A curriculum framework for undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes
- Authors: Jonas, Lynn Cindy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Curricula , Tourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Marine ecotourism Ecotourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Tourism -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40006 , vital:35646
- Description: The ocean economy has gained increasing economic significance over the past several years. Marine tourism as an economic activity has increased tremendously over the past several years. Not only does marine tourism and leisure have the ability to create employment, but there are numerous entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. The importance of the coastal and marine tourism sector is evident and research in this sector abounds however, the issue of marine tourism education has been neglected as an area of research. A need therefore exists for the creation of ocean economy related qualifications and programmes and this study developed a curriculum framework for undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes around which future Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) programmes could be created. The research objectives were to firstly determine the coastal and marine tourism stakeholders and role players’ perceptions and expectations of undergraduate coastal and marine tourism education and graduate competencies. The second objective was to ascertain the statutory and policy matters that shape university programmes and finally to incorporate the UNESCO-IBE curriculum framework into undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes. This study fit within the pragmatic paradigm and a mixed methods research approach was utilised with a multiphase design. The data collection process was divided into three phases with Phase One collecting qualitative data through content analysis, Phase Two collecting quantitative data through a survey with questionnaire as research instrument and Phase Three collecting qualitative data through a semi-structured interview with an interview schedule as research instrument. Phase One included document analysis in order to determine the subsectors of the CMT industry, statutory and policy documents to determine programme development regulations as well as collected information regarding the socio-economic environment of the country. Phase Two collected data from industry operators and Phase Three collected data from educators and industry association representatives. The study identified four sub-sectors of the CMT industry namely Conservation Areas, Coastal and Marine Adventure Activities, Land-based Marine Tourism Attractions and Marine Resources and Recreation. All three phases of data collection were utilised to develop these four sub-sectors. The pertinent findings of Phase One indicate that the socio-economic environment in which the CMT programme would be developed is one with a slow economic growth rate, low numeracy and literacy levels with high numbers of unemployed graduates. Language policies are critical in order to accommodate English second language speakers. Furthermore, there are low levels of academics with doctoral degrees with targets to improve the status quo. Phase Two data collection notes that industry operators would prefer a programme that has strong practical and vocational focus with matters such as excursions, work-based learning and alternative teaching methods being important. These findings are supported during Phase Three data collection with educators and industry association representatives placing stronger focus on practical presentation of content and engagement with industry through site visits and demonstration of activities to students. Based on the findings in all three phases, a schematic of the CMT curriculum framework is developed and presented. Recommendations are made for the implementation of the CMT curriculum framework in order to identify omissions and to include the student voice. Stronger linkages should also be forged between industry and academia in order to facilitate the CMT programme. Further research could also test and implement the four identified sub-sectors in order to determine its suitability.
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- Date Issued: 2019
A data-driven decision-making model for the third-party logistics industry in Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Faith
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53875 , vital:46022
- Description: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers have continued to be key players in the supply chain network and have witnessed a growth in the usage of information technology. This growth has enhanced the volume of structured and unstructured data that is collected at a high velocity, and is of rich variety, sometimes described as “Big Data”. Leaders in the 3PL industry are constantly seeking to effectively and efficiently mature their abilities to exploit this data to gain business value through data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM helps the leaders to reduce the reliance they place on observations and intuition to make crucial business decisions in a volatile business environment. The aim of this research was to develop a prescriptive model for DDDM in 3PLs. The model consists of iterative elements that prescribe guidelines to decision-makers in the 3PL industry on how to adopt DDDM. A literature review of existing theoretical frameworks and models for DDDM was conducted to determine the extent to which they contribute towards DDDM for 3PLs. The Design-Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was followed to address the aim of the research and applied to pragmatically and iteratively develop and evaluate the artefact (the model for DDDM) in the real-world context of a 3PL. The literature findings revealed that the challenges with DDDM in organisations include three main categories of challenges related to data quality, data management, vision and capabilities. Once the challenges with DDDM were established, a prescriptive model was designed and developed for DDDM in 3PLs. Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured interviews to gain an understanding of the problems and possible solutions in the real-world context of 3PLs. An As-Is Analysis in the real-world case 3PL company confirmed the challenges identified in literature, and that data is still used in the 3PL company for descriptive and diagnostic analytics to aid with the decision-making processes. This highlights that there is still room for maturity into using data for predictive and prescriptive analytics that will, in turn, improve the decision-making process. An improved second version of the model was demonstrated to the participants (the targeted users), who had the opportunity to evaluate the model. The findings revealed that the model provided clear guidelines on how to make data-driven decisions and that the feedback loop and the data culture aspects highlighted in the design were some of the important features of the model. Some improvements were suggested by participants. A field study of three data analytics tools was conducted to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as to highlight the status of DDDM at the real-world case 3PL. The limitations of the second version of the model, together with the recommendations from the participants were used to inform the improved and revised third version of the model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-12
