Cluster analysis for group selection in launch sales predictions
- Authors: Watchurst, Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cluster analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52003 , vital:43447
- Description: One way for businesses to stay ahead in a competitive market is through the launch of new products and planning for these launches optimally. This includes ordering the correct quantity of stock in advance as well as maintaining these stock levels while the item launches. However, holding too much stock in warehouses can affect the business costs adversely. This research proposes the use of cluster analysis techniques to determine the up-front purchase quantity by identifying similar items and using their initial quantities sold. Products will be grouped based on their numerical and categorical attributes. Once the data is clustered, the Bass model will be used to obtain a sales profile for the new item. The Bass model is a popular choice for product life cycle planning due to the emphasis placed on the timing of adoption. The study will make use of data from a retail and wholesale company that sells, in part, single use items. With the planning for new launches being a key problem point in many companies, this research aims to optimise the planning process and ensure product launch success across stores. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Watchurst, Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cluster analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52003 , vital:43447
- Description: One way for businesses to stay ahead in a competitive market is through the launch of new products and planning for these launches optimally. This includes ordering the correct quantity of stock in advance as well as maintaining these stock levels while the item launches. However, holding too much stock in warehouses can affect the business costs adversely. This research proposes the use of cluster analysis techniques to determine the up-front purchase quantity by identifying similar items and using their initial quantities sold. Products will be grouped based on their numerical and categorical attributes. Once the data is clustered, the Bass model will be used to obtain a sales profile for the new item. The Bass model is a popular choice for product life cycle planning due to the emphasis placed on the timing of adoption. The study will make use of data from a retail and wholesale company that sells, in part, single use items. With the planning for new launches being a key problem point in many companies, this research aims to optimise the planning process and ensure product launch success across stores. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Community development and sustainable livelihoods: the Jeffrey’s Bay wind farm bee-keeping initiative, South Africa
- Authors: Phillip, Busisiwe
- 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/10948/53033 , vital:44886
- Description: The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) policy requirements set by the South Africa Government have shaped the responsibility of the socio-economic trajectory to include various stakeholders in the economy, such as the private sector companies that operate in and around areas affected by poverty and unemployment. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces of South Africa that are trapped in poverty (Edwards, 2003). The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (2019) reported that in the first quarter of 2019 the Eastern Cape had the highest unemployment rate (34.7%) in the country and that the youth unemployment rate was at 50.8%; a record high. The Kouga Municipality, which is where the Rooidraai community is situated in Ward 13, has a population of 98 558 people of which 38 412 are economically active and of these, 21.5% are unemployed (StatsSA, 2019). In view of this, there seems to be a problem addressing poverty in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm (JBWF) can create initiatives aimed at sustainable community development. In doing so, the research question will be answered, which entails investigating ways that the leaders of the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm project can employ to improve the beekeeping initiative’s outcomes and perhaps launch future initiatives that are aimed at developing communities. The Rooidraai community was the study’s area of research. This area was chosen because the beekeeping initiative is mainly situated in this community and also because the majority of the beneficiaries are situated in this area. The dearth of research on issues pertaining to community development and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping was a motivating factor to conduct the study. The problem statement highlighted that private sector companies are not particularly well versed with regard to community development approaches that deal with beneficiaries of projects that are imposed upon them that result in undesired outcomes that could have been avoided had proper processes been followed. The study used the theories of community development and sustainable livelihoods to assist in the research problem statement as these theories deal with issues of human development which have proposed approaches such as bottom-up development, self-reliance and giving voice to people at grassroots level. The study employed the qualitative approach due to its non-emergent nature and also the ability to predetermine methods of data collection and analysis through which semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes were employed as data collection tools and a thematic analysis and SLF analysis approaches were used as approaches for analysing the data. The study employed purposive sampling to which eight members of the beekeeping project made the sample size. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phillip, Busisiwe
- 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/10948/53033 , vital:44886
