave ethically or unethically. The implications of this study are that ethical morals, by their very nature, are transferable from one person to the other and ethical leadership was one antecedent through which this transfer takes place. However, ethical leadership was not the only apparatus that influenced employees’ ethical predisposition and these afford opportunities for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rudzani, Magau
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Leadership Business ethics Ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40768 , vital:36234
- Description: Ethical leaders consistently set ethical principles within the institution and act in accordance with them; hence, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance for employees. As the business world is constantly evolving, leaders increasingly are required to ethically lead across different sectors. Current literature on ethical leadership and its influence of employees reflects mostly a Western, European and Asian-based private-sector perspective, pointing toward a compliance-oriented understanding of ethical and unethical leadership. This study examined how perceived ethical orientation of a leader has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically within a South African context. Qualitative data was collected as the study adopted the interpretivist paradigm, which made it easier for participants to use descriptive words and qualifying statements to express the level of influence their leaders had on their ethical orientation. The target population of the study included all staff of the institution; and participants were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected from 12 employees using semi-structure interviews. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to identify and organise participants’ experiences into themes that established the basis for the study findings. These findings confirmed that perceived leader ethical orientation has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically. The study found that ethical leaders had a track record of being consistent, honest, trustworthy, truthful and credible, and being a role model. In addition, the study also found that unethical leaders are easily identifiable by their perpetual inability to uphold principles of integrity, reliability, rationality, and social justice and fairness. The researcher concluded that the moral identity of the leader has an influence on followers’ predisposition to behave ethically or unethically. The implications of this study are that ethical morals, by their very nature, are transferable from one person to the other and ethical leadership was one antecedent through which this transfer takes place. However, ethical leadership was not the only apparatus that influenced employees’ ethical predisposition and these afford opportunities for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of policies on development-induced resettlement processes and outcomes: a Lesotho-India comparative study
- Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Authors: Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced migration -- Lesotho , Forced migration -- India , Dams -- Social aspects -- Lesotho , Dams -- Social aspects -- India , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- India , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Government policy -- India
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72307 , vital:30032
- Description: The practice of Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR), historically, has often led to negative consequences for those affected by development projects, including but not limited to, the construction of large dams. Although DIDR arises from the need to provide goods and services that characterise development, it often leaves those who are forced to give up their assets, resources, and long standing social networks in dire socio-economic conditions as a result of resettlement. In many such cases, the provision for losses suffered by those primarily affected is often insufficient, leading to further losses experienced as a result of the complete life change experienced by those affected by resettlement. Research has shown that the insufficiency of such provisions for losses is attributable to not only the value of the provision itself, but also the manner in which resettlement processes are implemented. While early on, researchers believed that the development of policies would have a significant, positive impact on the practice of resettlement and its outcomes, evidence would later show that the development of policies alone is not a panacea for all challenges associated with forced resettlement. Further research revealed that resettlement is characterised by inherent and active complexities which are often at play, and may impede effective implementation. Hence, while the development of policies is essential, both the development and implementation of policies must be undertaken in a manner that seeks to actively address the inherent complexities of resettlement. This thesis aims to explore the implementation of resettlement policies in two case studies, where in one case, resettlement was informed by national policy, and in the other, by policies developed by a parastatal tasked with the responsibility of executing resettlement. The study makes a comparative analysis between the two cases, and explores the factors at play in the implementation of resettlement policies – whether such factors serve to facilitate or impede effective implementation – as well as the nature of the outcomes on the ground. As an overarching goal, the research aims to provide a basis upon which a framework for the development of a national level policy of resettlement may be developed. In this regard, the thesis undertakes a comparison of the Indian resettlement case with the Lesotho case. The former, in addition to having developed a resettlement policy at the national level, has a long history of experience in forced resettlement and displacement, from which invaluable lessons have been learned. The latter, on the other hand, has no resettlement policy at the national level, although the country has also experienced forced resettlement dating back to nearly three decades ago. Although India and Lesotho have distinct social, cultural, economic and demographic characteristics, research has shown that the complexities of forced resettlement, and their outcomes on affected people, are largely applicable across the different contexts. Hence, certain dimensions and lessons can be transferable from the Indian case to the Lesotho case, and vice versa. However, for the purpose of this thesis, the focus is on providing a basis for national policy development in Lesotho, in light of Indian policies and practice. The empirical basis of the thesis is an ethnographic study undertaken in relation to the Chandil Dam resettlement case in Jharkhand, India and the Mohale Dam resettlement case in Maseru, Lesotho. The thesis engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as four, complementary theoretical tools that analyse the effects of forced resettlement on affected people. The thesis reveals that the negative consequences of forced resettlement resulting from its inherent complexities continue to manifest with concerning effects on the lives of those affected. It shows that the implementation of policies is a complex process that requires collaborative effort from a wide range of stakeholders in a given context. National policies of resettlement are, thus, instrumental in this regard, as they can create an enabling environment for the facilitation of collaborative efforts towards sustainable livelihood re-establishment for those who involuntarily suffer losses to resettlement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tsietsi, Teboho Priscilla Mosuoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forced migration -- Lesotho , Forced migration -- India , Dams -- Social aspects -- Lesotho , Dams -- Social aspects -- India , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Irrigation projects -- Economic aspects -- India , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Government policy -- India
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72307 , vital:30032
- Description: The practice of Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR), historically, has often led to negative consequences for those affected by development projects, including but not limited to, the construction of large dams. Although DIDR arises from the need to provide goods and services that characterise development, it often leaves those who are forced to give up their assets, resources, and long standing social networks in dire socio-economic conditions as a result of resettlement. In many such cases, the provision for losses suffered by those primarily affected is often insufficient, leading to further losses experienced as a result of the complete life change experienced by those affected by resettlement. Research has shown that the insufficiency of such provisions for losses is attributable to not only the value of the provision itself, but also the manner in which resettlement processes are implemented. While early on, researchers believed that the development of policies would have a significant, positive impact on the practice of resettlement and its outcomes, evidence would later show that the development of policies alone is not a panacea for all challenges associated with forced resettlement. Further research revealed that resettlement is characterised by inherent and active complexities which are often at play, and may impede effective implementation. Hence, while the development of policies is essential, both the development and implementation of policies must be undertaken in a manner that seeks to actively address the inherent complexities of resettlement. This thesis aims to explore the implementation of resettlement policies in two case studies, where in one case, resettlement was informed by national policy, and in the other, by policies developed by a parastatal tasked with the responsibility of executing resettlement. The study makes a comparative analysis between the two cases, and explores the factors at play in the implementation of resettlement policies – whether such factors serve to facilitate or impede effective implementation – as well as the nature of the outcomes on the ground. As an overarching goal, the research aims to provide a basis upon which a framework for the development of a national level policy of resettlement may be developed. In this regard, the thesis undertakes a comparison of the Indian resettlement case with the Lesotho case. The former, in addition to having developed a resettlement policy at the national level, has a long history of experience in forced resettlement and displacement, from which invaluable lessons have been learned. The latter, on the other hand, has no resettlement policy at the national level, although the country has also experienced forced resettlement dating back to nearly three decades ago. Although India and Lesotho have distinct social, cultural, economic and demographic characteristics, research has shown that the complexities of forced resettlement, and their outcomes on affected people, are largely applicable across the different contexts. Hence, certain dimensions and lessons can be transferable from the Indian case to the Lesotho case, and vice versa. However, for the purpose of this thesis, the focus is on providing a basis for national policy development in Lesotho, in light of Indian policies and practice. The empirical basis of the thesis is an ethnographic study undertaken in relation to the Chandil Dam resettlement case in Jharkhand, India and the Mohale Dam resettlement case in Maseru, Lesotho. The thesis engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as four, complementary theoretical tools that analyse the effects of forced resettlement on affected people. The thesis reveals that the negative consequences of forced resettlement resulting from its inherent complexities continue to manifest with concerning effects on the lives of those affected. It shows that the implementation of policies is a complex process that requires collaborative effort from a wide range of stakeholders in a given context. National policies of resettlement are, thus, instrumental in this regard, as they can create an enabling environment for the facilitation of collaborative efforts towards sustainable livelihood re-establishment for those who involuntarily suffer losses to resettlement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of public health expenditure on health outcomes in South Africa
- Authors: Hlafa, Besuthu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13381 , vital:39639
