Technical skills and knowledge transfer for an aging workforce in the automotive industry
- Authors: Mahlalela, Gaven
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Transportation -- Automotive
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57771 , vital:58248
- Description: This study highlighted the importance of technical skills, knowledge transfer and its drivers. Organisations face a dilemma when incumbent tacit knowledge owners vacate employment without transferring invaluable intellectual property to other stakeholders (Khumalo, 2012). Once this knowledge is lost, it may be impossible to recover and difficult to hide from competitors (De Long, 2004). Knowledge transfer among employees is a critical enabler of organisational learning. In the context of the South African automotive industry, the volatility of the industry has seen many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and their suppliers shedding jobs. Furthermore, the replacement of the old automotive training board by the Sector of Education and Training (SETA) has created more complex challenges. Automotive companies are struggling to absorb the financial burden that comes with training skills transfer, due to the reduced workforce that is overloaded by work to cope in the current economic climate. The drivers of technical skills and knowledge transfer were investigated in a particular automotive company in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A mail survey was directed to 168 technical employees in an automotive manufacturing plant. The survey tested the dependent variable (technical skills and knowledge transfer), and independent variables were its drivers (management of scarce skills, succession planning, trainee characteristics, training design and work environment). The survey had 50 questionnaire items. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the research questions through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The empirical results found that all of the independent variables showed positive correlations with the dependent variable, however succession planning, followed by work environment showed the most significant relationship with technical skills and knowledge transfer in an automotive organisation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The application of the prescription act in labour disputes
- Authors: Mncanca, Siyamthanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55498 , vital:52375
- Description: It is inevitable that in an employment relationship grievances and conflicts may emerge.1 This is attested to by the large volume of 193 732 disputes that were referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) during the 2018/19 financial year.2 In the event where an employee is dismissed from work and he decides to challenge the dismissal, section 191 of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) grants the employee a right to refer the matter to the CCMA for conciliation or arbitration.3 The purpose of referring the disputes to the CCMA is to support an establishment of a voluntary, free of charge and expeditious mechanisms for labour disputes settlement and allow parties to resolve their disputes through a consensus based process before taking the route of a court process.4 There are time frames that are provided for the referral of disputes to the CCMA. Section 191 determines these time frames by stating that an employee must refer their alleged unfair dismissal to the CCMA within 30 days or 90 days when a dispute relates to an unfair labour practice in accordance with section 191(1)(b)(ii) of the LRA.5 The rationale behind these time frames was outlined in the Constitutional Court (CC) judgement of Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd v CCMA,6 as a means to bring about the expeditious resolution of labour disputes which by their nature, require speedy resolution. , Thesis (L.L.M.) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The assessment of socio – economic policy affecting Makana municipality development
- Authors: Stamper, Lindelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Rural development , Local government -- services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58201 , vital:58695
- Description: The aim was to assess the development policies affecting the development of Makana Municipality. Development policies exist to foster and improve the lives of the people, for example through job creation, poverty alleviation, improvement of infrastructure. Therefore, the neglect of Makana Municipality to deliver such services is a denial of basic human development and opportunities for people to lead a long healthy life and get to enjoy a decent level of dignity, freedom, self-esteem, respect inter alia. The municipality has played a role in how development has been delayed. The recent court ruling is the evidence of that. The high court in Grahamstown dissolved the municipality in January and the judgement was perceived as a historical verdict in the history of local government. Makana municipality has deteriorating service levels and it has been like that for few years now. The livelihoods of the people of Makana have been affected as the dissatisfaction with services continues. This study highlighted the importance of good governance and appropriate policies to respond to issues are for development and to address different challenges. Moreover, one of the strong bases for successful local government is good leadership, that responds to people’s needs strategically and technically. The research has found the slow pace in development has a negative impact in the fight against poverty and unemployment in the municipality. Therefore, serious interventions strategies to improve the pace of service delivery in the local municipality needs to enforce responsibility and accountability. Local Government is the sphere that is the closest to the people and responsible for delivering services as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). Thus, when a municipality fails to provide services, the citizens are the ones who should hold the government accountable and demand services. Municipalities have a developmental role that they need to play and fulfil, and this is stated in the Constitution as follows. “Developmental local government is local government committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, vi economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives” (Republic of South Africa, 1996, section 153). , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Concept of Sexual Consent and Male Views on Rape: An Integrative Synthesis
