Track-one diplomacy and post-conflict reconstruction : Kenya's mediation of Somali conflict and strategic intervention avenues
- Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Authors: Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mediation -- Somalia , Mediation -- Kenya , Diplomacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020628
- Description: This study focuses on the Kenyan mediation of the Somali conflict and strategic intervention engagement between 2002 and 2012. The core aim of the study was to establish and evaluate the role and effects of track-one diplomacy on conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction as pertains to the Somali conflict and on the basis of the Kenyan experience. A qualitative approach was followed in this study. It employed a descriptive, explanatory and analytical case-study method. The data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. The twenty-two participants in the study were drawn from the Kenyan Foreign Ministry, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), the East African Standby Force Co-ordination Mechanism (EASFCOM), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Peace Forum Organization (APFO), and selected respondents representing the Somali people. The documents comprised policy treatises, protocols, treaties, and communiqués highlighting the actions of the Kenyan government and other track-one actors in the Somali peace endeavour. Other scholarly research on official diplomacy, soft-power and conflict management by small States – in particular African case studies – were also utilised. The study revealed that Kenya’s diplomatic and stabilisation efforts had their own dynamics and challenges. This is especially so with regard to the preferred policy option of exercising diplomacy that utilises soft-power resources. This diplomacy had to contend with the challenges of dealing with sensitive aspects of the process. These sensitive aspects involved a recognition of and complicated engagement with the Somali conflict-constituencies, and a complex mapping of various actors and their respective interests. Contrary to the expected outcomes, interests and issues 17 proliferated, and the original peace-making agenda was consistently slowed down and complicated. The study also revealed that Kenya ought to have exercised a non-directive role in dealing with the different Somali conflict players. This role provides that such an “interested mediator” ought to exercise some considerable influence over the mediation environment. It also emerged from the study that as pertains to the current peace-making developments in Somalia that began in 2005 onwards to 2012, it is important that different intermediary co-operative roles be recognized and utilised. Towards this end, the study recommends that Kenya’s diplomacy should adopt a strategy of co-operation with those regional regimes that it helped to establish. A case in reference is the diplomatic opportunity of utilising regional arms control and disarmament diplomacy. This is Kenya’s intermediary co-operative role with RECSA, which is mandated to support arms control and disarmament implementation efforts in the East African region. The study also recommends that strategic foreign policy and regional actions by Kenya should be taken up given its new lease of engagement, noting that it was officially integrated into AMISOM in 2012. The study posited that in the ongoing engagement environment there would be a ‘revisiting’ of the experiences and complexities of the first phase of engagement (2002-2004). It is, therefore, recommended that Kenya should seize this opportunity and continue with its ‘facilitative and enabling role’ in its peace diplomacy, while utilising the lessons learnt in past engagements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mediation -- Somalia , Mediation -- Kenya , Diplomacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020628
- Description: This study focuses on the Kenyan mediation of the Somali conflict and strategic intervention engagement between 2002 and 2012. The core aim of the study was to establish and evaluate the role and effects of track-one diplomacy on conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction as pertains to the Somali conflict and on the basis of the Kenyan experience. A qualitative approach was followed in this study. It employed a descriptive, explanatory and analytical case-study method. The data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. The twenty-two participants in the study were drawn from the Kenyan Foreign Ministry, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), the East African Standby Force Co-ordination Mechanism (EASFCOM), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Peace Forum Organization (APFO), and selected respondents representing the Somali people. The documents comprised policy treatises, protocols, treaties, and communiqués highlighting the actions of the Kenyan government and other track-one actors in the Somali peace endeavour. Other scholarly research on official diplomacy, soft-power and conflict management by small States – in particular African case studies – were also utilised. The study revealed that Kenya’s diplomatic and stabilisation efforts had their own dynamics and challenges. This is especially so with regard to the preferred policy option of exercising diplomacy that utilises soft-power resources. This diplomacy had to contend with the challenges of dealing with sensitive aspects of the process. These sensitive aspects involved a recognition of and complicated engagement with the Somali conflict-constituencies, and a complex mapping of various actors and their respective interests. Contrary to the expected outcomes, interests and issues 17 proliferated, and the original peace-making agenda was consistently slowed down and complicated. The study also revealed that Kenya ought to have exercised a non-directive role in dealing with the different Somali conflict players. This role provides that such an “interested mediator” ought to exercise some considerable influence over the mediation environment. It also emerged from the study that as pertains to the current peace-making developments in Somalia that began in 2005 onwards to 2012, it is important that different intermediary co-operative roles be recognized and utilised. Towards this end, the study recommends that Kenya’s diplomacy should adopt a strategy of co-operation with those regional regimes that it helped to establish. A case in reference is the diplomatic opportunity of utilising regional arms control and disarmament diplomacy. This is Kenya’s intermediary co-operative role with RECSA, which is mandated to support arms control and disarmament implementation efforts in the East African region. The study also recommends that strategic foreign policy and regional actions by Kenya should be taken up given its new lease of engagement, noting that it was officially integrated into AMISOM in 2012. The study posited that in the ongoing engagement environment there would be a ‘revisiting’ of the experiences and complexities of the first phase of engagement (2002-2004). It is, therefore, recommended that Kenya should seize this opportunity and continue with its ‘facilitative and enabling role’ in its peace diplomacy, while utilising the lessons learnt in past engagements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An evaluation of the implementation of decentralization of the World Bank's operations of poverty reduction in Uganda
- Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Corporate social responsibility: a competitive strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the impact of a psychometric assessment technique in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Piro, Karen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Ability testing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1381 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Ability testing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Training of
- Description: This research takes place in a South African multinational automotive industry, which needs to be on the forefront for being globally competitive and sustainable to remain viable in the country. A strategic initiative was embarked upon to identify talent within their staff population, through the psychometric assessment of learning potential. The objective was to identify high potential employees and provide them with the requisite training and development to meet the demands of the rapidly advancing technology. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the Ability, Process of Information and Learning Battery (APIL) as a psychometric assessment tool for identifying talent, within a heterogeneous workforce. This research adopts a cross-cultural approach as it is comparative in nature and addresses the adequacy of a psychometric instrument in a multicultural context. The Employment Equity Act has transformed the landscape of the use of psychological measurement in South Africa, in that it stipulates that no psychological test that is biased against any cultural group can be used. A sample of 841 heterogeneous staff employees was assessed with three major research objectives: (a) to ensure that the instrument could stand scientific scrutiny thereby complying with the Employment Equity Act; (b) to recommend ways the organisation can identify and understand employees’ talent more holistically; and (c) to manage talent more effectively. The heterogeneous sample was divided into six homogeneous subsets for statistical analysis. This research attempted to answer the first objective through the examination of internal consistency, bias and equivalence of the APIL. Results showed good internal consistency, very good construct equivalence and low item bias, demonstrating the APIL can be applied fairly in a multicultural industrial setting. The second objective was determined by investigating whether significant difference in mean learning potential scores occur among the identified subsets in the sample. Statistical analyses provide clear trend lines indicating that sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors of advantagement and disadvantagement, age and education influence learning potential. However it is also evident that there are individuals across all subsets that demonstrate strong cognitive potential. This supports the rationale on which the APIL was developed, in that it distinguishes people with high learning potential despite the fact that there may be gaps or limitations in skill repertoire due to past disadvantagement. Recommendations to address the third objective is provided by aligning learning potential with the performance management system to provide a holistic overview of the talent composition. This will assist in the identifying of strategic training and development interventions needed at the individual, functional and organisational level, which is key for the South African automotive industry to remain competitive and viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Piro, Karen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Ability testing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1381 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Ability testing , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Employees -- Training of
- Description: This research takes place in a South African multinational automotive industry, which needs to be on the forefront for being globally competitive and sustainable to remain viable in the country. A strategic initiative was embarked upon to identify talent within their staff population, through the psychometric assessment of learning potential. The objective was to identify high potential employees and provide them with the requisite training and development to meet the demands of the rapidly advancing technology. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the Ability, Process of Information and Learning Battery (APIL) as a psychometric assessment tool for identifying talent, within a heterogeneous workforce. This research adopts a cross-cultural approach as it is comparative in nature and addresses the adequacy of a psychometric instrument in a multicultural context. The Employment Equity Act has transformed the landscape of the use of psychological measurement in South Africa, in that it stipulates that no psychological test that is biased against any cultural group can be used. A sample of 841 heterogeneous staff employees was assessed with three major research objectives: (a) to ensure that the instrument could stand scientific scrutiny thereby complying with the Employment Equity Act; (b) to recommend ways the organisation can identify and understand employees’ talent more holistically; and (c) to manage talent more effectively. The heterogeneous sample was divided into six homogeneous subsets for statistical analysis. This research attempted to answer the first objective through the examination of internal consistency, bias and equivalence of the APIL. Results showed good internal consistency, very good construct equivalence and low item bias, demonstrating the APIL can be applied fairly in a multicultural industrial setting. The second