Enhancing professionalism through the implementation of Batho Pele principles: the case of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature
- Authors: Mhlwatika, Zandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53467 , vital:45156
- Description: The study investigated how Batho Pele Principles can enhance professionalism in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. The New Public Management approach (NPM) was used to explore how professionalism can be promoted through the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. The study adopted a qualitative research method by means of which secondary information was obtained from various sources to explore ways and means of enhancing professionalism through the implementation of Batho Pele Principles. This study discussed factors promoting the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles and revealed various factors that can inhibit the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. The study also discussed the importance of codes of conduct and ethics in promoting professionalism as well as the strategies used to implement the Batho Pele Principles in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. The findings of the study revealed that professionalism can be enhanced through the implementation of Batho Pele Principles. For this to be successful in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, the Batho Pele Principles should be implemented in conjunction with codes of conduct and ethics. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mhlwatika, Zandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53467 , vital:45156
- Description: The study investigated how Batho Pele Principles can enhance professionalism in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. The New Public Management approach (NPM) was used to explore how professionalism can be promoted through the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. The study adopted a qualitative research method by means of which secondary information was obtained from various sources to explore ways and means of enhancing professionalism through the implementation of Batho Pele Principles. This study discussed factors promoting the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles and revealed various factors that can inhibit the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. The study also discussed the importance of codes of conduct and ethics in promoting professionalism as well as the strategies used to implement the Batho Pele Principles in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature. The findings of the study revealed that professionalism can be enhanced through the implementation of Batho Pele Principles. For this to be successful in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, the Batho Pele Principles should be implemented in conjunction with codes of conduct and ethics. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Enhancing the provision of social housing through public-private partnerships in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Sobuza, Duduzile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54806 , vital:47905
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which the provision of social housing can be enhanced through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Buffalo City Municipality. A total quality management approach was used as a foundation to understand the application of PPPs in social housing delivery in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study was desktop research to understand the role of PPPs in the provision of social housing. The findings of the study revealed that PPPs provide additional capital for social housing development. The study highlighted that PPPs play a crucial role in providing alternative management and implementation skills as well as offering greater efficiency in the utilisation of financial resources in the delivery of social housing. The findings of the study further revealed that PPPs accelerate social housing delivery through the provision of additional sources of finance where the government is unable to increase public debt to meet investment needs. The study also identified a plethora of constraints that can hinder the adoption of PPP initiatives in social housing delivery. These include capacity constraints, financial constraints, lack of access to land and an unfavourable policy environment. Subsequently, the study advanced a set of recommendations in this regard that includes the creation of transparent and competitive procurement processes, government support in terms of financial incentives, review of the regulatory framework to improve access to land and the regulation of financial services institutions for access to affordable housing credit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Public Management and Leadership , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Sobuza, Duduzile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54806 , vital:47905
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which the provision of social housing can be enhanced through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Buffalo City Municipality. A total quality management approach was used as a foundation to understand the application of PPPs in social housing delivery in the Buffalo City Municipality. The study was desktop research to understand the role of PPPs in the provision of social housing. The findings of the study revealed that PPPs provide additional capital for social housing development. The study highlighted that PPPs play a crucial role in providing alternative management and implementation skills as well as offering greater efficiency in the utilisation of financial resources in the delivery of social housing. The findings of the study further revealed that PPPs accelerate social housing delivery through the provision of additional sources of finance where the government is unable to increase public debt to meet investment needs. The study also identified a plethora of constraints that can hinder the adoption of PPP initiatives in social housing delivery. These include capacity constraints, financial constraints, lack of access to land and an unfavourable policy environment. Subsequently, the study advanced a set of recommendations in this regard that includes the creation of transparent and competitive procurement processes, government support in terms of financial incentives, review of the regulatory framework to improve access to land and the regulation of financial services institutions for access to affordable housing credit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Public Management and Leadership , 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurship development in South Africa
- Authors: Sibara, Siphokazi Nontando
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52986 , vital:44894
