Entrepreneurial intention in the public service of South Africa
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhlanga, Unathi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , New business enterprises -- South Africa Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41106 , vital:36357
- Description: Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon that has been studied across the world by scholars, practitioners and governments. All these different researchers believe that it is a critical tool for economic growth, job creation and enhancing innovation. However, some researchers have conceded that there has been limited research in entrepreneurship and the public service. Thus, this treatise is one of the few studies that have been conducted in entrepreneurial intention in the public service and the examination of entrepreneurial intention of public servants and the factors that influence individuals to opt for employment in the public service. A literature review examining the current knowledge on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention in various contexts was conducted. The reviewed literature allowed for the formation of the base for a conceptual model to be developed. The proposed model claimed that there was a positive influence of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control on the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants in South Africa. Furthermore, the theory of planned behaviour and social learning theory also known as social cognitive theory were explored. There were various statistical analysis tests that were conducted on the quantitative data collected. The mono – method quantitative was used with 280 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factor analysis were conducted to test the proposed conceptual model. The conceptual model tested consisted of the independent variables; culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control with entrepreneurial intention being the dependent variable for assessing the entrepreneurial intention of public servants in the public service of South Africa. The study found that the South African public servants have high entrepreneurial intentions and are very optimistic about creating and running their own business someday. The various statistical analyses split the independent variables from seven to eighteen variables: Family Commitments, Career, Job Purpose, Risk, Access to Knowledge, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Influence, Access to Finance, Financial Support, Business Financing, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards, Cultural Dedication, Service, Self-Belief and Reward. However, after further analysis of the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable, some factors were rejected. A model comprising of factors useful for assessing the entrepreneurial intentions in the public service is recommended with the following factors: Family Commitments, Career, Entrepreneurship Exposure, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Cultural Perceptions, Societal Standards and Reward. Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy was found to explain approximately 75% of the movement in the entrepreneurial intentions of public servants. Significant differences on the entrepreneurial intentions of individuals from different races and those who varied according to years of experience were found. The study also found that Culture and Job Security influenced the decision to pursue public service employment. To conclude, the study makes managerial recommendations implementable for government and other stakeholders. Some of the recommendations include incentivising public servants with tax breaks, entrepreneurship courses and easier access to funding to enable them to exit the public service to start their own businesses. Additionally, entrepreneurship education is recommended to become compulsory in schools and for public servants through the National School of Government (NSG). Entrepreneurial ecosystems that encourage pay-it-forward type of interactions were also recommended. Seasoned entrepreneurs can be used as mentors to those public servants who wish to pursue entrepreneurship instead of remaining in the public service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Evaluating the benefits of the extended public works programme in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Lindani-Beni, Bulelwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Job creation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Public works -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40555 , vital:36182
- Description: Public Works Programmes (PWPs) are interventions implemented by the government to overcome the high levels of unemployment and to provide the poor with salaries so that they can meet their basic needs. This was done in response to the United Nations (UN) call to meet the sustainable development goals adopted in 2015. The study defines PWPs and gives an overview of the categories of the intervention programmes. Different countries use the PWPs for different aims from poverty reduction, response to economic shocks and guaranteed employment. Most of the countries, like South Africa, use these programmes as a temporary relief. Unemployment remains a challenge in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) and the municipality has always been unsuccessful in reaching the targets expected in job creation. The study compares the South African Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with the two other international programmes, India and Malawi. The analysis of the three phases of the South African EPWP since its inception in 2004 is done in this study. The paper analysed the BCMM’s EPWP projects in the Eastern Cape where there is a high level of unemployment and a high degree of rural-urban migration. An overview of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) and India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) is also presented in this study. The researcher analysed documents and desktop reviews for the study. The available information such as the programme strategic plans, logical frameworks, policy documents, implementation reports, academic journals and media reports were consulted for this study. The study highlighted challenges in the South African EPWP which contributes towards the inefficiency of the programme in reducing the high levels of unemployment in the BCMM. The researcher provided recommendations that may improve the effectiveness of the public works programme in South Africa. One recommendation is the development of a Management Information System for EPWP that can assist the government in monitoring and evaluating the whole programme in the different departments and municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lindani-Beni, Bulelwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Job creation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Public works -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40555 , vital:36182
- Description: Public Works Programmes (PWPs) are interventions implemented by the government to overcome the high levels of unemployment and to provide the poor with salaries so that they can meet their basic needs. This was done in response to the United Nations (UN) call to meet the sustainable development goals adopted in 2015. The study defines PWPs and gives an overview of the categories of the intervention programmes. Different countries use the PWPs for different aims from poverty reduction, response to economic shocks and guaranteed employment. Most of the countries, like South Africa, use these programmes as a temporary relief. Unemployment remains a challenge in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) and the municipality has always been unsuccessful in reaching the targets expected in job creation. The study compares the South African Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with the two other international programmes, India and Malawi. The analysis of the three phases of the South African EPWP since its inception in 2004 is done in this study. The paper analysed the BCMM’s EPWP projects in the Eastern Cape where there is a high level of unemployment and a high degree of rural-urban migration. An overview of the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF) and India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) is also presented in this study. The researcher analysed documents and desktop reviews for the study. The available information such as the programme strategic plans, logical frameworks, policy documents, implementation reports, academic journals and media reports were consulted for this study. The study highlighted challenges in the South African EPWP which contributes towards the inefficiency of the programme in reducing the high levels of unemployment in the BCMM. The researcher provided recommendations that may improve the effectiveness of the public works programme in South Africa. One recommendation is the development of a Management Information System for EPWP that can assist the government in monitoring and evaluating the whole programme in the different departments and municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Expectations and experiences of talent management across South Africa and the effect on retention
- Authors: Du Randt, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee selection Manpower planning Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39556 , vital:35290