objective was determined by investigating whether significant difference in mean learning potential scores occur among the identified subsets in the sample. Statistical analyses provide clear trend lines indicating that sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors of advantagement and disadvantagement, age and education influence learning potential. However it is also evident that there are individuals across all subsets that demonstrate strong cognitive potential. This supports the rationale on which the APIL was developed, in that it distinguishes people with high learning potential despite the fact that there may be gaps or limitations in skill repertoire due to past disadvantagement. Recommendations to address the third objective is provided by aligning learning potential with the performance management system to provide a holistic overview of the talent composition. This will assist in the identifying of strategic training and development interventions needed at the individual, functional and organisational level, which is key for the South African automotive industry to remain competitive and viable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Management and performance indicators of micro-finance institutions in Uganda
- Authors: Milly, Kwagala
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1641 , Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Description: The purpose of this study is to examine how the management of micro-finance institutions in Uganda has affected the performance indicators of these institutions, and whether or not the management of these institutions is responsible for their failure. The need to carry out this study arose as micro-finance institutions in Uganda failed to attain their planned performance indicators, to such a degree that most of them closed down. Although at their inception there was considerable entrepreneurial activity supported by a highly favourable government policy environment, their closure soon after establishment raised concern as to what caused them to fail. This study was encouraged by the observation that most of these institutions failed to realise their performance indicators as planned, but the underlying cause was not clear. Thus, the study focuses on establishing stakeholder perceptions of the management of the micro-finance institutions, and the relationship between their management (planning, implementation of planned programmes, and control) and their performance indicators, following the rationale of the functional and contingency paradigms of the concept of management. The study examines the way management dealt with these institutions‟ internal and external environments to influence their ability to realise their planned performance. The study is conducted using positivistic research methodology. This involved a collection of quantitative data from a sample of 454 respondents, including 64 managers, 177 employees, and 213 clients. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data, and purposive and convenience sampling were applied to select the respondents. The respondents were selected from 56 randomly selected micro-finance institutions operating in Central Uganda and representing 75 percent of the country‟s operational institutions by December 2009. The data were analysed using the narrative, chi-square test, the ANOVA, factor analysis, and correlation and regression methods of analysis aided by the SPSS programme. The findings show that 79.2 percent of stakeholders (managers, employees, and clients) perceived that the management of their institutions was not conducted well in terms of planning, plan implementation, and control. Eighty-one (81) percent of both managers and employees and 83.4 percent of clients held the perception that the institutions failed xvi to achieve their performance indicators as planned. Furthermore, 81.7 percent of both managers and employees described their institutions‟ internal environment as largely defined by unsatisfactory supervision, and 66.9 percent of them revealed that their institutions‟ external environment was defined by family relations. These relations adversely affected the ownership, decision-making, employee recruitment, and deployment in the institutions. The findings also show that there were significant positive but weak relationships between management (planning, implementation, control, and dealing with the internal environment and the impact of the external environment) and the performance indicators of the institutions. The management of the institutions realised only 24.8 percent of their predicted performance indicators. Of the 13 null hypotheses that were formulated for this study, seven were rejected and the alternative hypotheses were accepted, while six were accepted. All the dimensions of the management of the micro-finance institutions in Uganda need to be developed if the performance of the institutions is to be improved and sustained to desired levels. It is suggested that large performance improvements will be realised by ameliorating all the dimensions of the institutions' management, while placing more emphasis on improving the following dimensions: the organisation of the institutions; the managing of their internal environment and the impact of their external environment; the conduct of their internal concurrent control; and the planning of their performance indicators and marketing, involving all the stakeholders, in particular the managers, employees, clients, Government, and the Uganda Micro-finance Forum, where necessary. Further research is recommended into other factors affecting the performance indicators of the institutions, since none of the management functions had explained them properly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Milly, Kwagala
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1641 , Microfinance -- Uganda , Financial institutions -- Uganda -- Management , Management , Performance standards
