Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning as a strategic tool in the Eastern Cape's manufacturing industry
- Authors: Abrahams, Shaheed
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008408 , Budget process -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business forecasting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manufacturing industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The primary objective of the study is to assess whether organisations are using their budgeting, forecasting and financial planning information as a strategic tool in the decision-making process. The research aims to investigate the various factors that hinder the success of the finance department in delivering a quality financial plan, budget or forecast to top management and the rest of the organisation.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Internal auditors perceptions of the impact of control elements on internal control systems
- Authors: Ackerman, Christo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008158 , Auditing, Internal , Financial statements , Controllership
- Description: The objective of this research report was to determine which internal controls are perceived, by internal auditors, to be contributing to the effectiveness of an internal control structure. The Committee for Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) integrated internal control framework was used as a basis for the questionnaire construction and respondents were asked to rate the perceived control effectiveness of each of the components of internal control. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the basic meaning of the data. The questionnaire was completed by following a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which was sent to two internal auditors in audit firms. Thirty one responses were obtained; all the respondents have experience in the evaluation and assessment of internal control systems. This research showed that control elements as outlined in COSOs integrated internal control framework, if implemented, could contribute to the effectiveness of the internal control system.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Information communication and technology in Port Elizabeth secondary schools : exploring the digital divide
- Authors: Adebisi, Adeolu Abiodun
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Information technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/914 , Information technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa , Educational innovations
- Description: The primary goal of the research is to investigate the extent of ICT adoption in secondary schools within the larger Port Elizabeth area. In order to demonstrate the current status, two geographical areas within that area namely privileged and less privileged areas will be selected and surveyed. The main objective of this research study is to survey the access to ICT services by learners and teachers living and working in less privileged communities compared with that of learners and teachers in the more privileged communities of Port Elizabeth. At present all the schools in these communities are funded by the same provincial government, but the extent of the digital divide is not known. This research will investigate the factors that lead to the inequalities in the access to ICT among secondary school learners and teachers. This research has the following sub goals and objectives: 1. To identify the factors that impact on the status of access to ICT services; 2. To determine which socio-economic factors contribute to the status of access to ICT services in the specific areas; 3. To determine the status of access to ICT services in specific communities within the larger Port Elizabeth area; 4. To determine whether the level of access differs between secondary schools and the homes of teachers and learners in the identified areas.
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- Date Issued: 2008
Investigating student readiness for tertiary education
- Authors: Agherdien, Nuraan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: College preparation programs -- South Africa , Students, Transfer of , College student orientation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020593
- Description: Many tertiary institutions are confronted with the challenge of unprepared students. This epidemic is largely due to factors in and out of individuals‟ control. These factors include academic proficiency, course-student match, support and integration, financial stability, preparation, personal circumstances and engagement. The main objective of this study is therefore threefold: Firstly, to describe what student readiness entails; secondly to understand why there is a lack of readiness among first-year Human Resource Management students, and thirdly, to identify and improve upon interventions that prepare students for tertiary education. For this study student readiness refers to the ability of students to meet the basic requirements to successfully enrol for a course without remedial assistance and to successfully complete their studies in the recommended timeframe. The target population of this study focussed on students who registered on a full-time basis for the National Diploma in Human Resource Management for the academic year 2014 (n=117). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students and an open-ended questionnaire additionally to the lecturers who teach first-year Human Resource Management students. The study was subjected to various statistical techniques such as Cronbach‟s alpha, t-tests, Pearson moment product correlation and Cohen‟s d. In doing so an improved insight into student readiness and success was developed. The main findings of the study indicated that there is a relationship between the type of schooling and readiness factors as statistical significance was noted. In addition, students who scored high on readiness factors were more likely to succeed in tertiary education. Moreover the number of interventions students is exposed to positively influence student readiness and success. This study has contributed to the body of knowledge which relates to the broader educational environment in South Africa and provides recommendations to address student readiness and success.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The effect of ozone on the production of broiler
