Using data analysis and Information visualization techniques to support the effective analysis of large financial data sets
- Authors: Nyumbeka, Dumisani Joshua
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Information visualization Finance -- Mathematical models , Database management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12983 , vital:27141
- Description: There have been a number of technological advances in the last ten years, which has resulted in the amount of data generated in organisations increasing by more than 200% during this period. This rapid increase in data means that if financial institutions are to derive significant value from this data, they need to identify new ways to analyse this data effectively. Due to the considerable size of the data, financial institutions also need to consider how to effectively visualise the data. Traditional tools such as relational database management systems have problems processing large amounts of data due to memory constraints, latency issues and the presence of both structured and unstructured data The aim of this research was to use data analysis and information visualisation techniques (IV) to support the effective analysis of large financial data sets. In order to visually analyse the data effectively, the underlying data model must produce results that are reliable. A large financial data set was identified, and used to demonstrate that IV techniques can be used to support the effective analysis of large financial data sets. A review of the literature on large financial data sets, visual analytics, existing data management and data visualisation tools identified the shortcomings of existing tools. This resulted in the determination of the requirements for the data management tool, and the IV tool. The data management tool identified was a data warehouse and the IV toolkit identified was Tableau. The IV techniques identified included the Overview, Dashboards and Colour Blending. The IV tool was implemented and published online and can be accessed through a web browser interface. The data warehouse and the IV tool were evaluated to determine their accuracy and effectiveness in supporting the effective analysis of the large financial data set. The experiment used to evaluate the data warehouse yielded positive results, showing that only about 4% of the records had incorrect data. The results of the user study were positive and no major usability issues were identified. The participants found the IV techniques effective for analysing the large financial data set.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Water service delivery in Harare: a willingness to pay (WTP) analysis
- Authors: Mugomba, Lynsey M
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4120 , vital:20614
- Description: In 2008-2009, Harare (Zimbabwe) was the centre of the worst cholera outbreak in Africa in the past fifteen years. A key reason cited was the lack of adequate water service delivery by the Harare City Council (HCC). Harare requires an optimum supply of 1 400 mega litres (ML) of water daily but the HCC has capacity to produce 650ML and after leakages and theft, only 400ML reaches consumers. This inadequacy compromised the hygiene of residents and forced them to resort to unsafe water sources. Coupled with a failing healthcare system, the outbreak resulted in over 4 000 deaths and further affected 100 000 people. The HCC attributes its poor service delivery to the lack of funds rendering them unable to adequately increase capacity and refurbish existing infrastructure (treatment plants and pipelines). This thesis serves to explore whether the residents of Harare (and surrounding satellite towns) would be willing to pay monthly contributions towards the USD$2.5 billion needed for various water capacity and infrastructure projects to ease the water crisis in Harare. The study analyses the water problem using a framework on the typical stages of water provision. The research also places an emphasis on the key social, economic and political factors that are contributing to the problem in Harare. Upon closer inspection, it was seen that the financial problems that the HCC is having are not only due to the economy, but poor management and transparency structures are also to blame. For various reasons, the government has largely lost its credibility with its citizens, leading some to conclude that the government’s actions reflect those of a predatory state. The contingent valuation method (willingness to pay-WTP) was used in conjunction with the dichotomous choice referendum. The binary probit model was used to help assess the degree to which different variables influenced the respondent’s decision to contribute to the needed funds. In spite of the seeming lack of trust, it was found that approximately 66.19% of the respondents were willing to pay. Amongst those willing, the mean willingness to pay amount was approximately USD$7 monthly per household.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Water supply development decision-making in South Africa
- Authors: Preston, Ian Robert
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Water security -- South Africa , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Cost effectiveness , Water consumption -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Management , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020848