A deep learning approach to classifying tyres using sidewall images
- Authors: Gifford, Dean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Image processing -- Digital techniques , Image processing Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39720 , vital:35351
- Description: End of Life Tyres (ELT's) pose a potential health and environmental risk when dumped in illegal stockpiles. For recycling to be considered feasible, a profitable business opportunity needs to be created. One method of making the recycling process of tyres more profitable is by understanding the compounds found within each tyre. This study aims at classifying these tyres in order to achieve this knowledge. A literature review was done to investigate neural networks, convolutional neural networks as well as existing deep learning architectures for image classification. A deep learning approach was applied in order to classify the logos of tyres as these approaches have proved their success in both image classification and more specifically logo classification. Although tyre classification has been implemented in the past, a deep learning approach has not been applied and the logo has not been the classifying element in any other studies. The main difference of this study compared to previous research surrounding deep learning and logo classification is the properties of the tyre logo. Logos on tyres are very similar in colour as they are purely formed in rubber and very seldom have any colour to them. Additionally, the embossed logos can contain variation among same branded tyres due to small inconsistencies in the moulds. The implementation of this deep learning solution saw multiple convolutional neural networks implemented. Some of these architectures were also implemented using transferred learning. The metrics obtained as outputs from training and testing the architectures were the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. These metrics were compared in conjunction with the confusion matrix produced from testing. To ensure that variance was accounted for in the experiments, the k-fold cross-validation technique was adopted. The results of this study identified that one convolutional neural network model, MobileNet, was particularly well suited for the context of classifying logos on tyre sidewalls. The MobileNet architecture had the highest performance metrics for both training from scratch (96.7% accuracy) and transferred learning (98.8% accuracy). Three other models performed particularly well when trained from scratch, these were a modification of the LeNet architecture, ResNet50 and InceptionV3. The transferred learning results were also impressive with four out of the 5 models achieving an accuracy above 94%. Interestingly, the ResNet50 architecture failed to train when transferred learning was applied. Contrasting to this, the two models VGG16 and VGG19 failed to train when trained from scratch but performed equally as well as the other models when transferred learning was implemented. This indicates that although transferred learning can improve the performance of models, it is highly dependent on the task as well as the model. Overall the results obtained proved that a deep learning approach could be applied in order to classify tyres accurately.
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- Date Issued: 2019
A design method for end-user engagement and interaction with social media technologies
- Authors: Oyedele, Yemisi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Social media , End-user computing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58451 , vital:59284
- Description: Social media technologies are ubiquitous and have become essential information and communication technology applications for society. These technologies provide end-users with the experience of interacting with different social media platforms and socialising with other end-users on these platforms. They also contribute towards the personal development of end-users and the development of the social media community, which has become an important part of their everyday lives. As social media technology evolves, measuring end-user engagement becomes challenging. In the existing literature, the measured engagement, such as the end-user’s activities, typically represents an aspect of the experience that the end-users have with the technology. This view is a single dimension of the end-user’s engagement and, at the same time, a limited representation of the actual interaction the end-users have with the technology. In addition to the behavioural aspect, other dimensions that occur during the interaction are the emotional and cognitive aspects. Together, these three aspects of end-user engagement occur simultaneously during the interaction period. Therefore, there is a need to define and design a broader view of the end-user’s engagement with social media technology. The main research objective of this thesis is to develop an artefact that informs the design of social media technology based on the knowledge or understanding of the end-user’s perspectives of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects when engaging with social media technology. Also, this study has three sub-research objectives. The first sub-research objective is to define end-user’s engagement and interaction using a concept called User experience engagement and interaction. This concept is proposed to holistically represent the three-dimensional engagement that end-users have with social media technology. The second sub-research objective is to identify an approach to derive some design guidelines and heuristics for social media technology engagement and interaction. The third sub-research objective is to determine how to constitute the end-users experience and design elements into a method. Moreover, this study follows a design science research paradigm. This approach, which combines a literature review, a case study, and an illustrative scenario, was used in the research process to achieve the three sub-research objectives. Specifically, the literature viii review and the case study focus on defining the end-users’ emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement with social media technology. Findings were used to interpret end user engagement and develop the design method that would aid designers and developers to enhance end user engagement and interaction with social media technologies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-04
A design of a convention centre in the kuiseb river valley, Namib desert
- Authors: Davids, Maretha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Convention facilities-- Namibia --Kuiseb river -- Designs and plans , Kuiseb River (Namibia)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57466 , vital:57876
