An exploratory study of control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in supply chain management : the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Zindi, Beauty
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10415 , vital:35459
- Description: Unethical conduct takes root and largely flourishes in environments devoid of compliance with SCM laws, regulations and sound corporate governance values and principles. Ethical conduct is a prerequisite of good governance and sound municipal financial management. Unethical conduct in SCM leads to a loss of public trust and confidence in the management of public affairs. Despite the existence of control and oversight structures and processes for monitoring compliance with ethical standards, norms and regulations in SCM, procurement and contract management processes, BCMM still flouts SCM regulations. This leads to non-compliance with precincts of SCM policy regulations, the MFMA, as well as the Municipal Systems Act (MSA). Lack of adequate and effective control and oversight measures further exacerbates the problem, leading to poor management of procurement systems as well as inconsistencies in the disposal and delivery of services. Effective control and oversight often results in the reduction of waste, eradication of corruption and improvement of municipal financial performance, as well as improved ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability. Qualitative approach was used to gather data using interviews and secondary sources in the form of official documents to explore the extent to which control and oversight measures for ethical conduct in Supply Chain Management are effective in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data is to be analysed using content analysis and filtering techniques. Challenges that are affecting the effective management of Supply Chain in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality were brought forth and recommendations to improve Supply Chain Management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are examined in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Artisanal mining and its contribution to sustainable rural livelihoods : a case of Esigodini area, Umzingwane rural district, Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nkala, Khayelihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries Rural poor Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15551 , vital:40458
- Description: This study examined the contribution of artisanal mining to the livelihoods of rural communities. Artisanal mining has over the past decade been taken up by rural communities as an alternative of sustaining their livelihoods due to the collapse of agriculture due to the successive droughts, economic meltdown and the general failure of the fast track land reform program. Hence this study sought to fill this knowledge gap using Esigodini as a case. The study made use of focus group discussions, interviews and documents review to gather information on how artisanal mining activities have contributed to the livelihoods of rural communities. Although artisanal mining has its negative impacts to the environment it does contribute to the livelihoods of communities, as the findings of the study reveal that the Esigodini community has benefited from improved socio-economic activities as a result of the practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nkala, Khayelihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mineral industries Rural poor Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15551 , vital:40458
- Description: This study examined the contribution of artisanal mining to the livelihoods of rural communities. Artisanal mining has over the past decade been taken up by rural communities as an alternative of sustaining their livelihoods due to the collapse of agriculture due to the successive droughts, economic meltdown and the general failure of the fast track land reform program. Hence this study sought to fill this knowledge gap using Esigodini as a case. The study made use of focus group discussions, interviews and documents review to gather information on how artisanal mining activities have contributed to the livelihoods of rural communities. Although artisanal mining has its negative impacts to the environment it does contribute to the livelihoods of communities, as the findings of the study reveal that the Esigodini community has benefited from improved socio-economic activities as a result of the practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessing the Contribution of SMMEs to Job creation in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Mbambo, William Bongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD ( Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13675 , vital:39690
- Description: Job creation through support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is one of the South African government’s priorities in the Eastern Cape Vision 2030 Provincial Development Plan, to overcome the chronic unemployment situation faced by millions of South Africans. The Eastern Cape Province is amongst one of the areas challenged by high levels of unemployment in South Africa. In order to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape Province. This study investigate on how SMMEs plans to provide employment opportunities, also examine whether SMMEs has created any employment opportunities thus far in the Eastern Cape Province. The study used David Birch (1979 and 1981) Kerr, Wittenberg and Arrow (2013), theories to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Province. The study adopted a mixed methods approach in order to assess SMMEs as a tool for employment creation in its various dimensions. The results of the study reveal that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises do not necessarily generate substantial employment. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should provide more financial support for SMMEs, organize entrepreneurship workshops, seminars and training workshops, which could improve their business operating skills as well as provide easy access to loans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbambo, William Bongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD ( Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13675 , vital:39690
- Description: Job creation through support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is one of the South African government’s priorities in the Eastern Cape Vision 2030 Provincial Development Plan, to overcome the chronic unemployment situation faced by millions of South Africans. The Eastern Cape Province is amongst one of the areas challenged by high levels of unemployment in South Africa. In order to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape Province. This study investigate on how SMMEs plans to provide employment opportunities, also examine whether SMMEs has created any employment opportunities thus far in the Eastern Cape Province. The study used David Birch (1979 and 1981) Kerr, Wittenberg and Arrow (2013), theories to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Province. The study adopted a mixed methods approach in order to assess SMMEs as a tool for employment creation in its various dimensions. The results of the study reveal that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises do not necessarily generate substantial employment. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should provide more financial support for SMMEs, organize entrepreneurship workshops, seminars and training workshops, which could improve their business operating skills as well as provide easy access to loans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessment of the Eastern Cape Provincial Public Service Commission in promoting public service ethics
- Authors: Butana, Vulikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Civil service ethics Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10295 , vital:35391
- Description: After the fall of the apartheid government with discriminatory laws and the rise and dawn of democracy in South Africa (SA), the government had to restructure the Public Service (PS). The creation and development of PS legislations and policies to regulate the PS took place. The PSC in 1999 was developed to monitor and steer the operation of the PS. The main objective of this study is to assess the Public Service Commission (PSC) in promoting the professional and ethical environment in the Public Service (PS). The PSC is an independent and impartial body or institution which is mandated by the Republic of South African Constitution of 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996), Public Service Commission Act and the Public Service Act. Chapter ten of the Constitution gives PSC a mandate to ensure that the egalitarian values and principles governing public administration are maintained by government departments, organizations, parastatals and administrations providing the PS, where in this study focus on the promotion of ethics. The methodology used in this study is qualitative research methodology. The study used desktop research where by a data was collected using books, journal articles, academic papers, online information and media reports. The findings of this study highlighted that non-compliance to rules and regulations, lack of policy implementation, limited financial and human resources are still the major problems facing the South African Public Service (SAPS). However, the study recommends that, the PSC must work closely with government departments, promotion of ethics workshops and conferences. In a nutshell, the PSC could improve by developing and regularly reviewing policies, procedures, practices and institutions influencing ethical conduct in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Butana, Vulikhaya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Civil service ethics Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10295 , vital:35391