- Description: Health holds an important position in maintainable economic development since it is both a prerequisite for and an outcome of economic development. This means that health contributes hugely to the attainment of sustainable development and health outcomes. The importance of health is demonstrated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) where three of the eight goals are aimed at improving health outcomes. Despite progress made by other middle-income countries in achieving health-related MDGs, South Africa still has worse health outcomes and experiences a challenge in attaining positive outcomes for these goals (Coovadia et al., 2009; Malaudzi 2016). This study’s main focus was to identify the association between public health expenditure and health outcomes in South Africa’s nine provinces from 2002 to 2016. The study implemented fixed effects and a random effects panel data estimation technique to control for time effects and individual province heterogeneity. This was followed by employing the Hausman specification test to identify the fixed effects model as the appropriate estimator for the study. The study also employed the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model and the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model to examine the impact of public health expenditure on each province separately. The findings from the study elucidated that the relationship between public health expenditure and health outcomes in South Africa varied across provinces depending provincial management and infrastructure availability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hlafa, Besuthu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13381 , vital:39639
- Description: Health holds an important position in maintainable economic development since it is both a prerequisite for and an outcome of economic development. This means that health contributes hugely to the attainment of sustainable development and health outcomes. The importance of health is demonstrated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) where three of the eight goals are aimed at improving health outcomes. Despite progress made by other middle-income countries in achieving health-related MDGs, South Africa still has worse health outcomes and experiences a challenge in attaining positive outcomes for these goals (Coovadia et al., 2009; Malaudzi 2016). This study’s main focus was to identify the association between public health expenditure and health outcomes in South Africa’s nine provinces from 2002 to 2016. The study implemented fixed effects and a random effects panel data estimation technique to control for time effects and individual province heterogeneity. This was followed by employing the Hausman specification test to identify the fixed effects model as the appropriate estimator for the study. The study also employed the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model and the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model to examine the impact of public health expenditure on each province separately. The findings from the study elucidated that the relationship between public health expenditure and health outcomes in South Africa varied across provinces depending provincial management and infrastructure availability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of public libraries in the Eastern Cape Province with reference to three Buffalo City Municipal libraries in King Williams' Town
- Authors: Gunuza, Nokuthula
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public libraries Information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Bibl
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16452 , vital:40721
- Description: The study sought to investigate the impact of public libraries in developing information literacy in libraries in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: a case study of Buffalo City Municipality public libraries in King William’s Town. The objectives of the study were to find out how these three libraries in Buffalo City Metro public libraries ensure equity of library and information services provision to the user communities, to find out how public libraries support education and lifelong learning, to identify the challenges that public libraries face in rendering library and information services with reference to the three libraries, and to investigate the role of library professionals in marketing the library services to the community. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were employed in a descriptive survey. The main research instrument was a questionnaire supported by face to face interviews. A total of 297 questionnaires were distributed and 200 were returned giving a response rate of 67.3%. The quantitative data which was collected through questionnaire was presented using graphs and tables, while qualitative was analysed manually by content analysis, using the notes that were taken by the researcher from the respondents during the interview sessions and reported verbatim in some instances. The findings showed that regardless of South African LIS environment having contradictions resulting from years of apartheid, most of the Buffalo City Metro public library patrons indicated that they experienced fair and equitable access to library and information services. In addition to participants’ quantitative responses, the qualitative excerpts from librarians attested to the library having a classification system that allows easy access to library resources. In addition, findings of the study also revealed that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries have a diversity of users, ranging from different age groups and social standing. The results from the current study revealed that the Buffalo City metropolitan public library users have little knowledge about literacy programmes that are taking place in the library. The findings also indicated that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries market library services by word of mouth, posters and notice boards. One of the major findings of the study is that Buffalo City Metro public libraries are faced with financial constraints and that led to a myriad of challenges ranging from inadequate library operating hours; limited information sources; lack of information retrieval training to patrons; internet connectivity issues; xii lack of professional staff and lack of training on the latest technological trends. The study concludes that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries should establish a marketing strategy to motivate for funding. The study recommended that the Buffalo City public libraries should create an integrated system for all libraries in the metromunicipality that encourages adult literacy programme to raise awareness of information literacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gunuza, Nokuthula
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public libraries Information services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.Bibl
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16452 , vital:40721
- Description: The study sought to investigate the impact of public libraries in developing information literacy in libraries in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: a case study of Buffalo City Municipality public libraries in King William’s Town. The objectives of the study were to find out how these three libraries in Buffalo City Metro public libraries ensure equity of library and information services provision to the user communities, to find out how public libraries support education and lifelong learning, to identify the challenges that public libraries face in rendering library and information services with reference to the three libraries, and to investigate the role of library professionals in marketing the library services to the community. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were employed in a descriptive survey. The main research instrument was a questionnaire supported by face to face interviews. A total of 297 questionnaires were distributed and 200 were returned giving a response rate of 67.3%. The quantitative data which was collected through questionnaire was presented using graphs and tables, while qualitative was analysed manually by content analysis, using the notes that were taken by the researcher from the respondents during the interview sessions and reported verbatim in some instances. The findings showed that regardless of South African LIS environment having contradictions resulting from years of apartheid, most of the Buffalo City Metro public library patrons indicated that they experienced fair and equitable access to library and information services. In addition to participants’ quantitative responses, the qualitative excerpts from librarians attested to the library having a classification system that allows easy access to library resources. In addition, findings of the study also revealed that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries have a diversity of users, ranging from different age groups and social standing. The results from the current study revealed that the Buffalo City metropolitan public library users have little knowledge about literacy programmes that are taking place in the library. The findings also indicated that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries market library services by word of mouth, posters and notice boards. One of the major findings of the study is that Buffalo City Metro public libraries are faced with financial constraints and that led to a myriad of challenges ranging from inadequate library operating hours; limited information sources; lack of information retrieval training to patrons; internet connectivity issues; xii lack of professional staff and lack of training on the latest technological trends. The study concludes that the Buffalo City Metro public libraries should establish a marketing strategy to motivate for funding. The study recommended that the Buffalo City public libraries should create an integrated system for all libraries in the metromunicipality that encourages adult literacy programme to raise awareness of information literacy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of public spending on economic growth, employment and poverty reduction in South Africa
- Authors: Kavese, Kambale
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Expenditures, Public -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Labor economics -- South Africa Employment (Economic theory) Poor -- Employment -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39940 , vital:35570
- Description: This study seeks to assess the effect of public spending on economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction. The co-existence of a sound fiscal policy and a substantial government expenditure but insignificant returns in terms of social development suggests the potential of a dilemma that needs to be investigated, and to reflect on the dynamics of selected marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. Hence, the “social inclusion” strategy of the RDP in 1994, and the “inclusive economy” strategy of the NDP in 2014 were implemented with one single objective in mind, that is to narrow the gaps associated with the legacy of apartheid. Despite the implantation of government plans like the RDP and recently the NDP, and regardless of the effective use of fiscal policy, low growth has continued during the post-recession era; unemployment and inequality have persistently remained at high levels. This paradox has led to controversies around fiscal policy’s dual role of stimulating economic growth and income redistribution. To achieve the research objective, the study employs four types of empirical techniques: the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (N-ARDL) cointegration model; the economy-wide Leontief approach calibrated on the supply and use tables (dynamic SUT model); a partial general equilibrium approach based on the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM model) used for micro-simulations; and lastly a contemporaneous dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the effect of fiscal policy on macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables. The study found that during the post-recession era, expansionary fiscal policy had a positive but minute effect on growth, employment and poverty reduction. The effect of government spending has had a minimal effect on historically marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. This is why a tortoise pace in reducing poverty and inequality has persisted. So, the study recommends that governments should follow a priorities-based government spending policy which fits well with the current situation of the country. Moreover, South Africa needs to adopt international standards and best practices of “science-based strategic” rather than that of “evidence-based strategy” and ensure that only programmes that have proved to be effective be financed in the fiscal budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kavese, Kambale
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Expenditures, Public -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa Labor economics -- South Africa Employment (Economic theory) Poor -- Employment -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39940 , vital:35570
