Psychological capital and work engagement of employees at a training academy
- Authors: Jacobs, Carel-Theron
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48169 , vital:40517
- Description: Having an engaged workforce gives an organisation a competitive advantage. Levels of work engagement are influenced by, amongst other factors, Psychological Capital (PsyCap). The main aim of this study is to determine the influence of PsyCap on the levels of work engagement of employees at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. A composite paper-and-pencil questionnaire was distributed to all employees at the TVET college. The questionnaire consisted of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and PsyCap Questionnaire (PCQ). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample (n =195). The relationship between the two variables was analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis predicted the value of engagement based on the value of PsyCap. The study confirms previous findings that indicate that PsyCap is positively related work engagement and that work engament can predict PsyCap.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jacobs, Carel-Theron
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48169 , vital:40517
- Description: Having an engaged workforce gives an organisation a competitive advantage. Levels of work engagement are influenced by, amongst other factors, Psychological Capital (PsyCap). The main aim of this study is to determine the influence of PsyCap on the levels of work engagement of employees at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. A composite paper-and-pencil questionnaire was distributed to all employees at the TVET college. The questionnaire consisted of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and PsyCap Questionnaire (PCQ). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample (n =195). The relationship between the two variables was analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis predicted the value of engagement based on the value of PsyCap. The study confirms previous findings that indicate that PsyCap is positively related work engagement and that work engament can predict PsyCap.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A critical analysis of the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBS) in selected rural and urban schools in East London district: Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Tetani, Nkosinathi Steven
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- East London Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20834 , vital:29405
- Description: The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in selected rural and township public schools in the East London Education district in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The study will examine the challenges that limit SGBs in discharging their responsibilities and functions as envisaged in sections 20 and 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 ( Act 84 of 1996). Particular attention will be paid to factors that limit SGBs in financial management, procurement, fund raising, policy understanding or lack thereof in regard to school finances, finance policy development and implementation and recommendation to the Head of Department the employment of teaching and nonteaching staff of the school. The central question is whether or not SGBs are able to understand legislative framework that empowers them to discharge their roles, functions and responsibilities in school governance. The study will examine whether or not SGBs are empowered adequately to understand, and therefore implement, for example, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act 1 of 1999) as amended which determines how public finances must be managed. A qualitative study will be conducted by selecting and sampling one rural primary school and one high school, one township primary school and one high school. Sampling will be drawn according to the functional areas and membership of SGB of an ordinary public school as envisaged in section 23 (2) (a) to (d) of the South African Schools Act, 1996. Questionnaires will be developed for data collection from the focus group as data sources. Each SGB from each school will be interviewed separately so that the researcher is able to handle a small sample at a time and to get as much data as possible. It is generally assumed that the levels of literacy in rural areas and townships is at low levels, thus, affecting the SGB in understanding policy and legislative framework that empowers SGBs to function as required by law. The study will therefore examine these assumptions and recommend how the Functionality of the SGBs can be improved. Policy adjustments and amendments will also be suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tetani, Nkosinathi Steven
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- East London Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20834 , vital:29405
- Description: The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in selected rural and township public schools in the East London Education district in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The study will examine the challenges that limit SGBs in discharging their responsibilities and functions as envisaged in sections 20 and 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 ( Act 84 of 1996). Particular attention will be paid to factors that limit SGBs in financial management, procurement, fund raising, policy understanding or lack thereof in regard to school finances, finance policy development and implementation and recommendation to the Head of Department the employment of teaching and nonteaching staff of the school. The central question is whether or not SGBs are able to understand legislative framework that empowers them to discharge their roles, functions and responsibilities in school governance. The study will examine whether or not SGBs are empowered adequately to understand, and therefore implement, for example, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act 1 of 1999) as amended which determines