Smallholder farmers' perceptions of drought tolerant maize crop in cork village in Mpumalanga province
- Authors: Mafune, Mpho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Maize breeding , Crops--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57748 , vital:58231
- Description: The study explored smallholder farmers’ perceptions of drought tolerant maize in Cork village, Mpumalanga Province. The study analysed the factors that pushed smallholder farmers to grow drought tolerant maize crops. It examined the maize varieties farmers grow and investigated the benefits and the challenges of growing drought tolerant maize crops. The review of literature found that no similar studies have explored the smallholder farmer’s perceptions of drought tolerant maize. The study was guided by a pragmatic research philosophy and it used mixed research methodology to collect data on the research objectives of the study. Purposive sampling was used to select primary respondents and snowball sampling was used to select key informants. The study found that drought and agro-ecological conditions have pushed farmers to grow drought tolerant maize crops and these crops are improving farmer’s agricultural yields and food security. However, drought tolerant maize crop varieties are inaccessible at shops and they are very expensive to buy given the socio-economic status of people living in rural areas of this village. The study recommends that the price of drought tolerant maize seed varieties should be subsidised, availability and easily accessibility to the market should be improved and future studies could investigate the contribution of drought tolerant maize varieties on household food security. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
South African local labour forums in the municipal sector: Structure, functioning and performance
- Authors: Chabalala, Siphiwe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Labor productivity -- Public services -- South Africa , Labor disputes -- South Africa , Labor relations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57567 , vital:58075
- Description: The South African Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 provides for the establishment of statutory, yet voluntary, employee participation structures in the form of Workplace Forums. These Workplace Forums were modelled on the system of German Works Councils. The establishment of Workplace Forums solely lies with a representative trade union in a workplace of more than 100 employees. Trade unions have not been enthusiastic about the idea of Workplace Forums, this is because they view these structures as a mechanism that undermines collective bargaining due to the limitations that come with consultation as a process in decision-making. Trade unions would rather have powers of negotiation, for which Workplace Forums do not cater. Consequently, very few Workplace Forums have been established in South Africa. In the South African Municipal sector, there are Local Labour Forums which are solely for employee participation over and above matters reserved for collective bargaining in the South African Local Government Bargaining Council. Local Labour Forums have powers of consultation and negotiation on matters that affect labour relations and employees in the municipality. Local Labour Forums became an area of interest because of the limited opportunities in South Africa to study Workplace Forums. The aim of the study was to investigate Local Labour Forums as an example of Workplace Forums as employee participation structures. Therefore, the main research question was: how are these Local Labour Forums structured, what are the details of their functioning and what are the perceptions of the participants in these structures of their influence on performance in the workplace? The aim was translated into four objectives. The first objective was to explore the structure and functioning of Local Labour Forums. The second objective was to explore the perception of the parties to Local Labour Forums, namely, councillors, managers, and unions regarding their relationships. The third objective was to explore the agreements concluded by the parties and their levels of satisfaction with the agreements. The fourth objective was to explore the perception of the parties to Local Labour Forums of the contribution of the Local Labour Forums to the service delivery of the municipality. This was an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. The population of the study was the Local Labour Forums in two metropolitans, six districts and thirty-one Eastern iv Cape municipalities. The sampling method used was non-probability purposive sampling. Primary data was sourced using both interview guidelines and a short survey questionnaire. The data obtained was transcribed and thematically analysed using Tesch’s (1990) content analysis as a method. The findings of the study indicated that while both Workplace Forums and Local Labour Forums are workplace committees, Local Labour Forums operate differently from Workplace Forums in terms of their structure and functioning. A major difference between these two structures is that Local Labour Forums are joint consultation committees, comprising of both the employer and employee representatives; whereas Workplace Forums are structures which only comprise of employees who then meet with the employer on a regular basis. The processes used for both these structures are somewhat different because Local Labour Forums have powers of consultation and negotiation, whereas Workplace Forums only have the powers to consult and jointly make decisions, not to negotiate. Adding to these differences is that Local Labour Forums have powers to establish subcommittees who will report back to this particular structure, whereas nothing about subcommittees is mentioned for Workplace Forums. In terms of the findings gathered on Local Labour Forums based on the abovementioned objectives, it was found that the establishment of these municipal structures are mandated by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council. Local Labour forums discuss matters of mutual interest which pertain to their respective municipalities. The parties to the Local Labour Forums are from both the employer and employee components. The employer component consists of senior municipal management/directorates and councillors. The employee component consists of the two in-house trade unions, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union. The fact that these parties are from different backgrounds in terms of conscience does not affect the relationships and agreements of the forum, because they are all about what is good for the structure. When it comes to performance of the Local Labour Forum, it was discovered that these structures are not directly involved in delivering services to the municipalities, but the decisions taken influence how the municipalities deliver their services. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