- Authors: Amwele, Hilma Rantilla
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) , Ozone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/226 , Broilers (Chickens) , Ozone
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of ozone (O3) on mature body weight (MBW), feed conversion rate (FCR), mortality rate (MR) and ammonia (NH3) production of broiler chickens (referred to as “broilers” in this thesis) under controlled conditions. Ozone was used for the purifying of air and water in order to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Two trials were conducted over a twelve week production period. In experiment 1, day old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to a control (n=130) and treatment (n=130) group. The treatment groups were exposed to ozone continuously for the entire period of the trial. Both air and water were ozonated on a 24 hours daily basis, while the control group was reared under normal commercial conditions. In experiment 2: day old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to a control (n=123) and a treatment (n=123) group. The treatment group was exposed to ozone for 3 hours per day for the entire period of the trial. Both air and water were ozonated, where the air was treated for 3 hours/day and the water for 1 hour/day during the entire production period. The control group was reared under normal commercial conditions. The results indicate that broilers exposed to continuous O3 (0.1 ppm) conditions had significantly higher (P< 0.001) mortality rates than the control group. The treatment group had a mortality rate of 55.38% compared to the 5.38% for the control group. No significant difference (P= 0. 2468) for MBW was found between the broilers that were reared in the O3 environment compared to the control iii group. Although the control group were on average 200g heavier at the end of the trial. No significant difference (p = 0. 6143) was recorded in FCR between the O3 and control groups. However the FCR of the broilers treated with O3 was lower by 100g than that of the control group. The O3 significantly (P< 0. 0001) reduced the NH3 in the treatment group. When the trial was repeated with limited exposure to an O3 environment there was no significant difference in MBW (P = 0. 0979), FCR (P = 0. 8913) and MR (P = 0. 1108) between the treatment and control groups. However, ammonia levels were lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. When the data was further analyzed comparing the two trials, the results indicated that there was no significant difference (P = 0. 4112) in the MBW for the broilers reared under normal conditions (control group) from experiment 1 and experiment 2, while a significant difference (P = 0. 0002) was recorded between the broilers reared under continuous O3 and regulated O3 conditions from experiment 1 and experiment 2 respectively. When the FCR data was analyzed using the Gompertz equation a significant difference (P = 0.0403) in the FCR of broilers reared in the control group between experiment 1 and experiment 2 was recorded (Table 8). No significant difference (P = 0.3226) in the FCR of broilers raised under O3 conditions of continuous and regulated O3 production were reported between experiment 1 and experiment 2. A highly significant difference (P = 0. 0001) in the MR of broilers reared under ozone conditions was recorded between experiment 1 and experiment 2. In experiment 1, the MR was 55.38% while in experiment 2 the MR was only 8.78%. A significant difference (P = 0.0355) was also recorded in the MR of broilers that iv were raised in the control groups between experiment 1 and experiment 2. The MR for broilers in the control group was 5.38% in experiment 1 and for experiment 2 it was 9.74%. The mortality rate of broilers raised in the control groups conditions increased by approximately 4% points or 81% between experiment 1 and experiment 2. The level (0.1 ppm) of ozone production had a limited effect on the MBW and FCR of broilers, however it is evident that ozone is toxic to broilers when they are exposed to a continuous ozonated environment. Ozone was however effective in controlling ammonia levels.
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- Date Issued: 2004
Investigating the use of social networking via mobile phone as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) agriculture in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District
- Authors: Atinuke, Jimoh Rashidat
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Digital media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18398 , vital:28633
- Description: We live in the era in which the internet is now available on the majority of mobile phones at a very cheaper rate. This advancement in technology has created a boom in the use of mobile phone social networking as a primary communication tool - not only for individuals but also commonly used by professionals in most fields. The trends and growing usage of social networking via mobile phone indicate a potentially effective new platform for increasing production especially in agricultural sectors. In this age of information technology, farming communities can be empowered with the latest information and knowledge through mobile phone social networking to enhance agricultural development. The study investigates the use of mobile phone social networking as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) farmers in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Specifically, the study investigates the use of available mobile phone social networks; what they are used for; and the importance and benefits of social networking both generally and to the farming communities. The