- Description: The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) policy requirements set by the South Africa Government have shaped the responsibility of the socio-economic trajectory to include various stakeholders in the economy, such as the private sector companies that operate in and around areas affected by poverty and unemployment. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces of South Africa that are trapped in poverty (Edwards, 2003). The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (2019) reported that in the first quarter of 2019 the Eastern Cape had the highest unemployment rate (34.7%) in the country and that the youth unemployment rate was at 50.8%; a record high. The Kouga Municipality, which is where the Rooidraai community is situated in Ward 13, has a population of 98 558 people of which 38 412 are economically active and of these, 21.5% are unemployed (StatsSA, 2019). In view of this, there seems to be a problem addressing poverty in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm (JBWF) can create initiatives aimed at sustainable community development. In doing so, the research question will be answered, which entails investigating ways that the leaders of the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm project can employ to improve the beekeeping initiative’s outcomes and perhaps launch future initiatives that are aimed at developing communities. The Rooidraai community was the study’s area of research. This area was chosen because the beekeeping initiative is mainly situated in this community and also because the majority of the beneficiaries are situated in this area. The dearth of research on issues pertaining to community development and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping was a motivating factor to conduct the study. The problem statement highlighted that private sector companies are not particularly well versed with regard to community development approaches that deal with beneficiaries of projects that are imposed upon them that result in undesired outcomes that could have been avoided had proper processes been followed. The study used the theories of community development and sustainable livelihoods to assist in the research problem statement as these theories deal with issues of human development which have proposed approaches such as bottom-up development, self-reliance and giving voice to people at grassroots level. The study employed the qualitative approach due to its non-emergent nature and also the ability to predetermine methods of data collection and analysis through which semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes were employed as data collection tools and a thematic analysis and SLF analysis approaches were used as approaches for analysing the data. The study employed purposive sampling to which eight members of the beekeeping project made the sample size. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience in the South African retail banking industry
- Authors: Mtyu, Noluchumo
- 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/10948/53037 , vital:44874
- Description: This treatise explores customer experience in the South African banking industry and its importance for the success of retail banks. Customer experience leaves a memory that has critical effects on future spending of not only direct customers, but others around them. The main issues addressed by this study are how customer experience is a differentiator in the South African banking industry. The banking industry is a highly competitive industry and the importance of customer service in the banking industry is essential for business if they wish to stay relevant and have sustained continuity and growth. In today’s fast-evolving business life, customer experience has become the new battleground for businesses and banks can no longer rely on products or prices to be competitive. Retail banks now need to compete by providing exceptional customer experiences, which cannot be imitated by their competitors. Services provided by South African banks are very similar and banks need to use superior customer experiences to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Understanding customer experience in achieving customer satisfaction is essential to ensure that banks have satisfied customers who encourage others to join or stay with the bank. Once understood, customer experience will assist bank managers to provide inimitable and superior experiences, resulting in business success. The study aims to assist South African banks to improve customer experiences by investigating customer experience and factors that influence it. Definitions and theories are discussed as well as the importance of customer experience in the South African retail banking industry. This study specifically explored the role of the customer experience through factors brand experience, service experience and post-purchase experience. Each factor is statistically explored and its importance highlighted. An empirical study, using a questionnaire, was conducted amongst 858 respondents. The purpose of this was to determine the satisfaction levels of South African retail banking customers, by using data analyses and descriptive and inferential statistics to test the factors identified in the conceptual model. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mtyu, Noluchumo
- 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/10948/53037 , vital:44874
