Demarcation of municipalities and service delivery capacity: a case of selected eastern cape municipalities
- Authors: Sokopo, Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54574 , vital:46715
- Description: The study examines the relationship between demarcation of municipal boundaries and the capacity of a municipality to deliver services. The case of the amalgamation of Baviaans, Camdeboo, and Ikwezi local municipalities which has led to the establishment of the Dr Beyers Naudè Municipality in the Sara Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape has been used to determine this relationship in this study. The amalgamation of these municipalities has led to the redetermination and dismantling of their boundaries and the establishment of the boundaries of the newly created and larger Dr Beyers Naudè Local Municipality. The study investigated whether the demarcation of municipal boundaries has, in this instance, enhanced the capacity of the municipality to deliver basic services. Organisational Theory was used to interpret the amalgamation of municipalities. This theory was used for the theoretical basis of organisational structure and highlighting the need for the alignment of organizational structure with the municipalities’ mandate, of effective and efficient service delivery. The study adopted a qualitative research method and employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to select participants. Interviews were used for data collection. 38 participants were interviewed, namely 7 councillors, 5 municipal officials, 5 members of the ratepayers’ association and 21 members of the community. Mixed views were expressed by participants regarding the enhancement of the state on basic service delivery after the merger of the three local municipalities. Furthermore, the study did not find evidence of a feasibility study prior to the implementation of the amalgamation process. Subsequently, the study could not find conclusive evidence relating to the enhancement of the capacity of the municipality to deliver services after the redetermination of municipal boundaries. The study recommends, among others, that the demarcation of municipal boundaries should be preceded by an appropriate feasibility study and be done such that there is compliance with the relevant legislation, and it must also have an effective public participation. The study also recommends that the newly established Dr Beyers Naudè Local Municipality should focus on maintaining the service delivery infrastructure it has inherited from the merger of its three predecessor municipalities, enhance public participation in its programmes, and priorities community beneficiation as a critical aspect of its service delivery mandate. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Sokopo, Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54574 , vital:46715
- Description: The study examines the relationship between demarcation of municipal boundaries and the capacity of a municipality to deliver services. The case of the amalgamation of Baviaans, Camdeboo, and Ikwezi local municipalities which has led to the establishment of the Dr Beyers Naudè Municipality in the Sara Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape has been used to determine this relationship in this study. The amalgamation of these municipalities has led to the redetermination and dismantling of their boundaries and the establishment of the boundaries of the newly created and larger Dr Beyers Naudè Local Municipality. The study investigated whether the demarcation of municipal boundaries has, in this instance, enhanced the capacity of the municipality to deliver basic services. Organisational Theory was used to interpret the amalgamation of municipalities. This theory was used for the theoretical basis of organisational structure and highlighting the need for the alignment of organizational structure with the municipalities’ mandate, of effective and efficient service delivery. The study adopted a qualitative research method and employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to select participants. Interviews were used for data collection. 38 participants were interviewed, namely 7 councillors, 5 municipal officials, 5 members of the ratepayers’ association and 21 members of the community. Mixed views were expressed by participants regarding the enhancement of the state on basic service delivery after the merger of the three local municipalities. Furthermore, the study did not find evidence of a feasibility study prior to the implementation of the amalgamation process. Subsequently, the study could not find conclusive evidence relating to the enhancement of the capacity of the municipality to deliver services after the redetermination of municipal boundaries. The study recommends, among others, that the demarcation of municipal boundaries should be preceded by an appropriate feasibility study and be done such that there is compliance with the relevant legislation, and it must also have an effective public participation. The study also recommends that the newly established Dr Beyers Naudè Local Municipality should focus on maintaining the service delivery infrastructure it has inherited from the merger of its three predecessor municipalities, enhance public participation in its programmes, and priorities community beneficiation as a critical aspect of its service delivery mandate. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Possible futures for South Africa’s transition to a low carbon economy towards 2050
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54969 , vital:48523
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies underpinned by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as per declared Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). However, South Africa’s economic development model is still characterised by a coal-based energy structure, which imposes a significant stress on its natural resources and environment, due to vast quantities of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Currently, in South Africa there is no sign of any coherent plan for achieving the socio-technological change that the transition to a low carbon economy vision implies. The existing policies, strategies and plans are not yet fully aligned with the low carbon transition agenda as they were developed prior to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement call. There has been minimal or no noticeable change in South Africa’s carbon-dependence, which may further lead to market failure effects. The existing policy and regulatory framework for low carbon economy (LCE) transition is perceived complimentary; but is defined by short-term, overarching and vague policies that lack forward thinking far-sighted element of framing the desired future. To tackle the short-termism of South African LCE policy, the study commissioned a mixed-method, futures research approach in order to facilitate a kind of forward thinking required for integrated manoeuvres and long-term vision of different alternating choices with a cognisance of their respective repercussions. The primary research objective of this study was to develop and illustrate possible scenarios for South Africa’s low-carbon economy transition futures over the next 30 years, taking into consideration numerous uncertainties about the future structure of South Africa’s economy, costs of the transition as well as potential technological breakthroughs that could emerge. This objective was achieved with the ultimate description of possible futures - Ses’fikile, Stimela, Inqanawa and Siyaya phambili, and the identification of Ses’fikile as the desired future state; as outlined by the Integrated Vision for South Africa’s transition to an inclusive, competitive, climate-resilient and low carbon economy future. Further, the secondary objectives outlined in Chapter 1 and 2 of this research study were realised through an all-encompassing literature review, political economy and political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal (PESTEL) analysis, the Real-Time Delphi exercise as well as scenario planning methodology. This research study extracts intuitions from academic, policy planning and futures research in order to discover the prevailing frontiers in the progression of both the theoretical and real-world requirements considered as essential for fundamental economic transformation to a low-carbon future. Extensive contribution of this study included; - Closing the literature gaps that exist in terms of gaining a deeper understanding into insights on the potential drivers, impacts and global trends in the low-carbon economy transition space. Pushing forward a narrative within and between the economic development, policy decision-making and environment about how to visualise and plan for a decarbonized future economy for South Africa. Futures research approach afforded this research study an opportunity to engage with the uncertainties of the low-carbon economy future, while engaging with emerging issues, trends and weak signals that are transforming South Africa’s social horizons. Policy decision-makers were afforded a chance to improve their policy making while addressing the dynamic nature of implications of the current economic development trajectories, alternative future possibilities as well as transitioning to a preferred low-carbon future. In conclusion, contributions made by low-carbon experts who participated in this study provided bigger picture insights for policy decision makers and can provide timely interventions while deliberating about South Africa’s low-carbon future. Finally, conclusions drawn and recommendations made would assist in the stimulation of discussions for further policy research. Key concepts: Low carbon economy, decarbonisation, futures research, climate-resilient, scenario planning, Real-Time Delphi. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54969 , vital:48523
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies underpinned by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as per declared Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). However, South Africa’s economic development model is still characterised by a coal-based energy structure, which imposes a significant stress on its natural resources and environment, due to vast quantities of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Currently, in South Africa there is no sign of any coherent plan for achieving the socio-technological change that the transition to a low carbon economy vision implies. The existing policies, strategies and plans are not yet fully aligned with the low carbon transition agenda as they were developed prior to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement call. There has been minimal or no noticeable change in South Africa’s carbon-dependence, which may further lead to market failure effects. The existing policy and regulatory framework for low carbon economy (LCE) transition is perceived complimentary; but is defined by short-term, overarching and vague policies that lack forward thinking far-sighted element of framing the desired future. To tackle the short-termism of South African LCE policy, the study commissioned a mixed-method, futures research approach in order to facilitate a kind of forward thinking required for integrated manoeuvres and long-term vision of different alternating choices with a cognisance of their respective repercussions. The primary research objective of this study was to develop and illustrate possible scenarios for South Africa’s low-carbon economy transition futures over the next 30 years, taking into consideration numerous uncertainties about the future structure of South Africa’s economy, costs of the transition as well as potential technological breakthroughs that could emerge. This objective was achieved with the ultimate description of possible futures - Ses’fikile, Stimela, Inqanawa and Siyaya phambili, and the identification of Ses’fikile as the desired future state; as outlined by the Integrated Vision for South Africa’s transition to an inclusive, competitive, climate-resilient and low carbon economy future. Further, the secondary objectives outlined in Chapter 1 and 2 of this research study were realised through an all-encompassing literature review, political economy and political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal (PESTEL) analysis, the Real-Time Delphi exercise as well as scenario planning methodology. This research study extracts intuitions from academic, policy planning and futures research in order to discover the prevailing frontiers in the progression of both the theoretical and real-world requirements considered as essential for fundamental economic transformation to a low-carbon future. Extensive contribution of this study included; - Closing the literature gaps that exist in terms of gaining a deeper understanding into insights on the potential drivers, impacts and global trends in the low-carbon economy transition space. Pushing forward a narrative within and between the economic development, policy decision-making and environment about how to visualise and plan for a decarbonized future economy for South Africa. Futures research approach afforded this research study an opportunity to engage with the uncertainties of the low-carbon economy future, while engaging with emerging issues, trends and weak signals that are transforming South Africa’s social horizons. Policy decision-makers were afforded a chance to improve their policy making while addressing the dynamic nature of implications of the current economic development trajectories, alternative future possibilities as well as transitioning to a preferred low-carbon future. In conclusion, contributions made by low-carbon experts who participated in this study provided bigger picture insights for policy decision makers and can provide timely interventions while deliberating about South Africa’s low-carbon future. Finally, conclusions drawn and recommendations made would assist in the stimulation of discussions for further policy research. Key concepts: Low carbon economy, decarbonisation, futures research, climate-resilient, scenario planning, Real-Time Delphi. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The synthesis, empirical and theoretical studies of various (N→B) diarylborinate esters
