A change framework for introducing performance management in higher education: a case study
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndung’u, Agnes
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Education, Higher -- Evaluation Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41796 , vital:36590
- Description: The South African Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 provides a legal framework for the management of higher education institutions based on quality assurance and accountability. As such, the Act mandates the introduction of performance management. Performance management is one of the most challenging areas of responsibility in the field of human resources management. The literature, as discussed in this study, reveals that performance management is a complex phenomenon and that the implementation of a performance management system is, for a variety of reasons, not always successful. Failure is mostly attributed to not taking a planned, scientific and collaborative approach to implementation, resulting to lack of buy-in from significant stakeholders. Specifically, the introduction of performance management in the higher education sector presents a unique challenge, as the process requires that stakeholders and especially academics, to shift from a traditional culture of collegiality to one in which accountability is measured by formal criteria. While existing literature does address the management of change in organisations, there is a paucity of literature on managing change with regards to performance management and specifically in the context of higher education. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive change framework for introducing performance management in higher education. In order to provide a theoretical basis for the research, existing literature on performance management, change management as well as the higher education context was reviewed, to identify potential barriers to the implementation of performance management. A case study analysis was conducted on the implementation of performance management at a comprehensive university, which included presenting a historical timeline of implementation based on documented evidence, and reporting on open-ended interviews and focus groups conducted with significant stakeholders. The stakeholders included management, Human Resources (HR), academic staff, administrative and support staff, as well as trade union representatives. Key lessons were drawn and fused to develop a change framework for the introduction of performance management in higher education. The framework encapsulates key themes extracted from the literature and empirical study, with regard to readiness for change, planning, implementing and sustaining change, with cognisance of the unique context. The research revealed critical aspects for the successful implementation of performance management communication with and the involvement of stakeholders, the commitment of senior management, training, embedding the change in the organisational culture, and constantly evaluating the progress as a feedback loop for making improvements. The study demonstrates that planning the change process helps to improve the effectiveness of implementing performance management. A process framework for developing and introducing performance management in the context of higher education is created with a focus on how to create ownership through communication and involvement. The proposed framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A leadership development model to enhance ethical governance in South Africa
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A strategic HRM framework for improving corporate governance in a municipal environment
- Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Accountability deficits in local government in South Africa: implications for social and economic development
- Authors: Sepogwane, Pheladi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43424 , vital:36879
- Description: Local government faces require that spheres of government provide accountable, effective, transparent, and good governance. Yet local government face challenges that compel a need for mechanisms that will improve the accountability and effective management of municipal resources. There have been concerns among scholars that development is not being coordinated by an evenly powerful formation of fitting accountability regimes (Abata, 2012; Adenuga, 2013). For this reason, the study aims to investigate to what degree and how trends towards local government policymaking and implementation have been matched by correspondent changes and innovations in accountability regimes and practices. In keeping with the distinctions made above, it undertakes research on accountability practices in two domains of politics. It entails a systematic comparative empirical research on accountability regimes surrounding: the municipal mayors, committees and managers in regular policymaking, implementation and crisis management; evaluating the effectiveness of accountability regimes as catalysts of development programmes. The Researcher observed growing concerns on the issues of accountability. Hence an exploratory study on the issue based on qualitative research methodology was undertaken. The method of research is comprised of a case study, observation and interviews that were conducted. The accountability systems that were examined include the political, bureaucratic and professional accountability systems. Yet the two accountability mechanisms that were designed highlight the challenges in the dominance, abuse of powers, non-compliance with the code of conduct, the lack of exemplary behaviour and accountability deficits. The major conclusion that is drawn from the research study is that a multi-dimensional is required to ensure effective accountability systems in municipalities. The recommendations include the enforcement of the legal instruments, codes of conduct; the impartial prosecution of violators; implementing effective policies on training and personnel management and encouraging associations and stakeholders to play a catalytic role in enforcing accountability in municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sepogwane, Pheladi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43424 , vital:36879
- Description: Local government faces require that spheres of government provide accountable, effective, transparent, and good governance. Yet local government face challenges that compel a need for mechanisms that will improve the accountability and effective management of municipal resources. There have been concerns among scholars that development is not being coordinated by an evenly powerful formation of fitting accountability regimes (Abata, 2012; Adenuga, 2013). For this reason, the study aims to investigate to what degree and how trends towards local government policymaking and implementation have been matched by correspondent changes and innovations in accountability regimes and practices. In keeping with the distinctions made above, it undertakes research on accountability practices in two domains of politics. It entails a systematic comparative empirical research on accountability regimes surrounding: the municipal mayors, committees and managers in regular policymaking, implementation and crisis management; evaluating the effectiveness of accountability regimes as catalysts of development programmes. The Researcher observed growing concerns on the issues of accountability. Hence an exploratory study on the issue based on qualitative research methodology was undertaken. The method of research is comprised of a case study, observation and interviews that were conducted. The accountability systems that were examined include the political, bureaucratic and professional accountability systems. Yet the two accountability mechanisms that were designed highlight the challenges in the dominance, abuse of powers, non-compliance with the code of conduct, the lack of exemplary behaviour and accountability deficits. The major conclusion that is drawn from the research study is that a multi-dimensional is required to ensure effective accountability systems in municipalities. The recommendations include the enforcement of the legal instruments, codes of conduct; the impartial prosecution of violators; implementing effective policies on training and personnel management and encouraging associations and stakeholders to play a catalytic role in enforcing accountability in municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An economic evaluation of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program in Uganda
- Authors: Leornard, Walusimbi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Uganda , Agriculture -- Economic Aspects -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45624 , vital:38920
- Description: The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme was formed in Uganda in 2001 as a response to previously poor performance of extension services in Uganda. NAADS was formed as a demand-driven extension programme designed to improve farmers’ incomes through increased farm output in agriculture and to solve food insecurity in the country. Given the enormous resources injected into the programme intended to improve the welfare of farmers, the main objective of this study was to determine the economic viability of NAADS throughout the period 2001-2017. The study was conducted in four districts: Mpigi, Mubende, Luwero, and Mukono. Using a non-probability random sampling technique based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques, a sample of 384 participants took part in this study. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was used to assess the merits of this public investment project. The study also used descriptive methods of analysis such as a 5-point Likert-type scale so as to derive means. In addition, the study practiced the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique, and the cronbach alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of factors in explaining the concerned five dimensions of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Leornard, Walusimbi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Uganda , Agriculture -- Economic Aspects -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45624 , vital:38920
- Description: The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme was formed in Uganda in 2001 as a response to previously poor performance of extension services in Uganda. NAADS was formed as a demand-driven extension programme designed to improve farmers’ incomes through increased farm output in agriculture and to solve food insecurity in the country. Given the enormous resources injected into the programme intended to improve the welfare of farmers, the main objective of this study was to determine the economic viability of NAADS throughout the period 2001-2017. The study was conducted in four districts: Mpigi, Mubende, Luwero, and Mukono. Using a non-probability random sampling technique based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques, a sample of 384 participants took part in this study. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was used to assess the merits of this public investment project. The study also used descriptive methods of analysis such as a 5-point Likert-type scale so as to derive means. In addition, the study practiced the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique, and the cronbach alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of factors in explaining the concerned five dimensions of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
- Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Antecedents and influence of the union-management relationship on employee relationships in the automotive, component and metal industries in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole
- Authors: Bowler, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations, South Africa , Psychology, Industrial Work environment Industrial relations Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37150 , vital:34126
