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The influence of visual identity elements on the creation of a footwear brand in Ghana

  • Authors: Kwarteng-Amaniampong, Emmanuel
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- Ghana , Brand name products -- Ghana , Footwear industry -- Ghana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65666 , vital:74226
  • Description: Branding is crucial to increase and improve competitiveness in the contemporary market. Due to consumers' sophisticated and high standards for various branded items and services, marketers and organisations are now investing in branding to increase the visibility of their goods and services. All industries share this. The high demand for international footwear brands in Ghana has made the local market uncompetitive, causing many local footwear organisations to lose customers and income to their international competitors and ultimately leading to the failure of many local footwear organisations (Agyeman, 2013:24; Vidal, 2022:2). To save Ghana's declining footwear industry, a new footwear brand must be built. The commitment to the effective implementation of the new footwear brand will raise consumer awareness, improve its visual and cognitive image, and increase its competitiveness. The study investigated how footwear manufacturers could build a powerful brand to save Ghana's domestic footwear market. The study also examined how visual identity elements affected the new footwear brand identity development in Ghana's footwear manufacturing industry. The necessary sample was drawn using convenience non-probability sampling approaches, cluster sampling, and basic random probability sampling. A questionnaire was used in the study's quantitative research design to collect the primary data from a sample of 400 consumers who made footwear purchases at Ghana's three biggest malls: Kumasi City Mall, Accra City Mall, and Achimota Mall in the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions, respectively. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents via email, then, IBM SPSS (version 28)and AMOS software were used to investigate the data. Descriptive statistics andinferential statistics were the two main types of analysis used for the primary data. These provided the frequency tables showing data structures, correlations showing relationships between variables, regressions showing visual identity elements as predictors of footwear brand identity in Ghana. From the empirical results, the visual identity elements: brand name, logo and symbol colour, slogan, and typography had a statistically significant relationship with the new footwear brand identity in Ghana. The results further reveal that brand awareness and brand image significantly measured the new footwear brand identity. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The intimate relationships of Xhosa men from the East London area: perceptions of the role and responsibilities

  • Authors: Ntsaka, Ayanda
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Intimate relationship , Indigenous Knowledge
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62958 , vital:73076
  • Description: Exploring gender identity and ideology can broaden our comprehension of how gender roles and responsibilities are carried out, and how disparities may be experienced. It is critical to explore them, within research, to generate new insight into the views and positioning of individuals, within their intimate relationships. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of isiXhosa men about their roles and responsibilities in intimate relationships. The study was broken down into three objectives which were: to explore perceptions of their role within their relationship, to explore their perceptions of their responsibilities within their relationship; and to explore factors supporting change within the roles and responsibilities. The study took the format of an exploratory descriptive research design. Ten Xhosa men were selected as participants using snowball sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Data was analysed using Braune and Clarke’s (2006) reflexive thematic analysis. The study came to the conclusion that there are two main roles of Xhosa men in intimate relationship, namely: head of the house; and the provider. Three dominant responsibilities were found to be common among the participants, namely, making all main decisions, providing financial support, and responsibility to safeguard. The study also found factors causing Xhosa men to change their roles and responsibilities in intimate relationsh were unemployment, disrespectful partner, extended family needs, demanding job and inadequate income from work. Lastly, the study concluded that the extent to which the changes of the roles and responsibilities among Xhosa men may affect their intimate relationships include break-ups/divorce, domestic violence, dysfunctional families – fragmentation of families and mental and emotional health issues. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The role of dynamic capabilities and enterprise risk management on SMMEs business continuity in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Sishuba, Hlumela
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Risk management , Crisis management -- South Africa , Small business -- Management -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65979 , vital:74293
  • Description: Business continuity does not happen by chance, it is rather enabled or propelled by various activities in business operations. This study examines the role of dynamic capabilities and enterprise risk management and their role in the continuity of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Fixated in the positivist paradigm, this study adopted a quantitative research approach to collect data from 105 SMMEs registered with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, who were sampled using stratified and convenience sampling. Data was collected via an online survey on Google Forms and analysed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis methods were applied using SPSS version 23. The analysis was done in three phases. Firstly, the researcher conducted a reliability analysis of the questionnaire, and secondly, a descriptive statistical analysis to examine the research questions. The third phase was a statistical analysis to test the hypothesis. A Pearson‟s correlation test was performed to test the relationship between dynamic capabilities and enterprise risk management. The findings showed that, as enterprise risk is managed, dynamic capabilities increase, and thus there is a significant relationship between dynamic capabilities and enterprise risk management. The correlation between the variables which measured the dynamic capabilities and those which measured enterprise risk management seemed to be significant as they were all above 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that dynamic capabilities and enterprise risk management contribute to business continuity. This means that dynamic capabilities enhance business continuity, dynamic capabilities enhance enterprise risk management and enterprise risk management enhances business continuity. To leverage these positive relations, SMMEs ought to employ ERM experts or engage ERM consultants who will design Enterprise Risk management (ERM) strategies that are compatible with their enterprises. It is also recommended for SMMEs to have quarterly evaluations of the Enterprise Risk Management strategies and Dynamic Capabilities that enhance their business continuity planning , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The role of mentoring in the advancement of female leadership in corporate organisations