- Authors: Manana, Pholani Sakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53869 , vital:46027
- Description: A series of core-functionalized borinic acids was synthesized from Grignard reagents and tributylborate and reacted with ethanolamine, amino acids, 2-pyridylmethanol as well as 2-(ethyl amino ethanol). Among the borinic acids synthesized were the ones bearing: para-(2, 15, 16, 22, 27)-methyl, (3, 20, 25)-chloro, (4, 23, 26)-fluoro, (5)-methoxy; meta-(7, 17)-methyl, (9)-fluoro; ortho-(6)-methyl, (8)-chloro, (10, 18, 19)-methoxy substituents on their respective aromatic systems. All compounds obtained by condensation of the borinic acids with the aforementioned nitrogen-containing substrates were characterized structurally by means of diffraction studies based on single crystals and found to constitute chelate esters/amides featuring covalent B-O and dative N→B bonds. The chelate compounds researched in this study could be classified into four families and represent the compounds: ethanol amine: (1) 2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (2) 2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (3) 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (4) 2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (5) 2,2-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (6) 2,2-bis(o-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (7) 2,2-bis(m-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (8) 2,2-bis(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (9) 2,2-bis(m-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (10) 2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines. α-amino acids : (14) 4-methyl-2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (15) 2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (16) 4-methyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (17) 4-isopropyl-2,2-bis(m-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (18) 4-methyl-2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2- oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (19) 4-acetamidyl-2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2- oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (20) 4-phenylethane-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2 oxazaborolidin-5-ones. 2-pyridylmethanol: (21) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-diphenyl 1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (22) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (23) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines 2-(ethyl amino ethanol): (24) 3-ethyl-2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (25) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (26) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (27) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines. Apart from structural studies in the solid state, the compounds were also characterized by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 11B, 13C) as well as UV/vis and FTIR. The typical 11B resonances were found in the range of (4-10 ppm). A series of characteristic metrical parameters for the compounds in the solid state as well as typical NMR shifts for the chelate target molecules was established that allowed for the determination of the coordination induced shift. The carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom shifted upfield, while the carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom shifted downfield. Factors mentioned in the literature that has an influence on the hydrolytic stability on the heterocyclic borinate motif have been taken into consideration and verified for the systems researched in this study. The substitution at the nitrogen atom with one ethyl group caused the greatest increases in the N→B bond length (27) 1.714 Å, due to the increase in the nitrogen Lewis basicity, making it the least hydrolytically stable, these include compounds (24-26). Furthermore, DFT calculations were performed by employing Becke’s three parameter hybrid exchange functional with Lee–Yang–Parr functional (B3LYP) method using the Gaussian 16 program package (Rev. B01) employing the basis set 6-311++G(d,p), to corroborate and correlate the experimental findings, which gave a general R-squared value of 0.9978 for calculated vs experimental 13C chemical shifts. Thermal properties are recorded for select compounds, indicating the ΔH and the melting points. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Manana, Pholani Sakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53869 , vital:46027
- Description: A series of core-functionalized borinic acids was synthesized from Grignard reagents and tributylborate and reacted with ethanolamine, amino acids, 2-pyridylmethanol as well as 2-(ethyl amino ethanol). Among the borinic acids synthesized were the ones bearing: para-(2, 15, 16, 22, 27)-methyl, (3, 20, 25)-chloro, (4, 23, 26)-fluoro, (5)-methoxy; meta-(7, 17)-methyl, (9)-fluoro; ortho-(6)-methyl, (8)-chloro, (10, 18, 19)-methoxy substituents on their respective aromatic systems. All compounds obtained by condensation of the borinic acids with the aforementioned nitrogen-containing substrates were characterized structurally by means of diffraction studies based on single crystals and found to constitute chelate esters/amides featuring covalent B-O and dative N→B bonds. The chelate compounds researched in this study could be classified into four families and represent the compounds: ethanol amine: (1) 2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (2) 2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (3) 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (4) 2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (5) 2,2-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (6) 2,2-bis(o-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (7) 2,2-bis(m-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (8) 2,2-bis(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (9) 2,2-bis(m-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (10) 2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines. α-amino acids : (14) 4-methyl-2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (15) 2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (16) 4-methyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (17) 4-isopropyl-2,2-bis(m-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (18) 4-methyl-2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2- oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (19) 4-acetamidyl-2,2-bis(o-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2- oxazaborolidin-5-ones, (20) 4-phenylethane-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2 oxazaborolidin-5-ones. 2-pyridylmethanol: (21) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-diphenyl 1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (22) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (23) 1,3-hydroxypyridyl-2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines 2-(ethyl amino ethanol): (24) 3-ethyl-2,2-diphenyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (25) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (26) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-fluorophenyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines, (27) 3-ethyl-2,2-bis(p-tolyl)-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines. Apart from structural studies in the solid state, the compounds were also characterized by means of multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 11B, 13C) as well as UV/vis and FTIR. The typical 11B resonances were found in the range of (4-10 ppm). A series of characteristic metrical parameters for the compounds in the solid state as well as typical NMR shifts for the chelate target molecules was established that allowed for the determination of the coordination induced shift. The carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom shifted upfield, while the carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom shifted downfield. Factors mentioned in the literature that has an influence on the hydrolytic stability on the heterocyclic borinate motif have been taken into consideration and verified for the systems researched in this study. The substitution at the nitrogen atom with one ethyl group caused the greatest increases in the N→B bond length (27) 1.714 Å, due to the increase in the nitrogen Lewis basicity, making it the least hydrolytically stable, these include compounds (24-26). Furthermore, DFT calculations were performed by employing Becke’s three parameter hybrid exchange functional with Lee–Yang–Parr functional (B3LYP) method using the Gaussian 16 program package (Rev. B01) employing the basis set 6-311++G(d,p), to corroborate and correlate the experimental findings, which gave a general R-squared value of 0.9978 for calculated vs experimental 13C chemical shifts. Thermal properties are recorded for select compounds, indicating the ΔH and the melting points. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Applying a systems analysis approach to support marine spatial planning in Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Vermeulen, Estee Ann
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54121 , vital:46312
- Description: Ocean health provides the foundation for human health through the provisioning of ecosystem services. Increasing demands on ocean space and resources are, however, resulting in a decline in ocean health, with direct and indirect knock-on effects on marine uses and ultimately on human health. In response, there is a growing need to acknowledge and better manage complex human-ocean interactions. This has been recognised in global sustainable development goals and in integrated ocean management processes, leading to widespread endorsement of an ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) process, including in South Africa. In support of the national MSP process, significant progress has been made in understanding the spatial extent of marine activities and associated marine pressures, but the temporal dynamics of marine activities and interconnections with the marine environment are less well understood. To plan for the growth of marine activities and associated user conflicts, the drivers of these temporal dynamics and associated feedback effects need to be analysed and potential policy and management interventions identified and tested. To support South Africa’s national MSP process, this study adopts a systems analysis approach, using system dynamics modelling, to explore the temporal change in marine uses under alternative growth scenarios in Algoa Bay. Algoa Bay is an appropriate study area because it is experiencing a rapid expansion of marine activities, coupled with a growing uncertainty regarding marine sustainability outcomes. To assist future marine management decisions, the Algoa Marine Systems Analysis Tool (Algoa MSAT) was developed, comprising seven sub-models. Five of the sub-models represent selected marine uses in Algoa Bay, whereas the sixth and seventh integrate the outputs from each marine use in terms of sustainable management indicators (marine health, marine wealth and marine labour). Model development primarily adopted an expert-based model ling approach, although the involvement of stakeholders, through a collaborative modelling process, assisted in integrating knowledge on different marine sectors’ activities, impacts and planning visions into the model framework. Model results were generated under different scenarios to investigate changes in the growth of marine activities and marine sustainability indicators under different levels of ocean governance. Under the baseline (or business-as-usual) model scenario, marine activities were shown to grow increasingly within their respective management limits, with an increase in marine wealth and labour and a consequential decrease in marine health. This scenario particularly highlights that current ocean governance practices are ineffective in sustaining the projected growth of the marine uses, particularly for those that are vulnerable to negative changes in marine health. Conversely, sectors that hold more value in marine wealth and are more resilient to changes in marine health, may continue to grow regardless of negative knock-on effects of the health of the marine environment and on other uses in the bay. This emphasises that an alternative governance strategy is needed to achieve the long-term goal of an ecosystem-based MSP process, as required by South African MSP legislation. To achieve this will require multiple, adaptive cross-sectoral management interventions that are directed towards the ‘deeper leverage points’ that are able to maintain the growth of marine activities within appropriate limits defined by marine health. Using the model interface developed in this project, decision-makers and stakeholders can use the model to explore the temporal dynamics in marine activities under different governance scenarios. Although the model is limited to Algoa Bay, the model boundary can be adapted to assist in marine planning processes at national or trans-national scales. Such analytical assessments and tools are critical to progress the ecosystem-based management approach in MSP, as is required to achieve global sustainable development goals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Coastal and Marine Research Unit, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Vermeulen, Estee Ann