- Description: South Africa is consistently portrayed as having uncooperative union-management relationships which negatively impact competitiveness. However, the post-1994 labour legislation was specifically crafted with the intention of positioning the adversarial wealth distribution phase of the union-management relationship within centralised bargaining forums and promoting cooperative relationships within workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether within the South Africa context of global competitiveness, the employment relations institutions of centralised and decentralised collective bargaining, employee participation and involvement, in the context of organisational justice, have contributed to management, shop stewards and production employees developing effective1 collective and individual employment relationships positively associated with competitive individual and company performance. The targeted population were companies within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area that were registered with one of the four bargaining councils, Automotive (NBF), Automotive component (MIBCO), New Tyre (NTMIBC) and Metal and Engineering (MEIBC). In addition, since the National Union of Metal Workers was the dominant union in all four of these councils, an additional criterion for potential participation was at least one NUMSA shop steward. Fourteen companies agreed to participate. In total 63 shop stewards, 82 managers and 660 production employees were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. The results of the study identified that the three major stakeholders hold significantly different perceptions regarding the quality of the management-shop steward relationship, with management the most positive and production employees the least. Further, investigating the factors that influence the perceptions that management and shop stewards have of their relationship, it was identified that for management the most influential factor was their beliefs regarding the interdependent nature of the relationship. For the shop stewards the situation was more nuanced with beliefs regarding interdependence, the perceptions of shop steward-management climate within the bargaining council, satisfaction 1 Definition of an effective employment relationship: An effective employment relationship is one in which the parties successfully resolve issues arising from their conflicting interests and successfully pursue joint gains where they share common interests (Kochan & Katz, 1988) with bargaining council agreements and workplace human resource practices and procedural fairness all contributing factors to the quality of the shop steward-management relationship. The model tested for production employees investigated the relationship between the factors human resource practices, procedural fairness, the standardisation of work, the employees’ perception of the shop steward-management relationship and the relationship of the employees with both their supervisor and the organisation. The primary finding was that the perception that the production employees held regarding the shop steward-management relationship fully mediated the employees’ relationship with the organisation and partially mediated that with the supervisor. These findings confirm the mediating position occupied by shop stewards within unionised companies and without derogating the importance of supervisory-employee relationships, indicated the central importance of the management-shop steward relations in forging strong employee-manager and employee-organisational bonds. While the original purpose of the study included investigating the link between the key employment relationships, namely, shop steward-management, employee-supervisor and employee-organisation relationships, and company competitiveness, unfortunately due to the limited number of companies that participated, it was not possible to test a company level model that included company performance. However, tentative support was found for relationships between the shop steward-management relationship and company performance. This remains an area for further study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bowler, Jennifer
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations, South Africa , Psychology, Industrial Work environment Industrial relations Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37150 , vital:34126
- Description: South Africa is consistently portrayed as having uncooperative union-management relationships which negatively impact competitiveness. However, the post-1994 labour legislation was specifically crafted with the intention of positioning the adversarial wealth distribution phase of the union-management relationship within centralised bargaining forums and promoting cooperative relationships within workplaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether within the South Africa context of global competitiveness, the employment relations institutions of centralised and decentralised collective bargaining, employee participation and involvement, in the context of organisational justice, have contributed to management, shop stewards and production employees developing effective1 collective and individual employment relationships positively associated with competitive individual and company performance. The targeted population were companies within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area that were registered with one of the four bargaining councils, Automotive (NBF), Automotive component (MIBCO), New Tyre (NTMIBC) and Metal and Engineering (MEIBC). In addition, since the National Union of Metal Workers was the dominant union in all four of these councils, an additional criterion for potential participation was at least one NUMSA shop steward. Fourteen companies agreed to participate. In total 63 shop stewards, 82 managers and 660 production employees were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. The results of the study identified that the three major stakeholders hold significantly different perceptions regarding the quality of the management-shop steward relationship, with management the most positive and production employees the least. Further, investigating the factors that influence the perceptions that management and shop stewards have of their relationship, it was identified that for management the most influential factor was their beliefs regarding the interdependent nature of the relationship. For the shop stewards the situation was more nuanced with beliefs regarding interdependence, the perceptions of shop steward-management climate within the bargaining council, satisfaction 1 Definition of an effective employment relationship: An effective employment relationship is one in which the parties successfully resolve issues arising from their conflicting interests and successfully pursue joint gains where they share common interests (Kochan & Katz, 1988) with bargaining council agreements and workplace human resource practices and procedural fairness all contributing factors to the quality of the shop steward-management relationship. The model tested for production employees investigated the relationship between the factors human resource practices, procedural fairness, the standardisation of work, the employees’ perception of the shop steward-management relationship and the relationship of the employees with both their supervisor and the organisation. The primary finding was that the perception that the production employees held regarding the shop steward-management relationship fully mediated the employees’ relationship with the organisation and partially mediated that with the supervisor. These findings confirm the mediating position occupied by shop stewards within unionised companies and without derogating the importance of supervisory-employee relationships, indicated the central importance of the management-shop steward relations in forging strong employee-manager and employee-organisational bonds. While the original purpose of the study included investigating the link between the key employment relationships, namely, shop steward-management, employee-supervisor and employee-organisation relationships, and company competitiveness, unfortunately due to the limited number of companies that participated, it was not possible to test a company level model that included company performance. However, tentative support was found for relationships between the shop steward-management relationship and company performance. This remains an area for further study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Challenges of subsistence farming in South Africa: a case study of Emjkweni village in Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mngqinya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Subsistence agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44553 , vital:38142
- Description: Subsistence agriculture plays an important role in the livelihood of Africa’s rural population. Yet in many countries like South Africa, rather than seeing an upward projection of food production with an almost natural shift towards commercialising household production of food, the state of rural agriculture continues to go into decline. Since the advent of South Africa’s new dawn of democracy in 1994, agriculture has been the priority of government for the advancement of subsistence economy and rural development in rural communities. But progress in making a vibrant sustainable economy out of subsistence farming has remained stymied. At a time when there is a need to significantly increase the productivity of subsistence/smallholder agriculture and ensure long-term food security, rural subsistence farmers in the former bread basket of the Eastern Cape Province, have abandoned crop production. Characteristic of contemporary Eastern Cape’s rural landscape is the sight of large tracts of farm land lying uncultivated. Amidst a raging debate in South Africa on land the merits of the debate remain silent in the face of visibly idle crop land. This study has attempted to make a small incision into a growing body of knowledge on land reform with a view to and laying bare current challenges that keep rural folk out of the field, notwithstanding availability of land. Adopting multi-level research techniques, a purposive sample of 83 village respondents in eMjikweni was selected. Through a combination of face-to-face interviews using an open-ended interview instrument; focus group discussions and case studies, information was extracted from the sample to understand the current challenges of subsistence farming that make for poor household crop production, intensified dependence on social grants for income and growing food insecurity. Despite a conducive policy environment, the study findings suggest that as long as political will is absent, the formula for agrarian reform will remain incorrect, further entrenching rural poverty. As an exercise in social enquiry, the study employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, while being careful to note how methodology impacts on the ability of respondents to narrate their lived experience, which, carefully crafted, can be valuable catalysts to a more bottom-up approach to rural development, sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security in the Eastern Cape. The merit of this study in making the said incision into a growing body of information on land reform is that it provides a glimpse into the life of a rural subsistence farmer. With the launch of the Presidential Panel Report on Land Reform (2019) a few days ago, the voice and experience of those who bear the brunt of land reform becomes critical. They are a people facing enormous challenges to restoring subsistence agriculture as a vibrant contributor to food security at household level and to reduced dependency on the state for its livelihood. They are a people who once created the “bread basket” of the Eastern Cape Province with a vibrant agricultural economy. They are a people who raise children to form part of the significant statistics of migrants to the economic hubs of Gauteng Province in particular in search of employment. They are a people who contribute significantly to the growing numbers of people dependent on the state for social grants. They are a people central to solving land reform for a better South Africa. It is based on their stories that this study’s findings argue for the revitalisation of the subsistence economies of rural communities which recognises the deeply entrenched socio-economic and geo-spatial transformations over time that make it quite complex to return to a past utopia. It is the premise of this thesis that the smallholder and subsistence agricultural sector has the potential to create job opportunities and promote local economic development in rural communities, which in turn would mitigate the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality facing South African society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mngqinya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Subsistence agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44553 , vital:38142
- Description: Subsistence agriculture plays an important role in the livelihood of Africa’s rural population. Yet in many countries like South Africa, rather than seeing an upward projection of food production with an almost natural shift towards commercialising household production of food, the state of rural agriculture continues to go into decline. Since the advent of South Africa’s new dawn of democracy in 1994, agriculture has been the priority of government for the advancement of subsistence economy and rural development in rural communities. But progress in making a vibrant sustainable economy out of subsistence farming has remained stymied. At a time when there is a need to significantly increase the productivity of subsistence/smallholder agriculture and ensure long-term food security, rural subsistence farmers in the former bread basket of the Eastern Cape Province, have abandoned crop production. Characteristic of contemporary Eastern Cape’s rural landscape is the sight of large tracts of farm land lying uncultivated. Amidst a raging debate in South Africa on land the merits of the debate remain silent in the face of visibly idle crop land. This study has attempted to make a small incision into a growing body of knowledge on land reform with a view to and laying bare current challenges that keep rural folk out of the field, notwithstanding availability of land. Adopting multi-level research techniques, a purposive sample of 83 village respondents in eMjikweni was selected. Through a combination of face-to-face interviews using an open-ended interview instrument; focus group discussions and case studies, information was extracted from the sample to understand the current challenges of subsistence farming that make for poor household crop production, intensified dependence on social grants for income and growing food insecurity. Despite a conducive policy environment, the study findings suggest that as long as political will is absent, the formula for agrarian reform will remain incorrect, further entrenching rural poverty. As an exercise in social enquiry, the study employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, while being careful to note how methodology impacts on the ability of respondents to narrate their lived experience, which, carefully crafted, can be valuable catalysts to a more bottom-up approach to rural development, sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security in the Eastern Cape. The merit of this study in making the said incision into a growing body of information on land reform is that it provides a glimpse into the life of a rural subsistence farmer. With the launch of the Presidential Panel Report on Land Reform (2019) a few days ago, the voice and experience of those who bear the brunt of land reform becomes critical. They are a people facing enormous challenges to restoring subsistence agriculture as a vibrant contributor to food security at household level and to reduced dependency on the state for its livelihood. They are a people who once created the “bread basket” of the Eastern Cape Province with a vibrant agricultural economy. They are a people who raise children to form part of the significant statistics of migrants to the economic hubs of Gauteng Province in particular in search of employment. They are a people who contribute significantly to the growing numbers of people dependent on the state for social grants. They are a people central to solving land reform for a better South Africa. It is based on their stories that this study’s findings argue for the revitalisation of the subsistence economies of rural communities which recognises the deeply entrenched socio-economic and geo-spatial transformations over time that make it quite complex to return to a past utopia. It is the premise of this thesis that the smallholder and subsistence agricultural sector has the potential to create job opportunities and promote local economic development in rural communities, which in turn would mitigate the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality facing South African society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Creating value through experiential marketing for mobile network operators in Ghana
