A poverty alleviation strategy of Vukuzenzele gardening project in Motherwell township
- Authors: Zitho, Andiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Poor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13724 , vital:27302
- Description: Poverty is one of the issues that affects the development in our country. the strategies that are used differ from one to person to another. development is said to be measured through a lot of things but mostly through economic growth which influenced by poverty. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies being used to alleviate poverty in the Motherwell township, in Port Elizabeth. The study focused mainly on Vukuzenzele gardening project, where a sample of 15 participants were purposovely selected to be part of the study. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to contribute towards community development by investigating the social issues that directly influence poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zitho, Andiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Economic development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Poor -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13724 , vital:27302
- Description: Poverty is one of the issues that affects the development in our country. the strategies that are used differ from one to person to another. development is said to be measured through a lot of things but mostly through economic growth which influenced by poverty. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the strategies being used to alleviate poverty in the Motherwell township, in Port Elizabeth. The study focused mainly on Vukuzenzele gardening project, where a sample of 15 participants were purposovely selected to be part of the study. Furthermore, the aim of the study was to contribute towards community development by investigating the social issues that directly influence poverty eradication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Mhlontlo Municipality local economic development strategy as a driver of economic development
- Authors: Zipete, Zwelixolile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13316 , vital:27174
- Description: The main aim of the research study was to review the Mhlontlo Municipality Local Economic Development Strategy as a driver of economic development. The Mhlontlo LED Strategy was developed in 2007 to guide economic development of Mhlontlo Local Municipality. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa(Act 108 of 1996), the White Paper on Local Government (1998), Section B, the National Framework for LED in South Africa (2006), and other pieces of legislation gave direction in the development of LED Strategies in South# Africa, including the Mhlontlo LED Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zipete, Zwelixolile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13316 , vital:27174
- Description: The main aim of the research study was to review the Mhlontlo Municipality Local Economic Development Strategy as a driver of economic development. The Mhlontlo LED Strategy was developed in 2007 to guide economic development of Mhlontlo Local Municipality. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa(Act 108 of 1996), the White Paper on Local Government (1998), Section B, the National Framework for LED in South Africa (2006), and other pieces of legislation gave direction in the development of LED Strategies in South# Africa, including the Mhlontlo LED Strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Trade, financial development and the economic growth nexus in South Africa
- Authors: Zhanje, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13327 , vital:27175
- Description: South Africa is endowed with a well-developed and regulated financial system which compares favourably with those of other developed economies. Therefore the financial sector is intended to play a significant role in supporting the real economy, by enhancing trade and stimulating economic growth and development. Despite the existence of a stable, developed and well-regulated financial sector, the South African economy has experienced current account deficits for the past 10 years and economic growth rates have mostly trailed behind the targets prescribed by the socio-economic programs formulated and implemented since 1994. To solve the trade – financial development – economic growth nexus problem, most studies have focused on other countries while research studies on South Africa did not explicitly investigate the trade – financial development – economic growth triangle, the linkage which failed to yield the desired outcome for South Africa’s post 1994 era.Therefore, this study employs Cointegration Vector Autoregressive (CVAR) methodology to investigate the relationship between trade, financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The unit root test revealed that the variables considered in the study are I(1) variables and the Johansen cointegration test justified the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. The empirical findings indicate that imports and financial development are positively related to exports whilst economic growth is negatively related to exports. The VAR Ganger causality test has shown that there is a uni-directional causality running from financial development to economic growth, exports and imports and that imports Granger cause exports. The results of this study form the basis for further investigation into the non-performance of exports and economic growth in the nexus. The research study opens up new policy insights by suggesting that financial policy can be used to be more supportive to the production of intermediate and finished products destined for both international and domestic markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zhanje, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13327 , vital:27175
- Description: South Africa is endowed with a well-developed and regulated financial system which compares favourably with those of other developed economies. Therefore the financial sector is intended to play a significant role in supporting the real economy, by enhancing trade and stimulating economic growth and development. Despite the existence of a stable, developed and well-regulated financial sector, the South African economy has experienced current account deficits for the past 10 years and economic growth rates have mostly trailed behind the targets prescribed by the socio-economic programs formulated and implemented since 1994. To solve the trade – financial development – economic growth nexus problem, most studies have focused on other countries while research studies on South Africa did not explicitly investigate the trade – financial development – economic growth triangle, the linkage which failed to yield the desired outcome for South Africa’s post 1994 era.Therefore, this study employs Cointegration Vector Autoregressive (CVAR) methodology to investigate the relationship between trade, financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The unit root test revealed that the variables considered in the study are I(1) variables and the Johansen cointegration test justified the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. The empirical findings indicate that imports and financial development are positively related to exports whilst economic growth is negatively related to exports. The VAR Ganger causality test has shown that there is a uni-directional causality running from financial development to economic growth, exports and imports and that imports Granger cause exports. The results of this study form the basis for further investigation into the non-performance of exports and economic growth in the nexus. The research study opens up new policy insights by suggesting that financial policy can be used to be more supportive to the production of intermediate and finished products destined for both international and domestic markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Retirement income -- South Africa -- Case studies South Africa -- Finance Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13338 , vital:27176