- Description: This treatise explores customer experience in the South African banking industry and its importance for the success of retail banks. Customer experience leaves a memory that has critical effects on future spending of not only direct customers, but others around them. The main issues addressed by this study are how customer experience is a differentiator in the South African banking industry. The banking industry is a highly competitive industry and the importance of customer service in the banking industry is essential for business if they wish to stay relevant and have sustained continuity and growth. In today’s fast-evolving business life, customer experience has become the new battleground for businesses and banks can no longer rely on products or prices to be competitive. Retail banks now need to compete by providing exceptional customer experiences, which cannot be imitated by their competitors. Services provided by South African banks are very similar and banks need to use superior customer experiences to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Understanding customer experience in achieving customer satisfaction is essential to ensure that banks have satisfied customers who encourage others to join or stay with the bank. Once understood, customer experience will assist bank managers to provide inimitable and superior experiences, resulting in business success. The study aims to assist South African banks to improve customer experiences by investigating customer experience and factors that influence it. Definitions and theories are discussed as well as the importance of customer experience in the South African retail banking industry. This study specifically explored the role of the customer experience through factors brand experience, service experience and post-purchase experience. Each factor is statistically explored and its importance highlighted. An empirical study, using a questionnaire, was conducted amongst 858 respondents. The purpose of this was to determine the satisfaction levels of South African retail banking customers, by using data analyses and descriptive and inferential statistics to test the factors identified in the conceptual model. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience: a comparative analysis between the banking and grocery retail sectors
- Authors: Pillay, Deneesha
- 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/10948/53007 , vital:44891
- Description: The notion of customer experience has gained prominence in the field of marketing over the last three decades. It has become a strategic imperative for firms in order to ensure sustained business growth. A positive customer experience not only has the ability to promote customer loyalty but can also assist firms in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience in South Africa’s banking and grocery retail sectors has not yet been adequately explored. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comparative analysis of these two sectors and in turn present a model for improving customer experience as a marketing tool. The execution of this study requires a literature review to investigate the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience in the attempt of improving customer experience quality. Furthermore, this Treatise pursues a positivistic research approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from an online questionnaire disseminated via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 858 is used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted on the data. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience in South Africa’s grocery retail and banking sectors. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase Experience were all found to have a positive effect on the overall customer experience. In the grocery-retail sector, Post-purchase Experience was found to have a strong positive correlation with customer experience. Brand Experience and Service Experience were strongly correlated with each other as independent factors, but did not demonstrate any practical or statistical significance in relation to the dependent factor, Customer Experience. However, in the banking sector, all of these factors demonstrate positive correlations with Customer Experience that are statistically and practically significant. The model presented in this study identifies the determinants of Customer Experience within both sectors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pillay, Deneesha
- 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/10948/53007 , vital:44891
- Description: The notion of customer experience has gained prominence in the field of marketing over the last three decades. It has become a strategic imperative for firms in order to ensure sustained business growth. A positive customer experience not only has the ability to promote customer loyalty but can also assist firms in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience in South Africa’s banking and grocery retail sectors has not yet been adequately explored. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comparative analysis of these two sectors and in turn present a model for improving customer experience as a marketing tool. The execution of this study requires a literature review to investigate the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience in the attempt of improving customer experience quality. Furthermore, this Treatise pursues a positivistic research approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from an online questionnaire disseminated via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 858 is used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted on the data. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience in South Africa’s grocery retail and banking sectors. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase Experience were all found to have a positive effect on the overall customer experience. In the grocery-retail sector, Post-purchase Experience was found to have a strong positive correlation with customer experience. Brand Experience and Service Experience were strongly correlated with each other as independent factors, but did not demonstrate any practical or statistical significance in relation to the dependent factor, Customer Experience. However, in the banking sector, all of these factors demonstrate positive correlations with Customer Experience that are statistically and practically significant. The model presented in this study identifies the determinants of Customer Experience within both sectors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Descriptive analysis of organic farming systems and factors affecting adoption and disadoption in Zambia : a case study