- Description: Balancing water demand and supply in South Africa involves high levels of uncertainty. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is responsible for making decisions to either increase water supply or decrease water demand so as to ensure that sufficient water is available, when and where it is needed. However, no retrospective analyses of such decisions have been found. One way to assess such decisions is to evaluate the associated costs and benefits thereof. Therefore the primary aim of this study is to evaluate the costs and benefits of selected water supply options, and of the decision-making associated with those options. In order to achieve this purpose, four case studies were analysed within a mixed-methods research paradigm, which used both quantitative and qualitative methods, including unit reference value (URV) analysis, inter- and intra-case analysis and content analysis to examine the success of the decisions made. The four case studies were conducted on the Inyaka, Nandoni, Berg and De Hoop dams and their catchments. Firstly, estimated and actual project costs were compared using unit reference analysis and inter-case analyses. Secondly, the reduction of mean annual runoff (MAR) caused by invasive alien plants (IAPs) and the cost of clearing them in the dam catchments were evaluated using inter-case analyses. Information thus gathered was used together with data from DWS documentation and the results of interviews with ten key specialists, to analyse the decision-making process that led to the decision to build De Hoop Dam (the most recent case study). The rational decision-making model (RDMM) was used as a framework within which to analyse and evaluate this decision-making process. This study has also demonstrated how the RDMM can be used to assess decision-making associated with water supply development. The results of this study show that there is considerable variation of estimated costs (at the time that the decision to build the dam was taken) in relation to the actual costs of building the dams and that Ministers were not put in a position to understand the full long-term costs or the opportunity costs of the proposed dams. Furthermore, the most recent IAP data (2008) shows that the impact on water security by IAPs could not offset the water security resulting from building each of the four dams. However, if IAP management is not continued in these catchments, the projected reduction of MAR by IAPs will compromise water security within 45 years. Given the almost exponential spread and densification of IAPs, together with their long-term impact on MAR and increased costs of controlling them, it is clear that IAP management should have been factored into water supply decision-making from the outset. In the analysis of the decision to build the De Hoop Dam, the results show that while the decision-making process that culminated in the decision to build the dam did not follow the steps of the RDMM, DWS appears to have followed a somewhat similar approach. It was found that while there was a need for the provision of additional water in the Olifants catchment, this need was overstated and the resulting overestimation caused the scale and size of the dam to be larger than it could and probably should have been. Additionally, it appears that DWS‘s decision to build the De Hoop Dam themselves, rather than having it built by the private sector, may have been less than optimal. It is recommended that, in future decision-making, DWS needs to incorporate multiple alternative options into the same solution, and to ensure that decision-makers are put into a position to make informed decisions, including adequate consideration of externalities. Furthermore, DWS needs to employ decision-making models such as the RDMM to facilitate retrospective analyses to improve their institutional knowledge. Keywords: water resources management, dams, invasive alien plants, decision-making, unit reference values, rational decision-making model.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Weak form market efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange : pre during and post the 2008 global financial crisis
- Authors: Futshane, Olwetu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 Efficient market theory Random walks (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11895 , vital:39116
- Description: The importance of the efficiency of the stock market cannot be underestimated, given that it brings together those who demand and supply development finance. It is against this background that this study focused on analysing the weak form efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the period 2005 to 2016. The study reviewed the theoretical and empirical literatures which have tried to examine the market efficiency of the Johannesburg stock exchange and whether the JSE follows that random walk. Based on the review of literature, several methodologies such as (unit root tests, autocorrelation test) were employed in the study obtaining robust results that the JSE price indices (All Share, Resources and Financials) follow the random walk process. To further confirm the findings in this research, the variance ratio test is conducted under heteroscedasticity and homoscedasticity it also strongly verified that the existence of a random walk process cannot be rejected in the JSE. The empirical results from all the various tests reveal that the null hypothesis of random walk cannot be rejected. These results thus suggest that the JSE is efficient in its weak form. This commends all the measures which have been carried out to ensure that the market is efficient.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Workplace bullying and job engagement on the intention to leave among nurses at selected hospitals in the Chris Hani district, Eastern Cap
- Authors: Ngamani, Theolin Busisiwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Harassment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Intimidation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12700 , vital:39300
