A comparison of the Botswana and South African labour dispute: resolution systems
- Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Authors: Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010556 , Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare the dispute resolution systems of Botswana and South Africa. As far as the South Africa dispute resolution system is concerned extensive literature on the system was carried out to describe its functioning. As for the Botswana dispute resolution system there was not much written about it in the literature, so in order to find out more about this system semi-structured interviews with labour relations experts which include mediators, arbitrators, lecturers, labour lawyers, trade unionists, employers and government officials held. The framework of comparison was developed to compare the elements of dispute resolution systems against each other and secondly to compare each system against the criteria of performance to the system. The two labour relations systems were compared in terms of elements of the system and the performance of the two systems. In the comparisons of the elements of the systems it was found out that in both systems the nature of disputes was collective and individual disputes both of which can be referred to the initial process of mediation or conciliation. However, in Botswana collective disputes can only be referred to arbitration if they remain unresolved in mediation while in South Africa only collective disputes on essential services go to arbitration while others lead to a strike or lockout if unresolved at conciliation. As for coverage both systems have incorporated public service sector employees in the systems after being excluded from the system for a very long time. The only difference is that in Botswana the Police force is not included while in South Africa they are included in the system. Differences in the avenues of disputes in the two countries were noted, in Botswana the rights/individual disputes go to either arbitration or Industrial Court if unresolved at mediation, inter-est/collective disputes can only go to arbitration while in South Africa the route of disputes is specified in the legislation. As for the human resources of the two countries it was found that the South African system has more qualified, trained and sufficiently experienced staff than the Botswana system. As for the processes it was found that for South Africa the initial process is conciliation while in Botswana it is mediation but these two processes were similar in many ways, from mediation/conciliation the next step in both systems is arbitration and just like the conciliation/mediation, arbitration in both countries was found to be similar except that in South Africa it is a public hearing. The two systems were also compared in terms of their performances and the research has established that between the two systems the South African system proved to be more superior on three of the criteria; efficiency, accessibility and legitimacy than the Botswana system. Therefore, the research proposes a number of recommendations for Botswana to implement namely; establishment of a legislated mixed process of mediation-arbitration, making the dispute resolution system independent from government, recruitment of high qualified and experienced staff for mediation and arbitration, accreditation to private agencies, effective case management system and proper routing of disputes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Koorapetse, Michael Moemedi Sean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010556 , Labor disputes , Labor relations , Conflict management , Dispute resolution (Law)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to compare the dispute resolution systems of Botswana and South Africa. As far as the South Africa dispute resolution system is concerned extensive literature on the system was carried out to describe its functioning. As for the Botswana dispute resolution system there was not much written about it in the literature, so in order to find out more about this system semi-structured interviews with labour relations experts which include mediators, arbitrators, lecturers, labour lawyers, trade unionists, employers and government officials held. The framework of comparison was developed to compare the elements of dispute resolution systems against each other and secondly to compare each system against the criteria of performance to the system. The two labour relations systems were compared in terms of elements of the system and the performance of the two systems. In the comparisons of the elements of the systems it was found out that in both systems the nature of disputes was collective and individual disputes both of which can be referred to the initial process of mediation or conciliation. However, in Botswana collective disputes can only be referred to arbitration if they remain unresolved in mediation while in South Africa only collective disputes on essential services go to arbitration while others lead to a strike or lockout if unresolved at conciliation. As for coverage both systems have incorporated public service sector employees in the systems after being excluded from the system for a very long time. The only difference is that in Botswana the Police force is not included while in South Africa they are included in the system. Differences in the avenues of disputes in the two countries were noted, in Botswana the rights/individual disputes go to either arbitration or Industrial Court if unresolved at mediation, inter-est/collective disputes can only go to arbitration while in South Africa the route of disputes is specified in the legislation. As for the human resources of the two countries it was found that the South African system has more qualified, trained and sufficiently experienced staff than the Botswana system. As for the processes it was found that for South Africa the initial process is conciliation while in Botswana it is mediation but these two processes were similar in many ways, from mediation/conciliation the next step in both systems is arbitration and just like the conciliation/mediation, arbitration in both countries was found to be similar except that in South Africa it is a public hearing. The two systems were also compared in terms of their performances and the research has established that between the two systems the South African system proved to be more superior on three of the criteria; efficiency, accessibility and legitimacy than the Botswana system. Therefore, the research proposes a number of recommendations for Botswana to implement namely; establishment of a legislated mixed process of mediation-arbitration, making the dispute resolution system independent from government, recruitment of high qualified and experienced staff for mediation and arbitration, accreditation to private agencies, effective case management system and proper routing of disputes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of Global Warning coverage in the National Geographic (2000-2010)
