Impact of digital age on street traders in Buffalo City and preparation for future economic activity
- Authors: Mkonwana, Siyasanga Phiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: LCSH LCSH
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49681 , vital:41770
- Description: The study was focusing on the street trading as a form of informal trade in Buffalo City, and how the digital age has impacted on the street traders. Street trading is a form of informal trade that takes place in many developing countries. It is mostly located in urban areas, towns and cities where there is foot traffic. Traditionally, street trading has not been recognised as contributing to the economy of a country (Robinson, 2002). The lack of economic acknowledgement has led to street trading issues being largely ignored or referred to urban managers (Lyons and Snoxell, 2005). Digitalisation has shifted the world’s paradigm and has impacted the business and its operations. The world is currently in the ‘digital age’, where everything is done (or will soon be done) through the use of technology such as cell phones, the internet of things (IoT), driverless cars, and three-dimensional (3D) technology (WEF, 2018). Technology also promote continuous new invention and innovation (World Trade Report [WTR], 2017). In the workplace, digitisation is estimated to have an increasingly negative impact on the labour market in the developing countries, leading to higher unemployment rates and low productivity (UNCTA, 2016). Semi-structured focused interviews were used to collect data for the research from 10 street traders in the BCMM area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The interviews were undertaken between November 2018 and January 2019. There are two predominant paradigms used for the research, namely the constructivist/ interpretative and the positivist/post-positivist paradigms (Cillisa, 2011). Data analysis was done through linking the empirical data to the propositions and interpretations were done in the last chapter.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Inclusion in organisations following disability
- Authors: Durrheim, Zenita Beth
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47818 , vital:40380
- Description: Given the prevalence of disability in South Africa and specifically amongst the working population, this study explores the experiences of individuals who have been rendered disabled following injury and have returned to work. This study used a qualitative research design, specifically from an interpretative perspective to gain an understanding of individuals’ experiences of inclusion in organisations following disability due to injury. The phenomenological approach was best suited to this study in terms of its provision of valuable data collection directly from the participants, based on their own unique experiences. The research methodology was based on a multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 identified participants through purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, five themes of inclusion were identified including ‘supportive relationships’, ‘organisational support, accommodation and policies’, ‘nature of the working environment’, ‘work ability and financial implications’ and finally ‘personal well-being’. Furthermore, for each of the primary themes, 12 sub-themes were identified. These themes and sub-themes were explored in relation to participant experiences of inclusion as well as linking specific literature of inclusion, return-to-work and disability models to the themes presented. Linking the findings to existing theoretical models of inclusion provided context with many of the themes identified also evident within the theoretical models. The factors identified within the themes of inclusion were conceptualised at different systemic levels with eight factors identified at the macro-organisational level, nine factors at the meso-group level and eight factors at the micro-group level. These identified factors could aid organisations and policymakers to ensure the effective inclusion of individuals with disabilities in organisations.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Influence of the jobs fund on the unemployment rate in South Africa
- Authors: Banzana, Lubabalo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47508 , vital:40119
- Description: Since the dawn of its democracy, South Africa has experienced multiple changes in its key economic policy. These changes were meant to address the poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the country. The post-1994 years have seen economic policies change from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1994 to the Growth, Employment and Redistribution framework (GEAR) in 1996. Then came the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) in 2006 and, most recently, the New Growth Path (NGP) and the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2010 and 2013, respectively (Chibba and Luiz, 2011). Despite numerous efforts made to change economic policy throughout the years, South Africa is still faced with the challenge of a high unemployment rate. To manage this issue, the South African government has introduced several interventions, such as the creation of a Jobs Fund in 2011, which meant that an initial investment amount of R9 billion was contributed by the government towards the attainment of its objectives. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative and, more specifically, based on the descriptive method of research.The primary objective of the research was to investigate the influence and effectiveness of the Jobs Fund through its job creation and skills development initiatives that were mechanisms to reduce the unemployment rate. The research aimed to assess the success of the Fund thus far in providing funding towards sustainable job creation and long-term employment. In addition, the study analysed the Fund’s influence in reducing in unemployment. In answering the primary objective of the research, it was not entirely possible to measure the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate in South Africa, as other key factors need to be taken into consideration when making such an assessment. This is highlighted by the fact that, even though close to R7 billion has already gradually been committed to job creation activities by the government since 2011, the unemployment rate has continued to grow. Therefore, a study of the influence of the Jobs Fund on the unemployment rate would need take into consideration other key factors that influence unemployment.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Insight into the influence of the internet on the buying behaviour of new car customers during their decision-making process
