An evaluation of the implementation of decentralization of the World Bank's operations of poverty reduction in Uganda
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of pension fund investments on economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Olaifa, Ayodeji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Pension trusts -- Investments , Retirement income -- South Africa -- Planning , Pension trusts -- South Africa -- Management , Retirees -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015971
- Description: Pension fund investments have been under the spotlight lately, particularly on the back of the recent global financial and economic crisis that resulted in a significant reduction in pension fund assets across economies. Increased poverty levels and high financial indebtedness abound, as workers grapple with retrenchments, reduction in retirement benefits and reduced wages. This is causing a re-assessment of investment strategies of pension funds across the globe, and increasing support for the argument that, the traditional equity/government bond asset allocation is out - fashioned in a world of lower returns and wider choices. Pension funds by virtue of their size, can impact the society directly and/or indirectly through investments in companies that incorporate environmental, social and governance issues in their corporate behaviours, or in dedicated socially responsible investment funds or other forms of alternative investments. This study sought to provide a link between the investment patterns of pension funds and national economic development. An in-depth literature review was undertaken, and investments impacts were assessed by looking at published reports of select funds and corporations. Pension funds are an integral part of a nation‟s economy. This research work established the various dimensions in which pension fund investments can impact the socio economic development of a country, especially in developing countries, where there exists a huge infrastructural and economic gap among different sectors of the economy. Pension funds are workers capital, and therefore should be invested in a manner that will benefit workers, and these benefits cannot be restricted to mere financial benefits, it should be able to generate social, financial and environmental benefits, and in a sustainable way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Impact of economic freedom on CEMAC countries
- Authors: Ossono NII, Edith Gloria
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Free enterprise , Economic development , Monetary policy -- Africa, Central , Africa, Central -- Economic integration , Africa, Central -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9020 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019713
- Description: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of economic freedom on economic growth and investments in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The region was created in 1994 by the six states of Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. CEMAC countries comprise low and middle-income countries that share the same currency - the CFA Franc. The CEMAC countries were observed between 1995 and 2008 and panel regression methodologies were employed. A positive impact of economic freedom on economic growth was established using fixed effects method and the generalised method of moments. The impact of a unit increase in the economic freedom index on GDP per capita ranged between 72.65 and 124.51 units (dollars) increase on GDP per capita, ceteris paribus. Economic freedom was also found to Granger-cause economic growth. The results underline a significantly positive relationship between economic freedom and economic growth which is consistent with existing literature. The impact of economic freedom on domestic investment and foreign directs investment was then examined. With regard to domestic investment, economic freedom was found to be statistically significant and positive in all specifications of the model, thereby implying that a unit increase in the economic freedom index increases domestic investment by values of between 0.50 and 0.69 dollars in the CEMAC. The results obtained were consistent with most findings on the relationship between economic freedom and investments. With regard to the relationship between economic freedom and foreign direct investment inflows, economic freedom was unexpectedly statistically insignificant in most specifications of the model. The latter implies that economic freedom does not have a significant impact on foreign direct investment in the CEMAC. However, the study revealed that economic freedom Granger-causes foreign direct investment but foreign direct investment does not Granger-cause economic freedom. This means that economic freedom precedes foreign direct investments, and foreign direct investments do not precede economic freedom. The study strongly recommends an improvement of institutions in the CEMAC in order to enjoy greater levels of economic freedom and therefore foster economic growth and domestic investment in the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
How community participation can be enhanced in the creation of sustainable human settlements in Whittlesea : a case study of Whittlesea Mabuyase housing project
- Authors: Penxa, Lungile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020772
- Description: Development is an idea, an objective and an activity (Kothari and Minogue, 2002). Development emerged as an idea that nations had to adopt in their journey through post-war history. Development is seen as an ambiguous concept (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). In other words, it is defined in many ways to suit different purposes. Furthermore, over the long term development implies increased living standards, improved health and well being for all, and the achievement of whatever is regarded as a general good for society at large (Allen and Thomas, 1992: 23). Therefore, from the above development appears as a “one size fits all” concept, because it is an attempt to address the problems in society. Furthermore, development has been defined as a participatory, people-centred process intended to reduce the incidence of poverty and achieve better livelihoods for all (Kingsbury, McKay, and Hunt, 2004: 43). The definition of development as