Investigating various product derivatives for a sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain in South Africa
- Authors: Adam, Yusuf
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Derivatives product , sustainable aquaculture , Supply Chain management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59531 , vital:62150
- Description: Contemporary aquaculture produces more seafood for growing global nutrition requirements than capture fisheries stocks, but aquaculture practices do have adverse environmental impacts. This research investigated more sustainable marine ecosystem management practices through alternative aquaculture feed ingredients and production systems that mimic natural marine food chains. The aim was to find an alternative feed model to make the industry more sustainable. Content analysis was used to let secondary research complement the empirical research to investigate the perceptions about various product derivatives for a more sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain. The survey entailed distributing 228 questionnaires and only 55 diverse stakeholders responded. By reviewing their perceptions of natural marine organisms and manufactured agricultural ingredients, the call for sustainably produced aquaculture feed could inform future sustainable supply chain management and marine ecosystem stewardship. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Adam, Yusuf
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Derivatives product , sustainable aquaculture , Supply Chain management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59531 , vital:62150
- Description: Contemporary aquaculture produces more seafood for growing global nutrition requirements than capture fisheries stocks, but aquaculture practices do have adverse environmental impacts. This research investigated more sustainable marine ecosystem management practices through alternative aquaculture feed ingredients and production systems that mimic natural marine food chains. The aim was to find an alternative feed model to make the industry more sustainable. Content analysis was used to let secondary research complement the empirical research to investigate the perceptions about various product derivatives for a more sustainable aquaculture feed supply chain. The survey entailed distributing 228 questionnaires and only 55 diverse stakeholders responded. By reviewing their perceptions of natural marine organisms and manufactured agricultural ingredients, the call for sustainably produced aquaculture feed could inform future sustainable supply chain management and marine ecosystem stewardship. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Ultraprecision Diamond Turning of Monocrystalline Germanium
- Authors: Adeleke, Adeniyi Kehinde
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Precision , Diamond Turning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44453 , vital:37835
- Description: Infrared lens production demands a surface with a high degree of accuracy and integrity. Surface roughness is a critical index of the measure of any product’s surface integrity. As a result of this, ultra-high machining technology has enjoyed extensive application, due to the continuous request for components within the range of 1 – 10nm roughness value. This technology has brought about the increased productivity and manufacture of quality products with a top-notch surface finish. Brittle materials such as germanium are hard to machine through the conventional processes such as lapping and polishing. Hence, the ultra-precision machining technology based on single point diamond turning (SPDT), is now been applied to machine germanium in the ductile mode, where material chip removal occurs by plastic deformation instead of a brittle fracture. During machining, selecting the optimal cutting conditions which includes cutting parameters and tool geometry, will not only improve productivity but ensure the minimisation of operating cost. In this research work, SPDT operation was used to conduct two experiments on a (monocrystalline germanium) workpiece. The first experiment was carried out using a diamond tool with a 1.5 mm nose radius, while the second experiment employed the use of a tool having a nose radius of 1.0 mm. A combination of machining parameters for each of the experimental runs were derived from a Box-Behnken method of design and the surface roughness was measured at each interval for both experiments with the aid of a Taylor Hopson PGI Dimension XL profilometer. Acoustic emission (AE) was also used as a quality sensing and tool-monitoring technique, to acquire signals and give indications of the expected surface roughness. Predictive models based on response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), were developed for determining surface roughness. Optimisation was performed using RSM to determine the optimal set of machining factors, which results in optimal condition of the output response. Further investigations on the acquired signals were carried out using signal-processing techniques. Time-domain and time-frequency domain features acquired from the AE signals, together with the process parameters, were employed as input variables in the neural network design, having shown a good association with the surface roughness. ix Conclusively, it can be observed that the predictive model results and the experimental roughness measurements are in good agreement with each other. For accuracy and cost of computation, the RSM and ANN developed models for single-crystal germanium are compared using mean absolute error (MAE). , Thesis (M.Eng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the built environment & Information Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Adeleke, Adeniyi Kehinde
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Precision , Diamond Turning
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44453 , vital:37835
- Description: Infrared lens production demands a surface with a high degree of accuracy and integrity. Surface roughness is a critical index of the measure of any product’s surface integrity. As a result of this, ultra-high machining technology has enjoyed extensive application, due to the continuous request for components within the range of 1 – 10nm roughness value. This technology has brought about the increased productivity and manufacture of quality products with a top-notch surface finish. Brittle materials such as germanium are hard to machine through the conventional processes such as lapping and polishing. Hence, the ultra-precision machining technology based on single point diamond turning (SPDT), is now been applied to machine germanium in the ductile mode, where material chip removal occurs by plastic deformation instead of a brittle fracture. During machining, selecting the optimal cutting conditions which includes cutting parameters and tool geometry, will not only improve productivity but ensure the minimisation of operating cost. In this research work, SPDT operation was used to conduct two experiments on a (monocrystalline germanium) workpiece. The first experiment was carried out using a diamond tool with a 1.5 mm nose radius, while the second experiment employed the use of a tool having a nose radius of 1.0 mm. A combination of machining parameters for each of the experimental runs were derived from a Box-Behnken method of design and the surface roughness was measured at each interval for both experiments with the aid of a Taylor Hopson PGI Dimension XL profilometer. Acoustic emission (AE) was also used as a quality sensing and tool-monitoring technique, to acquire signals and give indications of the expected surface roughness. Predictive models based on response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), were developed for determining surface roughness. Optimisation was performed using RSM to determine the optimal set of machining factors, which results in optimal condition of the output response. Further investigations on the acquired signals were carried out using signal-processing techniques. Time-domain and time-frequency domain features acquired from the AE signals, together with the process parameters, were employed as input variables in the neural network design, having shown a good association with the surface roughness. ix Conclusively, it can be observed that the predictive model results and the experimental roughness measurements are in good agreement with each other. For accuracy and cost of computation, the RSM and ANN developed models for single-crystal germanium are compared using mean absolute error (MAE). , Thesis (M.Eng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the built environment & Information Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A risk management model for commercial property development and investment in Ghana
- Authors: Asianoah, Rexford Kofi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Commercial real estate , Investment -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60493 , vital:65633
- Description: Commercial property development and investment provide many benefits to individuals and governments around the globe; these include the generation of income for investors, employment, tax revenues, and contributions to a country‘s GDP. Yet commercial property development and investment projects involve construction, economic and management risks. A lack of effective risk assessment and management tools may lead to developers and investors incurring losses. To curtail such losses, this study sought to create a credible management model that can be used to assess and manage risks in Ghana‘s commercial property development and investment industry. An extensive literature review was done, covering all 12 identified study constructs: real estate trends and cycle, construction project management, outside advice/mentorship, spatial development, strategic factors, business management skills, PMBOK, PESTEL analysis, general management skills, governance structures, financial feasibility, professional feasibility, and risk management. Each construct was defined and operationalised. A positivistic philosophical approach was used, and quantitative approach was used to solicit data from the main respondents through the distribution of questionnaires to the target population sample. CB-SEM and SPSS version 24 were used to analyse data, SEM to test the positive relationships hypothesised between the identified variables and SPSS to analyse the demographic data. The major findings are that there is a lack of financial and professional feasibility analysis among respondents along the following factors: the PMBOK, real estate trends and cycles, general management, business management, strategic factors, spatial development, and PESTEL analysis. It was found that these factors have positive and favourable influences on CPDI projects. The study recommends that developers and investors do financial and professional feasibility studies before they embark on projects. This could improve project viability in commercial property development and investment. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge in CPDI sector by developing a new risk assessment/risk management model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Technology, School of the built Environment, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Asianoah, Rexford Kofi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Risk management , Commercial real estate , Investment -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60493 , vital:65633
- Description: Commercial property development and investment provide many benefits to individuals and governments around the globe; these include the generation of income for investors, employment, tax revenues, and contributions to a country‘s GDP. Yet commercial property development and investment projects involve construction, economic and management risks. A lack of effective risk assessment and management tools may lead to developers and investors incurring losses. To curtail such losses, this study sought to create a credible management model that can be used to assess and manage risks in Ghana‘s commercial property development and investment industry. An extensive literature review was done, covering all 12 identified study constructs: real estate trends and cycle, construction project management, outside advice/mentorship, spatial development, strategic factors, business management skills, PMBOK, PESTEL analysis, general management skills, governance structures, financial feasibility, professional feasibility, and risk management. Each construct was defined and operationalised. A positivistic philosophical approach was used, and quantitative approach was used to solicit data from the main respondents through the distribution of questionnaires to the target population sample. CB-SEM and SPSS version 24 were used to analyse data, SEM to test the positive relationships hypothesised between the identified variables and SPSS to analyse the demographic data. The major findings are that there is a lack of financial and professional feasibility analysis among respondents along the following factors: the PMBOK, real estate trends and cycles, general management, business management, strategic factors, spatial development, and PESTEL analysis. It was found that these factors have positive and favourable influences on CPDI projects. The study recommends that developers and investors do financial and professional feasibility studies before they embark on projects. This could improve project viability in commercial property development and investment. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge in CPDI sector by developing a new risk assessment/risk management model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Technology, School of the built Environment, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Reciprocal peer reviews : evaluating potential bias and conflict of interest
- Authors: Baca, Zolile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Reciprocal , Peer review , Conflict of interests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59358 , vital:62074