  • Authors: Mhlanga, Siyavuya Marcia
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Leadership in women -- South Africa , Women executives , Mentoring in business
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65762 , vital:74235
  • Description: Richard Branson reportedly said that “if you ask any successful business person, at some point along the road, they will always have had a great mentor”. The lack of representation of females at senior and executive levels is slowly transforming, yet not at the required rate. The study was conducted to evaluate the role of mentoring in the advancement of female leadership in corporate organisations. The research method that was followed was a qualitative and explanatory inductive approach to interview participants and observe their experiences and opinions with regard to the role of mentoring in the advancement of women through the following themes: job satisfaction, organisational culture, organisational development mentoring and the barriers and challenges that affect women. The focus area includes women in current senior level positions who have aspirations to advance into more senior or executive levels. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the globe, a small group of well-respected individuals was selected according to their credibility. The key observations reflected within the study that the themes which were dominant included the following: 1)inequality, 2) lack of support and the importance of a sponsor/coach and 3) barriersand challenges (the “glass ceiling” and “boys club”) that still exist. The findings of the study will equip the role players within corporate organisations and associated bodies to ensure mentoring is used and encouraged for adoption among all organisations, implement mentorship strategies and apply the ADAPT mentoring model. Furthermore, the findings will serve to bring relevant insights and recommendations to promote more women in senior, executive and board-level positions. The implications of the findings suggest that mentoring is an enabler of advancement leverage for female leadership into senior and executive levels. The limitations of the study were the effects of COVID-19 and the subsequent countrywide lockdown, where constraints of meeting in person, availability of time, network and data constraints availed themselves. The researcher was unbale to ascertain long-term effects of the role of mentoring in advancing female leadership, but rather encourages its main benefits and is positive of the influence it may hold to set a precedent. The study established that the ability to create spaces of empowering women in corporates builds strong, economically viable corporates that promote mentoring to advance female representation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The state of professional compliance during project implementation in a selected construction industry in Gauteng

  • Authors: Mailula, Manyaku Jerida
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Project management -- South Africa , Construction industry -- South Africa -- Management , Construction industry -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65677 , vital:74227
  • Description: Public sector construction projects in South Africa are not always implemented successfully as a result of professional non-compliance in the construction industry by professionals entrusted with the responsibility to deliver construction projects. Professionals in the construction industry registered with the built environment regulatory bodies must demonstrate professionalism in terms of competency and conduct when carrying out their professional duties as prescribed by the relevant regulatory bodies they belong to. This study utilised a qualitative case study to investigate the state of professional compliance during project implementation in a selected construction industry in Gauteng. A purposive sampling method was adopted to select participants with at least two years’ experience in managing public sector construction project implementation in Gauteng, resulting in 11 participants in the study. Semi-structured interview questions were designed and put to the participants during telephonic interviews. The research findings suggest that professional competency and conduct compliance requirements which contribute to effective project implementation include a relevant qualification as an initial step to become professional in the construction industry, followed by work experience, knowledge and registration with relevant regulatory and professional bodies which also require registered professionals to abide by their ethics and code of conduct. The findings suggest that the forms of non-compliance in terms of professional competency and conduct affecting effective project implementation were the result of a lack of experience or knowledge of construction professionals in relation to the project, poor quality of work and professionals’ neglect of duties. The perceived types of professional non-compliance affecting effective project implementation in the construction industry revealed by the findings included amongst others, breach of obligations, corruption, bribery and fraud, conflict of interest and carelessness; and factors of professional non-compliance such as high discounts, community disruptions, junior staff not been monitored, political relations and competition. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The use of a feminist political economy framework to implement the African Union’s development plan

  • Authors: Ngunjiri, Michelle Wangari
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Feminist economics , Women -- Government policy , African Union , Sustainable development -- Africa Africa -- Economic policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65891 , vital:74281
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if the African Union can achieve sustainable and inclusive growth through the adoption of a feminist political economy framework. This was done by investigating the potential gendered impact of the recently operationalised African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on African women. The specific indicator of sustainable and inclusive growth utilised was the “income poverty and equity parameter”. Owing to the contemporary nature of the trade agreement, a historical analysis of gender mainstreaming efforts within African Regional Economic Communities was undertaken. This aided in determining the arbitrary treatment of gender provisions in regional trade initiatives. Additionally, a nexus was drawn between the role of African hegemonies and the disregard for gender sensitivity in trade policies. It was found that despite the existence of gender mainstreaming tools, the achievement of sustainable and inclusive growth by the African Union will be unattainable. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

The use of a novel chemical system towards improving waste tyre pyrolysis and the quality of waste tyre pyrolysis products