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Target marketing -- Ghana , Branding (Marketing) -- Ghana Marketing -- Ghana Telecommunication -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44357 , vital:37158
- Description: Experiential marketing and value creation have become paramount for businesses, worldwide, to remain competitive and sustainable. Due to the global economic crisis which put all public and private sector businesses under financial stress, experiential marketing has become necessary as a mechanism in facilitating value creation for the mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana to survive and to outdo their counterparts in the industry. The effective and efficient implementation of the experiential marketing programmes and campaigns, aside from helping these businesses in deriving value, could further assist the government of Ghana in its quest to develop the telecommunications industry. The government has stated that the mobile network industry of the country should be based upon the principles of open markets and fair competition, which requires strong policies and strategies in experiential marketing to create value as well as to survive. It must be noted that a unique product or service experience creates a memorable customer experience where emotion has a significant impact on business performance in terms of customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as growth in sales and revenue and return on capital employed (ROCE). It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that network operators have the necessary resources and techniques in experiential marketing to facilitate sustainable value creation in the industry, as a lack of proper resources and implementation strategies can hinder the successful creation of value. Given this situation, this study sought to create value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The study sought to empirically test a hypothetical model reflecting 11 independent variables on experiential marketing (i.e. mediating variables), particularly with proper attention to the experiential value gained by consumers after consumption. Also, the study addressed the contribution of all mobile components, namely processes, physical evidence, and people, in experiential marketing and creating value for businesses. The remaining hypothesis aimed at identifying the impact of the mediating variable (i.e. experiential marketing) on the dependent variable (i.e. business value) to assess how value is created through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The outcome of the primary research helped in recommending strategies that could be employed by businesses for improving competitiveness and sustainability. The debate about value creation through experiential marketing to MNOs in Ghana is not available. Consequently, this study attempted to develop a hypothetical model to provide a scientific, theoretical, and empirical contribution to MNOs, other businesses, and the entire telecommunications industry of Ghana in order to aid them in creating value through experiential marketing. To achieve the objectives of this study, a quantitative approach using a face-to-face self-administered questionnaire was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected based on the 10 regions to which they belong in the country. With a visit to the regional offices of the mobile operators, the questionnaires were conveniently administered. A total of 384 participants were selected through a stratification sampling and, in addition, a total of 31 participants were conveniently added, producing a total of 415 respondents who completed the survey. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a hypothetical model regarding creating value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana was constructed. The proposed hypothetical model indicated that the mediating variable of experiential marketing, with sub-variables related to experiential mix (i.e. sense, feel, think, act, and relate) and experiential value (i.e. emotional, functional, and social), is possibly influenced by the independent variables. This influence is also known as the mobile mix, namely 1) physical evidence with sub-variables related to the physical environment, building and spatial layout, and corporate branding; 2) process with sub-variables related to technology development, research and development, and machines and operation; and 3) people with sub-elements related to input and output logistics, marketing and customers services, human resource management, and procurement managing. The business value (i.e. the dependent variables) was identified as consisting of sales value, growth value, and return on capital employed value (ROEV). IBM’s SPSS AMOS (Version 25) was utilised for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data of respondents leading to easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was utilised to test for relationships between identified variables by using a validity test, a reliability test, correlation, and a structural equation model (SEM). The empirical results revealed that the mobile mix (i.e. the independent variables) has a significant positive influence and relationship with experiential marketing (i.e. the mediating variables). On the other hand, experiential marketing was identified as having a significant positive influence on business value (i.e. the dependent variables). The majority of the respondents agreed concerning the variable items measuring experiential marketing and its influence on creating value to MNOs in Ghana. It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study could assist MNOs in Ghana in understanding the factors influencing experiential marketing and its role in creating value and, thereby, assist these businesses in strategy development and decision-making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that could make MNOs in Ghana generate sustainable long-term value. Thus, the objectives of this study were achieved, and the research problem was answered. This study could also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Target marketing -- Ghana , Branding (Marketing) -- Ghana Marketing -- Ghana Telecommunication -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44357 , vital:37158
- Description: Experiential marketing and value creation have become paramount for businesses, worldwide, to remain competitive and sustainable. Due to the global economic crisis which put all public and private sector businesses under financial stress, experiential marketing has become necessary as a mechanism in facilitating value creation for the mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana to survive and to outdo their counterparts in the industry. The effective and efficient implementation of the experiential marketing programmes and campaigns, aside from helping these businesses in deriving value, could further assist the government of Ghana in its quest to develop the telecommunications industry. The government has stated that the mobile network industry of the country should be based upon the principles of open markets and fair competition, which requires strong policies and strategies in experiential marketing to create value as well as to survive. It must be noted that a unique product or service experience creates a memorable customer experience where emotion has a significant impact on business performance in terms of customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as growth in sales and revenue and return on capital employed (ROCE). It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that network operators have the necessary resources and techniques in experiential marketing to facilitate sustainable value creation in the industry, as a lack of proper resources and implementation strategies can hinder the successful creation of value. Given this situation, this study sought to create value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The study sought to empirically test a hypothetical model reflecting 11 independent variables on experiential marketing (i.e. mediating variables), particularly with proper attention to the experiential value gained by consumers after consumption. Also, the study addressed the contribution of all mobile components, namely processes, physical evidence, and people, in experiential marketing and creating value for businesses. The remaining hypothesis aimed at identifying the impact of the mediating variable (i.e. experiential marketing) on the dependent variable (i.e. business value) to assess how value is created through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The outcome of the primary research helped in recommending strategies that could be employed by businesses for improving competitiveness and sustainability. The debate about value creation through experiential marketing to MNOs in Ghana is not available. Consequently, this study attempted to develop a hypothetical model to provide a scientific, theoretical, and empirical contribution to MNOs, other businesses, and the entire telecommunications industry of Ghana in order to aid them in creating value through experiential marketing. To achieve the objectives of this study, a quantitative approach using a face-to-face self-administered questionnaire was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected based on the 10 regions to which they belong in the country. With a visit to the regional offices of the mobile operators, the questionnaires were conveniently administered. A total of 384 participants were selected through a stratification sampling and, in addition, a total of 31 participants were conveniently added, producing a total of 415 respondents who completed the survey. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a hypothetical model regarding creating value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana was constructed. The proposed hypothetical model indicated that the mediating variable of experiential marketing, with sub-variables related to experiential mix (i.e. sense, feel, think, act, and relate) and experiential value (i.e. emotional, functional, and social), is possibly influenced by the independent variables. This influence is also known as the mobile mix, namely 1) physical evidence with sub-variables related to the physical environment, building and spatial layout, and corporate branding; 2) process with sub-variables related to technology development, research and development, and machines and operation; and 3) people with sub-elements related to input and output logistics, marketing and customers services, human resource management, and procurement managing. The business value (i.e. the dependent variables) was identified as consisting of sales value, growth value, and return on capital employed value (ROEV). IBM’s SPSS AMOS (Version 25) was utilised for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data of respondents leading to easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was utilised to test for relationships between identified variables by using a validity test, a reliability test, correlation, and a structural equation model (SEM). The empirical results revealed that the mobile mix (i.e. the independent variables) has a significant positive influence and relationship with experiential marketing (i.e. the mediating variables). On the other hand, experiential marketing was identified as having a significant positive influence on business value (i.e. the dependent variables). The majority of the respondents agreed concerning the variable items measuring experiential marketing and its influence on creating value to MNOs in Ghana. It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study could assist MNOs in Ghana in understanding the factors influencing experiential marketing and its role in creating value and, thereby, assist these businesses in strategy development and decision-making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that could make MNOs in Ghana generate sustainable long-term value. Thus, the objectives of this study were achieved, and the research problem was answered. This study could also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Deriving a tool to aid maintenance budget forecasting within universities of selected countries of Southern Africa
- Authors: Peters, Peter Herman
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget forecasting -- Universities -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44574 , vital:38137
