An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A conscious leadership model to achieve sustainable business practices
- Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Authors: Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5885 , vital:21008
- Description: Business sustainability is a fundamental concern amongst business leaders and it is imperative that business defines an environmentally and socially sustainable path to financial prosperity. This focus on sustainable business practices has been caused by the perceived contribution of businesses to undesirable conditions such as environmental and social degradation including global warming and the global financial crises. This study suggests that a leadership style that differs from leadership that is currently causing business unsustainability is needed in order to achieve the goal of sustainable business practices. This study therefore proposes a new kind of leadership, called conscious leadership. The main contribution of the study is to increase the achievement of sustainable business practices by investigating the importance of conscious leadership in achieving this objective. Convenience sampling was used to select senior managers and directors from mainly JSE listed companies. This resulted in a total of 371 usable questionnaires (317 from listed companies and 54 from unlisted companies) being received. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate whether conscious leadership would be related to increased sustainability competencies and more effective sustainability-related corporate governance and whether these in turn would increase sustainability behaviours which would generate sustainable business practices as measured by financial, social and environmental performance. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships among these variables. Pearson correlations and descriptive statistics were also calculated. The empirical results showed that respondents in this study regarded conscious leadership, not as a separate construct, but as a way they governed their businesses. The empirical results showed that corporate governance and systems thinking competency had a strong interactive relationship and should therefore be cultivated within business firms. Corporate governance (including conscious leadership) and systems-thinking competency were positive influencers of employee relations, equal opportunities and workforce diversity. The empirical results however showed that corporate governance (including conscious leadership) had a negative influence on profitability. The present study cannot argue for the discouragement of corporate governance (including conscious leadership), as measured in this study, because reduced corporate governance would decrease healthy employee relations and the latter would decrease the achievement of equal opportunities and workforce diversity in these firms. A decrease in healthy employee relations would decrease profitability. The most important finding of this study is that senior managers and directors of big business firms, mostly JSE-listed companies, regarded conscious leadership as an important part of corporate governance. Corporate governance that includes conscious leadership must be developed to higher levels in business firms, so that the negative and not-significant relationships to profitability as viewed by lower and high conscious leaders respectively can be changed to positive relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5885 , vital:21008
- Description: Business sustainability is a fundamental concern amongst business leaders and it is imperative that business defines an environmentally and socially sustainable path to financial prosperity. This focus on sustainable business practices has been caused by the perceived contribution of businesses to undesirable conditions such as environmental and social degradation including global warming and the global financial crises. This study suggests that a leadership style that differs from leadership that is currently causing business unsustainability is needed in order to achieve the goal of sustainable business practices. This study therefore proposes a new kind of leadership, called conscious leadership. The main contribution of the study is to increase the achievement of sustainable business practices by investigating the importance of conscious leadership in achieving this objective. Convenience sampling was used to select senior managers and directors from mainly JSE listed companies. This resulted in a total of 371 usable questionnaires (317 from listed companies and 54 from unlisted companies) being received. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate whether conscious leadership would be related to increased sustainability competencies and more effective sustainability-related corporate governance and whether these in turn would increase sustainability behaviours which would generate sustainable business practices as measured by financial, social and environmental performance. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships among these variables. Pearson correlations and descriptive statistics were also calculated. The empirical results showed that respondents in this study regarded conscious leadership, not as a separate construct, but as a way they governed their businesses. The empirical results showed that corporate governance and systems thinking competency had a strong interactive relationship and should therefore be cultivated within business firms. Corporate governance (including conscious leadership) and systems-thinking competency were positive influencers of employee relations, equal opportunities and workforce diversity. The empirical results however showed that corporate governance (including conscious leadership) had a negative influence on profitability. The present study cannot argue for the discouragement of corporate governance (including conscious leadership), as measured in this study, because reduced corporate governance would decrease healthy employee relations and the latter would decrease the achievement of equal opportunities and workforce diversity in these firms. A decrease in healthy employee relations would decrease profitability. The most important finding of this study is that senior managers and directors of big business firms, mostly JSE-listed companies, regarded conscious leadership as an important part of corporate governance. Corporate governance that includes conscious leadership must be developed to higher levels in business firms, so that the negative and not-significant relationships to profitability as viewed by lower and high conscious leaders respectively can be changed to positive relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A frame for improving employee commitment to a sustainability strategy
- Authors: Kanyi, Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee morale , Strategic planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3832 , vital:20467
- Description: The changing business environment has increasingly driven organisations to incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy for them to remain competitive. The economic, social and environmental goals and objectives of the organisation are now being factored into corporate strategy. This is as a result of the opportunities presented with the adoption of sustainability as a strategy and the threats caused by failure to adopt sustainability within their corporate strategy. For organisations to reap any benefits of incorporating sustainability, successful implementation of the strategy is needed. The role employees’ play in the implementation process of the sustainability strategy is critical. For successful implementation of the strategy, employee commitment is required as they have to adjust their actions and behaviours to be congruent with those required for the successful implementation of the sustainability strategy. However literature suggests that employees have received little attention in past research in regard to sustainability especially in emerging markets where research on sustainability has been limited. For this reason, the research problem for this study was how employee commitment can be improved towards the implementation of the sustainability strategy in their day-to-day operations. To achieve this objective, a conceptual framework was developed