participatory and people-centred is the most applicable for the purposes of this study. Participation has been widely used in the development discourse. Within the development sphere, participation has been associated with the community sector (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). The definition of participation in development has been located in development projects and programmes (i.e. sustainable human settlements for our study purposes), as a means of strengthening their relevance, quality and sustainability (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Strengthening of participation in local governance has to do with the strengthening of directcitizen involvement in decision-making by individuals or groups in public activities, oftenthrough newly established institutional channels, such as monitoring committees, planning processes, etc (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:8-9). Hence, participation could be seen as involvement in decision-making in all phases of a project (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:2). Citizen participation is about power and its exercise by different social actors in the spacescreated for the interaction between citizens and local authorities. However, the control of thestructure and processes for participation - defining spaces, actors, agendas, procedures - is usuallyin the hands governmental institutions and can become a barrier for effective involvement ofcitizens (Gaventa and Valderrama, 1999:7). The above discussion has been an attempt to show what participatory development or participation in a development process is all about. This has been done through briefly defining and discussing development and participation and also showing the relationship between the two concepts. Now the discussion will focus on enlightening the reader about sustainable human settlements – the main issue of this study. The decision to do research in this area came after the realization that there is still a shortage of houses in the Eastern Cape, and when the government does deliver these houses in a particular area people still have complaints regarding the new houses delivered to them. Then a question that came to mind was whether people are consulted or not before these houses are constructed during the planning stages so that they can give their own views or ideas on houses. Overall the reason for choosing this topic was to look at people’s participation on the development of houses. It is evident in the Provincial Medium Term Sustainable Human Settlement Research Agenda that community participation is lacking in the housing delivery process of the Eastern Cape (Province of the Eastern Cape Human Settlement,2011:9).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating talent management as a strategy to promote employee retention at ABSA Bank
- Authors: Pepeta, Phumeza Martha
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Personnel management , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019691
- Description: Research studies have reported that many organisations are challenged with the ability to retain talent. Against this background, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether Absa Bank’s talent approach is succeeding in retaining critical talent. Talent management is undoubtedly one of the critical strategic imperatives facing business leaders today. The current war for talent and skills shortage has resulted in growing pressure to attract and retain talent in order to have a competitive advantage. The literature review in this study revealed that there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to talent management. The study emphasised the importance of having a talent strategy that focuses on unleashing and harnessing talent rather than just recruiting the best people in the market. The study further highlighted that organisations should clearly identify their own talent drivers, based on their unique organisational culture and business strategic imperatives. The key talent drivers discussed in this study include recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, reward and recognition, diversity and culture, quality leadership and barriers to effective talent management. The study further argued the importance of having a compelling employee value proposition (EVP), in an attempt to attract and retain the best people. The target population for this study consisted of middle managers at Absa Bank, where the majority of key value roles, which are critical for retention lie. A sample of 100 respondents was randomly selected from the total population. The findings suggested that when an organisation has effective leadership, it is more likely to create a compelling EVP that is conducive to talent retention. Furthermore, the findings revealed that Absa is effective in applying certain talent strategies whilst other areas required more attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Constraints and opportunities in the informal economy
- Authors: Phala, Terrance Madiseng
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9156 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019809
- Description: In spite of the fact that informal traders in the informal economy are viewed as having the greatest prospects for creating jobs and absorbing the unemployed in developing countries, informal traders in Limpopo Province in general, and the city of Polokwane in particular, face various constraints that negatively affect them on a daily basis. The aim of the study has been to explore the constraints and opportunities of informal traders, using the city of Polokwane as a case study. The study has attempted to identify and describe constraints that affect informal traders in the Polokwane city, as well as factors that can enhance their development and growth. The study is exploratory, descriptive and qualitative in nature. Semi-structured faceto-face interviews were conducted to gather data. Findings of the study suggest that the government should improve the effectiveness of its support mechanisms by initiating targeted support programmes specifically tailored for informal traders at the survivalist level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Financial contagion and the transmission of the 2007 US financial crisis to South Africa
- Authors: Phelps, Barry Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019714