- Description: In general, facilities are constructed and equipment is procured to meet the functional and utilitarian needs of an organisation. Daily use and abuse can affect the functional value of these resources and without regular maintenance there will be no real benefits derived from non-functional facilities and equipment. Conducting effective and systematic maintenance is one of the fundamentals which underpins the success of an organisation and if ignored, could be costly to rectify. Costs escalate in the form of deferred maintenance budgets, which have a knock-on effect of growing year on year. This highlights the context of universities’ operations managers who may lack proper management and planning tools to either use or apply effective maintenance budget forecasting models. Having properly maintained facilities is imperative since deferring maintenance will adversely affect employees’ occupational health and safety, impact on the cost of operations and the morale of those who use the dysfunctional facility. The most daunting task of facility managers, is to ensure that all facilities remain fully and consistently operational. This entails providing an efficient maintenance service, which prevents system failures and extends the useful life of both the production plant and facilities to be managed. The need to protect costly and varied assets against the depredation of time and keeping it maintained for current use takes significant and continuous investment of time, money and human resources. Due to the cost of maintenance, in most instances maintenance is scheduled to be done when actual facilities are not in operation, usually at the end of a financial or calendar year. The intangible nature of the maintenance function and the inability to completely justify maintenance funding budgets, lead to the required funding not being obtained from a budgetary request. This inevitably has the undesirable consequences of huge capital backlogs in the form of deferred maintenance. This study moves the research problem and argument away from strictly for-profit business (manufacturing) entities to interrogate service-oriented parastatal and hybrid funded University facilities’ operations and maintenance management. Universities are multidisciplinary structures that encompass a broad spectrum of services required to ensure the effective and efficient academic, administrative, experimental and research focused operation of the Institution. Universities are not excluded from ensuring that sufficient funding is obtained for the effective maintenance of their facilities. This research aims to derive a tool to simplify the selection of a suitable maintenance budget forecasting model and to recommend a maintenance budgeting model for use within universities of selected countries of Southern Africa. The literature survey revealed that there are numerous maintenance budgeting forecasting models already in existence in many different shapes and sizes. For this reason, a content analysis was conducted of 31 maintenance budget forecasting models in order to be able to differentiate between the numerous models. This empirical study conducted among universities of selected countries of Southern Africa outlined the current maintenance funding models being used, inclusive of the amount of funding obtained and the existence/lack of deferred maintenance of various Institutions. After analysing the secondary data (in the form of a content analysis) and the empirical data collected, a model was chosen to recommend for implementation in future institutional planning and business practice. Based on the content analysis and empirical review, the recommended maintenance budget selection tool was derived focusing on sharpening the decision making process of selecting a suitable, fit for purpose, maintenance funding model. After this phase of the research, a follow up phase was conducted amongst high level executive decision makers, to qualitatively verify or support the findings from the first phase of the data collection. This research therefore concludes with recommendations to the respondent universities of selected countries of Southern Africa, about a suitable maintenance budgeting forecasting model. It also recommends a selection tool to use if alternative maintenance budget funding models need to be selected. This multidisciplinary study contributes to the literature by contextualising the maintenance budget forecasting for operational universities and in future adding significant value to the proactive management of deferred maintenance in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Peters, Peter Herman
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget forecasting -- Universities -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44574 , vital:38137
- Description: In general, facilities are constructed and equipment is procured to meet the functional and utilitarian needs of an organisation. Daily use and abuse can affect the functional value of these resources and without regular maintenance there will be no real benefits derived from non-functional facilities and equipment. Conducting effective and systematic maintenance is one of the fundamentals which underpins the success of an organisation and if ignored, could be costly to rectify. Costs escalate in the form of deferred maintenance budgets, which have a knock-on effect of growing year on year. This highlights the context of universities’ operations managers who may lack proper management and planning tools to either use or apply effective maintenance budget forecasting models. Having properly maintained facilities is imperative since deferring maintenance will adversely affect employees’ occupational health and safety, impact on the cost of operations and the morale of those who use the dysfunctional facility. The most daunting task of facility managers, is to ensure that all facilities remain fully and consistently operational. This entails providing an efficient maintenance service, which prevents system failures and extends the useful life of both the production plant and facilities to be managed. The need to protect costly and varied assets against the depredation of time and keeping it maintained for current use takes significant and continuous investment of time, money and human resources. Due to the cost of maintenance, in most instances maintenance is scheduled to be done when actual facilities are not in operation, usually at the end of a financial or calendar year. The intangible nature of the maintenance function and the inability to completely justify maintenance funding budgets, lead to the required funding not being obtained from a budgetary request. This inevitably has the undesirable consequences of huge capital backlogs in the form of deferred maintenance. This study moves the research problem and argument away from strictly for-profit business (manufacturing) entities to interrogate service-oriented parastatal and hybrid funded University facilities’ operations and maintenance management. Universities are multidisciplinary structures that encompass a broad spectrum of services required to ensure the effective and efficient academic, administrative, experimental and research focused operation of the Institution. Universities are not excluded from ensuring that sufficient funding is obtained for the effective maintenance of their facilities. This research aims to derive a tool to simplify the selection of a suitable maintenance budget forecasting model and to recommend a maintenance budgeting model for use within universities of selected countries of Southern Africa. The literature survey revealed that there are numerous maintenance budgeting forecasting models already in existence in many different shapes and sizes. For this reason, a content analysis was conducted of 31 maintenance budget forecasting models in order to be able to differentiate between the numerous models. This empirical study conducted among universities of selected countries of Southern Africa outlined the current maintenance funding models being used, inclusive of the amount of funding obtained and the existence/lack of deferred maintenance of various Institutions. After analysing the secondary data (in the form of a content analysis) and the empirical data collected, a model was chosen to recommend for implementation in future institutional planning and business practice. Based on the content analysis and empirical review, the recommended maintenance budget selection tool was derived focusing on sharpening the decision making process of selecting a suitable, fit for purpose, maintenance funding model. After this phase of the research, a follow up phase was conducted amongst high level executive decision makers, to qualitatively verify or support the findings from the first phase of the data collection. This research therefore concludes with recommendations to the respondent universities of selected countries of Southern Africa, about a suitable maintenance budgeting forecasting model. It also recommends a selection tool to use if alternative maintenance budget funding models need to be selected. This multidisciplinary study contributes to the literature by contextualising the maintenance budget forecasting for operational universities and in future adding significant value to the proactive management of deferred maintenance in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effects of 99-year leases on newly resettled farmers’ farm improvement, productivity and empowerment in Zimbabwe, 2007 to 2013
- Authors: Makaye, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land reform - -Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40812 , vital:36239
- Description: This study seeks to interrogate the effects of 99-year leases on newly resettled farmers, with focus on Zimbabwe’s Fast Track Land Reform programme, shifting from its causes and processes to its variegated outcomes., The focus was on how the leasehold system has impinged on three variables: farm improvement, productivity, and empowerment. Quantitative data was collected from 92 newly resettled farmers randomly selected from three different farming regions in Zimbabwe: Region 2, an agriculturally well-endowed area concentrating on crop production, Region 4, an arid and hot region concentrating on livestock, and Region 5, specialising in sugar cane production under irrigation. To corroborate the survey findings, follow-up interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out in these regions. Interviews with purposively sampled experts in agriculture in Zimbabwe were also conducted. Data are presented in charts and graphs as well as detailed descriptions. The study found that the 99-year leases influenced the fortunes of the farmers in different ways. In some areas, depending on the crop grown, the 99-year leases were accepted as a basis for a loan. In other instances, the leases have not been accepted as collateral and this has constrained the farmers’ ability to optimally utilise their farms optimally. Despite a general sense of insecurity, the farmers have shown a willingness to re-invest in the farms., Many improvements such as new accommodation for employees, the erection of fire guards, and the development of water sources are being made on the farms, all pointing to a desire for sustained utilisation of the A2 farms. The researcher proposes that serious effort has to be made towards making the 99-year leases acceptable as collateral for loans because otherwise, in the context of general undercapitalisation among the farmers, their ability to make the medium-scale farms optimally contribute to national accumulation will remain constrained. The form of tenure is related to the empowerment of the farmers, both materially and socially. This is in turn related to the sustainable use of the land and hence to sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makaye, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Land reform - -Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe Farmers -- Zimbabwe Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40812 , vital:36239
- Description: This study seeks to interrogate the effects of 99-year leases on newly resettled farmers, with focus on Zimbabwe’s Fast Track Land Reform programme, shifting from its causes and processes to its variegated outcomes., The focus was on how the leasehold system has impinged on three variables: farm improvement, productivity, and empowerment. Quantitative data was collected from 92 newly resettled farmers randomly selected from three different farming regions in Zimbabwe: Region 2, an agriculturally well-endowed area concentrating on crop production, Region 4, an arid and hot region concentrating on livestock, and Region 5, specialising in sugar cane production under irrigation. To corroborate the survey findings, follow-up interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out in these regions. Interviews with purposively sampled experts in agriculture in Zimbabwe were also conducted. Data are presented in charts and graphs as well as detailed descriptions. The study found that the 99-year leases influenced the fortunes of the farmers in different ways. In some areas, depending on the crop grown, the 99-year leases were accepted as a basis for a loan. In other instances, the leases have not been accepted as collateral and this has constrained the farmers’ ability to optimally utilise their farms optimally. Despite a general sense of insecurity, the farmers have shown a willingness to re-invest in the farms., Many improvements such as new accommodation for employees, the erection of fire guards, and the development of water sources are being made on the farms, all pointing to a desire for sustained utilisation of the A2 farms. The researcher proposes that serious effort has to be made towards making the 99-year leases acceptable as collateral for loans because otherwise, in the context of general undercapitalisation among the farmers, their ability to make the medium-scale farms optimally contribute to national accumulation will remain constrained. The form of tenure is related to the empowerment of the farmers, both materially and socially. This is in turn related to the sustainable use of the land and hence to sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Employee talent management in the Uganda health sector: a public institutions perspective
- Authors: Nakato, Jamidah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- Uganda , Leadership -- Uganda Executives -- Training of Executive ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41751 , vital:36578