- Authors: Dlamini, Andile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Decision making Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50502 , vital:42205
- Description: The study investigates the influence of the internet on the buying behaviour of new cars customers during their decision-making process. The advent of the internet has transformed the manner customers search for information to support their purchase decision making process. The traditional purchase process for new cars has been impacted by the growth of the internet and other related digital technologies like mobile phones particularly smartphones. The ease of access to the internet has empowered consumers by promoting market transparency which has allowed customers to have influence on products and prices. Online shopping experience has conditioned consumer buying behaviour as they now research, select and buy new cars differently. The frequency of the dealership visits has significantly decreased as most of the time is spent online. As the result, the role of a salesperson in the new car buying decision process is becoming redundant and, in most instances, reduced to transactional dealmaker. The study explores how the phenomenon of the internet has radically changed the consumer buying behaviour and how this poses a threat to the future of the dealerships in their current form of brick and mortar as well as the role of a salesperson in the car buying process.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Investigating the relationship between human resource practices and organisational commitment amongst financial advisors in an insurance company in Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Authors: Appasamy, Sherilyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47514 , vital:40120
- Description: The insurance sector within the financial services industry faces a significant human capital dilemma due to its largely aging workforce. Over the last decade, the financial services industry has been plagued by enormous and complex change. This plethora of change is as a result of changing regulatory landscape, the evolving digitalisation of the world and the state of the declining youth African economy. This uncertainty and instability has the potential to impact the career aspirations of financial advisors in the insurance sector as they experience many hurdles to growth. This volatility also impacts organisations as attraction into the role diminishes. Human Resource Management practices which are meant to fulfill strategic partnership role within organisations are meant to guide business accordingly to attract and retain top talent. This paper presents an investigation of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within an insurance company and the impact of Human Resources Management practices on the organisational commitment of financial advisors. An empirical study, consisting of an online questionnaire, was conducted amongst 102 employees from an insurance company in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The analysis revealed that the relationship of HRM practices to organisational commitment outcomes in the insurance company was exclusive in that only three of the five HRM practices being recruitment and selection; training and development; and workplace culture and climate, were found to be positively and significantly related to the organisational commitment of advisors. It was concluded that recruitment and selection plays an important role in matching the right skills, abilities and personality for the job. There is a critical need for the shift in focus from academy classroom learning to on-the-job practical training and mentorship from senior advisors. Thirdly, workplace climate and culture is a key determinant into whether an employee will stay and creating a space which is diverse, flexible and harnesses work-life integration will be more critical moving forward.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Management competencies of clinical and hospital managers in the eastern cape department of health: implications for further management training
- Authors: Chetty, Urvani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47509 , vital:40130
- Description: Healthcare has been identified as a basic need and one of the key economic drivers in South Africa (Pravin Gordhan, 2017). With the majority of South Africans reliant on the public health sector for the management, the prevention and cure of all their healthcare issues and needs come the dire requirement of exceptional skills from healthcare professionals. Hospital and clinical managers play the dual role of clinician and manager, often without proper management training. With the impending introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ever-challenging constraints of medico-legal litigation on healthcare, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are adequately equipped with the core management competencies. The aim of the study is to identify management competencies of Clinical and Hospital managers and establish an implication/indication for further management training. This study used competencies identified in healthcare management courses currently offered in South Africa in conjunction with literature reviewed. A sample population of Clinical and Hospital managers in the public sector of the Eastern Cape was used using a non-random purposive/judgement probability sampling technique–the “snowball” sampling technique. The questionnaire link (Questionpro) was distributed to all respondents via email and WhatsApp distribution followed from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Head Office to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals in the Eastern Cape and the Human Resources Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The online link was made available for completion; thereafter