- Description: The topic of financial contagion has attracted increased attention in economic literature over the past three decades; in particular after the Asian crisis of 1997. This dissertation investigates financial contagion and its effects on South Africa after the 2007 global financial crisis. In particular, it examines whether South Africa experienced contagion from the United States stock market to its own over the period 1 July 2007 to 1 April 2009 within the strict definition of contagion or otherwise: the fraction of exceedance events in the stock market that is left unexplained by its own covariates but is explained by the exceedance from another region. This is tested empirically with a binomial-nominal logistic model. In addition to this, various financial and trade transmission mechanisms are tested to empirically determine through which channels the crisis was propagated. The analysis makes use of quarterly data from January 2002 to April 2009, within an OLS framework, with a dummy variable differentiating the periods before and after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. The findings suggest that contagion was in fact not present in this crisis, which speaks to market rationality and indicates that the South African stock market did in fact react rationally to a changing macroeconomic environment over this period. The transmission mechanism analyses indicate that there was a change in the interdependence relationship between the two stock markets following the crash of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. It is apparent that both trade and financial variables played significant roles in the propagation of this crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Assessed losses: the trade and income from trade requirements as set out in section 20 of the Income Tax Act of 1962
- Authors: Pillay, Neermala Neelavathy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax deductions for losses -- South Africa , Income tax deductions for losses -- Australia , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1670 , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax deductions for losses -- South Africa , Income tax deductions for losses -- Australia , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Description: Section 20 of the Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962 allows a taxpayer that incurs an assessed loss to carry forward the balance of assessed loss incurred, to be set off against taxable income earned in or added to losses incurred in future years. The issues regarding the carry forward of assessed losses in terms of section 20 is complex and in terms of the said section, a company is only entitled to set off its assessed loss from the previous year against its taxable income in the current year, if the taxpayer has carried on a trade during the current year and has derived income from that trade. Under the provisions of section 20(2A), a taxpayer other than a company can utilise an assessed loss even if no trading has been conducted. Assessed losses of natural persons, may however be ring-fenced. The aim of this treatise was twofold. Firstly it was to gain clarity on the „trade‟ and „income from trade‟ issues and secondly to compare South African legislation with that of Australia, with a view to recommending a change in our rules regarding the treatment of assessed losses in the context of companies. The critical lessons to be learned from the cases presented, is that liquidators, creditors and others must ensure that the company continues trading in order to x keep the assessed losses valid. Realisation of assets (including stock), and the collection of outstanding debts during liquidation does not constitute the carrying on of a trade in terms of s 20(1). The continuity of trade is an important element in regard to the carry forward of assessed losses to be utilised in the current and future years. Therefore it is important that a company carries on some activity that falls within the definition of trade. In the landmark case of SA Bazaars, it was held that a company did not have to trade continuously throughout the year to qualify for the set-off of the assessed loss or carry forward of the assessed loss, that is, to trade for say part of the year. The court however left open the issue of whether it was necessary to derive income from that trade. In order to clarify the issues regarding assessed losses, SARS issued Interpretation Note 33 granting taxpayers a concession in certain cases where a company has traded, but not derived income from that trade. But in ITC 1830, the court ruled that a company must trade and must derive income from that trade in order to carry forward its assessed loss, which effectively means that SARS cannot apply Interpretation Note 33. SARS does not have the authority to make concession which is contrary to the wording of the Act. xi In Australia, operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely to be set-off against future income, provided a company meets the more than 50% continuity of ownership test. Where the continuity test fails, losses can be deducted if the same business is carried on in the income year (the same business test). From the research conducted and in order to solve the issues surrounding the carry forward of assessed losses it was suggested that one of the following be adopted :- The method used in Australia for the carry forward of assessed losses., or A decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal is needed for a departure from the literal meaning of the words pertaining to the requirements regarding the carry forward of assessed losses. Furthermore, to clarify the definition of „income‟, as used in the context of s20, is it gross income less exempt income or taxable income?. If section 20 relates to taxable income, then an assessed loss will never be increased, which it is submitted, is not what the legislature intended. Section 20 ought to be revisited to eliminate any uncertainty about the income requirement and in the context in which the word „income‟ is used in that section.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors which affect the levels of automation in an automotive final assembly plant
- Authors: Pillay, Prabshan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Process control -- Automation , Automation , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019800