- Description: Globally, talent management has been acknowledged as a prime source of employee attraction and retention as well as organisational performance and commitment. Although the health sector plays an important role in the economic development of any country, in Uganda, the management of talented employees still remains a challenge. In this country, many institutions have not incorporated and adopted suitable talent management strategies, thus compromising access to and quality of care. A hypothetical model and measuring instruments were developed to investigate the factors contributing to and the benefits of effective employee talent management in the Ugandan health sector. The following ten independent variables that have the prospect of influencing effective talent management (intervening variable) were identified on the basis of organisational, management and personal factors: talent pool, organisational support, work conditions, social and work environment, reward system, leadership styles, career development, supervisor support, employee engagement and employee personality. In this study, it was also postulated that talent management has potential to effect the dependent variables, namely, talent attraction, employee retention, organisational performance and organisational commitment. In total, fourteen hypotheses were formulated to test relationships between independent, intervening and dependent variables. The study utilised the quantitative research paradigm in order to seek employee perceptions regarding public institutions within the health sector, in Uganda’s Central region. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 910 participants was drawn from the identified population. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured, selfadministered questionnaire that was distributed to the seven categories of hospitals and health centres in Central Uganda; 910 questionnaires were distributed to doctors, consultants, dentists, dispensers, nurses, pharmacists, clinical officers, laboratory staff, occupational therapists, allied health staff, environmental health officers, general administrative cadres, cold chain technicians and support staff. Of these, 655 were useable, which indicates a 71% response rate. The data collected was captured and analysed using various statistical analysis techniques. The study findings reveal that organisational support, employee satisfaction, an enabling work environment, a stable working environment and career development effectively influence talent management. However, management in health sector institutions need to realise the importance of facilitating and monitoring job autonomy and personal values in order to effectively enhance talent management. The study results further reveal that talent management has a positive influence on employee retention and holistic development for organisational performance. For optimal talent management, the study recommends that organisations pay attention to cultivating an enabling and stable work environment that is suitable for motivating employees towards improved performance and work commitment. Therefore, health sector management should focus on potential, and not only on performance, by matching individuals with the right positions that can expose their capabilities and potential. It was further recommended that organisations need to accept and show confidence in their employees by allowing them freedom in carrying out their tasks. In addition, it was highlighted that ascertaining and utilising information about the values and principles that employees hold can help explain their behaviours and attitudes at work. This would increase the chances of talented employees realising their full potential and competencies in their jobs. Therefore, this study found that there is a need for public institutions within the health sector to focus on supporting employees by offering a well-defined career development programme, which caters for the needs of individuals and which acts as an incentive for the recruitment of qualified employees. Thus, management will succeed in retaining, attracting and maintaining talented individuals who can perform well. In order to uphold the expected ethical behaviour of conducting research, the researcher obtained approval and ethics clearance from Nelson Mandela University, permission to conduct the study from the Ugandan Ministry of Health, and communicated all the information relevant to the study to the participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nakato, Jamidah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- Uganda , Leadership -- Uganda Executives -- Training of Executive ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41751 , vital:36578
- Description: Globally, talent management has been acknowledged as a prime source of employee attraction and retention as well as organisational performance and commitment. Although the health sector plays an important role in the economic development of any country, in Uganda, the management of talented employees still remains a challenge. In this country, many institutions have not incorporated and adopted suitable talent management strategies, thus compromising access to and quality of care. A hypothetical model and measuring instruments were developed to investigate the factors contributing to and the benefits of effective employee talent management in the Ugandan health sector. The following ten independent variables that have the prospect of influencing effective talent management (intervening variable) were identified on the basis of organisational, management and personal factors: talent pool, organisational support, work conditions, social and work environment, reward system, leadership styles, career development, supervisor support, employee engagement and employee personality. In this study, it was also postulated that talent management has potential to effect the dependent variables, namely, talent attraction, employee retention, organisational performance and organisational commitment. In total, fourteen hypotheses were formulated to test relationships between independent, intervening and dependent variables. The study utilised the quantitative research paradigm in order to seek employee perceptions regarding public institutions within the health sector, in Uganda’s Central region. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 910 participants was drawn from the identified population. A survey was conducted with the aid of a structured, selfadministered questionnaire that was distributed to the seven categories of hospitals and health centres in Central Uganda; 910 questionnaires were distributed to doctors, consultants, dentists, dispensers, nurses, pharmacists, clinical officers, laboratory staff, occupational therapists, allied health staff, environmental health officers, general administrative cadres, cold chain technicians and support staff. Of these, 655 were useable, which indicates a 71% response rate. The data collected was captured and analysed using various statistical analysis techniques. The study findings reveal that organisational support, employee satisfaction, an enabling work environment, a stable working environment and career development effectively influence talent management. However, management in health sector institutions need to realise the importance of facilitating and monitoring job autonomy and personal values in order to effectively enhance talent management. The study results further reveal that talent management has a positive influence on employee retention and holistic development for organisational performance. For optimal talent management, the study recommends that organisations pay attention to cultivating an enabling and stable work environment that is suitable for motivating employees towards improved performance and work commitment. Therefore, health sector management should focus on potential, and not only on performance, by matching individuals with the right positions that can expose their capabilities and potential. It was further recommended that organisations need to accept and show confidence in their employees by allowing them freedom in carrying out their tasks. In addition, it was highlighted that ascertaining and utilising information about the values and principles that employees hold can help explain their behaviours and attitudes at work. This would increase the chances of talented employees realising their full potential and competencies in their jobs. Therefore, this study found that there is a need for public institutions within the health sector to focus on supporting employees by offering a well-defined career development programme, which caters for the needs of individuals and which acts as an incentive for the recruitment of qualified employees. Thus, management will succeed in retaining, attracting and maintaining talented individuals who can perform well. In order to uphold the expected ethical behaviour of conducting research, the researcher obtained approval and ethics clearance from Nelson Mandela University, permission to conduct the study from the Ugandan Ministry of Health, and communicated all the information relevant to the study to the participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
HIV-related stigma in rural areas: a case of citrus farm workers based in Addo community in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mazorodze, Tasara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Discrimination -- Psychology HIV infections -- Psychology AIDS (Disease) -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41526 , vital:36501
- Description: While South Africa has recently joined the rest of the world in the race to achieve an AIDS free generation by the year of 2030, little has been done to develop the scientific interventions that address HIV-related stigma, which is one of the major barriers to the fight against HIV. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study in the South African context that seeks to assess the forms of HIV- related stigma in a local context and in a rural area in particular, where HIV related stigma research and interventions remains scant. This study acknowledges the dynamic, unique, multidimensional and sensitive nature of HIV-related stigma and, therefore, an explanatory mixed approach enabled the researcher to provide a comprehensive assessment of HIV-related stigma amongst the citrus farm workers who are based in Addo, Eastern Cape. Quantitative data was collected from 200 participants across five farms, whereas 50 employees across the 5 farms were also selected to take part in the focus group discussions. An assessment of the reliability and validity of local HIV-related stigma scales (Kalichman et al., 2005 personal stigma scale-English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans version and Visser et al. 2008 personal and attributed stigma scale-English version) and the UNAIDS (2012) HIV knowledge scale was conducted. The assessment showed that the reliability of these scales of measurement tend to vary according to context. In this study, the Kalichman et al., (2005) personal stigma scale (English version) scored a weaker reliability score (alpha=0.58). Thus, as the scale is not reliable for the rural context, it was not considered. Furthermore, quantitative findings show that citrus farm workers are characterised by lack of/ little knowledge about HIV, which results in the stigmatisation of people who are HIV positive in the form of symbolic, instrumental, personal and attributed stigma, as well as a fear of HIV disclosure. Findings also revealed that participants who display a high personal stigma score are likely to display a high attributed stigma score (r=0.47, p<0.00). This confirm the assumption of social identity theory that people tend to use stigma as a ‘protective function’ to protect their identity by labelling other people as ‘’deviant’ or ‘stigmatising’. This finding is particularly relevant in that it reveals that, while many people are aware that stigmatising people with HIV is not morally acceptable, they rather attribute stigmatising attitudes to their communities. Thus future studies need to consider emphasising the assessment of attributed stigma in a rural context. Quantitative findings also revealed that the effect of the following demographic variables, namely race (F=20.1, p=0.00), marital status (F=3.58, p=0.00), religion (F=7.17, p=0.03) and education (F=2.63, p=0.03) on HIV-related stigma was statistically significant. This provides proof that HIV-related interventions that were developed for the Addo community need to consider the above-mentioned demographics variables. The qualitative findings provided an in-depth analysis of the key quantitative findings. A lack of knowledge about HIV among participants was further confirmed by the following themes that were common during focus group discussions: misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention; false beliefs that healthy looking people cannot have HIV; HIV symptoms are clearly visible; and HIV can be transmitted through contact with people who are HIV positive. Possible causes of HIV-related stigma as revealed by the qualitative findings include; fear of death; the belief that HIV is a punishment for bad behaviour; and the fear of being isolated and rejected. The qualitative approach revealed other forms of HIV-related stigma that were not common in the quantitative studynamely; healthcare, employment and verbal stigma. The focus group discussions revealed the major reasons why a large number of the farm works may be reluctant to disclose their status, namely fear of the unknown and attributed stigma. The study concluded by offering recommendations for the designing and tailoring of HIV-related interventions in the rural context and in the citrus sector in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mazorodze, Tasara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stigma (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Discrimination -- Psychology HIV infections -- Psychology AIDS (Disease) -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41526 , vital:36501