study further identifies problems inhibiting the use of mobile phone social networking. Other channels through which the small-scale (emerging) farmers acquire agricultural information, aside from via mobile phone, and the type of agricultural information these farmers acquire, are also investigated. This study focuses on the use - and not the testing or adoption of - mobile phone social networking in small-scale (emerging) agriculture. In the exercise to investigate the use of social networking apps via mobile phone, data was collected from 40 small-scale (emerging) farmers using a purposive sampling method. This study used a survey design, exploratory and descriptive research methodologies. Data was captured by administering a questionnaire through personal face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics such as simple frequency tables, percentages and bar graphs were used. From the Chi-square testing, it was found that agricultural knowledge levels, internet access and size of production farm land influence the use of social networking by the small-scale (emerging) farmers. However, the result of this study showed that gender, age, other income and educational level of the small-scale (emerging) farmers are not statistically significant determinants of social networking use. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.95. To establish the strength of associations of the variables, Cramer’s V ranging between 0.04 and 0.9 (signifying relationships from negligible to very strong association) was used. The findings showed that different social networks are used by the farming communities, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Blackberry messenger, MXit, Twitter and YouTube. The various uses of these social networks by the farmers are discussed. The benefits and problems inhibiting their use are also outlined. Other sources of acquiring agricultural information by the farmers aside from social networking via mobile phone are examined. The result of the study shows that [agricultural extension officers, other farmers, farmers’ discussion groups, friends and family,] are major sources of agricultural information to the small-scale (emerging) farmers while other sources are television, radio, print media and result demonstrations. The study suggests that to enhance mobile phone social networking to ensure that timely and effective agricultural information is readily accessible to the small-scale (emerging) farmers. These include agricultural extension officers making optimal use of social networking via mobile phone, due to the strong interaction and trust between them and the farmers. This interaction can be instrumental in the effective use of this technology as a resourceful medium for accessing agricultural information to enhance productivity. Proper awareness and understanding of the potential and benefits of mobile social networking by the farmers will motivate the small-scale (emerging) farmers to use the technology for effective agricultural purposes. Also, ensuring the availability of agricultural information to small-scale (emerging) farmers by setting up on-line pages or websites to discuss matters of interest and educate and update farmers on agricultural issues should be encouraged. This may attract the younger generation and the youth to participate fully in agricultural activities - thereby enhancing agricultural development.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of Volkswagen of South Africa's graduate training programme to develop a model for achieving programme outcomes
- Authors: Avrabos, Cheryl Lee
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/168 , College graduates -- Recruiting -- South Africa , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm)
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a process model in order to meet outcomes of graduate training programmes, with specific relevance to Volkswagen of South Africa. To do this, VWSA’s Graduate Training Programme was assessed in terms of the approach currently used by VWSA to recruit, select and train graduate trainees. A literature study was conducted to reveal strategies for effectively training new recruits and the development of leadership competencies. Based on this study a model was developed to facilitate the graduate training programme process to achieve programme objectives. The study aimed at making a contribution to graduate training programmes by identifying key leadership competencies, as well as the training interventions which lead to the development of these competencies. It was found that the technical skills that the trainees acquire at their tertiary educational institutions are not sufficient in today’s workplace, thereby necessitating closer working relationships between these institutions and businesses so that needs can be shared, as well as more comprehensive training programmes being provided. The research methodology comprised the following steps: An analysis was made of VWSA’s current processes regarding recruitment, selection and training of their graduate trainees. iv An assessment of leadership competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes that contribute to successful performance was undertaken. Training interventions as a process was studied. An analysis was made as to what extent the existing training interventions for VWSA’s graduate programme achieve the desired programme outcomes by means of a research questionnaire circulated to mentors/coaches and graduate trainees within the organisation. A model was developed to serve as a holistic framework for the recruitment, selection and training of graduate trainees for all motor and related industries undertaking graduate training programmes. The above was achieved through a practical study and a literature study, making use of questionnaires, as well as relevant published, unpublished and electronic texts and studies. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made based on data established through theoretical research and data obtained from the questionnaires.