by investigating the organisational factors that impact on employee commitment to implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities. To develop the conceptual framework, a literature review was conducted. The conceptual framework served as a basis for the construction of the questionnaire, to determine the nature of employee commitment to sustainability, to what extent they were implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities and finally for the employees who were committed and were implementing sustainability what were the organisational factors that influenced their commitment to the sustainability strategy. The questionnaire was distributed to employees of different organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area who were MBA students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The findings of the empirical study indicate that the majority (75.5%) of the respondents were committed to all the tenets of sustainability, and were implementing the sustainability strategy. Though there were trade-offs in how the sustainability strategy was implemented, with the economic aspect having precedence where 84.5% of the respondents were implementing it, 70% of the respondents were implementing the social aspect of sustainability and 72.2% implementing the environmental tenet of sustainability. The organisational factors that influenced employee commitment to sustainability as was developed in the conceptual framework were all positively confirmed by the findings of the empirical study. Employee socialisation had the highest influence on commitment, followed by leadership, culture, communication, sustainability programmes and finally performance management. Formal and informal socialisation in the form of training and influence from experienced employees was the leading organisational factor that influenced commitment. The different roles top and middle management played in regard to sustainability followed. The organisational culture that existed in the organisation and the internal communication that was received all contributed to employee commitment to sustainability. The sustainability programmes in place and performance management systems in place were all organisational factors contributing to employee commitment to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kanyi, Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee morale , Strategic planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3832 , vital:20467
- Description: The changing business environment has increasingly driven organisations to incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy for them to remain competitive. The economic, social and environmental goals and objectives of the organisation are now being factored into corporate strategy. This is as a result of the opportunities presented with the adoption of sustainability as a strategy and the threats caused by failure to adopt sustainability within their corporate strategy. For organisations to reap any benefits of incorporating sustainability, successful implementation of the strategy is needed. The role employees’ play in the implementation process of the sustainability strategy is critical. For successful implementation of the strategy, employee commitment is required as they have to adjust their actions and behaviours to be congruent with those required for the successful implementation of the sustainability strategy. However literature suggests that employees have received little attention in past research in regard to sustainability especially in emerging markets where research on sustainability has been limited. For this reason, the research problem for this study was how employee commitment can be improved towards the implementation of the sustainability strategy in their day-to-day operations. To achieve this objective, a conceptual framework was developed by investigating the organisational factors that impact on employee commitment to implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities. To develop the conceptual framework, a literature review was conducted. The conceptual framework served as a basis for the construction of the questionnaire, to determine the nature of employee commitment to sustainability, to what extent they were implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities and finally for the employees who were committed and were implementing sustainability what were the organisational factors that influenced their commitment to the sustainability strategy. The questionnaire was distributed to employees of different organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area who were MBA students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The findings of the empirical study indicate that the majority (75.5%) of the respondents were committed to all the tenets of sustainability, and were implementing the sustainability strategy. Though there were trade-offs in how the sustainability strategy was implemented, with the economic aspect having precedence where 84.5% of the respondents were implementing it, 70% of the respondents were implementing the social aspect of sustainability and 72.2% implementing the environmental tenet of sustainability. The organisational factors that influenced employee commitment to sustainability as was developed in the conceptual framework were all positively confirmed by the findings of the empirical study. Employee socialisation had the highest influence on commitment, followed by leadership, culture, communication, sustainability programmes and finally performance management. Formal and informal socialisation in the form of training and influence from experienced employees was the leading organisational factor that influenced commitment. The different roles top and middle management played in regard to sustainability followed. The organisational culture that existed in the organisation and the internal communication that was received all contributed to employee commitment to sustainability. The sustainability programmes in place and performance management systems in place were all organisational factors contributing to employee commitment to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Going green: the impact of integrated sustainability reporting within JSE companies
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole district municipality
- Authors: Silinga, Nyaniso Sandisiwe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Small business -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5184 , vital:20819
- Description: The South African consulting engineering industry faces a challenge of relevance, particularly in the wake of government infrastructure investment through the planned National Development Plan and other current infrastructure plans. This challenge is even more so for small consulting engineering businesses within the industry who experienced a decline in earnings by ten percent in the first six months of 2013 as compared to the last six months of 2012 (Consulting Engineers South Africa, 2013:38). Government, as a job creator, has a duty to ensure that the conditions that these businesses operate in are favourable to them in order for the businesses to remain sustainable. Factors that contribute to the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses need to be identified. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) situated in the Eastern Cape Province and which is the second largest province in South Africa but the second poorest (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Council (ECSECC), 2011:15 cited in Mtshibe, 2013:1) is one of those job creators. According to the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) (2013:38), the district, which comprises of seven local municipalities, is the 3rd largest economy in the province after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, contributing twelve percent to the provincial economy. Figures published in the Division of Revenue Bill, 2014 (RSA, 2014:236) indicate infrastructure development allocations totalling R1.34 billion budgeted to the ADM for the next three years. This translates to job opportunities for the consulting engineering industry of this region. However, the latest ADM SMME procurement data reveals that in the past five years, only a small percentage of tenders awarded were to small consulting engineering businesses with a majority going to medium to large well-established enterprises (ADM, 2014). These results pose a serious challenge for policy makers who have a duty to ensure that work opportunities do not disadvantage emerging small businesses. The main objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the antecedents that impact on the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. This was done by identifying antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses through a detailed literature review. This literature review identified the competitive environment, regulatory environment and policy environment (independent variables) as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses (dependant variable). In testing the above research objective, the researcher used statistical analysis methods to reach a conclusion with regard to these antecedents. The positivistic research paradigm (quantitative method) was selected in testing this research objective through the use of hypothesis testing. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed to 100 small consulting engineering businesses using the databases of both the Amathole District Municipality and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA). Out of the selected sample of 100 small consulting engineering businesses, only 81 responses were received, thus representing an eighty-one percent response rate which is considered adequate. The collected data was then analysed using inferential and confirmatory statistical analysis methods. The analysis was presented in the form of graphs and tables. The results of the empirical survey identified rival competitor influence, the competitive environment and policy environment as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the management of the Amathole District Municipality in an endeavour to make the environment within which small consulting engineering businesses operate more favourable for the businesses to be sustainable. Suggestions for future research were also made as a way to help in addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the engineering industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Silinga, Nyaniso Sandisiwe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Small business -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5184 , vital:20819
- Description: The South African consulting engineering industry faces a challenge of relevance, particularly in the wake of government infrastructure investment through the planned National Development Plan and other current infrastructure plans. This challenge is even more so for small consulting engineering businesses within the industry who experienced a decline in earnings by ten percent in the first six months of 2013 as compared to the last six months of 2012 (Consulting Engineers South Africa, 2013:38). Government, as a job creator, has a duty to ensure that the conditions that these businesses operate in are favourable to them in order for the businesses to remain sustainable. Factors that contribute to the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses need to be identified. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) situated in the Eastern Cape Province and which is the second largest province in South Africa but the second poorest (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Council (ECSECC), 2011:15 cited in Mtshibe, 2013:1) is one of those job creators. According to the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) (2013:38), the district, which comprises of seven local municipalities, is the 3rd largest economy in the province after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, contributing twelve percent to the provincial economy. Figures published in the Division of Revenue Bill, 2014 (RSA, 2014:236) indicate infrastructure development allocations totalling R1.34 billion budgeted to the ADM for the next three years. This translates to job opportunities for the consulting engineering industry of this region. However, the latest ADM SMME procurement data reveals that in the past five years, only a small percentage of tenders awarded were to small consulting engineering businesses with a majority going to medium to large well-established enterprises (ADM, 2014). These results pose a serious challenge for policy makers who have a duty to ensure that work opportunities do not disadvantage emerging small businesses. The main objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the antecedents that impact on the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. This was done by identifying antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses through a detailed literature review. This literature review identified the competitive environment, regulatory environment and policy environment (independent variables) as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses (dependant variable). In testing the above research objective, the researcher used statistical analysis methods to reach a conclusion with regard to these antecedents. The positivistic research paradigm (quantitative method) was selected in testing this research objective through the use of hypothesis testing. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed to 100 small consulting engineering businesses using the databases of both the Amathole District Municipality and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA). Out of the selected sample of 100 small consulting engineering businesses, only 81 responses were received, thus representing an eighty-one percent response rate which is considered adequate. The collected data was then analysed using inferential and confirmatory statistical analysis methods. The analysis was presented in the form of graphs and tables. The results of the empirical survey identified rival competitor influence, the competitive environment and policy environment as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the management of the Amathole District Municipality in an endeavour to make the environment within which small consulting engineering businesses operate more favourable for the businesses to be sustainable. Suggestions for future research were also made as a way to help in addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the engineering industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
How community participation influences the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project
- Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental sustainability initiatives at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Evaluation of income generating projects in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing assessment criteria for a sustainable energy sector development project: shale gas exploration in the Karoo
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Would an asset-based community development approach counteract a community deficit mindset in Leliefontein?
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The role of co-operatives in the socio-economic developmet of Dutywa villages
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Corporate governance for sustainable development : implications for non-executive directors and the management accounting function
- Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Authors: Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/807 , Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Description: This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet. This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Jodwana, Thembinkosi Anthony Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/807 , Corporate governance , Sustainable development , Directors of corporations , Corporations -- Finance -- Management
- Description: This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet. This paper will discuss the role that corporate governance can play in promoting sustainable development. Sustainable development is discussed in relation to three things: • Current development which does not result in the damage and destruction of the environment to the detriment of future inhabitants of this planet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Beyond greening: reflections on the business sustainability imperative
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
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