- Description: At least 55 million years old, the Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world. With many species making up the diverse ecosystem the question remains, how do they survive with less than 200 mm of rainfall per year? (Lovegrove 1993) Survival in harsh climatic conditions have been tried and conquered across the world, from desert to artic conditions. With a harsh climatic environment and barren conditions, where does one set up a place of gathering? With tourism being one of the main pillars of the economy in Namibia. On an already existing route along a perennial water source, a conference centre is set up as a midway point for meeting of tourists with a local flair (Humavindu, 2013 Through learning from this environment and environments similar to these, the final product of this treatise results in a place of meeting along this string of settlements along the river, through means of bio-inspired design and phenomenological theories of place making. The challenge of nature vs building is questioned. Forming a unique experience as a sustainable oasis within the harsh surrounds the project sits within, amplifying the context in which it sits. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A development training support model for entrepreneurs in South Africa
- Authors: Ward, Graham Bernard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- Training of -- South Africa new business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13546 , vital:27221
- Description: Recent years have seen the decline of entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. This is especially concerning in that, officially, 27.7% of South Africans are unemployed. The unofficial unemployment figures are closer to 50%. The South African economy is battling to recover from the world economic crisis of 2009/10, putting pressure on government to alleviate growing unemployment and curtail social unrest. Furthermore, a South African economy which thrives on entrepreneurial activity will become more competitive from a global perspective. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship in South Africa, in an effort to combat the problems listed above. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a model which could be used in the development of entrepreneurs. The rationale is that, if the factors which affect entrepreneurship could be identified and tested, then recommendations could be made which could promote the development of entrepreneurs in South Africa. The approach was as follows: Perform a literature review which would cover both global and local (South African) approaches to developmental training for entrepreneurs; Develop a theoretical model comprising of identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; Develop a measuring instrument to test the relationships described in the theoretical model empirically; • Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in South Africa and statistically analyse the sourced data; Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objectives; and Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The focus of the literature study was on two main areas: trends in global developmental training, and South African initiatives to stimulate developmental training of entrepreneurs. The literature on global entrepreneurial development highlights two distinct categories for entrepreneurial development: 1) entrepreneurial education and 2) entrepreneurial training. The literature study concerning South African methodologies for developmental training for entrepreneurs, focused on current methods employed and highlighted areas on which improvements should be concentrated. From the literature study on both global and South African developmental training methods, ten independent variables (entrepreneurial culture; socio-emotional attributes; acquiring business skills; industry experience; opportunity identification; regulatory barriers; economic barriers; outside advice; formal training and informal training were identified as factors affecting entrepreneurial developmental training. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived to influence significantly the dependent variables: perceived global success as an entrepreneur and perceived individual success as an entrepreneur. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent randomly to South African business owners. Data were collected from 332 respondents and subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of the research instrument. Secondly, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated for each of the identified factors to confirm the reliability of the research instrument. The significance of the hypothesised relationships in the revised model were then tested by using the statistical technique known as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for aligning ICT service providers' products and services to the needs of SME customers
- Authors: Mhlongo, Sizwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- Computer networks , Business enterprises -- information technology Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31911 , vital:31861
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to enhance economic growth and innovation, create jobs, and stimulate competition in the economy. However, SMEs face several challenges that influence their longevity, growth, and success. Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption has the potential to alleviate some of these challenges faced by SMEs and to enhance their competitiveness. The adoption and use of ICT can bring benefits in terms of increasing their efficiency, innovation, growth and competitive advantages. However, SMEs are currently not taking full advantage of exploiting the potential of ICT products and services. Mostly, SMEs depend on the advice provided by their ICT service providers regarding the best ICT products and services they should adopt due to the lack of in-house ICT skills and capabilities. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for ICT service providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was proposed by this study based on the literature review, an empirical study was conducted among the SME respondents within the Gauteng province of South Africa. The questionnaire used for this study collected data to measure the SMEs’ perceptions on the availability, awareness, usage and the value added by the adoption of ICT products and services and the level of the satisfaction of the ICT needs of SMEs. The findings of this study indicate that gaps and misalignments exist between the ICT needs of SMEs and the ICT service providers’ products and services targeted to SMEs. The major discovery from the conducted empirical study revealed that ICT service providers mostly fulfil only the basic level needs of SMEs such as ICT infrastructure needs but do not fully address the higher level needs such as the digital transformation needs of SMEs. In conclusion, this study recommends that it is crucial for ICT services providers to align their products and services to the needs of SMEs in order to successfully target and market to the SME segment.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for an integrated transport system towards improving public transport efficiency in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Dlepu, Anele Lunga
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Intelligent transportation systems , Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51165 , vital:43214