- Description: External quality assessments are conducted to provide independent reasonable assurance that an internal audit activity is operating in conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) Standards, Code of Ethics, and the extent of compliance with international best practices. The assurance provided by an internal audit activity is relied on by various stakeholders in the organisation for decision-making purposes. Therefore, it is crucial for an independent external quality assessment process to be credible and trustworthy for internal audit stakeholders to know that the internal audit activity conforms with the Standards and Code of Ethics, which in turn allows the stakeholders to rely on assurances and advice provided by the internal audit activity. The objective of this study was to determine the potential existence of a conflict of interest and or bias, in fact or in appearance, when reciprocal peer reviews are performed by people working within the same district and who are familiar with each other. A qualitative research method was followed to achieve the objective of this study and answer the primary research question. A single case study approach was followed in this study using municipalities in the Overberg District to answer the primary research question, with a purposive sampling method used to select relevant participants for the study. Participants were the Audit Committee members, the Municipal Managers, and the Chief Audit Executives from the municipalities in the Overberg District. An interview guide was administered by the researcher to collect the primary research data through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were electronically recorded after permission was obtained from each participant, and each interview session was also transcribed. The primary data collected was then analysed using the In vivo coding method. Each interview transcript was manually analysed to identify key words, phrases or statements that agreed or disagreed with the IIA’s guidance pronouncements in relation to the performance of external quality assessments, with a specific focus on the use of reciprocal peer reviews. The findings of this study indicated that most participants did not perceive reciprocal peer reviews performed by persons working within the same district to be without bias and or conflict of interest, in fact or in appearance because of familiarities and close relations that exist between persons working in the same district in the same sector. The findings revealed that participants would consider the process and results of reciprocal peer reviews to be credible and trustworthy if they were conducted across the district or even across the provincial borders. The findings further showed that participants perceived a full external assessment to be the most reliable and trustworthy method to be used because of the external assessors or assessment teams having the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to perform external quality assessments which give the credibility and trustworthiness that is required for the external quality assessment process.. , Thesis (MCOM) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Baca, Zolile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Reciprocal , Peer review , Conflict of interests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59358 , vital:62074
- Description: External quality assessments are conducted to provide independent reasonable assurance that an internal audit activity is operating in conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) Standards, Code of Ethics, and the extent of compliance with international best practices. The assurance provided by an internal audit activity is relied on by various stakeholders in the organisation for decision-making purposes. Therefore, it is crucial for an independent external quality assessment process to be credible and trustworthy for internal audit stakeholders to know that the internal audit activity conforms with the Standards and Code of Ethics, which in turn allows the stakeholders to rely on assurances and advice provided by the internal audit activity. The objective of this study was to determine the potential existence of a conflict of interest and or bias, in fact or in appearance, when reciprocal peer reviews are performed by people working within the same district and who are familiar with each other. A qualitative research method was followed to achieve the objective of this study and answer the primary research question. A single case study approach was followed in this study using municipalities in the Overberg District to answer the primary research question, with a purposive sampling method used to select relevant participants for the study. Participants were the Audit Committee members, the Municipal Managers, and the Chief Audit Executives from the municipalities in the Overberg District. An interview guide was administered by the researcher to collect the primary research data through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were electronically recorded after permission was obtained from each participant, and each interview session was also transcribed. The primary data collected was then analysed using the In vivo coding method. Each interview transcript was manually analysed to identify key words, phrases or statements that agreed or disagreed with the IIA’s guidance pronouncements in relation to the performance of external quality assessments, with a specific focus on the use of reciprocal peer reviews. The findings of this study indicated that most participants did not perceive reciprocal peer reviews performed by persons working within the same district to be without bias and or conflict of interest, in fact or in appearance because of familiarities and close relations that exist between persons working in the same district in the same sector. The findings revealed that participants would consider the process and results of reciprocal peer reviews to be credible and trustworthy if they were conducted across the district or even across the provincial borders. The findings further showed that participants perceived a full external assessment to be the most reliable and trustworthy method to be used because of the external assessors or assessment teams having the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to perform external quality assessments which give the credibility and trustworthiness that is required for the external quality assessment process.. , Thesis (MCOM) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An integrated training and client service guidance framework for professional Accountants of SMES
- Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Training , Accountants -- Professional ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59467 , vital:62120
- Description: Small and medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) are vital to the accounting profession and represent most accounting practices globally. It is commonly assumed that SMPs employ the majority of professional accountants within the accounting field whose clients are typically small and medium-sized business entities (SMEs). SMEs account for most of the businesses around the world and play an important role in the development of economies as well as job creation. In a rapidly changing business environment, SMEs require a wider range of services and support from their professional accountants, thus, the needs and expectations of SMEs are constantly changing. Given the important contribution SMEs make to economic development, job creation, growth and innovation to communities globally, the success and survival rates of these businesses are of the utmost importance. Professional accountants of SMEs need to possess the relevant knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience to provide professional business advisory services (non-accounting services) to create more value for the SME client. Research suggests that the SMEs decision to outsource business advisory services from their professional accountants is influenced by the relationship between the professional accountant and SME including the manner in which traditional compliance accounting services are provided (client services). In response, the objective of this study was to propose a graphical and narrative integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework provides guidance in respect of the knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience a modern-day professional accountant should obtain during the various phases of learning and training whilst pursuing a career as a professional accountant. The framework further enhances the understanding of the traditional accounting services, client services and non-accounting services SME clients desire from their professional accountants as well as the role of professional accountants in providing or obtaining such services to ensure that the expectations of the client are met and, more importantly, contribute to the success of the SME. ABSTRACT vi An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed most suitable for the current study. The interpretivist research paradigm approach enabled the researcher to understand the phenomena being studied by sharing the participants’ experiences in their own words thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the desires, services, skills and competencies they required or provided. The research population consisted of two population groups, firstly, professional accountants, accountants or bookkeepers who were either owners or were employed at SMPs and, secondly, SME owner-managers or the persons responsible for the accounting function employed at the SME. The research instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research were two semi-structured interview schedules, one for each identified population group, which were divided into sections based on the themes and sub-themes. Based on key findings, the study proposes an integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework includes seven components, namely, formal higher education accounting programmes, workplace training, professional accountant, traditional accounting and client services, trust relationships, non-accounting services as well as networks of experts and other professionals. An important recommendation of the study is that professional accountants must effectively communicate and market their services to current as well as prospective SME clients to ensure that clients are aware of the potential services which can be provided or obtained from a trusted expert. The professional accountant could thus be regarded as a one-stop professional practice. The survival of the accounting profession in a constantly changing business environment is dependent on how the profession adapts to change including technological advancements. Professional accountants need to be able to provide value-added and specialist services to their SME clients as well as enhance the current quality level of client services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Training , Accountants -- Professional ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59467 , vital:62120
- Description: Small and medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) are vital to the accounting profession and represent most accounting practices globally. It is commonly assumed that SMPs employ the majority of professional accountants within the accounting field whose clients are typically small and medium-sized business entities (SMEs). SMEs account for most of the businesses around the world and play an important role in the development of economies as well as job creation. In a rapidly changing business environment, SMEs require a wider range of services and support from their professional accountants, thus, the needs and expectations of SMEs are constantly changing. Given the important contribution SMEs make to economic development, job creation, growth and innovation to communities globally, the success and survival rates of these businesses are of the utmost importance. Professional accountants of SMEs need to possess the relevant knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience to provide professional business advisory services (non-accounting services) to create more value for the SME client. Research suggests that the SMEs decision to outsource business advisory services from their professional accountants is influenced by the relationship between the professional accountant and SME including the manner in which traditional compliance accounting services are provided (client services). In response, the objective of this study was to propose a graphical and narrative integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework provides guidance in respect of the knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience a modern-day professional accountant should obtain during the various phases of learning and training whilst pursuing a career as a professional accountant. The framework further enhances the understanding of the traditional accounting services, client services and non-accounting services SME clients desire from their professional accountants as well as the role of professional accountants in providing or obtaining such services to ensure that the expectations of the client are met and, more importantly, contribute to the success of the SME. ABSTRACT vi An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed most suitable for the current study. The interpretivist research paradigm approach enabled the researcher to understand the phenomena being studied by sharing the participants’ experiences in their own words thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the desires, services, skills and competencies they required or provided. The research population consisted of two population groups, firstly, professional accountants, accountants or bookkeepers who were either owners or were employed at SMPs and, secondly, SME owner-managers or the persons responsible for the accounting function employed at the SME. The research instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research were two semi-structured interview schedules, one for each identified population group, which were divided into sections based on the themes and sub-themes. Based on key findings, the study proposes an integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework includes seven components, namely, formal higher education accounting programmes, workplace training, professional accountant, traditional accounting and client services, trust relationships, non-accounting services as well as networks of experts and other professionals. An important recommendation of the study is that professional accountants must effectively communicate and market their services to current as well as prospective SME clients to ensure that clients are aware of the potential services which can be provided or obtained from a trusted expert. The professional accountant could thus be regarded as a one-stop professional practice. The survival of the accounting profession in a constantly changing business environment is dependent on how the profession adapts to change including technological advancements. Professional accountants need to be able to provide value-added and specialist services to their SME clients as well as enhance the current quality level of client services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The Socio-Economic Impact of Poor Governance on South African State-Owned Entities Since the Democratic Dispensation: A Case of Eskom, Transnet and South African Airways