- Description: The “war on talent” is intensifying and effective talent management strategies are imperative for business success. This study explores the expectations and experiences of talent management strategies amongst employees across South Africa and their impact on retention. The literature review covers the constructs of talent management, working environment, rewards, leadership, race, age and gender as well as retention. A quantitative survey approach with comparative studies was adopted. A snowball convenience sampling method was used with links to an on-line questionnaire e-mailed to potential respondents. A total of 711 useable responses were received. Statistical analysis included factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability testing, mean factor scores, paired samplet-tests, Pearson’s correlations, T-tests and ANOVAs. The study found that leadership was the factor rated as most important followed by working environment and development. Respondents reported significant differences between expectations and employer ratings on all factors, with cash rewards being the greatest source of dissatisfaction. Experiences of work environment, leadership and development indicated stronger correlations to retention than cash rewards. Women, millennials and non-whites demonstrated the highest retention risks. A significant negative correlation was found between the respondents’ reported experience of leadership, work environment and development and the importance they attached to cash rewards. The study supports Hertzberg’s classification of cash rewards as a hygiene factor and Alderfer’s ERG theory’s concept of frustration-regression. This has significant implications for the focus of talent and retention strategies, and it is proposed that improving the quality of leadership, work environments and development opportunities will decrease the current over-reliance on monetary rewards as a retention tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Du Randt, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee selection Manpower planning Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39556 , vital:35290
- Description: The “war on talent” is intensifying and effective talent management strategies are imperative for business success. This study explores the expectations and experiences of talent management strategies amongst employees across South Africa and their impact on retention. The literature review covers the constructs of talent management, working environment, rewards, leadership, race, age and gender as well as retention. A quantitative survey approach with comparative studies was adopted. A snowball convenience sampling method was used with links to an on-line questionnaire e-mailed to potential respondents. A total of 711 useable responses were received. Statistical analysis included factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability testing, mean factor scores, paired samplet-tests, Pearson’s correlations, T-tests and ANOVAs. The study found that leadership was the factor rated as most important followed by working environment and development. Respondents reported significant differences between expectations and employer ratings on all factors, with cash rewards being the greatest source of dissatisfaction. Experiences of work environment, leadership and development indicated stronger correlations to retention than cash rewards. Women, millennials and non-whites demonstrated the highest retention risks. A significant negative correlation was found between the respondents’ reported experience of leadership, work environment and development and the importance they attached to cash rewards. The study supports Hertzberg’s classification of cash rewards as a hygiene factor and Alderfer’s ERG theory’s concept of frustration-regression. This has significant implications for the focus of talent and retention strategies, and it is proposed that improving the quality of leadership, work environments and development opportunities will decrease the current over-reliance on monetary rewards as a retention tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the management-union relationship at a large automotive manufacturer
- Authors: Le Roux, Loreen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40382 , vital:36154
- Description: The South African labour environment makes a significant contribution to the country’s ability to function within a social market economy. Labour instability deters foreign investment and has had a negative impact on productivity levels. It would, therefore, be of value to the field of labour relations to consider how the management-union relationship at an organisational level can be improved to encourage a stable, effective and collective relationship. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore and describe the nature of the management-union relationship, including both the confrontational and cooperative elements of interaction, at a large automotive MANUFACTURER that operates within a multinational group. The study explored the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework, which was once or is regarded as the benchmark of Industrial Relations structures within the South African context. This was due to its implementation of an adapted Co-determination Model of employee participation from as early as 1994; thus, providing an opportunity to study a long-established and mature management-union relationship. The relationship was regarded as an aspect of the Industrial Relations climate and focused on interaction within the MANUFACTURER’s Industrial Relations Framework (three committees being the Joint Strategic Workshop, Plant Committee and Negotiating Committee). The aim of the study is to describe the specific factors identified by the parties as having influenced their relationship. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework was considered in terms of its contribution towards achieving the parties’ goals and lastly, suggestions for improvement were shared to improve the effectiveness of the relationship. The literature reviewed considered the nature of the collective relationship. Firstly, the characteristics of a collective relationship were described to appreciate the complexity and multifaceted, simultaneous influences of the external and internal elements, which impact on the relationship. Secondly, frames of reference were identified that contextualised the chosen industrial relations ideology adopted. Thirdly, typical industrial relations relationship patterns were described which explained the selected approach adopted in the management-union interaction. Fourthly, the South African legislative context was highlighted to appreciate the South African Government’s support for the primacy of the collective relationship. Lastly, a few academic models that included seminal work, were considered to recognise key factors influencing the collective relationship. The most common factors identified were attitudinal dimensions (attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions), goals, sharing common objectives, trust, recognition of legitimacy, access to information, voice, equity (fairness), and communication. The sample consisted of Human Resource Management and NUMSA representatives who participated in the Industrial Relations Framework. Semi-structured, individual interviews were used as a research instrument for data gathering. On conclusion of this phase, a thematic analysis was conducted and themes were identified. This assisted in the description of key factors that had an impact on this particular collective relationship within a pluralistic industrial relations context. The findings revealed that the nature of the relationship differed at the various committees. It was influenced by the functioning of the committee, the effectiveness in achieving the parties’ goals, the level of management represented and the nature of the processes involved in the interaction (information-sharing, consultation and negotiation). Positive changes are underway whereby union capacity building is being addressed to aid and elevate the level of engagement. Operational improvements to benefit the functioning of the committees and afford the union increased input. A joint organisational vision is also being drafted as the first step towards a closer, future partnership as the MANUFACTURER faces competitive challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Le Roux, Loreen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40382 , vital:36154
- Description: The South African labour environment makes a significant contribution to the country’s ability to function within a social market economy. Labour instability deters foreign investment and has had a negative impact on productivity levels. It would, therefore, be of value to the field of labour relations to consider how the management-union relationship at an organisational level can be improved to encourage a stable, effective and collective relationship. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore and describe the nature of the management-union relationship, including both the confrontational and cooperative elements of interaction, at a large automotive MANUFACTURER that operates within a multinational group. The study explored the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework, which was once or is regarded as the benchmark of Industrial Relations structures within the South African context. This was due to its implementation of an adapted Co-determination Model of employee participation from as early as 1994; thus, providing an opportunity to study a long-established and mature management-union relationship. The relationship was regarded as an aspect of the Industrial Relations climate and focused on interaction within the MANUFACTURER’s Industrial Relations Framework (three committees being the Joint Strategic Workshop, Plant Committee and Negotiating Committee). The aim of the study is to describe the specific factors identified by the parties as having influenced their relationship. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Framework was considered in terms of its contribution towards achieving the parties’ goals and lastly, suggestions for improvement were shared to improve the effectiveness of the relationship. The literature reviewed considered the nature of the collective relationship. Firstly, the characteristics of a collective relationship were described to appreciate the complexity and multifaceted, simultaneous influences of the external and internal elements, which impact on the relationship. Secondly, frames of reference were identified that contextualised the chosen industrial relations ideology adopted. Thirdly, typical industrial relations relationship patterns were described which explained the selected approach adopted in the management-union interaction. Fourthly, the South African legislative context was highlighted to appreciate the South African Government’s support for the primacy of the collective relationship. Lastly, a few academic models that included seminal work, were considered to recognise key factors influencing the collective relationship. The most common factors identified were attitudinal dimensions (attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions), goals, sharing common objectives, trust, recognition of legitimacy, access to information, voice, equity (fairness), and communication. The sample consisted of Human Resource Management and NUMSA representatives who participated in the Industrial Relations Framework. Semi-structured, individual interviews were used as a research instrument for data gathering. On conclusion of this phase, a thematic analysis was conducted and themes were identified. This assisted in the description of key factors that had an impact on this particular collective relationship within a pluralistic industrial relations context. The findings revealed that the nature of the relationship differed at the various committees. It was influenced by the functioning of the committee, the effectiveness in achieving the parties’ goals, the level of management represented and the nature of the processes involved in the interaction (information-sharing, consultation and negotiation). Positive changes are underway whereby union capacity building is being addressed to aid and elevate the level of engagement. Operational improvements to benefit the functioning of the committees and afford the union increased input. A joint organisational vision is also being drafted as the first step towards a closer, future partnership as the MANUFACTURER faces competitive challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the South African taxi industry's value chain: the case of mini-bus taxi service in South Africa
- Authors: Mqikela, Luthando Khanya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Transportation and state -- South Africa Transportation -- South Africa Taxicabs -- South Africa Taxicab drivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42364 , vital:36649
- Description: The mini-bus taxis commercial trading industry as a whole has characterised the relations between commuters and the public sector. The South African government is under pressure to create favourable working conditions for the mini-bus taxi drivers as they are an intergral part of the informal economy. The failure of the value chain's ability to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry has lead to investors shying away from investing in this sector. The onus is on government and mini-bus owners to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for local economies. For this initiative to be effective capable officials need to be deployed to fulfil this mandate. Given that government has traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed 'commercial diplpmacy', it is realised that a concerted effort be made to have a skilled and capable workforce that can function in both the commercial diplomacy in markets across the world. It is against the background sketched above that the South African government, along with the assistance of two prominent bodies, namely National Taxi Association and SANTACO sprearheading the initiative to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry, have created a conducive environment for the mini-bus taxi industry to remain relevant in the mordern economy. This paper uncovers some of the obstacles that limit the growth of the industry and highlights the various challenges the sector faces to leap forward to the future. The research was conducted using qualitative methods by interviewing various stakeholders in the value chain. The interviewees compromised customers using public transport, taxi drivers and subject matters expects. The interviews were conducted using recordings that were later transcribed in to filed notes. The various extracts of the interviews informed the themes emerging from the analysis of the research.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mqikela, Luthando Khanya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Taxicabs -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Transportation and state -- South Africa Transportation -- South Africa Taxicabs -- South Africa Taxicab drivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42364 , vital:36649
- Description: The mini-bus taxis commercial trading industry as a whole has characterised the relations between commuters and the public sector. The South African government is under pressure to create favourable working conditions for the mini-bus taxi drivers as they are an intergral part of the informal economy. The failure of the value chain's ability to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry has lead to investors shying away from investing in this sector. The onus is on government and mini-bus owners to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for local economies. For this initiative to be effective capable officials need to be deployed to fulfil this mandate. Given that government has traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed 'commercial diplpmacy', it is realised that a concerted effort be made to have a skilled and capable workforce that can function in both the commercial diplomacy in markets across the world. It is against the background sketched above that the South African government, along with the assistance of two prominent bodies, namely National Taxi Association and SANTACO sprearheading the initiative to regulate the mini-bus taxi industry, have created a conducive environment for the mini-bus taxi industry to remain relevant in the mordern economy. This paper uncovers some of the obstacles that limit the growth of the industry and highlights the various challenges the sector faces to leap forward to the future. The research was conducted using qualitative methods by interviewing various stakeholders in the value chain. The interviewees compromised customers using public transport, taxi drivers and subject matters expects. The interviews were conducted using recordings that were later transcribed in to filed notes. The various extracts of the interviews informed the themes emerging from the analysis of the research.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors affecting consumer behaviour in a black box products in South Africa: particularly in the telematics industry
- Authors: Sebate, Othusitse Ronny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research Telecommunication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43435 , vital:36881
- Description: Crime has given rise to the telematics market in South Africa, however, not much is known about this industry. The telematics products, or vehicle tracking products, have to be installed in vehicles in such a way that the criminals, let alone the owners, will not be able to find it. It is a “black box” product that it is not known what is inside, and it is not to be seen. This then posed a question of how then does one choose one telematics product over the other. This study was aimed at finding out what influences consumer behaviour in the South African telematics market. This study specifically looked at various factors such as understanding of deeper customer insights, operational excellence, readiness, predictive maintenance, new digital services and marketing mix on how they influence consumer behaviour. An empirical study using online survey was conducted amongst 98 respondents who own or rent a telematics product from various telematics companies in South Africa. The key findings indicated that most important atributes to influencing consumers in the telematics industry were operational excellence, response readiness, and the marketing mix. Recommendations were then given that although other atributes that were investigated such as understanding deeper customer insights, predictive maintenance, and new digital services are important, they will not bear much fruit for any organisation if the basics of operational excellence, response readiness, and marketing mix are not mastered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sebate, Othusitse Ronny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research Telecommunication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43435 , vital:36881
- Description: Crime has given rise to the telematics market in South Africa, however, not much is known about this industry. The telematics products, or vehicle tracking products, have to be installed in vehicles in such a way that the criminals, let alone the owners, will not be able to find it. It is a “black box” product that it is not known what is inside, and it is not to be seen. This then posed a question of how then does one choose one telematics product over the other. This study was aimed at finding out what influences consumer behaviour in the South African telematics market. This study specifically looked at various factors such as understanding of deeper customer insights, operational excellence, readiness, predictive maintenance, new digital services and marketing mix on how they influence consumer behaviour. An empirical study using online survey was conducted amongst 98 respondents who own or rent a telematics product from various telematics companies in South Africa. The key findings indicated that most important atributes to influencing consumers in the telematics industry were operational excellence, response readiness, and the marketing mix. Recommendations were then given that although other atributes that were investigated such as understanding deeper customer insights, predictive maintenance, and new digital services are important, they will not bear much fruit for any organisation if the basics of operational excellence, response readiness, and marketing mix are not mastered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors affecting the success of corporate social responsibility programmes in South Africa
- Authors: Collett,Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38035 , vital:34310