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- Date Issued: 2005
Oorsaaipraktyke en vestiging van eenjarige raaigras in lusernweiding
- Authors: Badenhorst, Daniël
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Alfalfa Alfalfa -- Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11792 , vital:26969
- Description: Die Eden- en Overbergdistrik in die Suid-Kaap vorm die mees suidelike substreke van die winterreëngebied. Dit is geleë tussen 33° 45‟ en 34° 50‟ suiderbreedte en tussen 19° 0‟ en 23° 45‟ oosterlengte. Die westelike grens van die substreek word gevorm deur die Villiersdorp-Botrivier-gebied. Aan die noordekant word die substreek begrens deur die Sonderend-, Lange- en Outeniquabergreekse. Die oostelike grens word gevorm deur die Bloukransrivier. Die Indiese Oseaankuslyn vanaf Nature‟s Valley in die ooste tot by Kleinmond in die weste vorm die suidelike grens. In die Suidkusstreek word 54.5% van die Wes-Kaapse melkproduksie en 24% van Suid-Afrika se melkproduksie deur 1900 melkprodusente geproduseer (Dowrey 2005). Ses en dertig persent van die bruto jaarlikse veeproduk is afkomstig vanaf suiwelprodukte wat hoofsaaklik vanaf aangeplante weiding geproduseer word. Aangeplante weiding beslaan 37.7% van die totale oppervlakte van die vee- en saaigebiede van die Suidkusstreek (Botha 2003). Weens beperkte, skaars besproeiingswater in groot dele van die Suid-Kaap, word heelwat weiding slegs aanvullend besproei (Protopapas 2004). Voervloeiprogramme vir melkproduksie onder aanvullende besproeiing bestaan hoofsaaklik uit kikoejoe (Pennisetum clandestinum) en lusern (Medicago sativa) (Botha 2003). Die droëmateriaalproduksie en weikapasiteit van lusern volg, soos kikoejoe, „n baie sterk seisoenale tendens met „n piek in die somer / herfs en „n laagtepunt in die winter (Durand 1993; Botha 1998; Botha 2003). Voervloeiprogramme met lusern of kikoejoe as hoofkomponente het gewoonlik voertekorte gedurende die winter tot gevolg. Hoofsaaklik om dié rede het boere uit die lusernproduserende gebiede van Heidelberg, Riversdal, Herbertsdale en Mosselbaai, deur hul onderskeie boereverenigings, „n versoek aan Outeniqua Navorsingsplaas gerig om ondersoek in te stel na moontlike oorsaaipraktyke wat die droëmateriaalproduksie van lusernstelsels gedurende die winter kan verhoog. Kikoejoeweiding word reeds die afgelope aantal jare suksesvol met Westerworldsraaigrasse oorgesaai vir beter herfs-, winter- en lenteproduksie. Anders as by kikoejoeweidings bestaan daar huidiglik geen beproefde oorsaaipraktyke wat die produksiepotensiaal van lusern in die winter en vroeë lente kan verhoog nie (Anoniem 2002).
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- Date Issued: 2011
The simulation of vehicle engine cooling in a climatic chamber
- Authors: Badenhorst, Kenneth Merwin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1454 , Automobiles -- Motors -- Cooling systems , Automobiles -- Air conditioning
- Description: The simulation of vehicle engine cooling validation in a Climatic chamber will benefit all vehicle manufacturers that are responsible for the design or the localization of parts used in a vehicle's engine cooling system. The ability to test the vehicle in-house allows testing at any time of the year; it provides repeatable and comparative data, and accelerates component level approval, which in itself reduces program timing and cost. For this dissertation road level testing was conducted in Upington using a TD1200 Superflow towing dynamometer, while the in-house testing was performed on a ROTOTEST chassis dynamometer in a Climatic chamber. All tests were conducted according to GENERAL MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA global testing standards. Statistical analyses of the test data were used to determine the relationship between parameters measured and results obtained. The major contributors to the simulation process was identified and implemented to improve measurement quality and test results. The result was an accurate simulation between road and chamber testing, hence the possibility of moving away from road testing and conduct simulated chamber testing. The presented dissertation is useful for the understanding of basic vehicle cooling testing and the methodology of simulated testing in an environmentally controlled chamber.
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- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of how dividend policies impact on the share value of selected companies
- Authors: Barman, Graham Paul
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8976 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/806 , Dividends , Corporations -- Valuation
- Description: Wealth maximisation for shareholders is a combination of dividend payouts and an increase in share price. Management, as custodians of shareholder interest, should therefore consciously work towards influencing the share price favourably. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyse, through an empirical study, dividend policy and the effect, if any, it has on the value of shares by conducting a survey among financial managers to measure their views regarding dividends and share value and to either validate or disprove the academic explanation of the practice of paying dividends.