- Authors: Bungane, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economics—Sociological aspects , corporate governance , Government business enterprises—South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60255 , vital:64144
- Description: Good corporate governance is one of the fundamental principles that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of any entity. It enables an entity to create value for its various stakeholders. This study focuses on the socio-economic impact of poor corporate governance of South African state-owned entities, particularly Eskom, Transnet and South African Airways since the democratic dispensation. The study examines the root cause of poor corporate governance and provides recommendations to address the root cause. Eskom, Transnet and South African Airways, like many other state-owned entities have a significant role in the country’s socio-economic development and yet in recent years they have made news for wrong reasons. There have been numerous reports of poor corporate governance which resulted in the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry into state capture. Two of the three parts of the report of the Commission suggest that poor corporate governance is prevalent in these entities. Some of the root causes that were evident are excessive political interference, ineffective leadership and conflicting governance legislation. This has come at a huge cost to the socio-economic objectives of the government. The future existence of these entities is under treat. There have been notable instances of retrenchments that came at a time when the rate of unemployment is at a record high. Productivity has slowed down, with prolonged periods of unstable power supply being one of the contributing factors. This has suppressed economic growth. These entities have also cost the fiscus billions of rands in government bailouts, funds which could have been used for other important social or capital investment programmes. Some of the suggestions that have been brought forward to curb the culture of poor corporate governance include legislative reform that will provide certainty in terms of governance and provide clear distinctions between the roles of political heads and administrators in the form of board members, COEs and executives. For the recommendations to be effective there needs to be commitment to ethical leadership on the part of political leaders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Bungane, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economics—Sociological aspects , corporate governance , Government business enterprises—South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60255 , vital:64144
- Description: Good corporate governance is one of the fundamental principles that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of any entity. It enables an entity to create value for its various stakeholders. This study focuses on the socio-economic impact of poor corporate governance of South African state-owned entities, particularly Eskom, Transnet and South African Airways since the democratic dispensation. The study examines the root cause of poor corporate governance and provides recommendations to address the root cause. Eskom, Transnet and South African Airways, like many other state-owned entities have a significant role in the country’s socio-economic development and yet in recent years they have made news for wrong reasons. There have been numerous reports of poor corporate governance which resulted in the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry into state capture. Two of the three parts of the report of the Commission suggest that poor corporate governance is prevalent in these entities. Some of the root causes that were evident are excessive political interference, ineffective leadership and conflicting governance legislation. This has come at a huge cost to the socio-economic objectives of the government. The future existence of these entities is under treat. There have been notable instances of retrenchments that came at a time when the rate of unemployment is at a record high. Productivity has slowed down, with prolonged periods of unstable power supply being one of the contributing factors. This has suppressed economic growth. These entities have also cost the fiscus billions of rands in government bailouts, funds which could have been used for other important social or capital investment programmes. Some of the suggestions that have been brought forward to curb the culture of poor corporate governance include legislative reform that will provide certainty in terms of governance and provide clear distinctions between the roles of political heads and administrators in the form of board members, COEs and executives. For the recommendations to be effective there needs to be commitment to ethical leadership on the part of political leaders. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Marine spatial planning by the state as trustee of coastal public property
- Authors: Chasakara, Rachael Sharon
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Marine spatial planning , State committee , Coastal Public Property
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60818 , vital:67845
- Description: The world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, endangering human wellbeing, human rights, and the future of life on Earth. This is because the state of the ocean is deteriorating due to increased human activities, which have resulted in the destruction of limited marine resources in terms of space, time, and quantity. Marine spatial planning (MSP) and the public trust doctrine are two concepts that have been proposed to address this ecological crisis. The relatively new notion of MSP has emerged as a comprehensive way to allocate ocean use in space and time to improve coordination and deliver a more sustainable use of the ocean space. While different States have utilised the public trust doctrine to manage trust resources for the exclusive benefit of their current and future citizens. The thesis examines the MSP process and the public trust doctrine in international law to determine international obligations that can be relied on to ensure State compliance at a domestic level. It was determined that MSP and the public trust doctrine are only implicit in certain international law instruments. The thesis further sets out to examine whether both approaches must be explicitly mentioned in binding international law instruments. The thesis is expected to determine whether the South African environmental law regime includes the public trust doctrine – expressly or impliedly. The public trust doctrine is not expressly provided for in the Constitution since section 24 contains an implicit duty. The implicit duty is a constitutional human rights imperative applicable to all environmental management statutes. The picture in South Africa’s environmental legislation differs because the public trust doctrine is expressly mentioned, albeit in different terminology in several environmental law statutes dealing with specific natural resources. However, the legislature failed to include an express public trust provision in the Marine Spatial Planning Act (MSPA). 1 The thesis then embarks on a journey of statutory interpretation. It examines the applicable canons of interpretation to determine whether the MSPA supports or contradicts the public trust doctrine. An implicit public trust duty was found in the MSPA. This exercise also led to the conclusion that the trusteeship clause in National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEM: ICMA) also applies in the same geographical area as the MSP Act. Moreover, there is no provision in NEM: ICMA requiring its provisions to be applied or read in accordance with MSP regulation. However, a thorough examination of the NEM: ICMA and MSPA provisions leads to the conclusion that there will be no conflict if both instruments are read together. The most significant finding of this thesis is that, due to the provisions of both statutes, the State, a trustee in NEM: ICMA, is also a trustee in the MSPA. Finally, the combination of MSP and the public trust doctrine in MSP regulation may have several positive impacts, which include useful intervention for the existential crisis that underpins South Africa’s maritime domain and the promotion of sustainable development of the ocean space for both current and future generations. MSP and the public trust doctrine should be used in tandem to ensure that the ocean space is developed sustainably for current and future generations. This thesis demonstrated that the ultimate impact of the State’s implementation of MSP on the relevant State actors is that they must constantly remind themselves of the full implications of their role as trustees of coastal public property to avoid violating their public trust duties. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chasakara, Rachael Sharon
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Marine spatial planning , State committee , Coastal Public Property
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60818 , vital:67845
- Description: The world is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, endangering human wellbeing, human rights, and the future of life on Earth. This is because the state of the ocean is deteriorating due to increased human activities, which have resulted in the destruction of limited marine resources in terms of space, time, and quantity. Marine spatial planning (MSP) and the public trust doctrine are two concepts that have been proposed to address this ecological crisis. The relatively new notion of MSP has emerged as a comprehensive way to allocate ocean use in space and time to improve coordination and deliver a more sustainable use of the ocean space. While different States have utilised the public trust doctrine to manage trust resources for the exclusive benefit of their current and future citizens. The thesis examines the MSP process and the public trust doctrine in international law to determine international obligations that can be relied on to ensure State compliance at a domestic level. It was determined that MSP and the public trust doctrine are only implicit in certain international law instruments. The thesis further sets out to examine whether both approaches must be explicitly mentioned in binding international law instruments. The thesis is expected to determine whether the South African environmental law regime includes the public trust doctrine – expressly or impliedly. The public trust doctrine is not expressly provided for in the Constitution since section 24 contains an implicit duty. The implicit duty is a constitutional human rights imperative applicable to all environmental management statutes. The picture in South Africa’s environmental legislation differs because the public trust doctrine is expressly mentioned, albeit in different terminology in several environmental law statutes dealing with specific natural resources. However, the legislature failed to include an express public trust provision in the Marine Spatial Planning Act (MSPA). 1 The thesis then embarks on a journey of statutory interpretation. It examines the applicable canons of interpretation to determine whether the MSPA supports or contradicts the public trust doctrine. An implicit public trust duty was found in the MSPA. This exercise also led to the conclusion that the trusteeship clause in National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (NEM: ICMA) also applies in the same geographical area as the MSP Act. Moreover, there is no provision in NEM: ICMA requiring its provisions to be applied or read in accordance with MSP regulation. However, a thorough examination of the NEM: ICMA and MSPA provisions leads to the conclusion that there will be no conflict if both instruments are read together. The most significant finding of this thesis is that, due to the provisions of both statutes, the State, a trustee in NEM: ICMA, is also a trustee in the MSPA. Finally, the combination of MSP and the public trust doctrine in MSP regulation may have several positive impacts, which include useful intervention for the existential crisis that underpins South Africa’s maritime domain and the promotion of sustainable development of the ocean space for both current and future generations. MSP and the public trust doctrine should be used in tandem to ensure that the ocean space is developed sustainably for current and future generations. This thesis demonstrated that the ultimate impact of the State’s implementation of MSP on the relevant State actors is that they must constantly remind themselves of the full implications of their role as trustees of coastal public property to avoid violating their public trust duties. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School of School of Public Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Inner-city regeneration in South Africa : a property development approach
- Authors: Chidzambwa, Overt
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Regeneration -- South Africa , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60578 , vital:65894
- Description: Worldwide, the topic of inner-city decay and regeneration continues to attract a lot of attention from various parties and organisations. This is largely due to the fact that Central Business Districts (CBDs) remain the heartbeat of any city’s economic, social and political vibrancy. It therefore remains an ongoing process for the government and private stakeholders to keep on devising strategies aimed at revitalising the inner-city. The problem of urban decay is however experienced more in the developing third world and is characterised by high unemployment rates, high crime rates, depopulation, desolate-looking landscapes, abandonment of buildings, split families amongst others. Urban decay does not have one single cause, but rather a combination of many, including poor urban planning, redlining, poverty, suburbanization, and racial discrimination. These factors have resulted in urban sprawl as property owners preferred to migrate from the increasingly toxic social and economic environment that now became of the inner-city. The study seeks to investigate the current state of urban decay in South African CBDs with a case study of Gqeberha metro city, it also investigates current efforts and measures in place for regeneration and lastly, recommendations that have been put and continue to be put in place for inner-city regeneration. The state of inner-city infrastructure, property development finance options, town planning requirements and regulations and the investment case are other factors that have been investigated. Various other aspects of inner-city dynamics in the context of property development have been explored with findings from extensive literature review and structured interviews enabling the researcher to come up with recommendations for sustainable inner-city regeneration. , Thesis (MSBE) --Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Chidzambwa, Overt