- Description: The main objective of this study was to develop a framework for an Integrated Transport System towards improving public transport efficiency in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study was conducted against a background of a noticeably disjointed transport system in the BCMM. Among several others, the key attributing factors include rapid urban expansion, urbanization and sharp rise in the volume of traffic. The preliminary chapter of this study presented objectives which sought to address the economic and social costs associated with the disintegrated transport system. This study has been divided into seven chapters, with three of them comprising of literature review. The first chapter gives a background about the South African public transport system, covering transport regulations and legislation including an overview of the public transport system in the BCMM. The second chapter provided an overview of the transport system in South Africa, including the profile and comparison with other countries. In the third chapter, literature on transport integration has been explored, touching on the nodes and corridor development concepts, together with the integrated transit systems. Importantly, the literature analysis section discusses challenges inhibiting transport integration and the effective strategies for improving integration efforts. For the research methodology the interpretivist paradigm has been followed, necessitating the adoption of a qualitative research approach. This research used the qualitative data collection method, together with thematic analysis. Primary Data was collected by means of an unstructured questionnaire distributed to respondents electronically and the views captured in this study were from respondents in the Traffic Department, Traffic Police Department, the Local Municipality and Taxi Associations. The research leads to the findings that there is a need for a review of the urban transport policy, the reconstruction of urban roads and an investment in appropriate transport integration technology. This study also articulates that the urban sprawl in Buffalo City Metro is a serious cause for concern with regard to transport management. It further recommends that there must be a better coordination between the various transport management departments. Finally a recommendation is made that mini-bus taxis be done away with, as means of transport. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A framework for capital structure decision-making in South African businesses
- Authors: Du Toit, Jan Lodewicus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39567 , vital:35291
- Description: The research is undertaken to understand how businesses make their capital structure decisions by identifying and evaluating the factors to be considered in making capital structure decisions in South African businesses. Qualitative research methods are used in two phases. In phase one, a literature review is conducted to create a framework of strategic aspects to consider when making capital structure decisions. In phase two the framework is evaluated by conducting in-depth interviews. The purpose of phase two is to identify the strategic aspects that are considered in the South African business context. The literature overview identified twelve strategic aspects for consideration when making capital structure decisions, namely business risk, control, flexibility, growth rate, long-run viability, management constraints, management conservatism, market conditions, rating agencies, size, taxation and transactional cost. The framework of twelve strategic aspects to be considered when making capital structure decisions was empirically evaluated by means of interviews. The interview responses regarding the initial twelve strategic aspects were coded and three themes emerged, namely critical strategic decision-making factors (business risk, financial flexibility, tax advantage, and volatility of earnings cash flows); factors relating specifically to markets in South Africa (growth rate, long-term viability, market conditions, credit rating, and transaction costs) and autonomy of the decision-making process (control, management constraints, managerial conservatism, and size). During the interview process, it was indicated that the autonomy of the decision-making process theme (control structure, management constraints, managerial conservatism and business size) do not form part of the strategic capital structure decision-making process in their companies and should be omitted. The interviewees highlighted four additional themes that may affect their capital structure decisions, namely government interference in the market and in the local business; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rating; political stability, and state capture. The study suggests a proposed framework consisting of six themes that can be used to guide capital structure decisions in South Africa businesses.
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- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for designing ambient assisted living services for disabled individuals
- Authors: Kyazze, Michael
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Assistive computer technology , Computers and people with disabilities Self-help devices for people with disabilities People with disabilities -- Means of communication -- Technological innovations Communication devices for people with disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31240 , vital:31347
- Description: Physically disabled individuals face a number of challenges when carrying out their everyday activities such as moving around, communicating with others, and their personal care. One way of overcoming these challenges is by using personal assistants. An alternative is to enable independence through assistive technology. This research aimed to investigate how physically disabled individuals experience these challenges, and how assistive technology can enable them to be more independent. In order to achieve the goal of this research, existing literature was reviewed on disability, assisted living, and interaction techniques. The literature study on disability identified some of the challenges faced by disabled individuals in their daily lives. In order to contextualize these challenges, interview studies with eighteen disabled individuals, and twelve personal assistants were carried out in Kampala, Uganda and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The participants from both Uganda and South Africa were limited to those living in urban areas. The Ugandan participants noted that, whereas technology may assist their daily lives, their most essential needs are basic disability support aids such as wheelchairs and better long canes. This was in contrast with the South African participants, who have access to basic disability support aids. The South African participants identified their key needs as controlling an electronic environment without assistance, e.g. house lights, using a mobile phone, and using a computer without assistance. The interviews narrowed down the scope to focus on individuals with quadriplegia, specifically individuals who have limited hand use, but can comfortably speak and move their heads, and make gestures such as head shake and nod. Literature on assisted living technologies and frameworks, provided the technical foundation for the research. The literature review of interaction techniques identified a number of possible ways in which individuals with quadriplegia can interact with technology. An appropriate set of interaction techniques, namely head shake and nod, voice, and facial feature tracking were identified. Evaluations of the interaction techniques excluded head shake and nod, because of an inconsistency in detecting an individual’s head pose in different lighting conditions, when using a Microsoft Kinect. Voice and facial feature tracking using a standard computer camera were identified as the most suitable interaction techniques for this study. A framework for designing assisted living software services was developed. The framework allows disability researchers and solution developers to understand the needs of a given disability group, and design relevant solutions. To demonstrate that the proposed framework iii | P a g e addresses the main aim of this research, a prototype was developed that enables users to control smart lights (Phillips hue), a Smart TV (Samsung), and carry out basic navigation and webbrowsing on a computer. Users could interact with the software using voice and facial feature commands. A usability study was carried out with fifteen physically disabled individuals in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The results of the evaluation study were highly positive. The successful evaluation of the prototype provided empirical evidence that the proposed framework does assist in the design of relevant and useful software services, to meet the unique needs of physically disabled individuals.