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- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of UPLC technology for the simultaneous analysis of actives in a multi-active drug
- Authors: Bawjee, Janita
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: High performance liquid chromatography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008407 , High performance liquid chromatography
- Description: The evaluation of the potential to use Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for the simultaneous quantification of all the actives in a multi-active tablet is described in this work. Part of the evaluation was to ensure that the necessary regulatory requirements were adhered to by ascertaining that an analytical method is suitable for a specific purpose through analytical method validation for the specific multi-active tablet. The UPLC method was also tested for the analysis of similar products, namely tablet formulations that contain similar active ingredients in the same proportions but with an additional active ingredient. A method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol, caffeine and codeine phosphate was developed using UPLC technology. The UPLC developed method was more efficient than the existing in-house HPLC method. The UPLC method was then validated in accordance to ICH and USP guidelines. The application of this UPLC method for the analysis of similar products containing paracetamol, caffeine, codeine phosphate and one extra active ingredient was very challenging. The low concentration of the additional component, differences in sample matrix and differences in formulations added to the challenges. The direct application for the analysis of products Y and Z was not successful; however the method could be used as a platform for further research. A cost comparison between the UPLC and HPLC methods showed the UPLC method to be more cost effective. Thus, while maintenance costs are higher for the UPLC instrument, column costs are comparable to HPLC columns, but solvent and waste disposal charges decrease considerably due to lower solvent use. The reduction in instrument time dramatically improves the cost effectiveness of UPLC over HPLC due to a concurrent reduction in analyst time requirement. The results of this study show that the analytical costs associated with the analysis of multi-active drugs using HPLC procedures can be reduced substantially by the CONFIDENTIAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF ASPEN PHARMACARE implementation of UPLC technology. The hypothesis that the enhanced chromatographic power of UPLC can be leveraged to provide faster analysis times hence increased product throughput rates, and lower operating costs for the analysis of multi-active drugs was accepted. These advantages were achieved whilst meeting all regulatory requirements for analytical methods as required by regulatory bodies.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Retention and dropout rates for a sample of national higher certificate students in the school of accounting
- Authors: Beck, Richard Alan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: College dropouts -- South Africa , Learning ability , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Accounting -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1408 , College dropouts -- South Africa , Learning ability , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Accounting -- Study and teaching
- Description: Higher Education retention rates in South Africa are among the lowest in the world. At the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, a trend has been noted for National Higher Certificate (NHC) students within the Faculty of Business and Economic Science’s School of Accounting. Dropout rates have increased and graduation rates have declined for students studying NHC programmes. Retention and dropout studies have rarely been undertaken for accounting students in higher certificate or diploma programmes, which provided the motivation for this study. The study aimed to determine the dropout and retention rates of NHC students and to identify the demographic and other characteristics of dropout students relative to those who persist with their studies. Furthermore, the study identified potential barriers to academic success in the sample. An exploratory descriptive research approach was adopted to achieve the general and specific aims of the study. Data were obtained from Management Information Services about NHC dropout students and students continuing with their studies for the period 2005 to 2009. Furthermore, information was gathered for separate samples from a Language Questionnaire and the Learning Enhancement Checklist (LEC) regarding barriers to student success. High dropout rates were found in that more than half of the students dropped out. Correspondingly, the retention rates were low. The findings for the gender, cultural and language groups were interesting but no definitive conclusions could be reached regarding trends related to student dropout and retention in relation to these biographical variables. Performance in Financial Accounting I and II yielded interesting trends. Students at risk for dropping out obtained a mark of 50 percent or less on average for Financial Accounting I and 40 percent or less for Financial Accounting II. The analysis conducted to determine barriers to student success revealed that students did not prepare adequately for lectures; experienced certain difficulties in lectures, tests and VIII exams; found it difficult to manage their studies and time; and experienced financial and psychological problems. The findings of the study can be used to identify students who might drop out at an early stage. Furthermore, the findings can guide the nature of the development and support that NHC students need to succeed. The limitations of the study are noted and suggestions are made for further research into the factors related to student dropout and retention in the field of accounting.