- Description: The purpose of this study is to examine how the management of micro-finance institutions in Uganda has affected the performance indicators of these institutions, and whether or not the management of these institutions is responsible for their failure. The need to carry out this study arose as micro-finance institutions in Uganda failed to attain their planned performance indicators, to such a degree that most of them closed down. Although at their inception there was considerable entrepreneurial activity supported by a highly favourable government policy environment, their closure soon after establishment raised concern as to what caused them to fail. This study was encouraged by the observation that most of these institutions failed to realise their performance indicators as planned, but the underlying cause was not clear. Thus, the study focuses on establishing stakeholder perceptions of the management of the micro-finance institutions, and the relationship between their management (planning, implementation of planned programmes, and control) and their performance indicators, following the rationale of the functional and contingency paradigms of the concept of management. The study examines the way management dealt with these institutions‟ internal and external environments to influence their ability to realise their planned performance. The study is conducted using positivistic research methodology. This involved a collection of quantitative data from a sample of 454 respondents, including 64 managers, 177 employees, and 213 clients. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data, and purposive and convenience sampling were applied to select the respondents. The respondents were selected from 56 randomly selected micro-finance institutions operating in Central Uganda and representing 75 percent of the country‟s operational institutions by December 2009. The data were analysed using the narrative, chi-square test, the ANOVA, factor analysis, and correlation and regression methods of analysis aided by the SPSS programme. The findings show that 79.2 percent of stakeholders (managers, employees, and clients) perceived that the management of their institutions was not conducted well in terms of planning, plan implementation, and control. Eighty-one (81) percent of both managers and employees and 83.4 percent of clients held the perception that the institutions failed xvi to achieve their performance indicators as planned. Furthermore, 81.7 percent of both managers and employees described their institutions‟ internal environment as largely defined by unsatisfactory supervision, and 66.9 percent of them revealed that their institutions‟ external environment was defined by family relations. These relations adversely affected the ownership, decision-making, employee recruitment, and deployment in the institutions. The findings also show that there were significant positive but weak relationships between management (planning, implementation, control, and dealing with the internal environment and the impact of the external environment) and the performance indicators of the institutions. The management of the institutions realised only 24.8 percent of their predicted performance indicators. Of the 13 null hypotheses that were formulated for this study, seven were rejected and the alternative hypotheses were accepted, while six were accepted. All the dimensions of the management of the micro-finance institutions in Uganda need to be developed if the performance of the institutions is to be improved and sustained to desired levels. It is suggested that large performance improvements will be realised by ameliorating all the dimensions of the institutions' management, while placing more emphasis on improving the following dimensions: the organisation of the institutions; the managing of their internal environment and the impact of their external environment; the conduct of their internal concurrent control; and the planning of their performance indicators and marketing, involving all the stakeholders, in particular the managers, employees, clients, Government, and the Uganda Micro-finance Forum, where necessary. Further research is recommended into other factors affecting the performance indicators of the institutions, since none of the management functions had explained them properly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The business sustainability of an automotive refinish paint distributor
- Authors: Msuthwana, Vusumzi M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012376 , Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
- Description: From a broad overview of business management literature, the proposition emerged that strategic conditions within an organisation can translate into sustainable business development outcomes. However, in the rapidly evolving business environment, the quest to grow or sustain competitive advantage demands that business practices become more proactive, creative and innovative. Globalisation and technological advances drive the need for innovation within a business context and the resultant rapid pace of change demands that businesses adopt a customer-focused entrepreneurial orientation to accommodate this need for innovation. This study investigated whether the principles of marketing, business management tools and management of the customer-base could be incorporated as key drivers to develop innovative and creative tactics that could serve as viable solutions to sustain business development strategies of automotive refinish paint distributors. An initial step in this research comprised a theoretical overview of the internal business environment as a system of the enterprise that aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the organisation, which could be applied to support strategic business goals and objectives. The literature review further entailed an investigation and explorations regarding best practices that automotive refinish paint distributors could follow in order to identify, focus on and develop their source of competitive advantage, sustainability and profitability. From the literature review, a methodological framework was developed that could be applied to specific success indicators, moulded to produce distinctive competencies in the automotive refinish paint industry; defining a significant foundation from which the objectives of this study could be researched. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and focused on a single case of a refinish paint distributor. The reason for selecting the case study method is that an entire organisation could be investigated in depth with particular attention to detail. A detailed questionnaire was drawn up in order to conduct face-to-face interviews with selected respondents, based on the profound expertise of the selected personnel. This was done to enable the researcher to assess the prevalent elements of business sustainability applied by the automotive refinish distributor to enhance their competitive advantage. The design of the empirical element of this study, aimed at providing a blueprint that would enable the researcher to structure the research problem in such a way that the outcome of the study would be valid, objective and reliable. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, the results are interpreted through inductive reasoning, observations, projective and participatory approaches all of which are integrated into a comprehensive model indicating key drivers to promote, improve and facilitate the business sustainability of the automotive refinish paint distributor. A range of recommendations and managerial implications extracted from the results of the empirical study are presented in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Msuthwana, Vusumzi M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012376 , Business enterprises -- Development , Business enterprises -- Marketing , Business -- Sustainability