State Antiquity and Early Agricultural transition as Deep economic roots in Africa
- Authors: Fani, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Early works to 1800
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57643 , vital:58189
- Description: Growth economists identified that current failures and successes of economies can be traced far in their histories. The Unified Growth Model has been developed to analyse the process of development. Economic researchers have developed and identified ‘deep roots’ variables that elaborate modern growth, institutions and development. These variables include State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition. The study is an examination of the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in the 54 African economies. The study examines these effects employing the following years: 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The study employs econometric models namely, Ordinary Least Squares, Ridge and Lasso regularization models to examine the effects of these deep root variables. The study borrows baseline regressions from the works of Bockstette, Chanda and Putterman (2002), Putterman and Weil (2010) and Borcan, Olsson and Putterman (2018). This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to empirically examine the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in Africa. The results of the study suggest that African economies that have low level of state antiquity experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development whilst African economies with high levels of state antiquity experience negative effect on modern economic growth and development. The results also suggest that African economies that transition at a later stage toward agriculture experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development. The implications of these findings indicate that state antiquity and early agricultural transition influence modern economic development only when states have reached a certain level. Countries that transitioned early towards agriculture experience a negative effect on modern economic growth and development depicting a reversal of fortune. The study recommends that the implementation of polices should corelate with the state experience of the specific economy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Sustainable value stream mapping at a rolling stock manufacturer
- Authors: Mdingi Sifundile
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Manufacturing processes , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58268 , vital:58851
- Description: This research was conducted considering the continued losses in both a rolling stock manufacturing business and the engineering operating division of a state owned company, resulting in sustainable being the highest risk. This study entailed gathering view from management level employees of the engineering operating division's local businesses on sustainability of current high speed Mark Five Variant (MK V) bogie manufacturing processes. The views were validated through a cross-sectional guide case study using a sustainable value stream map, a visualization and analytical measuring tool, to assess sustainability of the MK V bogie assembly process. The assessment was based on a Lean-Six sigma methodology of defining, measuring, analysing, improving, and controlling (DMAIC), to provide a current state process map (PM) and sustainable value stream map ( Sus-VSM) , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Technical skills and knowledge transfer for an aging workforce in the automotive industry
- Authors: Mahlalela, Gaven
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Transportation -- Automotive
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57771 , vital:58248
- Description: This study highlighted the importance of technical skills, knowledge transfer and its drivers. Organisations face a dilemma when incumbent tacit knowledge owners vacate employment without transferring invaluable intellectual property to other stakeholders (Khumalo, 2012). Once this knowledge is lost, it may be impossible to recover and difficult to hide from competitors (De Long, 2004). Knowledge transfer among employees is a critical enabler of organisational learning. In the context of the South African automotive industry, the volatility of the industry has seen many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and their suppliers shedding jobs. Furthermore, the replacement of the old automotive training board by the Sector of Education and Training (SETA) has created more complex challenges. Automotive companies are struggling to absorb the financial burden that comes with training skills transfer, due to the reduced workforce that is overloaded by work to cope in the current economic climate. The drivers of technical skills and knowledge transfer were investigated in a particular automotive company in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A mail survey was directed to 168 technical employees in an automotive manufacturing plant. The survey tested the dependent variable (technical skills and knowledge transfer), and independent variables were its drivers (management of scarce skills, succession planning, trainee characteristics, training design and work environment). The survey had 50 questionnaire items. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the research questions through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The empirical results found that all of the independent variables showed positive correlations with the dependent variable, however succession planning, followed by work environment showed the most significant relationship with technical skills and knowledge transfer in an automotive organisation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The assessment of socio – economic policy affecting Makana municipality development