- Description: Corporate social investment expenditure by the private sector in South Africa for the 2016 / 2017 financial year realised R9 billion. As a developing country, South Africa has immense social development needs and understanding the scope of the problem becomes important when establishing how best to address it. The key players in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are the donors who provide the funding, the implementers of projects and the recipients who benefit from the interventions. Identifying critical success factors for implementing CSR projects is essential as this will contribute towards developing effective protocols and best practice in the field. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge and operational understanding of CSR programmes in South Africa and to identify protocols to facilitate effective business implementation strategies for CSR. The study sought to answer the research question: What are the critical success factors for CSR programmes in South Africa? An empirical, quantitative study was conducted by surveying implementers of CSR projects in South Africa (n=81). The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between the independent variables, namely conceptualisation, implementation, reporting and evaluation, and the dependent variable, namely success of CSR. The empirical research was underpinned by stakeholder theory relating the practice of CSR to a multi-stakeholder context, and project management of life-cycle phases as the implementing arm of CSR projects. The key findings indicated that conceptualisation and implementation were positively and significantly related to success of CSR and that reporting, and evaluation had no significant relationship to success of CSR. Furthermore, recommendations were made to managers and implementers of CSR projects to facilitate and enhance the life-cycle phases of conceptualisation, implementation, reporting frameworks and evaluation of CSR projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Collett,Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38035 , vital:34310
- Description: Corporate social investment expenditure by the private sector in South Africa for the 2016 / 2017 financial year realised R9 billion. As a developing country, South Africa has immense social development needs and understanding the scope of the problem becomes important when establishing how best to address it. The key players in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are the donors who provide the funding, the implementers of projects and the recipients who benefit from the interventions. Identifying critical success factors for implementing CSR projects is essential as this will contribute towards developing effective protocols and best practice in the field. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge and operational understanding of CSR programmes in South Africa and to identify protocols to facilitate effective business implementation strategies for CSR. The study sought to answer the research question: What are the critical success factors for CSR programmes in South Africa? An empirical, quantitative study was conducted by surveying implementers of CSR projects in South Africa (n=81). The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between the independent variables, namely conceptualisation, implementation, reporting and evaluation, and the dependent variable, namely success of CSR. The empirical research was underpinned by stakeholder theory relating the practice of CSR to a multi-stakeholder context, and project management of life-cycle phases as the implementing arm of CSR projects. The key findings indicated that conceptualisation and implementation were positively and significantly related to success of CSR and that reporting, and evaluation had no significant relationship to success of CSR. Furthermore, recommendations were made to managers and implementers of CSR projects to facilitate and enhance the life-cycle phases of conceptualisation, implementation, reporting frameworks and evaluation of CSR projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors contributing to a positive work experience for domestic workers
- Authors: Taylor, Michelle Tracey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Employment relations Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43877 , vital:37069
- Description: Despite entrenched legislation directed at protecting the rights of domestic workers, many still endure menial working conditions, receive low wages and are even subject to exploitation and abuse. At the same time, domestic workers are charged with the major responsibility of caring for their employers’ homes and families. All of this may lead to a work experience that is regarded as less than positive. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to a more humanising and positive working experience for domestic workers. A qualitative approach was adopted, and data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with seven domestic workers, and a separate group of seven employers of domestic workers, all of whom were located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Data was collected through interviews held with individuals in the two groups of participants and was processed by transcribing notes from audio tape recordings captured during the interviews. Data analysis took the form of a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The findings of the study revealed that domestic workers concerns regarding their work environment relate to job security, wages, working conditions and the relationship with their employer. The employers felt that legislation, being part of the family, retirement planning and respect were important themes that impact on a domestic worker’s work experience. This study endeavors to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to provide a more humanising work experience for female domestic workers in South Africa who may have experienced a sense of marginalisation within, and exclusion from, the dynamics of the open labour market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Taylor, Michelle Tracey
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Household employees -- South Africa , Employment relations Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43877 , vital:37069
- Description: Despite entrenched legislation directed at protecting the rights of domestic workers, many still endure menial working conditions, receive low wages and are even subject to exploitation and abuse. At the same time, domestic workers are charged with the major responsibility of caring for their employers’ homes and families. All of this may lead to a work experience that is regarded as less than positive. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to a more humanising and positive working experience for domestic workers. A qualitative approach was adopted, and data was obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with seven domestic workers, and a separate group of seven employers of domestic workers, all of whom were located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Data was collected through interviews held with individuals in the two groups of participants and was processed by transcribing notes from audio tape recordings captured during the interviews. Data analysis took the form of a thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The findings of the study revealed that domestic workers concerns regarding their work environment relate to job security, wages, working conditions and the relationship with their employer. The employers felt that legislation, being part of the family, retirement planning and respect were important themes that impact on a domestic worker’s work experience. This study endeavors to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to provide a more humanising work experience for female domestic workers in South Africa who may have experienced a sense of marginalisation within, and exclusion from, the dynamics of the open labour market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors driving the staff turnover in the motor retail industry
- Authors: Monakali, Phatuxolo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Motor vehicle industry -- Employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42008 , vital:36617
- Description: Organisations in large have been featured by large competition and this necessitates that organisations continuously improve on their competitive advantage in order to capture and retain market share. This is no different from whether the organisation render services or sell products. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Attracting and retaining employees that are able to identify the needs of the customer and deliver the products and services to the customer’s satisfaction is one of the ways to improve the competitive advantage. Staff turnover becomes an important matter that needs to be understood together with the factors that drive the staff turnover. The aim of this research is to assist organisations to improve the retention rate of quality employees by investigating the factors that drives staff turnover and provide recommendations to avoid it. This research is specifically looking at the staff turnover at the motor car dealership level of the motor retail industry focusing on human resource management, management styles, organisational culture and remuneration as the key pre-identified drivers of high staff turnover. A quantitative research, consisting of online mail survey was conducted amongst sixty (60) people who voluntarily resigned from a motor retail group named company A in the Eastern Cape. The key findings indicated that management styles, organisational culture and remuneration were found to be the significant factors that drive the staff turnover at the dealership level of the motor retail industry. Recommendations were made to management to develop policies and procedures to address the factors in order to reduce the staff turnover.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Monakali, Phatuxolo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Motor vehicle industry -- Employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42008 , vital:36617