data was collated and analysed using the STATISTICA programme. Based on a literature review, the theoretical model proposed six core competencies-leadership, risk management, financial management, corporate governance and ethics, people/human resources management and quality and evidence-based management. Of the six competencies, Clinical and Hospital Managers exhibited Leadership, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Quality and Evidence-based Management in high levels. The qualitative analysis demonstrated respondents’ intentions to study further, often in management fields and shared a unanimous need for management training for better job efficacy and performance. The researcher has made recommendations to aid in improving management skills as well as areas for further research such as short courses and mentorship programmes and further comparative studies between the private and public sector. The study concluded that management competencies are significant for Clinical and Hospital Managers and should be addressed in the future to aid in better clinical outcomes.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Microfinances efficiencies in promoting sustainability of women owned SMMEs in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Koti, Kundai
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49870 , vital:41811
- Description: Microfinance is considered to be a vital catalyst for the sustainability of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs).The low economic growth of South Africa emerging from the 2008 Global Financia Crisis makes the contribution made by microfinance is of particular importance. However, the SMME sector of the economy is plagued by a high rate of business failure. In an effort to improve the current situation, the purpose of this study was to identify which aspects of microfinance are vital and which business practices are essential to enhance business performance and achieve sustainability. The effectiveness of microfinance, with a deeper insight into what other factors aid in enhancing the sustainability of women owned SMMEs, were investigated. The study was carried out as an explorative, multiple, case study using qualitative methods of data collection. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with three managers of microfinance institutions (MFIs), and open-ended questionnaires with 21 female owners of SMMEs in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay. Nonprobability, purposive sampling was used. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis and coding.
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- Date Issued: 2020
National Wool Growers Association programme for communal farmers in Amahlathi local Municipality
- Authors: Yeki, Precious Nomantande
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool industry – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50676 , vital:42331
- Description: By 2030, the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas and the farming populations we see today will be less. For the foreseeable future, meeting the needs of the future means confronting the problems that small farmers face in their daily struggle. The South African experience in relation to the agricultural sector is still principally dualistic, comprising of the large-scale commercial farming dominated by white farmers as well as small-scale sectors dominated by black farmers and this is distinctive in the local context of writings on agricultural and rural development. As a result, the government has adopted various approaches to promote Transformation in the sector, with mixed results. The well-known are the agricultural development programmes and black farmer empowerment programmes which also include land reform. This paper reviews one of the agricultural development programmes which seek to empower small holder farmers. The study assesses the impact of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) Wool Programme on the communal farmers productivity and agricultural income in Amahlathi Local Municipality. The NWGA has been the custodian for transformation and it has been a good vehicle to represent all wool producers in South Africa. The research discovered that the programme has a positive influence on productivity and agricultural income, yet there is a room for improvement both for the NWGA and the government. It was highlighted that the programme offers extension services, infrastructure for shearing shed, wool and carcass competition, shearing training to both shearers and wool farmers. The study also found that women and youth need to be included, in the programme.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Needs analysis for a shared economy model within critical spare parts inventory management
- Authors: Macfarlane, Shane
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Spare parts -- Management , Inventory control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48775 , vital:41071
- Description: The lack of spare parts is the predominant reason for machine downtime in organisations. The financial burden of holding spare parts coupled with long delivery times can severely hamper a factory’s attempt to prevent high levels of machine downtime. With the poor management of spare parts, breakdowns become lengthy as the lead times for the delivery of spare parts from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may be very long. The productivity and profitability of an organisation are affected by the non-availability of spare parts. Mobley, Higgins and Wikoff (2008, p.2.64) describe critical spare parts (CSP) as spares used on critical machines that are always required to be in stock to receive reduced insurance premiums and hedge against lost production downtime due to machine failures. A shared economy model (SEM) was proposed as a possible solution to some of the problems related to spare parts availability. Botsman and Rogers (2010a) regard the shared economy as the innovative sharing of underutilised assets and facilities. The main research objective (ROM) of this study was to determine the viability and acceptance of using a shared economy model (SEM) within the realm of critical spare parts (CSP) management in the automotive manufacturing sector. To achieve the ROM several secondary objectives were set. A