- Description: The current unemployment rate in South Africa is sitting at 30%. The South African government has identified various ways of combating this high rate. Entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the tools that can be utilised by the country to assist bring down these high levels. However, it seems that even though this is the case, there has been a decline in the sustainability of entrepreneurship. As per the GEM 2018 report on entrepreneurial activity in South Africa in the age group 25 – 34 years, there has been a downward trend as it has increased back from the low 2016 levels of 6.3% to 14.5% in 2017. The study aims to explore variables that can assist to develop entrepreneurship in South Africa, thereby assisting with its sustainability. Once entrepreneurship is sustainable it can assist with creating job opportunities thereby decreasing the high levels of unemployment in the country. The study starts by asking several research questions that introduce the various variables were identified that have an impact on the development of entrepreneurship. The variables that have been identified are the following: education, national and business culture, support, business skills and competencies. The study uses these variables to investigate the path leading to entrepreneurship development in the country. A qualitative research methodology has been used to carry out the research. Participants from the Eastern Cape, East London area are identified as a sample with which to conduct interviews and collect data. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Sibara, Siphokazi Nontando
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52986 , vital:44894
- Description: The current unemployment rate in South Africa is sitting at 30%. The South African government has identified various ways of combating this high rate. Entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the tools that can be utilised by the country to assist bring down these high levels. However, it seems that even though this is the case, there has been a decline in the sustainability of entrepreneurship. As per the GEM 2018 report on entrepreneurial activity in South Africa in the age group 25 – 34 years, there has been a downward trend as it has increased back from the low 2016 levels of 6.3% to 14.5% in 2017. The study aims to explore variables that can assist to develop entrepreneurship in South Africa, thereby assisting with its sustainability. Once entrepreneurship is sustainable it can assist with creating job opportunities thereby decreasing the high levels of unemployment in the country. The study starts by asking several research questions that introduce the various variables were identified that have an impact on the development of entrepreneurship. The variables that have been identified are the following: education, national and business culture, support, business skills and competencies. The study uses these variables to investigate the path leading to entrepreneurship development in the country. A qualitative research methodology has been used to carry out the research. Participants from the Eastern Cape, East London area are identified as a sample with which to conduct interviews and collect data. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Essential employee knowledge management and re-skilling within the 4ir in the South African automotive industry towards 2030
- Authors: Hufkie, Brian
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51556 , vital:43304
- Description: It was the purpose of the study to gain an understanding of what Essential Employee Knowledge Management and Re-Skilling is needed in the South African Automotive Industry towards 2030 with regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The reason for choosing the South African automotive industry was because the automotive industry is South Africa’s most important manufacturing sector. Nearly one-third of value adding within the domestic business sector is from the contribution, directly or indirectly, of vehicle assembly and automotive component manufacturing. According to Muro and Whiton (2017), advanced automation is already disrupting job futures across the globe and the 4IR technologies will contribute to further impacts upon the labour market, as many routine and rule-based jobs that typically involving low to medium skills become automated. Omarjee (2018), further states that the skills gap and structural unemployment are at an ever-increasing pace of change, which means organisations will face more structural unemployment challenges and which, therefore, amplifies the need for a significant amount of talent development, knowledge management, reskilling and up-skilling required in South Africa towards 4IR readiness. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA, 2018), South Africa’s skills challenges are because of complications of socio-economic and socio-historic factors. It is undisputed that 4IR requires a highly skilled workforce, and one which South Africa, regrettably, has been struggling to produce. The report further estimates that 30% of South African workers are unskilled, 46% are semiskilled workers and 24% are skilled workers. Therefore, skilling and reskilling of workers is important in preparing for the 4IR. The study undertook a focused environmental scan of recently published and pertinent articles in the public domain media. The aim, furthermore, was to use the environmental scan to contribute meaningful recommendations to all key stakeholders involved. The environmental scan looked at the macro environment and which included the social, technological, political, economic and the environmental factors influencing the South African automotive industry. Secondly, a qualitative case study approach was used to describe the true experiences of assembly workers and their immediate supervisors in a South African automotive plant. An interpretivism paradigm was applied in line with the case study research methodology. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to obtain primary data through the interviewing process and to test the dependent and independent variables. Using convenience sampling, interviews were set up with identified company related respondents, which included supervisors and blue-collar workers at a South African automotive company. The study results revealed that although some of the respondents did not know what 4IR was, there was agreement amongst those who knew what was involved and why 4IR should happen. The shared understanding was that 4IR involves vast amounts of data that assists in improving processes, systems and services. The study results also indicated that the implementation of automation, robotics and AI within the manufacturing industry had increased the fears of employees in terms of technology application is replacing their jobs. Some of the respondents also perceived a lack of transparency with regards to a structured approach towards a reskilling plan targeting the blue-collar workers’ readiness, in line with the 4IR within the automotive industry. Furthermore, what was clear was that reskilling, training and a retraining was needed within the orgainisation. Based on the overall study results, it appears that there is currently limited observed evidence about the current state of readiness of 4IR awareness and its adoption within a South African automotive industry entity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hufkie, Brian
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51556 , vital:43304