- Authors: Stamper, Lindelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development , Local government -- services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58201 , vital:58695
- Description: The aim was to assess the development policies affecting the development of Makana Municipality. Development policies exist to foster and improve the lives of the people, for example through job creation, poverty alleviation, improvement of infrastructure. Therefore, the neglect of Makana Municipality to deliver such services is a denial of basic human development and opportunities for people to lead a long healthy life and get to enjoy a decent level of dignity, freedom, self-esteem, respect inter alia. The municipality has played a role in how development has been delayed. The recent court ruling is the evidence of that. The high court in Grahamstown dissolved the municipality in January and the judgement was perceived as a historical verdict in the history of local government. Makana municipality has deteriorating service levels and it has been like that for few years now. The livelihoods of the people of Makana have been affected as the dissatisfaction with services continues. This study highlighted the importance of good governance and appropriate policies to respond to issues are for development and to address different challenges. Moreover, one of the strong bases for successful local government is good leadership, that responds to people’s needs strategically and technically. The research has found the slow pace in development has a negative impact in the fight against poverty and unemployment in the municipality. Therefore, serious interventions strategies to improve the pace of service delivery in the local municipality needs to enforce responsibility and accountability. Local Government is the sphere that is the closest to the people and responsible for delivering services as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). Thus, when a municipality fails to provide services, the citizens are the ones who should hold the government accountable and demand services. Municipalities have a developmental role that they need to play and fulfil, and this is stated in the Constitution as follows. “Developmental local government is local government committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, vi economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives” (Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 153). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The consumer decision process and determinants of choice for retail consumer lubricants in Gauteng South Africa
- Authors: Musisi, Nosipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stores, Retail , Metal-working lubricants
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57990 , vital:58466
- Description: South Africa has an open lubricants market where new marketers and brands are welcome to join the competitive landscape. As a result, there are a vast number of players in the lubricants market including small local blenders. There are five major players in this market, namely: Engen, Chevron (marketed as Caltex), Shell, BP and Total as well as smaller marketers like ENI and Indy Oil (Kline and Company , 2018). Castrol is the leading lubricant brand consumed in the country, followed by Shell, Engen, and Chevron, respectively (Mordor Intelligence, 2021). The South African lubricants market is segmented between three main segments: industrial, commercial automotive, and consumer automotive. Industrial lubricants are sold to large producers of goods for their manufacturing equipment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries
- Authors: Galaga, Unathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , Financial institutions, International , Southern African Development Community
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57665 , vital:58193
- Description: Although African governments have a significant role to perform in developing the continent, International financial institutions (IFIs) also perform a dominant role in economic development but their role in African development is often viewed as controversial and contradictory. In the 20th century, the World Bank and the IMF were vital IFIs that characterised global policies that regulated global economies, subjecting weaker economies to SAP. This necessitated African states to borrow money to ensure stabilisation, liberalisation, deregulation and the privatisation of most sectors. This study econometrically examined the impact of foreign aid on economic development in SADC countries. Panel regression techniques were employed to analyse the contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries. The results indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between foreign aid and economic development, which implies that foreign aid does not contribute to economic development in SADC countries. Based on this finding, the study recommends that Southern African Governments find ways of financing development that guarantee economic growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The determinants of loan delinquency among co-operative financial institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Development of a Strategic Partnership Framework to Facilitate Increased Financial Inclusion of Emerging Farmers in South Africa
- Authors: Magida, Phiwokuhle Thulani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Agricultural industries , Farmers' markets
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57760 , vital:58232
