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 changed curriculum approach for learners at Enkuselweni child and youth care center
- Authors: Xhanti, Cynthia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44312 , vital:37152
- Description: Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre is a public institution that accommodates male youths between the ages of 10-17 years who broke the law and are awaiting court trials. While awaiting trial, the youths are compelled to attend school from grade one to grade seven. Learners are faced by academic development problems such as lack of interest in attending school resulting in high dropout rates. Other problems include unruly behaviour, bullying, prevalence of theft, fights and conflict between learners, lack of cooperation on academic subjects, low concentration span and focus, and non-attendance of classes. This leads to very low pass rates and little impact on the money spent by the institution to promote the academic development of learners. The current school curriculum, Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), provides for nine subjects in a full academic year starting from January to December. Learners at the Centre are therefore limited as they arrive at any time during the year. The learners spend an average of 3 – 6 months at the Centre, and are therefore unable to complete and cope with the prescribed CAPS curriculum. The main aim of this research study is to investigate an alternative curriculum that will be suitable for learners who are in conflict with the law and who spend less than one year at the Centre and arrive at any time of the year. The research question is “What alternative curriculum approach other than the current nine (9) subjects approach would better enhance the academic development of learners with behavioural problems while at Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre?” The curriculum approach should take into consideration that the learners should be active citizens that can count, read and write (Asmal, 1997). The learners at Enkuselweni are unable to complete a “grade” which leads to despondency and drop out. According to the South African Schools Act (SASA) a grade is an educational programme which a learner may complete in one school year (South African Schools Act, 2011). This research indicates that the social and cultural influences as well as learner aptitude are the major barriers in the development of the Enkuselweni Centre learner’s education. Indeed, the research further showed that alignment of a suitable curriculum will bring a positive influence to learners’ academic interests. Parental involvement is an important aspect in ensuring that the learners succeed academically at Enkuselweni Centre. However, as a result of the lack of parental involvement the care workers act as the official guardians for the learners. The cares workers only address the basic physiological and physical wellbeing but do not assist with the academic needs or homework of the children. The culture of schooling of the learners is not an encouragement for academic achievement. The learners only spend on average 3 – 6 months a year at the Centre, which is shorter than the period prescribed by SASA. The teachers at Enkuselweni Centre are unable to produce positive results as there is no continuity or sense of completion. The basic achievement of reading, writing and counting can be achieved by reducing the nine subjects required by CAPS to three subjects, namely Home Language, First Additional Language (English) and Mathematics as per the table below. These subjects can be complemented by vocational skills such carpentry, brick laying, plumbing, electricity, computer literacy, landscaping and culinary skills. These vocational skills should be accredited with the relevant SETAs for ease of obtaining work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xhanti, Cynthia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44312 , vital:37152
- Description: Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre is a public institution that accommodates male youths between the ages of 10-17 years who broke the law and are awaiting court trials. While awaiting trial, the youths are compelled to attend school from grade one to grade seven. Learners are faced by academic development problems such as lack of interest in attending school resulting in high dropout rates. Other problems include unruly behaviour, bullying, prevalence of theft, fights and conflict between learners, lack of cooperation on academic subjects, low concentration span and focus, and non-attendance of classes. This leads to very low pass rates and little impact on the money spent by the institution to promote the academic development of learners. The current school curriculum, Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), provides for nine subjects in a full academic year starting from January to December. Learners at the Centre are therefore limited as they arrive at any time during the year. The learners spend an average of 3 – 6 months at the Centre, and are therefore unable to complete and cope with the prescribed CAPS curriculum. The main aim of this research study is to investigate an alternative curriculum that will be suitable for learners who are in conflict with the law and who spend less than one year at the Centre and arrive at any time of the year. The research question is “What alternative curriculum approach other than the current nine (9) subjects approach would better enhance the academic development of learners with behavioural problems while at Enkuselweni Child and Youth Care Centre?” The curriculum approach should take into consideration that the learners should be active citizens that can count, read and write (Asmal, 1997). The learners at Enkuselweni are unable to complete a “grade” which leads to despondency and drop out. According to the South African Schools Act (SASA) a grade is an educational programme which a learner may complete in one school year (South African Schools Act, 2011). This research indicates that the social and cultural influences as well as learner aptitude are the major barriers in the development of the Enkuselweni Centre learner’s education. Indeed, the research further showed that alignment of a suitable curriculum will bring a positive influence to learners’ academic interests. Parental involvement is an important aspect in ensuring that the learners succeed academically at Enkuselweni Centre. However, as a result of the lack of parental involvement the care workers act as the official guardians for the learners. The cares workers only address the basic physiological and physical wellbeing but do not assist with the academic needs or homework of the children. The culture of schooling of the learners is not an encouragement for academic achievement. The learners only spend on average 3 – 6 months a year at the Centre, which is shorter than the period prescribed by SASA. The teachers at Enkuselweni Centre are unable to produce positive results as there is no continuity or sense of completion. The basic achievement of reading, writing and counting can be achieved by reducing the nine subjects required by CAPS to three subjects, namely Home Language, First Additional Language (English) and Mathematics as per the table below. These subjects can be complemented by vocational skills such carpentry, brick laying, plumbing, electricity, computer literacy, landscaping and culinary skills. These vocational skills should be accredited with the relevant SETAs for ease of obtaining work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for capital structure decision-making in South African businesses
- Authors: Du Toit, Jan Lodewicus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39567 , vital:35291
- Description: The research is undertaken to understand how businesses make their capital structure decisions by identifying and evaluating the factors to be considered in making capital structure decisions in South African businesses. Qualitative research methods are used in two phases. In phase one, a literature review is conducted to create a framework of strategic aspects to consider when making capital structure decisions. In phase two the framework is evaluated by conducting in-depth interviews. The purpose of phase two is to identify the strategic aspects that are considered in the South African business context. The literature overview identified twelve strategic aspects for consideration when making capital structure decisions, namely business risk, control, flexibility, growth rate, long-run viability, management constraints, management conservatism, market conditions, rating agencies, size, taxation and transactional cost. The framework of twelve strategic aspects to be considered when making capital structure decisions was empirically evaluated by means of interviews. The interview responses regarding the initial twelve strategic aspects were coded and three themes emerged, namely critical strategic decision-making factors (business risk, financial flexibility, tax advantage, and volatility of earnings cash flows); factors relating specifically to markets in South Africa (growth rate, long-term viability, market conditions, credit rating, and transaction costs) and autonomy of the decision-making process (control, management constraints, managerial conservatism, and size). During the interview process, it was indicated that the autonomy of the decision-making process theme (control structure, management constraints, managerial conservatism and business size) do not form part of the strategic capital structure decision-making process in their companies and should be omitted. The interviewees highlighted four additional themes that may affect their capital structure decisions, namely government interference in the market and in the local business; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rating; political stability, and state capture. The study suggests a proposed framework consisting of six themes that can be used to guide capital structure decisions in South Africa businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Du Toit, Jan Lodewicus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39567 , vital:35291
- Description: The research is undertaken to understand how businesses make their capital structure decisions by identifying and evaluating the factors to be considered in making capital structure decisions in South African businesses. Qualitative research methods are used in two phases. In phase one, a literature review is conducted to create a framework of strategic aspects to consider when making capital structure decisions. In phase two the framework is evaluated by conducting in-depth interviews. The purpose of phase two is to identify the strategic aspects that are considered in the South African business context. The literature overview identified twelve strategic aspects for consideration when making capital structure decisions, namely business risk, control, flexibility, growth rate, long-run viability, management constraints, management conservatism, market conditions, rating agencies, size, taxation and transactional cost. The framework of twelve strategic aspects to be considered when making capital structure decisions was empirically evaluated by means of interviews. The interview responses regarding the initial twelve strategic aspects were coded and three themes emerged, namely critical strategic decision-making factors (business risk, financial flexibility, tax advantage, and volatility of earnings cash flows); factors relating specifically to markets in South Africa (growth rate, long-term viability, market conditions, credit rating, and transaction costs) and autonomy of the decision-making process (control, management constraints, managerial conservatism, and size). During the interview process, it was indicated that the autonomy of the decision-making process theme (control structure, management constraints, managerial conservatism and business size) do not form part of the strategic capital structure decision-making process in their companies and should be omitted. The interviewees highlighted four additional themes that may affect their capital structure decisions, namely government interference in the market and in the local business; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rating; political stability, and state capture. The study suggests a proposed framework consisting of six themes that can be used to guide capital structure decisions in South Africa businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for the adoption and optimization of technology within Coega Business Center