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54121 , vital:46312
- Description: Ocean health provides the foundation for human health through the provisioning of ecosystem services. Increasing demands on ocean space and resources are, however, resulting in a decline in ocean health, with direct and indirect knock-on effects on marine uses and ultimately on human health. In response, there is a growing need to acknowledge and better manage complex human-ocean interactions. This has been recognised in global sustainable development goals and in integrated ocean management processes, leading to widespread endorsement of an ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) process, including in South Africa. In support of the national MSP process, significant progress has been made in understanding the spatial extent of marine activities and associated marine pressures, but the temporal dynamics of marine activities and interconnections with the marine environment are less well understood. To plan for the growth of marine activities and associated user conflicts, the drivers of these temporal dynamics and associated feedback effects need to be analysed and potential policy and management interventions identified and tested. To support South Africa’s national MSP process, this study adopts a systems analysis approach, using system dynamics modelling, to explore the temporal change in marine uses under alternative growth scenarios in Algoa Bay. Algoa Bay is an appropriate study area because it is experiencing a rapid expansion of marine activities, coupled with a growing uncertainty regarding marine sustainability outcomes. To assist future marine management decisions, the Algoa Marine Systems Analysis Tool (Algoa MSAT) was developed, comprising seven sub-models. Five of the sub-models represent selected marine uses in Algoa Bay, whereas the sixth and seventh integrate the outputs from each marine use in terms of sustainable management indicators (marine health, marine wealth and marine labour). Model development primarily adopted an expert-based model ling approach, although the involvement of stakeholders, through a collaborative modelling process, assisted in integrating knowledge on different marine sectors’ activities, impacts and planning visions into the model framework. Model results were generated under different scenarios to investigate changes in the growth of marine activities and marine sustainability indicators under different levels of ocean governance. Under the baseline (or business-as-usual) model scenario, marine activities were shown to grow increasingly within their respective management limits, with an increase in marine wealth and labour and a consequential decrease in marine health. This scenario particularly highlights that current ocean governance practices are ineffective in sustaining the projected growth of the marine uses, particularly for those that are vulnerable to negative changes in marine health. Conversely, sectors that hold more value in marine wealth and are more resilient to changes in marine health, may continue to grow regardless of negative knock-on effects of the health of the marine environment and on other uses in the bay. This emphasises that an alternative governance strategy is needed to achieve the long-term goal of an ecosystem-based MSP process, as required by South African MSP legislation. To achieve this will require multiple, adaptive cross-sectoral management interventions that are directed towards the ‘deeper leverage points’ that are able to maintain the growth of marine activities within appropriate limits defined by marine health. Using the model interface developed in this project, decision-makers and stakeholders can use the model to explore the temporal dynamics in marine activities under different governance scenarios. Although the model is limited to Algoa Bay, the model boundary can be adapted to assist in marine planning processes at national or trans-national scales. Such analytical assessments and tools are critical to progress the ecosystem-based management approach in MSP, as is required to achieve global sustainable development goals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Coastal and Marine Research Unit, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Foraging ecology of Kelp Gulls in natural and anthropogenically modified environments
- Authors: Reusch, Katharina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54106 , vital:46303
- Description: Humans are having a profound impact on the natural environment through a myriad of activities, such as land use change or direct exploitation of resources. Some species are able to adapt to these changes and thrive in deeply modified environments. They are often considered winners of global change. Among these are Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus in South Africa, which have a generalist foraging nature. Despite their abundance and potential role in the ecosystem, knowledge on their foraging ecology is limited, with no understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic food resources during breeding. The aim of this thesis was to assess the foraging movements, diet and health of Kelp Gulls breeding in seven different colonies varying in proximity to landfills. GPS loggers were deployed on incubating adults to assess foraging trip patterns, effort, and habitats. Diet and trophic ecology of adults and chicks was determined during the breeding season by combining conventional diet analysis (i.e. stomach content samples and regurgitated pellets) with stable isotope analysis of blood plasma. Finally, population health was estimated using indices of body condition for adults and chicks, and blood and faecal parasites were examined. The first successful tracking data from Kelp Gulls in South Africa revealed that birds from all colonies spent more time foraging in natural environments (marine, coastal and terrestrial) than in anthropogenically modified ones, irrelevant of the distance to the nearest landfill, potentially reflecting prey profitability or availability around thebreeding colonies. Gulls also had higher foraging effort when foraging at sea (longer travelling distance), which might be balanced by foraging on high energy prey in themarine environment (e.g. fish). Diet and trophic ecology data confirmed the wide range of resources Kelp Gulls were capable of exploiting. Anthropogenic items were important food sources at some colonies, while annual differences in trophic level targeted were apparent at some other colonies, possibly reflecting varying predation levels on other seabirds. Diet and trophic ecology generally differed between adults and chicks, with chicks being fed a more marine, i.e. fish, and higher trophic level diet, potentially due to the higher energy content of fish being important for chick growth. Despite differences between colonies in foraging effort and diet, body condition of both adults and chicks was similar across colonies. Birds from one of the urban colonies, foraging at the local landfill, tended to have slightly higher body condition values, possibly due to the high fat content of anthropogenic items, although this was not significant. Blood parasites were very scarce, with only one genus identified, Haemoproteus spp. Parasite abundance was significantly lower in chicks than in adults, implicating that adults might get infected in areas outside the colony. Faecal smears revealed the presence of yeast cells (Candida spp.) in birds, coinciding with higher body condition values, possibly linked to foraging habitat choice, as birds might ingest yeast cells when feeding in urban areas contaminated with human excrement.Kelp Gulls breeding in South Africa forage on a wide variety of resources and habitats, with limited apparent impact on their parasite load and body condition. All colonies foraged to some extend on natural sources, although some colonies located in very urban areas seemed to depend more closely on anthropogenic items as food resource. Therefore, changes in e.g. landfill management might cause changes in population dynamics, with possible repercussions on neighbouring bird populations. Theirgeneralist foraging nature, among others, makes Kelp Gulls winners of global change and is partly responsible for their increased population numbers. As they are often perceived as pests, information on the foraging ecology is important to manage gull populations effectively. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Reusch, Katharina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54106 , vital:46303
- Description: Humans are having a profound impact on the natural environment through a myriad of activities, such as land use change or direct exploitation of resources. Some species are able to adapt to these changes and thrive in deeply modified environments. They are often considered winners of global change. Among these are Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus in South Africa, which have a generalist foraging nature. Despite their abundance and potential role in the ecosystem, knowledge on their foraging ecology is limited, with no understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic food resources during breeding. The aim of this thesis was to assess the foraging movements, diet and health of Kelp Gulls breeding in seven different colonies varying in proximity to landfills. GPS loggers were deployed on incubating adults to assess foraging trip patterns, effort, and habitats. Diet and trophic ecology of adults and chicks was determined during the breeding season by combining conventional diet analysis (i.e. stomach content samples and regurgitated pellets) with stable isotope analysis of blood plasma. Finally, population health was estimated using indices of body condition for adults and chicks, and blood and faecal parasites were examined. The first successful tracking data from Kelp Gulls in South Africa revealed that birds from all colonies spent more time foraging in natural environments (marine, coastal and terrestrial) than in anthropogenically modified ones, irrelevant of the distance to the nearest landfill, potentially reflecting prey profitability or availability around thebreeding colonies. Gulls also had higher foraging effort when foraging at sea (longer travelling distance), which might be balanced by foraging on high energy prey in themarine environment (e.g. fish). Diet and trophic ecology data confirmed the wide range of resources Kelp Gulls were capable of exploiting. Anthropogenic items were important food sources at some colonies, while annual differences in trophic level targeted were apparent at some other colonies, possibly reflecting varying predation levels on other seabirds. Diet and trophic ecology generally differed between adults and chicks, with chicks being fed a more marine, i.e. fish, and higher trophic level diet, potentially due to the higher energy content of fish being important for chick growth. Despite differences between colonies in foraging effort and diet, body condition of both adults and chicks was similar across colonies. Birds from one of the urban colonies, foraging at the local landfill, tended to have slightly higher body condition values, possibly due to the high fat content of anthropogenic items, although this was not significant. Blood parasites were very scarce, with only one genus identified, Haemoproteus spp. Parasite abundance was significantly lower in chicks than in adults, implicating that adults might get infected in areas outside the colony. Faecal smears revealed the presence of yeast cells (Candida spp.) in birds, coinciding with higher body condition values, possibly linked to foraging habitat choice, as birds might ingest yeast cells when feeding in urban areas contaminated with human excrement.Kelp Gulls breeding in South Africa forage on a wide variety of resources and habitats, with limited apparent impact on their parasite load and body condition. All colonies foraged to some extend on natural sources, although some colonies located in very urban areas seemed to depend more closely on anthropogenic items as food resource. Therefore, changes in e.g. landfill management might cause changes in population dynamics, with possible repercussions on neighbouring bird populations. Theirgeneralist foraging nature, among others, makes Kelp Gulls winners of global change and is partly responsible for their increased population numbers. As they are often perceived as pests, information on the foraging ecology is important to manage gull populations effectively. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Microstructural characterization of Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) induced rotation in single crystal NiO