- Authors: Munthali, Robert
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Organic farming -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52111 , vital:43434
- Description: The last 30 years since the early 1990s has seen the heightened promotion of organic farming as a sustainable farming option in Zambia. The main objectives of this research study were to carry out an analysis of organic farming systems in order to understand factors affecting adoption, as well as reasons why some organic farmers discontinue using the approach. The study involved four districts in Zambia: Mazabuka, Chikankata, Lusaka and Chongwe. Specifically, the research investigated challenges and limitations of organic agronomic practices, and analysed factors that influence adopters and disadopters of organic agriculture. Primary data were collected through interviews and by administering semi-structured questionnaires. The research population comprised approximately 250 farmers adopters and disadopters, with the sample size being 50 farmers chosen across four districts using systematic random sampling methods. Additionally, five observation research field trials were conducted in order to gather practical data on individual farmer’s crop management practices. Farmers adopting and maintaining organic methods reported several reasons for embracing the system, some of which are: organic farming is regenerative; it is environmentally responsible; it uses manure, believed to help build healthy soils rich in organic matter with better nutrient and moisture holding capacity; pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are not used, reducing the levels of toxic residues in organic products which ultimately promotes health. Labour constraints, pest and disease challenges and weed problems were some of the reasons for disadoption. Data showed that disadopters had lower education (48% had primary education), were older and with slightly more children. Although there were more women adopting organic agriculture compared to men, the difference was small 56% and 44% women and men respectively. Among disadopters there were more women (67%) compared to men (33%). Overall, the study results suggest that promotion of organic agriculture should be encouraged through liaison with government departments such as the Zambian Department of Agriculture to include organic agriculture when developing policies. In general, organic farmers have positive opinions concerning the benefits resulting from organic agriculture. Organic farmers should enjoy equal opportunities to conventional agriculture in the provision of extension services, input support, infrastructural development, access to financial resources to procure farm machinery, and equipment and most important of all, they should get fair prices for their organic produce and products. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Munthali, Robert
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Organic farming -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52111 , vital:43434
- Description: The last 30 years since the early 1990s has seen the heightened promotion of organic farming as a sustainable farming option in Zambia. The main objectives of this research study were to carry out an analysis of organic farming systems in order to understand factors affecting adoption, as well as reasons why some organic farmers discontinue using the approach. The study involved four districts in Zambia: Mazabuka, Chikankata, Lusaka and Chongwe. Specifically, the research investigated challenges and limitations of organic agronomic practices, and analysed factors that influence adopters and disadopters of organic agriculture. Primary data were collected through interviews and by administering semi-structured questionnaires. The research population comprised approximately 250 farmers adopters and disadopters, with the sample size being 50 farmers chosen across four districts using systematic random sampling methods. Additionally, five observation research field trials were conducted in order to gather practical data on individual farmer’s crop management practices. Farmers adopting and maintaining organic methods reported several reasons for embracing the system, some of which are: organic farming is regenerative; it is environmentally responsible; it uses manure, believed to help build healthy soils rich in organic matter with better nutrient and moisture holding capacity; pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are not used, reducing the levels of toxic residues in organic products which ultimately promotes health. Labour constraints, pest and disease challenges and weed problems were some of the reasons for disadoption. Data showed that disadopters had lower education (48% had primary education), were older and with slightly more children. Although there were more women adopting organic agriculture compared to men, the difference was small 56% and 44% women and men respectively. Among disadopters there were more women (67%) compared to men (33%). Overall, the study results suggest that promotion of organic agriculture should be encouraged through liaison with government departments such as the Zambian Department of Agriculture to include organic agriculture when developing policies. In general, organic farmers have positive opinions concerning the benefits resulting from organic agriculture. Organic farmers should enjoy equal opportunities to conventional agriculture in the provision of extension services, input support, infrastructural development, access to financial resources to procure farm machinery, and equipment and most important of all, they should get fair prices for their organic produce and products. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Determinants of domestic savings: why Africa is dissaving
- Authors: Ruiters, Caviner Glen
- 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/10948/52966 , vital:44888