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for digital signature implementations for e-government services
- Authors: Kumalo, Mmaphefo Octavia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic government information , Internet in public administration Municipal government -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46086 , vital:39490
- Description: The advent of the Internet has brought with it new innovations, new ways of doing business, new ways of working, new ways of engaging, and new forms of business models. It has ultimately disrupted the traditional ways in which we communicate, socialise, and live life in general. This era has heralded the requirement for digitization and has brought about the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The fundamental ways in which companies and governments do business are changing due to the increased innovation, and the cost efficiencies that this era has brought with it. Like most governments worldwide, the South African government has responded to the Internet revolution and is taking advantage of it through e-government initiatives. The direct effects of e-government include cost savings, efficiencies, improved and continuous interactions and communications with citizens, better public procurement, and improved tax collection. The area of digitization has the potential to improve how the South African government delivers services to citizens and those that reside within the borders of the country. Amongst the five elements of successful e-government transformation, process reform is at the top of the list. e-Government is not just about the automation of existing processes and inefficiencies. It is also about the creation of new processes and new relationships between all the stakeholders involved. In the South African context, the lack of optimised, automated, and digitalised processes within various government departments has impeded crossfunctional processes’ effectiveness and efficiencies. Manual interventions in processing and transactions occur to comply with the legal requirement to manually sign documents. This poses difficulties in integrating processes within government departments to achieve a seamless experience for the citizen. As a result, this treatise sets out to answer the question of what needs to be in place to allow for the utilisation of digital signatures in automating the processing of e-government services for a seamless experience for citizens and businesses. The resulting Digital Signature Framework can be used by government departments to implement digital signatures and provides providing guidance, facilitating understanding, and providing ease of use, scalability, and agility.
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- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for enhancing compliance with Employee Performance Management and Development Systems(EPMDS) among public sector doctors in BCMM health facilities
- Authors: Bayeni, Luvuyo Lonwabo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47520 , vital:40116
- Description: This research explored an employee performance management and development system in the context of the public health centres in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study reviewed the literature on EPMDS in the public health sector of South Africa, noting the shortfalls, challenges, and ways in which it could be improved. The major findings from the study include the need to review the entire policy, revise the pay-scales, and co-create a new EPMDS policy creating space for the representation of the views of the employees. Without completing the development and performance evaluation, grade progression cannot be implemented despite years of service; hence the problem doctors face with their salary levels. The current EPMDS was found to be ineffective due to the wide discrepancy that exists between doctors and other health professionals in public health institutions. Among the commitment motivators highlighted by the respondents, was the need to develop an organisational culture that permits employees to recognise that they are appreciated. Future research must consider using mixed research methods, in the context of other South African Provinces and include a larger sample of research participants.
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- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for ethical sourcing of construction materials
- Authors: Ibrahim, Kabir
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria , Building materials -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Building -- Environmental aspects -- Nigeria Environmental protection -- Nigeria Conservation of natural resources -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42140 , vital:36629
- Description: Climate change and a speedily depreciating ecosystem are global challenges. These challenges are, in the main, attributed to activities in the construction industry, which relies heavily on the environment to provide materials. Studies show that the impact in developing countries is worse, due to the low level of awareness. Consequently, there is a dearth of research-based evidence on the ethics of sourcing of materials. This research aimed at changing that by investigating the ethics of materials sourcing in Nigeria. Epistemologically, the research is subjective and paradigmatically phenomenological. The methods used for data collection include a comprehensive literature review, collection of archival records, empirical studies of sixteen organisations that are involved in materials sourcing, transportation and production of eight construction materials across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, that were purposefully selected. The findings reveal that the majority of the processes employed to source, transport and produce materials for the construction industry are not ethical environmentally due to their contribution to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and vibration, landscape damage, harm to flora and fauna and waste production. Furthermore, the study found that the majority of the organisations studied, do not produce sustainability reports for their operations. The study developed a framework for ethical sourcing of construction materials. The study recommends that organisations should utilise the framework developed in this study to enhance their sustainability practices.