- Description: After the fall of the apartheid government with discriminatory laws and the rise and dawn of democracy in South Africa (SA), the government had to restructure the Public Service (PS). The creation and development of PS legislations and policies to regulate the PS took place. The PSC in 1999 was developed to monitor and steer the operation of the PS. The main objective of this study is to assess the Public Service Commission (PSC) in promoting the professional and ethical environment in the Public Service (PS). The PSC is an independent and impartial body or institution which is mandated by the Republic of South African Constitution of 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996), Public Service Commission Act and the Public Service Act. Chapter ten of the Constitution gives PSC a mandate to ensure that the egalitarian values and principles governing public administration are maintained by government departments, organizations, parastatals and administrations providing the PS, where in this study focus on the promotion of ethics. The methodology used in this study is qualitative research methodology. The study used desktop research where by a data was collected using books, journal articles, academic papers, online information and media reports. The findings of this study highlighted that non-compliance to rules and regulations, lack of policy implementation, limited financial and human resources are still the major problems facing the South African Public Service (SAPS). However, the study recommends that, the PSC must work closely with government departments, promotion of ethics workshops and conferences. In a nutshell, the PSC could improve by developing and regularly reviewing policies, procedures, practices and institutions influencing ethical conduct in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Association between teacher confidence and student mathematics outcomes
- Authors: Qwelani, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13955 , vital:39732
- Description: Teacher attributes such as teacher’s confidence in knowledge are important in the ability to teach. It is further, expected in developing countries that teachers from high socio-economic schools are highly confident in teaching mathematics whilst teachers from low socioeconomic schools are expected to be less confident. Hence, teacher attributes decisions are of great importance in achieving skills development goals. The realisation of the impact teachers’ confidence has on mathematics performance requires an investigation based on multilateral measures of teacher confidence. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the impact of teacher abilities on student’s performance on mathematics in South Africa, this will be realised through an analysis of teacher confidence as the main variable and teacher qualifications, teacher characteristics and socio economic status as controlling variables. The study employed Trends in International Mathematics and Sciences studies (TIMSS) 2011 cross sectional data for South Africa. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) econometric technique were employed in analysing the data. The empirical results revealed that majority of South African teachers rated themselves highly confident but showed no significant impact in the performance of students. This implies that South African teachers who produce poor student’s performance are not open about their lack of confidence in teaching mathematics. However, from the student’s perspective, teacher confidence showed a strong impact on students’ performance in mathematics. The third findings were that, teachers who are happy as educators do not have a significant impact at all. The empirical results also revealed that teachers who felt they wee being allocated more than enough time to teach mathematics showed a strong negative relationship with student performance when compared to teachers who felt otherwise. The findings from the study imply that an open policy should be encouraged in which teachers are encouraged to openly express their views and any shortcomings. This will make it easier to identify the best intervention strategy on helping the teachers. Based on the findings again, it is encouraged that periodic training of mathematical teachers be encouraged. This is likely to boost teacher’s confidence and improve the mathematical results in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Qwelani, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13955 , vital:39732
- Description: Teacher attributes such as teacher’s confidence in knowledge are important in the ability to teach. It is further, expected in developing countries that teachers from high socio-economic schools are highly confident in teaching mathematics whilst teachers from low socioeconomic schools are expected to be less confident. Hence, teacher attributes decisions are of great importance in achieving skills development goals. The realisation of the impact teachers’ confidence has on mathematics performance requires an investigation based on multilateral measures of teacher confidence. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the impact of teacher abilities on student’s performance on mathematics in South Africa, this will be realised through an analysis of teacher confidence as the main variable and teacher qualifications, teacher characteristics and socio economic status as controlling variables. The study employed Trends in International Mathematics and Sciences studies (TIMSS) 2011 cross sectional data for South Africa. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) econometric technique were employed in analysing the data. The empirical results revealed that majority of South African teachers rated themselves highly confident but showed no significant impact in the performance of students. This implies that South African teachers who produce poor student’s performance are not open about their lack of confidence in teaching mathematics. However, from the student’s perspective, teacher confidence showed a strong impact on students’ performance in mathematics. The third findings were that, teachers who are happy as educators do not have a significant impact at all. The empirical results also revealed that teachers who felt they wee being allocated more than enough time to teach mathematics showed a strong negative relationship with student performance when compared to teachers who felt otherwise. The findings from the study imply that an open policy should be encouraged in which teachers are encouraged to openly express their views and any shortcomings. This will make it easier to identify the best intervention strategy on helping the teachers. Based on the findings again, it is encouraged that periodic training of mathematical teachers be encouraged. This is likely to boost teacher’s confidence and improve the mathematical results in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Critical assessment of the human resource capacity needs of senior management at Thaba Chweu Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effects of absorptive capacity and knowledge management on innovation capabilities in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)
- Authors: Gwena, Courage
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absorptive capacity (Economics) , Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Business Management
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11839 , vital:39111