- Description: The World Bank has emphasized the role of savings in financing domestic fixed capital formation, technology, education, employment and economic growth. Many African countries have experienced decreased savings and increased current account deficits worsened by the global financial crisis and capital outflows. This study seeks to explore the determinants of savings and determine the savings trend of African countries compared to that of the world. To this end, annual time series data for 20 representative countries from different economic groups were obtained from World Bank Indicators, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Penn World Tables and Integrated Network for Societal Conflict Research (INSCR) database over the period 2000 to 2018. The Panel ARDL/ Pooled Mean Group estimator was used to analyse the data. The main findings were that household variables, capital flow variables, human capital variables, institutional quality variables, financial and other social macroeconomic variables determine savings. Further, the speed of adjustment show causality from the explanatory variables to savings. The use of income and monetary policy dummy variables indicates that there is no difference in determinants of savings for countries with different income groups and monetary policies. It was recommended that African countries invest in education and ICT infrastructure, improve their financial systems and restructure policies on good governance and political stability as this has a significant effect on savings. The study was limited by a lack of time series data for all African countries, therefore, future research involving an increased sample size and variables were recommended. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ruiters, Caviner Glen
- 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/10948/52966 , vital:44888
- Description: The World Bank has emphasized the role of savings in financing domestic fixed capital formation, technology, education, employment and economic growth. Many African countries have experienced decreased savings and increased current account deficits worsened by the global financial crisis and capital outflows. This study seeks to explore the determinants of savings and determine the savings trend of African countries compared to that of the world. To this end, annual time series data for 20 representative countries from different economic groups were obtained from World Bank Indicators, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Penn World Tables and Integrated Network for Societal Conflict Research (INSCR) database over the period 2000 to 2018. The Panel ARDL/ Pooled Mean Group estimator was used to analyse the data. The main findings were that household variables, capital flow variables, human capital variables, institutional quality variables, financial and other social macroeconomic variables determine savings. Further, the speed of adjustment show causality from the explanatory variables to savings. The use of income and monetary policy dummy variables indicates that there is no difference in determinants of savings for countries with different income groups and monetary policies. It was recommended that African countries invest in education and ICT infrastructure, improve their financial systems and restructure policies on good governance and political stability as this has a significant effect on savings. The study was limited by a lack of time series data for all African countries, therefore, future research involving an increased sample size and variables were recommended. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Driving factors of mobile banking application in South Africa
- Authors: Peter, Unati
- 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/10948/52984 , vital:44885
- Description: There has been a gaping variance between the number of mobile phone users and landline users in South Africa (RSA). Results from an assessment in 2011 suggested that 29 million South Africans subscribed to mobile phones versus 5 million landline users (Balabanoff, 2014). The exponential growth of mobile applications has been precipitated by the increased growth of the mobile phone market. This growth is coupled with numerous advantages that mobile services bring to the user, such as better operability, productivity advances and entertainment (Balabanoff, 2014). Even though adoption strategies regarding mobile banking have been studied in various parts of the world, acceptance of mobile banking applications in South Africa has not been greatly researched. Hence, this study focused on exploring consumer behaviour and acceptance towards adopting mobile banking in South Africa, where mobile banking is at an elementary stage, but provides potential benefits to both users and business at large. A quantitative research style was followed by this research. An electronic quantitative questionnaire was distributed to South African civilians who are eligible to hold bank accounts in their own names. The research was then conducted on a sample size of 86 respondents. Due to limitations on time, this study utilised convenience sampling. Data gathered from the questionnaires was examined using statistical analysis to scrutinise the correlation between the variables used in the research model, this being Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT is commonly used to predict and explain factors that influence the adoption of technology by users. These factors help decision-makers in formulating technology acceptance strategies. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peter, Unati
- 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/10948/52984 , vital:44885
