Entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial education as tools for sustainable SMES
- Authors: Mbanga, Nelisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11277 , vital:26905
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises are the engines of economic development. In developing countries, they play an irreplaceable role in poverty alleviation through creation of jobs and contribution towards the countries’ gross domestic products. South Africa is faced with a challenge of high failure rate of SMEs despite the efforts by government to support and grow this sector. For a country to have a strong sustainable economy, sustainable and successful SME sector is necessary. Literature reviews have demonstrated that incorporating sustainability aspect into entrepreneurship improves the performance of businesses. Research on implementation of sustainability principles by SMEs is limited and SMEs have been left out in sustainability teachings and monitoring. The purpose of the study was to analyse the role played by entrepreneurial mind-set and entrepreneurial education on sustainability of SMEs. The research was conducted amongst 10 SME owners/managers with businesses located in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Case study method using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Results were transcribed, analysed and interpreted. Results of the research demonstrated that SME owners/managers possess entrepreneurial mind-set, which is a necessity to run a successful business. There was also evidence that entrepreneurial education enhances entrepreneurial mind-set of SME owners/managers. SMEs owners/managers also demonstrated that they implement sustainability principles informally with no guiding documents. With regards to implementation of sustainability principles, there was no noticeable difference between SME owners/managers who had undergone entrepreneurship education and the ones who had not gone through entrepreneurship education. This highlighted the need to incorporate sustainability issues in entrepreneurship education courses. The study brings contribution towards building sustainable SMEs.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mbeki, Zizipho
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public investments -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11166 , vital:26890
- Description: The effect of FDI on economic growth is not a straight jacket. Literature has shown that the effect of FDI on economic growth can be either positive or negative. The positive effects of FDI can be caused by increase in output stimulated by new technological innovations and increase in capital flows. The negative effects could result in a ‘crowding out’ effect on domestic investments, external vulnerability and dependence, destructive competition of foreign affiliates with domestic firms, and market stealing effect due to poor absorptive capacity.This treatise will attempt to shed light on the effect foreign direct investment has on economic growth in South Africa in order to ascertain whether a positive or negative relationship exists between these two variables. This study thus aims to investigate, analyse and estimate the extent to which FDI impacts economic growth in South Africa. The findings of this research will provide policymakers, commercial businesses and scholars with relevant updated theoretical and empirical results that will assist relevant government policy makers in generating effective measures of attracting FDI if it proves to be beneficial for the host country. If the results of the study prove that FDIs do not generate positive spill over effects then the policymakers are thus obliged to formulate policies that will discourage FDIs from penetrating the host country’s economy.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of gain-sharing on employee job satisfaction at a manufacturing company in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mbotshelwa, Sipo Victor
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gain sharing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11691 , vital:26955
- Description: In this economically challenging era, companies have got to find the best system that can help to enhance productivity. A very important method is by encouraging takeholders through various forms of incentives. The gain-sharing incentive has been adopted by many organisations today to enhance staff loyalty and productivity. A gain-sharing programme ensures that both the organisation and team members benefit from the expected performances, rather than an individual or group incentive which is given based on a specific finite goal which could be achieved at the cost of other key critical business need. A couple of years ago Autocast Aluminium decided to enhance employee performance by initiating the gain-sharing incentive programme. After the programme was rolled out, the organisation is yet to examine the extent to which it enhances job satisfaction in the organisation. The primary objective or aim of the study is to examine the extent to which gain-sharing at Autocast meets the purpose for which it was created. The sample of the study was 176 of the employees at Autocast Aluminium; however 130 questionnaires were distributed. A total of 88 questionnaires were returned, of which 80 were usable, whilst eight were scrapped due to more half of the questionnaire having missing data. This resulted in a 68 % response rate. A framework has been developed to measure to what extent does the programme enable employees to feel satisfied with their jobs. The empirical results revealed that out of six independent variables tested: fair payment, involvement, personal growth, communication, job security and leadership style, only three that plays significant role on employee job satisfaction. These are fair payment, communication and leadership style.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Post -war recovery and development in Liberia since 2013