- Description: Organisations in large have been featured by large competition and this necessitates that organisations continuously improve on their competitive advantage in order to capture and retain market share. This is no different from whether the organisation render services or sell products. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Attracting and retaining employees that are able to identify the needs of the customer and deliver the products and services to the customer’s satisfaction is one of the ways to improve the competitive advantage. Staff turnover becomes an important matter that needs to be understood together with the factors that drive the staff turnover. The aim of this research is to assist organisations to improve the retention rate of quality employees by investigating the factors that drives staff turnover and provide recommendations to avoid it. This research is specifically looking at the staff turnover at the motor car dealership level of the motor retail industry focusing on human resource management, management styles, organisational culture and remuneration as the key pre-identified drivers of high staff turnover. A quantitative research, consisting of online mail survey was conducted amongst sixty (60) people who voluntarily resigned from a motor retail group named company A in the Eastern Cape. The key findings indicated that management styles, organisational culture and remuneration were found to be the significant factors that drive the staff turnover at the dealership level of the motor retail industry. Recommendations were made to management to develop policies and procedures to address the factors in order to reduce the staff turnover.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors that influence consumers’ buying behaviour for particular vehicle brands
- Authors: Bosman, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumer profiling Advertising -- South Africa , Purchasing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37742 , vital:34233
- Description: The motor industry is a critical component of South Africa’s economy. It is also an industry that has become intensely competitive with a large variety of vehicle brands on offer for buyers to choose from. Given the competitive nature of this environment, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) are constantly under pressure and have to consistently review and develop new strategies to keep their brands relevant in the market. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into customer preferences and specifically vehicle purchasing behaviour, and to establish if brand factors and personal factors influence consumer buying behaviour for particular vehicle brands. An empirical investigation was embarked on using a self-administered questionnaire with a seven-point Likert scale. Convenience sampling was used and resulted in the return of 215 usable questionnaires. The reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed via acceptable Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The main findings indicate that numerous factors influence buyers’ behaviour when purchasing a vehicle. However, Quality, Safety and Price had the biggest influence on the buyer’s decision making when choosing a particular vehicle brand. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to dealers and OEM’s. These recommendations are practical and also linked to previous research as presented in the literature. Dealerships and OEMs should therefore take cognizance of these results and improve on these factors to influence vehicle buying behaviour. These factors should also be used as strong marketing components when advertising and selling vehicles. The value for money provided by vehicles should be emphasised. The link between Quality, Safety, and Price should therefore be accentuated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bosman, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Consumer profiling Advertising -- South Africa , Purchasing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37742 , vital:34233
- Description: The motor industry is a critical component of South Africa’s economy. It is also an industry that has become intensely competitive with a large variety of vehicle brands on offer for buyers to choose from. Given the competitive nature of this environment, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) are constantly under pressure and have to consistently review and develop new strategies to keep their brands relevant in the market. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into customer preferences and specifically vehicle purchasing behaviour, and to establish if brand factors and personal factors influence consumer buying behaviour for particular vehicle brands. An empirical investigation was embarked on using a self-administered questionnaire with a seven-point Likert scale. Convenience sampling was used and resulted in the return of 215 usable questionnaires. The reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed via acceptable Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The main findings indicate that numerous factors influence buyers’ behaviour when purchasing a vehicle. However, Quality, Safety and Price had the biggest influence on the buyer’s decision making when choosing a particular vehicle brand. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to dealers and OEM’s. These recommendations are practical and also linked to previous research as presented in the literature. Dealerships and OEMs should therefore take cognizance of these results and improve on these factors to influence vehicle buying behaviour. These factors should also be used as strong marketing components when advertising and selling vehicles. The value for money provided by vehicles should be emphasised. The link between Quality, Safety, and Price should therefore be accentuated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Familiness resource pools: a comparative study in a developing country context
- Authors: Izaks, Robert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family corporations -- Management Developing countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40105 , vital:35755
- Description: Over the years, there has been an increased research interest in the field of family business because of the entrepreneurial potential of these businesses, as well as their potential to outperform non-family businesses. However, a lack of longevity and a lack of transgenerational success has hindered the potential of family businesses. The widely recognised Successful Transgenerational Entreprenuership Practices (STEP) framework highlights that eight familiness resource pools influence performance outcomes and ultimately the transgenerational potential of family businesses. These eight family resource pools are: leadership, networks, capital, decision-making, culture, relationships, governance, and knowledge. Given the lack of knowledge that exists concerning the nature of familiness resource pools among family businesses in a developing country context, the purpose of this study was to investigate the familiness resource pools of two South African family businesses, so that the nature of these pools in a developing country can be described and potential sources of heterogeneity highlighted. Specifically, the study analyses these familiness resource pools as a source for creating value across generations and enhancing the longevity of family businesses. The study followed the research methodology guidelines and protocols of the global STEP project by adopting an interpretivistic paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach. The case study methodology was used, and two successful multigenerational family businesses operating in the South African automotive industry were selected by means of criterion sampling. The data was collected by undertaking personal interviews with key members of these family businesses, and the data analysis involved undertaking deductive content analysis using Atlas.ti and a comparative analysis. The findings of this study suggest that the familiness resource pools among family businesses in a developing country are similar in some respects to those of family businesses in a Western context. However, they differ in other respects, and differ from each other. As such, the existence of heterogeneity in family businesses and particularly among the familiness resource pools, is confirmed. The findings also identify several similarities and differences between the extant literature and real world evidence concerning the nature of the familiness resource pools in family businesses. In general, they suggest that real world evidence is often similar to that reported in extant literature with only some discrepancies being identified. The current study provides a better understanding of the nature of the familiness resource pools in a developing country, and has enhanced the knowledge of family businesses in this regard. In describing the eight familiness resource pools of two successful South African family businesses in the automotive industry, this study provides valuable insights into the nature of the resource pools of successful family businesses in a developing country context and highlights their heterogeneity. The findings also prove of value to the participating family businesses, because by highlighting shortcomings and differences between them, changes and improvement can be made where necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Izaks, Robert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family corporations -- Management Developing countries -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40105 , vital:35755