- Authors: Douglas-Henry, Danielle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53648 , vital:45685
- Description: Swift Heavy Ions (SHI) are characterised by having energies greater than 1 MeV per nucleon with an atomic mass greater than 6 amu. Exposure to irradiation of this type has been known to produce latent tracks in insulators. This is due to the energy loss through the material being governed by electronic excitation processes. The extent of the track formation and microstructural changes induced has been reported to be material specific. Models such as the thermal spike model have been used to explain these changes, however rough approximations are still made. A particularly under studied phenomena is the collective rotation seen in materials exposed to off-normal incidence irradiation. To date the only available experimental data is X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra and surface shifts. This does not allow for depth-dependent rotation studies and very little can be deduced regarding the microstructure of the modified volume. In this study, the microstructural changes in single crystal Nickel Oxide (NiO) have been studied using electron microscopy techniques. A depth dependent investigation of the crystal rotation was performed using Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) were utilized to interrogate the microstructural changes facilitating the bulk rotation. Five different NiO specimens were investigated. Specimens had surfaces parallel to either the {0 0 1} or {1 1 1} planes. Ion energies used were 593 MeV, 940 MeV and 1.6 GeV, while fluences ranged from 1.0 x 1011 ions/cm² to 9.6 x 1014 ions/cm². Latent track formation in both low fluence (nonoverlapping regime) and high fluence (overlapping regime) specimens were investigated and compared. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Douglas-Henry, Danielle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53648 , vital:45685
- Description: Swift Heavy Ions (SHI) are characterised by having energies greater than 1 MeV per nucleon with an atomic mass greater than 6 amu. Exposure to irradiation of this type has been known to produce latent tracks in insulators. This is due to the energy loss through the material being governed by electronic excitation processes. The extent of the track formation and microstructural changes induced has been reported to be material specific. Models such as the thermal spike model have been used to explain these changes, however rough approximations are still made. A particularly under studied phenomena is the collective rotation seen in materials exposed to off-normal incidence irradiation. To date the only available experimental data is X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra and surface shifts. This does not allow for depth-dependent rotation studies and very little can be deduced regarding the microstructure of the modified volume. In this study, the microstructural changes in single crystal Nickel Oxide (NiO) have been studied using electron microscopy techniques. A depth dependent investigation of the crystal rotation was performed using Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) were utilized to interrogate the microstructural changes facilitating the bulk rotation. Five different NiO specimens were investigated. Specimens had surfaces parallel to either the {0 0 1} or {1 1 1} planes. Ion energies used were 593 MeV, 940 MeV and 1.6 GeV, while fluences ranged from 1.0 x 1011 ions/cm² to 9.6 x 1014 ions/cm². Latent track formation in both low fluence (nonoverlapping regime) and high fluence (overlapping regime) specimens were investigated and compared. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Authentic leadership, psychological capital, work engagement and safety behaviour in a construction environment
- Authors: Turner, Gillian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54388 , vital:46487
- Description: Research purpose: The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological capital (PsyCap), work engagement, and employees’ safety behaviour, and (2) to develop and test a theoretical model comprising of all four constructs as informed by the literature review and data collected. In essence, the goal is to develop recommendations to support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the construction industry based on the findings of the study. The study will assist South African businesses in the construction domain to manage their demanding work environment and minimise the number of occupational safety violations and injuries. Research motivation: Studies that explore safety from more recently acknowledged leadership theories are in short supply. This study is addressed through the lens of Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) to situate authentic leadership and PsyCap as measurable constructs that can be developed to have a positive impact on work engagement and safety behaviour. This approach is especially significant in the South African construction environment because of the growing emphasis on the health and safety concerns. In essence, this study links a contemporary leadership theory, psychological constructs, and associated outcomes distinctively to a given industry within the South African context, that is work engagement and safety behaviour. Research design, approach, and method: This study follows a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, PsyCap, work engagement, and safety behaviour in a construction environment. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit full-time employed workers across hierarchical levels, ranging from blue-collar workers (installation technicians, paving installers, and maintenance technicians) to white-collar workers (supervisors, line managers, senior managers, and other administrative employees), working in the South African construction industry. Both paper-and-pencil and online questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. Two hundred paper-and-pencil questionnaires were distributed, and 89 online questionnaires were accessed by potential respondents, with a total of 198 completed questionnaires. A response rate of 65.41% was realised. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data: Reliability assessment, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Main findings: All hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that there is an association between the constructs in the study. Specifically, the relationship between authentic leadership and safety behaviour is mediated by PsyCap and work engagement. The research provides valuable input as significant differences were noted across all constructs and demographic variables, except age. Limitations: The results should be interpreted, bearing in mind that there is limited literature available on the relationship between the constructs in the study when applied to the South African context. Furthermore, the limitations primarily revolved around the research design. Specifically, the questionnaire was completed at one point in time and the use of convenience sampling may be associated with possible sampling bias. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown which limited group gatherings and contact, a change in the data collection method was necessary. That is, the data collection method changed from a paper-and-pencil version to the online administration of the questionnaire. This resulted in a six-month delay in the completion of data collection. Finally, the wording of certain items may have contributed to central tendency in responses. Future research: It is suggested that future studies should investigate the relationship between the constructs using larger samples, different occupations, alternative South African industries, and explore the long-term effects of these constructs in the South African workplace by adopting a longitudinal research design. This can also be considered in relation to possible interventions to improve leadership authenticity and increase PsyCap and work engagement, with the intention of mitigating adverse safety events in the construction industry. In addition, future studies should also consider how this relationship can be influenced by different ethnic and cultural groups to gain a better understanding of how differences in ethnicity manifests in the constructs. Researchers should also explore the constructs as a group-level phenomenon and consider explanations from an alternative theoretical framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Turner, Gillian
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Construction industry -- South Africa -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54388 , vital:46487
- Description: Research purpose: The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, psychological capital (PsyCap), work engagement, and employees’ safety behaviour, and (2) to develop and test a theoretical model comprising of all four constructs as informed by the literature review and data collected. In essence, the goal is to develop recommendations to support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the construction industry based on the findings of the study. The study will assist South African businesses in the construction domain to manage their demanding work environment and minimise the number of occupational safety violations and injuries. Research motivation: Studies that explore safety from more recently acknowledged leadership theories are in short supply. This study is addressed through the lens of Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) to situate authentic leadership and PsyCap as measurable constructs that can be developed to have a positive impact on work engagement and safety behaviour. This approach is especially significant in the South African construction environment because of the growing emphasis on the health and safety concerns. In essence, this study links a contemporary leadership theory, psychological constructs, and associated outcomes distinctively to a given industry within the South African context, that is work engagement and safety behaviour. Research design, approach, and method: This study follows a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership, PsyCap, work engagement, and safety behaviour in a construction environment. Convenience sampling was employed to recruit full-time employed workers across hierarchical levels, ranging from blue-collar workers (installation technicians, paving installers, and maintenance technicians) to white-collar workers (supervisors, line managers, senior managers, and other administrative employees), working in the South African construction industry. Both paper-and-pencil and online questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. Two hundred paper-and-pencil questionnaires were distributed, and 89 online questionnaires were accessed by potential respondents, with a total of 198 completed questionnaires. A response rate of 65.41% was realised. Quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data: Reliability assessment, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). Main findings: All hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that there is an association between the constructs in the study. Specifically, the relationship between authentic leadership and safety behaviour is mediated by PsyCap and work engagement. The research provides valuable input as significant differences were noted across all constructs and demographic variables, except age. Limitations: The results should be interpreted, bearing in mind that there is limited literature available on the relationship between the constructs in the study when applied to the South African context. Furthermore, the limitations primarily revolved around the research design. Specifically, the questionnaire was completed at one point in time and the use of convenience sampling may be associated with possible sampling bias. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown which limited group gatherings and contact, a change in the data collection method was necessary. That is, the data collection method changed from a paper-and-pencil version to the online administration of the questionnaire. This resulted in a six-month delay in the completion of data collection. Finally, the wording of certain items may have contributed to central tendency in responses. Future research: It is suggested that future studies should investigate the relationship between the constructs using larger samples, different occupations, alternative South African industries, and explore the long-term effects of these constructs in the South African workplace by adopting a longitudinal research design. This can also be considered in relation to possible interventions to improve leadership authenticity and increase PsyCap and work engagement, with the intention of mitigating adverse safety events in the construction industry. In addition, future studies should also consider how this relationship can be influenced by different ethnic and cultural groups to gain a better understanding of how differences in ethnicity manifests in the constructs. Researchers should also explore the constructs as a group-level phenomenon and consider explanations from an alternative theoretical framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ultra-high precision machining of rapidly solidified aluminium (RSA) alloys for optics