- Description: Despite the importance of retirement planning, many South Africans have been documented as reaching retirement age without adequate retirement funding. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how proper retirement planning can be beneficial for individuals; however, there has been a lack of attention given to researching the retirement planning of black individuals in South Africa. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test which factors influence retirement planning, and which aspects of retirement planning influence the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on the factors influencing the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of individuals, the following independent variables were identified as influencing the mediating variable (Aspects of retirement planning) and the dependent variable (Retirement funding adequacy) in this study: • Financial literacy; • The role of the financial planner; • Family support structure; and • Health status. These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses, as they have been identified as the prominent factors that influence the retirement planning of black South Africans. Furthermore, these independent variables were used in determining whether they have an influence on the Aspects of retirement planning (incorporating Retirement provisions, Retirement attitudes and Retirement intentions) and, ultimately, improve the Retirement funding adequacy of individuals. In order to establish the influence of the aspects of retirement planning on the retirement funding adequacy of individuals, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified though a mixed sampling approach, whereby stratified sampling and convenience sampling were used to attain 441 usable questionnaires that were subjected to statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, in the form of frequency distributions, were used to summarise Section A and Section B of the measuring instrument. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed by means of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also calculated for this purpose. As a result of conducting the EFA, two independent variables (Family support structure and Health status) loaded together, and the factor was renamed accordingly. From the EFA, the independent variables that emerged were The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being, and Financial literacy. Furthermore, the EFA revealed that three mediating variables emerged from the mediating variable Aspects of retirement planning. These three mediating variables were consequently named Retirement intentions, Retirement attitudes, and Retirement provisions. There were no eliminated variables in this study. Based on the results of the EFA, some of the definitions of the variables were adapted. Consequently, the hypothesised model and its research hypotheses were adapted to reflect the results of the EFA. The results of the Cronbach’s alphas calculated reported that all the measuring scales used in the questionnaire of the study were reliable. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product moment correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between all the variables used in this study. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of the various independent variables on the mediating variables and the dependent variable. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. SEM was also used to assess and confirm the results of the multiple regression analyses. Based on the results of the multiple regression analyses and SEM, the hypothesised relationships of the study were accepted or rejected. Additionally, the results of SEM revealed that the revised model of the study displayed acceptable model fit. To conclude the empirical investigation, t-tests and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess whether the respondents’ perceptions of the variables used in the study differed as a result of the respondents’ demographic information. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Tukey tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen’s d values. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables The role of the financial planner and Family, health, and financial well-being, and the mediating variable Retirement intentions. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the independent variable Financial literacy and the mediating variable Retirement attitudes. Other significant relationships were present between all the independent variables The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy, and the mediating variable Retirement provisions. The study also established statistically significant relationships between the mediating variables Retirement attitudes and Retirement provisions and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. Statistically significant relationships were also present between the independent variables Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. This study has added to the limited amount of academic literature in the field of retirement planning in South Africa. Through the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards investigating the factors that influence the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of black individuals residing in South Africa. This study presents recommendations to black individuals on practical strategies that could help to improve their retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy. Furthermore, suggestions are presented to financial planners and financial institutions, in order to assist black individuals or potential clients to improve their retirement planning and to help ensure that individuals are financially independent when they reach retirement age. It is recommended that financial institutions provide financial products/services that will cater to black South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Retirement income -- South Africa -- Case studies South Africa -- Finance Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13338 , vital:27176
- Description: Despite the importance of retirement planning, many South Africans have been documented as reaching retirement age without adequate retirement funding. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how proper retirement planning can be beneficial for individuals; however, there has been a lack of attention given to researching the retirement planning of black individuals in South Africa. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test which factors influence retirement planning, and which aspects of retirement planning influence the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on the factors influencing the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of individuals, the following independent variables were identified as influencing the mediating variable (Aspects of retirement planning) and the dependent variable (Retirement funding adequacy) in this study: • Financial literacy; • The role of the financial planner; • Family support structure; and • Health status. These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses, as they have been identified as the prominent factors that influence the retirement planning of black South Africans. Furthermore, these independent variables were used in determining whether they have an influence on the Aspects of retirement planning (incorporating Retirement provisions, Retirement attitudes and Retirement intentions) and, ultimately, improve the Retirement funding adequacy of individuals. In order to establish the influence of the aspects of retirement planning on the retirement funding adequacy of individuals, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified though a mixed sampling approach, whereby stratified sampling and convenience sampling were used to attain 441 usable questionnaires that were subjected to statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, in the form of frequency distributions, were used to summarise Section A and Section B of the measuring instrument. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed by means of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also calculated for this purpose. As a result of conducting the EFA, two independent variables (Family support structure and Health status) loaded together, and the factor was renamed accordingly. From the EFA, the independent variables that emerged were The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being, and Financial literacy. Furthermore, the EFA revealed that three mediating variables emerged from the mediating variable Aspects of retirement planning. These three mediating variables were consequently named Retirement intentions, Retirement attitudes, and Retirement provisions. There were no eliminated variables in this study. Based on the results of the EFA, some of the definitions of the variables were adapted. Consequently, the hypothesised model and its research hypotheses were adapted to reflect the results of the EFA. The results of the Cronbach’s alphas calculated reported that all the measuring scales used in the questionnaire of the study were reliable. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product moment correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between all the variables used in this study. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of the various independent variables on the mediating variables and the dependent variable. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. SEM was also used to assess and confirm the results of the multiple regression analyses. Based on the results of the multiple regression analyses and SEM, the hypothesised relationships of the study were accepted or rejected. Additionally, the results of SEM revealed that the revised model of the study displayed acceptable model fit. To conclude the empirical investigation, t-tests and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess whether the respondents’ perceptions of the variables used in the study differed as a result of the respondents’ demographic information. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Tukey tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen’s d values. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables The role of the financial planner and Family, health, and financial well-being, and the mediating variable Retirement intentions. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the independent variable Financial literacy and the mediating variable Retirement attitudes. Other significant relationships were present between all the independent variables The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy, and the mediating variable Retirement provisions. The study also established statistically significant relationships between the mediating variables Retirement attitudes and Retirement provisions and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. Statistically significant relationships were also present between the independent variables Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. This study has added to the limited amount of academic literature in the field of retirement planning in South Africa. Through the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards investigating the factors that influence the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of black individuals residing in South Africa. This study presents recommendations to black individuals on practical strategies that could help to improve their retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy. Furthermore, suggestions are presented to financial planners and financial institutions, in order to assist black individuals or potential clients to improve their retirement planning and to help ensure that individuals are financially independent when they reach retirement age. It is recommended that financial institutions provide financial products/services that will cater to black South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of African leadership values in achieving employee engagement in firms
- Authors: Yoyo, Vuyisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects Employee motivation Business ethics -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13392 , vital:27181
- Description: Firms have been largely characterised by competition and this necessitates that organisations leverage on their own competitive advantage in order to stay relevant to their customers. This is applicable to organisations whether they sell products or render services. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Employee engagement becomes an important factor that needs to be understood together with the leadership values that can be utilised to increase employee engagement. Understanding the role of leadership values in achieving employee engagement is essential as this will assist management to practise and encourage the implementation of these values in their organisations. The aim of this study to assist organisations to improve employee engagement by investigating the leadership values that influence the increase in employee engagement. This study is specifically looking at investigating the role that African Values in Leadership (AVL), as measured by communalism, cooperativeness, selflessness and collectivism, play in the achievement of employee engagement in firms. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 109 employees of the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Eastern Cape Province. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent and leadership determinants of employee engagement in the SOEs. The key findings indicated that AVL played a vital role in achieving employee engagement. Important values that were found to be significant in increasing employee engagement were selflessness, collectivism and cooperativeness. Furthermore recommendations were made to management to ensure that they encourage employees to practise AVL and also lead by examples through modelling these values to foster employee engagement in SOEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yoyo, Vuyisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects Employee motivation Business ethics -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13392 , vital:27181
- Description: Firms have been largely characterised by competition and this necessitates that organisations leverage on their own competitive advantage in order to stay relevant to their customers. This is applicable to organisations whether they sell products or render services. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Employee engagement becomes an important factor that needs to be understood together with the leadership values that can be utilised to increase employee engagement. Understanding the role of leadership values in achieving employee engagement is essential as this will assist management to practise and encourage the implementation of these values in their organisations. The aim of this study to assist organisations to improve employee engagement by investigating the leadership values that influence the increase in employee engagement. This study is specifically looking at investigating the role that African Values in Leadership (AVL), as measured by communalism, cooperativeness, selflessness and collectivism, play in the achievement of employee engagement in firms. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 109 employees of the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Eastern Cape Province. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent and leadership determinants of employee engagement in the SOEs. The key findings indicated that AVL played a vital role in achieving employee engagement. Important values that were found to be significant in increasing employee engagement were selflessness, collectivism and cooperativeness. Furthermore recommendations were made to management to ensure that they encourage employees to practise AVL and also lead by examples through modelling these values to foster employee engagement in SOEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The efficiency of service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, wards 22 and 36
- Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Authors: Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Comparative government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13425 , vital:27184