- Authors: Apostolis, Juanita Joleen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1607 , National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Description: National Geographic is a magazine that inspires people to care about the planet through its articles of exploration, education, and conservation. Magazines are a significant source of knowledge and compete with a variety of other media, constantly rethinking where they can improve in comparison to other media. Research in this dissertation shows that some magazines offer high quality imagery for artwork, photos and advertisements, which remains critical for industries and readers. They often offer greater depth than radio, TV, or even newspapers, so that people interested in an analysis of news and events still depend on magazines for informative and general news. People often turn to media—such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and Internet—to help them make sense of the many complexities relating to environmental science and governance that (un)consciously shape our lives. Global warming, as a subject, demands both political and personal responses in all parts of the world, and effective decision making at both scales depends on timely, accurate information, according to Shanahan (2009:145). The quality and quantity of journalism about climate change will therefore be key in the coming years. National Geographic comprises a variety of themes, such as environment, science, wildlife, travel and photography. This study is an analysis of the writing and photography related to one theme - global warming. It provides a critical analysis of the coverage of the global warming discourse in one magazine, examined over an eleven-year period from 2000 to 2010. This theme is powerful in that it represents ethical responsibility and concern for nature and our world and the analysis attempts to define the objects of discourse within the coverage, thus, evaluating if the format of the coverage informs and educates the audience about global warming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Apostolis, Juanita Joleen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1607 , National geographic magazine , Global warming , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects , Global warming -- Political aspects , Discourse analysis
- Description: National Geographic is a magazine that inspires people to care about the planet through its articles of exploration, education, and conservation. Magazines are a significant source of knowledge and compete with a variety of other media, constantly rethinking where they can improve in comparison to other media. Research in this dissertation shows that some magazines offer high quality imagery for artwork, photos and advertisements, which remains critical for industries and readers. They often offer greater depth than radio, TV, or even newspapers, so that people interested in an analysis of news and events still depend on magazines for informative and general news. People often turn to media—such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio, and Internet—to help them make sense of the many complexities relating to environmental science and governance that (un)consciously shape our lives. Global warming, as a subject, demands both political and personal responses in all parts of the world, and effective decision making at both scales depends on timely, accurate information, according to Shanahan (2009:145). The quality and quantity of journalism about climate change will therefore be key in the coming years. National Geographic comprises a variety of themes, such as environment, science, wildlife, travel and photography. This study is an analysis of the writing and photography related to one theme - global warming. It provides a critical analysis of the coverage of the global warming discourse in one magazine, examined over an eleven-year period from 2000 to 2010. This theme is powerful in that it represents ethical responsibility and concern for nature and our world and the analysis attempts to define the objects of discourse within the coverage, thus, evaluating if the format of the coverage informs and educates the audience about global warming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of the contribution of a poverty alleviatioon programme for youth development
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis on how policy and legislation influence the implementation of renewable energy in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Authors: Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental policy -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Energy policy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8683 , vital:26420
- Description: Development in this century is facing the critical dilemma brought about by Climate Change and the misuse of natural resources which are being depleted faster than they are being reproduced. Sustainable development offers an on-going call for global action towards mitigating the impact of these changes to ensure that current generations live equitably without infringing on the needs of future generations. Ensuing from Sustainable Development are a variety of initiatives such as Renewable Energy, which are aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, the main culprits of Climate Change. Many countries around the globe have further tailored Sustainable Development principles into policy and legislation to ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. This study embarked on a process to evaluate how such policies influence the implementation of Renewable Energy projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkhonta, Gcebekile Tikhokhile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental policy -- South Africa , Renewable energy sources -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Energy policy -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8683 , vital:26420
- Description: Development in this century is facing the critical dilemma brought about by Climate Change and the misuse of natural resources which are being depleted faster than they are being reproduced. Sustainable development offers an on-going call for global action towards mitigating the impact of these changes to ensure that current generations live equitably without infringing on the needs of future generations. Ensuing from Sustainable Development are a variety of initiatives such as Renewable Energy, which are aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, the main culprits of Climate Change. Many countries around the globe have further tailored Sustainable Development principles into policy and legislation to ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. This study embarked on a process to evaluate how such policies influence the implementation of Renewable Energy projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A cut and paste identity : an investigation of reality TV's role in postmodern identity construction with special reference to ordinary people as celebrities
- Authors: Le Roux, Janell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1462 , Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Description: This study aimed to examine the construction of the identity of the participants within the reality TV programmes (Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look) as well as examined the representation of that identity as reflected in the change in participants from the beginning to the end of the program. Drawing on literature from fields such as postmodernism and its influence on culture, identity constructions and ordinary people as celebrities, an analysis of the three American reality TV shows Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look was conducted. An indepth content analysis with specific reference to comparative analysis further aided this study. A total of 18 episodes (six episodes for each programme) were collected and thoroughly analyzed where the ‘cut and paste identity’ of ordinary people as ‘celebrities’ constituted the hermeneutical key of the study. The episodes and programs have been scrutinized and have been systematically classified to enable an analysis of the observations. This study attempted to not only describe, but also to foster change in the representation of the identity of the participants of the above mentioned reality TV programmes. The study found that reality television plays a role in shaping the postmodern identity of ordinary people as celebrities. The study also found that the participants involved in the above mentioned programmes found it easy to make someone else’s identity their own. It appeared that the postmodern mind is easily influenced and willing to adopt an identity especially that of a celebrity. The participants involved in these programs claimed this identity as their own and then believed that the new identity was in fact who they ‘really are’ but in actual fact it is a beginning of a new sameness with somebody else. Hence the participants possessed a ‘cut and paste identity.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Le Roux, Janell