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Regeneration -- South Africa , Real estate development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60578 , vital:65894
- Description: Worldwide, the topic of inner-city decay and regeneration continues to attract a lot of attention from various parties and organisations. This is largely due to the fact that Central Business Districts (CBDs) remain the heartbeat of any city’s economic, social and political vibrancy. It therefore remains an ongoing process for the government and private stakeholders to keep on devising strategies aimed at revitalising the inner-city. The problem of urban decay is however experienced more in the developing third world and is characterised by high unemployment rates, high crime rates, depopulation, desolate-looking landscapes, abandonment of buildings, split families amongst others. Urban decay does not have one single cause, but rather a combination of many, including poor urban planning, redlining, poverty, suburbanization, and racial discrimination. These factors have resulted in urban sprawl as property owners preferred to migrate from the increasingly toxic social and economic environment that now became of the inner-city. The study seeks to investigate the current state of urban decay in South African CBDs with a case study of Gqeberha metro city, it also investigates current efforts and measures in place for regeneration and lastly, recommendations that have been put and continue to be put in place for inner-city regeneration. The state of inner-city infrastructure, property development finance options, town planning requirements and regulations and the investment case are other factors that have been investigated. Various other aspects of inner-city dynamics in the context of property development have been explored with findings from extensive literature review and structured interviews enabling the researcher to come up with recommendations for sustainable inner-city regeneration. , Thesis (MSBE) --Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An investigation into the cybersecurity skills gap in South Africa
- Authors: De Jager, Michael
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Criminal investigation , Information technology--Security measures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60635 , vital:66247
- Description: The usage of the internet both in our daily lives and in the operations of organisations has grown significantly in modern society. However, there are also risks and vulnerabilities associated with this, thus cyber threats. Cybersecurity has been put in place to safeguard the internet from these cyber threats, yet there is an ever-growing concern regarding the implementation of cybersecurity, both globally and in South Africa. With the increase in cyber threats, there is a growing need and demand for IT professionals with the requisite cybersecurity skills and knowledge to combat and mitigate these threats. However, an ever-increasing cybersecurity skills gap has been identified both globally and in South Africa. Yet the specific cybersecurity skills demand, needs and challenges of IT professionals in South Africa are currently unknown. This study therefore investigated the cybersecurity skills demand, needs, and challenges of IT professionals in South Africa by reporting on IT professionals’ perceptions in this regard. An online questionnaire was used to gather information for this and was distributed to IT professionals using various online platforms. According to the findings of the study, there are several challenges such as lack of time, lack of funding and a lack of resources that South Africa must overcome in order to address the cybersecurity skills gap. From the survey results it was also found that neither tertiary institutions, nor organisations, nor the South African government are investing enough in cybersecurity skills development. Without the right cybersecurity skills set or investment in the development of cybersecurity skills, cyber threats will continue to increase and will potentially become more harmful to South African organisations and to the South African society at large. Furthermore, this study addresses the extent to which cybersecurity-related skills are required and currently used by IT professionals in South Africa to address the cybersecurity skills gap. Tertiary institutions, organisations and the South African government may benefit from this investigation as it could assist in the development of cybersecurity course work as well as national cybersecurity laws, legislations and policies. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: De Jager, Michael
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Criminal investigation , Information technology--Security measures -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60635 , vital:66247
- Description: The usage of the internet both in our daily lives and in the operations of organisations has grown significantly in modern society. However, there are also risks and vulnerabilities associated with this, thus cyber threats. Cybersecurity has been put in place to safeguard the internet from these cyber threats, yet there is an ever-growing concern regarding the implementation of cybersecurity, both globally and in South Africa. With the increase in cyber threats, there is a growing need and demand for IT professionals with the requisite cybersecurity skills and knowledge to combat and mitigate these threats. However, an ever-increasing cybersecurity skills gap has been identified both globally and in South Africa. Yet the specific cybersecurity skills demand, needs and challenges of IT professionals in South Africa are currently unknown. This study therefore investigated the cybersecurity skills demand, needs, and challenges of IT professionals in South Africa by reporting on IT professionals’ perceptions in this regard. An online questionnaire was used to gather information for this and was distributed to IT professionals using various online platforms. According to the findings of the study, there are several challenges such as lack of time, lack of funding and a lack of resources that South Africa must overcome in order to address the cybersecurity skills gap. From the survey results it was also found that neither tertiary institutions, nor organisations, nor the South African government are investing enough in cybersecurity skills development. Without the right cybersecurity skills set or investment in the development of cybersecurity skills, cyber threats will continue to increase and will potentially become more harmful to South African organisations and to the South African society at large. Furthermore, this study addresses the extent to which cybersecurity-related skills are required and currently used by IT professionals in South Africa to address the cybersecurity skills gap. Tertiary institutions, organisations and the South African government may benefit from this investigation as it could assist in the development of cybersecurity course work as well as national cybersecurity laws, legislations and policies. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An assessment of broadband infrastructure investment as a primer for inclusive growth in South Africa
- Authors: Dhlamini, Tapiwa James
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Broadband , Economic growth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59566 , vital:62172
- Description: This study investigated the impact of investment in the telecommunication and broadband sectors on growth, employment creation, and poverty alleviation. It employs micro-simulation techniques and an economy-wide Leontief-based social accounting matrix multiplier model to assess empirically the influence that fiscal injection into these sectors has in achieving South Africa’s macroeconomic objectives. The study found positive but declining trends in output multipliers in the telecommunication sector over the post-recession period (2009-18), signifying the enervation of the intersectoral multiplier effect over the post-recession period. Fiscal injection into the telecommunication and broadband sectors led to poverty reduction and to job creation in South Africa. However, the overall findings of this study highlight gender biases, spatial imbalances between urban and non-urban, an age gulf between young people and adults and further imbalances between formal and informal employment. The study commends that the government follow a priorities-weighted state spending policy which concurrently targets projects generating high GVA and employment multipliers and with high capacity to address the disparity caused by the legacy of Apartheid. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Dhlamini, Tapiwa James
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Broadband , Economic growth -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59566 , vital:62172
- Description: This study investigated the impact of investment in the telecommunication and broadband sectors on growth, employment creation, and poverty alleviation. It employs micro-simulation techniques and an economy-wide Leontief-based social accounting matrix multiplier model to assess empirically the influence that fiscal injection into these sectors has in achieving South Africa’s macroeconomic objectives. The study found positive but declining trends in output multipliers in the telecommunication sector over the post-recession period (2009-18), signifying the enervation of the intersectoral multiplier effect over the post-recession period. Fiscal injection into the telecommunication and broadband sectors led to poverty reduction and to job creation in South Africa. However, the overall findings of this study highlight gender biases, spatial imbalances between urban and non-urban, an age gulf between young people and adults and further imbalances between formal and informal employment. The study commends that the government follow a priorities-weighted state spending policy which concurrently targets projects generating high GVA and employment multipliers and with high capacity to address the disparity caused by the legacy of Apartheid. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Industrial attachment and graduate employability in technical vocational education and training: a case of agriculture education in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Edziwa, Xavier
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Vocational education -- Zimbabwe , College graduates -- Employment , Technical education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56022 , vital:54939
- Description: Institutions of higher learning, the world over, have adopted means of producing graduates that are work-ready and Zimbabwe is no exception. In Zimbabwe, a Commission of Inquiry into Education and Training recommended the introduction of vocational education and the introduction of a programme that improves the work-readiness of higher education graduates. This culminated in the institutions of higher education introducing industrial attachments in their curricular. This study was designed to explore the nature and implementation of industrial attachment by agricultural technical and vocational education and training institutions in Zimbabwe, as a way of enhancing students’ graduate attributes. It was done to hopefully improve policy and practice in the use of industrial attachment in imparting skills among college students. The research presented in this thesis, focuses on three case studies that were eclectically sampled, and data collected through focus group discussion with students and face-to-face individual interviews with college academia and workplace mentors. The study commenced by first establishing what stakeholders perceived as the employability skills expected of a graduate who has gone through an agricultural technical and vocational and training programme, and then explored how the IA programmes have been operationalised. Kolb’s experiential learning theory was used in the designing of research instruments and answering the research questions. The study established that the students generally perceived graduate attributes differently from academia and industry personnel. It was also established that current industrial attachment practices in agricultural training appear to favour production of graduates that are geared towards looking for employment, as opposed to the students’ perceptions that the 21st higher education institutions should produce graduates who create employment. While industrial attachment has been adopted by the institutions, this study identified a myriad of challenges that call for vii improvement in the practice if students are to benefit from the industrial attachment endeavours. The study ends by proposing a model that embraces students’ voice and is deemed to produce agricultural technical and vocational education and training graduates who are employment creators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Edziwa, Xavier
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Vocational education -- Zimbabwe , College graduates -- Employment , Technical education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56022 , vital:54939
- Description: Institutions of higher learning, the world over, have adopted means of producing graduates that are work-ready and Zimbabwe is no exception. In Zimbabwe, a Commission of Inquiry into Education and Training recommended the introduction of vocational education and the introduction of a programme that improves the work-readiness of higher education graduates. This culminated in the institutions of higher education introducing industrial attachments in their curricular. This study was designed to explore the nature and implementation of industrial attachment by agricultural technical and vocational education and training institutions in Zimbabwe, as a way of enhancing students’ graduate attributes. It was done to hopefully improve policy and practice in the use of industrial attachment in imparting skills among college students. The research presented in this thesis, focuses on three case studies that were eclectically sampled, and data collected through focus group discussion with students and face-to-face individual interviews with college academia and workplace mentors. The study commenced by first establishing what stakeholders perceived as the employability skills expected of a graduate who has gone through an agricultural technical and vocational and training programme, and then explored how the IA programmes have been operationalised. Kolb’s experiential learning theory was used in the designing of research instruments and answering the research questions. The study established that the students generally perceived graduate attributes differently from academia and industry personnel. It was also established that current industrial attachment practices in agricultural training appear to favour production of graduates that are geared towards looking for employment, as opposed to the students’ perceptions that the 21st higher education institutions should produce graduates who create employment. While industrial attachment has been adopted by the institutions, this study identified a myriad of challenges that call for vii improvement in the practice if students are to benefit from the industrial attachment endeavours. The study ends by proposing a model that embraces students’ voice and is deemed to produce agricultural technical and vocational education and training graduates who are employment creators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Economic impact assessment of the national youth development agency (NYDA) grant fund in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Fotoyi, Asanda