- Description: Twenty seven years into democracy, emerging farmers are still considered not to be participating meaningfully in the lucrative agricultural markets. There are many academic research studies that examined the challenges faced by emerging farmers in South Africa. These studies attribute those challenges to the inability of emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the markets. Agriculture in South Africa, though not the largest, remains one of the largest employing sectors and a source of raw material for the growth of South African economy. Therefore, the agenda of creating successful emerging farmers remains a pertinent issue in the context of South African agriculture and its growing economy. Since 1990 the government has taken on the responsibility of land redistribution and the creation of successful emerging farmers. Evidence shows that there has been little to no success in the latter which has led to remodelling of old policies and implementing them as anew. The reality is that market integration (creating successful emerging farmers) of emerging farmers is a complex problem and requires complex solutions. Literature suggests that multi-stakeholder partnerships are an ideal solution to complex societal problems. Nonetheless, the success of multi-stakeholder partnerships depends on how well the stakeholders involved engage. The study assumes that if the stakeholders involved in the development of emerging farmers engage optimally, the business problem of financial exclusion (lack of access to finance) of emerging farmers can be resolved. This would result in increased market participation by emerging farmers. Hence, the primary research objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence optimum engagement of multi-stakeholder partnerships between the private, public and non-profit sectors involved in the financing of emerging farmers in South Africa, and subsequently to develop a strategic partnership framework to guide these strategic conversations and financing decisions. This study was based on the positivistic paradigm and utilised a non-probability sampling method called snowball sampling to draw the sample. The sample was comprised of farmers, technical people, managers, and executive managers from the role players involved in the development of emerging farmers. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised as the method to solicit responses from the respondents vi which was sent via an online platform. The data was analysed through a statistical software programme, STATISTICA. Using Cronbach Alpha co-efficient and Exploratory Factor Analysis, the reliability and validity of the instrument was tested. Where sufficient evidence could not be given, variables were removed and not considered for further statistical analysis. The significance, strength, and direction of relationships between variables were determined using the correlation and multiple regression analysis. The significant findings saw a strong positive relationship between optimum engagement of financing stakeholders and perceived increased levels of market participation by emerging farmers. Furthermore, risk management had a significant and positive relationship with optimum engagement of financing stakeholders. Stakeholders involved in encouraging emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the markets must engage optimally to devise innovative models for the financial inclusion of these farmers. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effect of stakeholder management within entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Mandaba, Seki
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stakeholder management , Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57842 , vital:58279
- Description: The title of this research paper is the effect of stakeholder management within the entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, a metropolitan municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of stakeholder management amongst Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (NMBS), Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the main shareholder to the two entities. The challenges in how municipalities understand the role of internal and external stakeholders and how they are managed effectively continues to face them. Stakeholder management assists municipalities and ensures that key stakeholders are involved in strategic engagements and this helps to improve their decision making in relation to the provision of services. Stakeholder management is considered vital in building fundamental relations among stakeholders. It is thus important for NMBM management to have the understanding of the role, impact and the benefits of effective stakeholder management. Furthermore, stakeholder engagements and good communication can assists to enhance relationships amongst these entities. The study ascertained the role of stakeholder management amongst NMBMB, MBDA and NMBS and conducted and in-depth analysis of the current support system for NMBS. The study also conducted literature review on various frameworks used by South African Municipalities to enable effective communication and stakeholder management within their entities. The study employed a qualitative research design in meeting the primary and secondary aims and focused on the senior management of the three institutions in line with decision making factors that are key to effective stakeholder management. The structured interviews were held with senior managers from NMBM-Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture(EDTA) Directorate, MBDA and NMBS. The study found that there is good understanding of the role of stakeholder management amongst the senior managers. However, it also established that there was a 8 disjuncture in the stakeholder engagements with the NMBM and NMBS and that this may hinder them to deliver on their mandate. Finally the study makes recommendations regarding how best NMBS can manage stakeholder relations with MBDA and NMBM and assesses the value that is created from stakeholder engagement. A framework model that will be inclusive of all stakeholders and that would encourage effective communication must be developed. A study on the role of stakeholder management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is recommended to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Effects of Alcohol and Sunstance Abuse on Productivity in the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry
- Authors: Fick, Gerard Hendrik
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Substance abuse , Citrus fruit industry , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57654 , vital:58191