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1462 , Reality television programs -- Social aspects , Identity (Psychology) -- South Africa , Television personalities -- Psychological aspects
- Description: This study aimed to examine the construction of the identity of the participants within the reality TV programmes (Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look) as well as examined the representation of that identity as reflected in the change in participants from the beginning to the end of the program. Drawing on literature from fields such as postmodernism and its influence on culture, identity constructions and ordinary people as celebrities, an analysis of the three American reality TV shows Style Her Famous, My Celebrity Home and How Do I Look was conducted. An indepth content analysis with specific reference to comparative analysis further aided this study. A total of 18 episodes (six episodes for each programme) were collected and thoroughly analyzed where the ‘cut and paste identity’ of ordinary people as ‘celebrities’ constituted the hermeneutical key of the study. The episodes and programs have been scrutinized and have been systematically classified to enable an analysis of the observations. This study attempted to not only describe, but also to foster change in the representation of the identity of the participants of the above mentioned reality TV programmes. The study found that reality television plays a role in shaping the postmodern identity of ordinary people as celebrities. The study also found that the participants involved in the above mentioned programmes found it easy to make someone else’s identity their own. It appeared that the postmodern mind is easily influenced and willing to adopt an identity especially that of a celebrity. The participants involved in these programs claimed this identity as their own and then believed that the new identity was in fact who they ‘really are’ but in actual fact it is a beginning of a new sameness with somebody else. Hence the participants possessed a ‘cut and paste identity.’
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A factor analysis of the career adapt-abilities inventory
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework for the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in higher education
- Authors: Scholtz, Brenda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Enterprise resource planning.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015961
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) practitioners and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialists are highly sought after globally and in South Africa. In order to address this need for ERP specialists, several studies propose that ERP systems should be adopted in the Information Systems (IS) curricula in higher education institutions (HEIs) for instructional purposes. Whilst many HEIs in the United States, Australia and Europe have successfully adopted ERP systems into their curricula, less than 30% of South African HEIs have followed this trend. The adoption of ERP systems is a challenging process as such systems are resource-intensive, costly, complex, and have a steep learning curve. Educators are faced with resource problems and a dearth of options relating to the adoption process. In addition it is critical that the skills and knowledge competencies attained in these courses are industry-relevant. Several education frameworks have been recommended to assist educators with the process of adopting an ERP system in the curriculum, but these frameworks are not comprehensive since they do not consider all the factors relating to the adoption of an ERP system. In addition existing frameworks are not based on industry-relevant competencies but rather on educational objectives. This has resulted in a difference between the competencies required by organisations and those produced by higher education. Whilst there are several research studies on ERP education, empirical studies on frameworks supporting the adoption of ERP systems in HEIs for instructional purposes are limited, particularly on the impact of these frameworks on educational outcomes. The impact of the usability of the ERP system on educational outcomes has also not been fully explored. A survey of ERP consulting organisations in South Africa confirmed that these organisations struggle to obtain ERP specialists with the appropriate competencies. The survey results also contributed to a standardised, comprehensive, set of industry-relevant ERP competencies. The competency set forms part of a comprehensive Competency Framework for ERP System Adoption in IS Higher Education (ERPEd), which can assist educators with the decisions relating to the adoption of an ERP system into the IS curriculum. It includes all the categories of competencies relevant to industry and maps these onto a recommended ERP system adoption approach, an ERP learning tool, as well as the appropriate level of adoption. The application of the ERPEd framework to a case study, the Management Information Systems (MIS) course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), resulted in the adoption of the SYSPRO medium-sized ERP system into the MIS course with the hands-on approach. The empirical results of the evaluation of the case study revealed that the hands-on use of a medium-sized ERP system, SYSPRO, can successfully contribute to the attainment of educational outcomes. These outcomes were mapped to the three core competencies addressed by the MIS course, which were ERP Theory and Concepts, ERP Transactions and Business Process Management (BPM). The educational outcomes evaluated were the measures of performance, self-efficacy and usability. Self-efficacy included satisfaction with the adoption approach. The results were positive in terms of all the metrics of performance, and all three competency categories had positive post-intervention self-efficacy ratings. In terms of growth in self-efficacy from pre-intervention to post-intervention, BPM was the only competency category that did not show a significant growth, however the satisfaction data indicated that students found that the use of SYSPRO improved their competencies in business process understanding. Usability was evaluated in terms of navigation, presentation and learnability. Learnability was the only usability measure in the neutral range, with the other measures falling in the positive range. This confirms related studies reporting that ERP systems are not designed for learning. Overall the students enjoyed the practical application of the theory by using SYSPRO. Several positive and negative features of the user interface were provided which can be used in the design of improved ERP systems for instructional purposes. The results of this investigation can assist in narrowing the gap between industry requirements and IS education programmes. The ERP competency set provides a standardised list of skills and knowledge which is the starting point for any skills improvement program. The ERPEd framework can improve the quality of ERP courses and the competencies of IS graduates. This in turn, can benefit the business community since it will improve the chances of ERP project success. This research is a major contribution to both government and academic initiatives in South Africa to address both the ICT skills problem as well as the need for ERP specialists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Scholtz, Brenda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Enterprise resource planning.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015961