- Description: This study seeks to assess the effect of public spending on economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction. The co-existence of a sound fiscal policy and a substantial government expenditure but insignificant returns in terms of social development suggests the potential of a dilemma that needs to be investigated, and to reflect on the dynamics of selected marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. Hence, the “social inclusion” strategy of the RDP in 1994, and the “inclusive economy” strategy of the NDP in 2014 were implemented with one single objective in mind, that is to narrow the gaps associated with the legacy of apartheid. Despite the implantation of government plans like the RDP and recently the NDP, and regardless of the effective use of fiscal policy, low growth has continued during the post-recession era; unemployment and inequality have persistently remained at high levels. This paradox has led to controversies around fiscal policy’s dual role of stimulating economic growth and income redistribution. To achieve the research objective, the study employs four types of empirical techniques: the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (N-ARDL) cointegration model; the economy-wide Leontief approach calibrated on the supply and use tables (dynamic SUT model); a partial general equilibrium approach based on the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM model) used for micro-simulations; and lastly a contemporaneous dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the effect of fiscal policy on macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables. The study found that during the post-recession era, expansionary fiscal policy had a positive but minute effect on growth, employment and poverty reduction. The effect of government spending has had a minimal effect on historically marginalised groups of people and marginalised areas. This is why a tortoise pace in reducing poverty and inequality has persisted. So, the study recommends that governments should follow a priorities-based government spending policy which fits well with the current situation of the country. Moreover, South Africa needs to adopt international standards and best practices of “science-based strategic” rather than that of “evidence-based strategy” and ensure that only programmes that have proved to be effective be financed in the fiscal budget.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of re-establishment practices on tree survival, growth and uniformity in South African eucalypt plantations
- Authors: Hechter, Ullrich
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Forest nurseries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal Forest management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40338 , vital:36142
- Description: Commercial forestry plantations in South Africa play an important role in the economy of the country, contributing 1.2% towards the gross domestic product, as well as with job creation in rural communities. Currently plantation forests occupy 1.1% (1.2 million hectares) of the South African land surface, of which 75 000 hectares are re-established each year. Eucalypts are the preferred species in the commercial forestry industry as they have the ability to grow fast. In addition, desirable characteristics from different eucalypt species can be combined to develop hybrids that can be used to further improve productivity. In South Africa, eucalypt plantations are mostly found in the warm temperate and sub-tropical zones situated in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces. Various strategies are used to increase productivity and maximise site occupancy, including genetic tree improvement, site-species matching, optimising stand densities, management for risk (abiotic and biotic), as well as improved silviculture. Intensive silviculture is practiced by forest companies to maximise initial tree survival and reduce the time to canopy closure. This includes practices such as site preparation, slash management, tree protection, pruning and thinning, fertilisation and vegetation management treatments. Of the silvicultural aspects that are important during re-establishment, pitting, plant quality (plant size) and watering techniques/regimes have all been shown to influence short-term stand productivity. Despite research carried out on these individual components, recommendations as to best operating practices are varied and have changed over the years, with the application of these practices also varying across companies. Furthermore, there is limited published information related to the interaction between these practices, as well as any longer-term impacts of these factors on stand productivity. The objective of the present study was to gain an understanding of the impacts of pitting, plant quality (plant size), planting depth and watering on tree survival, growth and uniformity in South African Eucalyptus plantations. The study was carried out using three separate field trial series. In a first experiment, two field trials compared post-establishment performance of eucalypts planted using various pitting methods. The two trials were planted using Eucalyptus grandis and E. grandis x E. nitens on two contrasting sites, one at Greenhill in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and one at Vroegeveld in Mpumalanga. Four manual (notch, agricultural hoe, mattock, road pick) and three motor-manual heads (inverted A, Archimedes screw and Mondi-designed pitting head) were used to prepare and determine the effect of pit size/quality on tree survival, growth and uniformity. The notch pit implement created the smallest pit (1 L volume) compared to the other pitting implements (4 – 6 L volumes). For both trials, pitting method did not have a significant impact on the success of re-establishment or longer-term tree performance (6 yrs 7 mos at Greenhill and 3 yrs 7 mos at Vroegeveld). This indicates that for the sites and the species tested, all pitting implements could be considered viable alternatives. Other factors, such as operational costs, efficiency and ergonomics should be considered when selecting appropriate pitting methods together with tree performance. In a second experiment, three field trials were implemented to test three main factors: plant size (small and large); planting depth (standard and deep); and watering (dry and water planting). The eight treatments (2 x 2 x 2 factorial) were replicated four times and laid out in a randomised complete blocks design. The trials were established across a range of site types (Mt Home in Kwazulu-Natal, Vroegeveld in Mpumalanga and Trust in Zululand) in the summer rainfall region of South Africa using various eucalypt genera (E. dunnii, E. grandis x E. nitens and E. grandis x E. urophylla). Tree performance was assessed, with results up to four, six and seven years presented for the different sites. Results show that planting larger plants had the highest overall survival (x̄ = 81%) compared to smaller plants (x̄ = 58%), which also resulted in improved basal area and volume across all sites. Larger plants were able to tolerate a wider range of site conditions, thus providing an advantage for re-establishment. The cost-to-benefit of this however needs to be assessed, particularly in the context of current operational nursery standards. The benefits of deeper planting and applying water at planting are less clear, but appear to be beneficial under water stress conditions, such as on sandy sites when the weather is hot and dry. A third experiment tested the interaction between different methods of pit preparation (manual versus motor-manual), dry versus water planting, and re-watering at periodic intervals. The experiment consisted of one field trial established with E. dunnii in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal. Twelve treatments (2 x 6 factorial) were replicated four times and laid out in a split-plot design, with the main factor of watering regime forming the whole plots, and pitting method the sub-plots. Differences in pit size, pit quality and tree performance were assessed. Pit dimensions and soil friability for the two pitting treatments were different, but pit volumes were similar (manually prepared pits = 4.7 L; motor-manually prepared pits = 4.4 L). Differences in pit soil moisture content were detected between dry planting (4.1%) and all other treatments (9.9%). Rainfall occurred in week 1 - 4 after planting (55.2 mm). Subsequently re-watering, relative to watering only at planting, was not beneficial. No significant growth differences occurred between the two pitting methods, nor was there any interaction between the main factors (pitting methods x watering regimes). Survival for dry planting (75%) was significantly lower than all the other treatments (92%), with a weakly significant difference in Biomass index (corrected) (BIc) at one year. Different pit qualities, determined by pitting method, will not significantly affect early eucalypt performance. However, the addition of water or hydrogel (as opposed to dry planting) will improve early eucalypt survival and growth. Eucalypt survival, growth and uniformity in South Africa continue to be impacted by an increase in mechanisation, changing climate conditions and the use of unskilled labour. It is therefore necessary to implement silvicultural practices which improve survival, growth and uniformity. Planting seedlings into good quality pits (regardless of pitting method) with water has shown to improve survival. It is also beneficial in terms of survival to plant larger (prime) plants at a deeper depth especially on sites with drought conditions. Despite all the establishment trials which have been implemented under controlled conditions, high mortality is still experienced and could be due to the lack of knowledge on the effects of plant quality and handling on post planting performance (particularly survival). In future, plant quality and handling in combination with various planting densities and the application of plant stress relievers should be considered to improve survival..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hechter, Ullrich
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Forest nurseries -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal Forest management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40338 , vital:36142
- Description: Commercial forestry plantations in South Africa play an important role in the economy of the country, contributing 1.2% towards the gross domestic product, as well as with job creation in rural communities. Currently plantation forests occupy 1.1% (1.2 million hectares) of the South African land surface, of which 75 000 hectares are re-established each year. Eucalypts are the preferred species in the commercial forestry industry as they have the ability to grow fast. In addition, desirable characteristics from different eucalypt species can be combined to develop hybrids that can be used to further improve productivity. In South Africa, eucalypt plantations are mostly found in the warm temperate and sub-tropical zones situated in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces. Various strategies are used to increase productivity and maximise site occupancy, including genetic tree improvement, site-species matching, optimising stand densities, management for risk (abiotic and biotic), as well as improved silviculture. Intensive silviculture is practiced by forest companies to maximise initial tree survival and reduce the time to canopy closure. This includes practices such as site preparation, slash management, tree protection, pruning and thinning, fertilisation and vegetation management treatments. Of the silvicultural aspects that are important during re-establishment, pitting, plant quality (plant size) and watering techniques/regimes have all been shown to influence short-term stand productivity. Despite research carried out on these individual components, recommendations as to best operating practices are varied and have changed over the years, with the application of these practices also varying across companies. Furthermore, there is limited published information related to the interaction between these practices, as well as any longer-term impacts of these factors on stand productivity. The objective of the present study was to gain an understanding of the impacts of pitting, plant quality (plant size), planting depth and watering on tree survival, growth and uniformity in South African Eucalyptus plantations. The study was carried out using three separate field trial series. In a first experiment, two field trials compared post-establishment performance of eucalypts planted using various pitting methods. The two trials were planted using Eucalyptus grandis and E. grandis x E. nitens on two contrasting sites, one at Greenhill in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and one at Vroegeveld in Mpumalanga. Four manual (notch, agricultural hoe, mattock, road pick) and three motor-manual heads (inverted A, Archimedes screw and Mondi-designed pitting head) were used to prepare and determine the effect of pit size/quality on tree survival, growth and uniformity. The notch pit implement created the smallest pit (1 L volume) compared to the other pitting implements (4 – 6 L volumes). For both trials, pitting method did not have a significant impact on the success of re-establishment or longer-term tree performance (6 yrs 7 mos at Greenhill and 3 yrs 7 mos at Vroegeveld). This indicates that for the sites and the species tested, all pitting implements could be considered viable alternatives. Other factors, such as operational costs, efficiency and ergonomics should be considered when selecting appropriate pitting methods together with tree performance. In a second experiment, three field trials were implemented to test three main factors: plant size (small and large); planting depth (standard and deep); and watering (dry and water planting). The eight treatments (2 x 2 x 2 factorial) were replicated four times and laid out in a randomised complete blocks design. The trials were established across a range of site types (Mt Home in Kwazulu-Natal, Vroegeveld in Mpumalanga and Trust in Zululand) in the summer rainfall region of South Africa using various eucalypt