- Description: It was the purpose of the study to gain an understanding of what Essential Employee Knowledge Management and Re-Skilling is needed in the South African Automotive Industry towards 2030 with regards to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The reason for choosing the South African automotive industry was because the automotive industry is South Africa’s most important manufacturing sector. Nearly one-third of value adding within the domestic business sector is from the contribution, directly or indirectly, of vehicle assembly and automotive component manufacturing. According to Muro and Whiton (2017), advanced automation is already disrupting job futures across the globe and the 4IR technologies will contribute to further impacts upon the labour market, as many routine and rule-based jobs that typically involving low to medium skills become automated. Omarjee (2018), further states that the skills gap and structural unemployment are at an ever-increasing pace of change, which means organisations will face more structural unemployment challenges and which, therefore, amplifies the need for a significant amount of talent development, knowledge management, reskilling and up-skilling required in South Africa towards 4IR readiness. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA, 2018), South Africa’s skills challenges are because of complications of socio-economic and socio-historic factors. It is undisputed that 4IR requires a highly skilled workforce, and one which South Africa, regrettably, has been struggling to produce. The report further estimates that 30% of South African workers are unskilled, 46% are semiskilled workers and 24% are skilled workers. Therefore, skilling and reskilling of workers is important in preparing for the 4IR. The study undertook a focused environmental scan of recently published and pertinent articles in the public domain media. The aim, furthermore, was to use the environmental scan to contribute meaningful recommendations to all key stakeholders involved. The environmental scan looked at the macro environment and which included the social, technological, political, economic and the environmental factors influencing the South African automotive industry. Secondly, a qualitative case study approach was used to describe the true experiences of assembly workers and their immediate supervisors in a South African automotive plant. An interpretivism paradigm was applied in line with the case study research methodology. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to obtain primary data through the interviewing process and to test the dependent and independent variables. Using convenience sampling, interviews were set up with identified company related respondents, which included supervisors and blue-collar workers at a South African automotive company. The study results revealed that although some of the respondents did not know what 4IR was, there was agreement amongst those who knew what was involved and why 4IR should happen. The shared understanding was that 4IR involves vast amounts of data that assists in improving processes, systems and services. The study results also indicated that the implementation of automation, robotics and AI within the manufacturing industry had increased the fears of employees in terms of technology application is replacing their jobs. Some of the respondents also perceived a lack of transparency with regards to a structured approach towards a reskilling plan targeting the blue-collar workers’ readiness, in line with the 4IR within the automotive industry. Furthermore, what was clear was that reskilling, training and a retraining was needed within the orgainisation. Based on the overall study results, it appears that there is currently limited observed evidence about the current state of readiness of 4IR awareness and its adoption within a South African automotive industry entity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating activity patterns in camera trap studies, and the overlap between domestic and indigenous ungulates
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating Bayesian tolerance intervals for a two - factor factorial model
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Estimating the population size of three large carnivore species and the diet of six large carnivore species, in Madikwe Game Reserve
- Authors: Honiball, Terry-Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Carnivores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52139 , vital:43421
- Description: Large carnivores play a vital role in ecosystems, providing ecosystem services such as herbivore regulation. If not properly monitored, carnivores could place significant pressure on certain prey species, and in extreme cases, result in the local extinction of certain species. A lack of demographic data can indirectly threaten carnivores, as policies and management decisions based on demographic data can result in the over harvesting or unsustainable hunting of large carnivores. Furthermore, their conservation is becoming confined to small, fenced, protected areas. Whereby species are intensively managed, making demographic and ecological data a fundamental part of conservation decisions. Therefore, it is essential for conservation practitioners to understand large carnivore demography and their role, to conserve them effectively. To provide Madikwe Game Reserve with the necessary data for effective long-term monitoring and management of the large carnivore guild, I estimated the population size of the cryptic carnivores. I then investigated the efficacy of different camera trap survey designs on improving the detection probability of leopard (Panthera pardus), brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea), and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta). I found that brown hyaena and spotted hyaena detection probability increased with a higher number of camera traps, whereas leopard detection probability did not increase with an increased number of camera traps. I further investigated the diet, prey preferences and dietary overlap of lion (Panthera leo), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), leopard, spotted hyaena and brown hyaena. I found that all species displayed a degree of dietary overlap, however the most notable level of competition occurred between leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. This iv information will assist MGR to make informed decisions about large carnivore management in the reserve. I recommend continued long-term monitoring for the establishment of trends over time, allowing for holistic management of the entire large carnivore guild. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Honiball, Terry-Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Carnivores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52139 , vital:43421
- Description: Large carnivores play a vital role in ecosystems, providing ecosystem services such as herbivore regulation. If not properly monitored, carnivores could place significant pressure on certain prey species, and in extreme cases, result in the local extinction of certain species. A lack of demographic data can indirectly threaten carnivores, as policies and management decisions based on demographic data can result in the over harvesting or unsustainable hunting of large carnivores. Furthermore, their conservation is becoming confined to small, fenced, protected areas. Whereby species are intensively managed, making demographic and ecological data a fundamental part of conservation decisions. Therefore, it is essential for conservation practitioners to understand large carnivore demography and their role, to conserve them effectively. To provide Madikwe Game Reserve with the necessary data for effective long-term monitoring and management of the large carnivore guild, I estimated the population size of the cryptic carnivores. I then investigated the efficacy of different camera trap survey designs on improving the detection probability of leopard (Panthera pardus), brown hyaena (Parahyaena brunnea), and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta). I found that brown hyaena and spotted hyaena detection probability increased with a higher number of camera traps, whereas leopard detection probability did not increase with an increased number of camera traps. I further investigated the diet, prey preferences and dietary overlap of lion (Panthera leo), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), leopard, spotted hyaena and brown hyaena. I found that all species displayed a degree of dietary overlap, however the most notable level of competition occurred between leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. This iv information will assist MGR to make informed decisions about large carnivore management in the reserve. I recommend continued long-term monitoring for the establishment of trends over time, allowing for holistic management of the entire large carnivore guild. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Ethical sensitivity of internal audit university students