- Authors: Mbulle-Nziege, Leonard
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Postwar reconstruction -- Liberia Liberia -- Politics and government -- 21st century , Peace-building
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12361 , vital:27058
- Description: The aims and objectives of this study are notably, to provide an overall understanding of the history of Liberia, from the country’s foundation, through the civil war, up to the present day post-conflict scenario. It intends to identify the strategies and schemes put in place by Liberian officials and other stakeholders, while outlining the importance of attaining the goals attached to these various plans. The difficulties of achieving these post-conflict development goals will also be noted, and finally, It analyses whether the concepts used in Liberia might also be implemented in post-conflict societies not only in Africa, but all over the world.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Complexities of accessing finance from government institutions and its agencies
- Authors: Mbundwini, Gracious Nomfuneko
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11772 , vital:26967
- Description: Purpose: with the recent establishment of Small Business Development department, the ministry is tasked and will be responsible for ensuring that the business environment is enabling for new Small to Medium businesses. The real issue and the point of interest in researching this particular dissertation is the available literature around the issue of the SME sector which indicates that new SMEs in South Africa do not move from the first stage (existence) to other stages such as survival, success, take off and resource maturity. The study seeks to inaugurate two specific challenges (difficulties in accessing finance and to examine if there is sufficient non-financial SME incubators and mentorship programs post funding allocation). The area of study focused on SMEs that are concentrated in highly populated areas of Gauteng. Methodology: The study was conducted using qualitative research and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on stakeholders in the SMME sector. This was done through the use of questionnaires to businesses, government funders and incubators. Results: when posed with a question of the start-up capital, a mere 17% responded to having obtained financial assistance from government institutions, 20% from friends and family while a massive 60% indicated they have used own capital to start businesses. When the researcher posed the question of the reasons that often leads to failure, approximately 23% of businesses mentioned lack of working equipment as the core reasons for the business failure while 17% indicated that lack of business opportunities or rather contracts of supply from government departments as the main impeding factor which resulted to failure. In terms of the availability of incubators, approximately 67% of respondents indicated that there were no business incubators available in their areas of business. Approximately 57% of businesses mentioned the inability to obtain loans from government funding institutions was the major business constraint that often leads to failure. The researcher posed a question to business incubators personnel that participated in the study to gain perspective as to why do they think SMEs fail within the first year of operation. Approximately 40% of respondents alluded that, barriers to entry by big corporates in South Africa force Small and Medium Enterprises out of businesses. Other participants added that the South African government procurement system does not provide opportunities to small businesses due to lack of experience. All government funding institutions participants mentioned that in most cases SMEs finance applications are rejected due to the fact that businesses fail to present viable business proposals that show the ability for business to remain operating for a long time Implications: The above analysed study findings indicate that there is a huge gap between small businesses and government funding institutions in terms of the awareness of the available financial support to SMEs. From the government perspective, it was indicated that businesses submit business plans that are not viable. There needs to be the middle ground where business plans compilation support currently provided by SEDA awareness should be spread across SMEs operating in the highly populated areas of Gauteng. Recommendations: Access to finance is a major constraint hindering the growth and success of small enterprises. The South African government has established a number of financial support programmes aimed to assist SMEs. With these financial support programmes, most of the SMEs are unsuccessful due to the fact that they cannot easily access those funds and as a result they remain stagnant for a very long time or end up shutting down. Conclusion: The effect of credit rationing is the potential loss of opportunity and or reduction in the scale of a business, neither of which is a desirable outcome. At the most fundamental level, there are lost opportunities for the borrower and the lender. There are implications for the wider economy also. SMEs are a key source of innovation, competition and choice.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Good governance as a mechanism to optimise development in Chris Hani District Municipality
- Authors: Mbunge, Sibongiseni Patronella
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11752 , vital:26965