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of service delivery in specific communities, namely Wards 22 and 36, in order to assess whether residents of those communities understand the service delivery process and whether there is enough communication and relationship within the councillors and residents. It is aimed at looking at the relationship between ward councillors and the residents of the community that they are given to represent. Service delivery is something that South Africa has been battling with for years. As much as there is progress within our country, a lot still needs to be done in order to satisfy the citizens of this country. That is where the purpose of this research thus come in, it looks at what the municipality has done to assist its people in matters that are urgent, such as housing, running water and electricity, to name a few. As stated above, this research looks at the implementation, or lack thereof of the municipality, on things that they had said they would attend to in the two wards, ward 22 and ward 36.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Comparative government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13425 , vital:27184
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of service delivery in specific communities, namely Wards 22 and 36, in order to assess whether residents of those communities understand the service delivery process and whether there is enough communication and relationship within the councillors and residents. It is aimed at looking at the relationship between ward councillors and the residents of the community that they are given to represent. Service delivery is something that South Africa has been battling with for years. As much as there is progress within our country, a lot still needs to be done in order to satisfy the citizens of this country. That is where the purpose of this research thus come in, it looks at what the municipality has done to assist its people in matters that are urgent, such as housing, running water and electricity, to name a few. As stated above, this research looks at the implementation, or lack thereof of the municipality, on things that they had said they would attend to in the two wards, ward 22 and ward 36.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of rural development projects on food security and malnutrition
- Authors: Xipu, Ncedisa Tandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13447 , vital:27195
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of rural development projects on food insecurity and malnutrition at Siyazama food garden project in Sakhisizwe Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach which included in-depth interviews of twenty-six (26) Siyazama food garden project members and four (4) municipal officials. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the level of food insecurity and malnutrition in the studied area is still regarded as being high as most of the participants reported that they still have a problem in accessing all the vital nutritional elements which constitute a balanced diet. Also, the study also found that although most of the rural development projects like the Siyazama food gardening project have a profound effect in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition on household level, in South Africa there is a debate about the sustainability or such projects in solving this issue. The study found a number of challenges facing the Siyazama Food gardening project which include: theft, poor management, lack of support, lack of agricultural expertise and conflict amongst members. The study concluded by making some recommendations with to view of resolving the above mentioned challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xipu, Ncedisa Tandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13447 , vital:27195
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of rural development projects on food insecurity and malnutrition at Siyazama food garden project in Sakhisizwe Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach which included in-depth interviews of twenty-six (26) Siyazama food garden project members and four (4) municipal officials. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the level of food insecurity and malnutrition in the studied area is still regarded as being high as most of the participants reported that they still have a problem in accessing all the vital nutritional elements which constitute a balanced diet. Also, the study also found that although most of the rural development projects like the Siyazama food gardening project have a profound effect in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition on household level, in South Africa there is a debate about the sustainability or such projects in solving this issue. The study found a number of challenges facing the Siyazama Food gardening project which include: theft, poor management, lack of support, lack of agricultural expertise and conflict amongst members. The study concluded by making some recommendations with to view of resolving the above mentioned challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of procurement and administration in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring a capacity development framework for South African foreign economic representatives
- Authors: Williams, Mario Rene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Finance, Public South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13491 , vital:27210
- Description: Commercial trading in various formats has characterised relations between humans for centuries. However, in a world driven by higher levels of consumption, and where citizens demand higher returns for their hard-earned taxes, governments are becoming more active in ensuring favourable conditions for their own enterprises, either operating or seeking to operate, in foreign markets, as well as local enterprises that seek to extract value from foreign markets. The past failure of the markets to self-regulate, with the recent events of the 2008/09 market crash, gave fresh impetus for governments to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for their local economies. To be effective, requires the deployments of capable officials to fulfil this mandate. However, given that governments have traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed as ‘commercial diplomacy’, it is evident that a concerted effort needs to be made to have a skilled and capable workforce which can function in both the commercial and diplomatic market spaces across the world. Against the background sketched above, the South African government, with the dti spearheading the initiative, has been running capacity building programmes to train officials as designate FERs, to function as commercial diplomats in targeted foreign markets. This contrasts with its sister-department, DIRCO, which has established 126 foreign missions focusing on political diplomacy. Anecdotal evidence, and previous capacity building reports, have highlighted the need for a framework to regulate and inform the development of officials. Due to the framework’s broader focus, and the acknowledgement of the rich experiences of the officials being trained in the programme, it has been termed as capacity development. An initial review of the topic, revealed that there had been limited research into a framework that regulates the capacity development of foreign economic representatives (FERs), the term used for commercial diplomats of the South African government. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore a capacity development framework (CDF) for South African FERs. This exploratory capacity development framework will then be tested, to inform the capacity development programme used for the training of designated FERs. To achieve this goal, a literature review of academic sources of information regarding the concepts of commercial diplomacy, capacity development and conceptual frameworks, was conducted. This led to the development of a qualitative questionnaire which was then distributed to all currently posted (27) and returned FERs (33), with 18 completed questionnaires returned. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended statements that delved deeper into the experiences and opinions held by the respondents. Using the dti as a case study, the content analysis method, which uses open coding, was applied to identify the theme and codes emanating from the data. This was assessed against the research questions (RQs) constructed in the research proposal, and was found to be in line with the sentiments flowing from the research data. The theme, indicated as capacity development and its concomitant codes (Process, Content, Technology and Management Support), thus formed the basis and skeleton of the exploratory capacity development framework. The codes were further analysed and sub-codes identified, which were incorporated into the exploratory capacity development framework. The analysis further revealed that, while the dti is committed to ensuring the designate FERs are adequately capacitated before being posted, much more could be done to improve the efficacy of the training provided. To this end, a number of gaps were identified from the data and these will need to be addressed to ensure that an effective capacity development programme is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Williams, Mario Rene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Finance, Public South Africa -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13491 , vital:27210
- Description: Commercial trading in various formats has characterised relations between humans for centuries. However, in a world driven by higher levels of consumption, and where citizens demand higher returns for their hard-earned taxes, governments are becoming more active in ensuring favourable conditions for their own enterprises, either operating or seeking to operate, in foreign markets, as well as local enterprises that seek to extract value from foreign markets. The past failure of the markets to self-regulate, with the recent events of the 2008/09 market crash, gave fresh impetus for governments to play a more active role in ensuring favourable outcomes for their local economies. To be effective, requires the deployments of capable officials to fulfil this mandate. However, given that governments have traditionally not operated in the sphere of what is termed as ‘commercial diplomacy’, it is evident that a concerted effort needs to be made to have a skilled and capable workforce which can function in both the commercial and diplomatic market spaces across the world. Against the background sketched above, the South African government, with the dti spearheading the initiative, has been running capacity building programmes to train officials as designate FERs, to function as commercial diplomats in targeted foreign markets. This contrasts with its sister-department, DIRCO, which has established 126 foreign missions focusing on political diplomacy. Anecdotal evidence, and previous capacity building reports, have highlighted the need for a framework to regulate and inform the development of officials. Due to the framework’s broader focus, and the acknowledgement of the rich experiences of the officials being trained in the programme, it has been termed as capacity development. An initial review of the topic, revealed that there had been limited research into a framework that regulates the capacity development of foreign economic representatives (FERs), the term used for commercial diplomats of the South African government. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore a capacity development framework (CDF) for South African FERs. This exploratory capacity development framework will then be tested, to inform the capacity development programme used for the training of designated FERs. To achieve this goal, a literature review of academic sources of information regarding the concepts of commercial diplomacy, capacity development and conceptual frameworks, was conducted. This led to the development of a qualitative questionnaire which was then distributed to all currently posted (27) and returned FERs (33), with 18 completed questionnaires returned. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended statements that delved deeper into the experiences and opinions held by the respondents. Using the dti as a case study, the content analysis method, which uses open coding, was applied to identify the theme and codes emanating from the data. This was assessed against the research questions (RQs) constructed in the research proposal, and was found to be in line with the sentiments flowing from the research data. The theme, indicated as capacity development and its concomitant codes (Process, Content, Technology and Management Support), thus formed the basis and skeleton of the exploratory capacity development framework. The codes were further analysed and sub-codes identified, which were incorporated into the exploratory capacity development framework. The analysis further revealed that, while the dti is committed to ensuring the designate FERs are adequately capacitated before being posted, much more could be done to improve the efficacy of the training provided. To this end, a number of gaps were identified from the data and these will need to be addressed to ensure that an effective capacity development programme is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of diversity management initiatives on business and social outcomes in South African businesses
- Authors: Webber, Zwelibanzi Samson
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diversity in the workplace -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa Social change -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13524 , vital:27217
- Description: Diversity management is of strategic importance in all organisations throughout the world. Its importance is derived from the belief that workplaces by nature consist of diverse employees, who in one way or another are different in terms of race, gender, religion, or any other difference that may have an impact on the business and its employees. The differences among people need to be managed. This study investigated the influence of diversity management initiatives on business and social outcomes in South African businesses. Literature reviews on diversity management and multicultural education in various parts of the world have revealed an impact on the influence of diversity management initiatives on business and social outcomes. However, existing South African literature on diversity management does not conclusively expose the effects of diversity management on business and social outcomes, hence the need for this study. The study was based on a conceptual framework, which included variables on diversity management initiatives, diversity management models, institutional development theory and business and social outcomes. Hypotheses for the study were also developed and tested. In testing the hypotheses, the empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests, using STATISTICA version 13. MANOVA tests were conducted to determine the existence of differences among variables and the extent to which the variables differed was measured by means of ANOVA tests. Tukey post hoc tests (Tukey HSD) were used to determine practical significance among variables. The study was also subjected to Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis tests to ascertain the existence of relationships between all diversity management initiatives and business and social outcome factors. The analysis was concluded by conducting an exploratory factor analysis. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to confirm or reduce the number of factors and the number of factors was subsequently reduced. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient test was also done for the extracted factors, after which a regressions analysis test was conducted to confirm the existence of relationships between the extracted diversity management initiatives factors and business and social outcomes factors. This formed the basis for the development of a proposed diversity management model. The model of the implementation of diversity management initiatives is an important contribution to the study because it shows the different aspects that guide the process of implementation. The model is based on the implementation of a formal diversity management change strategy and programme of action; employment equity plan and strategy; and the recruitment and empowerment of women and people living with disabilities. The study was not without limitations. Challenges with regard to access to respondents were experienced and this was one of the delays in data collection. Another challenge experienced was that the study did not include qualitative research approaches, which could have been used for in-depth responses. The study provides an important milestone for the use of diversity management initiatives in South African companies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Webber, Zwelibanzi Samson
