Electric cars: their carbon implications and adoption in South Africa
- Authors: Moeletsi, Mokhele Edmond
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles -- Economic aspects , Electric vehicles -- South Africa Power resources -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Energy policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41886 , vital:36606
- Description: Climate change is a reality that is starting to have an impact on society through decreased agricultural production and increased extreme weather events, resulting to worldwide disasters. It is caused by human activities that release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. One of the key areas of concern is the mobility sector which accounts for around 20% of the total energy use, with a GHG footprint of close to 14% of the global emissions. International organisations are concerned about the elevating GHG emissions resulting from the increasing internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to the recent wave in electrifying the vehicles which presents many of advantages as well as major constraints. This study used the quantitative research approach to investigate the possible benefits of electric vehicles to our environment in the future. The projections of vehicle population size were estimated using three cases, and the electric vehicle penetration into the market by 2030 was investigated with four different scenarios. Further research was done to investigate the possible barriers present in the South African market that impede the adoption of electric vehicles. The results showed that the projection of the business-as-usual case, coupled with mitigation scenarios, present a better option for mitigation. The worst case of exponential increases in vehicle population does not present any GHG emissions moderation hope for any of the mitigation scenarios used in the study. The other case shows high mitigation potential, but it leads to a case of economic decline where the numbers of vehicles are decreasing with time. The findings of the study on barriers to adoption of electric vehicles in the market highlighted the high purchase price, high battery price and high likelihood for owning a secondary vehicle based on the current circumstances, as the main barriers that the respondents in the Gauteng Province found to be unattractive. But generally the willingness to buy electric vehicles was high for the majority of the factors that were presented. With these perceived positive opinions by the respondents, it is down to government and private companies to provide an environment conducive to changed opinions conducive for the consumers. This relates to advancing the technology and providing policy support for the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Moeletsi, Mokhele Edmond
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles -- Economic aspects , Electric vehicles -- South Africa Power resources -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Energy policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41886 , vital:36606
- Description: Climate change is a reality that is starting to have an impact on society through decreased agricultural production and increased extreme weather events, resulting to worldwide disasters. It is caused by human activities that release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. One of the key areas of concern is the mobility sector which accounts for around 20% of the total energy use, with a GHG footprint of close to 14% of the global emissions. International organisations are concerned about the elevating GHG emissions resulting from the increasing internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to the recent wave in electrifying the vehicles which presents many of advantages as well as major constraints. This study used the quantitative research approach to investigate the possible benefits of electric vehicles to our environment in the future. The projections of vehicle population size were estimated using three cases, and the electric vehicle penetration into the market by 2030 was investigated with four different scenarios. Further research was done to investigate the possible barriers present in the South African market that impede the adoption of electric vehicles. The results showed that the projection of the business-as-usual case, coupled with mitigation scenarios, present a better option for mitigation. The worst case of exponential increases in vehicle population does not present any GHG emissions moderation hope for any of the mitigation scenarios used in the study. The other case shows high mitigation potential, but it leads to a case of economic decline where the numbers of vehicles are decreasing with time. The findings of the study on barriers to adoption of electric vehicles in the market highlighted the high purchase price, high battery price and high likelihood for owning a secondary vehicle based on the current circumstances, as the main barriers that the respondents in the Gauteng Province found to be unattractive. But generally the willingness to buy electric vehicles was high for the majority of the factors that were presented. With these perceived positive opinions by the respondents, it is down to government and private companies to provide an environment conducive to changed opinions conducive for the consumers. This relates to advancing the technology and providing policy support for the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge and attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at midwife obstetric units
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa
- Authors: Mbewu, Asanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19015 , vital:28765
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa. In conducting the empirical test, the Vector Error Correction Model and annual time series data between 1973 and 2014 has been utilised. In the model, exports are the dependent variable and the real effective exchange rates, gross domestic product, mining, agricultural, foreign direct investments, and merchandise export prices are explanatory variables. A significant inverse relationship between real effective exchange rates and exports was confirmed in line with economic theory. Except for the Gross Domestic Product which exhibited a positive relationship, all other explanatory variables displayed an inverse relationship with exports. All other variables exhibited a significant impact except for Foreign Direct Investments. Based on the findings of this study, firm and practical policy recommendations are made including a moderated adjustment of monetary and fiscal policy to ensure competitiveness on the supply side.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbewu, Asanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19015 , vital:28765