- Authors: Zokoza, Babalwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sexual Consent , Rape -- Public opinion
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58972 , vital:60252
- Description: Sexual violence affects countries globally and statistics show the prevalence of sexual violence is on the rise. The rationale for the study linked the prevalence of sexual violence in South Africa, therefore the study explores two aspects: 1. the construct of ‘sexual consent; 2. how men perceive sexual consent and rape in existing literature. A qualitative integrative synthesis was utilised as a research design. The data used in the study was sourced from various databases and content analysis was employed to analyse the data. This research thesis reviewed the conceptualisation of consent and male views on rape. In legal terms consent is defined as an agreement that includes choice, and freedom and capacity to make this choice; consent is also vitiated under certain circumstances. Civilians recognise consent as a mutual willingness that can be revoked and lacks resistance both verbally and nonverbally. Academic literature on male perceptions yielded four themes: Tacit knowledge, Ambiguity, Masculinity and Alcohol consumption. The analysis found that men understand the concepts of consent; their worldviews however contribute to them considering whether sexual interactions are consensual or non-consensual. The literature suggests that, considering the influence of patriarchy in South African society, the men referred hold high rape myth acceptance beliefs and have a sense of entitlement to female bodies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The consumer decision process and determinants of choice for retail consumer lubricants in Gauteng South Africa
- Authors: Musisi, Nosipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stores, Retail , Metal-working lubricants
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57990 , vital:58466
- Description: South Africa has an open lubricants market where new marketers and brands are welcome to join the competitive landscape. As a result, there are a vast number of players in the lubricants market including small local blenders. There are five major players in this market, namely: Engen, Chevron (marketed as Caltex), Shell, BP and Total as well as smaller marketers like ENI and Indy Oil (Kline and Company , 2018). Castrol is the leading lubricant brand consumed in the country, followed by Shell, Engen, and Chevron, respectively (Mordor Intelligence, 2021). The South African lubricants market is segmented between three main segments: industrial, commercial automotive, and consumer automotive. Industrial lubricants are sold to large producers of goods for their manufacturing equipment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries
- Authors: Galaga, Unathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , Financial institutions, International , Southern African Development Community
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57665 , vital:58193
- Description: Although African governments have a significant role to perform in developing the continent, International financial institutions (IFIs) also perform a dominant role in economic development but their role in African development is often viewed as controversial and contradictory. In the 20th century, the World Bank and the IMF were vital IFIs that characterised global policies that regulated global economies, subjecting weaker economies to SAP. This necessitated African states to borrow money to ensure stabilisation, liberalisation, deregulation and the privatisation of most sectors. This study econometrically examined the impact of foreign aid on economic development in SADC countries. Panel regression techniques were employed to analyse the contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries. The results indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between foreign aid and economic development, which implies that foreign aid does not contribute to economic development in SADC countries. Based on this finding, the study recommends that Southern African Governments find ways of financing development that guarantee economic growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The criminal liability of health care practitioners for culpable homicide
- Authors: Dweba, Asavela
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55511 , vital:52594
- Description: South African health societies and associations have allied to call for reform in the criminal law system involving the prosecution of health care practitioners, specifically on charges of culpable homicide. Warranted by the spate of criminal prosecutions against healthcare practitioners and the need for reform, this treatise investigates the criminal liability of healthcare practitioners for culpable homicide. Overall, this study aims to determine the recognition of criminal liability of healthcare practitioners, requirements for culpability, the level of negligence that constitutes culpable homicide, and whether the South African law can adjust the threshold for criminal liability in culpable homicide. An analysis of the consequences of legal literature concerning the offence of culpable homicide and medical negligence is provided. In addition, this study examines pertinent case law to devise a strategy for law reform in South Africa and the development of common law. The study includes a comparative study of foreign jurisdictions to incorporate the position in England, Scotland, New Zealand, India, and Canada from which South Africa can adopt some principles within the South African context. The analysis revealed that South Africa has a low threshold in the form of ordinary negligence required