- Description: COVID-19 has created a new world to conduct business and few industries were fortunate enough to continue to operate as essential services throughout the pandemic. The South African Citrus Industry was one of these industries. During this pandemic, certain amenities were regarded as dangerous and potentially a contributor to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Alcohol was deemed one of these contributors. During the lockdown regulations implemented in March of 2020, the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry noticed certain interesting developments concerning labour and productivity. Initial review of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on the productivity of citrus workers, revealed limited research into the broader South African Citrus Industry, with more focus on the Western Cape and related wine farms. The aim of this research study is to identify the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on productivity within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Specifically focusing on absenteeism, workers injuries on duty and workplace incidents pertaining to disciplinary processes. The research further aims to add a monetary value to the implication of these events on the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry and the possible management strategies involved to remediate the potential affects thereof. This study uses the phenomenological and case study research approaches focusing on the workplace of the researcher within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Using qualitative content analysis during the interview process, the themes and findings were evaluated alongside the research questions and was found to be in agreement with the views flowing from the research data. The analysis further revealed that Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry is in need of adequate management strategies due to the seasonal nature of the industry to improve labourer job satisfaction and in turn productivity and efficiency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of exchange rate volatility on trade flows in BRICS countries
- Authors: Domela, Lehlohonolo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates--Developing countries , Economic development -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57632 , vital:58188
- Description: This study investigates the impact of exchange rate volatility on trade flows in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), for the period 2009:M1 to 2019: M12. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and the exponential-GARCH are used to generate two different measures of exchange rate volatility. To capture the short and long-term symmetric and asymmetric relationships, the linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models were employed. The ARDL bounds test detected the long-run relationships in all estimated models excluding China’s exports model. The linear and nonlinear ARDL coefficients provided mixed results regarding the influence of exchange rate volatility on BRICS’ trade flows. However, from the general perspective, the majority of the estimated coefficients indicate that the exchange rate volatility positively affects both imports and exports in the short and long-run. Moreover, the long-run asymmetric relationships are found in all the models regardless of the volatility measure applied excluding Brazil where no asymmetric effects were identified. The Granger causality test revealed that volatility granger causes imports in most BRICS economies. Accordingly, this study recommends that BRICS economies should adopt effective exchange rate systems that are considerate of other macroeconomic variables found to have a significant impact on trade flows, irrespective of the volatility levels instigated as there is a positive relationship between exchange rate volatility and trade in BRICS nations. Moreover, through further monetary policy interactions, the BRICS cohort can establish a strong currency union to rival the US dollar and euro in the foreign exchange market to hence trade within the bloc and internationally. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mzayidume, Lonwabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58024 , vital:58499
- Description: External shocks are defined as unexpected changes in an economic variable which can influence economies either positively or negatively. Examples of such shocks can include oil price and terms of trade shocks. Globalisation has increased the susceptibility of economies worldwide to economic shocks emanating from developed countries, due to the existing trade and financial links between various countries around the world. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa and to develop policies which could be used to prevent or soften the negative effects of external shocks in South Africa. Since the beginning of democracy in 1994, the South African economy has been opened to the world market. However, there have not been substantial gains in terms of economic growth. A possible explanation for this is that the dynamics of large economies influence the average demand, average supply, economic activities, and price changes in small open economies. South Africa’s dependence on foreign trade and attracting foreign savings to drive domestic investment increases the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external shocks. In this study, the South African economy is proxied by one key measure of economic performance, economic growth rate. The purpose of the study is to advance the understanding of the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa. The study uses the structural VAR model. As South Africa is a relatively small open economy, the structural VAR model is theoretically consistent with countries of similar ilk. This study concludes that South Africa’s economic growth is significantly affected by commodity price index, U.S. GDP, and oil rents. In addition, this study concludes that South Africa is contemporaneously and positively affected by oil rents shocks and terms of trade shocks. Furthermore, it shows that economic growth in South Africa is contemporaneously and negatively affected by capital inflow shocks, nominal vi exchange rate shocks, and CPI shocks. Further SVAR estimates support the finding that capital inflows adversely affect South African economic growth. A possible reason for this outcome is that the number of domestic producers is reduced as a result of domestic producers being negatively affected by the capital inflow shocks. To combat the adverse effects of capital inflows, the study recommends that South Africa enforces more measures to protect domestic producers. The implementation of protectionist policies is one way in which this could be accomplished. These policies would promote domestic producers and ensure the production of domestic goods and services is increased. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa
- Authors: Makhetha-Kosi, Palesa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Prime rate , South Africa -- Banking institutions , Credit ratings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57809 , vital:58267