- Authors: Chauke, Deroul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Accounting -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Ethics , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51074 , vital:43206
- Description: Ethics is an important aspect of business, particularly in the internal audit profession, and especially after the corporate scandals in the twenty-first century. Internal auditors play an important role in business and society as they hold executive directors of organisations accountable on behalf of various stakeholders and shareholders, by reviewing the effectiveness of internal control systems, risk management, and governance processes. Similar to the legal and medical professions, internal auditors are expected by the public and clients they serve, to uphold high ethical standards. The overall objective of this study is to determine whether internal audit university students possess sufficient ethical sensitivity to appropriately respond to ethical challenges they could face when they enter the internal audit profession. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative research approach was followed. To collect the primary data, a questionnaire containing six vignettes was administered to internal audit university students at three universities in South Africa. The qualitative data provided the researcher with rich and in-depth evidence about the ethical sensitivity of internal audit university students. The findings of this study revealed that most students have the necessary ethical sensitivity to respond to ethical challenges. The findings also revealed that taking an ethics course enhanced the students’ ethical sensitivity. It has also emerged from the findings that a few participants were not ethically sensitive as they failed to report an unethical activity. They chose instead to detach themselves from the unethical activity by maintaining their silence. This finding indicates the need to conduct further studies on the ethical sensitivity of internal audit university students using different research instruments and more universities or larger samples. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Chauke, Deroul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Accounting -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Ethics , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51074 , vital:43206
- Description: Ethics is an important aspect of business, particularly in the internal audit profession, and especially after the corporate scandals in the twenty-first century. Internal auditors play an important role in business and society as they hold executive directors of organisations accountable on behalf of various stakeholders and shareholders, by reviewing the effectiveness of internal control systems, risk management, and governance processes. Similar to the legal and medical professions, internal auditors are expected by the public and clients they serve, to uphold high ethical standards. The overall objective of this study is to determine whether internal audit university students possess sufficient ethical sensitivity to appropriately respond to ethical challenges they could face when they enter the internal audit profession. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative research approach was followed. To collect the primary data, a questionnaire containing six vignettes was administered to internal audit university students at three universities in South Africa. The qualitative data provided the researcher with rich and in-depth evidence about the ethical sensitivity of internal audit university students. The findings of this study revealed that most students have the necessary ethical sensitivity to respond to ethical challenges. The findings also revealed that taking an ethics course enhanced the students’ ethical sensitivity. It has also emerged from the findings that a few participants were not ethically sensitive as they failed to report an unethical activity. They chose instead to detach themselves from the unethical activity by maintaining their silence. This finding indicates the need to conduct further studies on the ethical sensitivity of internal audit university students using different research instruments and more universities or larger samples. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Evaluation of local economic development in Jinja City-Uganda
- Authors: Wambi, Brian Dan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Uganda , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53041 , vital:44905
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Local Economic Development in Jinja city of Uganda. The research examined the process of service delivery, strategies of implementing Local Economic Development as well as the impact of the initiated development projects to the people. The results showed that the implementation of Local Economic Development in Jinja city can positively change the citizen’s social and economic status hence an improvement in their livelihood and standards of living. Also, implementation of Local Economic Development can grow domestic businesses and enhance local trade, as well as improve service delivery to the people. The study holds practical implications that Local Economic Development can reduce poverty rates in Jinja city through advancement of industrialisation, elevation of tourism, development of the mining sector, and promotion of fishing and agriculture activities to create jobs for the people. The results of this research hold significant theoretical implications that predictions and explanations based on the studied models in this report can be well replicated in the Ugandan context provided that suitable local content is used instead of imported content. Methodologically a systematic literature review of available published, reviewed articles was carried out, a random sample was used to select the studied articles in this research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Wambi, Brian Dan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Uganda , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53041 , vital:44905
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Local Economic Development in Jinja city of Uganda. The research examined the process of service delivery, strategies of implementing Local Economic Development as well as the impact of the initiated development projects to the people. The results showed that the implementation of Local Economic Development in Jinja city can positively change the citizen’s social and economic status hence an improvement in their livelihood and standards of living. Also, implementation of Local Economic Development can grow domestic businesses and enhance local trade, as well as improve service delivery to the people. The study holds practical implications that Local Economic Development can reduce poverty rates in Jinja city through advancement of industrialisation, elevation of tourism, development of the mining sector, and promotion of fishing and agriculture activities to create jobs for the people. The results of this research hold significant theoretical implications that predictions and explanations based on the studied models in this report can be well replicated in the Ugandan context provided that suitable local content is used instead of imported content. Methodologically a systematic literature review of available published, reviewed articles was carried out, a random sample was used to select the studied articles in this research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Evolutionary robotics controllers with location perception facilitated by neural network-based simulators