- Description: Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are increasingly becoming an influential factor behind economic growth. On the other hand, knowledge management is credited with being critical to the success of modern business enterprises. Consequently, researchers have a growing interest in understanding knowledge management and its effects on various phenomena within an enterprise. Although SMMEs are tipped to be major providers of employment, innovations and economic growth, it is important that they be investigated in light of factors that influence their sustainability and growth. Notably there is evident lack of research exploring the relationship among absorptive capacity, knowledge management and innovation capabilities from a South African perspective as many of the related studies are concentrated in the developed world. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knowledge management on innovation capabilities in SMMEs with focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. South African SMMEs are experiencing worrying failure rates, whilst on the other hand; knowledge management is credited with organisational success. This trend has presented an opportunity to test how knowledge management affects South African SMMEs innovation capabilities. Above this, the increasing value being attached to SMMEs in solving problems, such as unemployment and trade imbalance have attracted interest as a subject of research. A quantitative research approach was followed in carrying out this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to answer the research questions of the study. The respondents (n=280) were SMMEs representatives for SMMEs operating in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Findings of the study revealed that absorptive capacity exerts positive a effect on the innovative capabilities of SMMEs the same way knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing were found to have positive statistically significant on the innovation capabilities of SMMEs. The findings also show that knowledge sharing and knowledge acquisition exerts a positive effect on SMMEs innovative capabilities. Findings from the study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in business development to develop strategies that improve SMMEs growth and sustainability. These practitioners include strategic management researchers, policy makers, SMME owners, managers, and lecturers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gwena, Courage
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absorptive capacity (Economics) , Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Business Management
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11839 , vital:39111
- Description: Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are increasingly becoming an influential factor behind economic growth. On the other hand, knowledge management is credited with being critical to the success of modern business enterprises. Consequently, researchers have a growing interest in understanding knowledge management and its effects on various phenomena within an enterprise. Although SMMEs are tipped to be major providers of employment, innovations and economic growth, it is important that they be investigated in light of factors that influence their sustainability and growth. Notably there is evident lack of research exploring the relationship among absorptive capacity, knowledge management and innovation capabilities from a South African perspective as many of the related studies are concentrated in the developed world. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knowledge management on innovation capabilities in SMMEs with focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. South African SMMEs are experiencing worrying failure rates, whilst on the other hand; knowledge management is credited with organisational success. This trend has presented an opportunity to test how knowledge management affects South African SMMEs innovation capabilities. Above this, the increasing value being attached to SMMEs in solving problems, such as unemployment and trade imbalance have attracted interest as a subject of research. A quantitative research approach was followed in carrying out this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to answer the research questions of the study. The respondents (n=280) were SMMEs representatives for SMMEs operating in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Findings of the study revealed that absorptive capacity exerts positive a effect on the innovative capabilities of SMMEs the same way knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing were found to have positive statistically significant on the innovation capabilities of SMMEs. The findings also show that knowledge sharing and knowledge acquisition exerts a positive effect on SMMEs innovative capabilities. Findings from the study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in business development to develop strategies that improve SMMEs growth and sustainability. These practitioners include strategic management researchers, policy makers, SMME owners, managers, and lecturers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Employee motivation, workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected Zimbabwe revenue authority employees
- Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Authors: Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation Employee motivation--Zimbabwe Organizational effectiveness--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17384 , vital:40961
- Description: Orientation: The study is located in the micro environmental circumstances in Zimbabwe where the size of the informal sector is overtaking that of the formal sector. The country is experiencing a high labour turnover averaging at 19percent per year due to an unstable economic setting. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is experiencing an employee engagement score as low as 2.1 out of 5. This low employee engagement level and high labour turnover call for employers to find strategies not only to keep their employees motivated and engaged but also to monitor how they work. Research purpose: The study sought to examine how employee motivation mediates between workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Motivation of the study: Public organisations often face the criticism that they do not deliver the quality of service expected and one in every five of their employees is disengaged from their work. ZIMRA’s mandate has a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the organisation needs to deliver against all odds. Currently no research exists which provides information on the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy, design and method: This study adopted the positivism research philosophy and a survey research design, which is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The study utilised the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM) in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study, through utilising SEM, were that a negative relationship exists between workplace surveillance and employee engagement and that employee motivation has a positive significant relationship with employee engagement. The study also found that workplace surveillance positively relates to employee motivation. The study also found that employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. Practical/Managerial implications: A negative relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to seek employee buy-in when implementing workplace surveillance measures. A positive relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to invest much in these two variables. A positive relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation calls for ZIMRA management to put in place policies that ensure employees do not abuse work time by doing their own business. Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the debate around the impact of employee motivation as a mediator of the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. This study agree with the vast amount of literature that the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation is not always negative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation Employee motivation--Zimbabwe Organizational effectiveness--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17384 , vital:40961
- Description: Orientation: The study is located in the micro environmental circumstances in Zimbabwe where the size of the informal sector is overtaking that of the formal sector. The country is experiencing a high labour turnover averaging at 19percent per year due to an unstable economic setting. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is experiencing an employee engagement score as low as 2.1 out of 5. This low employee engagement level and high labour turnover call for employers to find strategies not only to keep their employees motivated and engaged but also to monitor how they work. Research purpose: The study sought to examine how employee motivation mediates between workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Motivation of the study: Public organisations often face the criticism that they do not deliver the quality of service expected and one in every five of their employees is disengaged from their work. ZIMRA’s mandate has a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the organisation needs to deliver against all odds. Currently no research exists which provides information on the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy, design and method: This study adopted the positivism research philosophy and a survey research design, which is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The study utilised the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM) in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study, through utilising SEM, were that a negative relationship exists between workplace surveillance and employee engagement and that employee motivation has a positive significant relationship with employee engagement. The study also found that workplace surveillance positively relates to employee motivation. The study also found that employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. Practical/Managerial implications: A negative relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to seek employee buy-in when implementing workplace surveillance measures. A positive relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to invest much in these two variables. A positive relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation calls for ZIMRA management to put in place policies that ensure employees do not abuse work time by doing their own business. Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the debate around the impact of employee motivation as a mediator of the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. This study agree with the vast amount of literature that the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation is not always negative.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Ethnicity, conflict and the developmental state in Rwanda