to establish criminal liability in cases of culpable homicide while a higher threshold is required for the selected foreign jurisdictions. Furthermore, this treatise contends that the current South African criminal justice regime is lacking in identifying the ideal degree of fault required for criminal conduct. Thus, reform of South Africa’s approach in dealing with healthcare practitioners suspected/ accused of causing the death of patients under medical care is necessary. This study recommends that the South African criminal law justice system should be developed by way of legislative intervention in which ‘gross negligence or recklessness’ will serve as a measure to criminalise the conduct of healthcare practitioners. This study acknowledges the noble role played by healthcare practitioners in the society and notes that medicine is not an exact science. Therefore, this treatise does not advocate a mandatory exoneration of criminal liability of healthcare practitioners. Rather, for a fair and evidence-based prosecution of reckless medical practices. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The design of a 21st century administrative headquarters for the city of Gqeberha
- Authors: Borchers, Spencer Phillip
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Municipal buildings -- South Africa -- Gqeberha -- Designs and plans , Architecture, Modern -- 20th century -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57443 , vital:57870
- Description: This treatise developed through an interest in 21st century office buildings and the impact they have on the well-being of occupants. The office of the 20th century disregarded well-being and was focused on efficiently accommodating the functions of the workplace in an effort to increase productivity. Today, many of these buildings inadequately provide for the basic biological, psychological, and social needs required for the work force of the 21 st century. The nature of the office has shifted to a more socially interactive and flexible environment which attempts to obtain productivity targets through nurturing the well-being of occupants. Research has determined that biological health can be supported through the optimization of building performance; psychological health can be supported through considering environmental psychology; and social health can be supported through instilling a robust corporate culture. This treatise takes a qualitative research approach to thoroughly interpret the informants and constraints of the site in order to design additions and alterations to the existing administrative headquarters for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The updated facility will consolidate the administrative functions of local government into one 21st century administrative headquarters, located on the sites of three current NMBM offices in Govan Mbeki Avenue. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The design of a ritual precinct for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in the Swartkops Nature Reserve, Gqeberha:
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lee Vicky
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Church buildings --South Africa --Port Elizabeth-- Designs and plans , Zionist Christian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57425 , vital:57758
- Description: Man and nature have become disconnected over the years, as man relies more on the advances of the technical age and less on connections to the natural world. Through this disconnect, nature is bearing the consequences and is in a state of decay. As part of the cosmos, the natural envi-ronment is inherently imbued with sacredness; this sacred nature often manifesting itself within the very structure of the earth. Importance is then placed on how we po-sition ourselves and our holy places within their natural environment in order to set a precedent for the rest of our built environments. This treatise positions itself within ecology and the sacred. It focuses on the particulars of sacredscapes and pilgrimages within a context of Afri-can landscapes and African religions. This encompasses both the built and unbuilt elements of sacred architecture as well as sacredscapes through the reflection of cosmic rhythms, manifest order and harmony in order to create a holistic living organism aware of both the “real” and the sacred. Through its roots in holistic design, is sacredscapes align very closely to that of the ecological paradigm and the creation of integrated ecosystems. Sacred place often realised through the continuation of ritual practice. These rituals are a crucial part of African religions and most often find themselves in or associated with their natural environment. Thus, this is where the focus of the treatise lies - in the ritual cleansing ceremonies of the Zion Christian Church carried out in the Swartkops River. Ritual precincts and the creation of sacredscapes as a tool to reintegrate nature into the sacred will be explored. The intervention presents itself as an emergent ecosystemic architecture creating a sacred space, at the water’s edge, imbued with the Afro-Christian narrative of the Zion Christian Church. , Thesis (MArch)-- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The determinants of loan delinquency among co-operative financial institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Development of a Strategic Partnership Framework to Facilitate Increased Financial Inclusion of Emerging Farmers in South Africa
- Authors: Magida, Phiwokuhle Thulani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Agricultural industries , Farmers' markets
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57760 , vital:58232