how public finances must be managed. A qualitative study will be conducted by selecting and sampling one rural primary school and one high school, one township primary school and one high school. Sampling will be drawn according to the functional areas and membership of SGB of an ordinary public school as envisaged in section 23 (2) (a) to (d) of the South African Schools Act, 1996. Questionnaires will be developed for data collection from the focus group as data sources. Each SGB from each school will be interviewed separately so that the researcher is able to handle a small sample at a time and to get as much data as possible. It is generally assumed that the levels of literacy in rural areas and townships is at low levels, thus, affecting the SGB in understanding policy and legislative framework that empowers SGBs to function as required by law. The study will therefore examine these assumptions and recommend how the Functionality of the SGBs can be improved. Policy adjustments and amendments will also be suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessing the business success of co-operatives in the East London municipal area of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nhawu, Mucharambeyi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- East London , Success in business -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7086 , vital:21226
- Description: South Africa is faced with much poverty, joblessness and an economy that is not sustainable. Unemployment is on the rise in South Africa with the Eastern Cape having the largest number of unemployed people. Co-operatives can be used as a tool to combat poverty and for job creation, but the problem is that co-operatives are still an unknown entity in South Africa. Co-operatives are only known by a few and those few are still sceptical and not willing to form co-operatives. The already established businesses are also not forthcoming nor showing any willingness to do businesses with co-operatives. The less they do business with them, the less the co-operatives flourish. The present study investigates to what extent co-operatives can be a solution to decrease poverty and unemployment. The primary objective of this study was to make a contribution to the development and success of co-operatives by investigating the performance of co-operatives in the in the important business functions of financial management, general management, human resources management, marketing management and operations management. The study also investigated which of these business functions were the most important determinants of business success in these co-operatives. A sample of 50 co-operatives in the East London area of the Eastern Cape was selected and three members per co-operative were requested to answer the questionnaire. The expected number of respondents was therefore 150. However, only 65 usable questionnaires (response rate of 43.3%) were returned. The SEDA Small Business Assessment Tool was used to measure the co-operatives’ performance in these business functions. The empirical results revealed that the strongest correlates of business success in these co-operatives were financial management (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) followed by human resources management (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and operations management (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). The results also show that, while the co-operatives do have some form of financial management strategies in place, they do not address some of the major financial management concepts that are really essential in a sound financial management policy. The co-operatives generally do not follow any formal financial costing system at all. The results however indicated that the co-operatives expressed high confidence in their financial, general and human resource management practices and low confidence in their marketing and operations management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nhawu, Mucharambeyi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- East London , Success in business -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7086 , vital:21226
- Description: South Africa is faced with much poverty, joblessness and an economy that is not sustainable. Unemployment is on the rise in South Africa with the Eastern Cape having the largest number of unemployed people. Co-operatives can be used as a tool to combat poverty and for job creation, but the problem is that co-operatives are still an unknown entity in South Africa. Co-operatives are only known by a few and those few are still sceptical and not willing to form co-operatives. The already established businesses are also not forthcoming nor showing any willingness to do businesses with co-operatives. The less they do business with them, the less the co-operatives flourish. The present study investigates to what extent co-operatives can be a solution to decrease poverty and unemployment. The primary objective of this study was to make a contribution to the development and success of co-operatives by investigating the performance of co-operatives in the in the important business functions of financial management, general management, human resources management, marketing management and operations management. The study also investigated which of these business functions were the most important determinants of business success in these co-operatives. A sample of 50 co-operatives in the East London area of the Eastern Cape was selected and three members per co-operative were requested to answer the questionnaire. The expected number of respondents was therefore 150. However, only 65 usable questionnaires (response rate of 43.3%) were returned. The SEDA Small Business Assessment Tool was used to measure the co-operatives’ performance in these business functions. The empirical results revealed that the strongest correlates of business success in these co-operatives were financial management (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) followed by human resources management (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and operations management (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). The results also show that, while the co-operatives do have some form of financial management strategies in place, they do not address some of the major financial management concepts that are really essential in a sound financial management policy. The co-operatives generally do not follow any formal financial costing system at all. The results however indicated that the co-operatives expressed high confidence in their financial, general and human resource management practices and low confidence in their marketing and operations management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Challenges faced by uMgungundlovu District Municipality in the implementation of tourism to enhance local economic development