- Description: In the global automotive industry there is a drive toward integration of autonomous and human operated equipment. Monfared and Yang (2006:546) suggest that this dynamic requirement could be met with elements to be investigated in a research paper. Current investigations show a gap in management not having a guideline which can be used to help decide between automation versus human capital in the planning of new production facilities in the automotive assembly plant. (Skjerve and Skraaning, 2004:3). The purpose of this research is to determine what factors affect this decision-making process. In order to carry out this research, an in-depth literature review was conducted using various sources. The sources included, but were not limited to, interviews at assembly plants, the Nelson Mandela Metro University library, various e-journals and the internet. The literature review led to the finding of the factors which affect Levels of Automation (LOA) and to the development of the research instrument which was used to measure the impact of those factors. The results of fifty-two (52) respondents were then analysed and used as evidence to support the three hypotheses proposed. As a result of completing the above procedure the following hypotheses were supported. The greater the level of technology and the lower the skills of employees the greater the level of automation in an automotive assembly plant to be used. The greater the complexity of the assembly processes the lower the level of automation in an automotive assembly plant to be used. The higher the flexibility the greater the level of automation in an automotive assembly plant to be used. This means that managers and supervisors of assembly plants should consider the level of technology and skills of employees, flexibility and complexity during the design stages of an automotive assembly line as these factors will affect profitability by reducing waste, improve quality as well as allow for flexibility in customer demand in terms of volumes and product variance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An examination of public participation in decision-making within the IDP processes with reference to Mhlontlo Local Municipality
- Authors: Pule, Banguxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration -- Decision making -- Citizen participation , Local governmen -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019746
- Description: Public Participation is widely accepted as a way to strengthen the pillars of democratic and accountable governance. In South Africa, public participation is receiving prominence and increasing attention especially at local government level as this level is regarded as the sphere of government closest to the people. The new democratic government in South Africa regards public participation as a cornerstone of democracy. Ackerman (2004:448) asserts that the opening up of the core activities of the state to societal participation is one of the most effective ways to improve accountability and governance. Such accountability and involvement can be better achieved when communities are part of decision making processes in their communities. In South Africa, public participation was heralded by various pieces of legislations which obligated the public to participate and have a say in the decisions taken by their communities. Section 152 of the constitution: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act No 108 of 1996) requires local authority to “encourage the involvement of local communities and community organizations in matters of local government” Informed by the broad principles of the Constitution, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 introduced the notion of developmental local government. According to this Paper, “developmental local government is defined as local government that is committed to working with citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve the quality of their lives”. It is through the process of public participation that citizens are given the opportunity to provide input and partake in decision making on service delivery and governance matters of their municipalities. It is widely acknowledged that active public participation is evidence of deepened democracy and can assist municipalities in i) enhancing service delivery ii) making government and officials more effective and accountable and most importantly involve the communities in decisions affecting their lives and communities. By and large, community involvement through public participatory systems ensures that municipalities incorporate the developmental needs of the people. Theseneeds are expressed and consolidated in municipal integrated development plans. To realise the above, the White Paper on Local Government 1998 suggests that “municipalities should develop mechanisms to ensure citizen participation in policy initiation and formulation, and the 3 monitoring and evaluation of decision-making and implementation”. As outlined above various laws gave a new meaning and a legitimised mandate to the role of local communities in the development of their communities. Informed by the above, this study examines the extent to which public participation influences decision making within the IDP processes and by association its impact on service delivery. This study is premised on the widely accepted view that public participation is a process involving the community or the public to gather opinions, investigate the needs, desires and wishes of the local community and to ensure that they as the community are involved in the decision making processes of their municipality. The study is of the view that the IDP processes represent a structured vehicle to enable citizens and groups to influence decision making through institutionalised municipal participatory structures. By so doing, the public and the government form a pact/partnership to ensure that the needs and aspirations of the community receive priority in the IDP processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of inter-governmental relations in the local economic development processes of the Cacadu District Municipality
- Authors: Puwani, Linda Eric