- Description: Orientation: Workplace bullying and job engagement influence the degree of employees’ intention to leave their jobs. Research purpose: The overall objective of this research was to establish the relationship between workplace bullying and job engagement and how they impact on the intention to leave. Motivation for the study: Nursing turnover seems to be one of the challenges facing health care sector in South Africa. Workplace bullying and job engagement need to be examined in order to retain best nurses as they influence the degree of employee’s intention to leave. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research design was used to investigate the degree to which workplace bullying and job engagement predict on the intention to leave. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from a simple random sample of 228 nurses. Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed to test the relationship between workplace bullying, job engagement and the intention to leave. Main findings: Four hypotheses were extracted: There is a significant relationship between workplace bullying and the intention to leave, there is a significant relationship between job engagement and the intention to leave, there is a significant relationship between workplace bullying and job engagement, and there is a significant combined effect of workplace bullying and job engagement on prediction of the intention to leave. The results highlighted a significant combined effect of workplace bullying and job engagement on prediction of the intention to leave. Practical Implications: Based on the findings, the study concludes that workplace bullying and job engagement in nursing are prevalent and have a negative impact on the intention to leave as most of the victims are thinking of quitting once bullying has taken place. Contribution: This study provides a holistic understanding of workplace bullying and job engagement and how they impact on the intention to leave. The findings reflect a significant combined effect of workplace bullying and job engagement on prediction of the intention to leave. It was indicated that workplace bullying and job engagement influenced the extent of employees’ intention to leave.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A comparative analysis of derivative regulation following the global financial crisis : an emerging markets perspective
- Authors: Mpala, Nqobile Natasha
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Derivative securities , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Capital market -- Developing countries , Derivative securities -- Developing countries , International economic relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018660
- Description: The international financial environment has become riskier due to the recent developments in product offerings and failure of regulation to keep abreast with these changes. The Global Financial Crisis exposed inadequacies of regulation, thus consensus on the need for comprehensive and uniform regulation was made by G-20 member states. Imposing exchange trading, clearing, reporting and capital requirements on the derivatives market are some of the ways of dealing with the problems caused by lax regulatory oversight. In this study, through the comparative analysis of derivatives regulation in South Africa, Brazil, India and Turkey, it was established that emerging countries are taking active steps to implement the G-20 agreement. Uniformity in the core rules was noted, with differences in the supportive legislation. Country specific rules which support the macroeconomic factors that are faced by these countries and the infrastructure available for regulatory execution are used amongst countries. The study concluded that current regulation in emerging countries is accommodative and regulatory differences are in line with economic factors in each country.
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- Date Issued: 2015
A model for context awareness for mobile applications using multiple-input sources
- Authors: Pather, Direshin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Context-aware computing , Mobile apps , MIMO systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2969 , vital:20378
- Description: Context-aware computing enables mobile applications to discover and benefit from valuable context information, such as user location, time of day and current activity. However, determining the users’ context throughout their daily activities is one of the main challenges of context-aware computing. With the increasing number of built-in mobile sensors and other input sources, existing context models do not effectively handle context information related to personal user context. The objective of this research was to develop an improved context-aware model to support the context awareness needs of mobile applications. An existing context-aware model was selected as the most complete model to use as a basis for the proposed model to support context awareness in mobile applications. The existing context-aware model was modified to address the shortcomings of existing models in dealing with context information related to personal user context. The proposed model supports four different context dimensions, namely Physical, User Activity, Health and User Preferences. A prototype, called CoPro was developed, based on the proposed model, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. Several experiments were designed and conducted to determine if CoPro was effective, reliable and capable. CoPro was considered effective as it produced low-level context as well as inferred context. The reliability of the model was confirmed by evaluating CoPro using Quality of Context (QoC) metrics such as Accuracy, Freshness, Certainty and Completeness. CoPro was also found to be capable of dealing with the limitations of the mobile computing platform such as limited processing power. The research determined that the proposed context-aware model can be used to successfully support context awareness in mobile applications. Design recommendations were proposed and future work will involve converting the CoPro prototype into middleware in the form of an API to provide easier access to context awareness support in mobile applications.