genera (E. dunnii, E. grandis x E. nitens and E. grandis x E. urophylla). Tree performance was assessed, with results up to four, six and seven years presented for the different sites. Results show that planting larger plants had the highest overall survival (x̄ = 81%) compared to smaller plants (x̄ = 58%), which also resulted in improved basal area and volume across all sites. Larger plants were able to tolerate a wider range of site conditions, thus providing an advantage for re-establishment. The cost-to-benefit of this however needs to be assessed, particularly in the context of current operational nursery standards. The benefits of deeper planting and applying water at planting are less clear, but appear to be beneficial under water stress conditions, such as on sandy sites when the weather is hot and dry. A third experiment tested the interaction between different methods of pit preparation (manual versus motor-manual), dry versus water planting, and re-watering at periodic intervals. The experiment consisted of one field trial established with E. dunnii in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal. Twelve treatments (2 x 6 factorial) were replicated four times and laid out in a split-plot design, with the main factor of watering regime forming the whole plots, and pitting method the sub-plots. Differences in pit size, pit quality and tree performance were assessed. Pit dimensions and soil friability for the two pitting treatments were different, but pit volumes were similar (manually prepared pits = 4.7 L; motor-manually prepared pits = 4.4 L). Differences in pit soil moisture content were detected between dry planting (4.1%) and all other treatments (9.9%). Rainfall occurred in week 1 - 4 after planting (55.2 mm). Subsequently re-watering, relative to watering only at planting, was not beneficial. No significant growth differences occurred between the two pitting methods, nor was there any interaction between the main factors (pitting methods x watering regimes). Survival for dry planting (75%) was significantly lower than all the other treatments (92%), with a weakly significant difference in Biomass index (corrected) (BIc) at one year. Different pit qualities, determined by pitting method, will not significantly affect early eucalypt performance. However, the addition of water or hydrogel (as opposed to dry planting) will improve early eucalypt survival and growth. Eucalypt survival, growth and uniformity in South Africa continue to be impacted by an increase in mechanisation, changing climate conditions and the use of unskilled labour. It is therefore necessary to implement silvicultural practices which improve survival, growth and uniformity. Planting seedlings into good quality pits (regardless of pitting method) with water has shown to improve survival. It is also beneficial in terms of survival to plant larger (prime) plants at a deeper depth especially on sites with drought conditions. Despite all the establishment trials which have been implemented under controlled conditions, high mortality is still experienced and could be due to the lack of knowledge on the effects of plant quality and handling on post planting performance (particularly survival). In future, plant quality and handling in combination with various planting densities and the application of plant stress relievers should be considered to improve survival..
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of unanticipated news announcements by the US Federal Reserve On South African stock returns
- Authors: Sibanda, Lorna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- United States , International finance , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- United States , United States -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Banks of issue -- United States , Investments -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stocks -- Rate of return , Rate of return -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94703 , vital:31070
- Description: This thesis analyses whether monetary policy announcement shocks are transmitted across countries, with special emphasis on the impact of US Federal Reserve announcements on the South African stock market. Monetary policy is an important source of economic news and affects the risk perceptions of market participants. This study will improve the understanding of stock price determinants and possibly influence SA monetary policy in guarding against possible shocks originating from abroad. Using Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcements over the period 2008 – 2014, the research studied changes in volatility of the South African FTSE/JSE All Share Index returns over this period. An event study and GARCH model approach was adopted to reach the goals of the analysis. The findings were a statistically insignificant connection between SA stock returns and both anticipated and unanticipated US Federal Reserve announcements. Over the sample period, each shock to SA stock returns persisted for approximately 4-5 months. Although SA stock return volatility demonstrated clustering behaviour (indicating sensitivity to economic shocks), the research could not find an obvious relationship between these spikes in volatility and US Federal Reserve announcements. It is concluded that South African stock returns do not change in response to unexpected US monetary policy announcements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibanda, Lorna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- United States , International finance , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- United States , United States -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Banks of issue -- United States , Investments -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stocks -- Rate of return , Rate of return -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94703 , vital:31070
- Description: This thesis analyses whether monetary policy announcement shocks are transmitted across countries, with special emphasis on the impact of US Federal Reserve announcements on the South African stock market. Monetary policy is an important source of economic news and affects the risk perceptions of market participants. This study will improve the understanding of stock price determinants and possibly influence SA monetary policy in guarding against possible shocks originating from abroad. Using Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcements over the period 2008 – 2014, the research studied changes in volatility of the South African FTSE/JSE All Share Index returns over this period. An event study and GARCH model approach was adopted to reach the goals of the analysis. The findings were a statistically insignificant connection between SA stock returns and both anticipated and unanticipated US Federal Reserve announcements. Over the sample period, each shock to SA stock returns persisted for approximately 4-5 months. Although SA stock return volatility demonstrated clustering behaviour (indicating sensitivity to economic shocks), the research could not find an obvious relationship between these spikes in volatility and US Federal Reserve announcements. It is concluded that South African stock returns do not change in response to unexpected US monetary policy announcements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implementation of a developmental-contextual framework for young adults’ career explorations
- Authors: Roberson, Natalie Georgia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational guidance -- South Africa , Focus groups , Action research , Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , Self-Directed Search Questionnaire , Occupational aptitude tests -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114895 , vital:34053
- Description: Career development theory and counselling practices in South Africa, which have traditionally utilised imported theory, have long been and continue to be criticised as being unsuitable in contexts different to those in which they were developed. In light of this, the aim of this study is to customise and trial the Vondracek, Lerner, and Schulenberg (1986) Developmental-Contextual Framework of career development with a group of employment-seeking young adults at a local community-based setting, as the basis of a career development intervention. Research questions asked were ‘In what ways is the examination and discussion of developmental-contextual factors of the individual facilitative of career exploration, in addition to seeking to identify contextual factors that influence career thinking and associated decision making. In doing so, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the career development of South Africans. Focus group methodology, within an overarching framework of collaborative action research, was employed. The approach to career exploration here was that of peer learning through group discussion of developmental-contextual factors of the individual. Data were generated through pre-intervention questionnaires, collaborative action research cycles, participatory observation, focus group discussions, and post-interventionist semi-structured individual interviews. Template Analysis was used for the thematic organisation and analysis of the data. Findings were that the intervention facilitated increased self-knowledge in relation to career development, increased knowledge of work and careers, and enhanced career planning abilities. Findings further highlighted the limitations of imported career development theories and the importance of the utilisation and development of local career assessment instruments. The group setting was found to be of value in facilitating self-reflection, a source of motivation and a valuable source of career-related information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Roberson, Natalie Georgia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational guidance -- South Africa , Focus groups , Action research , Youth -- South Africa -- Social conditions -- 1994- , Self-Directed Search Questionnaire , Occupational aptitude tests -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114895 , vital:34053
- Description: Career development theory and counselling practices in South Africa, which have traditionally utilised imported theory, have long been and continue to be criticised as being unsuitable in contexts different to those in which they were developed. In light of this, the aim of this study is to customise and trial the Vondracek, Lerner, and Schulenberg (1986) Developmental-Contextual Framework of career development with a group of employment-seeking young adults at a local community-based setting, as the basis of a career development intervention. Research questions asked were ‘In what ways is the examination and discussion of developmental-contextual factors of the individual facilitative of career exploration, in addition to seeking to identify contextual factors that influence career thinking and associated decision making. In doing so, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the career development of South Africans. Focus group methodology, within an overarching framework of collaborative action research, was employed. The approach to career exploration here was that of peer learning through group discussion of developmental-contextual factors of the individual. Data were generated through pre-intervention questionnaires, collaborative action research cycles, participatory observation, focus group discussions, and post-interventionist semi-structured individual interviews. Template Analysis was used for the thematic organisation and analysis of the data. Findings were that the intervention facilitated increased self-knowledge in relation to career development, increased knowledge of work and careers, and enhanced career planning abilities. Findings further highlighted the limitations of imported career development theories and the importance of the utilisation and development of local career assessment instruments. The group setting was found to be of value in facilitating self-reflection, a source of motivation and a valuable source of career-related information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implementation of National Health strategy (2009-2013) in Vungu District clinics, Midlands Province in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe Public health administration -- Zimbabwe National Health Strategy (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18514 , vital:42579
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mangwanya, M G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical care -- Zimbabwe Public health administration -- Zimbabwe National Health Strategy (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18514 , vital:42579