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- Date Issued: 2011
A critical analysis of the definition of gross income
- Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8977 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/805 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Interpretation and construction , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa
- Description: Income tax is levied upon a taxpayer’s taxable income. Various steps are taken in order to arrive at the taxpayer’s taxable income. The starting point when calculating taxable income is determining the taxpayer’s ‘gross income’. ‘Gross income’ is defined in terms of section 1 of the Act. Various terms within the gross income definition are not clearly defined, except in the case of a ‘resident’. Even in the case of the definition of a ‘resident’, the aspect of ‘ordinarily resident’ is not defined and nor is the ‘place of effective management’. The following components fall within the definition of ‘gross income’: • The total amount in cash or otherwise; • received by or accrued to, or in favour of, a person; • from anywhere, in the case of a person who is a resident; • from a South African source (or deemed source), in the case of a non-resident; • other than receipts or accruals of a capital nature. The ‘total amount’ in ‘cash or otherwise’ is the first step when determining the taxable income of a taxpayer for a particular year of assessment. Gross income only arises if an amount is received or has accrued; this amount need not be in the form of money but must have a money value. The next component, ‘received by or accrued to’, is related to time and implies that a taxpayer should include amounts that have been ‘received by’, as well as amounts that have ‘accrued to’ him during the year of assessment. ‘Resident’ and ‘non-resident’ unlike the other components, are defined in terms of section 1 of the Income Tax Act. There are two rules used to determine whether natural persons are residents, these are: • To determine whether natural persons are ‘ordinarily resident’; or • where the natural person is not an ‘ordinarily resident’, the ‘physical presence test’ will be applied. ‘Source’ means origin and not place; it is therefore the ‘originating cause of the receipt of the money’. There is no single definition for the word ‘source’ as circumstances may differ in various cases. The facts of each case must be analysed in order to determine the actual source of income for that particular case. The last component of the definition of ‘gross income’ is the exclusion of ‘receipts and accruals of a capital nature’. The Act does not define the meaning of ‘capital nature’ but does indicate that receipts or accruals of a capital nature are, with certain exceptions, not included in ‘gross income’. Receipts or accruals that are not of a capital nature is known as ‘revenue’ and subjected to tax. This study is primarily aimed at an examination of court cases related to the various components falling within the definition of ‘gross income’.
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- Date Issued: 2008
A critical analysis of the influence of the performance management system used in the financial department at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Beckett, Yasmien
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/155 , Performance -- Management , Employees, Rating of , Organizational effectiveness , Finance departments , General Motors (South Africa)
- Description: Recently, organisations have been faced with challenges like never before. Increasing competition from businesses across the world has meant that businesses must be more careful about the choice of strategies to remain competitive. This situation has placed more focus on organizational effectiveness in that systems and processes be applied in the right way to the right things to achieve results. All of the organisational processes must continue to be aligned to achieve the overall results desired by the organisation for it to survive and thrive. Performance management is an ongoing process that should reflect the current and emerging business challenges, as well as the company’s values about performance and careers. As the business and workforce change, the performance management process should be modified to ensure that the process and tools remain congruent with organisational values and priorities. The objective of this study was to identify the influence of the current performance management system, in the Finance department at General Motors South Africa, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The researcher used the random sampling method of selection and distributed the questionnaire to eighty one potential respondents via mail and electronic e-mail. Forty one completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and -iiianalysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organisation. It can be concluded from the respondent’s opinions that the greatest shortcomings of the current performance management system are the link between performance and reward, and commitment to the process in its totality. The other areas of concern are the lack of training and development, and the necessary resources required to achieve objectives. The study also indicates there is no overwhelming agreement that feedback, both positive and negative, takes place as the literature suggests. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions made: • Firstly, it is imperative that management undergoes training in the feedback and review process which is a critical element in the performance management cycle. • Secondly, to realise the benefit of increased employee effectiveness, management should undergo training to become more effective career coaches to promote a climate of continuous learning and professional growth. • Thirdly, the reward system should be reviewed, if management is committed to using pay as an incentive for desired levels and directions of performance. • Fourthly, management can set an example and build commitment for effective performance management and be leaders at all levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An empirical study of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used in firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Bester, Lizel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/475 , Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.