- Description: While South Africa has recently joined the rest of the world in the race to achieve an AIDS free generation by the year of 2030, little has been done to develop the scientific interventions that address HIV-related stigma, which is one of the major barriers to the fight against HIV. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study in the South African context that seeks to assess the forms of HIV- related stigma in a local context and in a rural area in particular, where HIV related stigma research and interventions remains scant. This study acknowledges the dynamic, unique, multidimensional and sensitive nature of HIV-related stigma and, therefore, an explanatory mixed approach enabled the researcher to provide a comprehensive assessment of HIV-related stigma amongst the citrus farm workers who are based in Addo, Eastern Cape. Quantitative data was collected from 200 participants across five farms, whereas 50 employees across the 5 farms were also selected to take part in the focus group discussions. An assessment of the reliability and validity of local HIV-related stigma scales (Kalichman et al., 2005 personal stigma scale-English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans version and Visser et al. 2008 personal and attributed stigma scale-English version) and the UNAIDS (2012) HIV knowledge scale was conducted. The assessment showed that the reliability of these scales of measurement tend to vary according to context. In this study, the Kalichman et al., (2005) personal stigma scale (English version) scored a weaker reliability score (alpha=0.58). Thus, as the scale is not reliable for the rural context, it was not considered. Furthermore, quantitative findings show that citrus farm workers are characterised by lack of/ little knowledge about HIV, which results in the stigmatisation of people who are HIV positive in the form of symbolic, instrumental, personal and attributed stigma, as well as a fear of HIV disclosure. Findings also revealed that participants who display a high personal stigma score are likely to display a high attributed stigma score (r=0.47, p<0.00). This confirm the assumption of social identity theory that people tend to use stigma as a ‘protective function’ to protect their identity by labelling other people as ‘’deviant’ or ‘stigmatising’. This finding is particularly relevant in that it reveals that, while many people are aware that stigmatising people with HIV is not morally acceptable, they rather attribute stigmatising attitudes to their communities. Thus future studies need to consider emphasising the assessment of attributed stigma in a rural context. Quantitative findings also revealed that the effect of the following demographic variables, namely race (F=20.1, p=0.00), marital status (F=3.58, p=0.00), religion (F=7.17, p=0.03) and education (F=2.63, p=0.03) on HIV-related stigma was statistically significant. This provides proof that HIV-related interventions that were developed for the Addo community need to consider the above-mentioned demographics variables. The qualitative findings provided an in-depth analysis of the key quantitative findings. A lack of knowledge about HIV among participants was further confirmed by the following themes that were common during focus group discussions: misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention; false beliefs that healthy looking people cannot have HIV; HIV symptoms are clearly visible; and HIV can be transmitted through contact with people who are HIV positive. Possible causes of HIV-related stigma as revealed by the qualitative findings include; fear of death; the belief that HIV is a punishment for bad behaviour; and the fear of being isolated and rejected. The qualitative approach revealed other forms of HIV-related stigma that were not common in the quantitative studynamely; healthcare, employment and verbal stigma. The focus group discussions revealed the major reasons why a large number of the farm works may be reluctant to disclose their status, namely fear of the unknown and attributed stigma. The study concluded by offering recommendations for the designing and tailoring of HIV-related interventions in the rural context and in the citrus sector in particular.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Management capacity within small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs)
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41708 , vital:36574
- Description: The small to medium tourism enterprises are identified as important contributors to the growth of the local and regional economies and creates much needed entrepreneurial ventures. Universally, small to medium tourism enterprises play a significant role in the tourism sector. The small businesses are in many instances deemed to facing risk to economic environmental challenges and face uphill battles to operate their enterprises in a sustainable manner. Management of these enterprises by owners and managers seems to face challenges. This study focuses on small to medium tourism enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, which faces the triple threat challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and is one of the economically poorest provinces of South Africa. In an endeavour to create a trajectory for progression and development of small to medium tourism enterprises, owners and managers are required to undertake management capacity programmes to deal with the problems that confront the enterprise on a daily basis. The study examines the factors impacting on management capacity with specific focus on the small to medium tourism enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Management capacity is paramount as it builds managerial competency and has become significant to the small business economy, as these enterprises make every effort to avoid discontinuation. Management capacity improves business performance and small enterprises require help in order to have a broader understanding of issues that can be an impediment to address the challenges in the business environment. The factors that could impact on management capacity within the enterprises are the focus of this research. The eleven main factors were identified, namely skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy; and organisational information factors. Furthermore, the study examined the level of influence of these factors on the management capacity of small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector in the Eastern Cape and investigated the relationships between these factors. A descriptive research design and a quantitative approach were considered suitable for this study. A systematic random sampling technique was utilised to choose a sample of 320 business respondents from the 2012 database of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, comprising of formally registered small tourism businesses. A total of 310 usable questionnaires was finally obtained. In this study descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Descriptive statistics were captured to highlight the owners and managers’ general characteristics and to consolidate their measurement scores. Utilising inferential statistics, the study undertook an investigation into relationships between demographic variables and business characteristics. Furthermore, an investigation of the relationships amongst the following factors: skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy and organisational information factors was undertaken. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and both the validity and reliability of the research instrument was assessed. The research findings support an overall significant correlation between management capacity and skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy and organisational information. The study also explored the relationship between demographics and business characteristics. A significant relationship was found between business characteristics and variables in the demographic profile, namely the gender of owners/managers, educational levels, qualifications, and gross annual turnover. What follows is a summation of the most significant contributions of this research. The overview of the significance of the tourism sector in the economy and the role of small businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry of the Eastern Cape will benefit researchers and potential owners/managers who have an interest in this developing sector. The study enhances the understanding of the factors that relate to management capacity. The study has established a profile of SMTE sector in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which can play a significant role for future research. This research makes a contribution to the largely under-researched area of management capacity in small to medium tourism enterprises. Recommendations for owners/managers and consideration of future research included the following. Owners/managers need to have management skills and a strong strategic focus. Through management capacity the needs of the business will be addressed, and capacity building programmes can be tailored to maximise the benefits for owners/managers of SMTEs, thereby improving business performance and avoiding high failure rate. Managers need to be effectively trained to deal with business needs. The management of the business plays a pivotal role in the performance of the enterprise. Managers must be skilled with regards to developing strategic plans, marketing plans, and business plans, thus enhancing management capacity. Longitudinal studies can be undertaken to investigating the same factors which could impact on management capacity. It is recommended that this study be replicated across the global spectrum in order to analyse the factors that impact on management capacity of small to medium tourism businesses of other countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mxunyelwa, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41708 , vital:36574
- Description: The small to medium tourism enterprises are identified as important contributors to the growth of the local and regional economies and creates much needed entrepreneurial ventures. Universally, small to medium tourism enterprises play a significant role in the tourism sector. The small businesses are in many instances deemed to facing risk to economic environmental challenges and face uphill battles to operate their enterprises in a sustainable manner. Management of these enterprises by owners and managers seems to face challenges. This study focuses on small to medium tourism enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, which faces the triple threat challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and is one of the economically poorest provinces of South Africa. In an endeavour to create a trajectory for progression and development of small to medium tourism enterprises, owners and managers are required to undertake management capacity programmes to deal with the problems that confront the enterprise on a daily basis. The study examines the factors impacting on management capacity with specific focus on the small to medium tourism enterprises in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Management capacity is paramount as it builds managerial competency and has become significant to the small business economy, as these enterprises make every effort to avoid discontinuation. Management capacity improves business performance and small enterprises require help in order to have a broader understanding of issues that can be an impediment to address the challenges in the business environment. The factors that could impact on management capacity within the enterprises are the focus of this research. The eleven main factors were identified, namely skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy; and organisational information factors. Furthermore, the study examined the level of influence of these factors on the management capacity of small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector in the Eastern Cape and investigated the relationships between these factors. A descriptive research design and a quantitative approach were considered suitable for this study. A systematic random sampling technique was utilised to choose a sample of 320 business respondents from the 2012 database of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, comprising of formally registered small tourism businesses. A total of 310 usable questionnaires was finally obtained. In this study descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Descriptive statistics were captured to highlight the owners and managers’ general characteristics and to consolidate their measurement scores. Utilising inferential statistics, the study undertook an investigation into relationships between demographic variables and business characteristics. Furthermore, an investigation of the relationships amongst the following factors: skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy and organisational information factors was undertaken. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and both the validity and reliability of the research instrument was assessed. The research findings support an overall significant correlation between management capacity and skills development; reasons for starting a business; business challenges; strategic and management knowledge; business leadership; business resources, business environment; business communication; business organisational leadership; organisational strategy and organisational information. The study also explored the relationship between demographics and business characteristics. A significant relationship was found between business characteristics and variables in the demographic profile, namely the gender of owners/managers, educational levels, qualifications, and gross annual turnover. What follows is a summation of the most significant contributions of this research. The overview of the significance of the tourism sector in the economy and the role of small businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry of the Eastern Cape will benefit researchers and potential owners/managers who have an interest in this developing sector. The study enhances the understanding of the factors that relate to management capacity. The study has established a profile of SMTE sector in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which can play a significant role for future research. This research makes a contribution to the largely under-researched area of management capacity in small to medium tourism enterprises. Recommendations for owners/managers and consideration of future research included the following. Owners/managers need to have management skills and a strong strategic focus. Through management capacity the needs of the business will be addressed, and capacity building programmes can be tailored to maximise the benefits for owners/managers of SMTEs, thereby improving business performance and avoiding high failure rate. Managers need to be effectively trained to deal with business needs. The management of the business plays a pivotal role in the performance of the enterprise. Managers must be skilled with regards to developing strategic plans, marketing plans, and business plans, thus enhancing management capacity. Longitudinal studies can be undertaken to investigating the same factors which could impact on management capacity. It is recommended that this study be replicated across the global spectrum in order to analyse the factors that impact on management capacity of small to medium tourism businesses of other countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Model for the alleviation of poverty in South Africa