- Description: There has been a gaping variance between the number of mobile phone users and landline users in South Africa (RSA). Results from an assessment in 2011 suggested that 29 million South Africans subscribed to mobile phones versus 5 million landline users (Balabanoff, 2014). The exponential growth of mobile applications has been precipitated by the increased growth of the mobile phone market. This growth is coupled with numerous advantages that mobile services bring to the user, such as better operability, productivity advances and entertainment (Balabanoff, 2014). Even though adoption strategies regarding mobile banking have been studied in various parts of the world, acceptance of mobile banking applications in South Africa has not been greatly researched. Hence, this study focused on exploring consumer behaviour and acceptance towards adopting mobile banking in South Africa, where mobile banking is at an elementary stage, but provides potential benefits to both users and business at large. A quantitative research style was followed by this research. An electronic quantitative questionnaire was distributed to South African civilians who are eligible to hold bank accounts in their own names. The research was then conducted on a sample size of 86 respondents. Due to limitations on time, this study utilised convenience sampling. Data gathered from the questionnaires was examined using statistical analysis to scrutinise the correlation between the variables used in the research model, this being Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT is commonly used to predict and explain factors that influence the adoption of technology by users. These factors help decision-makers in formulating technology acceptance strategies. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Ecosexual digital war machines: minoritarian environmental desires in the age of new media
- Authors: Weideman, Lisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54828 , vital:47915
- Description: Today the (Transnational) State Apparatuses of neoliberal capitalism, ranging from educational institutions to mass media and financial institutions, have effectively created and channelled desires towards consumerism, predicated on resource-extractive practices, within the context of what Gilles Deleuze calls societies of control. This control has also intensified in the digital era, particularly through Internet-based technologies which provide increasingly efficient platforms for the escalation of commodification – ironically, despite the reality of ecological crisis being precipitated by the related extractive practices to the point where it now threatens the continued existence of life on earth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Weideman, Lisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54828 , vital:47915
- Description: Today the (Transnational) State Apparatuses of neoliberal capitalism, ranging from educational institutions to mass media and financial institutions, have effectively created and channelled desires towards consumerism, predicated on resource-extractive practices, within the context of what Gilles Deleuze calls societies of control. This control has also intensified in the digital era, particularly through Internet-based technologies which provide increasingly efficient platforms for the escalation of commodification – ironically, despite the reality of ecological crisis being precipitated by the related extractive practices to the point where it now threatens the continued existence of life on earth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Enablers and dis-enablers to the success of the East London industrial development zone
- Authors: Ramncwana, Ayanda
- 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/10948/52967 , vital:44890
- Description: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been a global phenomenon since the 1960s and have been integral to the transformation of emerging and ailing economies. In 2002 the South African government identified SEZs as instruments for advancing its economy into a higher industrialisation path based the assessment of potential socio-economic gains. Past research findings, however, suggest that South African SEZs, when compared to international SEZ performances, are lagging behind both in terms of delivering a compelling SEZ value proposition and achieving the desired socio-economic gains. Limited research has been conducted on the factors which enable and dis-enable the success of SEZs in South Africa. This study evaluates the factors that enable and dis-enable the effectiveness of South African SEZs in achieving their socio-economic development objectives. Applying a qualitative case study methodology, research was conducted on the East London Industrial Development Zone(ELIDZ), one of the first SEZs to be designated in South Africa in 2002. The study finds that a weak SEZ regulatory framework characterised by slow delivery of important SEZ industrial support has dis-enabled South African SEZs. A complex business environment has also dis-enabled the competitiveness of South African SEZs. The study reveals that while it is easier to conduct business inside the SEZs, South African SEZs are not given adequate policy latitude to be an experimental ground to drive reform that will improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. A challenging labour market marred by low productivity, high production costs and inadequately skilled labour continue to challenge the success of SEZs in South Africa. Poor regional infrastructure and delays in the roll out of fiscal incentives, are also some of the factors that have dis-enabled the success of the East London IDZ. World-class infrastructure inside the ELIDZ, inherent locational competitive advantages and the existence of locational-specific non-fiscal incentives have, however, been the key enablers that have improved the competitiveness of the ELIDZ. Despite some of the notable dis-enablers to the competitiveness of South African SEZs, the ELIDZ has done well in achieving short-term static outcomes such as employment, exports, investment attraction and FDI despite some of the factors that had dis-enabled the zone. The zone has also achieved certain dynamic outcomes such as skills upgrading, industrial upgrading, technology transfer and diversification of the economic output, albeit these still being at low levels. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ramncwana, Ayanda