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006264 , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Central-local government relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of inter-governmental relations in the local economic development processes of the Cacadu district municipality. The sample for the study was selected from Cacadu District Municipality, with five respondents participating in the survey. A qualitative methodology was used in the data collection and item analysis. This showed that the research instrument had good reliability. The literature review reveals that municipal local economic development in South Africa does not rely exclusively on competition. The Cacadu district municipality developed an inter-governmental relations policy that outlines the inter-governmental system and structures that need to be established in the district. In terms of this policy, a number of inter-governmental structures were established, ranging from the Cacadu District Mayor’s forum through Communications and AIDS structures to the Integrated Development Planning and LED Forums. Apart from the Local Economic Development (LED) forum, the findings of this study reveal that there are two further LED-related structures in the Cacadu District Municipality (CDM), namely: an operational District Support Team and a Rural Economic Development Initiative. The co-ordination takes place at the IDP forum, during the IDP processes, and at the Mayor’s and Municipal Managers’ forum. During the time of the research, the CDM was reviewing its economic growth and development strategy. The findings of the study suggest that the district is moving away from planning for isolated local economic development projects. The case study of Camdeboo Satellite Aquaculture Project (CSAP) illustrates the impact of inter-governmental relations and co-ordination in the Cacadu District Municipality. The design of the Project took place between November 2007 and June 2008.A detailed Business Plan for both farming and factory operations over a ten-year period has been compiled and subjected to a thorough evaluation by the CSAP Project Steering Committee, which includes the Industrial Development Corporation, the Development Bank of South Africa, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – with financial support from Thina Sinako (a joint venture between the European Union and the Eastern Cape provincial Treasury).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting a performance management system at South African Airways
- Authors: Qabaka, Brenda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African Airways , Performance standards -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8360 , vital:26349
- Description: Many organisations are continuously searching for methods which can be used to improve performance. The balanced scorecard is a management system that enables organisations to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. When fully deployed, the balanced scorecard transforms strategic planning from an academic exercise into the nerve centre of an enterprise. A prerequisite for implementing a balanced scorecard is a clear understanding of the organisations vision and strategy. The basis for the vision and the strategy should be the holistic view and the information management receives during systematic strategy work. The research study addresses the integration of South African Airways (SAA) strategy with the performance management system. A comprehensive literature study was performed on performance management and the balanced scorecard. Questionnaires, developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to establish the extent to which South African Airways manages performance. The opinions of the various respondents were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify the best approach of performance measurement to be implemented at South African Airways. The final step of this study entailed the formulation of recommendations. These recommendations are regarded as critical to ensure the successful implementation of a performance management system at South African Airways. The following main recommendations were made: Although the empirical study revealed that South African Airways shares its strategic objectives with its management, it is highly recommended that a balanced scorecard should be used as a measuring approach for performance at South African Airways; Before any organisation can start implementing a balanced scorecard it needs a clear understanding of its vision and strategy. It is the management’s responsibility to define a vision, formulate a strategy and set strategic goals regardless of a balanced scorecard being implemented; The implementation of a balanced scorecard should always be organised as a separate project. Several different procedures describing the building process of a balanced scorecard have been presented. The research shows that, to increase the chance of a successful scorecard implementation, regular feedback must be provided to all employees and managers must hold people accountable for using the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Modeling economic behaviour in South Africa's informal urban retail trade sector: the case of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Qabhobho, Thobekile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Retail trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9008 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012855
- Description: Even though South Africa‟s historical inequalities are addressed, serious economic disparities are still evident. The informal economy is not flourishing as it should be, especially when compared to other fledgling democracies on the continent and this poses a policy question since most of the participants of this sector are from the previously disadvantaged section of the population. One policy dilemma that comes to the fore is about how to ensure that there is increased productivity in the sector so that the sector‟s contribution to the national economy can be enhanced. While the actual share of the economy contributed by the informal economy is difficult to ascertain there is evidence that this constitutes less than one fifth of South Africa‟s GDP. Within the informal economy trading appears to be the dominant economic activity. Despite the importance of the informal trade the sector has not attracted the needed attention in the literature either locally or internationally. The area that