- Description: The practice of strategy implementation is key to the public sector in Zimbabwe because it helps the government to be up to speed in providing services to the public. This research focused on the National Health Strategy 2009-2013 and its impact on health service delivery in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The research was based on qualitative desk study design which made use of existing data and semi structured interviews to understand the effect of the National Health Strategy on health service delivery in Vungu Rural Districts Council Clinics. From the literature reviewed and the data collected, it can be noted that lack of resources has had a huge effect on the execution of the strategy. The findings from the study show that the National Health Strategy was a good initiative. However, it lacked financial resources which posed challenges to the health workers in Vungu Rural District Council Clinics. The health workers were not very familiar with the National Health Strategy and this had a negative impact on its execution because they cannot execute a strategy that they are not familiar with. The study highlighted the importance of resources for the execution of the National Health Strategy. The study therefore sought to find ways the Zimbabwean Health System may formulate the health strategy with the limited resources in order to achieve desired goals. The Health Workers echoed the same sentiments that they needed resources for the implementation of the strategy. It is hoped that the findings would provide guidelines for the formulation and implementation of future health strategies. Recommendations given would ensure that there is utilisation of available resources, which would help in the execution of other health strategies to ensure efficient and effective health care service delivery. The recommendations are also intended to enhance the performance of health workers. Though the study was limited to Vungu Rural District Council Clinics the findings and recommendations would provide guidelines for other rural clinics as they use the National Health Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implementation of performance management systems: Chris Hani District Municipality
- Authors: Zazi, Luzuko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44301 , vital:37150
- Description: This study stemmed from the researcher’s observations about the seemingly ‘obvious’ under performance of the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji Local Municipality. As a resident of Komani – under the now Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the researcher noticed the rampant water cuts and electric power outages, among other issues, experienced in the district; and sort to understand the underlying causes to these. To understand the root-cause, this study aimed to describe the implementation of performance management systems within the Chris Hani District Municipality; neglecting the Lukhanji Local Municipality as it was in the process of amalgamation to form the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The process was finalised in August 2017, proving the municipality ‘too new’ to study. As a descriptive, qualitative study following the constructivist paradigm, focus was placed on the role senior management plays in the performance management processes, with six operational staff’s perceptions about this process interrogated through a focus group. As custodians and drivers of quality service delivery, five directors and senior managers were interviewed through semi-structured interviews to gather thick, descriptive narratives about the process. The study found performance management was implemented at management level only, with ‘loose’ performance arrangements between supervisors and subordinates. This made it difficult to manage performance or account for poor performance as there are not strict, contractual targets. At management level, critical issues found included poor performance information collection, management not owning their respective targets on their portfolios of evidence, non-alignment of targets with the Integrated Development Plan, and Council not holding persons responsible for irregular expenditure accountable - as no investigations were done in order to recover the monies. This, the Auditor General says promotes a general culture of unaccountability; thus, confirming the researcher’s observations and identifying the root-cause. Recommendations included a ‘back-to-basics’ philosophical approach to municipal governance. These included an adoption of a comprehensive performance management policy; management empowerment in the collection and use of performance information; a change in organisational culture from both side of the political-administrative dichotomy; and an introduction of a community-based monitoring mechanism supplemented with a non-partisan voter education initiative. Furthermore, the strengthening of intergovernmental relations was recommended insofar as this pertains to the delivering of basics services and infrastructure, developing the local economy, and improving the quality of life within the district.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zazi, Luzuko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Chris Hani District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44301 , vital:37150
- Description: This study stemmed from the researcher’s observations about the seemingly ‘obvious’ under performance of the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji Local Municipality. As a resident of Komani – under the now Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, the researcher noticed the rampant water cuts and electric power outages, among other issues, experienced in the district; and sort to understand the underlying causes to these. To understand the root-cause, this study aimed to describe the implementation of performance management systems within the Chris Hani District Municipality; neglecting the Lukhanji Local Municipality as it was in the process of amalgamation to form the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The process was finalised in August 2017, proving the municipality ‘too new’ to study. As a descriptive, qualitative study following the constructivist paradigm, focus was placed on the role senior management plays in the performance management processes, with six operational staff’s perceptions about this process interrogated through a focus group. As custodians and drivers of quality service delivery, five directors and senior managers were interviewed through semi-structured interviews to gather thick, descriptive narratives about the process. The study found performance management was implemented at management level only, with ‘loose’ performance arrangements between supervisors and subordinates. This made it difficult to manage performance or account for poor performance as there are not strict, contractual targets. At management level, critical issues found included poor performance information collection, management not owning their respective targets on their portfolios of evidence, non-alignment of targets with the Integrated Development Plan, and Council not holding persons responsible for irregular expenditure accountable - as no investigations were done in order to recover the monies. This, the Auditor General says promotes a general culture of unaccountability; thus, confirming the researcher’s observations and identifying the root-cause. Recommendations included a ‘back-to-basics’ philosophical approach to municipal governance. These included an adoption of a comprehensive performance management policy; management empowerment in the collection and use of performance information; a change in organisational culture from both side of the political-administrative dichotomy; and an introduction of a community-based monitoring mechanism supplemented with a non-partisan voter education initiative. Furthermore, the strengthening of intergovernmental relations was recommended insofar as this pertains to the delivering of basics services and infrastructure, developing the local economy, and improving the quality of life within the district.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The implications of teacher development in the improvement of learner achievement in the Kwamhlanga sub-district of Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhaule, Makgabo Regina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development Teacher educators -- Professional relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13690 , vital:39691
- Description: This study sought to investigate the implication of teacher development in learner performance with reference to the Nkangala sub-district of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. My interest is this area of study was triggered in the debate around the mismatch between the resources which the Department of Education invests in the teacher development programmes vis-à-vis learner performance in schools, in particular, the Grade 12 class which is the exit point of the school system. The argument is that the department invests significant resources in developing teachers but that there appears to be very little return on the investment in the form of learner performance which has been the subject of debate and discussion for many years in the education circles. The study made use of the mixed method approach in terms of which both quantitative and qualitative methods were fully employed. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the data collection methods. In order to collect the requisite quantitative data four teachers and three school management teams were sampled using the simple random sampling method per school in the sub-district. The return rate of the instruments was more than 50%. For the qualitative data subject advisors were sampled using the purposive sampling method. Eight of the twelve advisors who were sampled participated in the face to face interviews. The collected data was then analysed using the Special Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). The literature reviewed included Senge’s Learning Organisation theory and Wenger’s social learning theory which were explored extensively and which informed the study to a significant extent. The researcher also explored the legislative framework which informs the HRD in general and teacher development in particular. v The study revealed that there is, indeed, a significant relationship between teacher development programmes and learner performance. The study also revealed that teacher development programmes do, in fact, address the needs of both learners and teachers. An interesting finding, which is also a matter of concern, was the finding that teachers are almost, if not totally, excluded from participating in the teacher development programmes offered. The study also found that the content of teacher development programmes is devised by subject specialists who are not based in the classroom and who have little experience of the prevailing classroom situation. It appeared that this approach was creating a huge gap in the teacher development programmes. The researcher made several recommendations and also developed a proposed (rudimentary) teacher development model, as informed by the study and the gap which was identified from the literature review. The model is extremely basic and, therefore, requires further research on the part of education practitioners and/or anyone interested in the field of teacher development and education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The importance of a donor management framework on the sustainability of non-profit organisations in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Van Boomen, Clinton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Nonprofit organizations -- Finance -- Management Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43676 , vital:37029
- Description: Fundraising and income generation to service operational expenses play a significant role in ensuring the sustainability of non-profit organisations. Literature maintains that in order for non-profit organisations to remain sustainable, designing campaigns and strategies with stakeholder needs in mind is crucial. The study aims at improving donor relations by determining the role donor management systems play in the strategic objectives of non-profit organisations, and whether non-profits adopt strategic approaches to create and maintain relationships with donors. The research also attempted to understand the importance of managing relationships with donors. According to the framework of Determinants of Philanthropy formulated by Bekkers and Wiepking, the researcher utilised the eight key mechanisms as a framework to answer the research question. In the study, simple probability sampling was used to identify non-profit organisations within Nelson Mandela Bay. Data from anonymous participants were collected using a self-completion questionnaire using the determinants of philanthropy framework themes to link responses to the research question and literature. While the study returned a low response rate, the main finding of the research was that non-profit organisations spent more time servicing relationships with existing donors, instead of creating relationships with new potential donors. In the event that a major long-term donor stopped donating, this left the non-profit with a significant predicament of sourcing a new donor, which could be time consuming at best. A possible solution to this issue is to create a strategic relationship management framework which identifies each new and existing donor’s attributes, thereby linking it to the correct campaigns at the right time. The anticipated outcome of this solution is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of donors which will ensure sustainability for the non-profit organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Boomen, Clinton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Nonprofit organizations -- Finance -- Management Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43676 , vital:37029