- Description: Over the years, there has been an increased research interest in the field of family business because of the entrepreneurial potential of these businesses, as well as their potential to outperform non-family businesses. However, a lack of longevity and a lack of transgenerational success has hindered the potential of family businesses. The widely recognised Successful Transgenerational Entreprenuership Practices (STEP) framework highlights that eight familiness resource pools influence performance outcomes and ultimately the transgenerational potential of family businesses. These eight family resource pools are: leadership, networks, capital, decision-making, culture, relationships, governance, and knowledge. Given the lack of knowledge that exists concerning the nature of familiness resource pools among family businesses in a developing country context, the purpose of this study was to investigate the familiness resource pools of two South African family businesses, so that the nature of these pools in a developing country can be described and potential sources of heterogeneity highlighted. Specifically, the study analyses these familiness resource pools as a source for creating value across generations and enhancing the longevity of family businesses. The study followed the research methodology guidelines and protocols of the global STEP project by adopting an interpretivistic paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach. The case study methodology was used, and two successful multigenerational family businesses operating in the South African automotive industry were selected by means of criterion sampling. The data was collected by undertaking personal interviews with key members of these family businesses, and the data analysis involved undertaking deductive content analysis using Atlas.ti and a comparative analysis. The findings of this study suggest that the familiness resource pools among family businesses in a developing country are similar in some respects to those of family businesses in a Western context. However, they differ in other respects, and differ from each other. As such, the existence of heterogeneity in family businesses and particularly among the familiness resource pools, is confirmed. The findings also identify several similarities and differences between the extant literature and real world evidence concerning the nature of the familiness resource pools in family businesses. In general, they suggest that real world evidence is often similar to that reported in extant literature with only some discrepancies being identified. The current study provides a better understanding of the nature of the familiness resource pools in a developing country, and has enhanced the knowledge of family businesses in this regard. In describing the eight familiness resource pools of two successful South African family businesses in the automotive industry, this study provides valuable insights into the nature of the resource pools of successful family businesses in a developing country context and highlights their heterogeneity. The findings also prove of value to the participating family businesses, because by highlighting shortcomings and differences between them, changes and improvement can be made where necessary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Financial development and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mhango, Joseph
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41117 , vital:36358
- Description: Since the identification of financial development for economic growth by Schumpeter (1911), the importance of financial development has been emphasised. However, the nature of the relationship is unclear, whether financial development is demand-following, supply-leading, feedback relationship or no causal relationship with economic growth. The revolution of the relationship between finance and economic growth has left a void of the exact nature of the relationship and importance of financial development in literature and empirical evidence. In addition, the variation of the nexus between financial development and economic growth in developed and developing countries has left policy makers uncertain on the exact policy to employ. In awe of this, after the discovery of diamonds and gold in South Africa, policy makers have attempted to improve the access, depth and efficiency of the finance sector to spur economic growth. However, South Africa has been subject to apartheid, low economic growth, global financial crises, international sanctions, unemployment and other challenges to the finance sector. In light of this, this study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The study used the recently developed financial institutions index and financial markets index by the International Monetary Fund to represent bank-based and market-based financial development. This study utilises annual data over the period 1980 to 2014. The study applied the Autoregressive Disturbed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger – Causality, Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Variance Decomposition to uncover the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The ARDL was selected over the Johansen Cointegration because the variables can be I (1) or I(0) before carrying out the bounds testing. It is more suitable to a small sample size. It uses a reduced form equation, and it provides unbiased estimates of the long-run model. Lastly, it can be transformed into an error correction model. The VECM Granger-Causality was chosen because it represents the short-run and long-run causalities. After selection of the optimal lag, the ARDL bounds testing shows that economic growth, bank-based financial development, market-based financial development, savings and investment have a long-run relationship in South Africa. However, after estimation of the coefficients, financial development has a positive relationship with economic growth, but insignificant and only savings and investment were significant in determining long-run economic growth. The VECM granger-causality results show that financial development (bank and market), savings and investment granger cause economic growth in the long-run. While, economic growth, market-based financial development, savings and investment granger cause bank-based financial development in the long-run. Therefore, a feedback relationship exists between bank-based financial development and economic growth in the long-run. In the short-run, it was clear that bank-based financial development positively causes economic growth. The causality results show that a feedback relationship exists between bank-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa in the short-run as well. The IRF shows that a shock in economic growth negatively and positively affects bank based and market-based financial development respectively. A shock in bank-based financial development causes a positive effect on economic growth. Lastly, a shock in market-based financial development causes a positive effect on economic growth. Whilst, the variance decomposition shows that fluctuations in economic growth are increasingly explained by financial development (bank and market). While, fluctuations in bank-based financial development are increasingly explained by market-based financial development, savings and investment. The fluctuations in market-based financial development are increasingly caused by economic growth, savings and investment. It is recommended that policy makers utilise bank-based financial development for economic growth and reduced unemployment, to increase savings for long-run economic growth. Furthermore, challenges against market-based financial development should be reduced in order to create a positive relationship between investment and economic growth in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhango, Joseph
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41117 , vital:36358
- Description: Since the identification of financial development for economic growth by Schumpeter (1911), the importance of financial development has been emphasised. However, the nature of the relationship is unclear, whether financial development is demand-following, supply-leading, feedback relationship or no causal relationship with economic growth. The revolution of the relationship between finance and economic growth has left a void of the exact nature of the relationship and importance of financial development in literature and empirical evidence. In addition, the variation of the nexus between financial development and economic growth in developed and developing countries has left policy makers uncertain on the exact policy to employ. In awe of this, after the discovery of diamonds and gold in South Africa, policy makers have attempted to improve the access, depth and efficiency of the finance sector to spur economic growth. However, South Africa has been subject to apartheid, low economic growth, global financial crises, international sanctions, unemployment and other challenges to the finance sector. In light of this, this study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The study used the recently developed financial institutions index and financial markets index by the International Monetary Fund to represent bank-based and market-based financial development. This study utilises annual data over the period 1980 to 2014. The study applied the Autoregressive Disturbed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) Granger – Causality, Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Variance Decomposition to uncover the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The ARDL was selected over the Johansen Cointegration because the variables can be I (1) or I(0) before carrying out the bounds testing. It is more suitable to a small sample size. It uses a reduced form equation, and it provides unbiased estimates of the long-run model. Lastly, it can be transformed into an error correction model. The VECM Granger-Causality was chosen because it represents the short-run and long-run causalities. After selection of the optimal lag, the ARDL bounds testing shows that economic growth, bank-based financial development, market-based financial development, savings and investment have a long-run relationship in South Africa. However, after estimation of the coefficients, financial development has a positive relationship with economic growth, but insignificant and only savings and investment were significant in determining long-run economic growth. The VECM granger-causality results show that financial development (bank and market), savings and investment granger cause economic growth in the long-run. While, economic growth, market-based financial development, savings and investment granger cause bank-based financial development in the long-run. Therefore, a feedback relationship exists between bank-based financial development and economic growth in the long-run. In the short-run, it was clear that bank-based financial development positively causes economic growth. The causality results show that a feedback relationship exists between bank-based financial development and economic growth in South Africa in the short-run as well. The IRF shows that a shock in economic growth negatively and positively affects bank based and market-based financial development respectively. A shock in bank-based financial development causes a positive effect on economic growth. Lastly, a shock in market-based financial development causes a positive effect on economic growth. Whilst, the variance decomposition shows that fluctuations in economic growth are increasingly explained by financial development (bank and market). While, fluctuations in bank-based financial development are increasingly explained by market-based financial development, savings and investment. The fluctuations in market-based financial development are increasingly caused by economic growth, savings and investment. It is recommended that policy makers utilise bank-based financial development for economic growth and reduced unemployment, to increase savings for long-run economic growth. Furthermore, challenges against market-based financial development should be reduced in order to create a positive relationship between investment and economic growth in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana
- Authors: Anane, Alexander Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40210 , vital:35990
- Description: The relationship between financial inclusion and the growth of the economy is a topic of debate in the existing literature. Yet globally and at individual country level, policy makers have accepted financial inclusion as a developmental agenda. This study, therefore, empirically investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana using quarterly time series data from 2005 to 2016. Employing the commonly used indicators, the ARDL bounds test with cointergration was applied to examine the short and the long run relationship between the variables. Furthermore, the Granger causality approach was also used to establish the direction between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana. The result of the findings confirmed mixed results and no clear cut relationship between the direction of causality between the indicators of financial inclusion and economic growth. The study concluded that whether financial inclusion positively or negatively impact economic growth rests on the indicators employed. The study therefore cautions in the choice of financial indicators as policy tools in designing and executing economic growth and development policies in Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anane, Alexander Kwabena
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40210 , vital:35990
- Description: The relationship between financial inclusion and the growth of the economy is a topic of debate in the existing literature. Yet globally and at individual country level, policy makers have accepted financial inclusion as a developmental agenda. This study, therefore, empirically investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana using quarterly time series data from 2005 to 2016. Employing the commonly used indicators, the ARDL bounds test with cointergration was applied to examine the short and the long run relationship between the variables. Furthermore, the Granger causality approach was also used to establish the direction between financial inclusion and economic growth in Ghana. The result of the findings confirmed mixed results and no clear cut relationship between the direction of causality between the indicators of financial inclusion and economic growth. The study concluded that whether financial inclusion positively or negatively impact economic growth rests on the indicators employed. The study therefore cautions in the choice of financial indicators as policy tools in designing and executing economic growth and development policies in Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Fintech and the financial services industry in South Africa
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Foreign aid and the implementation of millennium development goals 4 and 5 in Nigeria
- Authors: Eyitayo, Adediran Foluke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Economic assistance -- Nigeria Maternal and infant welfare -- Nigeria Public health -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39841 , vital:35479
- Description: Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and with approximately 160 million people. Nigeria has one of the largest populations of poor people in the world. Over the years, the rate of maternal and child mortality reduction in Nigeria has been slow and this is largely due to bad infrastructure, low quality of education and poor health sector. This is largely due to government bureaucracy, problems within the aid administration process and its influence on developmental issues. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created for countries to address human developmental issues within different countries around the world. The countries had to meet MDGs by 2015. Nigeria was not able to meet many of the set targets and had made only few improvements within the health department. This is largely due to government bureaucracy and the slow pace that is maintained during the formulation and implementation of governmental policies and programs. This study seeks to explore various issues that are identified in the attainment of MDGs 4 and 5: MDGs 4 with target 5 - 2/3 reductions in under than five mortality rates and MDG 5 with target 6 - ¾ reductions in the maternal mortality rate. This study will assess the efforts made by local and international organizations during the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5. This study will identify the impact of foreign aid on the health sector, with an intervention on the maternal and child mortality ratio, key international donors in the maternal and child sector. Document analysis is been adopted as the methodological approach for this research. These analysis focuses on documents such as publications, reports, policy papers and academic literature. One of the key findings in this study is that - lack of good policies of health services is a major barrier to the improvement in maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Eyitayo, Adediran Foluke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Economic assistance -- Nigeria Maternal and infant welfare -- Nigeria Public health -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39841 , vital:35479
- Description: Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and with approximately 160 million people. Nigeria has one of the largest populations of poor people in the world. Over the years, the rate of maternal and child mortality reduction in Nigeria has been slow and this is largely due to bad infrastructure, low quality of education and poor health sector. This is largely due to government bureaucracy, problems within the aid administration process and its influence on developmental issues. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were created for countries to address human developmental issues within different countries around the world. The countries had to meet MDGs by 2015. Nigeria was not able to meet many of the set targets and had made only few improvements within the health department. This is largely due to government bureaucracy and the slow pace that is maintained during the formulation and implementation of governmental policies and programs. This study seeks to explore various issues that are identified in the attainment of MDGs 4 and 5: MDGs 4 with target 5 - 2/3 reductions in under than five mortality rates and MDG 5 with target 6 - ¾ reductions in the maternal mortality rate. This study will assess the efforts made by local and international organizations during the implementation of MDGs 4 and 5. This study will identify the impact of foreign aid on the health sector, with an intervention on the maternal and child mortality ratio, key international donors in the maternal and child sector. Document analysis is been adopted as the methodological approach for this research. These analysis focuses on documents such as publications, reports, policy papers and academic literature. One of the key findings in this study is that - lack of good policies of health services is a major barrier to the improvement in maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Funding mechanisms for local authorities in Malawi –Blantyre city council
- Authors: Mvula, Towera Innocentia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- Malawi -- Blantyre , Financial management -- Malawi -- Blantyre Local finance -- Malawi -- Blantyre
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41730 , vital:36576
- Description: Funding for local government is crucial so that the local governments can continue delivering on their mandate. The trend around the world is that local governments are underfunded and highly dependent on central government transfers, which limits their autonomy. This study on funding mechanisms for local councils in Malawi took Blantyre City Council as its case study. The study aims to evaluate the funding mechanisms of local councils in Malawi and find alternative sources, or ways to optimize the current funding mechanisms. Literature on local government funding was reviewed and challenges facing local government funding were identified. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants that were drawn from the financial sector, NGO’s and from local government. Data collection was done through structured in-depth interviews and document study. Data analysis was done through framework analysis. The study found that the main revenue sources for local councils in Malawi are transfers from central government, that on average make up more than 80% of their total revenues. A large chunk of these central transfers come in as conditional grants, which means that the councils spend most of their efforts implementing central government priorities. Revenue from own sources is very low even in councils that have wider tax resource bases. Some of the urban councils are able to generate a substantial amounts from own sources; however, most of these funds go towards meeting the recurrent expenditure budgets. As a result, all of the councils still rely on central government to finance their capital expenditure budgets. The study found that more can be done to fully exploit revenue abilities of local sources through addressing current bottlenecks. Amongst others, local councils currently face the following challenges that negatively affect their revenues: legal limitations, political interference, outdated revenue management systems, theft, weak legislation, financial mismanagement, outdated and complicated processes, lack of human and technical expertise and weak oversight. To boost current revenues, the study amongst others, recommends strengthening the current legal framework, processes review and improvements, capacitation of personnel, introduction of new levies and exploring external financing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mvula, Towera Innocentia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- Malawi -- Blantyre , Financial management -- Malawi -- Blantyre Local finance -- Malawi -- Blantyre