  • Authors: Tsipa, Phuti Cedric , Iwarere, Samuel
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Tires -- Recycling , Rubber chemicals , Rubber, Reclaimed
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctorial theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62666 , vital:72912
  • Description: Pyrolysis process is one of the most efficient methods in the waste tyre recycling sector at this moment, hence the attention it is receiving. However, this process has some limitations, with the main one being that it is non-conventional and typically energy intensive. In addition, its resultant products have been reported to have significantly poorer properties relative to their virgin counterparts, making it difficult to incorporate them in the mainstream of raw materials. For instance, waste tyre pyrolysis oil typically has poor fuel properties, high sulfur content, high amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and strong unpleasant odour; on the other hand, the quality of the recovered carbon black is dependent on the feedstock and the pyrolysis process conditions. Hence the need for further research and development to make the process effective and improve the quality of resultant products. The aim of this research project was to study the impact of pre-pyrolysis treatment of tyre crumbs and post-pyrolysis treatment of the oil using a novel chemical system on the quality/composition of the resultant products. In addition, the study compared the impact of pre- and post-pyrolysis treatments on the optimum pyrolysis time and temperature (energy). The equipment employed in this study included a vertical fixed bed pyrolysis pilot reactor (modified to suit the reaction/experiment) as well as characterization techniques such as fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur – CHNS analysis), gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GCMS), gas chromatography coupled to flame photometric detector (GCFPD), thermo-gravimetric and derivative analysis (TG/DTG isothermal analysis, and proximate analysis) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The highlight of the findings is that chemically pre-treating tyre crumbs with a mixture of protonic acid and organic solvent before pyrolysis significantly lowered the temperature required to pyrolyze them, from around 400-500 ℃ to 100-115 ℃. This meant that by using the chemical treatment on waste tyres a lot of energy can be saved. In addition, the sulfur content in the oil fraction was reduced from a total of 1.7 wt% to a total of about 0.2 wt%. This also showed that the contaminants in oil were significantly reduced. The oil was condensed into three (3) collectors for fractionation; in collector 2 was about 54 % of the total oil with sulfur content of about 0.015 wt%. The PAHs amounts were also lowered, as literature indicated that PAHs are mostly formed at around 600-700 ℃. It was also found that the oil produced from post-pyrolysis treatment of oil has a petroleum-like smell, whereas the pre-pyrolysis treated oil has a tyre-like pungent odour. Furthermore, the post-pyrolysis treated oil contains higher contents of alkanes and benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX). Findings of this study have a profound potential impact on the waste tyre recycling industry; for example, reduced production energy cost due to lowered temperature required for pyrolysis, improved quality of the products such as lowered sulfur and PAHs content as well as improved quality of the residual char and odour. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

Traditional birth attendants’ perceptions of their role in caring for women during childbirth in the Nyandeni sub-district

  • Authors: Sinxi, Sisanda
  • Date: 2023-12
  • Subjects: Traditional Birth , Midwives--Nyandeni sub district
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63012 , vital:73082
  • Description: The role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) has been within remote communities for a long time. TBAs remain a major health resource in rural communities in developing countries as well as in some parts of urban areas. South Africa is a long way from effectively utilising TBAs as a community resource to enhance access to maternity services. This qualitative study, with an explorative, contextual, and descriptive design, included ten (n=12) TBAs aged between 38 and 56 years who met the inclusion criteria and were interviewed for the study. The objective of the study was to explore and describe TBAs’ perceptions of their role in caring for women during childbirth in the Nyandeni Sub-district. Data for this study was collected using face-to- face and individual semi-structured interviews, and field notes. Recorded data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, namely: TBAs perceive their role in caring for women as an essential service to women in the community; they believe that they possess the knowledge to conduct deliveries safely; and acknowledge that collaboration with the Department of Health could strengthen rural midwifery services. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-12

A qualitative systematic review exploring online learning experiences among university students during Covid-19: An African Context

  • Authors: Thoka, Tebogo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-6367
  • Date: 2023-11
  • Subjects: Internet in higher education , Education, Higher -- Computer-assisted instruction , Communicable diseases
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28606 , vital:74472
  • Description: The sudden and immediate transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, particularly within the education sector. In Africa, this shift was necessitated by the need to safeguard lives and preserve the academic year. However, the absence of adequate contextual consideration introduced additional complexities, influencing how students in the African context navigated their learning experiences during this unique time.This study aimed to comprehensively synthesize the online learning experiences of university students in Africa amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the influence of these experiences on academic performance. Drawing from the systematic review protocol proposed by Hemingway and Brereton, seven (7) qualitative research articles were rigorously selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and meticulously examined.Thematic analysis of the chosen articles revealed two overarching themes. The first, "Emotional Distress," encapsulated students' experiences of anxiety, depressive emotions, and anger. Contributing factors included limited interaction opportunities, a sense of isolation, insufficient online learning resources, inflexible course structures, and non-conducive learning environments. The second overarching theme, "Growth," encompassed improvements in grades and enhanced self-directed learning abilities.These findings hold significant implications for the enhancement of online learning experiences in Africa. To address the challenges associated with emotional distress and foster growth, we propose the following recommendations: increased focus on social interaction and support mechanisms, equitable access to online resources, flexible course structures, and fostering conducive learning environments. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-11