- Description: The study investigated the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Four different models with different measures of the banking sector were used to investigate this effect. In the first model Tobit model was used to analyse the effect of sovereign credit rating on bank ratings in South Africa. The study found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank credit ratings. Using GMM with a sample of 11 banks, with bank lending as the measure for the banking sector, the study found that sovereign credit ratings (SCR) have a positive and significant effect on bank lending by commercial banks in South Africa. The study also used net interest margin, a measure for bank profitability as a third proxy for the banking sector and found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank profitability. Furthermore, the study used bank stability measured by Z-Score to assess the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Taking a different approach and using ARDL, the study found that SCR has a positive long-run relationship with Z-Score. Based on the findings in all four models, the study concluded that the sovereign credit rating has a positive and significant effect on the banking sector in South Africa. This means that the sovereign credit ratings upgrade will lead to an improvement in the banking sector. A sovereign credit rating downgrade will be detrimental to the banking sector in South Africa. The study has shown that there are interlinkages between the public and the private sector; therefore, government must come up with strategic policies to ensure stability and reduction of government debt. Policymakers of the banking sector should also strengthen policies that will ensure banks remain profitable and stable even during a sovereign crisis. An effective and efficient asset management is important for the survival of South African commercial banks. The study recommends that both the private and public sector should work in cooperation when formulating policies so that the impact of the regulatory measure on commercial banks is taken into consideration. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The finance linked individual subsidy programme: A housing policy assessment
- Authors: Machelesi, Yandiswa Shirley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Housing subsidies , Housing development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58286 , vital:58924
- Description: Since 1994, the democratic government has put various legislative measures in place to address the spatial legacies of apartheid and manifest the right to access adequate housing, which was denied to many South Africans. Twenty-seven years post-democracy, South Africa is still faced with glaring spatial inequalities, with many South Africans condemned to squalid and inadequate residential conditions. The need for housing continued outweigh what government can supply, thus making the right to access adequate housing an impossible dream for many. Some of the factors that have contributed to increased housing demand are urbanisation, migration and population growth. While democracy has introduced economic opportunities that have improved the lives of many South Africans who were once side-lined and discriminated against, South Africa remains racially polarised, with a widening gap between rich and poor. An increasing majority of South Africa falls in a low-middle income category, which is sometimes considered the middle class. In the context of housing, the middle class is characterised by people who are too rich to qualify for free government subsidised housing yet too poor to access housing finance from mainstream mortgage lenders , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The future of the property valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040
- Authors: Mthuli, Malusi Phola Lusanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Real property -- Valuation , Real estate development , Property -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57980 , vital:58456
- Description: Valuers within the property valuation profession are ageing while the scope and demand for their work is increasing. The main objective of this study was to explore current challenges and forecast the probable futures of the property valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040. In so doing, it sought to address the deficiency in research regarding the property valuation profession in the country. The study employed a futures methodology framework, namely the Future Studies Approach, as its core research tool that incorporates The Futures Triangle. The Causal Layered Analysis was applied as a secondary approach to guide the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a conveniently selected sample of seven qualified professional valuers. The results are diagnostic of the current challenges within the profession and contribute to the development of a set of ‘preferred futures’. The professional valuers were expected to identify a preferred path from the current reality as a departure point. The findings suggested that there were structural and systematic issues, as well as inherent organisational issues confronting the professionals and the profession. Valuers were hopeful about the future of the profession and considered their knowledge and expertise as invaluable in the country. The main challenges identified are linked to the lack of professional legitimacy and authority, stagnant diversity, poor finances, uncoordinated education and the lack of mentorship and accreditation of valuers. Contrary to expectations, the findings showed some optimism in the sustainability of the profession despite varying views by the participants. The deduced possible futures weighed in favour of a marked shortage of experienced professionals due to the lack of interest by younger professionals and a constrained transfer of skills. Probable futures are largely characterised by gloom that is linked to the attrition of skills and loss of prestige, and which will threaten the economic viability of the profession. Preferred futures entail a diverse demographic composition and sound skills base within professional ranks. The study recommends actions to be taken in order to create alternative futures in the present, as an antidote to the gloomy future of the valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The impact of financial literacy on financial performance of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Malgas, Sergio Duncan