- Description: Good governance is the most important factor in exterminating poverty and stimulating development. South African heritage has the potential to contribute significantly towards the country’s economic development. Cultural Villages were introduced in the South African tourism industry as a contribution to the objective of rural development in order to improve African curio shops and township experiences and to advance diversification. This study was undertaken to investigate Good Governance Principle that can be employed in the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) to enhance optimise development brought about by the Cultural Villages (CV) in the area. The study is qualitative in nature. The literature reviewed in this study shows that there is a general poor implementation of good governance principles in the governance and management of the cultural villages. The researcher attempted to achieve high validity and reliability by ensuring that the views and arguments advanced by respondents are accurate in that the chosen respondents consisted of operational workers within the municipality and members of the community. The study establishes that there are several challenges that hinder the effective implementation of good governance principles in the local and district municipalities. Other findings of the study include that there is a challenge of poor management of the CVs, lack of public participation and inadequate funding for the CVs. The main finding of the study is that, although good governance plays a significant role in the improvement of development, it has not contributed to the improvement of the development of the CHDM communities. The main recommendation based on this finding is that there should be regular and thorough public participation within the local municipalities about all the developments relating to the cultural villages. Additional recommendations include, inter alia, strong partnerships between the municipality and the communities and accountability.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Absorptive capacity for responding to environmental: change an assessment of three public-sector agencies
- Authors: Mc Culloch, Samantha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Global environmental change Absorptive capacity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11762 , vital:26966
- Description: In a time of global environmental instability, public-sector organisations that manage and protect natural resources, which are needed for human wellbeing, play an increasingly important role. These organisations frequently have to weigh up the costs and benefits of managing natural resources and their services for the public good. Management of social-ecological systems is commonly characterised by uncertainty, disagreement and trade-offs. In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the fact that mandated organisations are often inadequately resourced in terms of finances, skilled staff and infrastructure. In order to maintain the resilience and robustness of social-ecological systems, public-sector organisations need to cultivate a set of dynamic capabilities, with strong emphasis on learning from their experiences and adapting their management strategies, to innovate and improve their performances. Absorptive capacity (AC) has been described as the ability of an organisation to recognise the value of new external information, acquire it and assimilate it within the organisation, transforming it by applying it with existing knowledge and exploiting the new knowledge for benefit. Organisations with good AC are able to recognise rapidly changing environments and address them by renewing and building on their levels of skill, knowledge and capability to deal with change. This construct has been extensively researched in industries related to business and technology, where its development has been found to stimulate innovative capabilities. There has, however, been little research into its relevance for public-sector organisations or organisations with environmental mandates. This study used methodological triangulation to assess the perceptions of employees on the current state of AC in three public-sector organisations with environmental mandates. This was done to gain insight into their capacity to absorb information and apply their new knowledge in decision-making, in a manner that navigates through environmental change. The key findings of this research suggest that knowledge transformation and exploitation are enhanced by in-house research capabilities and cross-functional interface between internal departments. These findings also suggest that the acquisition of knowledge is not only determined by the in-house research capacity but also depends on the resources available to these departments in terms of time, finances and skilled staff. There was minimal evidence of knowledge exploitation; however, obstacles that were highlighted as hindering this process included individual responsibility and motivation, as well as general organisation capacities, such as communication hierarchies, funding, time and organisational silos. This research found that the well-studied concept of AC can be used as an institutional mechanism to assess and promote adaptive capacity in public-sector organisations with environmental mandates to navigate and innovate through the Anthropocene.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The GARCH-EVT-Copula model and simulation in scenario-based asset allocation
- Authors: McEwan, Peter Gareth Fredric
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Extreme value theory GARCH model
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11732 , vital:26961