Assessing the impact of access to climate services on smallholder farmers cropping decisions and household food security in Elundini Municipality, Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Nocezo, Yanga-Inkosi
  • Date: 2023-11
  • Subjects: Food security -- Climatic factors , Vegetation and climate , Crops and climate
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28882 , vital:75366
  • Description: Climate variability has significant implications for crop production and overall food security. Climate services which provide tailored and localised climate information have the potential to enhance farmers understanding of climate patterns and support informed decision making. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of climate services on smallholder farmers cropping decisions and household food security. The study adopted a cross sectional household survey on 217 smallholder crop farming households from Elundini Municipality. Structured questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect the required data from the farmers. Descriptive analysis was used to identify the types of climate service accessed by smallholder crop farmers in the study area. The probit model was used to examine factors influencing smallholder crop farmers access to specific climate services. The household dietary diversity score was used to measure household food security among smallholder crop farmers. The propensity score matching model was used to assess the impact of accessing specific climate services on cropping decisions and household food security. The results indicated that most farmers 77 percent in the study area had access to climate services. The results further showed that many farmers had access to short term weather forecast 79 percent with very few accessing seasonal forecast 22 percent. The results also revealed that access to both short term weather and seasonal forecasts is positively influenced by ownership of mobile phones and access to extension services. Similarly access to short term weather forecasts is positively influenced by age monthly income ownership of radio timely climate information and perceiving that climate change has negative effects on crop production. Land size knowledge of climate change and climate services accuracy are positive and significant factors influencing access to seasonal forecasts. Most of the smallholder farming households in the study area had higher dietary diversity scores 66 percent. Moreover access to short term weather and seasonal forecasts has a positive and significant impact on cropping decisions and household dietary diversity scores. The study concludes that climate services improve cropping decisions and household food security among smallholder crop farmers in Elundini Municipality. The study recommends that there should be investments in awareness programmes that will educate farmers about the importance of climate services and how to acquire and interpret both weather and seasonal forecasts. Stakeholders interested in improving smallholder farmers access to climate services should consider whether farmers own smart phones and have access to extension services arable land knowledge of climate change and if the climate services are accurate for smallholder farmers. In addition to improve crop production and household food security in the face of climate change access to climate services by smallholder farmers should be considered. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-11

COVID-19 in Psychiatric Inpatients: A South African Descriptive Study Conducted at Fort England

  • Authors: Gwanya-Mdletye, Sisikelelwe Sylvia
  • Date: 2023-11
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/12977 , vital:76184
  • Description: Psychiatric patients are known to have an increased risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. Some psychiatric medications are known to have cardiometabolic and immune system-related side effects and have been found to either protect from or worsen outcomes in COVID-19 illness. The interaction of COVID-19 with the cardiometabolic and immune-related aspects of psychiatric illness and treatment has not been sufficiently studied in people with mental illness. Aim: To describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, and clinical outcomes of adult inpatients at Fort England Psychiatric Hospital who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including statistical and case analyses of COVID-19 related deaths. Methods: The study was conducted at Fort England Hospital (FEH). Data were obtained from patient files, treatment charts, and the hospital's COVID-19 reporting schedules. Sixty-four patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first wave of infections in the hospital, and five of them died. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, in which the COVID-19 outcomes of the 64 patients were described alongside their psychiatric disease and treatment factors. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the participants. Fisher’s exact test for contingency tables and Cramér's V effect size were computed to identify possible associations between death and specified clinical variables. Additionally, case analyses were carried out on each patient who died based on participant case notes. Results: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 21.8% during the first wave of infections, and the case fatality rate was 7.8%. A significant association was ii found between higher age and COVID-19 related death (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.010). Two-thirds (68%) of the patients who recovered were younger than 45, whereas one of the five patients who died (20%) fell in this age group. Race was also strongly related to COVID-19 outcomes, with coloured comprising 80% of the participants who died compared to 80% of black African patients in the recovered group (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.012). All patients who died had co-morbid medical conditions compared to 58% of those who recovered, although this relationship was weak (Fisher’s exact 1-sided test p = 0.076). However, case analyses for the patients who died revealed recurring themes of multiple psychiatric comorbidities, proneness to psychotropic treatment side effects, and a history of frequent relapses among most of these patients. All who died were faced with adversity and dire life circumstances. Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of clinical, demographic and social variables that impacts COVID-19 outcomes in an in-patient psychiatric population. first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with serious mental illness in an inpatient population. More studies of a larger scale are needed to describe the COVID-19 pandemic among psychiatric populations and to investigate factors that contribute to the vulnerability of psychiatric patients to adverse outcomes of COVID-19. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-11

Human capital investment, productivity and economic growth in selected Sub Saharan African countries