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic impact analysis , Youth development, Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59424 , vital:62093
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the country has adopted several youth policies aimed at promoting young peoples’ education and training, employment, entrepreneurship, and healthy lifestyles. Still, however, the country battles high youth unemployment rates, which increased from 35.7% in 2010 to 41.0% in 2019. Such issues exist despite the NYDA being established in 2008 to coordinate youth strategies in the country. The NYDA strategic areas include: economic participation, education and skills development, health and wellbeing, knowledge management, and governance. Of note is that NYDA grant funding has been specifically designed to provide young South African entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access both financial and nonfinancial business support to establish or expand their businesses. Over a period of 7 years (2013-2019), the NYDA has grant funded a significant number of youth-owned businesses across the country, to the value of about R204.5 million. Given the large amount of public funds invested through NYDA grant funding, it is important to assess whether or not this investment has been favourable in terms of achieving its goals. This determination is especially important, as governmental resources are scarce and subject to opportunity cost, in that some alternatives have been forgone in favour of the NYDA mandate. The present study was, therefore, necessary, as, since the inception of NYDA grant funding, its economic impact has not been scientifically measured or assessed. As such, there has not been any scientific basis to justify NYDA grant funding. In particular, this thesis assessed the economic impact of the NYDA grant funding in the Eastern Cape. The effectiveness of the NYDA grant funding was examined against its objectives: improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities. The primary hypothesis was tested using a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The CBA method was adopted as it is a well-established economic assessment method to test policy interventions. This method is also based on methodological rigour and was determined to be most applicable for this present research endeavour. v The notion behind using the CBA was to quantify the net benefits of NYDA grant funding for youth businesses by comparing the benefits with the corresponding costs. In order to determine other factors that influence the turnovers of NYDA grant funding recipients’ businesses, secondary hypotheses were then tested by using a least absolute deviation (LAD) regression analysis in respect to cross-sectional data relating to the respondents’ annual turnovers over the years 2014-2019. The LAD estimation method was used primarily due to its robustness in comparison to ordinary least squares (OLS). This study made use of a questionnaire to collect data on the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries. As well as the beneficiaries’ business characteristics, their subjective perceptions on the impact of the NYDA support interventions, and business-specific challenges. The Raosoft calculator was used to calculate the sample size at a 5% margin of error. The scientifically sound sample size of the respondents, according to the Raosoft calculator, was 246 out of 681 clients. The respondents were drawn from the Eastern Cape areas by means of face-to-face survey interviews as well as a digitised research instrument that was circulated using several online platforms (e.g., email, WhatsApp, and Facebook). The total number of respondents who ultimately participated in this study was 253. In order to achieve Denzin’s (1978) triangulation, a focus group session was also conducted with selected NYDA grant beneficiaries. The focus group discussion for this research was held using the online platform, Microsoft Teams (MS Teams). The survey analysis findings of the study suggest that the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries are a general reflection of the Eastern Cape’s overall youth entrepreneurship trends. As such, there were more male youth entrepreneurs compared to female youth entrepreneurs. The involvement of youth in business improved in correspondence with age -groups. The population groups of the grant funding beneficiaries also reflected the country’s racial demographics. In terms of business characteristics, the survey analysis findings revealed that NYDA grant funded businesses function across various sectors of the economy and largely operate out of homes. These businesses primarily serve local households and communities, have generally been operating for 3-5 years, and were largely started because the owner recognised an opportunity in the market. In terms of business assistance from vi NYDA, it was found that the grant funding was mostly utilised for asset finance. In terms of business challenges, market conditions were highlighted as negatively impacting youth businesses. However, the participating business owners were primarily inward-looking when seeking to address their challenges. A further finding from the survey analysis revealed that many NYDA grant funded businesses tended to increase the number of jobs created in the period under review. The CBA findings, in turn, showed that the public expenditure in Eastern Cape youth businesses through NYDA grant funding was economically viable during the period under review, since the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) exceeded ‘1’ (the net present value (NPV) was also positive). The regression estimation findings further indicated gender, education, and industry gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates also had a significant impact on the annual turnovers of the youth businesses. The focus group findings highlighted that most beneficiaries derive value from NYDA grant funding. However, there is scope for improvement in the areas of access to finance, turnaround times, access to markets, links to the entrepreneurship ecosystem, administrative burden, mentorship, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and organisational culture. Based on the findings of the study, this thesis concludes that in the period under review, in the Eastern Cape, NYDA grant funding yields positive social returns; and delivered on its objectives (i.e., improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities). The empirical findings of this study further supports this thesis’s recommendation for: 1) improvements in the NYDA grant funding budget; 2) closing gender gaps in youth entrepreneurship; 3) improving participation of disabled youth in business support services; 4) promoting entrepreneurship as a career path; 5) providing youth business support in rural areas; 6) diversifying economic sectors of youth businesses; 7) offering access to finance for youth business growth and expansion; 8) establishing youth businesses access to markets; 9) reducing administrative burdens for youth businesses; 10) improving accessibility of business development trainings; 11) offering mentorship for youth entrepreneurs, 12) providing infrastructure for youth businesses; 13) extend Covid-19 relief support for youth businesses; and 14) standardising practises in youth business support services. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Fotoyi, Asanda
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic impact analysis , Youth development, Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59424 , vital:62093
- Description: Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the country has adopted several youth policies aimed at promoting young peoples’ education and training, employment, entrepreneurship, and healthy lifestyles. Still, however, the country battles high youth unemployment rates, which increased from 35.7% in 2010 to 41.0% in 2019. Such issues exist despite the NYDA being established in 2008 to coordinate youth strategies in the country. The NYDA strategic areas include: economic participation, education and skills development, health and wellbeing, knowledge management, and governance. Of note is that NYDA grant funding has been specifically designed to provide young South African entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access both financial and nonfinancial business support to establish or expand their businesses. Over a period of 7 years (2013-2019), the NYDA has grant funded a significant number of youth-owned businesses across the country, to the value of about R204.5 million. Given the large amount of public funds invested through NYDA grant funding, it is important to assess whether or not this investment has been favourable in terms of achieving its goals. This determination is especially important, as governmental resources are scarce and subject to opportunity cost, in that some alternatives have been forgone in favour of the NYDA mandate. The present study was, therefore, necessary, as, since the inception of NYDA grant funding, its economic impact has not been scientifically measured or assessed. As such, there has not been any scientific basis to justify NYDA grant funding. In particular, this thesis assessed the economic impact of the NYDA grant funding in the Eastern Cape. The effectiveness of the NYDA grant funding was examined against its objectives: improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities. The primary hypothesis was tested using a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The CBA method was adopted as it is a well-established economic assessment method to test policy interventions. This method is also based on methodological rigour and was determined to be most applicable for this present research endeavour. v The notion behind using the CBA was to quantify the net benefits of NYDA grant funding for youth businesses by comparing the benefits with the corresponding costs. In order to determine other factors that influence the turnovers of NYDA grant funding recipients’ businesses, secondary hypotheses were then tested by using a least absolute deviation (LAD) regression analysis in respect to cross-sectional data relating to the respondents’ annual turnovers over the years 2014-2019. The LAD estimation method was used primarily due to its robustness in comparison to ordinary least squares (OLS). This study made use of a questionnaire to collect data on the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries. As well as the beneficiaries’ business characteristics, their subjective perceptions on the impact of the NYDA support interventions, and business-specific challenges. The Raosoft calculator was used to calculate the sample size at a 5% margin of error. The scientifically sound sample size of the respondents, according to the Raosoft calculator, was 246 out of 681 clients. The respondents were drawn from the Eastern Cape areas by means of face-to-face survey interviews as well as a digitised research instrument that was circulated using several online platforms (e.g., email, WhatsApp, and Facebook). The total number of respondents who ultimately participated in this study was 253. In order to achieve Denzin’s (1978) triangulation, a focus group session was also conducted with selected NYDA grant beneficiaries. The focus group discussion for this research was held using the online platform, Microsoft Teams (MS Teams). The survey analysis findings of the study suggest that the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries are a general reflection of the Eastern Cape’s overall youth entrepreneurship trends. As such, there were more male youth entrepreneurs compared to female youth entrepreneurs. The involvement of youth in business improved in correspondence with age -groups. The population groups of the grant funding beneficiaries also reflected the country’s racial demographics. In terms of business characteristics, the survey analysis findings revealed that NYDA grant funded businesses function across various sectors of the economy and largely operate out of homes. These businesses primarily serve local households and communities, have generally been operating for 3-5 years, and were largely started because the owner recognised an opportunity in the market. In terms of business assistance from vi NYDA, it was found that the grant funding was mostly utilised for asset finance. In terms of business challenges, market conditions were highlighted as negatively impacting youth businesses. However, the participating business owners were primarily inward-looking when seeking to address their challenges. A further finding from the survey analysis revealed that many NYDA grant funded businesses tended to increase the number of jobs created in the period under review. The CBA findings, in turn, showed that the public expenditure in Eastern Cape youth businesses through NYDA grant funding was economically viable during the period under review, since the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) exceeded ‘1’ (the net present value (NPV) was also positive). The regression estimation findings further indicated gender, education, and industry gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates also had a significant impact on the annual turnovers of the youth businesses. The focus group findings highlighted that most beneficiaries derive value from NYDA grant funding. However, there is scope for improvement in the areas of access to finance, turnaround times, access to markets, links to the entrepreneurship ecosystem, administrative burden, mentorship, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and organisational culture. Based on the findings of the study, this thesis concludes that in the period under review, in the Eastern Cape, NYDA grant funding yields positive social returns; and delivered on its objectives (i.e., improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities). The empirical findings of this study further supports this thesis’s recommendation for: 1) improvements in the NYDA grant funding budget; 2) closing gender gaps in youth entrepreneurship; 3) improving participation of disabled youth in business support services; 4) promoting entrepreneurship as a career path; 5) providing youth business support in rural areas; 6) diversifying economic sectors of youth businesses; 7) offering access to finance for youth business growth and expansion; 8) establishing youth businesses access to markets; 9) reducing administrative burdens for youth businesses; 10) improving accessibility of business development trainings; 11) offering mentorship for youth entrepreneurs, 12) providing infrastructure for youth businesses; 13) extend Covid-19 relief support for youth businesses; and 14) standardising practises in youth business support services. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The Influence of authentic leadership on the workplace safety culture in the tyre industry of South Africa