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Examination of the capacity of Limpopo water services authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation
- Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Authors: Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal water supply Sanitation, Rural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13932 , vital:39728
- Description: This study analysed the capacity of Limpopo Water Services Authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation. The study raised issues of the state of access to clean drinkable water and decent sanitation through the prism of the municipality and the community. Arguably, the provision of water and sanitation services collapsed, at the level of local government, during the Jacob Zuma administration, because of the escalation of violent service delivery protests due to poor administration and management. It was discovered that all Water Services Authorities owe the Department of Water Affairs exorbitant amounts of money, well into the range of millions of Rands. This prompted the Water Boards to issue threats that they would limit the provision of bulk water. Such austerity measures compromised citizens who regularly pay for the services provided; hence, it sparked violent protests. One of the major drawbacks of the current institutional arrangements arose from the overlapping mandates of the Department of Water Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water Services Authorities, Local Municipalities and the Department of Human Settlements. Consequently, the structural design of the intergovernmental system should enforce synergy between all water and sanitation units. The reports produced by all units must be scrutinised, debated and followed through. The study was anchored in a qualitative research design, grounded in the descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted to acquire information from politicians, administrators and community members. It was discovered that there were no skilled personnel in Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and, as such, institutional capacity was in disarray. More importantly, during the interviews conducted for this study, it surfaced that financial mismanagement in all municipalities is conspicuously unacceptable, especially unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditures. These situations prevailed under the supervision of the well-established oversight institutions that were tasked to enhance the monitoring and evaluation for good governance, such as The Auditor General of South Africa, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector. Professionalism and quality performance remain at a low point, with no improvement in service provision. Therefore, radical enforcement of monitoring and evaluation through Auditor General of South Africa, Human Rights Commission and Public Protector, amongst others, is critical to any attempt to disrupt the status v quo. In addition, the appointment of the heads of these oversight institutions must be removed from the Presidency and be made by the Chief Justice. The encounters confronting Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers are complex and may not be resolved by the government alone, without the participation of the private sector and other actors such as Civil Society Organisations, the business community and public entities. Therefore, an area for further research could be an examination of attempts to introduce effective integrated water and sanitation governance structures, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, under robust public scrutiny in order to inform immediate and long-term interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal water supply Sanitation, Rural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13932 , vital:39728
- Description: This study analysed the capacity of Limpopo Water Services Authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation. The study raised issues of the state of access to clean drinkable water and decent sanitation through the prism of the municipality and the community. Arguably, the provision of water and sanitation services collapsed, at the level of local government, during the Jacob Zuma administration, because of the escalation of violent service delivery protests due to poor administration and management. It was discovered that all Water Services Authorities owe the Department of Water Affairs exorbitant amounts of money, well into the range of millions of Rands. This prompted the Water Boards to issue threats that they would limit the provision of bulk water. Such austerity measures compromised citizens who regularly pay for the services provided; hence, it sparked violent protests. One of the major drawbacks of the current institutional arrangements arose from the overlapping mandates of the Department of Water Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water Services Authorities, Local Municipalities and the Department of Human Settlements. Consequently, the structural design of the intergovernmental system should enforce synergy between all water and sanitation units. The reports produced by all units must be scrutinised, debated and followed through. The study was anchored in a qualitative research design, grounded in the descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted to acquire information from politicians, administrators and community members. It was discovered that there were no skilled personnel in Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and, as such, institutional capacity was in disarray. More importantly, during the interviews conducted for this study, it surfaced that financial mismanagement in all municipalities is conspicuously unacceptable, especially unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditures. These situations prevailed under the supervision of the well-established oversight institutions that were tasked to enhance the monitoring and evaluation for good governance, such as The Auditor General of South Africa, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector. Professionalism and quality performance remain at a low point, with no improvement in service provision. Therefore, radical enforcement of monitoring and evaluation through Auditor General of South Africa, Human Rights Commission and Public Protector, amongst others, is critical to any attempt to disrupt the status v quo. In addition, the appointment of the heads of these oversight institutions must be removed from the Presidency and be made by the Chief Justice. The encounters confronting Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers are complex and may not be resolved by the government alone, without the participation of the private sector and other actors such as Civil Society Organisations, the business community and public entities. Therefore, an area for further research could be an examination of attempts to introduce effective integrated water and sanitation governance structures, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, under robust public scrutiny in order to inform immediate and long-term interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Livelihood strategies determinants and ranking across times : evidence from Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sikhunyana, Zintle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Households Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15079 , vital:40161
- Description: The existing literature has acknowledged that analysis of livelihood strategies is more important for rural development policy and also that livelihood strategies are at the centre of development. Persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality have called for a need to understand livelihood patterns of poor households as to effectively address these socio-economic issues in rural areas. The study aimed to identify determinants of livelihood strategies and to identify livelihood strategies that are superior to others in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa for the years 2002-2014. The study used multinomial logistic regression to identify the determinants of livelihood strategies. The findings showed that: age of household head, gender of household head, dwelling type, household size, number of economically active members, size of land that the household uses, and access to electricity statistically determine livelihood strategies of the poor in rural Eastern Cape. With regards to ranking, the study used dominance tests such as the Kruskal-Wallis test and also used one way between groups ANOVA with the post hoc test for additional information. The results from the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that remittances are superior livelihood strategies, and the results from one-way between groups ANOVA with post hoc showed that sales of farm products and services dominate other strategies. Restrictions on land conservation, and promotion of sustainable development have constrained rural households from freely using land in pursuit of their goals. The government needs to reconcile the policy amendments for land use. Furthermore, social grants alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of the poor; there should be alternative strategies on how to take the poor out of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sikhunyana, Zintle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Households Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15079 , vital:40161