has received much attention by researchers has been the informal financial sector. Drawing on a standard revenue model for the informal trade sector this study examines the factors that explain differences in the performance of the retail trade businesses; given that these can be identified an effort should then be made to explore the policy measures that can improve the performance of these firms. The study is based on a sample of 300 informal retail traders in the Port Elizabeth environ. The regression analysis presented in this study suggests that residential area, capital, labour, inventory and age of a business are important determinants of an informal retail trade firm‟s revenue. Very few informal retailers indicated that they had businesses training. The survey results show that having a supplier close to the business assists in reducing transport costs, hence the increase in profit margins. Shelters and storages were found to be very useful in the operation of informal businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Assessing entrepreneurship education programmes in secondary schools
- Authors: Qoto, Nomonde Monica
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Small business -- Management -- Study and teaching , Curriculum planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019726
- Description: The emergence of an entrepreneurial spirit is the most significant economic development in the twenty-first century. Entrepreneurship education was introduced in Grades 10-12 as part of the optional subject Business Studies. There are problems across the country encountered by educators in imparting entrepreneurship skills and knowledge to learners. The integration of entrepreneurial programmes into the education system in secondary schools is a prerequisite to develop the necessary skills to start and run a business successfully. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that entrepreneurship education is included in the curriculum as a separate subject so as to develop the entrepreneurship skills at secondary school level. The formal employment sector is no longer able to provide jobs for the increasing number of unemployed people. Fewer jobs are available for the economically active population of the South African economy especially the school leavers. The primary objective of this study is to assess the current entrepreneurship education programmes offered at secondary schools in Grade 10-12 levels in Motherwell. The purpose is to learn from global trends and to improve the current entrepreneurship education programmes. A literature review was done to establish global trends and also South African trends concerning entrepreneurship education programmes. A mixed research approach and cluster sampling was used to select the twelve Motherwell senior secondary schools in the Motherwell township of Port Elizabeth. The findings of the study were that strategic skills, operational skills, competitions, labour entrepreneurial skills, management skills, creativity and innovation were taught to a limited extent by educators. The practical exposure of learners was deficient because of the limited involvement of local businesses and organisations. Learners were also not encouraged to operate simulated businesses. The study recommends that the Outcome Based Education, National Curriculum Statement and Curriculum Policy Statement which have been introduced by the Department of Education be followed but adjustments must be made to the iii teaching methods to follow the interactive approach required by entrepreneurship. Policy makers should incorporate comprehensive entrepreneurship education programmes from primary school to secondary school to vocational and university and adult education centres. Finally, entrepreneurship education should be offered as an optional separate subject to all learners and involvement of local businesses and organisations should be encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of Muslim women in family businesses
- Authors: Salie, Najmiea
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Women executives , Businesswomen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020171
- Description: The primary research objective of this treatise is to determine the role of Muslim women in family businesses. Muslim women actively participate in various private and public sectors of the economy as well as in family businesses. The literature review discusses the family business and its definitions and portrayed the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses. Furthermore, the research explored women in family business and investigated common reasons for joining the family business as well as conflict and success planning experienced by the women in the family business. Thereafter, the literature review discussed the Muslim women in family businesses and highlighted the background of the history of Muslim women in Islam. The Muslim women and their rights in Islam were presented followed by the rules of hijab. An overview of Muslim women in the history of Islam of the past and in the current economy was completed. The literature review then discussed the Muslim women in business and concluded with the Muslim women and their role in family businesses. The research methodology and research design literature lead to a qualitative research strategy being adopted to determine the role of Muslim women in family businesses. A questionnaire was designed and participants from the local Muslim business community who live in Port Elizabeth were approached to participate in the research treatise. The participants were initially contacted telephonically followed by an interview session where the questionnaire was used as a guide to the interview. The main purpose of the structured questionnaire was to determine sufficient data for adequate analysis of the research problem. The data were analysed and recommendations were made to address the primary research objective. The findings presented highlighted the role of Muslim women in family businesses. During the research further opportunities for research were presented, particularly to determine the impact of the Muslim daughter in family business is recommended for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation of local economic development and income security in the Eastern Cape : the case of Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Satyi, Nosisi Kaya