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: small and medium-zised enterprises , Financial literacy -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58276 , vital:58888
- Description: In extant literature small and medium-zised enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognized for their contribution to economic development which has led to them being described as the backbone of national economies across the world. Although these are several potential benefits of a healthy SMEs sector, stimulating economic growth through job creation, increased market competition and innovation are among the more the commonly reported benefits. Despite this, SMEs owner-managers, particularly those operating in the South African Market, are faced with several obstacles that impede their success, thus contributing to the high and persistent failure rates among SMEs. When considering that SMEs are often comprised of the owner-manager as the principal decisionmaker, their ability to make decisions are crucial to the sustainability and long term success of their businesses. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of the owner-managers on the financial performance of SMEs operating in the Nelson Mandela Bay. The failure of SMEs are often attributed to the prevalence of financial literacy among owner-managers. While broadly cited in extant literature, few studies have focused on financial literacy from the perspective of small business. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Impact of Institutional Quality on the Effectiveness of Fiscal Policy in Stimulating Economic Growth: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Cecily
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Fiscal policy , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57947 , vital:58433
- Description: Over the last few decades since the independence of most African countries, which coincided with that of Asia, the economic growth between the two continents has not been the same. As an example, in the year 1965, exports and incomes per capita were much higher in Ghana compared to Korea and it was anticipated that this trend would continue into the future. But these projections were shown to be way off the mark as Koreas’ exports per capita overtook Ghana’s in 1972, and its income level surpassed Ghana’s four years later. Between 1965 and 1995 Korea’s exports increased by 400 times in current dollars. Meanwhile, Ghana’s increased only by 4 times, and real earnings per capita fell to a fraction of their earlier value (World Bank, 2000). This raises questions regarding the tools available for use in the pursuit of economic growth. This study then attempts to examine the role of institutional quality in moderating the impacts of fiscal policy on economic growth in sub-Saharan African economies. Objectives of the study firstly included the investigation of the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth, it then explored the effect of institutional quality on economic growth which was then followed by the analysis of whether the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth is dependent on institutional quality. This dissertation employs the Generalised Method of Moments to analyse the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth given institutional quality for sub-Saharan African countries for the period from 1996 to 2018. The findings show that the conduct of fiscal policy under improved institutional quality positively and significantly improve sub-Saharan African countries output. SSA countries should strengthen independent institutional bodies that prosecute economic crimes through employing participatory and transparent decision-making processes. Citizens should have freedom of association, expression and a free media. Also, African countries should support African agendas that are aligning with global development agenda. Sub-Saharan African countries should strengthen institutions that widen democratic space, civil liberty and the participation of citizen in the development agenda of a country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The implementation of performance monitoring and evaluation systems in a municipal service delivery directorate: a case of NMBM
- Authors: Ngcelwana, Mnikelo Jackson
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58058 , vital:58522
- Description: This research treatise is investigating whether the implementation of proper performance, monitoring and evaluation systems for projects that are linked to service delivery directorate, such as Infrastructure and Engineering (I&E) in a municipality, will quell or address the service delivery issues by communities that befell the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The key question to be responded to in this research treatise is: “Will the proper implementation of performance, monitoring and evaluation systems targeted at the service delivery directorate, relating to service delivery projects, improve performance or address service delivery issues?” This research treatise also recommends approaches or strategies for implementing performance, monitoring, and evaluation systems in a service delivery directorate of a municipality and suggesting the enablers for doing so, understanding fully well the environment within which local government institutions operate in South Africa. When the beneficial and affordable services that are expected to be received by communities are not forthcoming from the municipality, service delivery protests become the order of the day – these could include, for example, burning tyres or targeting the assets of the municipality and blocking accesses to municipal buildings or premises by service providers and or communities. In certain cases, these occurrences could have been avoided if there had been transparency on the side of local government, where communication and participation is encouraged as required in terms of Chapter 4 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (MSA) (32 of 2000). It is hoped that through this research treatise, possible factors affecting the implementation of the proper Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Systems maybe identified and addressed to enhance service delivery. It will then be for both political and administrative leadership to consider the recommended approaches for implementation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04