- Description: Twenty seven years into democracy, emerging farmers are still considered not to be participating meaningfully in the lucrative agricultural markets. There are many academic research studies that examined the challenges faced by emerging farmers in South Africa. These studies attribute those challenges to the inability of emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the markets. Agriculture in South Africa, though not the largest, remains one of the largest employing sectors and a source of raw material for the growth of South African economy. Therefore, the agenda of creating successful emerging farmers remains a pertinent issue in the context of South African agriculture and its growing economy. Since 1990 the government has taken on the responsibility of land redistribution and the creation of successful emerging farmers. Evidence shows that there has been little to no success in the latter which has led to remodelling of old policies and implementing them as anew. The reality is that market integration (creating successful emerging farmers) of emerging farmers is a complex problem and requires complex solutions. Literature suggests that multi-stakeholder partnerships are an ideal solution to complex societal problems. Nonetheless, the success of multi-stakeholder partnerships depends on how well the stakeholders involved engage. The study assumes that if the stakeholders involved in the development of emerging farmers engage optimally, the business problem of financial exclusion (lack of access to finance) of emerging farmers can be resolved. This would result in increased market participation by emerging farmers. Hence, the primary research objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence optimum engagement of multi-stakeholder partnerships between the private, public and non-profit sectors involved in the financing of emerging farmers in South Africa, and subsequently to develop a strategic partnership framework to guide these strategic conversations and financing decisions. This study was based on the positivistic paradigm and utilised a non-probability sampling method called snowball sampling to draw the sample. The sample was comprised of farmers, technical people, managers, and executive managers from the role players involved in the development of emerging farmers. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised as the method to solicit responses from the respondents vi which was sent via an online platform. The data was analysed through a statistical software programme, STATISTICA. Using Cronbach Alpha co-efficient and Exploratory Factor Analysis, the reliability and validity of the instrument was tested. Where sufficient evidence could not be given, variables were removed and not considered for further statistical analysis. The significance, strength, and direction of relationships between variables were determined using the correlation and multiple regression analysis. The significant findings saw a strong positive relationship between optimum engagement of financing stakeholders and perceived increased levels of market participation by emerging farmers. Furthermore, risk management had a significant and positive relationship with optimum engagement of financing stakeholders. Stakeholders involved in encouraging emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in the markets must engage optimally to devise innovative models for the financial inclusion of these farmers. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effect of stakeholder management within entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Mandaba, Seki
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Stakeholder management , Municipal services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57842 , vital:58279
- Description: The title of this research paper is the effect of stakeholder management within the entities of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, a metropolitan municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of stakeholder management amongst Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (NMBS), Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as the main shareholder to the two entities. The challenges in how municipalities understand the role of internal and external stakeholders and how they are managed effectively continues to face them. Stakeholder management assists municipalities and ensures that key stakeholders are involved in strategic engagements and this helps to improve their decision making in relation to the provision of services. Stakeholder management is considered vital in building fundamental relations among stakeholders. It is thus important for NMBM management to have the understanding of the role, impact and the benefits of effective stakeholder management. Furthermore, stakeholder engagements and good communication can assists to enhance relationships amongst these entities. The study ascertained the role of stakeholder management amongst NMBMB, MBDA and NMBS and conducted and in-depth analysis of the current support system for NMBS. The study also conducted literature review on various frameworks used by South African Municipalities to enable effective communication and stakeholder management within their entities. The study employed a qualitative research design in meeting the primary and secondary aims and focused on the senior management of the three institutions in line with decision making factors that are key to effective stakeholder management. The structured interviews were held with senior managers from NMBM-Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture(EDTA) Directorate, MBDA and NMBS. The study found that there is good understanding of the role of stakeholder management amongst the senior managers. However, it also established that there was a 8 disjuncture in the stakeholder engagements with the NMBM and NMBS and that this may hinder them to deliver on their mandate. Finally the study makes recommendations regarding how best NMBS can manage stakeholder relations with MBDA and NMBM and assesses the value that is created from stakeholder engagement. A framework model that will be inclusive of all stakeholders and that would encourage effective communication must be developed. A study on the role of stakeholder management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is recommended to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Effects of Alcohol and Sunstance Abuse on Productivity in the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry
- Authors: Fick, Gerard Hendrik
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Substance abuse , Citrus fruit industry , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57654 , vital:58191