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Evolutionary Robots -- South Africa , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61613 , vital:71474
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Evolutionary Robots -- South Africa , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61613 , vital:71474
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Evolutionary robotics controllers with location perception facilitated by neural network-based simulators
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52137 , vital:43444
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52137 , vital:43444
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring an effective energy transition management framework for the South African energy sector
- Authors: Lloyd, Vuyisile Patrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Power resources -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51753 , vital:43369
- Description: The global energy transition slowed in 2019 according to the Energy Transition Index report from World Economic Forum, and South Africa (SA) was ranked one hundred and fourteenth out of the one hundred and fifteen countries assessed South Africa thus demonstrated low results in both the energy system performance index and the readiness for energy transition. A range of countries are also facing challenges that are central to the transformation of the energy sector, including protecting the environment, energy security and climate change. These persistent global crises and problems experienced by the energy sector in relation also to scarcity of natural resources, widening social inequalities and environmental degradation, have necessitated reforms and transitions in the energy sector. This study follows an interpretivism research philosophy because it is more suitable for a qualitative research methodology. The strategy of case study research is related to the paradigm of interpretivism approach and thus to the methodology of qualitative research. Various research strategies are used to gain in-depth knowledge, including the use of a case study research methodology to investigate a particular natural setting phenomenon. The research methodology with the embedded sub-units of analysis uses a single case study instrument. The primary unit of analysis considered for this study is the energy sector in South Africa in its current state. For this study, semi-structured interviews are utilised as the research instrument forming the primary data. Transition management and research propositions as conceptualised in this case study are theoretical concepts that management could use to positively influence the South African energy transition. SA is seriously impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. The online research approach used resulted in some limitations during data collection, not being able to conduct interviews face-to-face and inability to observe participants during data collection. The researcher also found limitations on accessing data from some of the energy experts recruited to participate in the research. Some reported being busy and not having time to fill out the questionnaires. The researcher carried out follow-ups and recruited new participants. Primary data was ultimately collected from a total of five energy experts who participated in the study against the initial plan for eight participants. Most energy transition studies have focused almost entirely on energy technologies choices. The research intends to contribute to the body of knowledge and provides solutions for management, government and energy sector stakeholders to build strategies to resolve the complex and persistent challenges that slow down the energy transition in South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Lloyd, Vuyisile Patrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Power resources -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51753 , vital:43369
- Description: The global energy transition slowed in 2019 according to the Energy Transition Index report from World Economic Forum, and South Africa (SA) was ranked one hundred and fourteenth out of the one hundred and fifteen countries assessed South Africa thus demonstrated low results in both the energy system performance index and the readiness for energy transition. A range of countries are also facing challenges that are central to the transformation of the energy sector, including protecting the environment, energy security and climate change. These persistent global crises and problems experienced by the energy sector in relation also to scarcity of natural resources, widening social inequalities and environmental degradation, have necessitated reforms and transitions in the energy sector. This study follows an interpretivism research philosophy because it is more suitable for a qualitative research methodology. The strategy of case study research is related to the paradigm of interpretivism approach and thus to the methodology of qualitative research. Various research strategies are used to gain in-depth knowledge, including the use of a case study research methodology to investigate a particular natural setting phenomenon. The research methodology with the embedded sub-units of analysis uses a single case study instrument. The primary unit of analysis considered for this study is the energy sector in South Africa in its current state. For this study, semi-structured interviews are utilised as the research instrument forming the primary data. Transition management and research propositions as conceptualised in this case study are theoretical concepts that management could use to positively influence the South African energy transition. SA is seriously impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. The online research approach used resulted in some limitations during data collection, not being able to conduct interviews face-to-face and inability to observe participants during data collection. The researcher also found limitations on accessing data from some of the energy experts recruited to participate in the research. Some reported being busy and not having time to fill out the questionnaires. The researcher carried out follow-ups and recruited new participants. Primary data was ultimately collected from a total of five energy experts who participated in the study against the initial plan for eight participants. Most energy transition studies have focused almost entirely on energy technologies choices. The research intends to contribute to the body of knowledge and provides solutions for management, government and energy sector stakeholders to build strategies to resolve the complex and persistent challenges that slow down the energy transition in South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring livelihood strategies of rural households: the meanings and experiences of isidima se khaya at Gwiligwili Village, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dyantyi, Phila
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Proverbs, African -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52446 , vital:43643
- Description: This research study explores how rural households under harsh socio-economic rural life in the Eastern Cape, South Africa define the different meanings of Isidima se khaya, which translates in English as household dignity. The research uses isintu (IsiXhosa-Nguni) languages with African proverbs and idioms to understand the complexity of the African household in rural areas and to show how rural households’ livelihood strategies influence Isidima se khaya beyond work. The study objectives include assessing the different meanings of Isidima se khaya among the rural population in Eastern Cape. To assess the position of women in definitions of Isidima – Gendered connotations of Isidima se Khaya; establish from the community members where Isidima se khaya is found in the household; establish the links between livelihood strategies of the home and Isidima se khaya. The study focused mainly on the evolution of the rural economy as it relates to the quality of life and dignity in rural areas. Conducted through an ethnographic study at Gwiligwili village, Keiskammahoek, the data was collected using both participant observations and life history with semi-structured questionnaire interview methods. The data collection and analysis processes were grounded in principles of Constructivist Grounded Theory, which seeks to centre data in building concepts. Findings show legacies of apartheid persist in former South African homelands with many rural households relying on government safety nets as stable and reliable livelihood strategies. It argues that these safety nets, such as public work and social protection, serve as the tools only to conceal the economy of shame and restore Isidima se khaya in precarious rural poor communities and broader South Africa. The study concludes with an interrogation of the concept of personhood attached to Isidima beyond the legalistic and human rights definitions of dignity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Dyantyi, Phila
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Proverbs, African -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52446 , vital:43643
- Description: This research study explores how rural households under harsh socio-economic rural life in the Eastern Cape, South Africa define the different meanings of Isidima se khaya, which translates in English as household dignity. The research uses isintu (IsiXhosa-Nguni) languages with African proverbs and idioms to understand the complexity of the African household in rural areas and to show how rural households’ livelihood strategies influence Isidima se khaya beyond work. The study objectives include assessing the different meanings of Isidima se khaya among the rural population in Eastern Cape. To assess the position of women in definitions of Isidima – Gendered connotations of Isidima se Khaya; establish from the community members where Isidima se khaya is found in the household; establish the links between livelihood strategies of the home and Isidima se khaya. The study focused mainly on the evolution of the rural economy as it relates to the quality of life and dignity in rural areas. Conducted through an ethnographic study at Gwiligwili village, Keiskammahoek, the data was collected using both participant observations and life history with semi-structured questionnaire interview methods. The data collection and analysis processes were grounded in principles of Constructivist Grounded Theory, which seeks to centre data in building concepts. Findings show legacies of apartheid persist in former South African homelands with many rural households relying on government safety nets as stable and reliable livelihood strategies. It argues that these safety nets, such as public work and social protection, serve as the tools only to conceal the economy of shame and restore Isidima se khaya in precarious rural poor communities and broader South Africa. The study concludes with an interrogation of the concept of personhood attached to Isidima beyond the legalistic and human rights definitions of dignity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring recurring dreams as a catalyst for image-making in Visual Art
- Authors: Adams, Demi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Dreams and the arts , Dreams in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52424 , vital:43640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to create a body of work which focused on the recurring dreams I have been experiencing since early childhood. I had dreams about a world which I could access through the back of my bedroom cupboard or a crack in my ceiling. This world is one which never experiences daytime; it is covered in various crystals and has its own inhabitants. I started keeping dream diaries to create my artworks, essentially creating a Paracosm. Paracosm is: “… a detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child” (Your dictionary, 2020: 1). The problem of this study was thus: was it possible to recreate my Crystal-Lunar World (personal dream narrative) using visual art so others could experience it and which methods should be employed to substantiate these recurring dreams. Thus, the overarching research question is how do recurring personal dreams translate into visual art to sustain a language which manifests in an individual visual narrative. I made use of mixed media paintings and three-dimensional objects to illustrate scenes from my Crystal-Lunar World. I kept Dream Diaries to collect data on my recurring dreams and extract frequencies and group them into themes to create my artworks. The dream diaries also substantiated what I was painting and making. I also kept drawing journals to study the various crystals and to illustrate them and the creatures I see. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Adams, Demi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Dreams and the arts , Dreams in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52424 , vital:43640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to create a body of work which focused on the recurring dreams I have been experiencing since early childhood. I had dreams about a world which I could access through the back of my bedroom cupboard or a crack in my ceiling. This world is one which never experiences daytime; it is covered in various crystals and has its own inhabitants. I started keeping dream diaries to create my artworks, essentially creating a Paracosm. Paracosm is: “… a detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child” (Your dictionary, 2020: 1). The problem of this study was thus: was it possible to recreate my Crystal-Lunar World (personal dream narrative) using visual art so others could experience it and which methods should be employed to substantiate these recurring dreams. Thus, the overarching research question is how do recurring personal dreams translate into visual art to sustain a language which manifests in an individual visual narrative. I made use of mixed media paintings and three-dimensional objects to illustrate scenes from my Crystal-Lunar World. I kept Dream Diaries to collect data on my recurring dreams and extract frequencies and group them into themes to create my artworks. The dream diaries also substantiated what I was painting and making. I also kept drawing journals to study the various crystals and to illustrate them and the creatures I see. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the management-union relationship in an automotive component manufacturer
- Authors: Gunyazile, Bongani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51464 , vital:43280
- Description: This study explored the management-union relationship in an automotive component manufacturer. The study was explorative and descriptive, using a qualitative approach. This was done in order to provide an accurate and valid representation of the factors and variables that are relevant to the research question. The sample of the study consisted of both members of management and union representatives who had been with the company before 2002. A combination of descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse data from the survey questionnaire and interview guide. The literature review dealt with the overview of the South African industrial relations system, the need for the company to be globally competitive, the role of employee participation and the need for cooperative union-management relationships. Further, the usefulness of the Relationship by Objectives (RBO) intervention in creating and securing cooperative union-management relations was appraised. The company, in consultation with the union acquired the services of an independent third party to facilitate the RBO intervention. The findings illustrate that both management and the union found the institutional framework put in place by the RBO process helpful to their relationship in that it allowed both parties to engage with each other frequently, in a more respectful and structured manner. It is recommended that the company, through HR in consultation with the union and strengthen the forums of engagements currently in place by scheduling meetings in advance, accommodate each other in order to afford all stakeholders an opportunity to plan ahead and attend all forums of engagement where possible. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Labour Relations and Human Resources, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Gunyazile, Bongani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Management -- Employee participation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51464 , vital:43280
- Description: This study explored the management-union relationship in an automotive component manufacturer. The study was explorative and descriptive, using a qualitative approach. This was done in order to provide an accurate and valid representation of the factors and variables that are relevant to the research question. The sample of the study consisted of both members of management and union representatives who had been with the company before 2002. A combination of descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse data from the survey questionnaire and interview guide. The literature review dealt with the overview of the South African industrial relations system, the need for the company to be globally competitive, the role of employee participation and the need for cooperative union-management relationships. Further, the usefulness of the Relationship by Objectives (RBO) intervention in creating and securing cooperative union-management relations was appraised. The company, in consultation with the union acquired the services of an independent third party to facilitate the RBO intervention. The findings illustrate that both management and the union found the institutional framework put in place by the RBO process helpful to their relationship in that it allowed both parties to engage with each other frequently, in a more respectful and structured manner. It is recommended that the company, through HR in consultation with the union and strengthen the forums of engagements currently in place by scheduling meetings in advance, accommodate each other in order to afford all stakeholders an opportunity to plan ahead and attend all forums of engagement where possible. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Labour Relations and Human Resources, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the perceived wellbeing of adolescents participating in a mindfulness-based adolescent programme
- Authors: Munro, Belinda Patricia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Mindfulness (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Adolescent psychotherapy -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51361 , vital:43268
- Description: Mindfulness techniques can potentially facilitate increased self-awareness, improve impulse control, decrease emotional reactivity to challenging events, and improve one’s subjective experience of wellbeing. As yet, research within the child and adolescent population are in its early stages (Dellbridge, 2002. This study explores and describes the perceived wellbeing of adolescents participating in a Mindfulness-based adolescent programme. It uses a multiple case study format, within a qualitative paradigm. The sample of five adolescents are from the NGO, Masifunde, in the Eastern Cape, and were selected through a nonprobability purposive sampling. Participants were between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Data was collected using a pre-test post-test format, administering the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA). After the Mindfulness-based Adolescent Programme (MBAP), individual semi-structured interviews were used to explore the adolescent’s perceived experience of the programme. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis for qualitative data. The researchers reflective journaling was also used to expand on findings. Themes that emerged include the participants reflecting awareness of change in perceived experience of mindfulness, growing emotional awareness and regulation, development of attentional abilities, development of metacognition, reduction in physical discomfort, building and enhancing relationships, and experiencing body-based practices as most beneficial. The themes that came out most strongly were the reduction of physical discomfort, and positive experiences of body-based practices, which was understood by the researcher within the cultural heritage of participants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Munro, Belinda Patricia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Mindfulness (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Adolescent psychotherapy -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51361 , vital:43268
- Description: Mindfulness techniques can potentially facilitate increased self-awareness, improve impulse control, decrease emotional reactivity to challenging events, and improve one’s subjective experience of wellbeing. As yet, research within the child and adolescent population are in its early stages (Dellbridge, 2002. This study explores and describes the perceived wellbeing of adolescents participating in a Mindfulness-based adolescent programme. It uses a multiple case study format, within a qualitative paradigm. The sample of five adolescents are from the NGO, Masifunde, in the Eastern Cape, and were selected through a nonprobability purposive sampling. Participants were between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Data was collected using a pre-test post-test format, administering the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA). After the Mindfulness-based Adolescent Programme (MBAP), individual semi-structured interviews were used to explore the adolescent’s perceived experience of the programme. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis for qualitative data. The researchers reflective journaling was also used to expand on findings. Themes that emerged include the participants reflecting awareness of change in perceived experience of mindfulness, growing emotional awareness and regulation, development of attentional abilities, development of metacognition, reduction in physical discomfort, building and enhancing relationships, and experiencing body-based practices as most beneficial. The themes that came out most strongly were the reduction of physical discomfort, and positive experiences of body-based practices, which was understood by the researcher within the cultural heritage of participants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the principles of conflict management in community policing: a case study of Broadlands Park
- Authors: De Lange, Romeo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Community policing -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52435 , vital:43642
- Description: Conflict management is about an intervention to help resolve a conflict, and to prevent any harmful outbreak through a process which encourages the interaction of different knowledge, skills and attitudes, towards effectively resolving conflict between people and organisations. The differences of opinion between the police and community causes issues of mistrust and disrespect and can be indicative of a fundamental conflict between them. This treatise explores the principles of conflict management in community policing. The study examines the different theories relating to conflict and the interdisciplinary perspectives on conflict management styles and how this literature relates to community policing. The study applied the interpretive paradigm as a qualitative design to understand the social reality experiences of participants in the empirical study of community policing and how they perceived the research problem; namely, the trust relationships between police officials and community members. A purposive sampling method was used and five Community Police Forum members and five former police officials participated and provided abundant and accurate data that assisted in answering the research questions and guided the researcher towards suitable conflict management tools for community policing. Coding procedures and thematic analysis were applied in the study to perform the data analysis. The findings suggest that utilising conflict management principles can be useful as a tool to manage conflict between the community and police; particular in gang and drug related crime areas. The results of the research study appear to suggest how conflict management in community policing can be applied to alleviate the negative impact conflict is having on community policing. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: De Lange, Romeo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Community policing -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52435 , vital:43642
- Description: Conflict management is about an intervention to help resolve a conflict, and to prevent any harmful outbreak through a process which encourages the interaction of different knowledge, skills and attitudes, towards effectively resolving conflict between people and organisations. The differences of opinion between the police and community causes issues of mistrust and disrespect and can be indicative of a fundamental conflict between them. This treatise explores the principles of conflict management in community policing. The study examines the different theories relating to conflict and the interdisciplinary perspectives on conflict management styles and how this literature relates to community policing. The study applied the interpretive paradigm as a qualitative design to understand the social reality experiences of participants in the empirical study of community policing and how they perceived the research problem; namely, the trust relationships between police officials and community members. A purposive sampling method was used and five Community Police Forum members and five former police officials participated and provided abundant and accurate data that assisted in answering the research questions and guided the researcher towards suitable conflict management tools for community policing. Coding procedures and thematic analysis were applied in the study to perform the data analysis. The findings suggest that utilising conflict management principles can be useful as a tool to manage conflict between the community and police; particular in gang and drug related crime areas. The results of the research study appear to suggest how conflict management in community policing can be applied to alleviate the negative impact conflict is having on community policing. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the Role of minority stress on South African Muslim Women’s Psychological Help-Seeking Behaviour
- Authors: Cheema, Rabia Afzaal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Muslim women -- Mental health , Muslim women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51043 , vital:43203
- Description: Minority identities of all types regularly experience poorer mental and physical health due to discrimination based on intersections of race, religion, ethnicity and gender. This process was coined by Meyer (2003) as minority stress and has come to represent the effects that discrimination, based on identity, has on an individual. Amongst the many minority identities that exist, Muslim women have in recent years experienced escalated rates of discriminatory treatment, due to political and social trends. The aim of this study was to explore the role of minority stress on South African Muslim women’s psychological help-seeking behaviour. The study employed a qualitative research design and made use of the purposive sampling method followed by the snowball sampling technique to identify participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were reported. These were: 1) descriptions of life as a Muslim woman 2) challenges faced by Muslim women in South Africa 3) psychological influences on mental health and 4) barriers to seeking psychological help. The researcher found that Muslim women do experience minority stress and it does influence help-seeking behaviour, however, it is not the only factor. Gender was found to be a greater stressor and contributed more to the minority stress experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Cheema, Rabia Afzaal
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Muslim women -- Mental health , Muslim women -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51043 , vital:43203
- Description: Minority identities of all types regularly experience poorer mental and physical health due to discrimination based on intersections of race, religion, ethnicity and gender. This process was coined by Meyer (2003) as minority stress and has come to represent the effects that discrimination, based on identity, has on an individual. Amongst the many minority identities that exist, Muslim women have in recent years experienced escalated rates of discriminatory treatment, due to political and social trends. The aim of this study was to explore the role of minority stress on South African Muslim women’s psychological help-seeking behaviour. The study employed a qualitative research design and made use of the purposive sampling method followed by the snowball sampling technique to identify participants. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were reported. These were: 1) descriptions of life as a Muslim woman 2) challenges faced by Muslim women in South Africa 3) psychological influences on mental health and 4) barriers to seeking psychological help. The researcher found that Muslim women do experience minority stress and it does influence help-seeking behaviour, however, it is not the only factor. Gender was found to be a greater stressor and contributed more to the minority stress experience. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Export diversification, export specialization and economic growth in G20 countries
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52951 , vital:44898
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52951 , vital:44898
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04