- Description: Financial market integration, in particular, portfolio allocations from advanced economies to South African markets, continues to strengthen volatility linkages and quicken volatility transmissions between participating markets. Largely as a result, South African portfolios are net recipients of returns and volatility shocks emanating from major world markets. In light of these, and other, sources of risk, this dissertation proposes a methodology to improve risk management systems in funds by building a contemporary asset allocation framework that offers practitioners an opportunity to explicitly model combinations of hypothesised global risks and the effects on their investments. The framework models portfolio return variables and their key risk driver variables separately and then joins them to model their combined dependence structure. The separate modelling of univariate and multivariate (MV) components admits the benefit of capturing the data generating processes with improved accuracy. Univariate variables were modelled using ARMA-GARCH-family structures paired with a variety of skewed and leptokurtic conditional distributions. Model residuals were fit using the Peaks-over-Threshold method from Extreme Value Theory for the tails and a non-parametric, kernel density for the interior, forming a completed semi-parametric distribution (SPD) for each variable. Asset and risk factor returns were then combined and their dependence structure jointly modelled with a MV Student t copula. Finally, the SPD margins and Student t copula were used to construct a MV meta t distribution. Monte Carlo simulations were generated from the fitted MV meta t distribution on which an out-of-sample test was conducted. The 2014-to-2015 horizon served to proxy as an out-of-sample, forward-looking scenario for a set of key risk factors against which a hypothetical, diversified portfolio was optimised. Traditional mean-variance and contemporary mean-CVaR optimisation techniques were used and their results compared. As an addendum, performance over the in-sample 2008 financial crisis was reported. The final Objective (7) addressed management and conservation strategies for the NMBM. The NMBM wetland database that was produced during this research is currently being used by the Municipality and will be added to the latest National Wetland Map. From the database, and tools developed in this research, approximately 90 wetlands have been identified as being highly vulnerable due to anthropogenic and environmental factors (Chapter 6) and should be earmarked as key conservation priority areas. Based on field experience and data collected, this study has also made conservation and rehabilitation recommendations for eight locations. Recommendations are also provided for six more wetland systems (or regions) that should be prioritised for further research, as these systems lack fundamental information on where the threat of anthropogenic activities affecting them is greatest. This study has made a significant contribution to understanding the underlying geomorphological processes in depressions, seeps and wetland flats. The desktop mapping component of this study illustrated the dominance of wetlands in the wetter parts of the Municipality. Perched wetland systems were identified in the field, on shallow bedrock, calcrete or clay. The prevalence of these perches in depressions, seeps and wetland flats also highlighted the importance of rainfall in driving wetland formation, by allowing water to pool on these perches, in the NMBM. These perches are likely to be a key factor in the high number of small, ephemeral wetlands that were observed in the study area, compared to other semi-arid regions. Therefore, this research highlights the value of multi-faceted and multi-scalar wetland research and how similar approaches should be used in future research methods has been highlighted. The approach used, along with the tools/methods developed in this study have facilitated the establishment of priority areas for conservation and management within the NMBM. Furthermore, the research approach has revealed emergent wetland properties that are only apparent when looking at different spatial scales. This research has highlighted the complex biological and geomorphological interactions between wetlands that operate over various spatial and temporal scales. As such, wetland management should occur across a wetland complex, rather than individual sites, to account for these multi-scalar influences.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A psychobiographical study of Theodore Robert Bundy
- Authors: McGivern, Kelly Berene
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychology -- United States -- Biographical methods Serial murderers -- United States -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11742 , vital:26964
- Description: This study is a psychobiographical study aiming to explore and describe the life of Theodore Robert Bundy, a serial killer who confessed to approximately 30 homicides committed in various states of America between 1974 and 1978. The study used Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to examine Bundy’s life and to understand his unique character and personality development. The subject was chosen based on interest value through purposive sampling and the study utilises a qualitative single case study approach. Archival data were collected from primary and secondary sources in order to enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of the study. All materials collected and analysed, were published and publically available. Data were analysed by first organising and reducing the information obtained, and then displaying it for a discussion of Bundy’s life. Themes of discussion centred around Bundy’s lack of resolution of psychosocial crises and the development of malignancies and maladaptations which impacted negatively on his later development and identity formation. The study emphasises the importance of psychobiographical research studies and the value of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development in understanding personality development. Recommendations for future research in this field were made in the hope of further uncovering and understanding personality and its development.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Optimising the marketing mix to influence consumer purchasing decisions in liquor outlets