- Description: Information Communication Technology (ICT) practitioners and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) specialists are highly sought after globally and in South Africa. In order to address this need for ERP specialists, several studies propose that ERP systems should be adopted in the Information Systems (IS) curricula in higher education institutions (HEIs) for instructional purposes. Whilst many HEIs in the United States, Australia and Europe have successfully adopted ERP systems into their curricula, less than 30% of South African HEIs have followed this trend. The adoption of ERP systems is a challenging process as such systems are resource-intensive, costly, complex, and have a steep learning curve. Educators are faced with resource problems and a dearth of options relating to the adoption process. In addition it is critical that the skills and knowledge competencies attained in these courses are industry-relevant. Several education frameworks have been recommended to assist educators with the process of adopting an ERP system in the curriculum, but these frameworks are not comprehensive since they do not consider all the factors relating to the adoption of an ERP system. In addition existing frameworks are not based on industry-relevant competencies but rather on educational objectives. This has resulted in a difference between the competencies required by organisations and those produced by higher education. Whilst there are several research studies on ERP education, empirical studies on frameworks supporting the adoption of ERP systems in HEIs for instructional purposes are limited, particularly on the impact of these frameworks on educational outcomes. The impact of the usability of the ERP system on educational outcomes has also not been fully explored. A survey of ERP consulting organisations in South Africa confirmed that these organisations struggle to obtain ERP specialists with the appropriate competencies. The survey results also contributed to a standardised, comprehensive, set of industry-relevant ERP competencies. The competency set forms part of a comprehensive Competency Framework for ERP System Adoption in IS Higher Education (ERPEd), which can assist educators with the decisions relating to the adoption of an ERP system into the IS curriculum. It includes all the categories of competencies relevant to industry and maps these onto a recommended ERP system adoption approach, an ERP learning tool, as well as the appropriate level of adoption. The application of the ERPEd framework to a case study, the Management Information Systems (MIS) course at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), resulted in the adoption of the SYSPRO medium-sized ERP system into the MIS course with the hands-on approach. The empirical results of the evaluation of the case study revealed that the hands-on use of a medium-sized ERP system, SYSPRO, can successfully contribute to the attainment of educational outcomes. These outcomes were mapped to the three core competencies addressed by the MIS course, which were ERP Theory and Concepts, ERP Transactions and Business Process Management (BPM). The educational outcomes evaluated were the measures of performance, self-efficacy and usability. Self-efficacy included satisfaction with the adoption approach. The results were positive in terms of all the metrics of performance, and all three competency categories had positive post-intervention self-efficacy ratings. In terms of growth in self-efficacy from pre-intervention to post-intervention, BPM was the only competency category that did not show a significant growth, however the satisfaction data indicated that students found that the use of SYSPRO improved their competencies in business process understanding. Usability was evaluated in terms of navigation, presentation and learnability. Learnability was the only usability measure in the neutral range, with the other measures falling in the positive range. This confirms related studies reporting that ERP systems are not designed for learning. Overall the students enjoyed the practical application of the theory by using SYSPRO. Several positive and negative features of the user interface were provided which can be used in the design of improved ERP systems for instructional purposes. The results of this investigation can assist in narrowing the gap between industry requirements and IS education programmes. The ERP competency set provides a standardised list of skills and knowledge which is the starting point for any skills improvement program. The ERPEd framework can improve the quality of ERP courses and the competencies of IS graduates. This in turn, can benefit the business community since it will improve the chances of ERP project success. This research is a major contribution to both government and academic initiatives in South Africa to address both the ICT skills problem as well as the need for ERP specialists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A household survey of livelihood strategies in Helenvale township, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Kakembo, Juliet
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011044 , Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Description: A household survey of Helenvale Township in Port Elizabeth was conducted in order to gain an understanding of the strategies and activities that people in this poor community employ to sustain their livelihoods. The household profile, which entailed a survey of the household size, education levels and employment status was conducted. Dwelling units in terms of ownership, type, size, quality and building materials were also assessed. The income and expenditure of the Helenvale residents and community assets, as well as access to basic services were also assessed. The study found that the household size varied between 5 and 7 members. A more or less even distribution of the gender of household heads was noted, with 48 percent and 50 percent female male respectively. Among the HHs surveyed, no member had a higher qualification than Matric and quite a number were illiterate. Unemployment which stands at 54 percent was identified as the most serious problem plaguing Helenvale. A high level of home ownership (84 percent) was noted; of which 79 percent are formal dwellings and typically two-room structures of poor quality. Helenvale residents are largely dependent on child support grants as the major source of income. Casual jobs and disability grants are the other important sources of income identified. Human assets in the form of labour power are the most important assets that the community possesses. Physical assets are negligible, while financial ones are non-existent among all the respondents. Television and electric kettles are the most commonly owned appliances in the households. Basic services are readily accessible to the community, particularly water, health, refuse removal and sewage. Among the threats that the respondents identified, unemployment came to the fore as the biggest and major threat to households. Crime, teenage pregnancy and overcrowding are also considered as major threats, as are gangsterism and gambling violence. The study recommends the development of a long term plan for poverty alleviation. The creation of employment opportunities in the form of financing of small community projects which empower women and the youth is also recommended. All this should be underpinned by the expeditious delivery of housing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kakembo, Juliet