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diversity in the workplace -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa Social change -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13524 , vital:27217
- Description: Diversity management is of strategic importance in all organisations throughout the world. Its importance is derived from the belief that workplaces by nature consist of diverse employees, who in one way or another are different in terms of race, gender, religion, or any other difference that may have an impact on the business and its employees. The differences among people need to be managed. This study investigated the influence of diversity management initiatives on business and social outcomes in South African businesses. Literature reviews on diversity management and multicultural education in various parts of the world have revealed an impact on the influence of diversity management initiatives on business and social outcomes. However, existing South African literature on diversity management does not conclusively expose the effects of diversity management on business and social outcomes, hence the need for this study. The study was based on a conceptual framework, which included variables on diversity management initiatives, diversity management models, institutional development theory and business and social outcomes. Hypotheses for the study were also developed and tested. In testing the hypotheses, the empirical data collected was subjected to a series of statistical tests, using STATISTICA version 13. MANOVA tests were conducted to determine the existence of differences among variables and the extent to which the variables differed was measured by means of ANOVA tests. Tukey post hoc tests (Tukey HSD) were used to determine practical significance among variables. The study was also subjected to Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis tests to ascertain the existence of relationships between all diversity management initiatives and business and social outcome factors. The analysis was concluded by conducting an exploratory factor analysis. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to confirm or reduce the number of factors and the number of factors was subsequently reduced. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient test was also done for the extracted factors, after which a regressions analysis test was conducted to confirm the existence of relationships between the extracted diversity management initiatives factors and business and social outcomes factors. This formed the basis for the development of a proposed diversity management model. The model of the implementation of diversity management initiatives is an important contribution to the study because it shows the different aspects that guide the process of implementation. The model is based on the implementation of a formal diversity management change strategy and programme of action; employment equity plan and strategy; and the recruitment and empowerment of women and people living with disabilities. The study was not without limitations. Challenges with regard to access to respondents were experienced and this was one of the delays in data collection. Another challenge experienced was that the study did not include qualitative research approaches, which could have been used for in-depth responses. The study provides an important milestone for the use of diversity management initiatives in South African companies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A development training support model for entrepreneurs in South Africa
- Authors: Ward, Graham Bernard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- Training of -- South Africa new business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13546 , vital:27221
- Description: Recent years have seen the decline of entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. This is especially concerning in that, officially, 27.7% of South Africans are unemployed. The unofficial unemployment figures are closer to 50%. The South African economy is battling to recover from the world economic crisis of 2009/10, putting pressure on government to alleviate growing unemployment and curtail social unrest. Furthermore, a South African economy which thrives on entrepreneurial activity will become more competitive from a global perspective. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship in South Africa, in an effort to combat the problems listed above. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a model which could be used in the development of entrepreneurs. The rationale is that, if the factors which affect entrepreneurship could be identified and tested, then recommendations could be made which could promote the development of entrepreneurs in South Africa. The approach was as follows: Perform a literature review which would cover both global and local (South African) approaches to developmental training for entrepreneurs; Develop a theoretical model comprising of identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; Develop a measuring instrument to test the relationships described in the theoretical model empirically; • Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in South Africa and statistically analyse the sourced data; Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objectives; and Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The focus of the literature study was on two main areas: trends in global developmental training, and South African initiatives to stimulate developmental training of entrepreneurs. The literature on global entrepreneurial development highlights two distinct categories for entrepreneurial development: 1) entrepreneurial education and 2) entrepreneurial training. The literature study concerning South African methodologies for developmental training for entrepreneurs, focused on current methods employed and highlighted areas on which improvements should be concentrated. From the literature study on both global and South African developmental training methods, ten independent variables (entrepreneurial culture; socio-emotional attributes; acquiring business skills; industry experience; opportunity identification; regulatory barriers; economic barriers; outside advice; formal training and informal training were identified as factors affecting entrepreneurial developmental training. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived to influence significantly the dependent variables: perceived global success as an entrepreneur and perceived individual success as an entrepreneur. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent randomly to South African business owners. Data were collected from 332 respondents and subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of the research instrument. Secondly, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated for each of the identified factors to confirm the reliability of the research instrument. The significance of the hypothesised relationships in the revised model were then tested by using the statistical technique known as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ward, Graham Bernard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- Training of -- South Africa new business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13546 , vital:27221