literature review discussed CSP, inventory management models and SEMs. This study used qualitative analysis as it was exploratory and appropriate for studies in which the researcher was unaware of the significant variables to investigate. Qualitative researchers tend to focus on a few participants who can clarify a phenomenon under investigation. To achieve the main research objective (ROM), interviews were conducted with relevant participants from the automotive manufacturing sector. The interviews were semi-structured and the researcher made use of an interview protocol. A sample size of eight was chosen for the research. The sample frame for this research was the East London automotive manufacturing sector. The sessions were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim into a text format for analysis via ATLAS.ti software. A grounded theory approach was used for the collection and analysis of the data. Empirical research and analysis revealed eight emergent themes pertinent to the ROM. Themes were categorised as Category 1 for critical spare parts (CSP) and Category for 2 for shared economy models (SEMs), and discussed in Chapter 4. The study concluded with the view that a shared economy model (SEM) for critical spare parts (CSP) inventory management in the East London automotive manufacturing sector was viable and acceptable, provided that it was managed correctly. Future research was suggested to address the economic feasibility of a SEM for CSP inventory management.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Organisational influences and the effects on female advancement within a South African technology organisation
- Authors: Hare, Claire Kim
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Women in technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48136 , vital:40503
- Description: The underrepresentation of females within various sectors, specifically the technology industry, remains a concern. Even though there is progression regarding the representation of women in the technology industry, females and other diverse groups are still underrepresented within the IT workforce. Globally, women make up only 25% of technology workers and only 23% of technology workers in South Africa are female. The underrepresentation of women in technology jobs results in the industry lacking an immense amount of brainpower and the potential for innovation. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify the impact that the organisational influences i.e. leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has on the advancement of females within a technology organisation. This study was conducted within a South African technology organisation located within the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative approach was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to draw the sample of approximately three hundred personnel, including all managers and employees, within the South African technology organisation for this study. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions about whether the organisational influences of leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has an impact on the advancement of females within the technology organisation. The empirical results revealed that leadership and organisational change management have the strongest positive influence on the advancement of females within the organisation. A key finding within this study is that leadership within the organisation does not promote female advancement. Since literature suggests that leadership is instrumental in shaping the organisational culture of an organisation, the focus of the organisation should be on equipping leadership with the knowledge and skills to influence the rest of the organisation regarding gender equality. An additional recommendation is that the women who currently occupy leadership positions within the organisation could mentor other females to overcome or cope with prejudice and gender experienced.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Perceived success of staff retention strategies in South African businesses
- Authors: Cannon, Leoline Advardo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employee retention--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47527 , vital:40129
- Description: To remain competitive, organisations must continuously adapt to their global environment. Hill, Schilling and Jones (2018:81) identifies various key factors with human capital being a key contributor to attaining a competitive advantage. Against this background, the focus of this study was to investigate the organisational factors that impact on the success of employee retention strategies. The drivers in the model adopted for this study included: staff compensation, organisational culture, leadership, career development, staff empowerment and value-based staff recognition. The purpose of the study was to understand the perceived effectiveness of retention strategies in South African businesses. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the importance of retention as a source of competitive advantage was highlighted. The literature identified six strategies that would reduce turnover, and thus have a positive effect on the perceived success of staff retention. The six independent variables, namely organisational culture, staff empowerment, value-based staff recognition, staff compensation, leadership and career development formed the foundation of the theoretical framework.The research paradigm adopted for this research was positivistic and the methodology was quantitative research. The primary data was collected via a survey in a self-administered questionnaire format. Non-probability convenienceand snowball samplingwas used,and the questions were formulated from existing measuring instruments in the literature. A sample size of 237 respondents was surveyed.The statistical data analysis methods included frequency distribution, correlation and multiple linear regression to evaluate the relational aspects of the model to measure the determinants of the success of staff retention.The findings of the study revealed that five variables, namely strategies related to value-based staff recognition, staff compensation, organisational culture, leadership and career development, were significantly related to employee retention. A positive relationship between all the variables and retention was proved in this study.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Possible futures for the health system of South Africa towards 2030