- Authors: Motumi, Kabelo Kenneth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality , Tourism -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020388
- Description: Tourism is gradually recognized and acknowledged as an important sector to drive economic growth across many nations. It is by no coincidence that the South African government took a bold decision to elevate the importance of tourism in the economy through the establishment of a dedicated tourism ministry in 2009. Tourism derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996, which outlines tourism function as an area of concurrent competence between the three spheres of government that is national, provincial and local government. According to Tsatsire (2008:1), the new mandate given to local government post 1994 implies that local government is no longer expected to render basic services only, but is also required to serve as an agent of development. The main objective of the study is to identify the challenges faced by the municipalities in the implementation of tourism functions, using UMgungundlovu District Municipality as a case study and pursued the following specific objectives: To establish the roles and responsibilities of municipalities in tourism; To assess whether these responsibilities are adequately performed and to understand the reasons for deficiencies, if there are any; To highlight the contribution of tourism to local economic development; To ascertain the status of the implementation of the tourism strategy for the UMgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM); To highlight the significance of the role of municipalities in achieving national and provincial tourism objectives and; To recommend appropriate actions to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. The study is premised upon the acknowledgement that there are many developmental challenges facing municipalities and tourism is one of them. With tourism being recognised more and more as an essential component of local economic development, municipalities are required to play a central role in ensuring the implementation of national and provincial priorities to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy. The study explores various pieces of legislation upon which tourism mandate on local government is embedded. This has enabled to provide clarification with regards to the roles and responsibilities of local government in tourism. The connection between tourism and local economic development is succinctly discussed to ascertain the benefits of tourism and its contribution in local economy. The study took a form of qualitative research and therefore employing the use of qualitative research techniques in terms of data collection, analysis and interpretation process. Data were collected through the review and analysis of strategy documents including the Local Economic Development Strategy, Tourism Strategy and the Integrated Development Plan of UMgungundlovu District Municipality. Interviews were also conducted with the officials responsible for tourism within UMDM and other local tourism stakeholder organization within the study area including uMsunduzi Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association, Howick uMngeni Community Tourism Association, Pietermaritzburg Business Chamber of Commerce, KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu Natal. The methodology that was followed in the study has enabled the researcher to address all the study objectives and to compile the findings report presented in chapter four. Tourism is one of the functions of local government; however, municipalities are faced with a variety of challenges in the implementation of tourism function. Challenges that are pertinent to UMDM are discussed and articulated in this report. The study concludes by documenting the recommendations conferred by the respondents with the objective to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. These recommendations are further discussed to explore practical actions on how the UMDM can overcome the identified challenges to enhance local economic development through tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Motumi, Kabelo Kenneth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality , Tourism -- South Africa -- uMgungundlovu District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020388
- Description: Tourism is gradually recognized and acknowledged as an important sector to drive economic growth across many nations. It is by no coincidence that the South African government took a bold decision to elevate the importance of tourism in the economy through the establishment of a dedicated tourism ministry in 2009. Tourism derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996, which outlines tourism function as an area of concurrent competence between the three spheres of government that is national, provincial and local government. According to Tsatsire (2008:1), the new mandate given to local government post 1994 implies that local government is no longer expected to render basic services only, but is also required to serve as an agent of development. The main objective of the study is to identify the challenges faced by the municipalities in the implementation of tourism functions, using UMgungundlovu District Municipality as a case study and pursued