  • Authors: Mutambirwa, Edward https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9010-1950
  • Date: 2023-11
  • Subjects: Human capital -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Capital investments -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28639 , vital:74481
  • Description: Many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries experience low economic growth rate levels which is worrisome given the demographic window of opportunities in the region. The governments of SSA countries have been putting emphasis on increasing investments in human capital development as it is vital in unlocking potential economic growth through enhancing regional productivity. With this in mind, this study examined the effect of human capital investment on economic growth through productivity in 12 selected SSA countries during the period 2000 to 2017. The selection of these countries and the study period were based on the data availability as well as differences in income growth. The sample represents all the countries in the income growth groups which are low income, lower middle income and upper middle income. In order to examine the overall effect of human capital investment on economic growth the study utilizes two models which are: 1. Human capital investment and productivity in selected SSA countries. 2. Human capital investment and economic growth in selected SSA countries. Model 1 objective of the study was to investigate the effect of human capital investment on productivity in the selected SSA countries. Productivity proxied by labour productivity measured by real output per person employed was the dependent regressed against a host of independent variables which includes human capital investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), total factor productivity (TFP) and labour quantity growth (LQ).The human capital investment components used in the model included: fiscal expenditure on primary education (PEI), secondary education(SEI), tertiary education (TEI) all as a percentage of government expenditure on education; public health(PHI) as a percentage of GDP and domestic private health (DPHI) as a percentage of current health expenditure. Several estimation techniques which include the Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (PFMOLS) and Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (PDOLS) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables of interest. The empirical findings indicated that all human capital investment components contribute positively to labour productivity except tertiary education investment which had a negative effect. Moreover, the empirical findings also revealed that foreign direct investment and total factor productivity had positive effects on labour productivity while labour quantity growth had a negative effect. Model 2 objective examined the effect of productivity enhanced human capital on economic growth in the sample of countries. It also incorporated the direct channel of the effect of human capital on economic growth in the stated countries. Economic growth (EG) proxied by real GDP growth as the dependent variable and, on the other hand, explanatory variables being productivity enhanced human capital investment (PEHC), human capital (HC), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), population growth (POP), institutional quality proxied by government effectiveness (GE) and political stability (PS). The same estimation techniques were also employed so as to obtain robust results. The empirical findings revealed that both productivity enhanced human capital investment and human capital contributes positively to economic growth in the selected SSA countries. In addition, the empirical results also proved that gross fixed capital formation, government effectiveness and political stability have positive effects on economic growth whilst population growth has a negative effect. Overall, the results of the study evidenced the existence of a transfer mechanism from human capital investment to economic growth through productivity in the selected SSA countries. The empirical results imply that increasing investment on human capital is of importance in trying to enhance productivity and through this economic growth in the SSA region. The study concludes that there is a potential on enhancing economic growth in the long run in the SSA region if countries invest more on human capital. Therefore, the study recommends that SSA countries must devote more budget to human capital so that free basic education can be offered in both primary and secondary as well as free health care services. With this, the objectives of quality education and health, sustainable and inclusive growth targets of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 as well as United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-11

The analysis of the impact of financial integration on financial development and economic growth in the Southern African development community

  • Authors: Ndlovu, Nomusa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7777-2939
  • Date: 2023-11
  • Subjects: Economic development -- Finance -- Africa, Southern , Financial services industry -- Africa, Southern
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28650 , vital:74491
  • Description: The study investigated the impact of financial integration on financial development and economic growth in the Southern African Development Community using annual data for the period 2000 to 2018. Literature shows that there is no universally accepted measure of financial integration hence the study utilized the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure, foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP and Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index in achieving the objectives of the study. One of the main objectives of the study was to examine the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC community. The study utilized first difference GMM to achieve this objective and the results showed that Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure and foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP significantly affect financial development whilst Chinn-Ito (KAOPEN) index displayed an insignificant effect. The next step was to investigate the impact of financial integration on economic growth in the SADC region. To accomplish this objective, the study investigated both the direct channel as well as the possibility of financial integration indirectly influencing economic growth through financial development, trade openness, and institutional quality. The Three Stage Least Squares (3SLS) technique was utilized on a system of five simultaneous equations in examining the effect of financial integration on economic growth. The results revealed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. Regarding the indirect channels, only the financial development and institutional quality channel proved to be significant. To ensure the robustness of the results the study checked if the impact of financial integration was sensitive to the measure of financial integration and financial development used. The study employed KAOPEN to proxy financial integration while broad money supply (% of GDP) measured financial development. Robustness results confirmed that financial integration affects economic growth both directly and indirectly. This time, the trade openness channel was significant at 10% which shows the benefits through this channel are significant. This shows that the results of the trade openness channel are inconclusive. When the Lane and Milesi-Ferretti measure of financial integration was employed the impact of the trade openness channel was insignificant whilst a significant impact was found based on KAOPEN. The inconclusive findings for the trade openness channel may indicate the impact of financial integration on economic growth depends on the proxy of financial integration utilized. In addition, the study also gathered some interesting results where financial development, institutional quality, trade openness, and government size (government spending) are significant drivers of financial integration. The study makes some fundamental contributions to literature on financial integration, financial development, and economic growth. Initially, the study provides empirical evidence on the nature of the impact of financial integration on financial development in the SADC. In particular, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by showing that the impact of financial integration on financial development is linear. Secondly, this study makes an original contribution to the literature on the channels through which financial integration affect economic growth in the SADC, providing a more subtlety understanding of the mechanisms at play. Finally, the study provides important policy implications for policymakers and financial regulators in the SADC who seek to promote economic growth through financial integration. The findings of the study imply that deeper financial integration is crucial in the SADC region as it can potentially increase the rate of economic growth in the region. Not only economic growth will be boosted but also the institutional quality and the development of the financial sector of the countries in the region. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the governments of the member countries in the region continue to come up with policies that boost regional and international financial integration. The study suggests that to ensure that they continuously reap positive benefits from financial integration, member countries of the SADC should appoint a board that deals with implementation and accountability. This board must be responsible for ensuring that member countries implement the formulated policies and should also hold member countries accountable in case of failure to implement the formulated policies. Since the region is pursuing financial integration, the region must come up with policies that prioritize domestic developments in the form of financial development, improving domestic institutional quality and reducing trade restrictions in advance in order to ensure that preconditions for financial integration are met. Developing these will attract different forms of financial flows or increase financial openness which will ultimately boost economic growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-11