- Authors: Odedeyi, Peter Babatunde
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mechatronics Surface roughness -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55921 , vital:54400
- Description: The advancement of ultra-precision is one of the most adaptable machining processes in the manufacturing of very complex and high-quality surface structures for optics, industrial, medical, aerospace and communication applications. Studies have shown that single-point diamond turning has an outstanding ability to machine high-quality optical components at a nanometric scale. However, in a responsive cutting process, the nanometric machinability of these optical components can easily be affected by several factors. The call for increasing needs of optical systems has recently led to the development of newly modified aluminium grades of non-ferrous alloys characterized by finer microstructures, defined mechanical and physical properties. To date, there has been a lack of sufficient research into these new aluminium alloys. In modern ultra-precision machining, the high demands for smart and inexpensive cutting tools are becoming more relevant in recent precision machines. In monitoring and predicting high-quality surface, cutting forces in single point diamond turning are believed to be as critical as other machining processes due to their potential effects on the quality of surface roughness. Undermining such an important factor is a compromise between the machining process's efficiency and the increased cost of production. Therefore, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the Nano-cutting mechanics is critical, particularly on modelling and analysis of cutting force, surface roughness, chip vii formation, acoustic emission, material removal rates, and molecular dynamic simulation of the rapidly solidified aluminium alloys to bridge the gap between fundamentals and industrial-scale application. The study is divided into three essential sections. First, the development of a force sensor. Secondly, investigation of the effect of cutting parameters (i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth) on cutting force, acoustic emission (AE), material removal rate (MRR), chip formation, Nose radius, and surface roughness (Ra), which play a leading role in the determination of machine productivity and efficiency of single-point diamond turning of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Thirdly, a 3-D molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of RSA 6061 is also carried out to further understand the nanometric mechanism and characterization of the alloy. The experiment was mainly conducted using Precitech Nanoform ultra-grind 250 lathe machines on three different advanced optical aluminium alloys materials; these are RSA 443, RSA 905, and RSA 6061. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Odedeyi, Peter Babatunde
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mechatronics Surface roughness -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55921 , vital:54400
- Description: The advancement of ultra-precision is one of the most adaptable machining processes in the manufacturing of very complex and high-quality surface structures for optics, industrial, medical, aerospace and communication applications. Studies have shown that single-point diamond turning has an outstanding ability to machine high-quality optical components at a nanometric scale. However, in a responsive cutting process, the nanometric machinability of these optical components can easily be affected by several factors. The call for increasing needs of optical systems has recently led to the development of newly modified aluminium grades of non-ferrous alloys characterized by finer microstructures, defined mechanical and physical properties. To date, there has been a lack of sufficient research into these new aluminium alloys. In modern ultra-precision machining, the high demands for smart and inexpensive cutting tools are becoming more relevant in recent precision machines. In monitoring and predicting high-quality surface, cutting forces in single point diamond turning are believed to be as critical as other machining processes due to their potential effects on the quality of surface roughness. Undermining such an important factor is a compromise between the machining process's efficiency and the increased cost of production. Therefore, a comprehensive scientific understanding of the Nano-cutting mechanics is critical, particularly on modelling and analysis of cutting force, surface roughness, chip vii formation, acoustic emission, material removal rates, and molecular dynamic simulation of the rapidly solidified aluminium alloys to bridge the gap between fundamentals and industrial-scale application. The study is divided into three essential sections. First, the development of a force sensor. Secondly, investigation of the effect of cutting parameters (i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth) on cutting force, acoustic emission (AE), material removal rate (MRR), chip formation, Nose radius, and surface roughness (Ra), which play a leading role in the determination of machine productivity and efficiency of single-point diamond turning of rapidly solidified aluminium alloys. Thirdly, a 3-D molecular dynamic (MD) simulation of RSA 6061 is also carried out to further understand the nanometric mechanism and characterization of the alloy. The experiment was mainly conducted using Precitech Nanoform ultra-grind 250 lathe machines on three different advanced optical aluminium alloys materials; these are RSA 443, RSA 905, and RSA 6061. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Engineering, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inbound tourist experience in south africa
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The effect of silicon on palladium migration in pyrolytic carbon and graphite
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53665 , vital:45684
- Description: The pebble-bed reactor (PBR) is a graphite-moderated, gas-cooled high temperature nuclear reactor design and it is one of six nuclear reactor concepts included in the Generation IV initiative. Pebble-bed reactors use spherical fuel elements (called pebbles) which consist of pyrolytic graphite (which acts as the moderator) and contain thousands of micro-fuel particles called tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles. These TRISO fuel particles consist of a fissile material (such as U235 in oxide or carbide form) surrounded by a carbon buffer layer, a pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer, a silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic layer for structural integrity and metallic fission product containment, and an outer PyC layer. The PBR is claimed to be a passively safe design. The commercial development of the first pebble bed reactor was that of the German AVR reactor (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor) developed during the 1960s. The AVR design was later updated and marketed by a company called HTR. In 1999 the South African electricity company ESKOM obtained the right to access the HTR engineering database that included details of the Siemens/Interatom HTR-Module design. ESKOM worked with HTR on a new design and dubbed it the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). The PBMR Co. Ltd. was formed in 1999 and mandated to license and build PBMR reactors. One of the safety considerations which emerged from research is that of metal fission product release from the TRISO fuel particles. Ag110m is a radioactive metallic fission product found to have been released from intact TRISO particles. The release of this Ag isotope is of particular concern because it is highly gamma active and has a half-life of approximately 250 days, resulting in unsafe environments for maintenance workers of PBRs. During the past four decades, many different mechanisms for Ag transport in SiC and release from TRISO particles have been proposed. A promising more recent mechanism suggests that the metallic fission product palladium (Pd) plays a significant role in the transport and release of Ag from intact TRISO particles. In this mechanism Ag transport in irradiated TRISO particle fuel takes place in the presence of the fission product Pd. The Pd reacts with the SiC layer and penetrates the SiC layer along grain boundaries to form a silicide layer which provides a rapid diffusion path for Ag in the SiC. The presence of thin silicide layers in irradiated TRISO particles was subsequently confirmed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Downey, Justin Michael
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53665 , vital:45684
- Description: The pebble-bed reactor (PBR) is a graphite-moderated, gas-cooled high temperature nuclear reactor design and it is one of six nuclear reactor concepts included in the Generation IV initiative. Pebble-bed reactors use spherical fuel elements (called pebbles) which consist of pyrolytic graphite (which acts as the moderator) and contain thousands of micro-fuel particles called tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles. These TRISO fuel particles consist of a fissile material (such as U235 in oxide or carbide form) surrounded by a carbon buffer layer, a pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer, a silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic layer for structural integrity and metallic fission product containment, and an outer PyC layer. The PBR is claimed to be a passively safe design. The commercial development of the first pebble bed reactor was that of the German AVR reactor (German: Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor) developed during the 1960s. The AVR design was later updated and marketed by a company called HTR. In 1999 the South African electricity company ESKOM obtained the right to access the HTR engineering database that included details of the Siemens/Interatom HTR-Module design. ESKOM worked with HTR on a new design and dubbed it the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR). The PBMR Co. Ltd. was formed in 1999 and mandated to license and build PBMR reactors. One of the safety considerations which emerged from research is that of metal fission product release from the TRISO fuel particles. Ag110m is a radioactive metallic fission product found to have been released from intact TRISO particles. The release of this Ag isotope is of particular concern because it is highly gamma active and has a half-life of approximately 250 days, resulting in unsafe environments for maintenance workers of PBRs. During the past four decades, many different mechanisms for Ag transport in SiC and release from TRISO particles have been proposed. A promising more recent mechanism suggests that the metallic fission product palladium (Pd) plays a significant role in the transport and release of Ag from intact TRISO particles. In this mechanism Ag transport in irradiated TRISO particle fuel takes place in the presence of the fission product Pd. The Pd reacts with the SiC layer and penetrates the SiC layer along grain boundaries to form a silicide layer which provides a rapid diffusion path for Ag in the SiC. The presence of thin silicide layers in irradiated TRISO particles was subsequently confirmed. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The perceived success of selected therapy programmes on mitigating the relapses of patients with substance use disorders in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21860 , vital:51833
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Chatikobo, Nyasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21860 , vital:51833
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the perceived success of selected therapy programs in mitigating the relapse of patients with substance use disorders at two selected rehabilitation centres in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The methodology used for this study was a mixed-method approach, although more emphasis was on qualitative methods. The qualitative data was collected from four focus groups, and 6 in-depth interviews from key informants. The quantitative data was collected using questionnaires that were completed by 100 primary carers of discharged patients from the selected drug treatment centres. The main findings of the study showed that substance use disorder is a complex disease that requires several factors to be considered to avoid any relapses. The study showed that rehabilitation centres are hugely contributing to efforts of solving substance use in Gauteng and South Africa as a whole. These rehabilitation centres offered various treatment programs to individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. The findings also indicated that the selected therapy programmes at the rehabilitation centres met their objectives. However, some of the programmes were successful in mitigating the relapses of patients recovering from addiction to a lesser extent. The study also found out that the number of individuals who relapse is relatively high, however, the study did not dive into the depth of the causing factors. This may be room for future studies. Findings further indicated that the rehabilitation centres lacked in the application of a holistic approach to addiction treatment, even though there were several treatment programs offered. The issue of exorbitant residential fees in private rehabilitation facilities was also highlighted by the data collected. The research concluded by suggesting several recommendations such as research to improve policy for substance use with a focus on the human rights approach to the drug problem. Recommendations to the Department of Social Development which is responsible for the rehabilitation centres in South Africa. To ensure that all centres that are registered for offering treatment for substance use disorder be mandated to use a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, diversifying and individualizing treatments for better outcomes. Lastly, recommendations were suggested to the social work practice, to support rehabilitation facilities by providing continuous specialized training to their social workers. Recommendations to social work training and curriculum to include in-depth substance use disorders during education, training, and field placements, for best practice amongst new social work practitioners placed in rehabilitation centres. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention in Africa: an examination of South Africa’s role in conflict resolution in the Democratic Republic of The Congo