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic assistance -- South Africa -- East London , Economic development -- South Africa -- East London , Economic security -- South Africa -- East London , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020130
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the Local Economic Development Projects (LED) in relation to Income Security. It can be argued that LED is one intervention, which can be used to create jobs and eradicate poverty at a given locality. LED has been regarded as an approach towards economic development and growth whereby local people are encouraged to work in collaboration in order to achieve sustainable economic growth, bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all community members in in a specific municipal area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for the governance of social media in the workplace
- Authors: Scharneck, Justin William
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Social media -- Law and legislation , Social media -- Economic aspects , Work environment , Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020180
- Description: Social media is fast becoming an ever-increasingly significant part of the world of business and a phenomenon which cannot be evaded. The advent of social media in the workplace compels organisations to acclimatise to the transformation emanating from employees‟ adoption of these technologies (Hanaki & Casella, 2008). Approximately seventy percent of organisations do not have a social media governance framework in place (Fink et al., 2011). Social media governance in organisations is very disjointed; companies have varying stances as to social media strategy, the risks, benefits and business use of social media (Thompson et al., 2011). The growth of social media and its use in the business environment will see a more standardised approach to social media governance (Thompson et al., 2011). Being at the forefront of technology development in Africa, and in certain areas, globally (Government of the Republic of South Africa, 2012), places added emphasis on IT organisations in South Africa to set the standard as it relates to social media governance. The diversity and depth of the human and technology resources within these organisations, creates an environment conducive to establishing and pioneering sound social media governance structures. The treatise consists of a study on the governance of social media and the successive development of two frameworks; an integrated framework for the governance of social media in the workplace, as well as integrated framework for a social media policy within an IT organisation. These frameworks are empirically evaluated amongst employees, within the context of Information Technology (IT) organisations, in South Africa. Several recommendations are proposed by the author in relation to the adoption of the proposed frameworks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The relationship between work place well-being, psychological capital and work place trust
- Authors: Schoeman, Johannes Dames
- Subjects: Well-being , Trust , Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013044
- Description: A study of the available literature on Workplace Well-being, Positive Organisational Capital and Workplace Trust revealed that enormous potential existed for further research. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. It became very clear from the beginning that the relationships between these constructs could successfully be researched. It was therefore decided to embark on an academic research journey in order to contribute to the existing knowledge available on these constructs within the South African business scenario. This quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the relationships between the three constructs and to gather the responses from the research population. This research group consisted of 228 managers from the manufacturing operation of a motor vehicle production company and 224 managers from their National Dealership network. The research sample consisted of 452 managers. Three questionnaires were integrated to develop the composite Workplace Wellbeing Questionnaire and consisted of i) Workplace Well-being questionnaire developed by Parker and Hyett (2011), ii) PSYCAP Questionnaire developed by Luthans, Youssef and Avolio (2007), and iii) Workplace Trust Survey developed by Ferres (2001). The managers (n = 452) responded to a 91–item electronic questionnaire. Seven research questions were formulated and covered areas such as: The content, validity and portability of the measuring instruments; The configuration of the various constructs; Relationships between some of the variables; The effect of demographical data on the research variables and; The building of a research model. The content and the structure of the measuring instruments were assessed by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). These assessments showed that the original measuring instruments are not portable to a culture which is different to the one where they were originally developed. The relationships between the variables were determined by: Pearson product moment correlation; Multiple Regression co-efficient; ANOVA and Cohen’s d Test. The relationship between aspects of Workplace Well-being (Job satisfaction) and trust is a significant finding; so are some aspects of PSYCAP (sense of achievement and optimism) and Trust and Well-being. Trust has shown a definite relationship with Work- place well-being. A structural equation model was built to test the relationships between the elements of Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Workplace Trust. No satisfactory fit of the model on the data was obtained, although strong correlations between some of the variables existed. The significance of the findings of this study and the contribution that it makes to the existing theory is seen in the importance of the portability of measuring instruments. Recommendations in this regard have been made in Chapter 5. Various findings have also highlighted the relationships between Workplace Well-being, PSYCAP and Work-place Trust. The importance of future research topics has been recommended and a proposal has been made to consider a longitudinal well-being research study.