- Authors: Lourens, Stephanus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Health services administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48720 , vital:41065
- Description: The South African health system is in crisis. To improve access to health services and move towards universal health coverage the South African government has decided to implement National Health Insurance (NHI). The implementation of such health reforms to the health system of SA is further complicated by the rapidly changing technological environment in the form of the fourth industrial revolution. The NHI and the fourth industrial revolution are expected to impact on the health system of the country, but what the impacts will be remain unclear. A review of the theory and practice of future studies support the notion that change management for healthcare organisations operating within the SA health system must be approached differently. The volatility introduced by the NHI within the context of the fourth industrial revolution necessitates the creation of strategic foresight using futures methodologies. The research has attempted to gain an understanding of the impact of National Health Insurance and the fourth industrial revolution on the health system of SA through the creation of possible futures for the health system, in the form of four alternative scenarios, towards 2030. The six pillars of future studies as stated by Inayatullah (2008) were used as a research methodology and assisted in the mapping, anticipation and timing of the issues facing the health system. The future was deepened using causal layered analysis and alternative futures were constructed through double-variable scenario creation methods using the worldviews identified during the causal layered analysis. From the constructed scenarios the research attempted to identify the preferred future for the health system of South Africa. The preferred future was used in the development of the Future Vision for the Health System of South Africa towards 2030. It is clear to achieve the desired health system towards 2030 the private and the public sectors must collaborate to create a hybrid health system which is supported by fourth industrial revolution technologies.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Psychological capital and work engagement of employees at a training academy
- Authors: Jacobs, Carel-Theron
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48169 , vital:40517
- Description: Having an engaged workforce gives an organisation a competitive advantage. Levels of work engagement are influenced by, amongst other factors, Psychological Capital (PsyCap). The main aim of this study is to determine the influence of PsyCap on the levels of work engagement of employees at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional correlational design. A composite paper-and-pencil questionnaire was distributed to all employees at the TVET college. The questionnaire consisted of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and PsyCap Questionnaire (PCQ). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample (n =195). The relationship between the two variables was analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis predicted the value of engagement based on the value of PsyCap. The study confirms previous findings that indicate that PsyCap is positively related work engagement and that work engament can predict PsyCap.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Registered nurses’ experiences of trust in the workplace in Eastern Cape public hospitals
- Authors: Holland, Ashleigh Simone
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in organizations Trust
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50579 , vital:42255
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique. Three themes emanated from the data, namely: (1) Influence of connected and caring relationships on trust among registered nurses; (2) Influence of professional competence on trust among registered nurses; and (3) Influence of values on trust among registered nurses. The findings revealed that trust or the lack of trust is a critical component underpinning the variety of relationships that exist in the general ward hospital environment. Furthermore, for registered nurses, the competence or lack of competence of colleagues serves to instil or undermine trust among one another. In addition, owing to the nature of the profession, registered nurses place a great emphasis on values, especially as these relate to patient care, and the presence or absence of these values serve to build or undermine trust among registered nurses. It is evident that trust needs to be present in order to enhance interpersonal relationships among registered nurses (and other colleagues) and thereby maintain or enhance quality patient care. Hence, the study revealed that trust is a complex phenomenon, particularly in the hospital setting, and experiences and perceptions of trust differ among registered nurses. The findings highlighted the need for management to find ways of nurturing and building trust among registered nurses themselves and between registered nurses and their health worker colleagues.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Registered Nurse’s experiences of trust in the workplace in Eastern Cape public hospitals
- Authors: Holland, Ashley Simone Anderson
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Public health nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trust -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49854 , vital:41809
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers
- Authors: Kapp, Anton
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone systems -- Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48257 , vital:40757