- Description: From a broad overview of business management literature, the proposition emerged that strategic conditions within an organisation can translate into sustainable business development outcomes. However, in the rapidly evolving business environment, the quest to grow or sustain competitive advantage demands that business practices become more proactive, creative and innovative. Globalisation and technological advances drive the need for innovation within a business context and the resultant rapid pace of change demands that businesses adopt a customer-focused entrepreneurial orientation to accommodate this need for innovation. This study investigated whether the principles of marketing, business management tools and management of the customer-base could be incorporated as key drivers to develop innovative and creative tactics that could serve as viable solutions to sustain business development strategies of automotive refinish paint distributors. An initial step in this research comprised a theoretical overview of the internal business environment as a system of the enterprise that aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the organisation, which could be applied to support strategic business goals and objectives. The literature review further entailed an investigation and explorations regarding best practices that automotive refinish paint distributors could follow in order to identify, focus on and develop their source of competitive advantage, sustainability and profitability. From the literature review, a methodological framework was developed that could be applied to specific success indicators, moulded to produce distinctive competencies in the automotive refinish paint industry; defining a significant foundation from which the objectives of this study could be researched. The study adopted the qualitative research approach and focused on a single case of a refinish paint distributor. The reason for selecting the case study method is that an entire organisation could be investigated in depth with particular attention to detail. A detailed questionnaire was drawn up in order to conduct face-to-face interviews with selected respondents, based on the profound expertise of the selected personnel. This was done to enable the researcher to assess the prevalent elements of business sustainability applied by the automotive refinish distributor to enhance their competitive advantage. The design of the empirical element of this study, aimed at providing a blueprint that would enable the researcher to structure the research problem in such a way that the outcome of the study would be valid, objective and reliable. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, the results are interpreted through inductive reasoning, observations, projective and participatory approaches all of which are integrated into a comprehensive model indicating key drivers to promote, improve and facilitate the business sustainability of the automotive refinish paint distributor. A range of recommendations and managerial implications extracted from the results of the empirical study are presented in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the BAE/SAAB South African Royal Manufacturing project in Virginia, Free State Province : a case study of the implementation of the South African Defence Offsets
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wellmann, Gwendolyn
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1296 , Arms transfers -- South Africa , Weapons industry -- South Africa , South Africa -- Military relations
- Description: This study is an evaluation of the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium National Industrial Programme project, South African Royal Manufacturers (SARM), which forms part of BAE Systems/SAAB’s National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP) obligations resulting from their participation in South Africa’s 1998 Strategic Procurement Programme (popularly referred to as the ‘arms deal’). SARM was a gold chain manufacturing plant, located in the Free State mining town of Virginia and which was implemented by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium in partnership with the Harmony Gold Mining Company. Funding for the business was provided by the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium as part of their industrial participation obligation. This funding was supplemented with a loan obtained from the South African Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to the value of 40% of the cash funds; while land and buildings, as well as loans in the form of gold granules and bars, were provided by Harmony Gold Company, as part of what they describe as their corporate social responsibility towards the Virginia area where they are the only mining company operating; and also simultaneously as their obligation towards gold beneficiation as required by law. The business failed after less than 12 months of operation amidst allegations of theft of gold and the sudden lay-off of approximately 500 poor black rural women. The company’s liquidation appears to be on the backburner indefinitely. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and this thesis written over several more. As part of this evaluation several issues were investigated. These issues are: the push for beneficiation of South African mined metals; the National Industrial Participation Programme; local government development; the BAE Systems/SAAB consortium and other similar companies which are involved in jewellery production for export as part of both the country’s beneficiation drive, as well as the 3 NIPP. These other companies are used in this study as a ‘control’ group against which SARM’s performance can be measured realistically. Different research methods were used during the evaluation, including secondary document reviews, face-to-face and telephonic interviews with key-informants, the use of e-mail to contact key-informants, as well as conducting face-to-face questionnaires with random interviewees, and a focus group discussion with SARM ex-workers. There were several limitations to this study. The primary limitation was the inaccessibility of official and legal documents pertaining to both SARM, and the 1998 arms deal. SARM no longer exists, and thus the evaluation results should be used as lessons learned for similar projects in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Critical reflections on the war on terrorism from an international human rights perspective
- Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Hotel rating through guest feedback
- Authors: Hensens, Wouter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1631 , Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Description: Hotel rating refers to the process where the comfort and services of a hotel are assessed and classified, usually in five categories, using stars as symbols. Conventional hotel rating systems are generally operated by governments or independent parties. However, with the growth of social media and customer-review sites, guest review platforms became an important source of information. The main aim of this study is to establish whether guest feedback can determine hotel ratings more accurately than conventional methods and whether a social media platform such as TripAdvisor can provide the necessary data to do so. The customer-review website, TripAdvisor, has grown rapidly and made a strong impact on the tourism and hotel industry. This study identifies the nature of TripAdvisor, its reliability, how its ratings compare with conventional ratings, and what criteria are used in guest reviews on TripAdvisor when assessing the quality of a hotel. These findings were triangulated with findings from the conventional rating systems of the 11 destinations that were sampled for this study to identify the value of TripAdvisor. Two samples were taken from TripAdvisor of 110 and 33 hotels, respectively. From the latter, ten guest reviews were gathered and analysed per hotel, resulting in a total of 330 reviews that were analysed. The study’s findings indicate that TripAdvisor is the largest guest feedback platform for hotels and its data can be considered to be reliable. The TripAdvisor ratings were not connected to the conventional ratings of the sampled hotels. The criteria used in TripAdvisor reviews focused more on service delivery than on the objective tangible elements used in most hotel rating systems. The rich context found in most guest reviews makes the information presented on TripAdvisor valuable. There is no evidence that conventionalrating system controls are linked to the comments found in TripAdvisor reviews. The results facilitated the identification of the delight and frustration factors in services marketing for the hotel industry. A new theory to include guest feedback in hotel ratings is developed and proposed. The study further presents two future scenarios, the most likely one of which predicts the demise of conventional rating systems as a result of the success of guest feedback platforms such as TripAdvisor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Hensens, Wouter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9264 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1631 , Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Hotels , Hotels -- Evaluation
- Description: Hotel rating refers to the process where the comfort and services of a hotel are assessed and classified, usually in five categories, using stars as symbols. Conventional hotel rating systems are generally operated by governments or independent parties. However, with the growth of social media and customer-review sites, guest review platforms became an important source of information. The main aim of this study is to establish whether guest feedback can determine hotel ratings more accurately than conventional methods and whether a social media platform such as TripAdvisor can provide the necessary data to do so. The customer-review website, TripAdvisor, has grown rapidly and made a strong impact on the tourism and hotel industry. This study identifies the nature of TripAdvisor, its reliability, how its ratings compare with conventional ratings, and what criteria are used in guest reviews on TripAdvisor when assessing the quality of a hotel. These findings were triangulated with findings from the conventional rating systems of the 11 destinations that were sampled for this study to identify the value of TripAdvisor. Two samples were taken from TripAdvisor of 110 and 33 hotels, respectively. From the latter, ten guest reviews were gathered and analysed per hotel, resulting in a total of 330 reviews that were analysed. The study’s findings indicate that TripAdvisor is the largest guest feedback platform for hotels and its data can be considered to be reliable. The TripAdvisor ratings were not connected to the conventional ratings of the sampled hotels. The criteria used in TripAdvisor reviews focused more on service delivery than on the objective tangible elements used in most hotel rating systems. The rich context found in most guest reviews makes the information presented on TripAdvisor valuable. There is no evidence that conventionalrating system controls are linked to the comments found in TripAdvisor reviews. The results facilitated the identification of the delight and frustration factors in services marketing for the hotel industry. A new theory to include guest feedback in hotel ratings is developed and proposed. The study further presents two future scenarios, the most likely one of which predicts the demise of conventional rating systems as a result of the success of guest feedback platforms such as TripAdvisor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Citizen participation, decentralization and inclusive development : a survey on citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa with specific reference to the Eastern Cape c.2005
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The influence of selected branding variables on corporate reputation
- Authors: Potgieter, Adéle
- Date: 20XX
- Subjects: Corporate image Corporations|xPublic relations , Branding (Marketing) Brand name products -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19839 , vital:28984