- Authors: Mhlatyana, Lovington Unathi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Liquor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11712 , vital:26959
- Description: Retailers, Wholesalers, Marketers, Alcohol distributors and Manufacturers continuously fight for volume growth and market-share gain within the total alcohol market. Most of the answers of how much each can gain over a period of time remain a mystery that can only be answered by the consumers. The consumers determine who will have more share of wallet or share of throat more than the other. This is also equally applicable to brands, packs and the various alcohol categories that exist in the market. Why is it important, you possibly wonder? It is important because the alcohol market is an integrated part of our society; it contributes immensely to the South African economy and its value chain is enormous in value. Consumption expenditure increased from R3 513 039 000 in 2004 to R8 558 232 000 by 2013 in the Eastern Cape alone. In the last 10 years there has been an increase of new products that are being introduced into the market across all categories ranging from traditional alcoholic brands to flavoured and ready to drink brands. This presents an opportunity to alcohol consumers, alcohol shoppers and sellers alike. This opportunity meant that the consumer is spoilt for choice and retailers / wholesalers have an opportunity to list more brands which could possibly result in increased margins. Further to the above, South African marketers face both market challenges as well as proposed legislation regarding advertising of alcohol products. Some of the challenges include marketing clutter, competition, diverse nature of the South African consumer, infrastructure issues, government legislations, social media and digital platforms. The liquor industry of the Eastern Cape contributes approximately R7,7 billion to the Gross Geographic Product of the economy of the Eastern Cape through direct and indirect impacts; Approximately 23 620 permanent jobs are supported by the Eastern Cape liquor industry annually; Tax revenue attributable to the liquor industry in the Eastern Cape is R3,9 billion; and the economic impact of the liquor industry on gross capital formation is in the region R3,4 billion per annum. The purpose of this research is to optimise the marketing mix to influence consumer purchasing decisions in liquor outlets within the Border district within the above context. The objective of this study is to identify the marketing mix that influences consumer purchasing decisions in liquor outlets. The study will be conducted within the Border district. The Border district consists of various geographies within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The area of the study will focus on key municipalities namely; Buffalo city, Amathole, Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi municipalities. The target sample size for this study was 360 consumers. A survey questionnaire was used to measure respondents’ preferences, attitudes, motivations and perceptions. The respondents were instructed to highlight the answer that best described them and / or their preferences. Questions were asked and the respondents had to highlight to what extent they agreed or disagreed with the question. Key findings are that there is high level of agreement that price and promotions influence consumer-purchasing decision in liquor outlets. The highest percentage of respondents are in agreement that beer is a first choice of drink and a second is spirits. 69% of the respondents agree that they change from the usual drink to a different drink when they go out. This can be attributed to the notion that consumers like to badge and want to be seen drinking brands that will be deemed socially acceptable in public, or brands that are the latest trend. The key benefits from the study include improved ability for marketers to reposition brands, give clear recommendations for drinking occasions and better understanding on how to efficiently distribute alcohol portfolios, extend brands and introduce limited editions.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The development of a student housing policy in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mhlonyane, Asisipo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Student housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Housing policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Housing development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11574 , vital:26939
- Description: The rapid increase in student enrolment in universities has brought about a number of concerns, including off campus student housing as Institutions of Higher Learning are unable to accommodate all students on campus. Due to the extremely small number of students that are currently being accommodated on campus, many students are forced to find accommodation off campus. Property owners nearby Institutions of Higher Learning have begun letting their homes to students for economic gain. Housing of students has become a new business venture for many surrounding houses and large buildings. This study examined some of the problems associated with non-accredited accommodation in Summerstrand in order to provide recommendations towards a policy for off campus student accommodation. The study investigated the experiences of both students and landlords in order to establish some of the requirements a property owner needs to meet in order to be legible to house students. Ultimately the study will make recommendations for an effective policy for off-campus student accommodation in the Nelson Mandela Bay. An effective policy for the development of student housing in the Nelson Mandela Bay needs to be formulated as students can be exploited by landlords and landlords can exploited by students. The study identified 4 particular areas of concern namely rent, security, facilities and maintenance; and provided recommendations for the policy for off-campus accommodation.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Positive psychology interventions in a student counselling centre: an exploratory study