- Description: The mobile phone industry is one of the most technologically-advanced industries in South Africa, however, little information is available concerning retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in this industry. As research into the area of retirement planning and retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in the telecommunications industry is thus required, this study intended to fill this gap. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether mobile phone dealers were planning for their retirement and the retirement planning activities they performed. The study also further investigated the retirement activities of the mobile phone dealers’ employees. A case study research in six phases was conducted and data was obtained from 18 participants using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview guide was prepared to focus on three theoretical themes, namely, retirement activities for retirement, retirement activities at retirement and retirement activities after retirement. The rich qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Most of the participants were male and in the 51+ year age category. The analysis of the feedback from the participants suggested that one out of 18 (5.56%) participants could not retire, seven out of 18 participants (38.89%) participants did not plan to retire, while ten out of 18 (55.56%) had a planned retirement date. A small number of participants actively used the retirement planning activities for employees as a successful retention tool in their businesses in an environment where employee rotation was reported to be high. The study found that the majority of mobile phone dealers had planned and provided for their own retirement. The feedback and recommendations of this study show that employees in the mobile phone dealer businesses lack knowledge on the importance of retirement planning in their lives, and that retirement planning knowledge intervention programmes should be introduced.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Revenue, Trade and Welfare Implications of the BRICS Free Trade Agreement on South Africa
- Authors: Mayende, Nosiphiwo Andisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gross domestic product -- Statistics -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50316 , vital:42105
- Description: The analysis presented in the study is based on the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS)/Software Market analysis and Restrictions on Trade (SMART) was used to assess the impacts of the BRICS free trade area (FTA) on South Africa’s revenue, trade and welfare. The findings of the study show that the BRICS FTA is expected to increase imports into South Africa from China, India, Brazil and Russia by $188 million, $469.6 million, $145 million and $19.7 million, respectively. In the same vein, the country is expected to have trade diversion totalling $886.86 million which are largely caused by China with $564.7 million dollars. The combined effects of trade creation and trade diversion, that is, total imports, is expected to lead $1.7 billion in imports surge as a result of BRICS FTA. With regard to the revenue effect, the WITS/SMART simulations indicate that South Africa will have a total fiscal revenue loss of US$1.926 billion if the BRICS FTA is implemented. Major losers include motor vehicles with a loss of US$235.6 million, footwear with US$168.6 million, garments with a loss of US$97 million and textile materials with a loss of $96 million. Overall, South Africa’s exports are expected to increase by $354 million thanks to the BRICS FTA. From the above analysis it is apparent that South Africa will both lose and benefit by joining the BRICS.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies for rural housing provision in Nkobonkobo Village, Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnqandi, Nomgqibelo Beauty
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Housing, Rural -- South Africa -- Alice Public welfare -- South Africa -- Alice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49692 , vital:41771
- Description: South Africa’s history, pre- and post-democracy, has been designed by different laws which moulded the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in numerous ways. The introduction of democracy in the country created a platform for understanding different rights for many citizens; amongst those rights a right to shelter, proper sanitation, and clean water. The provision of housing by the three spheres of government, local, provincial, and national aimed at addressing these rights for all citizens of the country, which is a privilege for both urban and rural communities. Even though provision of houses for the rural poor was not the priority in the first administration of the democratic government, as time progressed, discussions and implementation of the policy on housing provision for rural communities became a strong political debate. The intensity on housing provision for rural houses as from 2010 became more resilient. The objectives of this study firstly viewed the botches of the Department of Human Settlement, Water and Sanitation and the Municipality to monitor and evaluate infrastructural challenges faced by rural communities who became beneficiaries of houses under Rural Development Programme (RDP). The issue of poor sanitation and access to clean water by rural poor even in the fourth and fifth administration was also a concern of the study. The socio-economic factors on the provision of houses for rural housing beneficiaries was also a major apprehension, and support services provided by the relevant stakeholders to rural housing beneficiaries was also a point for discussion. It is therefore imperative that the study evaluate and recommend strategies that can be put in place for improving housing provision for the rural poor and create sustainable human settlements. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces that are battling with backlogs related to housing provision, high unemployment rates, low rural household incomes, and low levels of education more especially to older citizens, which can create a higher risk of crime more especially by the youth. This study, therefore, attempted to highlight cases of poor administration, since it its findings the issue of wasteful expenditure of people’s taxes when houses constructed for community beneficiaries are not occupied. The absence of these important amenities in any community, poor sanitation and a lack of water which creates food insecurities, because there is no agricultural practice, even at a subsistence level and health communities are in danger more especially women and children. In such cases, poverty becomes rife, and health-related issues tend to expand. Similarly, economic growth and social development becomes limited. This treatise was concerned with the strategies used in the provision of rural housing in South Africa, the Eastern Cape Province. The findings further identify that the legislation that was supposed to be employed by the Department of Human Settlement in the provision of rural housing was not considered as a priority, hence there were many flaws identified. The policies applied in other countries, internationally, were suggested to be used as a benchmark for improving housing provision strategies in rural Eastern Cape municipalities. Since the study had adopted a descriptive approach, meaning the use of secondary data, the issue of public participation in any designed development project in rural communities should be as an important aspect of rural development, The Batho Pele Principles as key instrumental legislation in the government should be taken into serious consideration always more especially the principle of consultation. Rigorous debates are also required to produce policies that are informed by evidence in order to build and produce a better future.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies to improve employee financial intelligence
- Authors: Botha, Perine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47486 , vital:40118
- Description: South African employees are largely indebted, with the majority of their disposable income used to service debt. The potential causes of this problem include the levels of education of individuals, how investors perceive the political climate in the country, levels of disposable income and the spending habits of individuals. This study aims to assist organisations to improve employee financial intelligence by investigating what influences financial intelligence. To ascertain these influences, the respondents’ level of financial literacy is to be determined as well. Financial literacy is assessed by determining a respondents’ knowledge of numeracy, risk diversification, compound interest and inflation. Additional factors such as debt management, saving culture and access to digital information too have an impact on financial literacy. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted among employees of a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. These employees represent both the management and junior employee profiles. The study found that 75% of the respondents were not financially literate. Financial literacy rates globally are at 51%, however, in a major emerging economy such as South Africa, the rate is between 48% and 51%. The results of the study however indicate that it is much lower than the global average as well as for that of similar developing countries. The results of the study indicate that age, gender, job grade, level of education, access to digital information, a savings culture, budgeting and debt management do not significantly influence financial literacy in the context of SouthAfrica.The research indicates that the respondents are, however, willing to learn and be educated to increase their financial knowledge and awareness. Possible strategies which could assist in improving levels of financial intelligence are:•Financial literacy courses offered by employers;•Research undertaken by employees themselves could increase their financial literacy; Employee wellness programmes, such as debt counselling, could improve the financial literacy of employees;•Completion of online courses would improve the employees’ level of financial literacy;•Budgeting and money management courses;•Financial advisors to be appointed by employers;•Debt counselling of employees.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Technology readiness of public school teachers : a study in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Ebongue, Placide Mbella
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Educational technology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49659 , vital:41766
- Description: Globally, it is well documented that technology integration (Information & Communication Technology) in teaching & learning environments improve educational experiences and outcomes. The information revolution also conditions the global collective to prioritise and invest in education. In South Africa, basic education is increasingly aiming to integrate technology in its teaching and learning processes, as is already common practice in the higher learning environment. Policies and supporting educational legislation must, therefore, be geared to steer teacher training emphasis in this regard, especially for primary schools. To anchor economic developments, important parameters to consider, include the readiness of teachers to use technology in the classroom, measured through the technology readiness index (TRI) and a variety of demographic indices. These reveal trends among teachers and their interaction with learners while delivering subject content in the classroom. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) (Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage) area, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 32 schools totalling 70 teachers were evaluated using an online survey, based on a TRI model, initially developed by Parasuraman and later refined by Parasuraman and Colby. Results showed that teachers in the NMBM area have a medium to high technology propensity, with a readiness index score of 3.445 out of five. The demographic analysis also revealed that teachers are optimistic about technology and motivated about making it work in their classroom. These positive indicators towards technology (ICT) adoption encourage economic investments in basic education; however, further study is recommended to investigate implementation (and comparison to other provinces), therefore, informing the specific magnitude and type of investments needed in the Eastern Cape. An implementation model, which promotes ICT policy with a combination of software, hardware and internet access, appropriately incorporated in teaching and learning objectives, is encouraged to promote economic developments.
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- Date Issued: 2020