- Full Text:
Investigating the factors influencing the effectiveness of the task teams of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber
- Authors: Schultz, Lizle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020915
- Description: Business Chambers worldwide strive to promote trade and investment. These chambers act on behalf of businesses in an effort to enhance economic growth and development. The Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PERCCI) was established in 1994 with a view to fostering, encouraging, promoting, protecting, developing and establishing commercial and industrial enterprises within the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Metropole (now Nelson Mandela Bay). Thus PERCCI has since changed its name to Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC). The NMBBC focuses on the provision of services to business in the form of information, communication, seminars, task teams, networking functions and a strong international trade focus. Lobbying, representation and strategic interventions are also key focus areas, with the objective of facilitating an environment which is conducive to economic growth. The vision of the NMBBC is to be a leading and dynamic business chamber that contributes effectively to the economic growth of Nelson Mandela Bay. The vision, mission and objectives of the NMBBC are delivered through the following task teams, each its own specific mandate: Crime Task Team, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Task Team, Environment, Health & Wellness, Human Capital Development, Industrial Development Strategy, International Trade & Investment, Mentorship Programme, Service Excellence, SME Task Team, Strategic Projects/Infrastructure, Strategic Resources Forum, Tourism Task Team and Transport Task Team. Currently, only four of these task teams are in operation and the effectiveness of their functioning is currently not well established. Therefore, the present study investigated the factors which influence the effective functioning of the task teams, with a view to improving their performance and overall contribution to the organisation. A literature study was conducted on factors influencing the effectiveness of teams and a hypothesized theoretical model developed. Thereafter, an empirical study was conducted within a positivist paradigm using primarily a case study approach. Initial focus group interviews with 17 task team members were followed up by a questionnaire survey distributed amongst 75 NMBBC task team members. The factors investigated were: Clear Purpose, Clear Roles, Open Communication, Shared Leadership, Motivation and Commitment and their influence on team effectiveness. The empirical results indicate that relationships exist amongst all the factor variables investigated with the most significant relation found to be between commitment and motivation. The results further indicate that all the measured factor variables exert an influence on the effectiveness of the task teams with commitment being the most influencing variable and motivation the least. The study concludes that while the task teams are making a significant contribution to the performance of the NMBBC, they are nonetheless not functioning optimally. As there is room for improvement, the study makes a number of recommendations to the NMBBC in an effort to increase the effectiveness of their task teams.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Community participation in rendering local government services in the Capricon District Municipality
- Authors: Selematsela, Lebogang Eunice
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Public administration -- Citizen participation , Community development , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020191
- Description: This study sought to assess community participation in the rendering of services in the Capricorn District Municipality. The concept of community participation is central in underpinning successful development programmes. However, this is usually undermined in communities where cultural factors and political factors influence decision making. The study was premised on the review of literature and documents as the Researcher believed that more research on the subject matter has been done extensively. Personal interviews were done with officials within the Public Participation units in both the Capricorn District Municipality and its Local Municipalities so as to gain insight as to how implementation of public participation processes is done in the CDM‟s area of jurisdiction. Literature was reviewed in terms of the legislative requirements with regard to the implementation of public participation methods in the Local Government sector. Various documents were reviewed so as to understand what other scholars have written about the subject matter. Personal interviews were done with officials within the Public Participation units in both the Capricorn District Municipality and Its Local Municipalities so as to gain insight as to how implementation of public participation processes is done. An assessment of how Capricorn District Municipality implements public participation methods was done in line with what the legislation provides for as well as what the scholars said about public participation. Gaps in the implementation of such were also identified, wherein recommendations were made on how best Capricorn District Municipality can improve on the public participation processes so as to comply with the legislative requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012