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011044 , Unemployment -- Social aspects , Unemployment -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Working class
- Description: A household survey of Helenvale Township in Port Elizabeth was conducted in order to gain an understanding of the strategies and activities that people in this poor community employ to sustain their livelihoods. The household profile, which entailed a survey of the household size, education levels and employment status was conducted. Dwelling units in terms of ownership, type, size, quality and building materials were also assessed. The income and expenditure of the Helenvale residents and community assets, as well as access to basic services were also assessed. The study found that the household size varied between 5 and 7 members. A more or less even distribution of the gender of household heads was noted, with 48 percent and 50 percent female male respectively. Among the HHs surveyed, no member had a higher qualification than Matric and quite a number were illiterate. Unemployment which stands at 54 percent was identified as the most serious problem plaguing Helenvale. A high level of home ownership (84 percent) was noted; of which 79 percent are formal dwellings and typically two-room structures of poor quality. Helenvale residents are largely dependent on child support grants as the major source of income. Casual jobs and disability grants are the other important sources of income identified. Human assets in the form of labour power are the most important assets that the community possesses. Physical assets are negligible, while financial ones are non-existent among all the respondents. Television and electric kettles are the most commonly owned appliances in the households. Basic services are readily accessible to the community, particularly water, health, refuse removal and sewage. Among the threats that the respondents identified, unemployment came to the fore as the biggest and major threat to households. Crime, teenage pregnancy and overcrowding are also considered as major threats, as are gangsterism and gambling violence. The study recommends the development of a long term plan for poverty alleviation. The creation of employment opportunities in the form of financing of small community projects which empower women and the youth is also recommended. All this should be underpinned by the expeditious delivery of housing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study on the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A theoretical study on the Alexander technique for the organ
- Authors: Boonzaaier, Devandre
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Musicians -- Health and hygiene , Alexander technique , Organ (Musical instrument) -- Instruction and study , Organists -- Training of -- South Africa , Music -- Performance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015727
- Description: The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Boonzaaier, Devandre
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Musicians -- Health and hygiene , Alexander technique , Organ (Musical instrument) -- Instruction and study , Organists -- Training of -- South Africa , Music -- Performance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8520 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015727
- Description: The aim of this research is to provide a theoretical framework of the Alexander Technique for organists. Frederick Matthias Alexander was an Australian actor who developed a technique to enable and enhance his own performance. This innovative technique is now used across the world, including South Africa. In this study the researcher provides a Literature Study of the Alexander Technique. Furthermore, he investigates and reports on the practises of a number of organists. A multiple case study approach was adapted and data was collected by means of questionnaires, personal observations and informal interviews. The data gathered in this study is described and analysed. The study culminates with a description of a theoretical framework for the application of the Alexander Technique for organists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable livelihoods through implementing skills development programmes
- Authors: Mandavha, Ndovhatshinyani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1620 , Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Description: Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mandavha, Ndovhatshinyani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1620 , Poverty -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for
- Description: Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of Samuel P. Huntington's theories
- Authors: Kirkby, Daniela M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Liberalism , Politics and literature , Political science -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015964
- Description: The traditional notion of Western liberal democracy has in recent years been met with a barrage of negative criticism. Liberal democracy from both a minimalist and substantive position appears to be backsliding, and once more falling into what Samuel P. Huntington (1991) termed a reverse wave. The analysis which Huntington (1991) presented ended in an era in which liberal democracy once more dominated the political landscape for a third consecutive wave, without any indication that it was going to relapse. In light of Huntington’s (1991) closure, this study has attempted to continue with his analysis and point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal. In order to do so, this study has meticulously used the same methodological approach as Huntington (1991) did to highlight previous wave reversals. This has been done by critically discussing, with examples, the existence of those factors that lead to a global decline in liberal democratic practice as prescribed by Huntington (1991). This study attempts not only to point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal, but also to explain the contextual reasons behind such an increase in anti-democratic rhetoric. The application of Huntington’s (1991) wave theory does not explain the subjective reasoning behind the contemporary deterioration of liberal democracy, as his factors leading to wave reversals may be too pragmatic for this study. It is in this light that a second argument as brought forward by Huntington in 1996, serves as the contextual layer for the decrease in democratic support as it provides the basis for the application of a critical discourse analysis. Therefore, this study serves not only as an investigation of the possible existence of a current third wave reversal, but also as an analysis into the discursive nature of liberal democracy’s historical and future trajectory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kirkby, Daniela M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Liberalism , Politics and literature , Political science -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015964