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mandela, Siyabulela
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54471 , vital:46584
- Description: The Agenda 2063 tabled a blueprint of seven aspirations, for the Africa we want and one which was critical to this study being a peaceful and secure Africa. As postulated in this aspiration, by Agenda 2063, “Africa shall be free from armed conflict, terrorism, extremism, intolerance, and gender-based violence, which are major threats to human security, peace and development”. The Assembly of the AU committed in the agenda to fast-track actions to silence the guns by 2020, through enhanced dialogue-centred conflict prevention and resolution. The deadline for silencing guns and ending all wars in Africa was 2020, which has passed and Africa remains characterised by violent conflict and underdevelopment. Violent conflict of different magnitudes continues unabated across different states in Africa and remain insolent to any means towards resolution. The African continent is also a host to the most fragile states in the world, and the governments of these countries are unable to cultivate or facilitate the necessary conditions needed for sustainable peace and development. The conditions of poverty, frustration of basic human needs, maladministration, corruption, mismanagement of diversity and ethnic divisions so prevalent in Africa increase the likelihood of violent conflict. Conflict provention, preventive diplomacy, problem-solving workshops, peacebuilding and peacekeeping are all variants of peace operations deemed crucial in this study for Africa’s stability, peace and development. The advancement of preventive diplomacy and conflict provention as a hybrid framework for the prevention and resolution of violent conflict and promotion of sustainable peace and development in Africa was at the centre of this study. The study adopted John Burton’s basic human needs theory as a theoretical framework to further highlight an urgency by African states to prioritise policies and conflict resolution efforts directed at addressing the underlying issues giving rise to violent conflicts, if sustainable peace and development was to be realised in the continent. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Customer experience value, satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Turkson, Patrick Joel
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Shopping malls -- Ghana , Consumer satisfaction -- Ghana , Consumer behavior -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54706 , vital:47525
- Description: A key function of shopping malls is still to facilitate retail shopping experiences. Globally, shopping malls have assumed great importance in economies as they generate revenues to governments and contribute immensely to economic development, and Ghana is no exception to the benefits of shopping malls. As more shoppers shop in shopping malls, managers of malls are aggressively intensifying their marketing efforts in order to deliver value to customers, while taking into account contemporary changes in consumer preferences. Since the 1950s, customers have been seeking value through products and services, and now customers are seeking value through experiences. For several reasons such as customer preferences and lifestyles, the notion of creating experience value for customers has emerged as an important topic in contemporary marketing literature. The main interest of shopping mall managers is profit maximisation. However, shopping malls in Ghana are relatively new, face stiff competition from the informal retail sector, and are perceived as charging higher prices compared with the informal sector. Therefore, it is argued that providing positive customer experience value, prioritising customers’ satisfaction, and ensuring positive behavioural intentions can assist shopping mall managers in Ghana to be sustainable and remain competitive in the retail industry. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the factors that influence customer experience value, and assess the influence of customer experience value on customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions within selected shopping malls in Ghana. In addition, the study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioural intentions and the mediating role that customer satisfaction plays in the relationship between customer experience value and behavioural intentions. This study is expected to provide shopping mall managers in Ghana with information that might support them in their decision making concerning the shopping experience value activities that they offer to their customers. Three core concepts, namely customer experience value, customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, formed the basis of this study. Also, the relationship between experience value, customer satisfaction, and behavioural intentions were examined. The study identified customer experience value as a multidimensional construct which comprises of four factors, namely service encounter (efficiency, service excellence and playfulness), experience realms (education, entertainment, escapism and esthetics), utilitarian value (monetary savings, selection and convenience) and hedonic value (exploration, place attachment and social status) as prospective factors contributing to customer experience value within the shopping mall context. Also, the study identified three attributional factors to measure customer satisfaction, namely the basic factors, performance factors, and excitement factors. Three outcomes of behavioural intentions, namely customer loyalty, word of mouth communication and revisit intentions were also identified to measure behavioural intentions of shoppers within the shopping mall context in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to identify the potential respondents and the quantitative research methodology for analysis of the data of the study. Primary data was collected through a survey utilising self-administered structured questionnaires in the four key selected shopping malls in Ghana. Within the scope of the research, five hundred (500) useable questionnaires were received. The target population of the research included shoppers who have frequented the selected shopping malls in Ghana. The IBM SPSS (version 26) and AMOS computer software were used to perform the statistical analysis. The findings of the study showed a significant correlation between all factors (service encounter, experience realms, utilitarian value, hedonic value) measuring customer experience value (EV), customer satisfaction (CS) and behavioural intentions (BI). The empirical results also show that there is a significant relationship between experience value as an independent variable and customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The results further revealed that experience value has a significant relationship with behavioural intentions. However, the results indicate that the relationship between the mediating variable (customer satisfaction) and the dependent variable (behavioural intentions) is insignificant. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Language Learning Anxiety: a bometric investigation of stress and language learning using wearable devices
- Authors: MacDonald, William Tait
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Language and languages Study and teaching Psychological aspects , Wearable technology , Heart rate monitoring , Stress (Psychology) Testing , Anxiety Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327133 , vital:61084 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327133
- Description: As Sapolsky (2015) notes, stress research has long been characterised by definitional debates that gave rise to a lack of agreement between theorists. An example of this definitional confusion can be seen in the area of Language Learning Anxiety, where there appears to be confusion in the literature over terms such as anxiety and stress. This study investigated the link between stress and language learning using wearable devices measuring heart rate variance, as a means of establishing the feasibility of using this new technology in stress research. The results indicate that the contextualised longitudinal data delivered by wearable devices mitigates against the current dominant paradigm in Language Learning Anxiety, which postulates a straight-line negative correlation between stress and learning. Instead, the inverted U stress relationship proposed by theorists such as Hebb (1955) seem to be a better fit for the data. The nature of the contextualised data generated in this study allowed for comparisons between participants’ stress readings in academic contexts, such as language and non-language classes, and their free time. The findings suggest that certain long-held assumptions about heightened stress in academic contexts may not hold true. While the findings of this study did not reach the levels of statistical significance, they constitute proof of concept that the type of contextualised data delivered by wearable devices may allow for a new type of stress research that incorporates contextualising longitudinal perspectives on participants’ stress levels. In this study the inclusion of contextualising data led to fundamentally different conclusions about the relationship between stress and language learning. The same may be true of many areas of stress research. The findings presented in this study have broader paradigm-altering implications not only for educational policy, but also for stress research in general. Perhaps equally important was that the type of data delivered by wearable devices was qualitatively different from that normally associated with quantitative studies. This presented challenges in data analysis in this study, but also opens intriguing possibilities regarding a means of reconciling the qualitative and quantitative split in research modalities. The use of wearable devices is not without issues, and some of the issues, ranging from practical considerations to ethical conundrums, are presented for the reader’s consideration and to inform future researchers regarding potential pitfalls. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
- Authors: MacDonald, William Tait
- Date: 2022-10-04
- Subjects: Language and languages Study and teaching Psychological aspects , Wearable technology , Heart rate monitoring , Stress (Psychology) Testing , Anxiety Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/327133 , vital:61084 , DOI 10.21504/10962/327133
- Description: As Sapolsky (2015) notes, stress research has long been characterised by definitional debates that gave rise to a lack of agreement between theorists. An example of this definitional confusion can be seen in the area of Language Learning Anxiety, where there appears to be confusion in the literature over terms such as anxiety and stress. This study investigated the link between stress and language learning using wearable devices measuring heart rate variance, as a means of establishing the feasibility of using this new technology in stress research. The results indicate that the contextualised longitudinal data delivered by wearable devices mitigates against the current dominant paradigm in Language Learning Anxiety, which postulates a straight-line negative correlation between stress and learning. Instead, the inverted U stress relationship proposed by theorists such as Hebb (1955) seem to be a better fit for the data. The nature of the contextualised data generated in this study allowed for comparisons between participants’ stress readings in academic contexts, such as language and non-language classes, and their free time. The findings suggest that certain long-held assumptions about heightened stress in academic contexts may not hold true. While the findings of this study did not reach the levels of statistical significance, they constitute proof of concept that the type of contextualised data delivered by wearable devices may allow for a new type of stress research that incorporates contextualising longitudinal perspectives on participants’ stress levels. In this study the inclusion of contextualising data led to fundamentally different conclusions about the relationship between stress and language learning. The same may be true of many areas of stress research. The findings presented in this study have broader paradigm-altering implications not only for educational policy, but also for stress research in general. Perhaps equally important was that the type of data delivered by wearable devices was qualitatively different from that normally associated with quantitative studies. This presented challenges in data analysis in this study, but also opens intriguing possibilities regarding a means of reconciling the qualitative and quantitative split in research modalities. The use of wearable devices is not without issues, and some of the issues, ranging from practical considerations to ethical conundrums, are presented for the reader’s consideration and to inform future researchers regarding potential pitfalls. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-04