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- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for event marketing for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Nyamutsambira, Kudakwashe Don
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Special events -- South Africa -- Marketing , Special events -- South Africa -- Planning Special events -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13647 , vital:27260
- Description: Recent times have seen the increased proliferation of the concept of applying events in promoting destinations. This can be attributed to the effectiveness of events in solidifying the image and attractiveness of destinations. Currently, South Africa ranks as the twenty second most popular location for hosting events and has a foothold of 2.5% of the global event market share. The global pervasion of events has changed the dynamics that surround how destinations are promoted and has also significantly impacted the tourism industry and the respective tourist patterns of consumption. Literature suggests that events are gradually moving from previously being viewed as a complementary leisure activity towards becoming a primary source of attraction for destinations. Literature also confirms the extensive inclination of cities in the use of events for branding destinations. The primary problem that this study investigates is the lack of substantial knowhow with respect to how events can be presented in order to augment and enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. There is no substantial blueprint that is capable of informing from the perspective of event marketers, how best they can drive a successful event marketing imperative that the local and external consumers can appreciate. Additionally, Nelson Mandela Bay has over the recent years encountered a significant amount of losses stemming from the events realm of its tourist offering. The most recent and calamitous of its losses to date has been estimated at R200 million, which escaped the coffers of the local economy as a result of the internationally applauded IRB World Sevens event moving from the metropolis to Cape Town. This has caused disconcerted and agitated sentiments across business and tourism leadership locally. Since 2011, the IRB World Sevens Series cultivated over R1 Billion towards the local economy. Losses in terms of showcasing the city to a global audience on highly established and followed media platforms are also expected. In addition, given the lack of knowledge with respect to event marketing dynamics, the “Twelve Events in Twelve Months”, an initiative that will see different event themes being launched within the twelve calendar months of the year in Nelson Mandela Bay, runs a high risk of failing to take off upon its launch because local residents and potential tourists, both national and international will lack the knowledge sufficient to stimulate their acceptance and attraction to this concept. This study aims to investigate the concepts, notions and critical success factors that event marketers can apply in order to increase the success of the event marketing imperative in Nelson Mandela Bay. The success of event marketing is expected to increase the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay and brand it as a viable destination to prospective stakeholders. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was suggested by this study based on the literature review, an empirical evaluation was performed amongst the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay through the application of a questionnaire that was electronically and physically distributed. This questionnaire received 3 659 responses and measured respondents’ access and usage of media facilities. It also measured the perceptions of the current state of events in Nelson Mandela Bay. Furthermore, the questionnaire evaluated the destination image of Nelson Mandela Bay. Moreover, hypotheses were tested to evaluate the assumptions that the manner in which events are packaged, placed, positioned and promoted will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The findings of this study suggest that the strategic bundling, placing, promoting and positioning of events is critical towards advancing an event marketing imperative and sustaining it in the long term. Additionally, the study also indicates that the successful development of a comprehensive event marketing initiative will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The study thus concludes that event marketers can apply the proposed event marketing framework as a blueprint for informing their strategic development of event concepts in order to enhance their potential for success. The successful establishment of event offerings will consequently amplify the destination attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. This research’s deliverables are expected to positively influence and reinforce the productivity of the social interactions that encompass Nelson Mandela Bay. Essentially, a framework that credibly guides the event marketer’s thinking in developing event concepts for the city is expected to enhance the attractiveness, sustaining and success of events therein. The success of events is expected to widen business prospects within the city. Moreover, eminent events are also expected to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a formidable player, and an attractive destination to aspiring investors, decision makers and visitors. This is expected to widen the resource base of the local players within the city, and motivate for more collaboration amongst them in a quest of deriving mutual gain from the city’s progression. In view of these notions, this study can be grounded in the social capital theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa
- Authors: Nobaza, Lwazi Bruce
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Local transit -- South Africa -- Finance , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Finance Transportation and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22703 , vital:30059
- Description: South African cities are faced with still challenges of economic and spatial exclusion due to the legacy of apartheid, growing need for housing opportunities, high transport costs, long commuting times between work and home, and poor integration of different modes of public transport. Although there is a strong association between public transport infrastructure investment and socio-spatial transformation, the current backlog of public transport infrastructure and the inability of public funds to address such backlog inhibit spatial transformation and socio-economic integration. Notably, public transport has a potential to expedite spatial transformation and social integration and also stimulate the economy but it is still underfunded. There are numerous alternative and innovative mechanisms that are applied internationally, that can help with financing of public transport infrastructure financing, but few or none have been applied in a South African context. The purpose of this study is to explore alternative funding mechanisms and provide a conceptual framework for that will ensure availability of finances that are critical for financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa. Literature review provides international best practices in the financing of public transport infrastructure that can be replicated in South Africa. This resulted in the