- Authors: Visagie, Jana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Poverty -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45701 , vital:38956
- Description: The existence of extreme poverty in an affluent world is morally unacceptable and action needs to be taken. The reduction of economic and social inequality within countries and between countries, as well as the honouring of human rights, is of utmost importance, but the eradication of poverty must take priority One of the main problems with poverty is that poverty impedes human flourishing). People are hungry and constantly live in pain and anguish while education is hampered. People do not develop fully on cognitive and physical levels as poverty allows the exploitation of the poor and their bodies. Feelings of shame and worthlessness are established for reasons people cannot control. To contribute to the ongoing attempts to reduce poverty, it is necessary to have an understanding as to why people remain poor in an affluent world and what can be done to address the causes of poverty. Unless a global culture of ethics and value alignment is pursued for the reduction of poverty, there will be devastating effects for the future Underwriting lasting escapes from chronic poverty demands more investment in education, employment and human development potentials and in the related infrastructure that permits people to enhance their living standards while developing their resilience to handle setbacks and the effects of climate change.ffects include, for example, disaster-risk management, global healthcare and social cohesion. These investment efforts 9 have the ability to generate a virtuous cycle of poverty reduction, national economic growth and enlarged individual opportunity This could diminish the inequalities that decelerate human development. The lack of practical and outcome-based poverty reduction models affords this research with a unique opportunity to fulfil the need and to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the reduction of poverty towards 2030.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Visagie, Jana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Poverty -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45701 , vital:38956
- Description: The existence of extreme poverty in an affluent world is morally unacceptable and action needs to be taken. The reduction of economic and social inequality within countries and between countries, as well as the honouring of human rights, is of utmost importance, but the eradication of poverty must take priority One of the main problems with poverty is that poverty impedes human flourishing). People are hungry and constantly live in pain and anguish while education is hampered. People do not develop fully on cognitive and physical levels as poverty allows the exploitation of the poor and their bodies. Feelings of shame and worthlessness are established for reasons people cannot control. To contribute to the ongoing attempts to reduce poverty, it is necessary to have an understanding as to why people remain poor in an affluent world and what can be done to address the causes of poverty. Unless a global culture of ethics and value alignment is pursued for the reduction of poverty, there will be devastating effects for the future Underwriting lasting escapes from chronic poverty demands more investment in education, employment and human development potentials and in the related infrastructure that permits people to enhance their living standards while developing their resilience to handle setbacks and the effects of climate change.ffects include, for example, disaster-risk management, global healthcare and social cohesion. These investment efforts 9 have the ability to generate a virtuous cycle of poverty reduction, national economic growth and enlarged individual opportunity This could diminish the inequalities that decelerate human development. The lack of practical and outcome-based poverty reduction models affords this research with a unique opportunity to fulfil the need and to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the reduction of poverty towards 2030.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia
- Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Authors: Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tourism — Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42448 , vital:36661
- Description: Township tourism is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist activities in Namibia (Buning, Legant, Schauwinhold, Steinbrink & Subenguth, 2016:14). This research study presents an exploratory inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of residents’perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia.In order to conceptualise the extent to which the residents’needs are being met through the benefits derived from township tourism. The residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa areexplored with respect to the benefits and costs derived from township tourism, participation in township tourism, and interaction with tourist during a township tour and consultation on township tourismwhich forms part of the research questions ofthe study. By applying the Social Exchange Theory (SET) in this study, the relationships between the variables that influence the residents perceived benefit and costs of township tourism in Mondesa are explored further in depth in combination with Pretty’s Typology of participation and Scheyne’s typology of community empowerment in tourism (Ap, 1992: 668; Mason, 2003:119; Sharpley and Telfer, 2002:152;Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert & Wanhill, 1993:91).These variables are namely; social, economic, psychological, environmental, cultural, Manipulative, passive, educational and political factors. They form part of the conceptual framework of the study.This study followed a qualitative research approachandmultiple data sources were collected including semi-structured interviews with residents from Mondesa:these included residents involved in township tourism and those not involved in township tourism. To triangulate the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from tourism industry and government bodies related to townshiptourism. Data analysis was done through the facilitation of Atlas tiaqualitative data analysis software and deductive codes were established from the literature(variables from the conceptual framework)and themes were developed from the research questions.The findings indicate that residents who are not involved in township tourism arenot influenced by the benefit and cost equation of the social exchange theory (Andriotis, 2005:69). Therefore residents not involved in township tourism are positive about tourism irrespective of whether they benefit directly from financial gain through tourism. The findingsfurtheremphasis oncommunity benefitsfrom township tourism being as important, than individual benefits. This study also provides knowledge that meaningful interaction between tourist and residents has the ability to reduce the apartheid paradigm of racial division and discrimination, which was the basis of the formation of townships.Residents’ misconception about white people are changed due to their personal interaction and cultural exchange with white tourist during a township tour. Anothersignificant findings to emerge from this study is the ability for township tourism to transform the lives of residents living in townships through the intrinsic benefits derived from township tourism. Township tourism has the ability to contribute to positive human exchange through interaction between residents and tourists. By sharing a positive cultural exchange, strong relationships are built between the tourists and residents, which may provide long term sustainability of township tourism. The positive personal transformational effect on residents through interaction with tourists is contributing to residents’ socio-economic well-being. Therefore township tourism has the ability to quantitatively and qualitatively address the alleviationof poverty in townshipsand fostering understanding and mutual respect among peoples of the world.The studyconcluded with a framework of guidelines toaid key stakeholders in the development and planning of township tourism and encourages the practice of sustainable tourism in townships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Auala, Lovisa Sisco Ndapanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tourism — Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42448 , vital:36661
- Description: Township tourism is regarded as one of the fastest growing tourist activities in Namibia (Buning, Legant, Schauwinhold, Steinbrink & Subenguth, 2016:14). This research study presents an exploratory inquiry that seeks an in-depth understanding of residents’perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa, Swakopmund, Namibia.In order to conceptualise the extent to which the residents’needs are being met through the benefits derived from township tourism. The residents’ perspectives on township tourism in Mondesa areexplored with respect to the benefits and costs derived from township tourism, participation in township tourism, and interaction with tourist during a township tour and consultation on township tourismwhich forms part of the research questions ofthe study. By applying the Social Exchange Theory (SET) in this study, the relationships between the variables that influence the residents perceived benefit and costs of township tourism in Mondesa are explored further in depth in combination with Pretty’s Typology of participation and Scheyne’s typology of community empowerment in tourism (Ap, 1992: 668; Mason, 2003:119; Sharpley and Telfer, 2002:152;Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert & Wanhill, 1993:91).These variables are namely; social, economic, psychological, environmental, cultural, Manipulative, passive, educational and political factors. They form part of the conceptual framework of the study.This study followed a qualitative research approachandmultiple data sources were collected including semi-structured interviews with residents from Mondesa:these included residents involved in township tourism and those not involved in township tourism. To triangulate the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from tourism industry and government bodies related to townshiptourism. Data analysis was done through the facilitation of Atlas tiaqualitative data analysis software and deductive codes were established from the literature(variables from the conceptual framework)and themes were developed from the research questions.The findings indicate that residents who are not involved in township tourism arenot influenced by the benefit and cost equation of the social exchange theory (Andriotis, 2005:69). Therefore residents not involved in township tourism are positive about tourism irrespective of whether they benefit directly from financial gain through tourism. The findingsfurtheremphasis oncommunity benefitsfrom township tourism being as important, than individual benefits. This study also provides knowledge that meaningful interaction between tourist and residents has the ability to reduce the apartheid paradigm of racial division and discrimination, which was the basis of the formation of townships.Residents’ misconception about white people are changed due to their personal interaction and cultural exchange with white tourist during a township tour. Anothersignificant findings to emerge from this study is the ability for township tourism to transform the lives of residents living in townships through the intrinsic benefits derived from township tourism. Township tourism has the ability to contribute to positive human exchange through interaction between residents and tourists. By sharing a positive cultural exchange, strong relationships are built between the tourists and residents, which may provide long term sustainability of township tourism. The positive personal transformational effect on residents through interaction with tourists is contributing to residents’ socio-economic well-being. Therefore township tourism has the ability to quantitatively and qualitatively address the alleviationof poverty in townshipsand fostering understanding and mutual respect among peoples of the world.The studyconcluded with a framework of guidelines toaid key stakeholders in the development and planning of township tourism and encourages the practice of sustainable tourism in townships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Sustainable rural development through community participation: modeling community-based tourism in Nqileni village, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Setokoe, Tshepiso Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43379 , vital:36863