Medication adherence: a review of policy and education in South Africa

  • Authors: Nyoni, Cynthia Nomagugu
  • Date: 2023-10-31
  • Subjects: Patient compliance South Africa , Drugs Administration Study and teaching (Higher) , Pharmacist and patient South Africa , Pharmaceutical policy South Africa , Patient education South Africa , Medication adherence
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419548 , vital:71653
  • Description: Medication adherence is a patient's active and voluntary participation in following all the recommendations and instructions agreed upon with a health care provider such as a pharmacist. Adherence is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by the interplay of five factors: patient-related factors, socioeconomic factors, condition-related factors, health system-related factors, and therapy-related factors. Medication non-adherence is a problem in many countries, especially low to middle-income countries, including South Africa (SA). In low to middle-income countries, non-adherence is often worse due to insufficient health resources and inequities in access to health care. Medication adherence is a global problem and has raised the need for research and review. Many healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, have an essential role in promoting medication adherence. This study described, explained and evaluated the policies in SA relating to the pharmacist's role in promoting medication adherence. Furthermore, it described medication adherence-related education at four universities in South Africa. The study was qualitative, and a two-phased approach was employed. In the first phase, a document analysis of the pharmacist’s role in supporting medication adherence was conducted as described in national policies and guidelines in SA. A total of 38 documents were analysed, including critical documents such as the South African Pharmacy Council Good Pharmacy Practice Manual and Associated SAPC rules (GPP) manual, National Drug Policy (NDP), Standard treatment guidelines (STGS) and Integrated Adherence Guidelines. The READ approach was used in conducting the document analysis and involved (1) preparing materials, (2) extracting data, (3) analysing data, and (4) distilling findings. The critical roles of pharmacists in medication adherence that were identified were in drug use, supply and management, dispensing, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacovigilance, pharmaceutical care, and special programmes like antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) care and antiretroviral treatment (ARV) and chronic conditions. In the second phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with lecturers to investigate and report on the inclusion of medication adherence and the teaching thereof in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree (BPharm) in pharmacy institutions in SA. Purposive sampling was used, and seven lecturers from four different institutions participated in the interviews. The interviews were conducted via Zoom® and were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The teaching of medication adherence in the BPharm curriculum of the respective interviewed pharmacy institutions was explored. It was found that the topic of medication adherence was integrated into all subjects throughout the curriculum and not taught as a formal course. Although medication adherence is taught in many disciplines, it is predominantly in pharmacy practice in all institutions. The teaching methods identified included lectures, case studies, workshops, tutorials, practicals, readings, tasks, assignments and videos. The perceived effectiveness of the teaching methods was explored; also the time spent teaching medication adherence and the time efficiency. Student understanding, interest and engagement with the topic were explored and determined through their assessment performance and class attendance. In conclusion, from policies, the pharmacist's role concerning adherence is indirectly integrated into many other roles. It is often not distinguishable from that of other healthcare professionals and is often implied as part of a more generic role. Pharmacy students are educated on medication adherence and the skills and knowledge required to identify, monitor and support patient adherence to therapy. However, there is scope to increase the course content on medication adherence. There is a need to identify effective strategies for preparing pharmacists to assist patients in medication adherence. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-31

A case study of role conflict experienced by middle management during organizational change

  • Authors: Sepeng, Mugabe
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Role conflict , Change management , Middle managers , Middle management , ISO 9001 Standard Implementation of
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419189 , vital:71624
  • Description: This research investigation is based on continuous improvement changes arising from - and related to - ISO 9001 implementation at Sundays River Citrus Company (SRCC), which is one of the biggest packers, marketers, and exporters of citrus fruit in South Africa. The Board of SRCC adopted ISO 9001 to ensure organizational efficiency and sustainability while improving quality control, customer service, teamwork and leadership. However, research indicates not all organizations that have Implemented ISO 9001 realize the intended benefits. While no research was available on the citrus agriculture industry, research in the tourism industry indicates that not only did some companies not realize the expected benefits, but also incurred substantial investment costs. It is estimated that approximately thirty to ninety percent of change initiatives fail to meet their objectives, and research studies also indicate that middle managers play a critical role that can influence the outcomes of a change project. However, Balogun (2003) indicates that middle managers play a complex role and are exposed to role conflict, which can influence the outcomes of change initiatives. In this context, this research study aimed to investigate the role conflicts experienced by middle managers during the process of an ISO 9001 continuous improvement change. The study draws on role theory, applying it to their management of change. The following role conflict types were investigated: (1) intra-sender conflict, (2) inter-sender role conflict, (3) inter-role conflict, (4) role ambiguity and (5) role strain. The research approach is qualitative, and has adopted a post-positivist paradigm, utilizing a deductive qualitative method. The study adopted a case study approach. Data was gathered mainly from interviews and supported by organizational documents. Semi structured interviews were conducted with questions formulated through the use of the coding manual (See Appendix C) to ensure alignment of data collection with the research propositions derived from literature. A deductive thematic analysis method was used to analyze the interview data. The research findings confirmed that during continuous improvement change, as middle managers strived to satisfy the incompatible expectations of role senders (mainly senior and junior managers), they experienced the five role conflict types. The study findings also indicate that middle managers experience conflicts due to the incompatible expectations of other role senders such as quality and marketing departments. The findings suggest that middle managers are managing these conflicts, but notes that they do require some assistance and support from senior management. The study concludes with managerial and research recommendations. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