identification of six independent variables, namely government funding, external financing, public private partnerships, risk management, property value capture and institutional environment and two intervening variables, namely feasibility and viability. These variables were then utilised to develop a conceptual framework with suggested hypotheses on the financing of public transport infrastructure in South Africa. Primary data was then statistically analysed to test the proposed conceptual framework and hypothesised relationships. The empirical study provides little evidence of significant relationships between dependent variables of the study, namely perceived success of financing public transport infrastructure in South Africa and the independent and intervening variables. However, the study highlights that feasibility and financial viability are preconditions for sustainable investments into public transport infrastructure. These can be only achieved in an investment climate with a conducive policy and legislative framework that does not only protect interests of various investors but also utilises government funding to leverage private sector finance. This will ensure that long term objectives spatial transformation of urban areas is achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for improving construction workers’ health and safety practices in Lagos, Nigeria
- Authors: Kukoyi, Patricia Omega
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Health aspects -- Lagos -- Nigeria , Industrial safety -- Lagos -- Nigeria Sustainable construction -- Lagos -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30962 , vital:31235
- Description: The construction sector is known for its poor health and safety (H&S) record. This situation contributes to the poor performance of construction projects and poor worker productivity. In view of this, the research was undertaken to improve workers’ H&S practices. This study determined how the systems thinking approach will mitigate unhealthy and unsafe construction practices in Lagos, Nigeria by developing interventions, and proposing a model for improved H&S practices. The study utilised a mixed research method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used specifically the concurrent embedded method to obtain and analyse the data. The sample size for the quantitative study was 375 respondents and a total of 40 respondents were engaged in the qualitative study. The sample consisted of designers, contractors, clients, quantity surveyors, project managers, construction managers, supervisors, and construction workers (masons, carpenters, painters, roofers, electricians) based in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings reveal that there is inadequate consideration for H&S during the procurement of construction projects. Furthermore, the absence of H&S regulations relating to the construction sector was observed. Unsafe practices at construction sites in Nigeria can be attributed to this discovery. The study reveals that the regulatory system, the organisation, the individual and the work environment all have an impact on H&S work practices. Although the contractors are mainly responsible for H&S at construction sites, other construction stakeholders (such as clients, consultants, etc.) influence H&S practices. The findings highlight the need for the adoption of a holistic approach to facilitate improvement in H&S practices on construction sites. The research has contributed to the body of knowledge by developing a framework for improving workers’ H&S performance on construction sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for managing the impact of information communication technology on employee well-being
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47489 , vital:40126
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals
- Authors: Botha, Gideon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical care, Cost of -- South Africa , Medical economics -- South Africa Medical care -- South Africa -- Cost control Cost accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50432 , vital:42167
- Description: The increase of South African health care costs can be extrapolated into the global healthcare cost challenge, with various factors contributing to this problem. One of the factors viewed as being central to the rising cost of health care is the inability of health care provider organisations to accurately measure unit costs of resources used to treat a patient for their medical condition and patient outcomes. The measurement of an accurate unit cost and patient outcomes is imperative to improving value, which is seen as an improvement in outcomes for every rand spent. The determination of price tariffs and the price tariff payment model used to onward bill the price tariff for medical services have also been identified as having a central role in improving value in health care. In order for price tariffs to improve value, they should be reflective and be based on an accurate unit cost that reflects the cost of resources used to provide efficient and effective care for a patient’s medical condition. For the price tariff payment model to improve value, it needs to reward providers for delivering superior patient outcomes at a lower cost by making price tariffs contingent on achieving specified outcomes as well as incorporating performance payments or holdbacks based on outcomes achieved. This study provides a framework for price tariffs in the costing structures of South African private hospitals. Secondary research was conducted in the form of a comprehensive literature search in order to do an interpretative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used to determine prices in private hospitals. The literature review was followed by primary research that involved three phases, all of which used a qualitative research approach. In Phase 1, primary data were collected using unobtrusive measures that consisted of a data request first, followed by unstructured interviews with representatives of Hospital A and Hospital B to obtain an analysis of the combinations of unit costing model and price tariff payment model used for a laparoscopic appendectomy. In Phase 2, data were collected by means of an unstructured interview with a surgeon describing a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure in detail and based on this process description, the approximate costs for the various resources that were sourced from different suppliers could be calculated. The data analysis and interpretation were done in three phases, with each phase having different research objectives. The data were first coded and then interpreted. In the first primary research phase, the combinations of unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by private Hospital A and Hospital B were evaluated. In the second phase, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was applied to a hypothetical example and evaluated. In the final phase, based on the outcome of the first and second research phases, a combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model for private hospitals was recommended. The results showed that the recommended combination of unit costing and price tariff payment model namely time-driven activity-based costing with the global fee price tariff payment model was the most appropriate to determine price tariffs in private hospitals when compared to the unit costing models and price tariff payment