- Description: COVID-19 has created a new world to conduct business and few industries were fortunate enough to continue to operate as essential services throughout the pandemic. The South African Citrus Industry was one of these industries. During this pandemic, certain amenities were regarded as dangerous and potentially a contributor to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Alcohol was deemed one of these contributors. During the lockdown regulations implemented in March of 2020, the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry noticed certain interesting developments concerning labour and productivity. Initial review of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse on the productivity of citrus workers, revealed limited research into the broader South African Citrus Industry, with more focus on the Western Cape and related wine farms. The aim of this research study is to identify the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on productivity within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Specifically focusing on absenteeism, workers injuries on duty and workplace incidents pertaining to disciplinary processes. The research further aims to add a monetary value to the implication of these events on the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry and the possible management strategies involved to remediate the potential affects thereof. This study uses the phenomenological and case study research approaches focusing on the workplace of the researcher within the Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry. Using qualitative content analysis during the interview process, the themes and findings were evaluated alongside the research questions and was found to be in agreement with the views flowing from the research data. The analysis further revealed that Sundays River Valley Citrus Industry is in need of adequate management strategies due to the seasonal nature of the industry to improve labourer job satisfaction and in turn productivity and efficiency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of exchange rate volatility on trade flows in BRICS countries
- Authors: Domela, Lehlohonolo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates--Developing countries , Economic development -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57632 , vital:58188
- Description: This study investigates the impact of exchange rate volatility on trade flows in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), for the period 2009:M1 to 2019: M12. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and the exponential-GARCH are used to generate two different measures of exchange rate volatility. To capture the short and long-term symmetric and asymmetric relationships, the linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models were employed. The ARDL bounds test detected the long-run relationships in all estimated models excluding China’s exports model. The linear and nonlinear ARDL coefficients provided mixed results regarding the influence of exchange rate volatility on BRICS’ trade flows. However, from the general perspective, the majority of the estimated coefficients indicate that the exchange rate volatility positively affects both imports and exports in the short and long-run. Moreover, the long-run asymmetric relationships are found in all the models regardless of the volatility measure applied excluding Brazil where no asymmetric effects were identified. The Granger causality test revealed that volatility granger causes imports in most BRICS economies. Accordingly, this study recommends that BRICS economies should adopt effective exchange rate systems that are considerate of other macroeconomic variables found to have a significant impact on trade flows, irrespective of the volatility levels instigated as there is a positive relationship between exchange rate volatility and trade in BRICS nations. Moreover, through further monetary policy interactions, the BRICS cohort can establish a strong currency union to rival the US dollar and euro in the foreign exchange market to hence trade within the bloc and internationally. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mzayidume, Lonwabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58024 , vital:58499
- Description: External shocks are defined as unexpected changes in an economic variable which can influence economies either positively or negatively. Examples of such shocks can include oil price and terms of trade shocks. Globalisation has increased the susceptibility of economies worldwide to economic shocks emanating from developed countries, due to the existing trade and financial links between various countries around the world. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa and to develop policies which could be used to prevent or soften the negative effects of external shocks in South Africa. Since the beginning of democracy in 1994, the South African economy has been opened to the world market. However, there have not been substantial gains in terms of economic growth. A possible explanation for this is that the dynamics of large economies influence the average demand, average supply, economic activities, and price changes in small open economies. South Africa’s dependence on foreign trade and attracting foreign savings to drive domestic investment increases the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external shocks. In this study, the South African economy is proxied by one key measure of economic performance, economic growth rate. The purpose of the study is to advance the understanding of the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa. The study uses the structural VAR model. As South Africa is a relatively small open economy, the structural VAR model is theoretically consistent with countries of similar ilk. This study concludes that South Africa’s economic growth is significantly affected by commodity price index, U.S. GDP, and oil rents. In addition, this study concludes that South Africa is contemporaneously and positively affected by oil rents shocks and terms of trade shocks. Furthermore, it shows that economic growth in South Africa is contemporaneously and negatively affected by capital inflow shocks, nominal vi exchange rate shocks, and CPI shocks. Further SVAR estimates support the finding that capital inflows adversely affect South African economic growth. A possible reason for this outcome is that the number of domestic producers is reduced as a result of domestic producers being negatively affected by the capital inflow shocks. To combat the adverse effects of capital inflows, the study recommends that South Africa enforces more measures to protect domestic producers. The implementation of protectionist policies is one way in which this could be accomplished. These policies would promote domestic producers and ensure the production of domestic goods and services is increased. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of implementing organizational change management in Mega-Construction projects: a case study of Medupi Power Station
- Authors: Diko, Nombulelo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction projects , Power station , Power-plants
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58340 , vital:58996
- Description: The construction industry is impacted by megatrends in four domains: markets and customers, sustainability and resilience, society and workforce, and politics and regulation. The industry needs to identify and implement optimal responses to these megatrends – concerning both the opportunities they offer and the challenges they pose. Due to today's ever-changing business environment, organizational change and changes in structure are becoming more prevalent. For Construction Organizations to remain competitive they need to conduct market research regularly to assess changes that need to be adopted, whether from internal or external forces. South Africa’s construction industry is currently experiencing many changes due to advancements in technology and improved means of project execution which improve organizations' productivity and profit margins. This research study analyzed the effects of change management on organizations in the construction industry. It identified and assessed factors influencing change management, challenges faced during the implementation of changes and solutions, and recommendations to overcome the challenges. A qualitative research methodology was adopted for this research study. The rationale for adopting this was that qualitative research provided the researcher with a deeper insight into the effects of change management in the construction industry. The main factors identified which affect change management are finance and the style of management. It was reported from the research findings that a lack of staff training on the change initiatives also negatively affected the implementation of change processes. Concerning the value of change implementation, most respondents confirmed that efficient and effective change would lead to growth and increased profit margins. This research also found that clear vision and effective engagement systems are vital in ensuring that effective change implementation is achieved. Also, the business change management plan must be communicated and shared with relevant stakeholders for them to align with the main objectives and deliverables. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa
- Authors: Makhetha-Kosi, Palesa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Prime rate , South Africa -- Banking institutions , Credit ratings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57809 , vital:58267
- Description: The study investigated the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Four different models with different measures of the banking sector were used to investigate this effect. In the first model Tobit model was used to analyse the effect of sovereign credit rating on bank ratings in South Africa. The study found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank credit ratings. Using GMM with a sample of 11 banks, with bank lending as the measure for the banking sector, the study found that sovereign credit ratings (SCR) have a positive and significant effect on bank lending by commercial banks in South Africa. The study also used net interest margin, a measure for bank profitability as a third proxy for the banking sector and found that sovereign credit ratings have a significant positive effect on bank profitability. Furthermore, the study used bank stability measured by Z-Score to assess the effect of sovereign credit rating on the banking sector in South Africa. Taking a different approach and using ARDL, the study found that SCR has a positive long-run relationship with Z-Score. Based on the findings in all four models, the study concluded that the sovereign credit rating has a positive and significant effect on the banking sector in South Africa. This means that the sovereign credit ratings upgrade will lead to an improvement in the banking sector. A sovereign credit rating downgrade will be detrimental to the banking sector in South Africa. The study has shown that there are interlinkages between the public and the private sector; therefore, government must come up with strategic policies to ensure stability and reduction of government debt. Policymakers of the banking sector should also strengthen policies that will ensure banks remain profitable and stable even during a sovereign crisis. An effective and efficient asset management is important for the survival of South African commercial banks. The study recommends that both the private and public sector should work in cooperation when formulating policies so that the impact of the regulatory measure on commercial banks is taken into consideration. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The finance linked individual subsidy programme: A housing policy assessment
- Authors: Machelesi, Yandiswa Shirley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Housing subsidies , Housing development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58286 , vital:58924