- Authors: Zulu, Zwelibanzi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40206 , vital:35982
- Description: The special economic zone sector plays an important role in economies across the African continent. The mission of the COEGA Development Corporation (CDC) is to provide a competitive investment location supported by value added business services that ultimately enable socio-economic development. The Entity is mandated to develop and operate the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which is located adjacent to the modern deep-water port facility, Port of Ngqura, developed and owned by Transnet National Ports Authority. The CDC attracts investors from all over the world and in different business sectors through investment promotion as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Coega Development Corporation whose core mandate is to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) struggles to adopt innovative information technologies expeditiously, which is problem for the organization. The organization currently has Information Technology (IT) systems and applications such as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other IT systems that have been used, but there has been failure in maximizing the IT capabilities implemented internally. Employees are not understanding and seeing the benefit of using IT systems and there is no integration of systems within the CDC. This paper aims to acquire underlying knowledge of how IT is adopted in private sector organizations and further explore what factors impact its adoption. The main objective of this study was to propose a framework for adopting an optimizing technology usage within the Coega development Corporation to enhance productivity and efficiency. The study focused on the effect of components such as top management involvement, management styles, innovative organization culture, end user training, innovation diffusion, championship and knowledge management. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of optimizing technology, within the Coega Business Center. The author presented and made Recommendations on how to integrate the independent variables identified can influence the optimization of technology. v The proposed conceptual IT innovation adoption and optimization framework is a contribution to theory. This framework presents a detailed list of internal factors that influence IT adoption and optimization in government sector organizations such as the Coega Development Corporation. The author inferences that each factor within this framework signifies its importance and must be considered by organizations while adopting innovation technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zulu, Zwelibanzi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40206 , vital:35982
- Description: The special economic zone sector plays an important role in economies across the African continent. The mission of the COEGA Development Corporation (CDC) is to provide a competitive investment location supported by value added business services that ultimately enable socio-economic development. The Entity is mandated to develop and operate the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which is located adjacent to the modern deep-water port facility, Port of Ngqura, developed and owned by Transnet National Ports Authority. The CDC attracts investors from all over the world and in different business sectors through investment promotion as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Coega Development Corporation whose core mandate is to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) struggles to adopt innovative information technologies expeditiously, which is problem for the organization. The organization currently has Information Technology (IT) systems and applications such as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other IT systems that have been used, but there has been failure in maximizing the IT capabilities implemented internally. Employees are not understanding and seeing the benefit of using IT systems and there is no integration of systems within the CDC. This paper aims to acquire underlying knowledge of how IT is adopted in private sector organizations and further explore what factors impact its adoption. The main objective of this study was to propose a framework for adopting an optimizing technology usage within the Coega development Corporation to enhance productivity and efficiency. The study focused on the effect of components such as top management involvement, management styles, innovative organization culture, end user training, innovation diffusion, championship and knowledge management. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of optimizing technology, within the Coega Business Center. The author presented and made Recommendations on how to integrate the independent variables identified can influence the optimization of technology. v The proposed conceptual IT innovation adoption and optimization framework is a contribution to theory. This framework presents a detailed list of internal factors that influence IT adoption and optimization in government sector organizations such as the Coega Development Corporation. The author inferences that each factor within this framework signifies its importance and must be considered by organizations while adopting innovation technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework of macroeconomic factors to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Lawson, Stephen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Commercial real estate -- Development -- Sub-Saharan Africa , Real estate investment -- Sub-Saharan Africa Macroeconomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40072 , vital:35745
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is one with great potential given the positive demographic trends experienced in recent history, trends expected to continue into the future. The factors contributing to this positive demographic trend include, improved healthcare, education and life expectancy, all of which have contributed to a younger and growing population. The younger and growing population, the majority of which are located within the working age group, have resulted in high rates of urbanisation as the populous move from traditional rural areas to more urbanised areas and cities in search of greater opportunities, employment, and ultimately, better quality of life. The positive population growth and urbanisation trends exhibited in the region provide an opportunity to the role players in industry and commerce, as they seek to take advantage of the growing consumer base. Accordingly, commercial real estate developers active within the region have an opportunity to satisfy the growing needs of the market given the low levels of commercial real estate stock available in the region. However, historically the region has served as a poor investment destination for commercial real estate given the dynamic and occasionally volatile political, economic and legal environments. The opportunity presented to commercial real estate developers as a result of the positive demographic trends is met with large scale risks in the form of a dynamic and ever-changing macroeconomic environment within the region. To ensure the success, profitability and longevity of their commercial real estate developments, active real estate developers and in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa need to approach the opportunities in a cautious and informed manner. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework which will identify a common set of macroeconomic factors and associated variables in order to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating commercial real estate in sub- Saharan Africa. A frame of reference was developed on the PESTEL Analysis in order to identify factors within the macroeconomic environment, following which a literature-driven framework was developed after an extensive literature review process, which identified macroeconomic risk variables associated with each of the factors identified. The literature-driven framework was then tested through a series of semi-structured interviews, which comprised five suitably qualified and experienced respondents who are real estate developers currently active in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa and are currently employed by or own a real estate development organisation. Following the data analysis of the respondent interviews, a proposed framework was developed which detailed the macroeconomic factors and associated variables to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing a ranked scale of relevance for the variables associated with the respective macroeconomic risk factors identified. The development of the proposed framework is intended to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating the development of commercial real estate in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lawson, Stephen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Commercial real estate -- Development -- Sub-Saharan Africa , Real estate investment -- Sub-Saharan Africa Macroeconomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40072 , vital:35745
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is one with great potential given the positive demographic trends experienced in recent history, trends expected to continue into the future. The factors contributing to this positive demographic trend include, improved healthcare, education and life expectancy, all of which have contributed to a younger and growing population. The younger and growing population, the majority of which are located within the working age group, have resulted in high rates of urbanisation as the populous move from traditional rural areas to more urbanised areas and cities in search of greater opportunities, employment, and ultimately, better quality of life. The positive population growth and urbanisation trends exhibited in the region provide an opportunity to the role players in industry and commerce, as they seek to take advantage of the growing consumer base. Accordingly, commercial real estate developers active within the region have an opportunity to satisfy the growing needs of the market given the low levels of commercial real estate stock available in the region. However, historically the region has served as a poor investment destination for commercial real estate given the dynamic and occasionally volatile political, economic and legal environments. The opportunity presented to commercial real estate developers as a result of the positive demographic trends is met with large scale risks in the form of a dynamic and ever-changing macroeconomic environment within the region. To ensure the success, profitability and longevity of their commercial real estate developments, active real estate developers and in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa need to approach the opportunities in a cautious and informed manner. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework which will identify a common set of macroeconomic factors and associated variables in order to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating commercial real estate in sub- Saharan Africa. A frame of reference was developed on the PESTEL Analysis in order to identify factors within the macroeconomic environment, following which a literature-driven framework was developed after an extensive literature review process, which identified macroeconomic risk variables associated with each of the factors identified. The literature-driven framework was then tested through a series of semi-structured interviews, which comprised five suitably qualified and experienced respondents who are real estate developers currently active in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa and are currently employed by or own a real estate development organisation. Following the data analysis of the respondent interviews, a proposed framework was developed which detailed the macroeconomic factors and associated variables to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing a ranked scale of relevance for the variables associated with the respective macroeconomic risk factors identified. The development of the proposed framework is intended to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating the development of commercial real estate in sub-Saharan Africa.