- Description: The existing literature has acknowledged that analysis of livelihood strategies is more important for rural development policy and also that livelihood strategies are at the centre of development. Persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality have called for a need to understand livelihood patterns of poor households as to effectively address these socio-economic issues in rural areas. The study aimed to identify determinants of livelihood strategies and to identify livelihood strategies that are superior to others in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa for the years 2002-2014. The study used multinomial logistic regression to identify the determinants of livelihood strategies. The findings showed that: age of household head, gender of household head, dwelling type, household size, number of economically active members, size of land that the household uses, and access to electricity statistically determine livelihood strategies of the poor in rural Eastern Cape. With regards to ranking, the study used dominance tests such as the Kruskal-Wallis test and also used one way between groups ANOVA with the post hoc test for additional information. The results from the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that remittances are superior livelihood strategies, and the results from one-way between groups ANOVA with post hoc showed that sales of farm products and services dominate other strategies. Restrictions on land conservation, and promotion of sustainable development have constrained rural households from freely using land in pursuit of their goals. The government needs to reconcile the policy amendments for land use. Furthermore, social grants alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of the poor; there should be alternative strategies on how to take the poor out of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Macro-prudential banking regulation, interest rate spread and the conduct of monetary policy in South Africa
- Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Authors: Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy Economic stabilization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14093 , vital:39843
- Description: The joint implementation of macro-prudential regulatory and monetary policies is necessary for modern banking systems not only to achieve optimal interest rate spread but to cushion the economy against the catastrophic effects of systemic risk. Therefore, the understanding of the interconnection between macroprudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy, supported with empirical evidence, enables economies to build health and sound financial systems and achieve desirable growth rates. Thus, this study utilises the Vector Error Correction (VEC) mechanism to empirically investigate the interconnection between macro-prudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy in South Africa. Quarterly time series data for the period from 1994 to 2016 was employed with the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (NKDSGE) model as the framework for analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a negative relationship exists between interest rate spread, macro-prudential regulation and monetary policy in South Africa. Moreover, the systems equation provided evidence that a short run causality running from macroprudential regulation to monetary policy is prevalent in South Africa. The empirical model of the study was found to be desirable as evidence of no serial correlation, no ARCH effect and non-normality in residuals was detected. Evidence from this study further suggest that interest rate spread has a dampening effect on monetary policy, but in the long-run this effect seems reversible in South Africa. As a result, this study recommends that caution should be taken on the appropriate selection of measures of macro-prudential regulation and its tool-kit as it can be used to disguise the symptoms of a lax monetary policy. This implies that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should sternly supervise and regulate the extension of credit by commercial banks in line with its inflation targeting monetary policy rule in order to achieve financial stability and ensure optimal interest rate spread that can stimulate the economy to growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy Economic stabilization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14093 , vital:39843
- Description: The joint implementation of macro-prudential regulatory and monetary policies is necessary for modern banking systems not only to achieve optimal interest rate spread but to cushion the economy against the catastrophic effects of systemic risk. Therefore, the understanding of the interconnection between macroprudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy, supported with empirical evidence, enables economies to build health and sound financial systems and achieve desirable growth rates. Thus, this study utilises the Vector Error Correction (VEC) mechanism to empirically investigate the interconnection between macro-prudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy in South Africa. Quarterly time series data for the period from 1994 to 2016 was employed with the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (NKDSGE) model as the framework for analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a negative relationship exists between interest rate spread, macro-prudential regulation and monetary policy in South Africa. Moreover, the systems equation provided evidence that a short run causality running from macroprudential regulation to monetary policy is prevalent in South Africa. The empirical model of the study was found to be desirable as evidence of no serial correlation, no ARCH effect and non-normality in residuals was detected. Evidence from this study further suggest that interest rate spread has a dampening effect on monetary policy, but in the long-run this effect seems reversible in South Africa. As a result, this study recommends that caution should be taken on the appropriate selection of measures of macro-prudential regulation and its tool-kit as it can be used to disguise the symptoms of a lax monetary policy. This implies that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should sternly supervise and regulate the extension of credit by commercial banks in line with its inflation targeting monetary policy rule in order to achieve financial stability and ensure optimal interest rate spread that can stimulate the economy to growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass through and inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Non-farm enterprises and rural development in South Africa : a case of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Psychological capital, psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour among nurses in public hospitals in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence
- Authors: Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior--South Africa Nurses--Employment--South Africa--Eastern Cape Organizational effectiveness--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15441 , vital:40408
- Description: The current task environment in the South African public hospitals has reconfirmed the importance of researching on the psychological environment and its influence on individual employee performance. The motivation of this study is to examine the relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within selected public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This contributes to the theoretical conceptual knowledge on how performance can be enhanced through the appropriate provision of psychological resources in the workplace and the promotion of competence, efficiency and sustainability of organisations. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data. Inferential analysis from SPSS was carried out to understand the antecedents and consequences of organisation citizenship behaviour. An overall model of the study was also identified through AMOS using structural equation modeling. Findings from the selected South African public hospitals indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within the selected public hospitals. The results validate certain aspects of the Conservative frame work and the Job Demands Resources Model. The study recommends that hospital managers and supervisors should determine the social networks in their hospitals as a strategy to promote performance and organisational citizenship behaviour. Individual employees who are located at the fringes of the network must be recognised and empowered. This allows for the comparison evaluation of both individual and organisational characteristics on organisational citizenship behaviour and the promotion of slack resources which are important in maintaining a steady organisational performance which further widens organisational capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior--South Africa Nurses--Employment--South Africa--Eastern Cape Organizational effectiveness--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15441 , vital:40408