- Authors: Miano, Pamela Wanjiru
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Positive psychology College students Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11702 , vital:26958
- Description: University students in South Africa today face a variety of issues with academic and relationship problems, career development issues, depression and anxiety being the most common. This negatively impacts their pass rates and personal success. Research into positive psychology has increased considerably over the past few years. Seligman‟s PERMA model has played a pivotal role in assisting in the understanding of what constitutes a flourishing life. The proposed study aimed to explore and describe the impact of five interventions, based on each of the aspects of the PERMA model, on Student Counselling clients. The research sample consisted of 10 participants seeking Student Counselling, Career and Development Centre Services at NMMU. Purposive sampling was uses to source participants. The researcher facilitated a six-week group programme which was developed by the researcher. In this programme, the participants were introduced to the aspects of the PERMA model. The participants implemented interventions in between sessions and journals of their experiences provided qualitative data on their experiences. The Beck Depression Inventory II and the Satisfaction With Life Scale were utilized as pre and post intervention measure. ATLAS.ti software programme and descriptive statistics were utilized for qualitative and quantitative data analysis respectively. Key findings included benefits such as an overall decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in life satisfaction following the interventions. The negative impact of academic concerns on life satisfaction was also noted. Moreover, participants reported that they enjoyed both the content and the interactive nature of the group sessions. In conclusion, implementing positive psychology group interventions on students is promoted as a result of the emerging benefits.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Assessing the productivity of selective container terminals in Africa using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
- Authors: Mienie, Barend Jacobus , Brettenny, Warren
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Data envelopment analysis -- Africa Employees -- Rating of -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12054 , vital:27026
- Description: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to assess the efficiency of 15 container terminals in Africa. The models proposed by Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (1978) and Banker, Charnes and Cooper (1984) are used to determine and rank the efficiencies of the container terminals for 2013 and 2014. The results show that selected South African container terminals can improve on their operations relative to some of their neighbours to the North. Bootstrapping methods are used to investigate and clarify the results. The Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) model is used to track and explain changes in efficiency over the period of assessment.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Impact of visual skills training on the visual ability of elite rugby players
- Authors: Millard, Lourens , Raffan, Ryan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sports sciences -- South Africa Visual learning -- Ability testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12692 , vital:27107
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of visual skills training on the visual ability of elite rugby players. This study utilized a quantitative approach; and it employed a true experimental study design, in particular a pre-test-post-test randomized-group design. A total number of 26 participants (that met the specified criteria) were selected from the Eastern Province Rugby Academy squad. Those that met the criteria were then divided randomly into two groups (13 per group), which comprised the experimental and control groups, respectively. The control and experimental groups were tested on six visual skills, namely: accommodation, saccadic eye movements, speed of recognition, hand-eye co-ordination, visual memory and peripheral awareness. An optometric assessment was also conducted as a pre-test to ensure that the participant had “normal vision”, followed by a six week intervention (visual skills-training). The sessions were performed for thirty minutes three times per week for six weeks, followed by a post-test. Descriptive statistics were employed, both numerically, such as the mean standard deviation, and graphically by means of histograms. Inferential statistics were also used in the form of t-tests and Cohen’s d calculations to determine the statistical and practical significance of the mean score differences between the experimental and control groups. The pre- to post-test results indicated both statistical and practical significant differences in each of the visual skills tested among the experimental group; accommodation (hart near far rock test, p<.0005, d=2.34), saccadic eye movements (saccadic eye movement test, p<.0005, d=2.08), hand-eye coordination and peripheral awareness (accumulator test, p<.0005, d=2.20), speed of recognition (evasion test, p<.0005, d=1.14) and visual memory (flash program test, p<.0005, d=1.20). However, there were no statistically significant differences (p>.05) found when comparing the pre- and post-tests for the control group. It was concluded that the visual skills training program used had a significant positive impact on the visual performance of the Eastern Province rugby academy players.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A study of the art object as performative