- 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 maintenance strategy assessment that supports quality electricity generation and availability
- Authors: Hendricks, Hubert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa , Electric power production -- South Africa Electric power consumption -- South Africa Electric power -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40305 , vital:36133
- Description: This paper seeks to contribute to the solutions of some of the challenges faced within Eskom Generation with regards to sustainably supplying electricity to South Africa and the neighbouring countries – the approach used in this paper is to improve quality within the maintenance sphere, considering quality workmanship and high quality standard equipment normally increases reliability and availability – With an increased reliability and availability, there is a strong likelihood that Eskom equipment will be able to produce electricity sustainably. Furthermore, the research found that there are a number of aspects to incorporate into the business in order to have a well-rounded quality system within the business. The Maintenance department would need to have a strategy that is founded on the type of assets and life of the assets, the department needs to have a computerised maintenance management system that integrates with other relevant departments such as Finance who needs to guarantee correct budgets for the respective maintenance plans, Stores who will have to ensure correct stock levels to carry out maintenance works, and Procurement who will need to know which services and goods to prioritise among purchase requisitions and purchase orders. HR also plays an important role, as per the research, when it comes to training and development that can improve the abilities of the employees to provide a speedier and accurate service when he/she is more competent; Maintenance management along with engineers then have the crucial role of marrying these aspects to provide the maintenance philosophy for the business that is most suited to the equipment in the plant. If any of these aspects are missing, it becomes a bit challenging to have a complete quality result. Some of the tools that the research considered are TQM and TPM with a strong focus on WM pillar. WM provides for equipment to be part of a Preventative Maintenance schedule to ensure all equipment is properly cared for, and to ensure history and trends are captured for future planning. Even though this research was limited to assess Tutuka EMD strategy, the above principles are applicable and helpful for maintenance departments on a global scale, and not only limited to power industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hendricks, Hubert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa , Electric power production -- South Africa Electric power consumption -- South Africa Electric power -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40305 , vital:36133
- Description: This paper seeks to contribute to the solutions of some of the challenges faced within Eskom Generation with regards to sustainably supplying electricity to South Africa and the neighbouring countries – the approach used in this paper is to improve quality within the maintenance sphere, considering quality workmanship and high quality standard equipment normally increases reliability and availability – With an increased reliability and availability, there is a strong likelihood that Eskom equipment will be able to produce electricity sustainably. Furthermore, the research found that there are a number of aspects to incorporate into the business in order to have a well-rounded quality system within the business. The Maintenance department would need to have a strategy that is founded on the type of assets and life of the assets, the department needs to have a computerised maintenance management system that integrates with other relevant departments such as Finance who needs to guarantee correct budgets for the respective maintenance plans, Stores who will have to ensure correct stock levels to carry out maintenance works, and Procurement who will need to know which services and goods to prioritise among purchase requisitions and purchase orders. HR also plays an important role, as per the research, when it comes to training and development that can improve the abilities of the employees to provide a speedier and accurate service when he/she is more competent; Maintenance management along with engineers then have the crucial role of marrying these aspects to provide the maintenance philosophy for the business that is most suited to the equipment in the plant. If any of these aspects are missing, it becomes a bit challenging to have a complete quality result. Some of the tools that the research considered are TQM and TPM with a strong focus on WM pillar. WM provides for equipment to be part of a Preventative Maintenance schedule to ensure all equipment is properly cared for, and to ensure history and trends are captured for future planning. Even though this research was limited to assess Tutuka EMD strategy, the above principles are applicable and helpful for maintenance departments on a global scale, and not only limited to power industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for retaining employees in an organisation within the aviation industry
- Authors: Makalima, Odwa Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention , Labor turnover Job satsifaction Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40800 , vital:36238
- Description: Staff turnover affects even the best of organisations. It results in positions with high employee turnover rates being left open for months on end in other cases with other employees being appointed to act in those positions. Even after appointments are made there is a time period before appointees are proficient in the company operations and procedures. Staff turnover not only affects management but the organisation as a whole. It can sometimes lead to a decrease in organisational efficiency and a drop in the performance of the remaining staff. Employee retention is amongst the issues facing organisational managers as a result of a shortage of skilled workers, economic growth and high employee turnover. Organisations can no longer afford to leave the responsibility of retaining skilled and high performing employees to the Human Resources department. Management needs to take accountability for reducing loss of talent. The aim of this study is to improve employee retention by investigating factors that affect intention to resign in an aviation organisation. The study specifically examined how independent variables such as trust in management, organisational values, growth and advancement opportunities, effective communication, and work-life balance will influence the intent to resign of employees in an aviation organisation. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 151 employees of an organisation in the aviation industry based across all nine provinces. The purpose was to investigate the determinants of intent to resign among employees in the aviation industry. The key findings indicate that growth and advancement opportunities and work-life balance are key variables for reducing intent to resign and thereby improving retention in aviation organisations. Trust in management, organisational values and effective communication were found to not have a significant relationship with employees’ intent to resign. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they pay specific attention to growth and advancement opportunities as well as work-life balance in order to improve the retention of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makalima, Odwa Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention , Labor turnover Job satsifaction Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40800 , vital:36238
- Description: Staff turnover affects even the best of organisations. It results in positions with high employee turnover rates being left open for months on end in other cases with other employees being appointed to act in those positions. Even after appointments are made there is a time period before appointees are proficient in the company operations and procedures. Staff turnover not only affects management but the organisation as a whole. It can sometimes lead to a decrease in organisational efficiency and a drop in the performance of the remaining staff. Employee retention is amongst the issues facing organisational managers as a result of a shortage of skilled workers, economic growth and high employee turnover. Organisations can no longer afford to leave the responsibility of retaining skilled and high performing employees to the Human Resources department. Management needs to take accountability for reducing loss of talent. The aim of this study is to improve employee retention by investigating factors that affect intention to resign in an aviation organisation. The study specifically examined how independent variables such as trust in management, organisational values, growth and advancement opportunities, effective communication, and work-life balance will influence the intent to resign of employees in an aviation organisation. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 151 employees of an organisation in the aviation industry based across all nine provinces. The purpose was to investigate the determinants of intent to resign among employees in the aviation industry. The key findings indicate that growth and advancement opportunities and work-life balance are key variables for reducing intent to resign and thereby improving retention in aviation organisations. Trust in management, organisational values and effective communication were found to not have a significant relationship with employees’ intent to resign. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they pay specific attention to growth and advancement opportunities as well as work-life balance in order to improve the retention of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for smart factories in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector
- Authors: Mugwagwa, Basil
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things , Manufacturing processes -- Automation Drug factories Pharmaceutical technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41897 , vital:36607
- Description: Since the turn of the century, the manufacturing industry has metamorphosed from manually driven systems to digitalisation. Product life cycles have shortened and customer demands have become more intense. Globalisation has brought about challenges that drive the need for smart manufacturing. Industry 4.0 has emerged as a response to these demands. The integration of various processes, facilities and systems throughout the value chain and digitalisation of physical systems is promoted in Industry 4.0. Due to increased competitive pressures, organisations are strategically looking at automation to deliver competitive advantage in delivering products at the right cost, quality, time and volumes to the customers. Organisations are therefore looking for manufacturing solutions that are technology driven, such as cyber-physical systems, big data, collaborative robots and the Internet of Things. This allows autonomous communication throughout the value chain between machine-to-machine and human-to-machine. The smart factory, a component of Industry 4.0, is a self-organised, modular, highly flexible and reconfigurable factory that enables the production of customised products at low cost, therefore maximising profitability. Smart manufacturing can bring about competitive advantages for an organisation. Labour concerns have been raised against automation and smart manufacturing, citing potential job losses, workforce redundancy and potential employee lay-offs. This unease, in turn, influences the employees’ attitude towards technology, which could lead either to its acceptance or refusal. The purpose of this research is to enhance the understanding of smart factories in the pharmaceutical industry by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors which influence the attitude of those involved towards a smart factory implementation. This study focuses on the perceptions among employees and management. The research is a quantitative study consisting of a literature review of the key concepts related to Industry 4.0, smart factories and technology-acceptance theories. The empirical study consisted of surveys completed by management and employees of one of the pharmaceutical manufacturers in South Africa. The questionnaire used in this research consists of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding the perception of change and factors influencing attitudes towards the acceptance of technology, within the pharmaceutical manufacturing company. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data into a more condensed form, which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data. Inferential statistics were used to validate if the conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred to a larger population. Various factors influence perceptions about ease of use and usefulness, which then, in turn, influence attitudes and the intention to use technology. These factors have been examined by numerous authors in the technology acceptance literature. Recommended factors based on the statistical analysis of the questionnaire results were identified. A model, supported by Exploratory Factor Analysis, Correlations and ANOVA Testing identified the following factors as having an influence on the Attitude towards the Positive Impact of Smart Factories, within the pharmaceutical manufacturing company: Training and Development, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Organisational Culture, Resources and Costs and Job Security. The importance of each factor was identified to understand its function how to improve the implementation of smart factories. The research results indicated that the perception of management and employees is different on factors like such as Training, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Resources and Costs, Automation and Support and Parent Company in relation to technology acceptance. There was however no difference in perception between managers and employees on Security, Government Laws and Regulations, Organisational Culture, Peer Support and Organisational Support in relation to technology acceptance. The research study contributed to the identification and understanding of the factors influencing the implementation of smart factories in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mugwagwa, Basil
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things , Manufacturing processes -- Automation Drug factories Pharmaceutical technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41897 , vital:36607
- Description: Since the turn of the century, the manufacturing industry has metamorphosed from manually driven systems to digitalisation. Product life cycles have shortened and customer demands have become more intense. Globalisation has brought about challenges that drive the need for smart manufacturing. Industry 4.0 has emerged as a response to these demands. The integration of various processes, facilities and systems throughout the value chain and digitalisation of physical systems is promoted in Industry 4.0. Due to increased competitive pressures, organisations are strategically looking at automation to deliver competitive advantage in delivering products at the right cost, quality, time and volumes to the customers. Organisations are therefore looking for manufacturing solutions that are technology driven, such as cyber-physical systems, big data, collaborative robots and the Internet of Things. This allows autonomous communication throughout the value chain between machine-to-machine and human-to-machine. The smart factory, a component of Industry 4.0, is a self-organised, modular, highly flexible and reconfigurable factory that enables the production of customised products at low cost, therefore maximising profitability. Smart manufacturing can bring about competitive advantages for an organisation. Labour concerns have been raised against automation and smart manufacturing, citing potential job losses, workforce redundancy and potential employee lay-offs. This unease, in turn, influences the employees’ attitude towards technology, which could lead either to its acceptance or refusal. The purpose of this research is to enhance the understanding of smart factories in the pharmaceutical industry by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors which influence the attitude of those involved towards a smart factory implementation. This study focuses on the perceptions among employees and management. The research is a quantitative study consisting of a literature review of the key concepts related to Industry 4.0, smart factories and technology-acceptance theories. The empirical study consisted of surveys completed by management and employees of one of the pharmaceutical manufacturers in South Africa. The questionnaire used in this research consists of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding the perception of change and factors influencing attitudes towards the acceptance of technology, within the pharmaceutical manufacturing company. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data into a more condensed form, which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data. Inferential statistics were used to validate if the conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred to a larger population. Various factors influence perceptions about ease of use and usefulness, which then, in turn, influence attitudes and the intention to use technology. These factors have been examined by numerous authors in the technology acceptance literature. Recommended factors based on the statistical analysis of the questionnaire results were identified. A model, supported by Exploratory Factor Analysis, Correlations and ANOVA Testing identified the following factors as having an influence on the Attitude towards the Positive Impact of Smart Factories, within the pharmaceutical manufacturing company: Training and Development, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Organisational Culture, Resources and Costs and Job Security. The importance of each factor was identified to understand its function how to improve the implementation of smart factories. The research results indicated that the perception of management and employees is different on factors like such as Training, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Resources and Costs, Automation and Support and Parent Company in relation to technology acceptance. There was however no difference in perception between managers and employees on Security, Government Laws and Regulations, Organisational Culture, Peer Support and Organisational Support in relation to technology acceptance. The research study contributed to the identification and understanding of the factors influencing the implementation of smart factories in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A regulatory framework for investment promotion by WESGRO in the Western Cape province, 2014 – 2017