- Authors: Gallant, Ryan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Authentic leadership , Work environment, tyre industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59403 , vital:62078
- Description: The lost-time injury rate in the South African automotive industry is higher than one per million (Harmony, 2010:2). Other manufacturing and construction industries have embarked on safety programmes to ensure awareness amongst their workers. The leaders in industry should have a significant influence to steer the safety culture in the automotive industry. This study examined the relationship between Authentic leadership and a safety Culture in the tyre industry of South Africa. The purpose of the study was to increase the workplace safety culture in the South African tyre manufacturing industry by investigating whether the implementation of an authentic leadership programs would positively influence workplace culture. An exploratory study used a quantitative research design involving an email survey to examine the relationship between Authentic Leadership and Safety Culture. Authentic leadership and the safety climate were assessed using the Norwegian Offshore Risk and Safety Climate Inventory (NORSC), the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, and the questionnaire from Fulele and Kadam. Seven safety climate dimensions were mapped onto the questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using STATISTICA software. According to respondents there is a very strong relationship between Authentic Leadership and the implantation of OHSA standards in the tyre industry in South Africa. In addition, respondents rated their management’s implementation of the organisation’s safety routines highly. There was a high level of motivation among respondents to act in a safe manner. The motivation of workers to work safety is also strong related to authentic leadership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Gallant, Ryan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Authentic leadership , Work environment, tyre industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59403 , vital:62078
- Description: The lost-time injury rate in the South African automotive industry is higher than one per million (Harmony, 2010:2). Other manufacturing and construction industries have embarked on safety programmes to ensure awareness amongst their workers. The leaders in industry should have a significant influence to steer the safety culture in the automotive industry. This study examined the relationship between Authentic leadership and a safety Culture in the tyre industry of South Africa. The purpose of the study was to increase the workplace safety culture in the South African tyre manufacturing industry by investigating whether the implementation of an authentic leadership programs would positively influence workplace culture. An exploratory study used a quantitative research design involving an email survey to examine the relationship between Authentic Leadership and Safety Culture. Authentic leadership and the safety climate were assessed using the Norwegian Offshore Risk and Safety Climate Inventory (NORSC), the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, and the questionnaire from Fulele and Kadam. Seven safety climate dimensions were mapped onto the questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analysed using STATISTICA software. According to respondents there is a very strong relationship between Authentic Leadership and the implantation of OHSA standards in the tyre industry in South Africa. In addition, respondents rated their management’s implementation of the organisation’s safety routines highly. There was a high level of motivation among respondents to act in a safe manner. The motivation of workers to work safety is also strong related to authentic leadership. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
An explorative study into the effect of Information Technology in streamlining the access to development finance, for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa
- Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Authors: Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Information Technology , Economic development--Finance , Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59600 , vital:62181
- Description: This study was concerned with exploring and describing a solution to optimise access to development finance for SMMEs in South Africa. SMMEs and entrepreneurs have long been identified as key drivers of economic development, job creation, and poverty elevation. In response to this and, in an effort to support SMMEs, the South African Government has established a number of development finance institutions with a specific mandate to support SMMEs by providing them with both financial and non-financial support. However, this much-needed support is constrained by several independent factors. The objective of the study was to identify information technologies that are currently available in the financial sector and explore how they can be integrated into development finance institutions (DFIs) and SMMEs to streamline their access to finance. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design, and utilised ten (10) embedded units of analysis. These respondents consisted of industry experts in the field of SMME finance, senior employees within the sampled developmental finance institutions, as well as experts in the financial technology sector. The findings of the study, through the views of the sampled industry experts and relevant literature reviewed, revealed that it can be collectively summarised that there is a need for information technology such as Fintech in the development finance and SMME sector in South Africa. It is evident that a need exists to streamline the current application process to access development finance for SMMEs looking for finance. There is a significant misalignment between the current demand for development finance by SMMEs and the magnitude of finance supplied by DFIs to SMMEs looking for finance. The study then concluded with practical recommendations for the streamlining of development finance by using relevant Fin tech solutions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Giyose, Bongo Thobelani Simthembile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Information Technology , Economic development--Finance , Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59600 , vital:62181
- Description: This study was concerned with exploring and describing a solution to optimise access to development finance for SMMEs in South Africa. SMMEs and entrepreneurs have long been identified as key drivers of economic development, job creation, and poverty elevation. In response to this and, in an effort to support SMMEs, the South African Government has established a number of development finance institutions with a specific mandate to support SMMEs by providing them with both financial and non-financial support. However, this much-needed support is constrained by several independent factors. The objective of the study was to identify information technologies that are currently available in the financial sector and explore how they can be integrated into development finance institutions (DFIs) and SMMEs to streamline their access to finance. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design, and utilised ten (10) embedded units of analysis. These respondents consisted of industry experts in the field of SMME finance, senior employees within the sampled developmental finance institutions, as well as experts in the financial technology sector. The findings of the study, through the views of the sampled industry experts and relevant literature reviewed, revealed that it can be collectively summarised that there is a need for information technology such as Fintech in the development finance and SMME sector in South Africa. It is evident that a need exists to streamline the current application process to access development finance for SMMEs looking for finance. There is a significant misalignment between the current demand for development finance by SMMEs and the magnitude of finance supplied by DFIs to SMMEs looking for finance. The study then concluded with practical recommendations for the streamlining of development finance by using relevant Fin tech solutions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Exploring the adaptation challenges faced by novice foundation phase teachers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Grimbeek, Michelle Louise
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: First year teachers , Teachers -- Training of – South Africa – Nelson Mandela Municipality , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56034 , vital:54941
- Description: The challenges faced by novice teachers have been widely discussed in the last decade (Caspersen & Raaen, 2014; Burkman, 2012). It is believed that the first year of teaching is found to be exceedingly challenging to the novice teacher due to the complex demands of the profession, as well as a result of a lack of training and induction into the work environment (Burkman, 2012). Researchers highlight that some of the many challenges that novice teachers experience are shortcomings in curricular planning, classroom management and discipline, instructional techniques, access to materials, and dealing with parents (Burkman, 2012). These challenges, along with feelings of inadequacy due to lack of experience in the working world, often have a negative effect on novice teachers and their ability to cope, subsequently resulting in high stress levels and burnout (Caspersen & Raaen, 2014). This qualitative study incorporated an interpretivist paradigm and used both semistructured interviews and a focus group discussion to explore the adaptation challenges experienced by novice Foundation Phase teachers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Grossman‟s Teacher Knowledge Theory and Vygotsky‟s Social Constructivist Theory were used to frame and make meaning of the findings of this study. The findings of this study indicate that novice teachers experience a range of challenges upon entering the working world. The numerous factors influencing these challenges experienced by novices include: the work environment; prior training and education; personal knowledge, values and attitudes toward teaching; and professional and social support received within the workplace. These findings were used to formulate guidelines to help support novice teachers in their adaptation from university to the professional work environment. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Grimbeek, Michelle Louise
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: First year teachers , Teachers -- Training of – South Africa – Nelson Mandela Municipality , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56034 , vital:54941
- Description: The challenges faced by novice teachers have been widely discussed in the last decade (Caspersen & Raaen, 2014; Burkman, 2012). It is believed that the first year of teaching is found to be exceedingly challenging to the novice teacher due to the complex demands of the profession, as well as a result of a lack of training and induction into the work environment (Burkman, 2012). Researchers highlight that some of the many challenges that novice teachers experience are shortcomings in curricular planning, classroom management and discipline, instructional techniques, access to materials, and dealing with parents (Burkman, 2012). These challenges, along with feelings of inadequacy due to lack of experience in the working world, often have a negative effect on novice teachers and their ability to cope, subsequently resulting in high stress levels and burnout (Caspersen & Raaen, 2014). This qualitative study incorporated an interpretivist paradigm and used both semistructured interviews and a focus group discussion to explore the adaptation challenges experienced by novice Foundation Phase teachers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Grossman‟s Teacher Knowledge Theory and Vygotsky‟s Social Constructivist Theory were used to frame and make meaning of the findings of this study. The findings of this study indicate that novice teachers experience a range of challenges upon entering the working world. The numerous factors influencing these challenges experienced by novices include: the work environment; prior training and education; personal knowledge, values and attitudes toward teaching; and professional and social support received within the workplace. These findings were used to formulate guidelines to help support novice teachers in their adaptation from university to the professional work environment. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Using night time data as a measure of gross domestic product in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Hamman, Nicolene
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Data , Gross domestic product -- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59457 , vital:62119