A comprehensive review of the taxonomic diversity within the freshwater catfish genus Parauchenoglanis (Siluriformes, Auchenoglanididae)

  • Authors: Sithole, Yonela
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402992 , vital:69912
  • Description: Thesis embargoed. To be released early 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology & Fisheries Science, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

A council of women

  • Authors: Sobekwa, Lelethu Anathi
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435988 , vital:73218
  • Description: This thesis comprises extracts of life writing written in short prose forms. The work reads like a novella and I have been inspired by Margaret Patton Chapman’s approach to the novella, where she condenses “the telling of a long story time wise”, so that a story occurring over two years can be told over two pages. The thesis explores relationships between mother, daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, each with different life experiences and each teaching the next generation about how to navigate life as politically, socially and economically disadvantaged women. I have also drawn inspiration from authors such as NoViolet Bulawayo who explores the hypocrisies of the church and the government in We Need New Names. In Kate Bernheimer’s “Fairy Tale is Form, Form is Fairy Tale” she writes about fairy tales adopting “intuitive logic” or telling in the form of “this happens and then this happens” while the explanation behind the events is not spelt out but rather exists between the lines. My thesis adopts this style of writing by allowing the reader to understand what is being said without over-simplifying. To this end, I have used the concept of place modelled on Es’kia Mphahlele’s In Corner B, where characters are inscribed in relation to the spaces they inhabit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

A distributed approach to leadership in an academic department in a South African university: an exploratory case study

  • Authors: Haufiku, Kenneth David
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Universities and colleges Administration , Education, Higher South Africa , Distributed leadership , College department heads South Africa , School management and organization South Africa , Group decision making
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419748 , vital:71672
  • Description: The Head of Department (HOD) position at a university has traditionally been viewed as an individual construct. However, due to the demanding nature of such a position, it is not sought-after, as it remains exclusive and unappealing to many academics. Moreover, it is a position that does not encourage inclusive leadership. Tension and role ambiguity are known to arise between the scholarly project on the one hand and management and administrative matters on the other. To address challenges associated with this singular leadership position, an academic department at a South African university adopted a distributed leadership approach in their department as a research experiment. My study was based on this research experiment. I designed this research as an exploratory case study, guided by a socio-cultural conceptualisation of distributed leadership that included a leader-plus and a practice aspect, defined as a product of the interactions of school leaders, followers and their situation. This qualitative case study aimed to describe and explain how a distributed leadership approach was understood and practised in an academic department. It also investigated the enablements and constraints of the approach. Data were generated through document analysis, observation, and individual and focus group interviews. The participants in this study included the departmental leadership team and the department’s academic and administrative staff. Unfortunately, my study took place during the global COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns. I had no choice but to adapt my data generation methods due to lockdown restrictions. As a result, most data generation was done via online communication. The study used inductive and abductive analysis to make the data meaningful to the reader. The findings revealed that different participants had different ideas about distributed leadership. Distributed leadership was understood as a socio-cultural practice rather than an individual practice with multiple leaders in relational practice. In addition, this approach was understood as a way of developing and sharing expertise by encouraging teamwork, collegiality and collective decision-making which aligns with the notion of democratic decision-making which creates a platform for the enablement of leadership in others. The study further explored how distributed leadership was practised. The findings were that the HOD position, usually a one-person role, was reconceptualised as a HOD team comprised of three academics and the departmental administrator. The HOD team divided the work among themselves, and this was done according to each individual’s expertise. In addition, leadership within the academic department was not limited to the HOD team but stretched across the department; thus, multiple leaders were evident. Therefore, based on the data, this study discovered that a distributed approach values leadership expertise in others. Consequently, it can be used to promote an inclusive environment in which any organisation member can lead. Inclusivity in the decision-making process was also regarded as a strong practice in the academic department. As a result, this study contends that those in formal positions can develop leadership in others through a distributed leadership approach. Through that, lecturer leadership was enacted through formal faculty and university structures and informally as and when the situation required it. The enablements of this departmental leadership approach included the structural innovation of the Friday check-in as well as the buddy system. These two innovations provided the space for collegiality and the development of voice and leadership. The consultative nature of the HOD team was also viewed as an enablement. Certain factors constrained the distributed leadership approach, one of which was the tension between the hierarchical structure of the university and the more horizontal, distributed leadership approach being piloted in the academic department. In addition to that, another constraint was also very real with the transition to Zoom as an online teaching, learning and supervision platform as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The final constraint was experienced concerning the department’s history, as it was within a historically White university in South Africa. The effects of this history impacted the departmental culture and, as we know from the literature, institutional culture is extremely difficult to change. Finally, the study concluded that conceptualising distributed leadership as a sociocultural practice with leader-plus and practice aspects provides descriptive language and a solid theoretical and analytical framework for a distributed leadership study. The study makes an important knowledge contribution in the African Higher Education context as limited research has been carried out in this area. Furthermore, in terms of practice, my study serves as a stimulus for leadership discussions that are beneficial to everyone involved in educational institutions as they promote a level of leadership reflexivity, currently absent in many institutions. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