- Authors: Nodada, Lubabalo Yandisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Infrastructure (Economics)-- South Africa -- Western Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Western Cape Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42847 , vital:36699
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) was impeded by an underperforming economy in the Western Cape Province between 2014 and 2017. In order to stimulate economic growth during the period under review, Wesgro, the organization invested with the mandate of attracting FDI to the Western Cape Province, was required to market and attract high volumes of FDI. As the Western Cape economy was not growing at the required rate, Wesgro set its FDI target ranges to within achievable levels. In order to create a foundation for understanding laws and economic policies relevant to marketing to attract FDI, this study reviewed regulatory frameworks for FDI in South Africa and the Western Cape Province. In addition, the National Development Plan (economic growth policy of South Africa) and the Western Cape Provincial Strategic Plan 2014-2019 (economic growth policy of the Province) were discussed. The research methodology of this study followed a descriptive research approach, analysing existing secondary data extracted from books, academic journals, research reports, Acts of Parliament, economic growth policies and annual reports from the 2013/14 to 2016/17 financial years. Relevant data emanating from reviewed regulatory frameworks, economic growth policies, official FDI and its various forms, academic debates on FDI and the strategic roles and approaches employed by IPAs when marketing to attract FDI to home destinations was withdrawn, analysed and the findings presented. The findings revealed that a weak growing Western Cape economy impeded the potential of Wesgro to attract FDI beyond its targeted ranges between 2014 and 2017. The findings also indicated that the Western Cape economy experienced lack of investment, low economic activity, low economic growth and high unemployment because Wesgro did not attract sufficient FDI to stimulate economic growth. High volumes of FDI are needed to stimulate the Western Cape Province’s economic growth. Based on the findings of this study, various recommendations were made on ways in which the Western Cape economy could grow.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nodada, Lubabalo Yandisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Infrastructure (Economics)-- South Africa -- Western Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Western Cape Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42847 , vital:36699
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) was impeded by an underperforming economy in the Western Cape Province between 2014 and 2017. In order to stimulate economic growth during the period under review, Wesgro, the organization invested with the mandate of attracting FDI to the Western Cape Province, was required to market and attract high volumes of FDI. As the Western Cape economy was not growing at the required rate, Wesgro set its FDI target ranges to within achievable levels. In order to create a foundation for understanding laws and economic policies relevant to marketing to attract FDI, this study reviewed regulatory frameworks for FDI in South Africa and the Western Cape Province. In addition, the National Development Plan (economic growth policy of South Africa) and the Western Cape Provincial Strategic Plan 2014-2019 (economic growth policy of the Province) were discussed. The research methodology of this study followed a descriptive research approach, analysing existing secondary data extracted from books, academic journals, research reports, Acts of Parliament, economic growth policies and annual reports from the 2013/14 to 2016/17 financial years. Relevant data emanating from reviewed regulatory frameworks, economic growth policies, official FDI and its various forms, academic debates on FDI and the strategic roles and approaches employed by IPAs when marketing to attract FDI to home destinations was withdrawn, analysed and the findings presented. The findings revealed that a weak growing Western Cape economy impeded the potential of Wesgro to attract FDI beyond its targeted ranges between 2014 and 2017. The findings also indicated that the Western Cape economy experienced lack of investment, low economic activity, low economic growth and high unemployment because Wesgro did not attract sufficient FDI to stimulate economic growth. High volumes of FDI are needed to stimulate the Western Cape Province’s economic growth. Based on the findings of this study, various recommendations were made on ways in which the Western Cape economy could grow.
- 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
A study on technology adoption in agriculture in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Academic performance and cognitive critical thinking skills of certificate in theory of accounting students at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Pienaar, Joné
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement , Thought and thinking , Cognitive learning , Educational tests and measurements , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43196 , vital:36759
- Description: With advances in computerisation, the skills that accountants need to remain relevant in an ever-changing world deserves consideration. Literature indicates that “critical thinking skills” form part of the required skill set. However, the development and assessment of critical thinking skills in the accounting curriculum has not received sufficient attention. This study focuses on evaluating the assessment of accounting students’ critical thinking skills, specifically those aspiring to be CAs (SA), who are in their final year of university education. The primary objective of this study is to establish whether a relationship exists between cognitive critical thinking skills and academic performance of CTA students at Nelson Mandela University. The research followed a positivistic mixed method research methodology. Using the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA), the cognitive critical thinking ability of the sample (CTA students (n=60)) was determined and compared to their academic performance using various statistical techniques. Since the proxy for academic performance was the final marks of which the year-end examination forms a very large component, the examiners of each of the modules comprising the CTA programme also completed a questionnaire wherein they indicated the critical thinking skills assessed, and the assessment characteristics used in the examination papers. The results indicate that a relationship exists between cognitive critical thinking skills and academic performance of the sample in three of the four modules of the CTA programme: Accounting, Taxation and Estate Planning and Management Accounting. The questionnaire feedback indicates that cognitive critical thinking skills were assessed in the CTA programme to some extent, but that focus was placed on skills not assessed by the W-GCTA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Pienaar, Joné
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement , Thought and thinking , Cognitive learning , Educational tests and measurements , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43196 , vital:36759
- Description: With advances in computerisation, the skills that accountants need to remain relevant in an ever-changing world deserves consideration. Literature indicates that “critical thinking skills” form part of the required skill set. However, the development and assessment of critical thinking skills in the accounting curriculum has not received sufficient attention. This study focuses on evaluating the assessment of accounting students’ critical thinking skills, specifically those aspiring to be CAs (SA), who are in their final year of university education. The primary objective of this study is to establish whether a relationship exists between cognitive critical thinking skills and academic performance of CTA students at Nelson Mandela University. The research followed a positivistic mixed method research methodology. Using the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA), the cognitive critical thinking ability of the sample (CTA students (n=60)) was determined and compared to their academic performance using various statistical techniques. Since the proxy for academic performance was the final marks of which the year-end examination forms a very large component, the examiners of each of the modules comprising the CTA programme also completed a questionnaire wherein they indicated the critical thinking skills assessed, and the assessment characteristics used in the examination papers. The results indicate that a relationship exists between cognitive critical thinking skills and academic performance of the sample in three of the four modules of the CTA programme: Accounting, Taxation and Estate Planning and Management Accounting. The questionnaire feedback indicates that cognitive critical thinking skills were assessed in the CTA programme to some extent, but that focus was placed on skills not assessed by the W-GCTA.