- Description: Recent years have seen the decline of entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. This is especially concerning in that, officially, 27.7% of South Africans are unemployed. The unofficial unemployment figures are closer to 50%. The South African economy is battling to recover from the world economic crisis of 2009/10, putting pressure on government to alleviate growing unemployment and curtail social unrest. Furthermore, a South African economy which thrives on entrepreneurial activity will become more competitive from a global perspective. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship in South Africa, in an effort to combat the problems listed above. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a model which could be used in the development of entrepreneurs. The rationale is that, if the factors which affect entrepreneurship could be identified and tested, then recommendations could be made which could promote the development of entrepreneurs in South Africa. The approach was as follows: Perform a literature review which would cover both global and local (South African) approaches to developmental training for entrepreneurs; Develop a theoretical model comprising of identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; Develop a measuring instrument to test the relationships described in the theoretical model empirically; • Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in South Africa and statistically analyse the sourced data; Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objectives; and Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The focus of the literature study was on two main areas: trends in global developmental training, and South African initiatives to stimulate developmental training of entrepreneurs. The literature on global entrepreneurial development highlights two distinct categories for entrepreneurial development: 1) entrepreneurial education and 2) entrepreneurial training. The literature study concerning South African methodologies for developmental training for entrepreneurs, focused on current methods employed and highlighted areas on which improvements should be concentrated. From the literature study on both global and South African developmental training methods, ten independent variables (entrepreneurial culture; socio-emotional attributes; acquiring business skills; industry experience; opportunity identification; regulatory barriers; economic barriers; outside advice; formal training and informal training were identified as factors affecting entrepreneurial developmental training. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived to influence significantly the dependent variables: perceived global success as an entrepreneur and perceived individual success as an entrepreneur. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent randomly to South African business owners. Data were collected from 332 respondents and subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess the discriminant validity of the research instrument. Secondly, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated for each of the identified factors to confirm the reliability of the research instrument. The significance of the hypothesised relationships in the revised model were then tested by using the statistical technique known as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigation into the relationship between intrinsic motivation, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards and work engagement among teachers in South Africa
- Authors: Wait, Sasha Ann
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Motivation in education -- South Africa , Intrinsic motivation Motivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13557 , vital:27238
- Description: The primary objective of this mini-dissertation was to investigate whether a relationship exists between rewards, intrinsic motivation, work engagement among school teachers in South Africa. A further aim was to determine if work engagement has a moderating effect on the relationship between rewards and intrinsic motivation. The researcher further investigated whether demographic differences occurred across the three constructs studied. The study made use of quantitative research to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. The researcher made use of Ulrechs Work Engagement Scales (UWES), Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale (IWMS) and the Organisational Rewards Scale (ORS) to measure the mentioned relationships. The ORS was qualitatively piloted on a sample of primary school teachers in a Non-governmental institution. After refinement, a composite questionnaire was electronically completed by 207 teachers within South Africa. Data analysis was conducted in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics, including Cronbach’s alpha testing, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations, t-tests, analysis of variance and structural equation modelling. The quantitative findings suggested that rewards lead to higher levels of Work Engagement, which in turn causes higher levels of Intrinsic Motivation. Thus, there was full mediation of rewards onto intrinsic rewards through work engagement From a demographics perspective, practically significant differences were discovered between NGO’s and Government High Schools for Rewards. In addition to these results, age differences were discovered across Work Engagement and job level differences were discovered for Intrinsic Motivation, together with significant correlations between the three constructs. These results theoretically contribute to the validation of the newly developed Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale. Furthermore, the results make a valuable contribution to the field of rewards management for teachers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Wait, Sasha Ann
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Motivation in education -- South Africa , Intrinsic motivation Motivation (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13557 , vital:27238
- Description: The primary objective of this mini-dissertation was to investigate whether a relationship exists between rewards, intrinsic motivation, work engagement among school teachers in South Africa. A further aim was to determine if work engagement has a moderating effect on the relationship between rewards and intrinsic motivation. The researcher further investigated whether demographic differences occurred across the three constructs studied. The study made use of quantitative research to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. The researcher made use of Ulrechs Work Engagement Scales (UWES), Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale (IWMS) and the Organisational Rewards Scale (ORS) to measure the mentioned relationships. The ORS was qualitatively piloted on a sample of primary school teachers in a Non-governmental institution. After refinement, a composite questionnaire was electronically completed by 207 teachers within South Africa. Data analysis was conducted in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics, including Cronbach’s alpha testing, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations, t-tests, analysis of variance and structural equation modelling. The quantitative findings suggested that rewards lead to higher levels of Work Engagement, which in turn causes higher levels of Intrinsic Motivation. Thus, there was full mediation of rewards onto intrinsic rewards through work engagement From a demographics perspective, practically significant differences were discovered between NGO’s and Government High Schools for Rewards. In addition to these results, age differences were discovered across Work Engagement and job level differences were discovered for Intrinsic Motivation, together with significant correlations between the three constructs. These results theoretically contribute to the validation of the newly developed Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale. Furthermore, the results make a valuable contribution to the field of rewards management for teachers in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A comparative study between the Seychelles and Singapore as a tax haven for the incorporation of a foreign structure of a resident company