- Description: Despite research on relationships between branding constructs such as corporate identity, corporate image, employer branding, corporate branding and corporate reputation over the past years, limited research has been conducted on the influence of employees on these constructs. Although the concept of personal branding has been debated by many, there is a dearth of research on personal branding and the relationship between personal branding and employer branding, corporate branding and corporate reputation. As a result, this study was carried out in order to explore the influence of employer branding, employee’s personal branding and corporate branding on corporate reputation. It is argued in this study that corporate reputation is one of the most valuable intangible assets of an organisation. Organisations need to ensure that they comprehend the elements in the establishment of a corporate identity and a corporate image, and how employees influence these constructs. It became clear that an individual’s associations, awareness and assessment of an organisation influence their direct and indirect experiences with an organisation resulting in the formulation of a corporate reputation. The study also emphasised that employees are one of the most important tangible assets of an organisation and play an important role in establishing a corporate reputation and corporate brand. It was stated that an organisation combines a set of organisational qualities that focus on streamlining priorities, escalate productivity and improve recruitment, commitment and retention of employees through the process of employer branding. The study revealed that potential employees use the organisational attractiveness as an essential decision making tool in their quest to find the perfect employer. During the employer branding process prospective employees compare their own needs, values and personalities to that of the employer brand of the organisation. It is suggested that a well-executed employee branding process alleviates the profile of the organisation internally as well as externally, enhancing the competitive advantage of, and ultimately the corporate brand and reputation of an organisation. The study revealed that the emotional connections that stakeholders make with employees are moulded through formal and informal interactions with customers. Throughout the study it became evident that the individual provides a ‘package’ of their own values and qualities (what they believe in) expressed by what they do and how they do it, in order to create their own unique selling proposition in the market place through personal branding. It is, therefore, imperative that organisations find the correct person-organisation fit. The study indicated that the establishment of a personal brand is important for the employee but equally important for the organisation that becomes the employer. This highlighted the fact that any misalignment between the employee’s brand package content and the organisation’s brand values, objectives and personality results in the employee behaving differently to the expectations of the organisation. In order to establish the relationships between the variables of the study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed an exploratory as well as a causal approach. The Top500 best managed companies in South Africa was used as the sample population of the study. Companies were selected from the Top500 list and was guided by the sectors they have been assigned to. Eight industries were chosen that broadly constitute the most important sectors in the South African context. All five companies within the following sectors were selected: Arts/entertainment/recreation; Finance and Insurance; Banking sector; Government and Public administration; Hotel and Food services; Manufacturing and Retail. A self-administered web-based survey, consisting of five sections was utilised as measuring instrument. The questions in sections one to four related to the variables of the study whilst Section five was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents. A total of 312 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 900 respondents, indicating a 35 percent response rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 20XX
- Authors: Potgieter, Adéle
- Date: 20XX
- Subjects: Corporate image Corporations|xPublic relations , Branding (Marketing) Brand name products -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19839 , vital:28984
- Description: Despite research on relationships between branding constructs such as corporate identity, corporate image, employer branding, corporate branding and corporate reputation over the past years, limited research has been conducted on the influence of employees on these constructs. Although the concept of personal branding has been debated by many, there is a dearth of research on personal branding and the relationship between personal branding and employer branding, corporate branding and corporate reputation. As a result, this study was carried out in order to explore the influence of employer branding, employee’s personal branding and corporate branding on corporate reputation. It is argued in this study that corporate reputation is one of the most valuable intangible assets of an organisation. Organisations need to ensure that they comprehend the elements in the establishment of a corporate identity and a corporate image, and how employees influence these constructs. It became clear that an individual’s associations, awareness and assessment of an organisation influence their direct and indirect experiences with an organisation resulting in the formulation of a corporate reputation. The study also emphasised that employees are one of the most important tangible assets of an organisation and play an important role in establishing a corporate reputation and corporate brand. It was stated that an organisation combines a set of organisational qualities that focus on streamlining priorities, escalate productivity and improve recruitment, commitment and retention of employees through the process of employer branding. The study revealed that potential employees use the organisational attractiveness as an essential decision making tool in their quest to find the perfect employer. During the employer branding process prospective employees compare their own needs, values and personalities to that of the employer brand of the organisation. It is suggested that a well-executed employee branding process alleviates the profile of the organisation internally as well as externally, enhancing the competitive advantage of, and ultimately the corporate brand and reputation of an organisation. The study revealed that the emotional connections that stakeholders make with employees are moulded through formal and informal interactions with customers. Throughout the study it became evident that the individual provides a ‘package’ of their own values and qualities (what they believe in) expressed