- Description: The traditional notion of Western liberal democracy has in recent years been met with a barrage of negative criticism. Liberal democracy from both a minimalist and substantive position appears to be backsliding, and once more falling into what Samuel P. Huntington (1991) termed a reverse wave. The analysis which Huntington (1991) presented ended in an era in which liberal democracy once more dominated the political landscape for a third consecutive wave, without any indication that it was going to relapse. In light of Huntington’s (1991) closure, this study has attempted to continue with his analysis and point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal. In order to do so, this study has meticulously used the same methodological approach as Huntington (1991) did to highlight previous wave reversals. This has been done by critically discussing, with examples, the existence of those factors that lead to a global decline in liberal democratic practice as prescribed by Huntington (1991). This study attempts not only to point to the possible existence of a third wave reversal, but also to explain the contextual reasons behind such an increase in anti-democratic rhetoric. The application of Huntington’s (1991) wave theory does not explain the subjective reasoning behind the contemporary deterioration of liberal democracy, as his factors leading to wave reversals may be too pragmatic for this study. It is in this light that a second argument as brought forward by Huntington in 1996, serves as the contextual layer for the decrease in democratic support as it provides the basis for the application of a critical discourse analysis. Therefore, this study serves not only as an investigation of the possible existence of a current third wave reversal, but also as an analysis into the discursive nature of liberal democracy’s historical and future trajectory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the factors influencing the provision of water in the Buffalo City Municipality, province of the Eastern Cape
- Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of effective customer care management at Buffalo city municipality: a case study
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Asiedu, Benjamin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Customer services -- South Africa -- Management , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Civil service reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7947 , vital:24327
- Description: In 1994, the new democratic South African government realised the magnitude of its service delivery problem and the urgency with which it needed to solve it. Emphasis was placed on better life for all. The local government, with regard to ensuring better life all, has since adopted the Batho-Pele principles and incorporated them into customer care to deliver a better life for all. However, recent service delivery reports in the Daily Dispatch and its sister publication Go & Express as well as service delivery protests across the country (including BCM) indicate all is not well. Many hypothesises have been raised as to why municipalities continue to under-perform. However, beyond these hypothesises is customer care management, and its constituents of customer service, complaint management and call centre activities. Customer care in the public sector has long been seen as the work of front-line staff. Others believe it is irrelevant in the public service due to the non-competitive nature of public service. Batho-Pele principles, since its inception in the public sector in South Africa, have been drummed up to put people first. Weary citizens see it differently and this has not escaped Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). BCM, one of the pioneers in the South African local government to have initiated customer care, admits there is institutional inefficiency. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of customer care management at BCM. In doing so; the study has narrowed the study to: describing the practice of customer care and customer care management in the public sector ( BCM included), establishing the components that constitute an integrated customer care management programme at BCM, investigating and describing the conceptual understanding of customer care and customer care management at BCM, and exploring and describing the role vision and values statements play in rendering a successful customer care programme at local government level with BCM as the focal point.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the effectiveness, of agricultural projects to alleviate poverty in Motherwell in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
- Authors: Teki, Unathi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motherwell (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018688
- Description: Poverty is one of the major problems that Republic of South Africa is dealing with at the particular moment and the lack of unemployment makes it even worse. According to the South African Government, they are trying their best level to decrease the level of poverty. Yet according to the standard of living of the poor people nothing has been seen that make a difference on the way these community members are affected by the poverty. This chapter will outline the structure of this study pertaining on how the information will be gathered, what is going to be collected, who will be involved, where would this study be focused, which area and which department will take part in order to address the answers to the above topic. It will also give the background of why these projects were created.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Teki, Unathi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Poverty -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motherwell (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018688
- Description: Poverty is one of the major problems that Republic of South Africa is dealing with at the particular moment and the lack of unemployment makes it even worse. According to the South African Government, they are trying their best level to decrease the level of poverty. Yet according to the standard of living of the poor people nothing has been seen that make a difference on the way these community members are affected by the poverty. This chapter will outline the structure of this study pertaining on how the information will be gathered, what is going to be collected, who will be involved, where would this study be focused, which area and which department will take part in order to address the answers to the above topic. It will also give the background of why these projects were created.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in the Amatole District Municipality
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Quma, Nosintu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019727
- Description: There are escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in the Eastern Cape, despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The overall aim of the research was to investigate the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Amatole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape at Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The study focused on the following aspects: project management, capacity building, monitoring and mentoring, the market and the views community members have on poverty alleviation projects. The research sought to find out what challenges have been encountered by Sipheleke Food Security Project that might lead to the project not being sustainable. The study concluded that poverty alleviation projects are not sustainable because of lack of commitment from project members, market, capacity, management skills and scarcity of water.