the following specific objectives: To establish the roles and responsibilities of municipalities in tourism; To assess whether these responsibilities are adequately performed and to understand the reasons for deficiencies, if there are any; To highlight the contribution of tourism to local economic development; To ascertain the status of the implementation of the tourism strategy for the UMgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM); To highlight the significance of the role of municipalities in achieving national and provincial tourism objectives and; To recommend appropriate actions to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. The study is premised upon the acknowledgement that there are many developmental challenges facing municipalities and tourism is one of them. With tourism being recognised more and more as an essential component of local economic development, municipalities are required to play a central role in ensuring the implementation of national and provincial priorities to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy. The study explores various pieces of legislation upon which tourism mandate on local government is embedded. This has enabled to provide clarification with regards to the roles and responsibilities of local government in tourism. The connection between tourism and local economic development is succinctly discussed to ascertain the benefits of tourism and its contribution in local economy. The study took a form of qualitative research and therefore employing the use of qualitative research techniques in terms of data collection, analysis and interpretation process. Data were collected through the review and analysis of strategy documents including the Local Economic Development Strategy, Tourism Strategy and the Integrated Development Plan of UMgungundlovu District Municipality. Interviews were also conducted with the officials responsible for tourism within UMDM and other local tourism stakeholder organization within the study area including uMsunduzi Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association, Howick uMngeni Community Tourism Association, Pietermaritzburg Business Chamber of Commerce, KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu Natal. The methodology that was followed in the study has enabled the researcher to address all the study objectives and to compile the findings report presented in chapter four. Tourism is one of the functions of local government; however, municipalities are faced with a variety of challenges in the implementation of tourism function. Challenges that are pertinent to UMDM are discussed and articulated in this report. The study concludes by documenting the recommendations conferred by the respondents with the objective to overcome the challenges pertaining to implementation of tourism at a local government level. These recommendations are further discussed to explore practical actions on how the UMDM can overcome the identified challenges to enhance local economic development through tourism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterization of cell mismatch in photovoltaic modules using electroluminescence and associated electro-optic techniques
- Authors: Crozier, Jacqueline Louise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Photovoltaic cells , Solar cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015059
- Description: Solar cells allow the energy from the sun to be converted into electrical energy; this makes solar energy much more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel energy sources. These solar cells are connected together in a photovoltaic (PV) module to provide the higher current, voltage and power outputs necessary for electrical applications. However, the performance of the PV module is limited by the performance of the individual cells. Cell mismatch occurs when some cells are damaged or shaded and produce lower current output than the other cells in the series connected string. The cell mismatch lowers the module performance and can result in further damage as the weak cells are reverse biased and dissipate heat. Bypass diodes can be connected into the module to increase the module current output and prevent further damage. Since cell mismatch results in a significant decrease in the performance of deployed modules it is important to fully understand and characterise its effect on PV modules. PV modules can be characterised using various techniques, each providing important information about the performance of the module. Most commonly the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve of a module is measured in outdoor, fully illuminated conditions. This allows performance parameters such as short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc) and maximum power (Pmax) to be determined. In addition to this the shape of the curve allows device parameters like series and shunt resistances to be determined using parameter extraction algorithms like Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO). The extracted parameters can be entered into the diode equation to model the I-V curve of the module. The I-V characteristic of the module can also be used to identify poor current producing cells in the module by using the worst-case cell determination method. In this technique a cell is shaded and the greater the drop in current in the whole module the better the current production of the shaded cell. The photoresponse of cells in a module can be determined by the Large-area Light Beam Induced Current (LA-LBIC) technique which involves scanning a module with a laser beam and recording the current generated. Electroluminescence (EL) is emitted by a forward biased PV module and is used to identify defects in cell material. Defects such as cracks and broken fingers can be detected as well as material features such as grain boundaries. These techniques are used to in conjunction to characterise the modules used in this study. The modules investigated in this study each exhibit cell mismatch resulting from different causes. Each module is characterised using a combination of characterisation techniques which