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- Date Issued: 2015
A study of job stress, job satisfaction and turnover intentions among employees of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature in Bisho
- Authors: Tom, Zoliswa Mavis
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Job stress Job satisfaction Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1948 , vital:27587
- Description: According to Greenberg (2011) stress is an inevitable fact of organizational life today, and has an effect on both the employer and employee. The main aim of this study was on finding out the effect of job stress on job satisfaction and employee turnover in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature department. This study was conducted employing logical positivism as the philosophical paradigm; and this logical positivism derives from only two sources of knowledge which are logical reasoning and empirical experience. The researcher employed a non-experimental exploratory quantitative approach, employing the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. A sample size of 238 participants was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multi regressions. Job stress was found to have substantial influence to increase turnover intentions and to decrease job satisfaction. In addition, job stress and job satisfaction combine to have a collective influence on turnover intentions. The study recommends managers to implement motivational strategies to enhance job satisfaction and retain employees as long as possible.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of interest deductions and other financial payments in terms of South African income tax legislation
- Authors: Kula, Xoliswa Beverley
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Tax planning -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8188 , vital:25945
- Description: Tax avoidance through interest deductions has been highlighted internationally as a concern with the effect of eroding tax revenues of countries, including South Africa (SA). The evident cause of this concern is what is termed base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) mainly orchestrated by multinational companies using aggressive tax planning schemes. Although the concern continues to exist, comprehensive measures are in place in SA such as the anti-avoidance rules and exchange control regulations to mitigate the concern. The study was undertaken to analyse the legislation on interest deductions in terms of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 (‘the Act’) with particular focus on anti-avoidance. A number of issues pertaining to the operation of the provisions in the Act; administrative challenges as well the possible exploitation of loopholes within the provisions were identified. Furthermore, a comparative analysis conducted against Australia and the United Kingdom indicated that the measures adopted in SA are relatively similar, if not ahead. The effect the anti-avoidance measures have on the economic growth was considered. The results were positive in that the measures do not counteract the pursuit of economic growth. Lastly, the study assessed the position of SA against the internationally recommended best practice on the subject matter and it became evident that opportunities exist to improve the current measures applied in SA to mitigate the BEPS risks through interest deductions.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
- Authors: Van Heerden, Gillian
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017546
- Description: The underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) and their subsequent low long-run performance represents one of the anomalies observed in primary markets worldwide. However, the depth and breadth of it varies from country to country, and sector to sector. Literature has documented that the phenomenon surrounding the long-run post issue performance of IPOs is not unique and that quite similar patterns can be found regarding firms making seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). This study is an empirical analysis of public equity offerings listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Using data for 141 South African IPOs that were listed on the JSE Mainboard from 2001 to 2010, significant short-run underpricing is found. A sector wise analysis of three broad sectors indicated that the ‘other’ sector had the largest IPO underpricing after the first few days of trading. The year-wise analysis is also documented. In the long-run this study showed that IPOs in South Africa underperformed two out of three benchmarks in 36 full months post listing. In contrast, using data for 50 South African SEOs during 2003 to 2010, superior SEO performance is found over a 36-month period when assessed using a size and industry adjusted benchmark. Various cross-sectional and time-series patterns in the aftermarket performance of IPO and SEO firms are also documented
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- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of the income tax consequences resulting from implementing the Income Tax Bill (2012) in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kanyenze, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Income tax deductions -- Zimbabwe , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017536
- Description: The Income Tax Bill (2012) proposes certain changes to the existing Income Tax Act that will impact on the method used to determine the taxable income of a taxpayer in Zimbabwe. Therefore, it is important to understand the tax consequences the Income Tax Bill creates for the taxpayer. The research aimed to elaborate on and explain the tax consequences that will arise as a result of applying the Income Tax Bill in Zimbabwe. The research was based on a qualitative method which involved the analysis and the interpretation of extracts from legislation and articles written on the proposed changes. The current “gross income” of a taxpayer consists of amounts earned from a source within or deemed to be from within Zimbabwe The proposed changes to the Act will change the tax system to a residence-based system, where resident taxpayers are taxed on amounts earned from all sources. Therefore, the driving factor which determines the taxability of an amount will become the taxpayer’s residency. Clause 2 of the proposed Act provides that income earned by a taxpayer should be separated into employment income, business income, property income and other specified income. This will make it unnecessary to determine the nature of an amount because capital amounts will be subject to income tax. The current Act provides for the deduction of expenditure incurred for the purpose of trade or in the production of income. Section 31(1)(a) of the proposed Act will restrict permissible deductions to expenditure incurred in the production of income. Consequently, expenditure not incurred for the purpose of earning income will no longer be deductible when the Income Tax Bill is implemented. The proposed Income Tax Act will increase the taxable income of a taxpayer as it makes amounts that are not currently subject to tax taxable, whilst restricting the deductions claimable.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of the risk adjusted returns of active versus passive South African general equity unit trusts during varying economic periods: an individual investor's perspective
- Authors: Ferreira, James Stuart
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mutual funds , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Risk assessment , Financial crises -- South Africa , Portfolio management , Financial planners
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019753
- Description: This thesis used the events of the 2007 financial crisis as a means of being able to add to the research already done on South African unit trusts. The objective was to study the risk-adjusted performance of South African general equity unit trusts against the market during the period between 2005 and 2014. This period took into account the bull market preceding the financial crisis, the market crash of 2007 and the subsequent market recovery that followed. Data was obtained online through the I-Net BFA data base and included 161 general equity unit trusts that contained a full data set. In addition to the general equity unit trusts, the Satrix40 was studied to compare a passive unit trust against those that are actively managed. The 10 year Government bond was also used as a risk-free rate to add to the comparisons of performance results. The Sharpe, Treynor and Jensen measures were applied to the data with the results adding more support to the opinions that markets are fairly efficient and active investment strategies are being challenged by consistently well performing passive investments. Throughout the duration of the study, taking into account the varying economic cycles, the Satrix40 passive investment showed the best average overall return on simple return calculations as well as during the risk-adjusted measurements. In support of active investment management, unit trusts showed their best relative performance figures during the period of the financial crisis. This suggested that active financial managers were able to make the active calls necessary to weather the storm of the financial crisis. While the study did have its limitations, the results it produced are intended to offer investors further knowledge in enabling them to make more educated investment decisions in the future.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An analysis of the tax consequences of the double tax agreement between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Authors: Mkabile, Nwabisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Income tax -- South Africa -- Foreign income , Income tax -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Foreign income
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017539
- Description: As a result of the different tax systems adopted by countries, foreign-sourced income earned by taxpayers may be subject to double taxation. This may therefore impede cross-border trade and investment. Double taxation relief is provided unilaterally, in terms of a country’s domestic laws or bilaterally in terms of Double Taxation Agreements. South African residents earning income from the Democratic Republic of Congo may be subject to tax in both countries. To eliminate such double taxation the South African Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962, provides for unilateral relief from double taxation in the form of exemptions, rebates and deductions. The double tax agreement between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo came into effect recently and double taxation relief for South African residents is now also available in terms of tax treaty law. The objective of the research was to determine whether the combination of the unilateral measures and the double tax agreement provide relief in respect of all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was concluded that the double tax agreement, together with the unilateral relief provided for in the Income Tax Act will grant relief for all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of e-tolling as a method of financing Gauteng roads
- Authors: Ponter, Lloyd Anthony
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Toll roads -- Taxation -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Electronic Road Pricing System -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Toll roads -- South Africa -- Gauteng -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017185
- Description: E-tolling was recently implemented on roads in Gauteng, South Africa. This gave rise to a great deal of protest by road users and a court battle between the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, a body representing road users. The e-tolling system was criticised at various levels and on numerous grounds, some financial and others appearing to be emotional. This thesis attempted to analyse the various grounds for objection against the system, the main goal of the research being to analyse e-tolling in Gauteng to ascertain whether or not the introduction of e-tolling was justified or whether an alternative method of taxation to pay for the upgrading of Gauteng roads would have been more cost-effective. Secondary data in the form of documents from multiple sources was used in the analysis, including an Economic Impact Assessment that was one of the key inputs into the decision to introduce e-tolling. It was found that there are multiple problems plaguing the e-toll system and e-tolling is not the most cost-effective taxation method of paying for Gauteng roads. Using a fuel levy or general tax revenue available to the National Treasury were both found to be more cost-effective methods as they would have achieved the same result (repairing and upgrading specific Gauteng roads), at a cost of R20,0913 billion less than e-tolling. It was suggested that the best taxation method/s to pay for the roads would have been using a fuel levy and general tax revenue as the primary funding methods, with vehicle licensing fees and long distance toll roads as secondary methods to aid the primary methods.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An investigation into the use of social media channels within the South African retail banking environment in support of creating and maintaining brand loyalty