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa. In conducting the empirical test, the Vector Error Correction Model and annual time series data between 1973 and 2014 has been utilised. In the model, exports are the dependent variable and the real effective exchange rates, gross domestic product, mining, agricultural, foreign direct investments, and merchandise export prices are explanatory variables. A significant inverse relationship between real effective exchange rates and exports was confirmed in line with economic theory. Except for the Gross Domestic Product which exhibited a positive relationship, all other explanatory variables displayed an inverse relationship with exports. All other variables exhibited a significant impact except for Foreign Direct Investments. Based on the findings of this study, firm and practical policy recommendations are made including a moderated adjustment of monetary and fiscal policy to ensure competitiveness on the supply side.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A profile for a successful MBA candidate at the NMMU Business School
- Authors: Mafani, Mzilindile Claudius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009509 , Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Description: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the 2010 first year intake students’ profile, for the NMMU Business School MBA programme with their module success rate against success indicators derived from previous literature and the SHL tests results in order to compile a conceptual framework as a guide to analyse the database used. The MBA success indicators, as provided in previous literature, were analysed by addressing the following: The psychometric tests as predictors of success; Age as a predictor of success; Cultural background as a predictor of success; Work experience as a predictor of success; and, Educational background as a predictor of success. The NMMU Business School MBA students’ historical data were used as a database for this study. The module pass rates were collated as part of the database, which included the students’ biographical information. The results of the SHL test battery used as the entrance test for admission could not be obtained as the information is regarded as confidential given that the nature of the assessment data requires certain training qualifications from users; and SHL South Africa was approached to collaborate on this study. SHL South Africa performed the statistical analysis and provided these for interpretation and use in the study. The study revealed that more than half of the NMMU MBA candidates did not complete the programme in the minimum prescribed period, as only 40.5 percent of the candidates completed successfully all modules in this period, and 52 percent of them were in the 30 -39 years-age category. It also revealed that 78.1 percent of those that had successfully completed the programme were males compared with the 21.9 percent of females that completed the course. The study showed that in the 59.5 percent of those that were not successful, 40.4 percent were females compared to 59.6 percent of unsuccessful males in the same sample. Although the pass rates ranged above 75 percent, only one module had the full sample writing the examination, and the lowest core module had 67percent candidates writing the examination. The current entrance process is recommended with improvements to increase the pass rates, throughputs, and to allow for a stricter analysis of the entrance test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mafani, Mzilindile Claudius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009509 , Business schools -- Admission , Universities and colleges
- Description: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the 2010 first year intake students’ profile, for the NMMU Business School MBA programme with their module success rate against success indicators derived from previous literature and the SHL tests results in order to compile a conceptual framework as a guide to analyse the database used. The MBA success indicators, as provided in previous literature, were analysed by addressing the following: The psychometric tests as predictors of success; Age as a predictor of success; Cultural background as a predictor of success; Work experience as a predictor of success; and, Educational background as a predictor of success. The NMMU Business School MBA students’ historical data were used as a database for this study. The module pass rates were collated as part of the database, which included the students’ biographical information. The results of the SHL test battery used as the entrance test for admission could not be obtained as the information is regarded as confidential given that the nature of the assessment data requires certain training qualifications from users; and SHL South Africa was approached to collaborate on this study. SHL South Africa performed the statistical analysis and provided these for interpretation and use in the study. The study revealed that more than half of the NMMU MBA candidates did not complete the programme in the minimum prescribed period, as only 40.5 percent of the candidates completed successfully all modules in this period, and 52 percent of them were in the 30 -39 years-age category. It also revealed that 78.1 percent of those that had successfully completed the programme were males compared with the 21.9 percent of females that completed the course. The study showed that in the 59.5 percent of those that were not successful, 40.4 percent were females compared to 59.6 percent of unsuccessful males in the same sample. Although the pass rates ranged above 75 percent, only one module had the full sample writing the examination, and the lowest core module had 67percent candidates writing the examination. The current entrance process is recommended with improvements to increase the pass rates, throughputs, and to allow for a stricter analysis of the entrance test results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
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