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- Date Issued: 2011
An exploration of a London Church Congregation's perceptions of homosexuality
- Authors: Beattie, Cora Rebecca
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Interpersonal conflict -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church controversies , Homosexuality -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Homosexuality in the Bible
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1640 , Conflict management -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Interpersonal conflict -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church controversies , Homosexuality -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Homosexuality in the Bible
- Description: The following treatise focuses on the ongoing conflict within the church regarding the issue of homosexuality. It is an important issue that has divided both churches and denominations and it continues to cause hurt in both the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike, both straight and gay. The popular position seems to be that the church, and Christians in general, are homophobic and believe that Christianity and homosexuality are not compatible. This research is a case study and focuses on a church in London. The research was carried out to discover whether this position, often portrayed by the media, was true of this church. It also sought to discover whether theories of conflict management and in particular John Burton’s theory of basic human needs could offer insight and alternative approaches in future discussions. The findings of this research offer hope in the situation in that they show this particular church is not homophobic, nor do the majority believe homosexuality and Christianity to be incompatible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Beattie, Cora Rebecca
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Interpersonal conflict -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church controversies , Homosexuality -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Homosexuality in the Bible
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8171 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1640 , Conflict management -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Interpersonal conflict -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Church controversies , Homosexuality -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Homosexuality in the Bible
- Description: The following treatise focuses on the ongoing conflict within the church regarding the issue of homosexuality. It is an important issue that has divided both churches and denominations and it continues to cause hurt in both the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike, both straight and gay. The popular position seems to be that the church, and Christians in general, are homophobic and believe that Christianity and homosexuality are not compatible. This research is a case study and focuses on a church in London. The research was carried out to discover whether this position, often portrayed by the media, was true of this church. It also sought to discover whether theories of conflict management and in particular John Burton’s theory of basic human needs could offer insight and alternative approaches in future discussions. The findings of this research offer hope in the situation in that they show this particular church is not homophobic, nor do the majority believe homosexuality and Christianity to be incompatible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An exploration of organisational communication within Algoa Bus Company, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ndwalaza, Tsepo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012358 , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study explored organizational communication at Algoa Bus Company (ABC) in Port Elizabeth. The exploration exercise was based on flows of communication at ABC. This research project captured the four flows of communication as they colour relations within the company. The four flows of communication are, namely: upward communication which refers to messages that flow from subordinates to superiors, downward communication flow which refers to communication directed to the lower levels of hierarchy by higher levels, horizontal communication flow which refers to communication amongst people who are at the same level of authority and diagonal communication flow refers to communication across the organisational levels. The study also explored the structure of such communication processes and from a normative point of view, it does expose weaknesses though.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndwalaza, Tsepo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012358 , Communication in organizations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Interpersonal relations , Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The study explored organizational communication at Algoa Bus Company (ABC) in Port Elizabeth. The exploration exercise was based on flows of communication at ABC. This research project captured the four flows of communication as they colour relations within the company. The four flows of communication are, namely: upward communication which refers to messages that flow from subordinates to superiors, downward communication flow which refers to communication directed to the lower levels of hierarchy by higher levels, horizontal communication flow which refers to communication amongst people who are at the same level of authority and diagonal communication flow refers to communication across the organisational levels. The study also explored the structure of such communication processes and from a normative point of view, it does expose weaknesses though.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An exploratory study on the Somali immigrant's involvement in the informal economy of Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Hikam, Abdu Sh Mohamed
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small businesses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Economic conditions , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1315 , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Economic conditions , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The informal economy in South Africa and other parts of the continent is a safe haven for many who are unable to find jobs in the formal sector of the economy. In the case of South Africa, it is not only the nationals of the country who are striving to survive and generate their income from this sector. Since 1994, the country has experienced a huge influx of immigrants from other parts of the continent some escaping from dire living conditions in their home countries and looking for better life opportunities while many others were forced to migrate from their own countries as a result of political unrest and lack of stability and security. Among these later example is the Somali community who are the subject matter of this study. Many of these mainly African immigrants including Somalis got involved themselves in the informal sector of the South Africa. This has increased the competition in this sector and caused clashes between South Africans and immigrants who were also involved in the sector. This study examines the involvement of the Somali immigrants in South Africa’s informal sector. The study is exploratory in nature and tried to find the surrounding factors that impacted on the involvement of Somalis in the informal economy of Motherwell. The study has found that Somalis who arrived in Motherwell are generally young unmarried men who were attracted to the area mainly because there were affordable business opportunities in the township. Somalis financed their businesses through various resources including their savings from working while working inside and outside South Africa and from the contributions by their families and friends. Despite facing high levels of crime where many Somalis were killed and their property looted, they are still determined to stay in the township. This can be shown by their high level of savings and their intention to invest in the township. Although this research does not aim to be comparative in nature, personal and business characteristics of Somalis as well as South Africans who are also involved in the sector vii were compared. Because of this comparison, it has became clear that though price is an important factor in the business competition between the two groups, it is not the only factor, neither the most important, that creates friction and the shift of loyalty of customers from one side to another. Quality of service, the number of the people working in the business, responsibility towards the area the business serves, the strictness or the leniency towards customers who want to buy but are short of money and many other factors created a friendly atmosphere between the businesses run by the Somalis and their customers. The study showed that some of the Somali as well South African business owners were of this view. Although the vast majority of the Somalis have a minimum level of education, they still contribute positively to the economy of the township and the greater Nelson Mandela Bay. This is done through renting business premises, paying both direct and indirect taxes and taking the business services to remote areas of Motherwell. The study suggests that there is a need to sooth the relationship between the two groups particularly between Somalis and South Africans who are involved in grocery businesses through meetings, seminars, and other get-together activities. This can be done by South African Police Service, Somali Association of South Africa in Korsten, community elders from both sides and other concerned government institutions as well as the academic institutions particularly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The business skills of both groups need to be uplifted in order to maximise their profitability and contribution to the people in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hikam, Abdu Sh Mohamed