- Authors: Minkley, Emma Smith
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Arts -- Miscellanea , Art objects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12042 , vital:27022
- Description: My research project explores conventions in art-making and viewing via the notion of the performative art object. The performative (derived from J.L. Austin and Judith Butler’s formulations of the word) is here used predominantly as a term to denote a generative, experiential and iterative process (in this case outlined by art theorist Barbara Bolt) in which intuitive or playful actions of both artist and spectator dictate the route of research. The project, following an A/r/tographical cycle of theoriapraxis-poesis (or theory/research - doing/learning - art/making) as defined by Rita Irwin, thus investigates the relations inherent between artists, spectators or viewers, and objects, and how these may change according to the spaces they are conceived in; from art gallery to urban “non-art” environments. It deals with the inclusion of process or performativity within, or in relation to the art object and how this take on the traditionally static object may have the capacity to change how artworks are envisaged, and more significantly, how they are received, in terms of the effects they (in combination with the viewer) have on the world around them. Blurred in the context of performativity, the art object may become a means of documenting process and in a sense may act as a ‘prop’ for artistic research. This enquiry has involved the study of process and play, as related to creative practice, via a series of object-based events or interventions (including gallery exhibitions and other “non-art” events initiated by the artist outside of conventional art-related space) which have been documented and included in the theoretical research as a means of providing a first-hand narrative of theoretical ideas put into practice. Here Diana Taylor’s understanding of interrelated modes of storing and enacting knowledge as posed in the notion of the archive and repertoire has been utilised as a means of collecting and collating performative and ephemeral research. These events/interventions have further served as a means of gauging viewer interaction and participation, thus actively involving the viewer in the creative act. Jacques Rancière’s notion of the emancipated spectator is here utilised to activate the role of the viewer. In this regard, Martin Heidegger’s concept of handiness or handling serves as a means of “emancipating” spectators by encouraging tactile viewership. It is my intent to open up or reveal new modes of thinking or doing within the viewer when he or she enters a state of performative play within these events. Here the status of the art object is challenged and in this way has the potential to subvert or confront problematic repetitions, both in the identity of the viewer and the space occupied in each event.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Photographing other selves: collecting, collections and collaborative visual identity
- Authors: Minkley, Hannah Smith
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Documentary photography -- South Africa Semiotics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12669 , vital:27105
- Description: This study is situated in a social documentary photography context, and is concerned to explore whether the collaborative interaction between photographer, subject (as collector) and material object (as collection) might enable a practice that presents a more mutual and subject-centred visual identity emerge. In particular, photographers Jim Goldberg and Gideon Mendel have focused more on the subject themselves, using collaborative processes such as photo-voice and photo elicitation, as well as the use of peoples’ handwritten captions on photographic prints themselves. Claudia Mitchell’s overview of visual methodologies is drawn on, together with Ken Plummer’s Documents of Life 2 (2001) and Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies (2001) to extend on these possibilities of conducting collaborative visual research.The practical component of this study focuses on personal collections and follows a number of theorists, including Susan Pearce, and John Elsner and Roger Cardinal. It follows Pearce’s identification of three major modes of collecting, and suggests that collections are essentially narratives of the self, and reveal experiences and expressions of personal desire. By drawing on these approaches and the various ways the twelve collectors were photographed, as well as implementing collaborative research processes (handwritten text, archival photographs and the re-staging of the collections), the study confirms Pearce’s three primary modes of collecting, and acknowledges that they are often interlinked or overlap one another. The study further found that a more subject voiced visual identity did indeed become apparent through the collaborative methods applied and discussed. The collaborative research equally demonstrated that these narratives of identity are not singular, but rather narratives of multiple, personal identities of the self.