- 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/10948/52967 , vital:44890
- Description: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been a global phenomenon since the 1960s and have been integral to the transformation of emerging and ailing economies. In 2002 the South African government identified SEZs as instruments for advancing its economy into a higher industrialisation path based the assessment of potential socio-economic gains. Past research findings, however, suggest that South African SEZs, when compared to international SEZ performances, are lagging behind both in terms of delivering a compelling SEZ value proposition and achieving the desired socio-economic gains. Limited research has been conducted on the factors which enable and dis-enable the success of SEZs in South Africa. This study evaluates the factors that enable and dis-enable the effectiveness of South African SEZs in achieving their socio-economic development objectives. Applying a qualitative case study methodology, research was conducted on the East London Industrial Development Zone(ELIDZ), one of the first SEZs to be designated in South Africa in 2002. The study finds that a weak SEZ regulatory framework characterised by slow delivery of important SEZ industrial support has dis-enabled South African SEZs. A complex business environment has also dis-enabled the competitiveness of South African SEZs. The study reveals that while it is easier to conduct business inside the SEZs, South African SEZs are not given adequate policy latitude to be an experimental ground to drive reform that will improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. A challenging labour market marred by low productivity, high production costs and inadequately skilled labour continue to challenge the success of SEZs in South Africa. Poor regional infrastructure and delays in the roll out of fiscal incentives, are also some of the factors that have dis-enabled the success of the East London IDZ. World-class infrastructure inside the ELIDZ, inherent locational competitive advantages and the existence of locational-specific non-fiscal incentives have, however, been the key enablers that have improved the competitiveness of the ELIDZ. Despite some of the notable dis-enablers to the competitiveness of South African SEZs, the ELIDZ has done well in achieving short-term static outcomes such as employment, exports, investment attraction and FDI despite some of the factors that had dis-enabled the zone. The zone has also achieved certain dynamic outcomes such as skills upgrading, industrial upgrading, technology transfer and diversification of the economic output, albeit these still being at low levels. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- 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
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
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: 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
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
Factors affecting the performance of the wooden furniture manufacturing industry in the Southern Cape
- Authors: Vheriwa, Prayer
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Furniture making -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52017 , vital:43449
- Description: The furniture manufacturing industry in South Africa is facing several challenges that affect the performance of firms in this sector. A literature review indicates several factors such as availability of resources; location; access to local markets; access to export markets; and development programmes that may affect the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The purpose of the current study was to fill the knowledge gap on why the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape has declined. The study intends to contribute to the limited formal information resources on the Southern Cape furniture manufacturing industry. A conceptual framework was developed and employed for investigating factors hypothesised to affect the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The research conducted was explorative. An interpretive paradigm was selected to collect and interpret qualitative data and a positivist paradigm was used for the quantitative component of the study. The quantitative data was subjected to a chi-square test using IBM SPSS statistics software and qualitative data was analysed for meanings and context using ATLAS.ti software. Statistical tests on qualitative and quantitative data were conducted to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions on the hypotheses, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The results show that existing development programmes and availability of resources, namely: timber, skilled human resources and availability of finance, influence the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. Results further reveal that location; access to local market; and access to export market have a partial influence on the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The study presents information which serves to improve the capacity for growth of wooden furniture manufacturing firms. Based on the results, recommendations were made to overcome the factors affecting the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Vheriwa, Prayer
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Furniture making -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52017 , vital:43449