- Description: Fundraising and income generation to service operational expenses play a significant role in ensuring the sustainability of non-profit organisations. Literature maintains that in order for non-profit organisations to remain sustainable, designing campaigns and strategies with stakeholder needs in mind is crucial. The study aims at improving donor relations by determining the role donor management systems play in the strategic objectives of non-profit organisations, and whether non-profits adopt strategic approaches to create and maintain relationships with donors. The research also attempted to understand the importance of managing relationships with donors. According to the framework of Determinants of Philanthropy formulated by Bekkers and Wiepking, the researcher utilised the eight key mechanisms as a framework to answer the research question. In the study, simple probability sampling was used to identify non-profit organisations within Nelson Mandela Bay. Data from anonymous participants were collected using a self-completion questionnaire using the determinants of philanthropy framework themes to link responses to the research question and literature. While the study returned a low response rate, the main finding of the research was that non-profit organisations spent more time servicing relationships with existing donors, instead of creating relationships with new potential donors. In the event that a major long-term donor stopped donating, this left the non-profit with a significant predicament of sourcing a new donor, which could be time consuming at best. A possible solution to this issue is to create a strategic relationship management framework which identifies each new and existing donor’s attributes, thereby linking it to the correct campaigns at the right time. The anticipated outcome of this solution is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of donors which will ensure sustainability for the non-profit organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of artificial light on the foraging efficiency and diet of insect eating bats
- Authors: Bailey, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Predation (Biology) , Bats -- Effect of light on , Bats -- Nutrition , Moths
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76376 , vital:30555
- Description: Artificial light may be altering the interactions between bats and moth prey. Unable to make use of bat evasion strategies around artificial light, eared moths are susceptible to exploitation by syntonic bats (using echolocation frequencies between 20-50 kHz within the hearing range of eared moths). Using a handheld plasma metabolite analyzer, I evaluated the foraging success of syntonic bats and rarer allotonic bats (using echolocation frequencies outside the hearing range of eared moths), in areas with artificial light and in areas of natural darkness. I used microscope diet analysis to determine whether bats were consuming more or fewer moths in areas with artificial light and in areas of natural darkness. Syntonic bats were more selective for moth prey under lit conditions, likely owing to a reduction in the ability of tympanate moths to evade bats. Moths increased in the diets of generalist syntonic bats (Pipistrellus hesperidus) foraging around artificial light sources. Some P. hesperidus individuals showed high β-hydroxybutyrate levels around lights, but there was no difference in β-hydroxybutyrate levels between lit and unlit conditions. There is insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis that the foraging success of syntonic bats is equivalent in lit vs unlit conditions. The foraging success and diets of allotonic bats, Rhinolophus capensis, appear to be negligibly impacted by artificial light on a small scale. My study emphasizes the need for a mechanistic understanding of the influence of artificial light on the foraging success of bat species. Bat-moth interactions may be influenced by other factors apart from the common assumption that increased refuelling rates will occur in syntonic species foraging on moths around artificial light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bailey, Lauren
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Predation (Biology) , Bats -- Effect of light on , Bats -- Nutrition , Moths
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76376 , vital:30555
- Description: Artificial light may be altering the interactions between bats and moth prey. Unable to make use of bat evasion strategies around artificial light, eared moths are susceptible to exploitation by syntonic bats (using echolocation frequencies between 20-50 kHz within the hearing range of eared moths). Using a handheld plasma metabolite analyzer, I evaluated the foraging success of syntonic bats and rarer allotonic bats (using echolocation frequencies outside the hearing range of eared moths), in areas with artificial light and in areas of natural darkness. I used microscope diet analysis to determine whether bats were consuming more or fewer moths in areas with artificial light and in areas of natural darkness. Syntonic bats were more selective for moth prey under lit conditions, likely owing to a reduction in the ability of tympanate moths to evade bats. Moths increased in the diets of generalist syntonic bats (Pipistrellus hesperidus) foraging around artificial light sources. Some P. hesperidus individuals showed high β-hydroxybutyrate levels around lights, but there was no difference in β-hydroxybutyrate levels between lit and unlit conditions. There is insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis that the foraging success of syntonic bats is equivalent in lit vs unlit conditions. The foraging success and diets of allotonic bats, Rhinolophus capensis, appear to be negligibly impacted by artificial light on a small scale. My study emphasizes the need for a mechanistic understanding of the influence of artificial light on the foraging success of bat species. Bat-moth interactions may be influenced by other factors apart from the common assumption that increased refuelling rates will occur in syntonic species foraging on moths around artificial light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of briefing on Eastern Cape government project outcomes
- Authors: Binqela, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government projects -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44562 , vital:38128
- Description: South African Government projects are frequently completed with large cost overruns, extended schedules, quality concerns and an increase in emerging contractors making a significant loss in projects they undertake. The construction phase has been the focus of many studies on the causes of unfavourable project outcomes. However, the crucial stages in the construction process that influence the success of a project are the early ones. This is where major decisions that influence the features and form of a project occur. This study, which adopts a case study approach, aims to establish the influence of the brief development process on the outcome of Government projects in the Eastern Cape. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, the study aimed at establishing the influence of the brief that is utilised for a need analysis, to define a detailed scope of works, stakeholder engagement and the time management on Eastern Cape Government project outcomes. The Sarah Baartman district was the selected geographical scope of research. Five projects were selected; these included three schools, one emergency medical service facility and one office facility. The study revealed that Eastern Cape Government projects brief development is based on the client department 2013 Published Norms and Standards for state buildings and a need analysis for other stakeholders is not considered. The study further revealed that there is no stakeholder management in government projects; therefore, there is no stakeholder engagement plan during the brief development. The study further revealed that government time management is suboptimal because stakeholder needs are not realised. The research also found that Eastern Cape Government projects do not achieve stakeholder satisfaction and are delivered late. However, some Government projects are able to meet the desired quality and are within budget. The study thus proposes that the Eastern Cape Government projects need to adopt the dynamic brief development process and implement stakeholder management. The brief development process should be an ongoing process extending throughout the project life cycle responding in an innovative manner to emerging stakeholder requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Binqela, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Government projects -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44562 , vital:38128
- Description: South African Government projects are frequently completed with large cost overruns, extended schedules, quality concerns and an increase in emerging contractors making a significant loss in projects they undertake. The construction phase has been the focus of many studies on the causes of unfavourable project outcomes. However, the crucial stages in the construction process that influence the success of a project are the early ones. This is where major decisions that influence the features and form of a project occur. This study, which adopts a case study approach, aims to establish the influence of the brief development process on the outcome of Government projects in the Eastern Cape. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, the study aimed at establishing the influence of the brief that is utilised for a need analysis, to define a detailed scope of works, stakeholder engagement and the time management on Eastern Cape Government project outcomes. The Sarah Baartman district was the selected geographical scope of research. Five projects were selected; these included three schools, one emergency medical service facility and one office facility. The study revealed that Eastern Cape Government projects brief development is based on the client department 2013 Published Norms and Standards for state buildings and a need analysis for other stakeholders is not considered. The study further revealed that there is no stakeholder management in government projects; therefore, there is no stakeholder engagement plan during the brief development. The study further revealed that government time management is suboptimal because stakeholder needs are not realised. The research also found that Eastern Cape Government projects do not achieve stakeholder satisfaction and are delivered late. However, some Government projects are able to meet the desired quality and are within budget. The study thus proposes that the Eastern Cape Government projects need to adopt the dynamic brief development process and implement stakeholder management. The brief development process should be an ongoing process extending throughout the project life cycle responding in an innovative manner to emerging stakeholder requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of briefing on Eastern Cape government project outcomes
- Authors: Binqela, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44895 , vital:38186
- Description: South African Government projects are frequently completed with large cost overruns, extended schedules, quality concerns and an increase in emerging contractors making a significant loss in projects they undertake. The construction phase has been the focus of many studies on the causes of unfavourable project outcomes. However, the crucial stages in the construction process that influence the success of a project are the early ones. This is where major decisions that influence the features and form of a project occur. This study, which adopts a case study approach, aims to establish the influence of the brief development process on the outcome of Government projects in the Eastern Cape. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, the study aimed at establishing the influence of the brief that is utilised for a need analysis, to define a detailed scope of works, stakeholder engagement and the time management on Eastern Cape Government project outcomes. The Sarah Baartman district was the selected geographical scope of research. Five projects were selected; these included three schools, one emergency medical service facility and one office facility. The study revealed that Eastern Cape Government projects brief development is based on the client department 2013 Published Norms and Standards for state buildings and a need analysis for other stakeholders is not considered. The study further revealed that there is no stakeholder management in government projects; therefore, there is no stakeholder engagement plan during the brief development. The study further revealed that government time management is suboptimal because stakeholder needs are not realised. The research also found that Eastern Cape Government projects do not achieve stakeholder satisfaction and are delivered late. However, some Government projects are able to meet the desired quality and are within budget. The study thus proposes that the Eastern Cape Government projects need to adopt the dynamic brief development process and implement stakeholder management. The brief development process should be an ongoing process extending throughout the project life cycle responding in an innovative manner to emerging stakeholder requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Binqela, Lukhanyo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44895 , vital:38186