by what they do and how they do it, in order to create their own unique selling proposition in the market place through personal branding. It is, therefore, imperative that organisations find the correct person-organisation fit. The study indicated that the establishment of a personal brand is important for the employee but equally important for the organisation that becomes the employer. This highlighted the fact that any misalignment between the employee’s brand package content and the organisation’s brand values, objectives and personality results in the employee behaving differently to the expectations of the organisation. In order to establish the relationships between the variables of the study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed an exploratory as well as a causal approach. The Top500 best managed companies in South Africa was used as the sample population of the study. Companies were selected from the Top500 list and was guided by the sectors they have been assigned to. Eight industries were chosen that broadly constitute the most important sectors in the South African context. All five companies within the following sectors were selected: Arts/entertainment/recreation; Finance and Insurance; Banking sector; Government and Public administration; Hotel and Food services; Manufacturing and Retail. A self-administered web-based survey, consisting of five sections was utilised as measuring instrument. The questions in sections one to four related to the variables of the study whilst Section five was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents. A total of 312 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 900 respondents, indicating a 35 percent response rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 20XX
The relationship between work place well-being, psychological capital and work place trust
- Authors: Schoeman, Johannes Dames
- Subjects: Well-being , Trust , Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013044
- Description: A study of the available literature on Workplace Well-being, Positive Organisational Capital and Workplace Trust revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African business scenario. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the three constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. This research group consisted of 228 managers from the manufacturing operation of a motor vehicle production company and 224 managers from their National Dealership network. The research sample consisted of 452 managers. Three questionnaires were integrated to develop the composite Workplace Wellbeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) Workplace Well-being questionnaire developed by Parker and Hyett (2011), ii) PSYCAP Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio (2007), and iii) Workplace Trust Survey developed by Ferres (2001). The managers (n = 452) responded to a 91–item electronic questionnaire. Seven research questions were formulated and covered areas such as: The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; The configuration of the various constructs; Relationships between some of the variables; The effect of demographical data on the research variables and; The building of a research model. The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationships between the variables were determined by: Pearson product moment correlation; Multiple Regression co-efficient; ANOVA and Cohen’s d Test. The relationship between aspects of Workplace Well-being (Job satisfaction) and trust is a significant finding; so are some aspects of PSYCAP (sense of achievement and optimism) and Trust and Well-being. Trust has shown a definite relationship with Work- place well-being. A structural equation model was built to test the relationships between the elements of Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Workplace Trust. No satisfactory fit of the model on the data was obtained, although strong correlations between some of the variables existed. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Work-place Trust. The importance of future research topics has been recommended and a proposal has been made to consider a longitudinal well-being research study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schoeman, Johannes Dames
- Subjects: Well-being , Trust , Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013044
- Description: A study of the available literature on Workplace Well-being, Positive Organisational Capital and Workplace Trust revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African business scenario. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the three constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. This research group consisted of 228 managers from the manufacturing operation of a motor vehicle production company and 224 managers from their National Dealership network. The research sample consisted of 452 managers. Three questionnaires were integrated to develop the composite Workplace Wellbeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) Workplace Well-being questionnaire developed by Parker and Hyett (2011), ii) PSYCAP Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio (2007), and iii) Workplace Trust Survey developed by Ferres (2001). The managers (n = 452) responded to a 91–item electronic questionnaire. Seven research questions were formulated and covered areas such as: The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; The configuration of the various constructs; Relationships between some of the variables; The effect of demographical data on the research variables and; The building of a research model. The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationships between the variables were determined by: Pearson product moment correlation; Multiple Regression co-efficient; ANOVA and Cohen’s d Test. The relationship between aspects of Workplace Well-being (Job satisfaction) and trust is a significant finding; so are some aspects of PSYCAP (sense of achievement and optimism) and Trust and Well-being. Trust has shown a definite relationship with Work- place well-being. A structural equation model was built to test the relationships between the elements of Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Workplace Trust. No satisfactory fit of the model on the data was obtained, although strong correlations between some of the variables existed. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Work-place Trust. The importance of future research topics has been recommended and a proposal has been made to consider a longitudinal well-being research study.
- Full Text: