Greening Ndlambe Village
- Authors: Vithi-Masiza, Noluthando
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58396 , vital:59082
- Description: In 1994 the new democratic government of South Africa introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) which was aimed at massive infrastructure expansion. Tackling the housing crisis has been encountered by growing demands for low carbon footprint, reduced use of non-renewable resources and as part of the green agenda. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the South African government set a variety of objectives aimed at achieving an environmentally sustainable future for all. While South Africa has embraced green economy principles, tested integrated approaches are still to be seen in housing construction. This study sought to explore the greening of Ndlambe green village in the Port Alfred area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, employing the case study research strategy and primary data was collected by means of focus groups. Community members, engineers, environmentalists and town planners constituted the study sample. Secondary data sources were also used in this study, along with field observation. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Findings from the study revealed that community members perceived Green village initiative as important and is required in South Africa given the challenges that are experienced such as energy consumption load shedding, water shortages. The economic value proposition of green building is measured through two different lenses, namely economic profit and social profit. The municipalities must take a leading role in by forming policies supporting environmentally friendly activities, with building being one crucial area. Recommendations from the study proposed that partnerships involving communities, private companies, the government and other various interest groups are imperative in order to accelerating the green building agenda. The government must be challenges to develop sustainable funding solutions for a green economy. Lastly, increased awareness about green building among the society may also drive better acceptability and ultimately, a strong social reputation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
Reimagining Culture and Creative Industries: Developing Career Connected Pathways
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The integration of sustainable development goals into business strategies: evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange top 100
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12