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41730 , vital:36576
- Description: Funding for local government is crucial so that the local governments can continue delivering on their mandate. The trend around the world is that local governments are underfunded and highly dependent on central government transfers, which limits their autonomy. This study on funding mechanisms for local councils in Malawi took Blantyre City Council as its case study. The study aims to evaluate the funding mechanisms of local councils in Malawi and find alternative sources, or ways to optimize the current funding mechanisms. Literature on local government funding was reviewed and challenges facing local government funding were identified. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants that were drawn from the financial sector, NGO’s and from local government. Data collection was done through structured in-depth interviews and document study. Data analysis was done through framework analysis. The study found that the main revenue sources for local councils in Malawi are transfers from central government, that on average make up more than 80% of their total revenues. A large chunk of these central transfers come in as conditional grants, which means that the councils spend most of their efforts implementing central government priorities. Revenue from own sources is very low even in councils that have wider tax resource bases. Some of the urban councils are able to generate a substantial amounts from own sources; however, most of these funds go towards meeting the recurrent expenditure budgets. As a result, all of the councils still rely on central government to finance their capital expenditure budgets. The study found that more can be done to fully exploit revenue abilities of local sources through addressing current bottlenecks. Amongst others, local councils currently face the following challenges that negatively affect their revenues: legal limitations, political interference, outdated revenue management systems, theft, weak legislation, financial mismanagement, outdated and complicated processes, lack of human and technical expertise and weak oversight. To boost current revenues, the study amongst others, recommends strengthening the current legal framework, processes review and improvements, capacitation of personnel, introduction of new levies and exploring external financing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Future scenarios in the automotive industry as a result of the social impact of industry 4.0 in the period up to 2033
- Authors: Nongendzi, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42836 , vital:36698
- Description: With increasing human population growth, rising GDP levels, and more affluent lifestyles, the human race is progressively consuming, leading to an ever-increasing demand for renewable and non- renewable resources. The problem of resource scarcity is, therefore, emerging because it is questionable whether economic growth in a world with finite natural resources can be sustained. One of the objectives of this work is to analyse the potential of industrial 4.0 applications to achieve a more sustainable South African automotive industry. Even if the economy is still locked up in a system that favours the linear traditional production model, stricter environmental standards, a scarcity of resources and changing consumer expectations will force entities to find alternatives. New technologies can be used to trace materials through the value chain and to track the status of the product during its life cycle. Companies are beginning to capitalize on the potential of emerging technologies to more sustainably reorganise production, services, business models or entire organizations. What is certain is that many expect that the fourth industrial revolution will have a substantial effect on jobs worldwide as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more influential. Digitisation has a full impact on both the automotive industry and society. Automation we’ve seen in the past has intensified. Digitisation has an ongoing and unprecedented effect on the operation of firms. It impacts all aspects from development to manufacturing and logistics and challenges business models and changes the place of work and the way we work. For this reason, a well- developed infrastructure and skilled workforce are key factors in transforming the industry successfully. From a South African point of view, qualification is a key challenge for industry 4.0 and requires decisive action. The challenge of skills in the manufacturing sector is growing as the industry becomes more digital. The plans of manufacturers to drive productivity improvements and capitalise on the fourth industrial revolution could be eroded because the education system is struggling to provide the right quantity and quality of skills to meet the needs of the sector. Manufacturers will need to keep investing in training current employees to keep up with new processes in line with company needs. One major challenge is to increase the digital skills of current and, in particular, older workers, by creating an offer of digital training. The research study aimed to develop insights into the future of the South African automotive industry by constructing two scenarios towards 2033: Worst case; South African automotive industry did little to change current linear traditional production mode trends in 2033; This narrative has seen the sector fall into the nightmare of its own dystonia. Best case; South African automotive is a success in 2033; The South African automotive industry finds its competitive global niche. And even with breakthroughs in robotics and artificial intelligence, there is a major disruption in employment throughout the world, South Africa has succeeded in creating a small but intelligent base for youth who can recognise and exploit opportunities on the global market. Industry 4.0 has a high potential to ensure more sustainable production methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nongendzi, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- Economic aspects Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Information technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42836 , vital:36698
- Description: With increasing human population growth, rising GDP levels, and more affluent lifestyles, the human race is progressively consuming, leading to an ever-increasing demand for renewable and non- renewable resources. The problem of resource scarcity is, therefore, emerging because it is questionable whether economic growth in a world with finite natural resources can be sustained. One of the objectives of this work is to analyse the potential of industrial 4.0 applications to achieve a more sustainable South African automotive industry. Even if the economy is still locked up in a system that favours the linear traditional production model, stricter environmental standards, a scarcity of resources and changing consumer expectations will force entities to find alternatives. New technologies can be used to trace materials through the value chain and to track the status of the product during its life cycle. Companies are beginning to capitalize on the potential of emerging technologies to more sustainably reorganise production, services, business models or entire organizations. What is certain is that many expect that the fourth industrial revolution will have a substantial effect on jobs worldwide as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation are becoming more influential. Digitisation has a full impact on both the automotive industry and society. Automation we’ve seen in the past has intensified. Digitisation has an ongoing and unprecedented effect on the operation of firms. It impacts all aspects from development to manufacturing and logistics and challenges business models and changes the place of work and the way we work. For this reason, a well- developed infrastructure and skilled workforce are key factors in transforming the industry successfully. From a South African point of view, qualification is a key challenge for industry 4.0 and requires decisive action. The challenge of skills in the manufacturing sector is growing as the industry becomes more digital. The plans of manufacturers to drive productivity improvements and capitalise on the fourth industrial revolution could be eroded because the education system is struggling to provide the right quantity and quality of skills to meet the needs of the sector. Manufacturers will need to keep investing in training current employees to keep up with new processes in line with company needs. One major challenge is to increase the digital skills of current and, in particular, older workers, by creating an offer of digital training. The research study aimed to develop insights into the future of the South African automotive industry by constructing two scenarios towards 2033: Worst case; South African automotive industry did little to change current linear traditional production mode trends in 2033; This narrative has seen the sector fall into the nightmare of its own dystonia. Best case; South African automotive is a success in 2033; The South African automotive industry finds its competitive global niche. And even with breakthroughs in robotics and artificial intelligence, there is a major disruption in employment throughout the world, South Africa has succeeded in creating a small but intelligent base for youth who can recognise and exploit opportunities on the global market. Industry 4.0 has a high potential to ensure more sustainable production methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Government support and sustainable small, medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ocean economy: a case of Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019