- Description: The development of tourism has been heralded to be a mechanism for sustainable rural development. Sustainable development of any nature requires that any efforts aimed at developing rural areas must involve the community in which the development is undertaken. This has given rise to concerted efforts by governments and development practitioners to involve local communities in development initiatives undertaken within their locale. The study analysed the importance of community participation in tourism development, with the aim to ensure the sustainable rural development of areas such as Nqileni village. This was undertaken using a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews to solicit data from twenty members of the Nqileni village community. The data was analysed with the assistance of a specialist qualitative data analyst, using the NVivo sytem, version 11, and was objectively interpreted and analysed by the researcher. The results revealed that the community viewed their participation to be paramount in development initiatives undertaken within the area, which also allows for the building of capacity, and ultimately empowers the community to meaningfully participate in the sustainable development of the area. Finally, the study proposed a community-based tourism model for sustainable rural development, which placed community participations at the root of sustainable development. This has been presented in a form that proposes that a leadership that works together in harmony, coupled with a flow of tourists and investment in the area, which can encourage the community to participate in tourism, resulting in a tourism economy that will allow for positive impacts (such as employment, conservation of resources and preservation of culture).This will enable the reduction of poverty, revival of other economic sectors within the area and foster social cohesion, and ultimately developing the area and its people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Setokoe, Tshepiso Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- South Africa Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43379 , vital:36863
- Description: The development of tourism has been heralded to be a mechanism for sustainable rural development. Sustainable development of any nature requires that any efforts aimed at developing rural areas must involve the community in which the development is undertaken. This has given rise to concerted efforts by governments and development practitioners to involve local communities in development initiatives undertaken within their locale. The study analysed the importance of community participation in tourism development, with the aim to ensure the sustainable rural development of areas such as Nqileni village. This was undertaken using a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews to solicit data from twenty members of the Nqileni village community. The data was analysed with the assistance of a specialist qualitative data analyst, using the NVivo sytem, version 11, and was objectively interpreted and analysed by the researcher. The results revealed that the community viewed their participation to be paramount in development initiatives undertaken within the area, which also allows for the building of capacity, and ultimately empowers the community to meaningfully participate in the sustainable development of the area. Finally, the study proposed a community-based tourism model for sustainable rural development, which placed community participations at the root of sustainable development. This has been presented in a form that proposes that a leadership that works together in harmony, coupled with a flow of tourists and investment in the area, which can encourage the community to participate in tourism, resulting in a tourism economy that will allow for positive impacts (such as employment, conservation of resources and preservation of culture).This will enable the reduction of poverty, revival of other economic sectors within the area and foster social cohesion, and ultimately developing the area and its people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a socio-economic model to promote women empowerment initiatives in the renewable energy sector of South Africa
- Authors: Keown, Harvey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women -- Employment -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa Equality -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 2000-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40621 , vital:36199
- Description: The objective of this research was, therefore, to evaluate and recommend new approaches to mainstream gender in the renewable energy sector. This objective would be achieved by introducing a model of the factors that contribute to the perceived success of the socio-economic empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector of the RSA. This study is equally beneficial to any Country that might be embarking on a Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program. Also, the research findings and recommendations are equally relevant to the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors who wish to mainstream gender in their sectors. From the empirical evidence, Executive Leadership (ethical leadership) positively influences Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. Therefore, the inference can be made that the respondents deemed Executive Leadership to be a primary contributing factor to both Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. According to the empirical results, Social Investment (funding) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (policy) positively influence Successful Women’s Empowerment. Finally, the empirical results indicate that Sustainable Programmes are a positive contributing factor to Good Governance. The respondents did not consider Stakeholder Engagement statistically significant in relation to Good Governance or Successful Women’s Empowerment. This could be a case of misinterpretation, or lack of experience regarding the importance of Stakeholder Engagement. However, the literature indicates the criticality of Stakeholder Engagement, as well as Change Management. Further research should be conducted to establish the lack of appreciation by respondents for the importance of Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management. These findings shed light on the opportunities for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector of the RSA, by developing women-led Independent Power Producers.The South African Constitution is lauded as one of the most progressive in the world, and in some respects considered better than the Constitution of the United States of America with regards to Human and Socio-Economic Rights. Yet, South Africa exhibits the highest incidence of recorded rape in the world, with an increase in femicides, violence against women and children, and even more barbaric acts of burning their victims, and cannibalism in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This research argues that if women were economically empowered, they would be able to extricate themselves from these perilous situations. The paradox between the South African Constitution and the reality, is indicative of deep structural challenges that will require exceptional solutions that will address the systemic issues that this study will discuss. The renewable energy sector, which is one of the fastest growing business sectors in South Africa, could be that catalyst for this change, and, more importantly, change the stereotypical paradigm of women entrepreneurs as owners of ‘chicken coops’ and ‘veggie patches’, to become owner-operators of their own power generation facilities, thereby making a meaningful contribution to women-led Independent Power Producers. However, it would be a lost opportunity if the renewable energy sector were to follow a similar trajectory to the mining sector in failing to mainstream gender, or if the renewable energy sector were to repeat the errors of the mining sector in attempting to empower women. Based on the literature review, guidance from subject matter experts, survey data, and personal field experience, I examine the primary research question: What are the main contributors and variables which can positively influence the socioeconomic empowerment of women initiatives in the renewable energy sector in the Republic of South Africa? In order to respond to this primary research question, a theoretical model was developed, which was informed by the academic literature, reports and studies from the public and private sectors, data garnered through a questionnaire, as well as face-to-face dialogue sessions. In order to address the primary objective of developing the theoretical model, several secondary goals were established by developing a conceptual model that comprised of variables determined through a detailed review of the related gender and renewable energy literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keown, Harvey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women -- Employment -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa Equality -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 2000-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40621 , vital:36199
- Description: The objective of this research was, therefore, to evaluate and recommend new approaches to mainstream gender in the renewable energy sector. This objective would be achieved by introducing a model of the factors that contribute to the perceived success of the socio-economic empowerment of women within the renewable energy sector of the RSA. This study is equally beneficial to any Country that might be embarking on a Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program. Also, the research findings and recommendations are equally relevant to the mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors who wish to mainstream gender in their sectors. From the empirical evidence, Executive Leadership (ethical leadership) positively influences Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. Therefore, the inference can be made that the respondents deemed Executive Leadership to be a primary contributing factor to both Good Governance and Successful Women’s Empowerment. According to the empirical results, Social Investment (funding) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (policy) positively influence Successful Women’s Empowerment. Finally, the empirical results indicate that Sustainable Programmes are a positive contributing factor to Good Governance. The respondents did not consider Stakeholder Engagement statistically significant in relation to Good Governance or Successful Women’s Empowerment. This could be a case of misinterpretation, or lack of experience regarding the importance of Stakeholder Engagement. However, the literature indicates the criticality of Stakeholder Engagement, as well as Change Management. Further research should be conducted to establish the lack of appreciation by respondents for the importance of Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management. These findings shed light on the opportunities for the socio-economic empowerment of women in the renewable energy sector of the RSA, by developing women-led Independent Power Producers.The South African Constitution is lauded as one of the most progressive in the world, and in some respects considered better than the Constitution of the United States of America with regards to Human and Socio-Economic Rights. Yet, South Africa exhibits the highest incidence of recorded rape in the world, with an increase in femicides, violence against women and children, and even more barbaric acts of burning their victims, and cannibalism in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This research argues that if women were economically empowered, they would be able to extricate themselves from these perilous situations. The paradox between the South African Constitution and the reality, is indicative of deep structural challenges that will require exceptional solutions that will address the systemic issues that this study will discuss. The renewable energy sector, which is one of the fastest growing business sectors in South Africa, could be that catalyst for this change, and, more importantly, change the stereotypical paradigm of women entrepreneurs as owners of ‘chicken coops’ and ‘veggie patches’, to become owner-operators of their own power generation facilities, thereby making a meaningful contribution to women-led Independent Power Producers. However, it would be a lost opportunity if the renewable energy sector were to follow a similar trajectory to the mining sector in failing to mainstream gender, or if the renewable energy sector were to repeat the errors of the mining sector in attempting to empower women. Based on the literature review, guidance from subject matter experts, survey data, and personal field experience, I examine the primary research question: What are the main contributors and variables which can positively influence the socioeconomic empowerment of women initiatives in the renewable energy sector in the Republic of South Africa? In order to respond to this primary research question, a theoretical model was developed, which was informed by the academic literature, reports and studies from the public and private sectors, data garnered through a questionnaire, as well as face-to-face dialogue sessions. In order to address the primary objective of developing the theoretical model, several secondary goals were established by developing a conceptual model that comprised of variables determined through a detailed review of the related gender and renewable energy literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of sustainability ratios for public listed companies
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The future of banking in South Africa towards 2055: disruptive innovation scenarios
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019