A formative evaluation and critical analysis of an alcohol and pregnancy intervention in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

  • Authors: Graham, Nicola Susan Jearey
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders South Africa Eastern Cape , Foucauldian discourse analysis , Conversation analysis , Women Social conditions South Africa Eastern Cape , Sex role South Africa Eastern Cape , Cultural hegemony
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432541 , vital:72879 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432541
  • Description: Some communities in South Africa have the highest documented rates of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the world. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy are crucial, but evaluations of such interventions are sparse. Formative evaluations are indicated to assist in the development of interventions. Harmful alcohol consumption during pregnancy is undergirded by a range of social injustices, including those imposed by colonisation and patriarchy; a feminist, decolonial approach to evaluations is, therefore, important. A research project, consisting of three arms, examined alcohol use during pregnancy in an under-resourced urban area of the Eastern Cape, and this research was one of those arms. An intervention was being rolled out in this area and I gathered a range of data from it. I engaged in a formative evaluation of it, and I reflect on the difficulties that I encountered in this endeavour. In the bulk of this thesis, I examine the power apparatuses and technologies that were used during the intervention to discursively position pregnant women. My analysis was guided by Foucauldian and post-Foucauldian theories, using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and simplified Conversation Analysis (CA). Power apparatuses of coloniality, patriarchy, and pastoral power were used in the intervention to construct positions for pregnant women who drink alcohol as ignorant children, sinners, criminals, or “Mommies”. The foetus was constructed as a precious, vulnerable baby, while the person with FASD was constructed as the defiled Other, responsible for societal dissolution. The intervention used various disciplinary techniques to exhort women to follow their dictates. Women were generally compliant with being positioned as ignorant children, which absolved them from any blame for pre-natal drinking. However, some resistance was evident. I then introduce an ethics of care and justice, and I argue that pregnant/newly parenting women need to be positioned within such an ethics, which acknowledges both the universal resources that they require for reproductive freedoms, as well as their particular care needs. I highlight the few times when women were positioned in this way in the data, and I look at how the common positions could be altered or expanded to promote such an ethics. I conclude by arguing that alcohol use during pregnancy cannot be separated from the larger context of the cultural hegemony of alcohol use in some communities, and the social injustices that potentiate this use. I provide suggestions for country-wide policies and interventions, as well as specific FASD prevention programmes, and I argue that a feminist decolonising approach, within an ethics of care and justice, should guide interventions at all levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

A grounded theory study of the identity and career decisions of artistic creative entrepreneurs

  • Authors: Gibson-Tessendorf, Jacoba Cornelia
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Creative entrepreneurship , Personality and creative ability , Career choice , Creative industries , Identity (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419208 , vital:71625 , DOI 10.21504/10962/419208
  • Description: This research, in the field of creative careers, identity and entrepreneurship, aims to develop a grounded theory to explain the interaction between the phenomena of identity and career decision-making, focusing on Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in the creative industries. Artistic Creatives have unique characteristics and creative identities, presenting unique career opportunities. This research is interested in the different values of Artistic Creatives compared to those of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs, who often experience a tension between their creative identity and their entrepreneurial identities The methodology used is the Straussian Grounded Theory. A Qualitative Research Approach used interviews to collect data on the careers and identity of Artistic Creative entrepreneurs in an area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Creative entrepreneurs work in the fields of fine art, design and crafts. The research procedure was recorded in detail, which enhances dependability. Ethics approval was obtained prior to the data collection. The data was analysed through open coding, axial coding and using a Straussian paradigm model. The findings present the values and identity of the Artistic Creative with Artistic Creative Archetypes and the entrepreneurial identities as Artistic Creative Entrepreneur Profiles. The Thesis by JC Gibson-Tessendorf effects of identity and contextual factors on their career patterns, especially as entrepreneurs, are analysed. The contribution that this study makes towards the creation of new knowledge is through, firstly, presenting aspiring creatives with career opportunities that relate to individual values. Secondly, it provides a model of Career Stage Options and Strategies that Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs may follow to either become part-time creative entrepreneurs or use the model as a guide for career planning. The study also developed a substantial theory proposing that the identities of Artistic Creative Entrepreneurs are 1) firstly multiple, 2) flexible and open to change, 2) driven by their values, 3) enacting across the tripartite identity framework, being personal identity, role identity and social identity. The concept of a tripartite of identities was taken from Brewer and Gardner (1996). , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13
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