allows the effect of cell mismatch be investigated. EL imaging enabled cracks and defects, invisible to the naked eye, to be detected allowing the reduced performance observed in I-V curves to be explained. It was seen that the cracked cells have a significant effect on the current produced by a string, while the effect of delaminated areas is less severe. Hot spots are observed on weak cells indicating they are in reverse bias conditions and will degrade further with time. PSO parameter extraction from I-V curves revealed that the effect of module degradation of device parameters like series and shunt resistances. A module with cracked cells and degradation of the antireflective coating has low shunt resistance indicating current losses due to shunting. Similar shunting is observed in a module with delamination and moisture ingress. The extracted parameters are used to simulate the I-V curves of modules with reasonable fit. The fit could be improved around the “knee” of the I-V curve by improving the methods of parameter extraction. This study has shown the effects of cell mismatch on the performance and I-V curves of the PV modules. The different causes of cell mismatch are discussed and modules with different cell configuration and damage are characterised. The characterisation techniques used on each module provide information about the photoresponse, current generation, material properties and cell defects. A comprehensive understanding of these techniques allows the cell mismatch in the modules to be fully characterized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Crozier, Jacqueline Louise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Photovoltaic cells , Solar cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015059
- Description: Solar cells allow the energy from the sun to be converted into electrical energy; this makes solar energy much more environmentally friendly than fossil fuel energy sources. These solar cells are connected together in a photovoltaic (PV) module to provide the higher current, voltage and power outputs necessary for electrical applications. However, the performance of the PV module is limited by the performance of the individual cells. Cell mismatch occurs when some cells are damaged or shaded and produce lower current output than the other cells in the series connected string. The cell mismatch lowers the module performance and can result in further damage as the weak cells are reverse biased and dissipate heat. Bypass diodes can be connected into the module to increase the module current output and prevent further damage. Since cell mismatch results in a significant decrease in the performance of deployed modules it is important to fully understand and characterise its effect on PV modules. PV modules can be characterised using various techniques, each providing important information about the performance of the module. Most commonly the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve of a module is measured in outdoor, fully illuminated conditions. This allows performance parameters such as short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc) and maximum power (Pmax) to be determined. In addition to this the shape of the curve allows device parameters like series and shunt resistances to be determined using parameter extraction algorithms like Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO). The extracted parameters can be entered into the diode equation to model the I-V curve of the module. The I-V characteristic of the module can also be used to identify poor current producing cells in the module by using the worst-case cell determination method. In this technique a cell is shaded and the greater the drop in current in the whole module the better the current production of the shaded cell. The photoresponse of cells in a module can be determined by the Large-area Light Beam Induced Current (LA-LBIC) technique which involves scanning a module with a laser beam and recording the current generated. Electroluminescence (EL) is emitted by a forward biased PV module and is used to identify defects in cell material. Defects such as cracks and broken fingers can be detected as well as material features such as grain boundaries. These techniques are used to in conjunction to characterise the modules used in this study. The modules investigated in this study each exhibit cell mismatch resulting from different causes. Each module is characterised using a combination of characterisation techniques which allows the effect of cell mismatch be investigated. EL imaging enabled cracks and defects, invisible to the naked eye, to be detected allowing the reduced performance observed in I-V curves to be explained. It was seen that the cracked cells have a significant effect on the current produced by a string, while the effect of delaminated areas is less severe. Hot spots are observed on weak cells indicating they are in reverse bias conditions and will degrade further with time. PSO parameter extraction from I-V curves revealed that the effect of module degradation of device parameters like series and shunt resistances. A module with cracked cells and degradation of the antireflective coating has low shunt resistance indicating current losses due to shunting. Similar shunting is observed in a module with delamination and moisture ingress. The extracted parameters are used to simulate the I-V curves of modules with reasonable fit. The fit could be improved around the “knee” of the I-V curve by improving the methods of parameter extraction. This study has shown the effects of cell mismatch on the performance and I-V curves of the PV modules. The different causes of cell mismatch are discussed and modules with different cell configuration and damage are characterised. The characterisation techniques used on each module provide information about the photoresponse, current generation, material properties and cell defects. A comprehensive understanding of these techniques allows the cell mismatch in the modules to be fully characterized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
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