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- Date Issued: 2006
The effect of different slaughter age regimes on the primary and secondary production parameters of Ostriches (Struthio Camelus Domesticus) and the economic consequences of different slaughter ages
- Authors: Bhiya, Clovis Solomon
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Ostrich farming -- South Africa , Ostriches -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10735 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/837 , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa , Ostrich farming -- South Africa , Ostriches -- Breeding -- South Africa
- Description: The South African ostrich industry is presently characterised by a drastic decline in the slaughter price of slaughter birds, due to the drop in the price of meat as well as leather. As a result, the economic viability of ostrich farming is severely hampered by these developments, and many generally accepted industry practices have to be reviewed. Among the practices under review is the possibility of slaughtering ostriches at an earlier age than the traditional slaughter age of 12 - 14 months, in order to minimise feed costs and the incidence of damage to the skin. However, little information is available on the effect of the slaughter age on the yield and quality of the economically important end-products. The effect of slaughter age on production and the economic viability of a commercially intensive ostrich production system was consequently evaluated in a completely randomised experimental design involving two batches (n= 81 and n= 94) of ostriches. The experiments took place at Kromme Rhee experimental farm of the Elsenburg Research Centre near Stellenbosch. The birds were subject to experimental treatment at the age of 4 months (n= 81, from May 2004 to March 2005) and 6 months (n= 94, from August 2004 to August 2005) respectively. The ostriches were randomly divided into 10 groups of between 16 and 20 birds per group. Standard production practices, as applied in an intensive ostrich production unit, were implemented. Clean drinking water and self-mixed grower diet (min 15 percent crude protein, 0.68 percent lysine and 11.4 MJ ME per kg feed) and finisher diet (min 14 percent crude protein, 0.55 percent lysine and 9.8 MJ ME per kg feed) were provided ad libitum to the birds. Birds were slaughtered at the ages of 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 14.5, and 16.5 months respectively. Data on feed intake and yields of cold carcass, crust skin size, skin grade and total feathers was recorded for birds slaughtered at the respective ages. Data was analysed according to the analysis of variances. Values for meat yield, skin size yield and feed intake were predicted by regression analysis based on experimental values. Industry figures and norms were used as proxy for other production inputs and costs. A gross margin type analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of different slaughter ages on the profitability of each production system. There was a positive correlation between age and feed intake (r2= 0.40), slaughter weight (r2= 0.97), cold carcass yield (r2= 0.48), skin surface area (r2= 0.39), skin grade (r2= 0.19) and total yield of feathers (r2= 0.29). The dry skin grade showed deterioration as slaughter age was prolonged. Highly significant differences (P< 0.01) in slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, skin surface area, dry skin grade and total feathers were detected at the different slaughter ages. There were no significant differences (P> 0.05) with respect to gender for slaughter weight, skin surface area and dry skin grade within the different age groups. Males had significantly higher (P< 0.05) cold carcass yield and total feather yield than their female counterparts. From this study it can be concluded that an increase in slaughter age significantly increases feed intake, slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, and skin surface area. It is also clear that an increase in slaughter age can be detrimental to dry skin grade. The relative income contribution of the three main products (skin: meat: feathers) occurred in a ratio of 47:53:0, 52:47:1, 47:50:3, 44:51:5, 39:56:5 at the respective slaughter ages. Total income revealed an increase of 26 percent from 8.5 to 10.5 months slaughtering, an increase of 4 percent between 10.5 and 12.5 months, and an increase of 11 percent between 12.5 and 14.5 months. The income dropped by 0.3 percent between 14.5 and 16.5 months slaughtering. Total costs increased with slaughter age, particularly feed costs which showed an increase (at a decreasing rate) between the different slaughter ages. The margin above specified cost per bird was the highest for birds slaughtered at the age of 10.5 months. The margin above cost showed a steady decline as birds were slaughtered at higher ages. Slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative margin. To compare the effect of differences in time span on different slaughter age regimes, margin above costs for each system over 5 years were discounted to a present value. In this study, with current feed costs and income from end products, slaughtering at 10.5 months revealed the highest present value for the margin above cost. Furthermore, slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative present value on the margin above cost after 5 years. Financial viability calculations are relevant and valid for data obtained in this case study. Financial viability is however case-specific and may vary between producers, depending on their individual management practices, production systems and cost structures. Results from this study may be of significant value to managerial decision-making in the ostrich industry.