- 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
Advancing finance revenue through sustainable electricity distribution – eMalahleni Municipality
- Authors: Nkopo, Tabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Finance Environmental policy -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42858 , vital:36700
- Description: In the past Emalahleni municipality operated its electricity distribution efficiently and effectively. However, along the years, the municipality’s operations changed and the situation changed from bad to a financially distressed municipality. The municipality has been experiencing challenges in sustaining its distribution power in the area of its jurisdiction in the past decade. As a result, more than half of the population in the area is affected by the ineffectiveness of the distribution of electricity which lowers their standard of living. As the city’s population is growing, it was envisaged that the power sector will experience a steady growth. The anticipation has been that due to the rate of growth and development in the city, most of Emalahleni municipality should have been electrified by now. However, challenges in the distribution of electricity have persisted and this has negatively affected the economy and living standard of the city. From a management perspective, this research looks at advancing finance revenue through sustainable electricity distribution. Specifically, it analyses the management challenges that affect the distribution of electricity in the city. It is well documented that Emalahleni municipality is currently facing an electricity crisis despite all the government efforts to provide adequate power to the citizens. The research will look at the sustainability of the municipality through the distribution of electricity in Emalahleni. The research will further look at how management manages and ensures better controls in the municipality to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of power delivery within the municipal boundaries. For the municipality to be sustainable through electricity distribution, it should reinvest more money in the electricity infrastructure, improve its governance to ensure high performance and continuous performance improvement amongst leadership and management. Furthermore the municipality requires qualified and skilled labour to enhance growth and efficient running of the municipality. In this research, qualitative research techniques were employed. The data was collected from questionnaires, reports, published books, journals, newspaper articles, and relevant government policies were well studied in order to produce a well-informed report.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nkopo, Tabisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Finance Environmental policy -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42858 , vital:36700
- Description: In the past Emalahleni municipality operated its electricity distribution efficiently and effectively. However, along the years, the municipality’s operations changed and the situation changed from bad to a financially distressed municipality. The municipality has been experiencing challenges in sustaining its distribution power in the area of its jurisdiction in the past decade. As a result, more than half of the population in the area is affected by the ineffectiveness of the distribution of electricity which lowers their standard of living. As the city’s population is growing, it was envisaged that the power sector will experience a steady growth. The anticipation has been that due to the rate of growth and development in the city, most of Emalahleni municipality should have been electrified by now. However, challenges in the distribution of electricity have persisted and this has negatively affected the economy and living standard of the city. From a management perspective, this research looks at advancing finance revenue through sustainable electricity distribution. Specifically, it analyses the management challenges that affect the distribution of electricity in the city. It is well documented that Emalahleni municipality is currently facing an electricity crisis despite all the government efforts to provide adequate power to the citizens. The research will look at the sustainability of the municipality through the distribution of electricity in Emalahleni. The research will further look at how management manages and ensures better controls in the municipality to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of power delivery within the municipal boundaries. For the municipality to be sustainable through electricity distribution, it should reinvest more money in the electricity infrastructure, improve its governance to ensure high performance and continuous performance improvement amongst leadership and management. Furthermore the municipality requires qualified and skilled labour to enhance growth and efficient running of the municipality. In this research, qualitative research techniques were employed. The data was collected from questionnaires, reports, published books, journals, newspaper articles, and relevant government policies were well studied in order to produce a well-informed report.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Africa’s readiness for electric vehicles towards 2025
- Authors: Ghansar, Grant John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42152 , vital:36630
- Description: Disruption is an ongoing process. Nearly every industry has experienced some form of disruption, and these disruptions bring about a changing of the guard. At the turn of the twentieth century, the automobile of that era was considered to be a toy for the rich. Henry Ford, however, had a vision that changed this equation. He saw the automobile as a way to displace the horse and increase the ability to transport people over larger distances. Vehicles eventually became more affordable to the average person. The global automotive industry is currently ripe for disruption. An understanding and appreciation of Africa’s readiness for the future of electric vehicles will be off significant value to various stakeholders throughout Africa. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, automotive manufacturer’s policy makers, and society at large to make intelligent decisions about Africa’s readiness for electric vehicles towards 2025 and beyond. This study was aimed at identifying possible futures of Africa’s readiness for electric vehicles towards 2025. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were utilised as the preferred methodologies to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors need to be addressed, and that there is a robust requirement for a fundamental shift in the ways and methods of planning the future of the automotive industry in Africa and its readiness for the electric vehicle industry towards 2025. Most major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) have already committed to changing their products and fleets to alternative mobility in the near future. As vehicles move toward EVs and self-driving, the future becomes more uncertain; thus, the focus on urban transport and clean mobility is pertinent in Africa due to its anticipated rapid increase in urban share, resulting in a mobility revolution in the coming years. Electric vehicles are therefore imminent, and with Africa being a developing continent, it is imperative that the individual countries are proactive in embracing the new disruption, and in doing so, become the front runners for the future transportation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ghansar, Grant John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric vehicles -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42152 , vital:36630
- Description: Disruption is an ongoing process. Nearly every industry has experienced some form of disruption, and these disruptions bring about a changing of the guard. At the turn of the twentieth century, the automobile of that era was considered to be a toy for the rich. Henry Ford, however, had a vision that changed this equation. He saw the automobile as a way to displace the horse and increase the ability to transport people over larger distances. Vehicles eventually became more affordable to the average person. The global automotive industry is currently ripe for disruption. An understanding and appreciation of Africa’s readiness for the future of electric vehicles will be off significant value to various stakeholders throughout Africa. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, automotive manufacturer’s policy makers, and society at large to make intelligent decisions about Africa’s readiness for electric vehicles towards 2025 and beyond. This study was aimed at identifying possible futures of Africa’s readiness for electric vehicles towards 2025. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were utilised as the preferred methodologies to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors need to be addressed, and that there is a robust requirement for a fundamental shift in the ways and methods of planning the future of the automotive industry in Africa and its readiness for the electric vehicle industry towards 2025. Most major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) have already committed to changing their products and fleets to alternative mobility in the near future. As vehicles move toward EVs and self-driving, the future becomes more uncertain; thus, the focus on urban transport and clean mobility is pertinent in Africa due to its anticipated rapid increase in urban share, resulting in a mobility revolution in the coming years. Electric vehicles are therefore imminent, and with Africa being a developing continent, it is imperative that the individual countries are proactive in embracing the new disruption, and in doing so, become the front runners for the future transportation method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Agriculture land abandonment and rural development in South Africa
- Authors: Mgushelo, Aphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Abandoned farms , Rural development -- South Africa Finance, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41128 , vital:36362