models used by Hospital A and Hospital B for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Furthermore, the recommended combination of unit costing model and price tariff payment model was found to be usable for the determination of price tariffs in the costing structures of private hospitals. The time-driven activity-based costing model and global fee price tariff payment model should be adopted or used as guidelines for determining price tariffs in private hospitals in South Africa. Price tariffs would be more transparent as they would reflect the actual resource cost of treating the patient and the resources used and treatment provided could then be assessed against the delivery value chain that charts the principal activities involved in a patient’s care for a medical condition to ensure that patient best-practice protocols are followed. The proposed framework enables the determination of price tariffs based on an accurate unit cost reflecting the actual resources used to provide efficient and effective care and also improve value for the patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for public infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kapesa, Tonderai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- Accounting -- Standards , Accounting -- Standards , Finance -- Zimbabwe , Infrastructure (Economics) -- Zimbabwe -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51688 , vital:43363
- Description: The Government of Zimbabwe is operating using the mantra: ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’. The notion of opening for business requires robust supporting economic infrastructure for enhanced productivity, in the form of reliable supply of electricity, accessible road/railway transport networks and availability of contemporary Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for making financing decisions for public infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The objectives of the study are to: determine the main sources of public infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe; establish innovative finance’s capacity to close the public infrastructure financing gap in Zimbabwe; assess the role played by public-sector accounting in attracting appropriate and efficient mechanisms to finance public infrastructure in Zimbabwe; and ultimately to develop and recommend a framework for selecting suitable and efficient mechanisms to finance public infrastructure in Zimbabwe. According to literature reviewed, public infrastructure is broadly financed by public sector entities using their own resources (internally financed) or through private sector investments and innovative financing instruments (externally financed). When infrastructure is internally financed, the study is theoretically guided by the Public Goods Theory and the Theory of Public Finance and Public Policy. When externally financed, the Risk Return and Pecking Order theories are important. There are many instruments used to finance public infrastructure and one project may be financed using one or more instruments. Therefore, considerations are given to the need for a framework that helps improve the efficiency of the financing decision. The study was designed as a multiple case study that focused on four sectors of economic infrastructure, that is, transport, energy (electricity), ICT as well as water and sanitation. The research used synchronous mixed methods to achieve the objectives of the study. Qualitative research methods addressed the following objectives: a) to determine the main sources of public infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe; b) to establish innovative finance’s capacity to close the public infrastructure financing gap in Zimbabwe; and c) to assess the role played by public-sector accounting in attracting appropriate and efficient mechanisms to finance public infrastructure in Zimbabwe. Whilst to develop and recommend a framework for selecting suitable and efficient mechanisms to finance public infrastructure in Zimbabwe the study combined qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with officials and staff from government ministries, government departments, as well as parastatal enterprises dealing with the four infrastructure types. The same respondents were asked to complete a survey questionnaire used to address part of the objective that developed a framework for public infrastructure financing. Interview data were triangulated using secondary data extracted from reports and financial statements. Some of the secondary data was collected from the World Bank’s development indicators online repository. Qualitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data analysis software. Findings from the study revealed that the main sources of finance for public infrastructure in Zimbabwe are the government through budget appropriations, and concessionary loans from the China Export-Import Bank. There was also finance obtained from multilateral financial institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the African Export-Import Bank. The study revealed that there is currently very limited use of innovative financing instruments such as PPPs in financing public infrastructure in Zimbabwe, despite the country having legislation to support such financing arrangements. The innovations in financing observed in the study entail the use of conventional financing mechanisms in unconventional ways. However, there is scope for improving the financing of public infrastructure using innovative financing mechanisms and significantly mitigate the financing gap. Public sector accountants in Zimbabwe are mainly active in financial reporting, although the financial statements for most ministries, government departments and parastatal enterprises had qualified audit opinions from the Auditor General’s office. Public sector accountants are not active in financial management and cost and management accounting responsibilities. As a result, public sector accountants are not adding value to public money through offering advisory services in the efficient investment of public money, as well as financing public infrastructure assets using the most efficient financing mechanism. There is no uniformly applied framework when making financing decisions for public infrastructure in Zimbabwe. Therefore, a framework was developed and is recommended for use by this study. The developed framework entails eight steps that are interrelated and interconnected. Use of the proposed framework requires availability of data about infrastructure projects that have been done in the past. The study recommends that Zimbabwe should ensure a robust framework for protecting private sector investments, which can be achieved by ensuring policy consistency; creating and implementing a legal framework that protects private capital; and having economically viable infrastructure sectors, that are liberalised to allow private sector participation. The Government of Zimbabwe must take deliberate actions that ensure variety of financing options at the disposal of the public sector to lower costs of financing public infrastructure. It is also important to fully operationalise the legislation and policies designed to facilitate the participation of the private sector in financing public sector projects. Such operationalisation entails a decentralisation of the regulations and policies to the provincial and municipal levels. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04