- Authors: Purohit, Ashish
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects , Banks and banking -- Internet marketing -- South Africa , Bank marketing -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa , Structural equation modeling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018920
- Description: The use of social media in the retail banking environment has changed the way the banking industry communicates with customers, creates sales and performs marketing and operational tasks. Social media strategies need to be aligned to business goals and effectively used to integrate social media as part of the overall marketing strategy. Only by understanding brand loyalty, multi-channel systems and social media channels can marketers effectively implement social media. In measuring brand loyalty, factors that influence customer buying behaviour and components that influence online interaction are essential in engaging different groups of customers in social media. This research study aimed to examine the use of social media within the South African retail banking environment with a focus on creating and maintaining brand loyalty. An exploratory, mixed method research design was employed. Data collection instruments used in the study includes online surveys, structured interviews, and focus groups. Participants consisted of marketing personnel and customers. Three lead/head social media marketing personnel participated in the interview process, 14 marketing personnel took the online survey and 4 participated in a focus group. Participants for the online survey also consisted of 40 customers who were connected through the internet and performed various online banking activities. Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Data from the online surveys completed by customers was analysed quantitatively using descriptive analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM) and factor analysis which was performed on the brand loyalty variables and the brand loyalty measures. Content analysis was used to qualitatively analyse data from the structured interviews. Data from the online surveys completed by marketing personnel was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings indicated that social media forms an integral part of the marketing strategy that needs be aligned with the core business goals. Banks therefore need to focus on creating campaigns that are fun, exciting and appealing to the target market. A culture of innovation and new ideas is essential to grow the product/service. Building brand trust and creating customer satisfaction forms the core of creating brand loyalty on social media. Banks need to be aware of factors that influence customer brand loyalty and components that influence loyalty on social media in order to measure things that matter through analytical tools so that an actionable strategy can be put in place and implemented.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Analysis of calendar effects and market anomalies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Authors: Atsin, Achiapo Jessica Lisette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Stocks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020372
- Description: This study sought to empirically investigate the existence of calendar effects and market anomalies on the JSE using monthly and daily closing prices of the ALSI, Top 40, Mid Cap and Small Cap index; as well as, daily closing prices on the Value, Growth and Dividend Plus index during the sample period 2002 – 2013. The anomalies analysed are the January effect, the weekend effect, the size effect, the value effect, and the dividend yield effect. The empirical analysis uses a number of MSAR with a different number of regimes and lag orders. The results from the investigation of the January effect show the non-existence of the January effect and the value effect on the JSE during the periods 2002 – 2013 and 2004 – 2013, respectively. However, the weekend effect was found significant in the Mid Cap and the Small Cap index, and the size effect was also found significant during the same period 2002 - 2013. Finally the results from a Granger causality test concluded that there is a relationship between the returns on the Dividend Plus index and the ALSI, effectively proving the existence of the dividend yield effect on the JSE between 2006 and 2013. Additionally, the anomalies found imply the opportunity for investors to make returns above buy-and-hold.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Automated statistical audit system for a government regulatory authority
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Base erosion and profit shifting by multinational corporations and weaknesses revealed in South African income tax legislation
- Authors: Peerbhai, Aneesa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Corporations -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017540
- Description: This research examined the concept of base erosion and profit shifting in the context of tax schemes employed by multinational corporations. The objective of this thesis was to identify weaknesses within South Africa’s income tax legislation, based on these schemes, and further to propose recommendations to counter the occurrence of base erosion and profit shifting by multinational companies. The research also comprised of a limited review of current global and South African initiatives to address the problem of base erosion and profit shifting. It was concluded that there are a number of weaknesses in the definitions and provisions of the South African income tax legislation that need to be addressed in order to reduce base erosion and profit shifting. Brief recommendations were proposed in relation to each of the weaknesses, in order to address them.