- Description: Since 1994, the democratic government has put various legislative measures in place to address the spatial legacies of apartheid and manifest the right to access adequate housing, which was denied to many South Africans. Twenty-seven years post-democracy, South Africa is still faced with glaring spatial inequalities, with many South Africans condemned to squalid and inadequate residential conditions. The need for housing continued outweigh what government can supply, thus making the right to access adequate housing an impossible dream for many. Some of the factors that have contributed to increased housing demand are urbanisation, migration and population growth. While democracy has introduced economic opportunities that have improved the lives of many South Africans who were once side-lined and discriminated against, South Africa remains racially polarised, with a widening gap between rich and poor. An increasing majority of South Africa falls in a low-middle income category, which is sometimes considered the middle class. In the context of housing, the middle class is characterised by people who are too rich to qualify for free government subsidised housing yet too poor to access housing finance from mainstream mortgage lenders , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The foraging ecology of female Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in South Africa
- Authors: Botha, Jonathan Aubrey , Kirkman, Stephen , Lombard, Amanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Seals (Animals)--Habitat—Conservation , Marine ecology—South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55965 , vital:54559
- Description: The marine environment is spatially and temporally dynamic and many marine ecosystems are experiencing impacts of broad-scale climate change. Within these ecosystems, marine predators play a crucial role in ecosystem function through their top-down influences on prey populations. These predators may also respond to bottom-up influences and changes at lower trophic levels. A thorough understanding of marine predator foraging ecology is thus important to improve our understanding of ecosystem function, inform conservation and management measures, and to predict the response of predators to future environmental change. The Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) comprises a major proportion of the southern African marine predator biomass. However, little is known about the foraging distribution and behaviour of the species, despite its obvious importance within the ecosystem and increasing concerns regarding seal-fisheries conflict. Using a variety of technologies, including, GPS and satellite-linked tags, dive behaviour recorders, accelerometers and stable isotope analysis, this thesis investigated the foraging ecology of female Cape fur seals breeding on the coast of South Africa. First, to identify important foraging areas and assess the influence of geographic, temporal and environmental factors on these areas, lactating females from three breeding colonies were fitted with GPS or Argos-linked tracking devices, while individuals from two of these colonies were also fitted with dive behaviour recorders. Results revealed geographic differences in the foraging distributions and ranges of individuals between breeding colonies, which likely reflects a combined influence of ecological setting and density dependant competition. In addition, dive behaviour recorders revealed the occurrence of benthic foraging at both sites where they were deployed, and the dominance of this strategy in some individuals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
The future of the property valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040
- Authors: Mthuli, Malusi Phola Lusanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Real property -- Valuation , Real estate development , Property -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57980 , vital:58456
- Description: Valuers within the property valuation profession are ageing while the scope and demand for their work is increasing. The main objective of this study was to explore current challenges and forecast the probable futures of the property valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040. In so doing, it sought to address the deficiency in research regarding the property valuation profession in the country. The study employed a futures methodology framework, namely the Future Studies Approach, as its core research tool that incorporates The Futures Triangle. The Causal Layered Analysis was applied as a secondary approach to guide the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a conveniently selected sample of seven qualified professional valuers. The results are diagnostic of the current challenges within the profession and contribute to the development of a set of ‘preferred futures’. The professional valuers were expected to identify a preferred path from the current reality as a departure point. The findings suggested that there were structural and systematic issues, as well as inherent organisational issues confronting the professionals and the profession. Valuers were hopeful about the future of the profession and considered their knowledge and expertise as invaluable in the country. The main challenges identified are linked to the lack of professional legitimacy and authority, stagnant diversity, poor finances, uncoordinated education and the lack of mentorship and accreditation of valuers. Contrary to expectations, the findings showed some optimism in the sustainability of the profession despite varying views by the participants. The deduced possible futures weighed in favour of a marked shortage of experienced professionals due to the lack of interest by younger professionals and a constrained transfer of skills. Probable futures are largely characterised by gloom that is linked to the attrition of skills and loss of prestige, and which will threaten the economic viability of the profession. Preferred futures entail a diverse demographic composition and sound skills base within professional ranks. The study recommends actions to be taken in order to create alternative futures in the present, as an antidote to the gloomy future of the valuation profession in South Africa towards 2040. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04