- Description: The furniture manufacturing industry in South Africa is facing several challenges that affect the performance of firms in this sector. A literature review indicates several factors such as availability of resources; location; access to local markets; access to export markets; and development programmes that may affect the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The purpose of the current study was to fill the knowledge gap on why the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape has declined. The study intends to contribute to the limited formal information resources on the Southern Cape furniture manufacturing industry. A conceptual framework was developed and employed for investigating factors hypothesised to affect the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The research conducted was explorative. An interpretive paradigm was selected to collect and interpret qualitative data and a positivist paradigm was used for the quantitative component of the study. The quantitative data was subjected to a chi-square test using IBM SPSS statistics software and qualitative data was analysed for meanings and context using ATLAS.ti software. Statistical tests on qualitative and quantitative data were conducted to determine whether sufficient evidence existed to make conclusions on the hypotheses, relating to significant relationships between the selected independent variables for the study and the performance of wooden furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The results show that existing development programmes and availability of resources, namely: timber, skilled human resources and availability of finance, influence the performance of furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. Results further reveal that location; access to local market; and access to export market have a partial influence on the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. The study presents information which serves to improve the capacity for growth of wooden furniture manufacturing firms. Based on the results, recommendations were made to overcome the factors affecting the performance of the furniture manufacturing firms in the Southern Cape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Financing of local economic development initiatives in South Africa
- Authors: Moses, Itumeleng James
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53035 , vital:44864
- Description: Post the 2008/09 global economic and financial crises, increased calls have been made for exploration and consideration of alternative sources of funding for economic development at a local level. To limit dependence on restricted and sometimes dwindling public finances from central government, many countries in the world have considered various alternative forms of financing. In South Africa, only four of the eight metropolitan municipalities (in short metros), have introduced municipal bonds primarily to finance their infrastructure development initiatives. Having noted the reluctance of metros and secondary cities in South Africa to explore alternative sources to finance their local economic development (LED) initiatives, this study advocates for the use of municipal bonds in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (henceforth Mangaung Metro), as an alternative source of finance for its LED initiatives, especially its infrastructure development programme. The study further presents evidence for the other metros in South Africa, where municipal bonds have worked as an additional and/or alternative source of finance. Using analysis of socio-economic conditions as well as selected financial ratios, the study compares Mangaung Metro to the other four metros that have issued municipal bonds in order to assess the state of readiness and the viability of a municipality bond for the metro. On the analysis of socio-economic conditions, this study found that on the one hand, the Mangaung Metro lags all the other metros under review on almost all the indicators, whilst the economic and labour market data highlights the development potential of the metro. On the financial analysis, the study found that Mangaung Metro’s financial situation seems to have been improving and could have been described as sound up to 2015/16, and that the deterioration in the metro’s finance coincided with the changes in the political and 6 administrative leadership and management of the metro. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Moses, Itumeleng James
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53035 , vital:44864
- Description: Post the 2008/09 global economic and financial crises, increased calls have been made for exploration and consideration of alternative sources of funding for economic development at a local level. To limit dependence on restricted and sometimes dwindling public finances from central government, many countries in the world have considered various alternative forms of financing. In South Africa, only four of the eight metropolitan municipalities (in short metros), have introduced municipal bonds primarily to finance their infrastructure development initiatives. Having noted the reluctance of metros and secondary cities in South Africa to explore alternative sources to finance their local economic development (LED) initiatives, this study advocates for the use of municipal bonds in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (henceforth Mangaung Metro), as an alternative source of finance for its LED initiatives, especially its infrastructure development programme. The study further presents evidence for the other metros in South Africa, where municipal bonds have worked as an additional and/or alternative source of finance. Using analysis of socio-economic conditions as well as selected financial ratios, the study compares Mangaung Metro to the other four metros that have issued municipal bonds in order to assess the state of readiness and the viability of a municipality bond for the metro. On the analysis of socio-economic conditions, this study found that on the one hand, the Mangaung Metro lags all the other metros under review on almost all the indicators, whilst the economic and labour market data highlights the development potential of the metro. On the financial analysis, the study found that Mangaung Metro’s financial situation seems to have been improving and could have been described as sound up to 2015/16, and that the deterioration in the metro’s finance coincided with the changes in the political and 6 administrative leadership and management of the metro. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04