- Description: The current task environment in the South African public hospitals has reconfirmed the importance of researching on the psychological environment and its influence on individual employee performance. The motivation of this study is to examine the relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within selected public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This contributes to the theoretical conceptual knowledge on how performance can be enhanced through the appropriate provision of psychological resources in the workplace and the promotion of competence, efficiency and sustainability of organisations. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data. Inferential analysis from SPSS was carried out to understand the antecedents and consequences of organisation citizenship behaviour. An overall model of the study was also identified through AMOS using structural equation modeling. Findings from the selected South African public hospitals indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within the selected public hospitals. The results validate certain aspects of the Conservative frame work and the Job Demands Resources Model. The study recommends that hospital managers and supervisors should determine the social networks in their hospitals as a strategy to promote performance and organisational citizenship behaviour. Individual employees who are located at the fringes of the network must be recognised and empowered. This allows for the comparison evaluation of both individual and organisational characteristics on organisational citizenship behaviour and the promotion of slack resources which are important in maintaining a steady organisational performance which further widens organisational capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Rural-urban migration and its impact on rural development in Nigeria
- Authors: Abizu, Odion Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Rural-urban migration -- Nigeria Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13815 , vital:39714
- Description: This thesis focuses on the developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nigeria. While, recognising the negative impact of rural-urban migration, the study argues that in order to benefit internal migrants as well as rural development, there must be a paradigm shift to focus on how the benefits of migration on development can be achieved. It is proposed that rural-urban migration occurs as a response to economic, education, health, social and environmental factors. The challenges confronting rural areas are urban bias development paradigm pursued by the successive governments resulting in rural underdevelopment that exacerbates the rural urban disparity. And the neglect of agriculture in rural areas resulting from the discovery of oil in Nigeria. The study revealed that flawed policies adopted by successive Nigerian governments led to joblessness, entrenched social inequality and opportunities. One of the outcomes of these short-sighted policies was rural underdevelopment, which accelerated rural-urban migration in Nigeria. However, the study also demonstrates that the income flows from the migrants to the various rural households has contributed to improvement in the living standard of the households. The fragmentary approaches to rural development that is currently the case in Nigeria would not generate the required level of development and growth needed in the rural communities to improve the living standard. Thus, there is need for a policy framework in Nigeria, which would encourage the private sector to play a vital role in contributing their part in the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural communities. Although this thesis is a case study of the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nigeria, it can serve to appreciate the role migration can play in promoting development both in rural and urban areas in Nigeria and other Saharan Africa countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abizu, Odion Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Rural-urban migration -- Nigeria Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13815 , vital:39714
- Description: This thesis focuses on the developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nigeria. While, recognising the negative impact of rural-urban migration, the study argues that in order to benefit internal migrants as well as rural development, there must be a paradigm shift to focus on how the benefits of migration on development can be achieved. It is proposed that rural-urban migration occurs as a response to economic, education, health, social and environmental factors. The challenges confronting rural areas are urban bias development paradigm pursued by the successive governments resulting in rural underdevelopment that exacerbates the rural urban disparity. And the neglect of agriculture in rural areas resulting from the discovery of oil in Nigeria. The study revealed that flawed policies adopted by successive Nigerian governments led to joblessness, entrenched social inequality and opportunities. One of the outcomes of these short-sighted policies was rural underdevelopment, which accelerated rural-urban migration in Nigeria. However, the study also demonstrates that the income flows from the migrants to the various rural households has contributed to improvement in the living standard of the households. The fragmentary approaches to rural development that is currently the case in Nigeria would not generate the required level of development and growth needed in the rural communities to improve the living standard. Thus, there is need for a policy framework in Nigeria, which would encourage the private sector to play a vital role in contributing their part in the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural communities. Although this thesis is a case study of the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nigeria, it can serve to appreciate the role migration can play in promoting development both in rural and urban areas in Nigeria and other Saharan Africa countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Social Media Conspicuous Consumptive Behaviour and Consumers’ Purchase Intentions of Luxury Goods
- Authors: Madzunya, Ntsundeni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa Social media -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13524 , vital:39676
- Description: Social media has grown to such a large extent that it has become a primary source of information among consumers online. The impact of the growth of popular social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram have allowed for interest in consumer online behaviour to increase. There is no specific social media model that can be used as a tool to understand its use and influence on conspicuous online consumption behaviour. The study aimed to develop and apply a model used to understand consumer behaviour in order to enhance the use of the communication landscape as a means to drive purchase intentions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of social media conspicuous consumptive behaviour on intention to purchase luxury goods. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of conspicuous consumptive behaviour facilitated by Instagram and Facebook on potential buyers’ intention to purchase luxury goods. The study also determined if Instagram and Facebook usage intensity has an influence on conspicuous consumptive behaviour. In addition, the study also examined the relationship between Instagram and Facebook eWOM credibility and conspicuous consumptive behaviour. The study was underpinned by a positivist paradigm, a quantitative approach and the appropriate descriptive research design. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. An online survey was conducted to collect primary data, through the use of a questionnaire developed from previous studies. The questionnaire was administered online through the Survey Monkey platform to a total of 364 respondents. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The scales adopted for the study consisted of eight constructs, Instagram usage intensity, Instagram eWOM credibility, Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour, Instagram intention to purchase luxury goods, Facebook usage intensity, Facebook eWOM credibility, Facebook conspicuous consumptive behaviour, Facebook intention to purchase luxury goods. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. ii Based on the 364 responses, the study found a positive relationship between both Facebook and Instagram usage intensity and conspicuous consumptive behaviour. Conversely, results showed that eWOM credibility on both Facebook and Instagram had no relationship with conspicuous consumptive behaviour. Lastly, Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour had a positive relationship with the intention to purchase luxury goods. A similar finding was found for Facebook conspicuous consumptive behaviour and the intention to purchase luxury goods. Luxury marketers are encouraged to formulate social media strategies that emphasise consumer involvement, engagement and trust; this, in turn, will increase total social media usage and influence. However, further research may want to include other popular social media platforms, such as Twitter and WhatsApp, to gain a wider understanding of the effect of social media conspicuous consumptive behaviour on intention to purchase luxury goods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Madzunya, Ntsundeni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa Social media -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13524 , vital:39676