- Description: Over the last decade, a bold move has been made by researchers to shift focus on improving and establishing accurate and reliable measures of economic activity across the globe. With an everchanging global economic landscape, unreliable GDP statistics and the lack thereof have held a nascent impact on formulating appropriate stabilization policies. This, in turn, have affected the affairs of nations, especially low income and developing ones. In an attempt to find alternative ways to measure economic activity, night time lights data have emerged in numerous empirical studies as a novel way of attempting to measure economic growth and development. Various studies have found this to be useful for countries that do not have statistical capabilities such as poor nations, while other studies have put forward arguments in favour of a possible non-linear relationship between GDP and night time lights data. Against this background, this study implores night time lights data extensively to establish whether it can serve as a possible measure of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1992 and 2012. Based on the results obtained from testing for a positive correlation between GDP and night time lights data in Sub-Saharan Africa, the study further aim to use night time lights data as a measure of GDP in the regressions against proxies of well-being, urbanization, and environmental degradation. The significance of the study relates to the fact that the estimation accuracy of GDP is positively influenced by spatial and radiation resolution of night time lights data. In addition, by taking a country-specific approach using more advanced econometric estimation techniques, this study improves on the empirical literature pertaining to African countries. All facets of pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), the pooled mean group estimators, as well as the wavelet coherence estimation techniques were the three approaches used to investigated correlations between night time lights data and economic activity. Overall findings indicate little evidence that night time lights data derived from the DMSP-OLS archive can serve as a strong measure of GDP in regressions across the Sub-Saharan African region. Recommendations and avenues for future research are outlined at the end of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hamman, Nicolene
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Data , Gross domestic product -- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59457 , vital:62119
- Description: Over the last decade, a bold move has been made by researchers to shift focus on improving and establishing accurate and reliable measures of economic activity across the globe. With an everchanging global economic landscape, unreliable GDP statistics and the lack thereof have held a nascent impact on formulating appropriate stabilization policies. This, in turn, have affected the affairs of nations, especially low income and developing ones. In an attempt to find alternative ways to measure economic activity, night time lights data have emerged in numerous empirical studies as a novel way of attempting to measure economic growth and development. Various studies have found this to be useful for countries that do not have statistical capabilities such as poor nations, while other studies have put forward arguments in favour of a possible non-linear relationship between GDP and night time lights data. Against this background, this study implores night time lights data extensively to establish whether it can serve as a possible measure of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1992 and 2012. Based on the results obtained from testing for a positive correlation between GDP and night time lights data in Sub-Saharan Africa, the study further aim to use night time lights data as a measure of GDP in the regressions against proxies of well-being, urbanization, and environmental degradation. The significance of the study relates to the fact that the estimation accuracy of GDP is positively influenced by spatial and radiation resolution of night time lights data. In addition, by taking a country-specific approach using more advanced econometric estimation techniques, this study improves on the empirical literature pertaining to African countries. All facets of pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), the pooled mean group estimators, as well as the wavelet coherence estimation techniques were the three approaches used to investigated correlations between night time lights data and economic activity. Overall findings indicate little evidence that night time lights data derived from the DMSP-OLS archive can serve as a strong measure of GDP in regressions across the Sub-Saharan African region. Recommendations and avenues for future research are outlined at the end of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Performance management of the academic staffs in Ugandan public and private universities
- Authors: Kansiime, Grace
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Performance--Management , Academic staff , Higher education institutions -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60938 , vital:69246
- Description: This study, at the outset, seeks to assess the effectiveness of a performance management system (PMS) in determining the academic staffs‟ performance in teaching and research in selected Ugandan public and private universities. The participants of this study comprised full-time and parttime academic staffs from public and private universities located in the four regions in Uganda. The purposive sampling method was used to select the universities for this study. Convenient sampling was used to select the academic staffs in the universities. An online structured questionnaire collected quantitative data and analysed it using descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative analysis of the responses showed that many participants were made up of public university academic staffs, lecturers, assistant lecturers, master‟s degree holders and permanent fulltime staffs. Factor analyses were run for each section and sub-section within the questionnaire to explore the dimensionality of the scales and generate composite factor scores to be used for further analyses. While, internal consistency was examined using Cronbach‟s alpha. In addition, descriptive statistics for the factors within sections were determined. Pearson‟s correlation coefficients were calculated for each pair of factor scores for each section and sub-section to explore the relationships between the factors identified in this study. Additionally, the comparison of factor scores across selected demographic variables and independent samples t-tests for the equality of means was used to establish whether there were significant differences between the factor scores of various demographic variables. Finally, one-way ANOVAs were considered to compare the composite factor scores across various demographic variables. Factor score analysis showed that 44.9% of the academic staffs had a moderate attitude towards the PMS process; whereas 84.9% had a high attitude towards PA criteria and 64.2% had a high attitude towards PFPS. The results of the study suggest a high attitude of the academic staffs towards PA and PFP in teaching and research. In addition, the majority (78.0%) of the academic staffs had a high attitude towards their self-performance planning in their institution. The results of the study suggest a high level of self-performance planning of the academic staffs in teaching and research in the selected Ugandan HEIs. A reasonable number (45.4%) of the academic staffs from public universities and 49.1% from private universities had a high attitude towards supervisors‟ participation in performance planning and performance feedback. Moreover, 44.0% of the academic staffs from public universities and 66.7% of the academic staffs from private universities rated the workload as high. The results of the study suggest that the academic staffs‟ workload was high. In xx addition, factor score analysis showed that the academic staffs‟ performance rewards were low. Only 24.9% of the academic staffs had received more than 67% of the available rewards suggesting that the academic staffs‟ managers in the surveyed institutions did not use a variety of performance rewards to compensate for the academic staffs‟ performance. In addition, the average factor score for teaching skills was 94.8%, while perceived teaching abilities were 95.1% high on average. Besides, the factor score analysis results showed that teaching skills were 84.81% and 86.34%, respectively. Only 29.1% of the academic staffs from both public and private universities had high research skills. The results suggested that the academic staffs‟ teaching skills were high while their research skills were low. The findings thus suggested that the academic staffs in Ugandan public and private universities were highly involved in teaching activities, but their involvement in research activities was low. Similarly, results from testing hypotheses suggested that academic staffs in the surveyed Ugandan public and private universities rated PA criteria and PFPS higher than the PMS process. The study results indicated that self-performance planning and supervisors‟ involvement in performance feedback improved academic staffs‟ teaching skills. In contrast, performance planning, review, clarity on feedback, evaluation and rewards increased academic staffs‟ performance in perceived teaching abilities. In addition, an increase in the research workload contributed to an increase in the academic staffs‟ perception of their research knowledge and skills. The study made major conclusions regarding academic staffs‟ PM in Ugandan public and private universities. First, correlation results on performance planning and teaching skills and abilities for public and private universities were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Therefore, the study concludes that the academic staffs‟ performance planning in the selected Ugandan HEIs positively affected the academic staffs‟ performance in teaching. In addition, correlation results for supervisor involvement in feedback and teaching skills for both public and private universities were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Thus, the study concludes that supervisors‟ involvement in feedback improved academic staffs‟ performance in teaching skills. In addition, correlation results showed that performance reviews and teaching abilities were statistically significant for public universities (p=0.001), and (p=0.034) for private universities. Thus, the study concludes that the academic staffs‟ performance reviews improved academic staffs‟ teaching abilities in selected public and private universities. Equally, correlation results for performance evaluation and perceived teaching abilities for public universities was statistically significant (p< 0.001) for public universities, and (p=0.006) for private universities. Therefore, the study concludes that performance evaluation increased xxi teaching abilities of the academic staffs in both Ugandan public and private universities. In addition, rewards significantly impacted academic staffs‟ perceived teaching abilities in private universities. Correlation results for rewards and perceived teaching abilities for private universities was statistically significant (p< 0.011). Therefore, the study concludes that the more academic staffs were rewarded, the more they participated in setting, administering and marking tests, assisgnments and examinations, and adhering to deadlines set for administering tests and assignments. Similarly, the study made various recommendations to improve academic staffs‟ performance in teaching and research in Ugandan public and private universities. To achieve the required performance in teaching and research, the study recommends that the academic staffs be involved in the entire planning process to be aware of the required performance and the kind of results expected from their performance and work towards achieving the set performance in teaching and research. Additionally, performance reviews and feedback should be one-on-one discussions between the managers and the academic staffs to identify how far the staffs are performing towards the set goals. The study recommends that the academic staffs need information regarding their performance for feedback to be effective. In addition, the study recommends that the academic staffs‟ managers should increase financial and non-financial rewards to motivate the academic staffs to increase their performance in teaching. Correlation results showed that rewards had a significant impact on teaching abilities (p=0.011). Thus, rewards should as well be increased to improve academic staffs‟ teaching abilities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Research and Engagement, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kansiime, Grace
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Performance--Management , Academic staff , Higher education institutions -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60938 , vital:69246
- Description: This study, at the outset, seeks to assess the effectiveness of a performance management system (PMS) in determining the academic staffs‟ performance in teaching and research in selected Ugandan public and private universities. The participants of this study comprised full-time and parttime academic staffs from public and private universities located in the four regions in Uganda. The purposive sampling method was used to select the universities for this study. Convenient sampling was used to select the academic staffs in the universities. An online structured questionnaire collected quantitative data and analysed it using descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative analysis of the responses showed that many participants were made up of public university academic staffs, lecturers, assistant lecturers, master‟s degree holders and permanent fulltime staffs. Factor analyses were run for each section and sub-section within the questionnaire to explore the dimensionality of the scales and generate composite factor scores to be used for further analyses. While, internal consistency was examined using Cronbach‟s alpha. In addition, descriptive statistics for the factors within sections were determined. Pearson‟s correlation coefficients were calculated for each pair of factor scores for each section and sub-section to explore the relationships between the factors identified in this study. Additionally, the comparison of factor scores across selected demographic variables and independent samples t-tests for the equality of means was used to establish whether there were significant differences between the factor scores of various demographic variables. Finally, one-way ANOVAs were considered to compare the composite factor scores across various demographic variables. Factor score analysis showed that 44.9% of the academic staffs had a moderate attitude towards the PMS process; whereas 84.9% had a high attitude towards PA criteria and 64.2% had a high attitude towards PFPS. The results of the study suggest a high attitude of the academic staffs towards PA and PFP in teaching and research. In addition, the majority (78.0%) of the academic staffs had a high attitude towards their self-performance planning in their institution. The results of the study suggest a high level of self-performance planning of the academic staffs in teaching and research in the selected Ugandan HEIs. A reasonable number (45.4%) of the academic staffs from public universities and 49.1% from private universities had a high attitude towards supervisors‟ participation in performance planning and performance feedback. Moreover, 44.0% of the academic staffs from public