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- Date Issued: 2015
E-commerce: the challenge of virtual permanent establishments
- Authors: Adlkofer, Michelle Leigh , Venter, Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , Electronic commerce , Electronic commerce -- Taxation , Double taxation -- Treaties , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020057
- Description: The continued growth of world commerce has led to the advance of the permanent establishment principles. These principles are, however, constantly challenged by the developments of e-commerce. This thesis considers the taxing of a permanent establishment and the influence of e-commerce on the concept of a permanent establishment. In 2000, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) developed and introduced guidelines on how to deal with e-commerce in the context of a permanent establishment. Since the OECD guidelines on e-commerce were issued, the permanent establishment principles have come under further scrutiny. The latest development came about in 2013 with the release of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”) Action Plan. This Action Plan addresses the intention of the OECD to deal with the taxing of the digital economy. With the development of e-commerce and the result of e-commerce creating intangible boundaries between countries, the concept of a virtual permanent establishment has emerged. This has resulted in the need to tax a presence of an enterprise in a jurisdiction where no actual physical connection can be established. Various authors have made suggestions on how to ensure that an economy in which business is being carried on is correctly compensated for in the form of taxes. The source of income is the driving force for the imposition of taxation today. The main goal of this thesis was to explore the alignment of the concepts of a permanent establishment and e-commerce in the digital economy. This study therefore examined the concepts of both permanent establishments and e-commerce, and explored authors’ views and suggestions on how to deal with the inter-related effects of these two concepts. The relevant Action Points in the OECD Action Plan were also considered. , Maiden name: Venter, Michelle
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- Date Issued: 2015
Earnings quality and equity returns : evidence of the accrual anomaly from the South African equity market
- Authors: Lutchmun, Thashveen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Earnings management -- South Africa , Accounting -- Standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017537
- Description: A key incentive for accounting research is to provide evidence on the usefulness of earnings in making economic decisions. Of particular interest over the last two decades is the issue of the quality of financial reporting, specifically the quality of earnings, given the number of global financial scandals reported during that period. The quality of earnings is driven by the choices, estimates and judgments that the accounting standards make available to managers in order to portray the firm’s economic position and performance in a timely and credible manner. However, this leeway in financial reporting also creates opportunities for earnings management. The objective of this thesis is firstly to establish whether earnings manipulation has had the ability to predict cross-sectional returns in South Africa during the 2007-2014 period. In other words, the purpose of this thesis is to find evidence whether the market reacts to earnings management practices, as measured by accruals, and rewards high earnings quality companies with higher equity returns (a process known as the accrual anomaly). The timeframe selected for the research encompasses the global financial crisis, a period in which accounting manipulation incentives are likely to be strong. Secondly, this study attempts to establish the presence of the accrual anomaly amongst growth and value firms. The motivations for earnings management of the former are expected to be strong. Securities are allocated to portfolios according to accruals and the subsequent equity returns are analysed cross-sectionally to establish the existence of the accrual anomaly and hence assessing the usefulness of earnings manipulation in predicting equity returns. To provide evidence for the presence of the accrual anomaly amongst growth and value shares, securities are independently allocated to portfolios according to their book-to-market ratio and accruals and a cross-sectional analysis is performed on their subsequent equity returns. In order to increase the robustness of the tests, two measures of accruals are used: a balance sheet approach and a cash flow measure. Evidence is provided for the presence of the accrual anomaly among South African listed companies for the balance sheet measure of accruals but not the cash flow approach. Whilst the accrual anomaly is significantly present in a growth-neutral-value construct, statistical significance is not established when growth and value shares are considered individually.
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- Date Issued: 2015