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- Date Issued: 2006
Environmental health work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Factors that influence warranty costs at Volkswagen South Africa
- Authors: Blignaut, Bevan Hyron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Warranty , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Total quality management , Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013088
- Description: Driving a vehicle while it is within the warranty period provide customers with assurance that should a failure occur on the vehicle, there would be no financial obligation for the customer to repair the vehicle. For the manufacturer, it is a huge financial obligation to repair or replace components that fail on the vehicle. The research conducted in this study explores and identifies the main reasons for high warranty costs as well as the reasons that do not influence high warranty costs at VWSA. The purpose of this research is to provide VWSA with a potential starting point to reduce warranty costs and increase profits. The study revealed that the main cause of high warranty costs at VWSA was related to the quality of vehicles. By improving the quality of vehicles produced, VWSA could reduce a significant portion of the warranty costs it spends each year. With reduced warranty costs, VWSA could increase the warranty period and thereby attract more customers to purchase VW products. In a cutthroat automotive industry, this would ensure a competitive advantage over rivals; maintain longevity, increase profits and continued success.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Continuous auditing technologies and models
- Authors: Blundell, Adrian Wesley
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011922 , Auditing , Auditing -- Data processing
- Description: Continuous auditing is not a totally new concept, but it has not been widely implemented, and has existed mostly as a point of debate amongst the auditing fraternity. This may soon change, as continuous auditing has become a topic of great interest, especially in the last decade. This may be due to a combination of reasons. In the last decade, much of the confidence in auditors’ reports was lost due to corporate governance scandals. This also brought about a greater desire for faster, more reliable reporting on which to base decisions. This desire has been transposed into regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley act in the United States, which encourages real-time auditing activities, which would benefit from continuous auditing. A second, possible contributing factor to the heightened interest in continuous auditing is that much of the requisite technology has matured to a point where it can be successfully used to implement continuous auditing. It is the technologies which form the focus of this research. It is therefore, the primary objective of this research to investigate and identify the essential technologies, and identify and define their roles within a continuous auditing solution. To explore this area, three models of continuous auditing are compared according to the roles of the technologies within them. The roots of some auditing technologies which can be adapted to the paradigm of continuous auditing are explored, as well as new technologies, such as XML-based reporting languages. In order to fully explore these technologies, the concepts of data integrity and data quality are first defined and discussed, and some security measures which contribute to integrity are identified. An obstacle to implementing a continuous model is that even with the newly available technologies, the multitudes of systems which are used in organisations, produce data in a plethora of data formats. In performing an audit the continuous auditing system needs to first gather this data and then needs to be able to compare “apples with apples”. Therefore, the technologies which can be used to acquire and standardise the data are identified.
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- Date Issued: 2007
The relationship between opportunity-related aspects and the performance of primary co-operatives in South Africa
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement Performance , Small business -- Management Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14653 , vital:27813
- Description: South Africa is a country facing divisive social and economic challenges. It has a history that generated imbalances within the economy and requires urgent solutions to one of the most significant issues the country faces, having too few South Africans in work. Globally, a key solution to creating work has been to make small business the engine-room of economies. Consequently, the South African Government has identified the establishment of small businesses as a priority, which incorporates the development of collaborative forms of businesses in marginalised communities. The co-operative form of business and a strong co-operative movement is, therefore, a critical element of government’s initiative to create work and economic independence for South Africans. Governed by the seven International Labour Organization (ILO) principles, this form of business is often more complex than a typical firm, making the task of establishing and growing these entities particularly challenging. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of co-operative movements across the globe. It then looks at the specific challenges the movement faces in South Africa, followed by an analysis of best practice that a business should engage in its establishment and growth. Specifically, the literature examines whether there is a relationship between opportunity-related industry, market and entrepreneurial team aspects and improved business performance of business entities such as co-operatives. The study collates data from co-operatives in the South African economy using two separate methodologies. Firstly, a structured interview was used to acquire information on the opportunity-related aspects. Secondly, business transactions were recorded and basic financial statements were produced for each co-operative, enabling a rating on business performance. The primary data was then analysed within Chapter 6, to investigate the strength of the relationship between opportunity-related aspects and business performance. The findings extracted from the primary data reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge as it relates to the relationship between opportunity-related aspects and business performance, but there were also some interesting new insights that were extracted from the data. The South African co-operative movement has achieved certain success and momentum as well as experiencing certain failures, and the study clearly highlights both, and makes recommendations to improve the movements and government’s efforts to establish a vibrant and meaningful co-operative sector.
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- Date Issued: 2017