- Description: Vast amounts of agriculture lands have been abandoned over the last decades, worldwide – phenomenally in rural areas (Filho et al., 2016). In South Africa, Agriculture Land Abandonment (ALA) is apparent even to the human eye, but little or nothing is known about it, especially regarding its causes and implications for rural socio-economic development. Agriculture Land Abandonment is critical and highly topical given the ongoing debate on the land issue in South Africa (Friedman, 2018; Maromo, 2018). Moreover, the National Development Plan (NDP) identifies agriculture as the main economic activity in rural areas, with the potential to create nearly 1 million new jobs and as a primary means to achieve rural development by 2030 (National Planning Commission (NPC), 2011). To this end, the land must be cultivated to provide work and to banish poverty. This research focuses on Julukuqu, a rural village in the former Transkei homeland, within the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape province. This research intends to indent and propose a solution for rural development by understanding the causes and consequences of Agriculture Land Abandonment and identifying measures to address this issue. By analysing satellite imagery of the study area over a 15-year period, we are able to establish the extent of Agriculture Land Abandonment. Individual interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted and analysed to provide an understanding of the official positions and grassroots lived experiences. Altogether, the data that was collected yielded 17 usable interviews, which were subjected to thematic analyses. The findings of this research are that: the croplands of Julukuqu were once totally cultivated, but they are now almost (all) totally abandoned with only one person still cultivating their now reduced cropland. The causes of ALA in Julukuqu are socio-economic, environmental and political in nature. Due to schooling, children are no longer herding the livestock and it is free-ranging and grazing within the people’s croplands – in season and out of season. Coupled with an irrigation system, because of drought, fencing has thus become a principal determinant of cultivation of the croplands. The abandonment of the croplands has left the households insecure and depending mainly on social grants for income and food, including the very maize they once produced and sold a surplus. Hunger has become a rural denominator – striking both the people and their livestock, and crime has risen with unemployment. Moreover, child schooling and youth reluctance, threaten the succession and sustainability of agriculture as a rural livelihood and business. Despite the abandonment of the croplands, agriculture is still seen as a key to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Julukuqu. Given the experienced consequences of ALA, there exists a strong desire and will among the people of Julukuqu to cultivate their abandoned croplands once again. Fundamentally, for the people to meet their common socio-economic needs and challenges, they need to address ALA in Julukuqu through the development of an agricultural co-operative, which needs financial and non-financial support to develop and succeed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mgushelo, Aphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Abandoned farms , Rural development -- South Africa Finance, Public -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41128 , vital:36362
- Description: Vast amounts of agriculture lands have been abandoned over the last decades, worldwide – phenomenally in rural areas (Filho et al., 2016). In South Africa, Agriculture Land Abandonment (ALA) is apparent even to the human eye, but little or nothing is known about it, especially regarding its causes and implications for rural socio-economic development. Agriculture Land Abandonment is critical and highly topical given the ongoing debate on the land issue in South Africa (Friedman, 2018; Maromo, 2018). Moreover, the National Development Plan (NDP) identifies agriculture as the main economic activity in rural areas, with the potential to create nearly 1 million new jobs and as a primary means to achieve rural development by 2030 (National Planning Commission (NPC), 2011). To this end, the land must be cultivated to provide work and to banish poverty. This research focuses on Julukuqu, a rural village in the former Transkei homeland, within the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape province. This research intends to indent and propose a solution for rural development by understanding the causes and consequences of Agriculture Land Abandonment and identifying measures to address this issue. By analysing satellite imagery of the study area over a 15-year period, we are able to establish the extent of Agriculture Land Abandonment. Individual interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted and analysed to provide an understanding of the official positions and grassroots lived experiences. Altogether, the data that was collected yielded 17 usable interviews, which were subjected to thematic analyses. The findings of this research are that: the croplands of Julukuqu were once totally cultivated, but they are now almost (all) totally abandoned with only one person still cultivating their now reduced cropland. The causes of ALA in Julukuqu are socio-economic, environmental and political in nature. Due to schooling, children are no longer herding the livestock and it is free-ranging and grazing within the people’s croplands – in season and out of season. Coupled with an irrigation system, because of drought, fencing has thus become a principal determinant of cultivation of the croplands. The abandonment of the croplands has left the households insecure and depending mainly on social grants for income and food, including the very maize they once produced and sold a surplus. Hunger has become a rural denominator – striking both the people and their livestock, and crime has risen with unemployment. Moreover, child schooling and youth reluctance, threaten the succession and sustainability of agriculture as a rural livelihood and business. Despite the abandonment of the croplands, agriculture is still seen as a key to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Julukuqu. Given the experienced consequences of ALA, there exists a strong desire and will among the people of Julukuqu to cultivate their abandoned croplands once again. Fundamentally, for the people to meet their common socio-economic needs and challenges, they need to address ALA in Julukuqu through the development of an agricultural co-operative, which needs financial and non-financial support to develop and succeed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Agriculture land abandonment and rural development in South Africa
- Authors: Mgushelo, Aphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Abandoned farms , Rural development -- South Africa Agriculture and state -- South Africa South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44257 , vital:37143
- Description: Vast amounts of agriculture lands have been abandoned over the last decades, worldwide – phenomenally in rural areas (Filho et al., 2016). In South Africa, Agriculture Land Abandonment (ALA) is apparent even to the human eye, but little or nothing is known about it, especially regarding its causes and implications for rural socio-economic development. Agriculture Land Abandonment is critical and highly topical given the ongoing debate on the land issue in South Africa (Friedman, 2018; Maromo, 2018). Moreover, the National Development Plan (NDP) identifies agriculture as the main economic activity in rural areas, with the potential to create nearly 1 million new jobs and as a primary means to achieve rural development by 2030 (National Planning Commission (NPC), 2011). To this end, the land must be cultivated to provide work and to banish poverty. This research focuses on Julukuqu, a rural village in the former Transkei homeland, within the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape province. This research intends to indent and propose a solution for rural development by understanding the causes and consequences of Agriculture Land Abandonment and identifying measures to address this issue. By analysing satellite imagery of the study area over a 15-year period, we are able to establish the extent of Agriculture Land Abandonment. Individual interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted and analysed to provide an understanding of the official positions and grassroots lived experiences. Altogether, the data that was collected yielded 17 usable interviews, which were subjected to thematic analyses. The findings of this research are that: the croplands of Julukuqu were once totally cultivated, but they are now almost (all) totally abandoned with only one person still cultivating their now reduced cropland. The causes of ALA in Julukuqu are socio-economic, environmental and political in nature. Due to schooling, children are no longer herding the livestock and it is free-ranging and grazing within the people’s croplands – in season and out of season. Coupled with an irrigation system, because of drought, fencing has thus become a principal determinant of cultivation of the croplands. The abandonment of the croplands has left the households insecure and depending mainly on social grants for income and food, including the very maize they once produced and sold a surplus. Hunger has become a rural denominator – striking both the people and their livestock, and crime has risen with unemployment. Moreover, child schooling and youth reluctance, threaten the succession and sustainability of agriculture as a rural livelihood and business. Despite the abandonment of the croplands, agriculture is still seen as a key to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Julukuqu. Given the experienced consequences of ALA, there exists a strong desire and will among the people of Julukuqu to cultivate their abandoned croplands once again. Fundamentally, for the people to meet their common socio-economic needs and challenges, they need to address ALA in Julukuqu through the development of an agricultural co-operative, which needs financial and non-financial support to develop and succeed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mgushelo, Aphiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Abandoned farms , Rural development -- South Africa Agriculture and state -- South Africa South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44257 , vital:37143