- Description: South African Government projects are frequently completed with large cost overruns, extended schedules, quality concerns and an increase in emerging contractors making a significant loss in projects they undertake. The construction phase has been the focus of many studies on the causes of unfavourable project outcomes. However, the crucial stages in the construction process that influence the success of a project are the early ones. This is where major decisions that influence the features and form of a project occur. This study, which adopts a case study approach, aims to establish the influence of the brief development process on the outcome of Government projects in the Eastern Cape. Through the reviewed literature and primary data collection, the study aimed at establishing the influence of the brief that is utilised for a need analysis, to define a detailed scope of works, stakeholder engagement and the time management on Eastern Cape Government project outcomes. The Sarah Baartman district was the selected geographical scope of research. Five projects were selected; these included three schools, one emergency medical service facility and one office facility. The study revealed that Eastern Cape Government projects brief development is based on the client department 2013 Published Norms and Standards for state buildings and a need analysis for other stakeholders is not considered. The study further revealed that there is no stakeholder management in government projects; therefore, there is no stakeholder engagement plan during the brief development. The study further revealed that government time management is suboptimal because stakeholder needs are not realised. The research also found that Eastern Cape Government projects do not achieve stakeholder satisfaction and are delivered late. However, some Government projects are able to meet the desired quality and are within budget. The study thus proposes that the Eastern Cape Government projects need to adopt the dynamic brief development process and implement stakeholder management. The brief development process should be an ongoing process extending throughout the project life cycle responding in an innovative manner to emerging stakeholder requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of compensation packages at Mercedes Benz South Africa (MBSA) on motivating employees and increasing productivity
- Authors: McMillan, Sabrina Lietta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Incentive awards -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Performance Mercedes-Benz of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41493 , vital:36493
- Description: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa (MBSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global company, Daimler AG and is based in East London, South Africa. The manufacturing plant currently produces the Mercedes-Benz C-class for the local and export market. It also produces Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and buses, and FUSO trucks. MBSA`s headquarters, marketing and support divisions are located in Zwartkop, Gauteng, from where the Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Western Star and FUSO products are marketed and financed. MBSA have a defined motivational strategy that in principal covers the scope of motivational theories research worldwide. However, the researcher is investigating whether the motivational tactics used by MBSA are effective or if there is room for improvement. The researcher investigates using performance-based rewards to motivate employees by increasing the variable compensation package within MBSA. The researcher collected primary data by means of a questionnaire distributed to the employees in different divisions within MBSA. From the data collected the researcher found conclusive evidence that there is room for improvement within the compensation package at MBSA. The researcher makes recommendations on how the compensation package can be improved to increase motivation and productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: McMillan, Sabrina Lietta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Incentive awards -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Performance Mercedes-Benz of South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41493 , vital:36493
- Description: Mercedes-Benz of South Africa (MBSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global company, Daimler AG and is based in East London, South Africa. The manufacturing plant currently produces the Mercedes-Benz C-class for the local and export market. It also produces Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and buses, and FUSO trucks. MBSA`s headquarters, marketing and support divisions are located in Zwartkop, Gauteng, from where the Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Western Star and FUSO products are marketed and financed. MBSA have a defined motivational strategy that in principal covers the scope of motivational theories research worldwide. However, the researcher is investigating whether the motivational tactics used by MBSA are effective or if there is room for improvement. The researcher investigates using performance-based rewards to motivate employees by increasing the variable compensation package within MBSA. The researcher collected primary data by means of a questionnaire distributed to the employees in different divisions within MBSA. From the data collected the researcher found conclusive evidence that there is room for improvement within the compensation package at MBSA. The researcher makes recommendations on how the compensation package can be improved to increase motivation and productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of customers’ culture on sales promotions and store equity for pick n pay stores South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Musekiwa, Albert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44565 , vital:38144
- Description: The store industry is globally the main distribution channel for grocery items to reach final consumers. Specifically for South Africa and Zimbabwe the store industry greatly contributes to the countrys economic growth. However, increasing competition in developed countries has forced store chains with a competitive edge in terms of promoting their brands and building market share such as Walmart and Spar to expand into the growing African market. Concomitantly, growing African store chains such as Choppies of Botswana are moving into new African markets such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Following this increasing competition, Pick n Pay a leading store chain in South Africa has responded by opening stores in African townships and other African countries such as Zimbabwe. This has resulted in Pick n Pay customers’ cultural diversity, and how to build and maintain market share through effective promotional and brand building strategies being areas of concern. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of Pick n Pay customers’ cultural orientations on their buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothesised model was developed to determine the customers’ cultural orientations that might influence the buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and Pick n Pays store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Four customers cultural orientations were investigated namely, ubuntu/unhu, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and status consumption. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of Pick n Pays customers on their cultural orientations, buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and on store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured hardcopy questionnaire, distributed via fieldworkers in both countries using a combination of convenience- and snowball sampling. A final usable sample of 500 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, where after the Cronbachs alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions was used to summarise the demographic profiles of the respondents and to describe the means and standard deviations of the valid constructs. The Pearsons product moment correlations revealed moderate correlations between monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions as well as non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in the full sample, and for the South African and Zimbabwean samples. Moderate correlation was also found in South African sample between Ubuntu ubuntu/unhu cultural orientation and non-monetary sales promotions. Multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis revealed eight statistical significant relationships between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables for the full sample while for the South African and Zimbabwean samples four and nine were found respectively. Although the full sample and Zimbabwean sample had similar statistically significant relationships, the relationship between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and store equity was unique to the Zimbabwean sample only. There was only a statistically significant relationship between a power distance cultural orientation and store equity for the South African sample. Structural equation modelling was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. Only two relationships found in the multiple regression analysis were not confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and monetary sales promotions, as well as with non-monetary sales promotions. Six path relationships were confirmed in the structured equation modelling. These statistical significant path relationships were between an ubuntu/unhu- cultural orientation with monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions, as well as with store equity. A statistical significant path relationships were also found between a status consumption cultural orientation with non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. The sixth statistical significant path relationship was between non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. Furthermore, SEM confirmed full mediation of monetary sales promotions in the relationship between a status consumption cultural orientation and store equity. On the other hand, there were partial mediations of non-monetary sales promotions in the relationships between an ubuntu/unhu and status consumption cultural orientations with store equity. The SEM results also confirmed that the data fits the complete model. Multi-variant analysis of variance was carried out to determine if respondents’ demographic profiles influenced their cultural orientations and buying behaviour towards monetary-and non-monetary sales promotions. Post-hoc Scheffe tests identified sixteen statistically significant mean differences between the demographic data groups and the cultural orientation and sales promotions variables. Subsequently, the Cohens d analysis confirmed thirteen practical significant relationships, of which only three had large practical significance. Based on the MRA and SEM confirmed relationships, several suggestions are made. Ubuntu/Unhu and status consumption cultural orientations influenced buying behaviour towards non-monetary sales promotions. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is suggested that Pick n Pay keeps its non-monetary sales promotions open and accessible to most customers and sponsor more popular events such as competitions for baking, cooking and soccer. To target status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay should position its non-monetary sales promotions in line with their expectations such as promoting healthy living to appeal to its healthy conscious customers. Pick n Pay should also avoid making price the focal point when communicating to status consumption orientated consumers but rather focus on image building selling points such as store service. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, Pick n Pay should underscore the interdependence value in its communication of monetary sales promotions by offering monetary promotions with benefits for all family members. To entrench brand equity, Pick n Pay should engage ubuntu/unhu brand ambassadors from influential family members, friends and community groups such as church groups and provide after-sales service using 24hr customer service hotlines and social media to promote customer interaction any time of the day. Pick n Pay must consider entrenching the status consumption health conscious customers into interaction between themselves or the store through chatrooms or clubs to make sure they remain loyal to the store. It is recommended that Pick n Pay conduct non-monetary sales promotion by creating awareness campaigns for its organic and finest private brands in their Fresh Living Magazine so that customers have product knowledge and encourage them to become regular buyers. In-store distribution of product samples can also help build interest in the brands. Furthermore, employing data mining techniques on customer databases provided in Smartshopper and Rich Rewards loyalty programmes can help understanding specific target customer groups and developing target marketing campaigns. For status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay can incentivise the adoption of online shopping through sales promotions such as free delivery for first time shoppers. The store can also have personalised free rewards for its most loyal customers. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is recommended that Pick n Pay engage in corporate social responsibility that target the needy in the society such as donating to elderly and orphanages and request their customers to donate their loyalty points to charities of their own choices. It is suggested that Pick n Pay promote excellent service and a wide variety of quality products to ensure their status consumption orientated customers remain loyal to the store. They can also offer a suggestions box for these customers to make them feel heard. Their employees should be selected based on contemporary skills such as digital- and green marketing and healthy living product knowledge and they should train their current employees on these areas to enable addressing customers’ queries confidently. This study has added to scarce academic literature on customers’ cultural orientations, sales promotion buying behaviour and store equity in Africa in general. From the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made in the body of knowledge on the influence of customers’ culture on buying behaviour towards sales promotions and store equity, especially in the retail field for stores such as Pick n Pay. This study was also the first to identify the major role demographics can play in customers’ cultural orientations and sales promotion buying behaviour. The recommendations can be useful to assist with developing marketing strategies suitable for any retail store such as Pick n Pay which wants to venture into African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Musekiwa, Albert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behaviour