- Description: Social media has grown to such a large extent that it has become a primary source of information among consumers online. The impact of the growth of popular social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram have allowed for interest in consumer online behaviour to increase. There is no specific social media model that can be used as a tool to understand its use and influence on conspicuous online consumption behaviour. The study aimed to develop and apply a model used to understand consumer behaviour in order to enhance the use of the communication landscape as a means to drive purchase intentions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of social media conspicuous consumptive behaviour on intention to purchase luxury goods. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of conspicuous consumptive behaviour facilitated by Instagram and Facebook on potential buyers’ intention to purchase luxury goods. The study also determined if Instagram and Facebook usage intensity has an influence on conspicuous consumptive behaviour. In addition, the study also examined the relationship between Instagram and Facebook eWOM credibility and conspicuous consumptive behaviour. The study was underpinned by a positivist paradigm, a quantitative approach and the appropriate descriptive research design. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. An online survey was conducted to collect primary data, through the use of a questionnaire developed from previous studies. The questionnaire was administered online through the Survey Monkey platform to a total of 364 respondents. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The scales adopted for the study consisted of eight constructs, Instagram usage intensity, Instagram eWOM credibility, Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour, Instagram intention to purchase luxury goods, Facebook usage intensity, Facebook eWOM credibility, Facebook conspicuous consumptive behaviour, Facebook intention to purchase luxury goods. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. ii Based on the 364 responses, the study found a positive relationship between both Facebook and Instagram usage intensity and conspicuous consumptive behaviour. Conversely, results showed that eWOM credibility on both Facebook and Instagram had no relationship with conspicuous consumptive behaviour. Lastly, Instagram conspicuous consumptive behaviour had a positive relationship with the intention to purchase luxury goods. A similar finding was found for Facebook conspicuous consumptive behaviour and the intention to purchase luxury goods. Luxury marketers are encouraged to formulate social media strategies that emphasise consumer involvement, engagement and trust; this, in turn, will increase total social media usage and influence. However, further research may want to include other popular social media platforms, such as Twitter and WhatsApp, to gain a wider understanding of the effect of social media conspicuous consumptive behaviour on intention to purchase luxury goods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of human resources management practices on employee commitment: the case of Mnquma Local Municipality
- Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Authors: Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management--South Africa , Municipal government--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24431 , vital:62790
- Description: This study evaluated the relationship between the Human Resource Management Practices (HRMP) and employee commitment. Results based on a sample from Mnquma Local Municipality indicate that these practices have a significant impact on employee commitment. This project will help to advance research on exploring the influence of organisational variables on commitment. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of human resources management practices on employee commitment at Mnquma Local Municipality. Motivation for the study: The study examines HRMP and employee commitment in the public sector. The relationship between the two may be of value to the municipality’s success. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach was followed to carry out this study. Data were collected from a sample of 137 respondents in a selected municipality (Mnquma Local Municipality). A self-administered questionnaire was sent to respondents. Main findings: A significant relationship was found between HRMP and employee commitment. Practical or managerial implications: Findings may be relevant to practitioners, including strategic management researchers, policy-makers, directors, managers, and supervisors. The study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in private and public organisations to develop HRMP that improves employee commitment. Contribution or value-add: The study adds to the literature on HRMP and employee commitment among the public service. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management--South Africa , Municipal government--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24431 , vital:62790
- Description: This study evaluated the relationship between the Human Resource Management Practices (HRMP) and employee commitment. Results based on a sample from Mnquma Local Municipality indicate that these practices have a significant impact on employee commitment. This project will help to advance research on exploring the influence of organisational variables on commitment. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of human resources management practices on employee commitment at Mnquma Local Municipality. Motivation for the study: The study examines HRMP and employee commitment in the public sector. The relationship between the two may be of value to the municipality’s success. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach was followed to carry out this study. Data were collected from a sample of 137 respondents in a selected municipality (Mnquma Local Municipality). A self-administered questionnaire was sent to respondents. Main findings: A significant relationship was found between HRMP and employee commitment. Practical or managerial implications: Findings may be relevant to practitioners, including strategic management researchers, policy-makers, directors, managers, and supervisors. The study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in private and public organisations to develop HRMP that improves employee commitment. Contribution or value-add: The study adds to the literature on HRMP and employee commitment among the public service. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of collective bargaining on wages at University of Fort Hare 2007-2016
- Authors: Olusola, Olasupo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages Collective bargaining -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9962 , vital:35208
- Description: Collective bargaining is essential in labour relations because of its significant role on wages thereby structuring cordial labour-management relations. The essence of labour unions in South African higher education institutions such as National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) with specific reference to University of Fort Hare, is to ensure the good wages and conditions of service for their members through the instrumentality of collective bargaining between the Union and University management. The end result which is the bargaining agreement may improve on staff pay and encourage more cordial labour-management relations in South African higher institutions and specifically at University of Fort Hare which is the case study. This study was motivated by claims and evidences which show that University of Fort Hare’s staff is the least paid in South African higher education sector over the years due to unsustainability status of the University in the time past. Both the organized labour union and management at the University of Fort Hare entered into agreement that led to sacrificial forfeiture of salary increase by staff over the period of unsustainability of the University to avoid it from being closed down. This state has made the staff to suffer so many imbalances in their wages compared to what is obtainable in other universities in South Africa. This lingering situation has compelled NEHAWU to consistently engage the University management in bargaining in a bid to improve the wages of their members. The study made use of mixed research method which reveals that collective bargaining has effects on wages at University of Fort Hare. 307 participating staff were randomly selected from the following ÜFH Campuses; Bisho, Alice and East London.The questionnaire measured the effects of collective bargaining on wages at the University. In-depth Interviews were conducted among the staff at UFH. It involves the University management, NEHAWU officialsand top officers from the University Human Resources Department. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was utilized to analyze data collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to interpret the data. Tables and graphs; confidence interval and p-value was utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of information collected from the participants. The research questions were tested by Pearson correlation and T. Test. The reliability of different instruments that were used in this study was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficients and also computed to determine the validity of question. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between collective bargaining and wages at UFH. Recommendations were made in favour of transparency, time bound bargaining, mutual trust, proper communication and accountability among the negotiating parties at UFH for more successful bargaining that will further improve on staff pay at the University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Olusola, Olasupo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages Collective bargaining -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9962 , vital:35208
- Description: Collective bargaining is essential in labour relations because of its significant role on wages thereby structuring cordial labour-management relations. The essence of labour unions in South African higher education institutions such as National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) with specific reference to University of Fort Hare, is to ensure the good wages and conditions of service for their members through the instrumentality of collective bargaining between the Union and University management. The end result which is the bargaining agreement may improve on staff pay and encourage more cordial labour-management relations in South African higher institutions and specifically at University of Fort Hare which is the case study. This study was motivated by claims and evidences which show that University of Fort Hare’s staff is the least paid in South African higher education sector over the years due to unsustainability status of the University in the time past. Both the organized labour union and management at the University of Fort Hare entered into agreement that led to sacrificial forfeiture of salary increase by staff over the period of unsustainability of the University to avoid it from being closed down. This state has made the staff to suffer so many imbalances in their wages compared to what is obtainable in other universities in South Africa. This lingering situation has compelled NEHAWU to consistently engage the University management in bargaining in a bid to improve the wages of their members. The study made use of mixed research method which reveals that collective bargaining has effects on wages at University of Fort Hare. 307 participating staff were randomly selected from the following ÜFH Campuses; Bisho, Alice and East London.The questionnaire measured the effects of collective bargaining on wages at the University. In-depth Interviews were conducted among the staff at UFH. It involves the University management, NEHAWU officialsand top officers from the University Human Resources Department. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was utilized to analyze data collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to interpret the data. Tables and graphs; confidence interval and p-value was utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of information collected from the participants. The research questions were tested by Pearson correlation and T. Test. The reliability of different instruments that were used in this study was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficients and also computed to determine the validity of question. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between collective bargaining and wages at UFH. Recommendations were made in favour of transparency, time bound bargaining, mutual trust, proper communication and accountability among the negotiating parties at UFH for more successful bargaining that will further improve on staff pay at the University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The Impact of Automobile Trade on Economic Growth: A Comparative Study of South Africa and Brazil
- Bhasa, W
- Authors: Bhasa, W
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13292 , vital:39631
- Description: Economic theory suggests that trade plays a critical role in the economic performance of a country. South Africa and Brazil’s automobile trade has been greatly influenced by government intervention through policy regimes with essentially similar objectives. Through the Automotive Production Development Programme in South Africa and the Plano Brasil Maior in Brazil, both countries have invested much effort in legislation, technology and capital to boost the automobile industry and overcome challenges of strengthening the automotive value chain, sustaining employment, raising productivity and increasing sales volumes both internally and on foreign markets. In light of such government interventions, this study investigates the contribution of the automobile trade on economic growth on South Africa and Brazil. The major concern is to determine whether the impact of the automobile trade is greater in South Africa and lesser in Brazil or vice-versa. This paper uses panel data analysis through the Least Squares Dummy Variable technique using quarterly data from 1995 to 2016. The regression results show that exports of automobiles, domestic investment in automobile trade, employment levels in the automobile industry together with the levels of general government expenditure positively affect GDP growth while imports of automobiles and inflation have a negative effect on general economic performance. Both countries should continue with automobile trade and governments should offer more production incentives and tax exemptions for component imports. Automobile industries are strategic industries which need government protection. Promotion of long-term partnerships and relationships within the automotive industry will play a critical role in boosting production with associated deepening of the components industry. The LSDV model results reveal that the individual country effects are statistically significant; this implies that the results for South Africa and Brazil differ. South Africa had a higher country coefficient which indicates that they benefitted more from the automobile trade than Braz
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bhasa, W
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13292 , vital:39631
- Description: Economic theory suggests that trade plays a critical role in the economic performance of a country. South Africa and Brazil’s automobile trade has been greatly influenced by government intervention through policy regimes with essentially similar objectives. Through the Automotive Production Development Programme in South Africa and the Plano Brasil Maior in Brazil, both countries have invested much effort in legislation, technology and capital to boost the automobile industry and overcome challenges of strengthening the automotive value chain, sustaining employment, raising productivity and increasing sales volumes both internally and on foreign markets. In light of such government interventions, this study investigates the contribution of the automobile trade on economic growth on South Africa and Brazil. The major concern is to determine whether the impact of the automobile trade is greater in South Africa and lesser in Brazil or vice-versa. This paper uses panel data analysis through the Least Squares Dummy Variable technique using quarterly data from 1995 to 2016. The regression results show that exports of automobiles, domestic investment in automobile trade, employment levels in the automobile industry together with the levels of general government expenditure positively affect GDP growth while imports of automobiles and inflation have a negative effect on general economic performance. Both countries should continue with automobile trade and governments should offer more production incentives and tax exemptions for component imports. Automobile industries are strategic industries which need government protection. Promotion of long-term partnerships and relationships within the automotive industry will play a critical role in boosting production with associated deepening of the components industry. The LSDV model results reveal that the individual country effects are statistically significant; this implies that the results for South Africa and Brazil differ. South Africa had a higher country coefficient which indicates that they benefitted more from the automobile trade than Braz
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018