- Description: Vast amounts of agriculture lands have been abandoned over the last decades, worldwide – phenomenally in rural areas (Filho et al., 2016). In South Africa, Agriculture Land Abandonment (ALA) is apparent even to the human eye, but little or nothing is known about it, especially regarding its causes and implications for rural socio-economic development. Agriculture Land Abandonment is critical and highly topical given the ongoing debate on the land issue in South Africa (Friedman, 2018; Maromo, 2018). Moreover, the National Development Plan (NDP) identifies agriculture as the main economic activity in rural areas, with the potential to create nearly 1 million new jobs and as a primary means to achieve rural development by 2030 (National Planning Commission (NPC), 2011). To this end, the land must be cultivated to provide work and to banish poverty. This research focuses on Julukuqu, a rural village in the former Transkei homeland, within the O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape province. This research intends to indent and propose a solution for rural development by understanding the causes and consequences of Agriculture Land Abandonment and identifying measures to address this issue. By analysing satellite imagery of the study area over a 15-year period, we are able to establish the extent of Agriculture Land Abandonment. Individual interviews and a focus group discussion were conducted and analysed to provide an understanding of the official positions and grassroots lived experiences. Altogether, the data that was collected yielded 17 usable interviews, which were subjected to thematic analyses. The findings of this research are that: the croplands of Julukuqu were once totally cultivated, but they are now almost (all) totally abandoned with only one person still cultivating their now reduced cropland. The causes of ALA in Julukuqu are socio-economic, environmental and political in nature. Due to schooling, children are no longer herding the livestock and it is free-ranging and grazing within the people’s croplands – in season and out of season. Coupled with an irrigation system, because of drought, fencing has thus become a principal determinant of cultivation of the croplands. The abandonment of the croplands has left the households insecure and depending mainly on social grants for income and food, including the very maize they once produced and sold a surplus. Hunger has become a rural denominator – striking both the people and their livestock, and crime has risen with unemployment. Moreover, child schooling and youth reluctance, threaten the succession and sustainability of agriculture as a rural livelihood and business. Despite the abandonment of the croplands, agriculture is still seen as a key to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Julukuqu. Given the experienced consequences of ALA, there exists a strong desire and will among the people of Julukuqu to cultivate their abandoned croplands once again. Fundamentally, for the people to meet their common socio-economic needs and challenges, they need to address ALA in Julukuqu through the development of an agricultural co-operative, which needs financial and non-financial support to develop and succeed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Altruistic love culture and workers well-being: a study in workplace spirituality
- Authors: Simms, Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Religion in the workplace Altruism Interpersonal relations and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43468 , vital:36892
- Description: Business leaders and company analysts identify the fact that the marketplace necessitates flexibility and mobility to triumph over the competitive difficulties which businesses usually encounter. More recently approaches have focused on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and in particular strategies on how to increase Employee Well-being. Given the need for Employee Well-being in order to achieve desired work-related results, management has become progressively more enthusiastic about methods to improve the well-being of their employees. This research study seeks to make a contribution to this topic by investigating how Employee Well-being can be increased by inculcating an Altruistic Love culture amongst employees. To achieve this objective an Employee Well-Being Model was presented. Spiritual Leadership in the workplace was discussed as the theoretical framework with Altruistic Love as a feature in the intrinsic model of motivation explained further. Six values were defined and according to the theoretical framework were important in order to achieve Employee Well-being. These values were Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity, Compassion, Humility and Forgiveness. The Employee Well-Being Model served as a basis for the compilation of the survey questionnaire to investigate the role of Altruistic Love values in achieving Employee Well-being. The questionnaire was administered in two stages. The first was a printed survey distributed to all workers at a FMCG company called Springbok Discount Meat Centre. The second part was an electronic survey sent out by email, where a link to the online survey could be accessed. The empirical results revealed that Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility were significantly positively related to Employee Well-being. Compassion was significantly negatively related to Employee Well-being. It can consequently be postulated that there will be a significant improvement of Employee Well-Being in the workplace if Altruistic Love values, defined in the study as Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility are practised more often by employees including management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Simms, Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Religion in the workplace Altruism Interpersonal relations and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43468 , vital:36892
- Description: Business leaders and company analysts identify the fact that the marketplace necessitates flexibility and mobility to triumph over the competitive difficulties which businesses usually encounter. More recently approaches have focused on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and in particular strategies on how to increase Employee Well-being. Given the need for Employee Well-being in order to achieve desired work-related results, management has become progressively more enthusiastic about methods to improve the well-being of their employees. This research study seeks to make a contribution to this topic by investigating how Employee Well-being can be increased by inculcating an Altruistic Love culture amongst employees. To achieve this objective an Employee Well-Being Model was presented. Spiritual Leadership in the workplace was discussed as the theoretical framework with Altruistic Love as a feature in the intrinsic model of motivation explained further. Six values were defined and according to the theoretical framework were important in order to achieve Employee Well-being. These values were Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity, Compassion, Humility and Forgiveness. The Employee Well-Being Model served as a basis for the compilation of the survey questionnaire to investigate the role of Altruistic Love values in achieving Employee Well-being. The questionnaire was administered in two stages. The first was a printed survey distributed to all workers at a FMCG company called Springbok Discount Meat Centre. The second part was an electronic survey sent out by email, where a link to the online survey could be accessed. The empirical results revealed that Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility were significantly positively related to Employee Well-being. Compassion was significantly negatively related to Employee Well-being. It can consequently be postulated that there will be a significant improvement of Employee Well-Being in the workplace if Altruistic Love values, defined in the study as Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility are practised more often by employees including management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An analysis of how smart ships are going to impact the manning costs of merchant ships by 2028
- Authors: Ramonyaluoe, Tshepo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Shipping
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43024 , vital:36725
- Description: The maritime shipping industry is one of the most important industries in global logistics and economics. It facilitates international trade of goods and other commodities, whilst also supporting other sectors like tourism and the oil and gas industry. Despite technological breakthroughs over the years, the maritime shipping industry has not undergone any huge and fundamental changes in the way it conducts business. This is about to drastically change with the advent of the fourth industrial revolution. For the past two decades, the industry has been battling escalating operating costs due to challenges pertaining to diminishing skilled labour, increasing fuel costs and growing environmental concerns. These challenges are fast approaching crisis levels and a solution appears to be on the horizon in the form of smart ships; autonomous and remotely controlled ships that fully embrace the benefits of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. The main purpose of this research is to determine how smart ships are going to affect the costs of manning a merchant ship by 2028. The study analyses the voyage cost structure of merchant's vessels, and looks at how smart ships are going to impact the costs of crewing a ship. This is a qualitative study that employed futures methodology called Environmental Scanning. This paper has led to conclusions and recommendations that should enable maritime shipping companies and agents to develop strategies that yield increased competitiveness in the age of smart technologies and big data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ramonyaluoe, Tshepo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Shipping
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43024 , vital:36725
- Description: The maritime shipping industry is one of the most important industries in global logistics and economics. It facilitates international trade of goods and other commodities, whilst also supporting other sectors like tourism and the oil and gas industry. Despite technological breakthroughs over the years, the maritime shipping industry has not undergone any huge and fundamental changes in the way it conducts business. This is about to drastically change with the advent of the fourth industrial revolution. For the past two decades, the industry has been battling escalating operating costs due to challenges pertaining to diminishing skilled labour, increasing fuel costs and growing environmental concerns. These challenges are fast approaching crisis levels and a solution appears to be on the horizon in the form of smart ships; autonomous and remotely controlled ships that fully embrace the benefits of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. The main purpose of this research is to determine how smart ships are going to affect the costs of manning a merchant ship by 2028. The study analyses the voyage cost structure of merchant's vessels, and looks at how smart ships are going to impact the costs of crewing a ship. This is a qualitative study that employed futures methodology called Environmental Scanning. This paper has led to conclusions and recommendations that should enable maritime shipping companies and agents to develop strategies that yield increased competitiveness in the age of smart technologies and big data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019