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44565 , vital:38144
- Description: The store industry is globally the main distribution channel for grocery items to reach final consumers. Specifically for South Africa and Zimbabwe the store industry greatly contributes to the countrys economic growth. However, increasing competition in developed countries has forced store chains with a competitive edge in terms of promoting their brands and building market share such as Walmart and Spar to expand into the growing African market. Concomitantly, growing African store chains such as Choppies of Botswana are moving into new African markets such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Following this increasing competition, Pick n Pay a leading store chain in South Africa has responded by opening stores in African townships and other African countries such as Zimbabwe. This has resulted in Pick n Pay customers’ cultural diversity, and how to build and maintain market share through effective promotional and brand building strategies being areas of concern. Therefore the primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of Pick n Pay customers’ cultural orientations on their buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. From a comprehensive literature review, a hypothesised model was developed to determine the customers’ cultural orientations that might influence the buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and Pick n Pays store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Four customers cultural orientations were investigated namely, ubuntu/unhu, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and status consumption. This quantitative research approach study sought the perceptions of Pick n Pays customers on their cultural orientations, buying behaviour towards monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions and on store equity in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured hardcopy questionnaire, distributed via fieldworkers in both countries using a combination of convenience- and snowball sampling. A final usable sample of 500 respondents was obtained. The items in the questionnaire were validated by conducting exploratory factor analysis, where after the Cronbachs alpha values were calculated for each of the valid constructs to confirm inter-item reliability. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions was used to summarise the demographic profiles of the respondents and to describe the means and standard deviations of the valid constructs. The Pearsons product moment correlations revealed moderate correlations between monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions as well as non-monetary sales promotions and store equity in the full sample, and for the South African and Zimbabwean samples. Moderate correlation was also found in South African sample between Ubuntu ubuntu/unhu cultural orientation and non-monetary sales promotions. Multi-collinearity diagnostics testing was conducted prior to multiple regression analysis to confirm that there is no evidence of collinearity between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables. The multiple regression analysis revealed eight statistical significant relationships between the independent-, mediating- and dependent variables for the full sample while for the South African and Zimbabwean samples four and nine were found respectively. Although the full sample and Zimbabwean sample had similar statistically significant relationships, the relationship between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and store equity was unique to the Zimbabwean sample only. There was only a statistically significant relationship between a power distance cultural orientation and store equity for the South African sample. Structural equation modelling was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. Only two relationships found in the multiple regression analysis were not confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an confirmed in the structural equation modelling results, namely the relationships between an uncertainty avoidance cultural orientation and monetary sales promotions, as well as with non-monetary sales promotions. Six path relationships were confirmed in the structured equation modelling. These statistical significant path relationships were between an ubuntu/unhu- cultural orientation with monetary- and non-monetary sales promotions, as well as with store equity. A statistical significant path relationships were also found between a status consumption cultural orientation with non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. The sixth statistical significant path relationship was between non-monetary sales promotions and store equity. Furthermore, SEM confirmed full mediation of monetary sales promotions in the relationship between a status consumption cultural orientation and store equity. On the other hand, there were partial mediations of non-monetary sales promotions in the relationships between an ubuntu/unhu and status consumption cultural orientations with store equity. The SEM results also confirmed that the data fits the complete model. Multi-variant analysis of variance was carried out to determine if respondents’ demographic profiles influenced their cultural orientations and buying behaviour towards monetary-and non-monetary sales promotions. Post-hoc Scheffe tests identified sixteen statistically significant mean differences between the demographic data groups and the cultural orientation and sales promotions variables. Subsequently, the Cohens d analysis confirmed thirteen practical significant relationships, of which only three had large practical significance. Based on the MRA and SEM confirmed relationships, several suggestions are made. Ubuntu/Unhu and status consumption cultural orientations influenced buying behaviour towards non-monetary sales promotions. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is suggested that Pick n Pay keeps its non-monetary sales promotions open and accessible to most customers and sponsor more popular events such as competitions for baking, cooking and soccer. To target status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay should position its non-monetary sales promotions in line with their expectations such as promoting healthy living to appeal to its healthy conscious customers. Pick n Pay should also avoid making price the focal point when communicating to status consumption orientated consumers but rather focus on image building selling points such as store service. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, Pick n Pay should underscore the interdependence value in its communication of monetary sales promotions by offering monetary promotions with benefits for all family members. To entrench brand equity, Pick n Pay should engage ubuntu/unhu brand ambassadors from influential family members, friends and community groups such as church groups and provide after-sales service using 24hr customer service hotlines and social media to promote customer interaction any time of the day. Pick n Pay must consider entrenching the status consumption health conscious customers into interaction between themselves or the store through chatrooms or clubs to make sure they remain loyal to the store. It is recommended that Pick n Pay conduct non-monetary sales promotion by creating awareness campaigns for its organic and finest private brands in their Fresh Living Magazine so that customers have product knowledge and encourage them to become regular buyers. In-store distribution of product samples can also help build interest in the brands. Furthermore, employing data mining techniques on customer databases provided in Smartshopper and Rich Rewards loyalty programmes can help understanding specific target customer groups and developing target marketing campaigns. For status consumption orientated customers, Pick n Pay can incentivise the adoption of online shopping through sales promotions such as free delivery for first time shoppers. The store can also have personalised free rewards for its most loyal customers. For ubuntu/unhu orientated customers, it is recommended that Pick n Pay engage in corporate social responsibility that target the needy in the society such as donating to elderly and orphanages and request their customers to donate their loyalty points to charities of their own choices. It is suggested that Pick n Pay promote excellent service and a wide variety of quality products to ensure their status consumption orientated customers remain loyal to the store. They can also offer a suggestions box for these customers to make them feel heard. Their employees should be selected based on contemporary skills such as digital- and green marketing and healthy living product knowledge and they should train their current employees on these areas to enable addressing customers’ queries confidently. This study has added to scarce academic literature on customers’ cultural orientations, sales promotion buying behaviour and store equity in Africa in general. From the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made in the body of knowledge on the influence of customers’ culture on buying behaviour towards sales promotions and store equity, especially in the retail field for stores such as Pick n Pay. This study was also the first to identify the major role demographics can play in customers’ cultural orientations and sales promotion buying behaviour. The recommendations can be useful to assist with developing marketing strategies suitable for any retail store such as Pick n Pay which wants to venture into African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of dopants on thermoluminescence of Sr2MgSi2O7
- Thomas, Sunil, Kalita, Jitumani M, Chithambo, Makaiko L, Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M
- Authors: Thomas, Sunil , Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L , Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105148 , vital:32469 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.12.035
- Description: We report the influence of dopants on the thermoluminescence of Sr2MgSi2O7. Samples studied comprise undoped Sr2MgSi2O7 and doped versions, namely, Sr2MgSi2O7:Dy3+, Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu3+, Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ and Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors. All samples show a broad glow peak near 60 °C when measured at 1 °C/s after irradiation to 10 Gy. The peak changes with partial heating, irradiation and fades between irradiation and measurement in a manner expected of a composite one. The behaviour is used to exemplify the analysis of a composite peak on the basis that particular features reflect those of the dominant component.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thomas, Sunil , Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L , Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105148 , vital:32469 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.12.035
- Description: We report the influence of dopants on the thermoluminescence of Sr2MgSi2O7. Samples studied comprise undoped Sr2MgSi2O7 and doped versions, namely, Sr2MgSi2O7:Dy3+, Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu3+, Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ and Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors. All samples show a broad glow peak near 60 °C when measured at 1 °C/s after irradiation to 10 Gy. The peak changes with partial heating, irradiation and fades between irradiation and measurement in a manner expected of a composite one. The behaviour is used to exemplify the analysis of a composite peak on the basis that particular features reflect those of the dominant component.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019