Emotional Intelligence as a strategy to enhance leadership
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A corporate strategy framework to increase financial performance in Zimbabwean firms
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matanhire, Farai
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Zimbabwe -- Finance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54047 , vital:46206
- Description: The world over, contrasting company performance by firms in the same operating environment and industry has been a conundrum. Firms do not operate in a vacuum, but within spheres where various factors around them affect their performances. To that end, heterogeneous firm performance is a common phenomenon that is influenced by a number of factors, including how management develops appropriate selections, trade-offs and calculated choices to be dissimilar from other players in the market in order to gain a competitive advantage that will lead to superior financial performance. A collection of actions that management puts in place to out-perform competing firms in order to achieve greater profitability is called corporate strategy. These plans of action include the effective management of the socio-political and cultural institutions in a manner beneficial to the organisation. This plan of action on the socio-political and cultural institutions gives rise to institutional strategic management. The formulation of corporate strategies is done through a process that involves a set of rules, ideas or beliefs called frameworks, which include the Resource Based Strategy Framework, Business Models, Innovation and Institutionalism. Research has shown that the financial performance of firms is driven by a number of factors, namely corporate strategy, industry competitiveness, operating environment and core competencies amongst other factors. There is a plethora of determinants for the performance of firms and the complexity in the current business environment that has contributed to some models becoming obsolete while others remain relevant. It is against this background that the primary research objective of establishing a corporate strategy framework used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance was developed. To answer this primary research objective, secondary objectives to (a) determine the impact of the Resource-Based Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (b) ascertain the impact of business models using Porter’s Generic Strategies Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (c) determine the impact of the Institutional Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (d) determine the impact of the Innovation Strategy Framework on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; (e) establish the joint impact of the Resource-Based Strategy framework, Business Models, Institutional Strategies and Innovation Strategies on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe; and (f) establish other corporate strategy frameworks used by Zimbabwean firms to increase financial performance, were developed. The study population was the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed firms that fairly represented all the major operating sectors and firms in Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted a mixed research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to best reflect the critical strategy elements that were increasing financial performance in Zimbabwean firms. Qualitative data was collected through interviews conducted with executive managers of ZSE firms. Triangulation was achieved by comparing and contrasting data collected from interviews to secondary data extracted from websites, reports and audited financial statements. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using RQDA, an open-source computer-aided data software. ZSE listed firms were categorised into the five sectors of basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services, financial services and industrials. These firms were further categorised into excellent, medium, poor and very poor performers. Collected data was analysed to establish strategies that were used by excellent, medium, poor and very poor firms to see if they were using the same and figure out the impact of the various strategy frameworks on the financial performance on Zimbabwean firms. Data was analysed using univariate, ordinal and binomial logistics regression analysis. These data analysis models confirmed that RBS was a significant driver of financial performance for ZSE listed firms when all the strategy frameworks were combined. However, evaluating the impact of each strategy framework separately showed that all the frameworks were significant in driving financial performance, with the exception of the Institutional Strategy Framework. All the firms were doing more or less the same on Institutional Strategy Framework (ISF), hence it could not be a predictor of financial performance under the regression models. However, the ISF had a high score on univariate evaluation method. It is against this background that the study recommended the use of the Resource Based Strategy Framework (RBS) in pursuit of increasing financial performance of firms as this has been empirically found to have a significant impact on the financial performance of firms in Zimbabwe. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The work In fishing Convention as an Instrument to combat forced labour on fishing vessels: A South African perspective
- Authors: Hlazo,Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Fishery law and legislation , Forced labor – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55877 , vital:54396
- Description: This thesis sets to analyse the provisions of the Work in Fishing Convention (WFC), No. 188 of 2007 and the South African Merchant Shipping Act 57 of 1951 (MSA). This analysis focuses on the regulation of the legal aspects of common practices that result in forced labour and provisions which serve as a deterrence to potential “threats of punishment” used to perpetuate forced labour on fishing vessels. The aim of this analysis is to determine whether South Africa complies with its duties in terms of the WFC. In the process of this analysis, this thesis aims to identify gaps in the MSA that allow for this appalling practice to continue and provide recommendations for amendments to the Merchant Shipping Bill (MSB) based on the identified discrepancies between the MSA and the WFC. Chapter one is an introductory chapter which explains that two elements must be present for a situation to amount to forced labour, namely “involuntariness” and the “threat of penalty.” Chapter two examines South Africa’ s jurisdiction to criminalise, investigate and try fisheries crimes on fishing vessels in different maritime zones. The aim of this examination is to determine whether South Africa has the jurisdiction to criminalise forced labour on fishing vessels in different maritime zones. It is concluded that, while South Africa’s enforcement and adjudicative jurisdiction may be limited in some maritime zones, South Africa has the jurisdiction to criminalise forced labour as a coastal State, flag State, personal State and a port State. Chapter three focuses on global and regional legal instruments to combat forced labour and establishes the significant role of the WFC in combatting forced labour on fishing vessels specifically. It is further concluded that, provided the provisions of the proposed MSB do not change, South Africa currently complies with its duties in accordance with the WFC and goes beyond what is required in some respects. However, South Africa does not comply with its obligation to regulate the recruitment and placement agencies for fishers. This leaves fishers in South Africa vulnerable to coercion by unscrupulous recruitment agencies. It is suggested that the provisions of the WFC relating to the recruitment and placement of fishers can be given effect in South Africa by either amending the current Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Regulations to apply to fishers or by drafting new Merchant Shipping (Fisher Recruitment and Placement) Regulations, which give effect to the WFC in line with the existing Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Regulations and promulgating them in terms of the MSA or its successor. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Hlazo,Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Fishery law and legislation , Forced labor – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55877 , vital:54396
- Description: This thesis sets to analyse the provisions of the Work in Fishing Convention (WFC), No. 188 of 2007 and the South African Merchant Shipping Act 57 of 1951 (MSA). This analysis focuses on the regulation of the legal aspects of common practices that result in forced labour and provisions which serve as a deterrence to potential “threats of punishment” used to perpetuate forced labour on fishing vessels. The aim of this analysis is to determine whether South Africa complies with its duties in terms of the WFC. In the process of this analysis, this thesis aims to identify gaps in the MSA that allow for this appalling practice to continue and provide recommendations for amendments to the Merchant Shipping Bill (MSB) based on the identified discrepancies between the MSA and the WFC. Chapter one is an introductory chapter which explains that two elements must be present for a situation to amount to forced labour, namely “involuntariness” and the “threat of penalty.” Chapter two examines South Africa’ s jurisdiction to criminalise, investigate and try fisheries crimes on fishing vessels in different maritime zones. The aim of this examination is to determine whether South Africa has the jurisdiction to criminalise forced labour on fishing vessels in different maritime zones. It is concluded that, while South Africa’s enforcement and adjudicative jurisdiction may be limited in some maritime zones, South Africa has the jurisdiction to criminalise forced labour as a coastal State, flag State, personal State and a port State. Chapter three focuses on global and regional legal instruments to combat forced labour and establishes the significant role of the WFC in combatting forced labour on fishing vessels specifically. It is further concluded that, provided the provisions of the proposed MSB do not change, South Africa currently complies with its duties in accordance with the WFC and goes beyond what is required in some respects. However, South Africa does not comply with its obligation to regulate the recruitment and placement agencies for fishers. This leaves fishers in South Africa vulnerable to coercion by unscrupulous recruitment agencies. It is suggested that the provisions of the WFC relating to the recruitment and placement of fishers can be given effect in South Africa by either amending the current Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Regulations to apply to fishers or by drafting new Merchant Shipping (Fisher Recruitment and Placement) Regulations, which give effect to the WFC in line with the existing Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Regulations and promulgating them in terms of the MSA or its successor. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem framework for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Boucher, Marilyn Sasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Sustainable development--Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53562 , vital:45630