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- Date Issued: 2016
African christian parents' framing of gender and sexual identity in Duduza, Nigel
- Authors: Mkhatshwa, Puleng Charity
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gender identity -- South Africa -- Gauteng Sexual minorities -- South Africa -- Gauteng Religion and civil society -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12187 , vital:27042
- Description: This research tested the perception of Christian parents framing of gender and sexual identities in Duduza, Nigel. The researcher conducted the quantitative research based on the theoretical framework and measured it by means of variables and questions through the development of a questionnaire. The triangulation questions from the literature review were included in the questionnaire. The quantitative data collected was in the form of numbers. The literature review was completed to find out what had previously been written about the dependant variable, and to clarify and define concepts contained in the dependant variable, as well as to examine the independent variables and their elements influencing the dependant variable. The study provides the recommendation for the Christians denominations towards influencing change in the Christian parents’ framing of gender and sexual identities in Duduza, Nigel.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Education: the transitional challenges of graduation to employment
- Authors: Mkosana, Nkululeko Cautious
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12198 , vital:27043
- Description: Graduate unemployment, more specifically the continued inability of young people to make a successful transition from institutions of higher learning to labour markets, remains a key concern and one of the most pressing socio-economic issues facing South Africa. Of similar concern, has been the inordinate length of time it takes for graduates (particularly black graduates) to acquire employment. This research study was undertaken in an attempt to understand employment trends among black graduates: its specific aim is to determine, the length of time it takes for black graduates to acquire employment after graduation. As a secondary aim the study also seeks to determine the underlying causes of long-lasting unemployment. The study investigated the employment circumstances involving a sample of 40 graduate participants from Motherwell Township: it was discovered that it took from 1-3 years for the respondents to acquire employment. The study also found that relative to their male counterparts it took much longer for female graduate participants to acquire employment. It also emerged that the type of qualification possessed by the graduates was a determining factor in the likelihood of their gaining employment timeously.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of South Africa's economic diplomacy on Africa's development
- Authors: Mlaba, Lindokuhle Hendrick
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11531 , vital:26935
- Description: South Africa has become a significant role player in the international relations since being readmitted into the world community after the first democratic election in 1994. The primary focus of country’s international relations is the African continent. South Africa has played a pivotal role in bringing peace across the continent. There has also been an increase in South Africa’s engagement with the continent on economic and trade issues. South Africa’s economic diplomacy has been scrutinized from different angles. There has been perceptions of a South Africa with imperialists or hegemonic tendencies resembling those of the West. There are also those who view South Africa’s economic role in the continent in the positive light as a contributor to economic growth and development. The South African governments have always preached the notion of the “African agenda” and the interest in fair trade and engagement with the continent. This study assesses different debates regarding South Africa’s economic diplomacy in Africa and explores if this is benefiting the continent’s development. The study also considers if such economic diplomacy has positive spin off for the South African economy. Since economic diplomacy is operated at government level the study also considers how economic diplomacy is coordinated in South Africa. There are a number of recommendations presented for the improvement of economic diplomacy in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Tourism potential as a tool for local economic development in Mnquma Local Municipality
- Authors: Mlondleni, Mzuyanda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3095 , vital:20398
- Description: This research study aims to investigate what is there on offer for tourists in Mnquma Local Municipality, such as products (arts and craft, accommodation establishments and places of interests), their readiness for tourist consumption (state, accessibility), tourism routes and the understanding of communities on tourism and what can be derived from it to improve their livelihoods. This in turn will establish whether the tourism sector can be used as a tool for local economic development in the municipality. In the end, this study will make recommendations on what needs to be done in the municipality for the tourism sector to be more effective for the local communities and the municipality. The researcher has conducted a qualitative research study through the use of structured questionnaires as the data collection tool, in order to obtain information from specific population members of the concerned local municipality on tourism and LED issues. The study has been conducted from twenty three accommodation establishments in Mnquma Local Municipality. During the data collection period, the researcher discovered that these accommodation establishments are facing a number of challenges ranging from poor accessibility and signage for which the study is expected to address these in the recommendations. The study will include a purposive sample of tourism businesses in the hospitality sector in Mnquma Local Municipality. From the purposive sample, the researcher opted for total population sampling which is a type of purposive sampling technique where the researcher chooses to examine the entire population. At the end, researcher recommends that the municipality needs to address the infrastructural challenges such as roads (for accessibility to tourist sites), electricity and health centers to be able to support tourism economic activities. It also needs to ensure on the continuous hosting of events to address the seasonal nature of tourism and to market the municipality as an event destination. The researcher also recommended the establishment of partnerships with sector departments and parastatals such as SEDA, DTI, ECPTA, TEP etc. Lastly, being such a rural municipality with a rich history, culture and heritage, it is recommended that the municipality must prioritise tourism as a tool for Local Economic Development to better the lives of its population and to improve its economy.
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- Date Issued: 2016