universities and 66.7% of the academic staffs from private universities rated the workload as high. The results of the study suggest that the academic staffs‟ workload was high. In xx addition, factor score analysis showed that the academic staffs‟ performance rewards were low. Only 24.9% of the academic staffs had received more than 67% of the available rewards suggesting that the academic staffs‟ managers in the surveyed institutions did not use a variety of performance rewards to compensate for the academic staffs‟ performance. In addition, the average factor score for teaching skills was 94.8%, while perceived teaching abilities were 95.1% high on average. Besides, the factor score analysis results showed that teaching skills were 84.81% and 86.34%, respectively. Only 29.1% of the academic staffs from both public and private universities had high research skills. The results suggested that the academic staffs‟ teaching skills were high while their research skills were low. The findings thus suggested that the academic staffs in Ugandan public and private universities were highly involved in teaching activities, but their involvement in research activities was low. Similarly, results from testing hypotheses suggested that academic staffs in the surveyed Ugandan public and private universities rated PA criteria and PFPS higher than the PMS process. The study results indicated that self-performance planning and supervisors‟ involvement in performance feedback improved academic staffs‟ teaching skills. In contrast, performance planning, review, clarity on feedback, evaluation and rewards increased academic staffs‟ performance in perceived teaching abilities. In addition, an increase in the research workload contributed to an increase in the academic staffs‟ perception of their research knowledge and skills. The study made major conclusions regarding academic staffs‟ PM in Ugandan public and private universities. First, correlation results on performance planning and teaching skills and abilities for public and private universities were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Therefore, the study concludes that the academic staffs‟ performance planning in the selected Ugandan HEIs positively affected the academic staffs‟ performance in teaching. In addition, correlation results for supervisor involvement in feedback and teaching skills for both public and private universities were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Thus, the study concludes that supervisors‟ involvement in feedback improved academic staffs‟ performance in teaching skills. In addition, correlation results showed that performance reviews and teaching abilities were statistically significant for public universities (p=0.001), and (p=0.034) for private universities. Thus, the study concludes that the academic staffs‟ performance reviews improved academic staffs‟ teaching abilities in selected public and private universities. Equally, correlation results for performance evaluation and perceived teaching abilities for public universities was statistically significant (p< 0.001) for public universities, and (p=0.006) for private universities. Therefore, the study concludes that performance evaluation increased xxi teaching abilities of the academic staffs in both Ugandan public and private universities. In addition, rewards significantly impacted academic staffs‟ perceived teaching abilities in private universities. Correlation results for rewards and perceived teaching abilities for private universities was statistically significant (p< 0.011). Therefore, the study concludes that the more academic staffs were rewarded, the more they participated in setting, administering and marking tests, assisgnments and examinations, and adhering to deadlines set for administering tests and assignments. Similarly, the study made various recommendations to improve academic staffs‟ performance in teaching and research in Ugandan public and private universities. To achieve the required performance in teaching and research, the study recommends that the academic staffs be involved in the entire planning process to be aware of the required performance and the kind of results expected from their performance and work towards achieving the set performance in teaching and research. Additionally, performance reviews and feedback should be one-on-one discussions between the managers and the academic staffs to identify how far the staffs are performing towards the set goals. The study recommends that the academic staffs need information regarding their performance for feedback to be effective. In addition, the study recommends that the academic staffs‟ managers should increase financial and non-financial rewards to motivate the academic staffs to increase their performance in teaching. Correlation results showed that rewards had a significant impact on teaching abilities (p=0.011). Thus, rewards should as well be increased to improve academic staffs‟ teaching abilities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Research and Engagement, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Exploration of challenges in bringing traditional medicine into SA’s healthcare system, using medicinal plants for treatment of waterborne diarrhoeal diseases as a case study
- Authors: Keche, Priscilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Waterborne infection -- South Africa , Diarrhea -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Medical care -- Quality control , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Diarrhea in children -- South Africa , World Health Organization
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118035 , vital:34588
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC), 2019.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keche, Priscilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa , Waterborne infection -- South Africa , Diarrhea -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Medical care -- Quality control , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Diarrhea in children -- South Africa , World Health Organization
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118035 , vital:34588
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC), 2019.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Changing anthropocentric ideology through a children’s storybook, tales of the Turtle
- Authors: Kenny, Lara-Jayne
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Humanistic ethics , Children's picture books
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61589 , vital:71382
- Description: This research study aims to produce ‘ecological art’ in the form of a children’s wordless picture book, that can be distributed to many schools in South Africa, bringing awareness to ocean conservation and the effects of the environmental crisis. To do this, a theoretical study has been conducted, synthesising numerous theoretical frameworks, to gather information to create an appropriate children’s picture book. The study first considers environmental philosophy, such as that presented by Spinoza and Naess for instance. At this point, focus also falls on how prevailing societal practices, spurred on by neoliberal capitalism, prevents caring approaches to nature. Then, there is also a scientific side to the study. Research on the Benguela and Agulhas currents of South Africa are offered, as an entry point to seeing how and what is being affected by climate change, also looking at the aquatic animals and their fates. Additionally, an analysis is made regarding representation of different types of megafaunas through forms of media throughout the ages, which helps with selecting which charismatic animals to feature in Tales of the Turtle. Thereafter, research is laid out regarding the relationship between westernised and indigenous teaching approaches. Here specific focus falls on Kenneth Mlungisi Ngcoza’s ‘third space’ and Helio Manuel García-Campos’s ‘interdisciplinary space.’ Finally, the design and illustrative techniques, such as the rule of thirds, line strength, and colour contrasts, are observed to produce an appropriate wordless picture book. South Africans’ relationships with books, access to books, and the relationships that South Africans have with westernised teaching, were also taken into consideration. The overall study is capped by the actual children’s storybook, Tales of the Turtle. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Music, Art and Design, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Kenny, Lara-Jayne
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Humanistic ethics , Children's picture books
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61589 , vital:71382
- Description: This research study aims to produce ‘ecological art’ in the form of a children’s wordless picture book, that can be distributed to many schools in South Africa, bringing awareness to ocean conservation and the effects of the environmental crisis. To do this, a theoretical study has been conducted, synthesising numerous theoretical frameworks, to gather information to create an appropriate children’s picture book. The study first considers environmental philosophy, such as that presented by Spinoza and Naess for instance. At this point, focus also falls on how prevailing societal practices, spurred on by neoliberal capitalism, prevents caring approaches to nature. Then, there is also a scientific side to the study. Research on the Benguela and Agulhas currents of South Africa are offered, as an entry point to seeing how and what is being affected by climate change, also looking at the aquatic animals and their fates. Additionally, an analysis is made regarding representation of different types of megafaunas through forms of media throughout the ages, which helps with selecting which charismatic animals to feature in Tales of the Turtle. Thereafter, research is laid out regarding the relationship between westernised and indigenous teaching approaches. Here specific focus falls on Kenneth Mlungisi Ngcoza’s ‘third space’ and Helio Manuel García-Campos’s ‘interdisciplinary space.’ Finally, the design and illustrative techniques, such as the rule of thirds, line strength, and colour contrasts, are observed to produce an appropriate wordless picture book. South Africans’ relationships with books, access to books, and the relationships that South Africans have with westernised teaching, were also taken into consideration. The overall study is capped by the actual children’s storybook, Tales of the Turtle. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Music, Art and Design, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Business cycle synchronization in SACU countries: a wavelet coherence analysis
- Authors: Khoza, Sithobile X
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic cycles , Synchronization -- (SACU) Countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60221 , vital:63844
- Description: The discussion on the viability of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as a monetary union has been ongoing for years. SACU is the oldest Customs Union in history, formed in 1910. Employing the Optimum Currency Areas (OCA) theory, the study examined SACU’s readiness for a single currency. There are several technical requirements needed to form an OCA, however, one of the most vital of these with regards to a country’s suitability to enter a currency union is Business Cycle Synchronization. Therefore, SACU’s readiness was tested by establishing Business Cycle synchronization between the 5 member states. Although Business Cycles Synchronization have not been proven, SACU countries have moved towards a complete monetary union because of increasing macroeconomic convergence. Our study using Wavelet analysis sets out to establish if there is a synchronization of Business cycles with SACU members. Cyclical components were isolated, from the real GDP growth rate of each country from 1981 to 2020, using the Hodrick-Prescott filter (HP), Band-Pass filter (BP), and the Christiano-Fitzgerald Filter (CF). In the 2 by 2 analysis, our wavelet coherence showed that SACU countries are synchronized with each other, while South Africa displayed its dominance in the union by showing significant synchronization with all the members of the union both in the short and long run. The Vector wavelet analysis results concluded that, as a group, SACU shows much higher degrees of synchronization. The group synchronization is statistically significant throughout the period of study. Furthermore, there is an indication of consistent synchronization, in the long and short run. Overall, the results of our study conclude that there is synchronization in the SACU countries. Therefore, SACU counties can form an OCA as they meet the desirably requirements. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Khoza, Sithobile X
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Economic cycles , Synchronization -- (SACU) Countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60221 , vital:63844
- Description: The discussion on the viability of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as a monetary union has been ongoing for years. SACU is the oldest Customs Union in history, formed in 1910. Employing the Optimum Currency Areas (OCA) theory, the study examined SACU’s readiness for a single currency. There are several technical requirements needed to form an OCA, however, one of the most vital of these with regards to a country’s suitability to enter a currency union is Business Cycle Synchronization. Therefore, SACU’s readiness was tested by establishing Business Cycle synchronization between the 5 member states. Although Business Cycles Synchronization have not been proven, SACU countries have moved towards a complete monetary union because of increasing macroeconomic convergence. Our study using Wavelet analysis sets out to establish if there is a synchronization of Business cycles with SACU members. Cyclical components were isolated, from the real GDP growth rate of each country from 1981 to 2020, using the Hodrick-Prescott filter (HP), Band-Pass filter (BP), and the Christiano-Fitzgerald Filter (CF). In the 2 by 2 analysis, our wavelet coherence showed that SACU countries are synchronized with each other, while South Africa displayed its dominance in the union by showing significant synchronization with all the members of the union both in the short and long run. The Vector wavelet analysis results concluded that, as a group, SACU shows much higher degrees of synchronization. The group synchronization is statistically significant throughout the period of study. Furthermore, there is an indication of consistent synchronization, in the long and short run. Overall, the results of our study conclude that there is synchronization in the SACU countries. Therefore, SACU counties can form an OCA as they meet the desirably requirements. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12