- Description: In recent years, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems increased in status amongst policy makers, scholars, practitioners, and mainstream media as a regional economic development strategy. Yet, despite the opportunities presented by the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is both under-theorized and lacks data on a sub-national scale. Furthermore, research from an African and sub-Saharan African context remains in its infancy. The limited research within these resource-constrained countries creates a challenge to determine the underlying factors that influence entrepreneurship. As a result, developing economies, as in the case of sub-Saharan Africa, have applied generalizations of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which undermine the temporal differences of places and reduce the potential to benefit from agglomeration economies. With the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the South African government strives to achieve an inclusive economy through enhancing the capacity of the state, building capabilities, and promoting partnerships amongst sectors. Motivated by the mandate to redress the inequality caused by economic exclusion, the South African government has taken counteractive measures focused on promoting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Despite the measures placed, South Africa struggles with high levels of inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.63, unemployment of 32.6% and negative GDP per capita growth of - 8.137%. Furthermore, most small businesses in South Africa are informal, which means that a disproportionate concentration of employment exists in the informal sector. Against this backdrop, the problem addressed in this study is based on the challenge of creating productive entrepreneurship that acknowledges the unique structure and resources of Nelson Mandela Bay. To address this gap, a critical inquiry into entrepreneurial ecosystems was motivated. First, the inquiry is focused on a real-world context, namely Nelson Mandela Bay, which is one of the eight metropolitan regions in South Africa, a developing economy. Second, the inquiry uses multiple perspectives through multiple data collection methods. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors influencing entrepreneurial ecosystems and formed the basis of the theoretical framework. The study followed the pragmatism research philosophy and used an abductive research approach. A mixed method research design was utilized and followed a sequential independent process, which was performed in two phases and independently analyzed. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Boucher, Marilyn Sasha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Sustainable development--Eastern Cape (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53562 , vital:45630
- Description: In recent years, the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems increased in status amongst policy makers, scholars, practitioners, and mainstream media as a regional economic development strategy. Yet, despite the opportunities presented by the entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is both under-theorized and lacks data on a sub-national scale. Furthermore, research from an African and sub-Saharan African context remains in its infancy. The limited research within these resource-constrained countries creates a challenge to determine the underlying factors that influence entrepreneurship. As a result, developing economies, as in the case of sub-Saharan Africa, have applied generalizations of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which undermine the temporal differences of places and reduce the potential to benefit from agglomeration economies. With the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the South African government strives to achieve an inclusive economy through enhancing the capacity of the state, building capabilities, and promoting partnerships amongst sectors. Motivated by the mandate to redress the inequality caused by economic exclusion, the South African government has taken counteractive measures focused on promoting entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth. Despite the measures placed, South Africa struggles with high levels of inequality with a Gini coefficient of 0.63, unemployment of 32.6% and negative GDP per capita growth of - 8.137%. Furthermore, most small businesses in South Africa are informal, which means that a disproportionate concentration of employment exists in the informal sector. Against this backdrop, the problem addressed in this study is based on the challenge of creating productive entrepreneurship that acknowledges the unique structure and resources of Nelson Mandela Bay. To address this gap, a critical inquiry into entrepreneurial ecosystems was motivated. First, the inquiry is focused on a real-world context, namely Nelson Mandela Bay, which is one of the eight metropolitan regions in South Africa, a developing economy. Second, the inquiry uses multiple perspectives through multiple data collection methods. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors influencing entrepreneurial ecosystems and formed the basis of the theoretical framework. The study followed the pragmatism research philosophy and used an abductive research approach. A mixed method research design was utilized and followed a sequential independent process, which was performed in two phases and independently analyzed. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Emerging Job Categories and Competencies Informing Talent Strategies for Industry 4.0 Automotive Organisations
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The impact of exchange rates on trade balances in SADC countries
- Authors: Nyahokwe, Olivia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54980 , vital:48575
- Description: This study aims to determine the impact of exchange rates on trade balances in SADC countries. Further, the study also aims to determine the existence of the J-curve phenomena in SADC countries. To achieve the objectives of the study, a panel GMM model and quantile regressions were used as a method of data analysis on data covering the period of 1993 to 2018. Panel GMM model and quantile regression were used to determine the relationships between the real exchange rate (XR), world income (WGDP), as well as gross domestic product (GDP), and trade balance (TB) of SADC countries. The SADC countries used in this study are South Africa, Mauritius, Lesotho, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, DRC, Madagascar, Namibia, and Botswana. To provide a conceptual framework for the study, a comprehensive theoretical and empirical literature review was undertaken. Within the framework of the theoretical literature review, Magee’s (1973) J-curve phenomena were tested for its relevance and application within SADC countries. Given the main highlights of the empirical literature review, this J-curve phenomenon as well as the impact of trade balances in SADC countries, has not been addressed optimally. The main focus of previous studies in this area within SADC countries has fallen short of explaining the nature and causality of J-curve phenomena. It is in this respect that this study contributes to the regional and international trade discourse. The main findings from the quantile regression analysis in this study suggest that no evidence of "J-curve" in the case of Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar. South Africa shows a delayed J curve. Lesotho an inverted J-curve, whilst DRC and Botswana show a sharp V-shape. Contrary to the "J-curve" phenomenon, as explained by the classical textbooks, the findings of the study suggest that the depreciation of Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Madagascar’s exchange rates produce no J-curve phenomenon, indicating that there is no room for improving these countries’ trade balances through a currency devaluation process. Yet for countries such as South Africa, DRC, Botswana, and Mauritius the findings suggest that the depreciation of these countries’ exchange rates improves the trade balances. Concerning GMM results, the exchange rate and gross domestic product in SADC countries had a positive relationship with the trade balances in SADC countries. Further, the exchange rates also show evidence of a positive relationship with trade balances. On the contrary, the world income (represented as world GDP) has a negative relationship with trade balances in SADC countries. This implies that, as SADC currencies strengthen, the trade balance worsens. This finding presents a serious open macroeconomic challenge in SADC countries, in that the trade balances worsen irrespective of the strengths of the currencies; hence the trade balances in SADC countries have remained negative for prolonged periods. Furthermore, the world economic growth does not necessarily improve the SADC countries' trade balances either, as shown by a negative relation between world income and trade balances in SADC countries. This finding concerning world GDP, suggests that SADC countries lack export diversification and are trapped in primary product exports which, at times, are subjected to low prices. Given the above findings, it is clear that SADC countries will continue to suffer from negative trade balances, which in turn will continue to stifle their growth. To address the continued and persistent trade balances in SADC countries, policymakers should focus on an integrated open macroeconomic strategy. Such a strategy should pay special attention to improving technical skills, research, and development, quality of exports, export diversification, infrastructure; maintain the use of flexible exchange rate regimes, raise the level of productivity; substitute imports of capital equipment and support domestic industries. Furthermore, it is recommended that SADC countries focus on attracting and retaining foreign direct investments. This macroeconomic strategy should not be approached in isolation but as an integrated policy framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Nyahokwe, Olivia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54980 , vital:48575
- Description: This study aims to determine the impact of exchange rates on trade balances in SADC countries. Further, the study also aims to determine the existence of the J-curve phenomena in SADC countries. To achieve the objectives of the study, a panel GMM model and quantile regressions were used as a method of data analysis on data covering the period of 1993 to 2018. Panel GMM model and quantile regression were used to determine the relationships between the real exchange rate (XR), world income (WGDP), as well as gross domestic product (GDP), and trade balance (TB) of SADC countries. The SADC countries used in this study are South Africa, Mauritius, Lesotho, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, DRC, Madagascar, Namibia, and Botswana. To provide a conceptual framework for the study, a comprehensive theoretical and empirical literature review was undertaken. Within the framework of the theoretical literature review, Magee’s (1973) J-curve phenomena were tested for its relevance and application within SADC countries. Given the main highlights of the empirical literature review, this J-curve phenomenon as well as the impact of trade balances in SADC countries, has not been addressed optimally. The main focus of previous studies in this area within SADC countries has fallen short of explaining the nature and causality of J-curve phenomena. It is in this respect that this study contributes to the regional and international trade discourse. The main findings from the quantile regression analysis in this study suggest that no evidence of "J-curve" in the case of Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar. South Africa shows a delayed J curve. Lesotho an inverted J-curve, whilst DRC and Botswana show a sharp V-shape. Contrary to the "J-curve" phenomenon, as explained by the classical textbooks, the findings of the study suggest that the depreciation of Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Madagascar’s exchange rates produce no J-curve phenomenon, indicating that there is no room for improving these countries’ trade balances through a currency devaluation process. Yet for countries such as South Africa, DRC, Botswana, and Mauritius the findings suggest that the depreciation of these countries’ exchange rates improves the trade balances. Concerning GMM results, the exchange rate and gross domestic product in SADC countries had a positive relationship with the trade balances in SADC countries. Further, the exchange rates also show evidence of a positive relationship with trade balances. On the contrary, the world income (represented as world GDP) has a negative relationship with trade balances in SADC countries. This implies that, as SADC currencies strengthen, the trade balance worsens. This finding presents a serious open macroeconomic challenge in SADC countries, in that the trade balances worsen irrespective of the strengths of the currencies; hence the trade balances in SADC countries have remained negative for prolonged periods. Furthermore, the world economic growth does not necessarily improve the SADC countries' trade balances either, as shown by a negative relation between world income and trade balances in SADC countries. This finding concerning world GDP, suggests that SADC countries lack export diversification and are trapped in primary product exports which, at times, are subjected to low prices. Given the above findings, it is clear that SADC countries will continue to suffer from negative trade balances, which in turn will continue to stifle their growth. To address the continued and persistent trade balances in SADC countries, policymakers should focus on an integrated open macroeconomic strategy. Such a strategy should pay special attention to improving technical skills, research, and development, quality of exports, export diversification, infrastructure; maintain the use of flexible exchange rate regimes, raise the level of productivity; substitute imports of capital equipment and support domestic industries. Furthermore, it is recommended that SADC countries focus on attracting and retaining foreign direct investments. This macroeconomic strategy should not be approached in isolation but as an integrated policy framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12