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small businesses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Economic conditions , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9067 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1315 , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Economic conditions , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The informal economy in South Africa and other parts of the continent is a safe haven for many who are unable to find jobs in the formal sector of the economy. In the case of South Africa, it is not only the nationals of the country who are striving to survive and generate their income from this sector. Since 1994, the country has experienced a huge influx of immigrants from other parts of the continent some escaping from dire living conditions in their home countries and looking for better life opportunities while many others were forced to migrate from their own countries as a result of political unrest and lack of stability and security. Among these later example is the Somali community who are the subject matter of this study. Many of these mainly African immigrants including Somalis got involved themselves in the informal sector of the South Africa. This has increased the competition in this sector and caused clashes between South Africans and immigrants who were also involved in the sector. This study examines the involvement of the Somali immigrants in South Africa’s informal sector. The study is exploratory in nature and tried to find the surrounding factors that impacted on the involvement of Somalis in the informal economy of Motherwell. The study has found that Somalis who arrived in Motherwell are generally young unmarried men who were attracted to the area mainly because there were affordable business opportunities in the township. Somalis financed their businesses through various resources including their savings from working while working inside and outside South Africa and from the contributions by their families and friends. Despite facing high levels of crime where many Somalis were killed and their property looted, they are still determined to stay in the township. This can be shown by their high level of savings and their intention to invest in the township. Although this research does not aim to be comparative in nature, personal and business characteristics of Somalis as well as South Africans who are also involved in the sector vii were compared. Because of this comparison, it has became clear that though price is an important factor in the business competition between the two groups, it is not the only factor, neither the most important, that creates friction and the shift of loyalty of customers from one side to another. Quality of service, the number of the people working in the business, responsibility towards the area the business serves, the strictness or the leniency towards customers who want to buy but are short of money and many other factors created a friendly atmosphere between the businesses run by the Somalis and their customers. The study showed that some of the Somali as well South African business owners were of this view. Although the vast majority of the Somalis have a minimum level of education, they still contribute positively to the economy of the township and the greater Nelson Mandela Bay. This is done through renting business premises, paying both direct and indirect taxes and taking the business services to remote areas of Motherwell. The study suggests that there is a need to sooth the relationship between the two groups particularly between Somalis and South Africans who are involved in grocery businesses through meetings, seminars, and other get-together activities. This can be done by South African Police Service, Somali Association of South Africa in Korsten, community elders from both sides and other concerned government institutions as well as the academic institutions particularly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The business skills of both groups need to be uplifted in order to maximise their profitability and contribution to the people in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An impact assessment of the poverty alleviation projects: a case study of Thuthukani project in Dannhauser local municipality, Kwazulu Natal
- Authors: Zungu, Nomsa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008583 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The South African government has introduced mechanisms and plans to alleviate poverty and to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policies and programmes to the reduction of poverty. In its quest to eradicate and alleviate poverty, the government has prioritized poverty alleviation in its development agenda. In efforts to fight poverty, the government has since 1994, implemented various programmes that are aimed at alleviating poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. The poverty alleviation programme is one of the strategies that was implemented by the government, as a means to eradicate poverty. At the community level, depending on the nature of the programme, efforts have been made to incorporate mechanisms which enable poor people to play an active role in deciding how the benefits from programmes are distributed. The study was based on the projects identified by the community of Amajuba district in Dannhauser area in KwaZulu Natal. The Dannhauser Municipality in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs have played a vital role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Thuthukani project in 2004. In an attempt to assess the impact of the poverty alleviation projects, this study investigated the role played by the Thuthukani project in local economic development of the Dannhauser community in the Dannhauser Municipality. Participants included the Thuthukani project members, and the extension officer from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs. The study found that, indeed poverty alleviation projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards job creation and improvement of the socio-economic status of the local community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zungu, Nomsa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008583 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The South African government has introduced mechanisms and plans to alleviate poverty and to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policies and programmes to the reduction of poverty. In its quest to eradicate and alleviate poverty, the government has prioritized poverty alleviation in its development agenda. In efforts to fight poverty, the government has since 1994, implemented various programmes that are aimed at alleviating poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. The poverty alleviation programme is one of the strategies that was implemented by the government, as a means to eradicate poverty. At the community level, depending on the nature of the programme, efforts have been made to incorporate mechanisms which enable poor people to play an active role in deciding how the benefits from programmes are distributed. The study was based on the projects identified by the community of Amajuba district in Dannhauser area in KwaZulu Natal. The Dannhauser Municipality in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs have played a vital role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Thuthukani project in 2004. In an attempt to assess the impact of the poverty alleviation projects, this study investigated the role played by the Thuthukani project in local economic development of the Dannhauser community in the Dannhauser Municipality. Participants included the Thuthukani project members, and the extension officer from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs. The study found that, indeed poverty alleviation projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards job creation and improvement of the socio-economic status of the local community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011