- Wagener, Petrus Johannes Crous
- Authors: Wagener, Petrus Johannes Crous
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tax havens , Banks and banking, Foreign -- Taxation -- Seychelles , Banks and banking, Foreign -- Taxation -- Singapore , Taxation -- Seychelles , Taxation -- Singapore
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21208 , vital:29456
- Description: Companies in South Africa will generally attempt to reduce their tax burden, and over the last ten years the use of Singapore and the Seychelles as tax haven jurisdictions’ have increased significantly. Singapore and the Seychelles are well known for their low or zero tax rates and for their confidentiality policies in respect of providing information to foreign tax authorities. It is because of these policies that individuals and businesses invest huge amounts in these countries. There is however uncertainty as to what type of foreign structure a resident company in South Africa may incorporate in the above-mentioned tax haven jurisdictions in order to receive the most effective tax benefit. The aim of this treatise was to identify the different foreign structures in Singapore and the Seychelles which a South African resident company may incorporate. Resulting from this research certain issues have been identified relating to the type of foreign structure and a major one is summarised below: The concept of “place of effective management” used to determine tax residence or as the tie-break clause concept under a double tax agreement. As stated in the case of Oceanic Trust Co Ltd NO v C: SARS (2012) 74 SATC 1275 which is in line with foreign precedents, the test is one of substance over form and the approach to determine “place of effective management” may be to attribute human characteristics to a structure to establish where it is effectively managed. Thus, South African companies can make use of Singapore or the Seychelles as tax havens and incorporate a foreign structure which will be seen as not being resident in South Africa to distribute passive income sources out of South Africa, without paying taxes in the country (withholding taxes may be levied in the tax havens). This should be of concern from the point of view of the South African government. Another issue noted in this treatise related to the use of offshore trusts as a foreign structure for a South African resident company may be the more effective option seeing that the controlled foreign company legislation is not applicable on offshore trusts, reducing the risk of taxation on foreign income of a South African resident company when it is held in an offshore trust. The above issues that have been identified present opportunities to South African resident companies to take advantage of the current tax legislation. It is further recommended that resident companies need to consider the South African domestic tax law implications, respective double tax agreements with both Singapore and the Seychelles as well as the domestic tax laws of these tax haven jurisdictions when planning on incorporating a foreign structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Wagener, Petrus Johannes Crous
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tax havens , Banks and banking, Foreign -- Taxation -- Seychelles , Banks and banking, Foreign -- Taxation -- Singapore , Taxation -- Seychelles , Taxation -- Singapore
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21208 , vital:29456
- Description: Companies in South Africa will generally attempt to reduce their tax burden, and over the last ten years the use of Singapore and the Seychelles as tax haven jurisdictions’ have increased significantly. Singapore and the Seychelles are well known for their low or zero tax rates and for their confidentiality policies in respect of providing information to foreign tax authorities. It is because of these policies that individuals and businesses invest huge amounts in these countries. There is however uncertainty as to what type of foreign structure a resident company in South Africa may incorporate in the above-mentioned tax haven jurisdictions in order to receive the most effective tax benefit. The aim of this treatise was to identify the different foreign structures in Singapore and the Seychelles which a South African resident company may incorporate. Resulting from this research certain issues have been identified relating to the type of foreign structure and a major one is summarised below: The concept of “place of effective management” used to determine tax residence or as the tie-break clause concept under a double tax agreement. As stated in the case of Oceanic Trust Co Ltd NO v C: SARS (2012) 74 SATC 1275 which is in line with foreign precedents, the test is one of substance over form and the approach to determine “place of effective management” may be to attribute human characteristics to a structure to establish where it is effectively managed. Thus, South African companies can make use of Singapore or the Seychelles as tax havens and incorporate a foreign structure which will be seen as not being resident in South Africa to distribute passive income sources out of South Africa, without paying taxes in the country (withholding taxes may be levied in the tax havens). This should be of concern from the point of view of the South African government. Another issue noted in this treatise related to the use of offshore trusts as a foreign structure for a South African resident company may be the more effective option seeing that the controlled foreign company legislation is not applicable on offshore trusts, reducing the risk of taxation on foreign income of a South African resident company when it is held in an offshore trust. The above issues that have been identified present opportunities to South African resident companies to take advantage of the current tax legislation. It is further recommended that resident companies need to consider the South African domestic tax law implications, respective double tax agreements with both Singapore and the Seychelles as well as the domestic tax laws of these tax haven jurisdictions when planning on incorporating a foreign structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The determinants of tender opportunities in consulting engineering firms in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Viljoen, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tender offers (Securities) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Consulting engineers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Engineering firms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14102 , vital:27426
- Description: Management of an engineering consultancy unit in the Eastern Cape Province is concerned about the costs incurred by project managers and specialist engineers pursuing tender opportunities that are not feasible. Annual losses in this unit due to unsuccessful tenders amounts to R2,5 million annually, which equates to about 12% of the revenue generated by the unit. The aim of the research study is to assist the consulting engineering firm by investigating and identifying the key determinants for making the decision of whether to bid on a particular tender opportunity. The study includes an assessment of relevant literature, academia and text to investigate key factors that could influence the decision to bid on tenders from which research questions and appropriate theories were drawn. Based on the research questions and theories that emanated from the literature, the study also includes the assessment of primary data through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire is empirically analysed within the positivistic research paradigm through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made based on the findings of the administered questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Viljoen, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tender offers (Securities) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Consulting engineers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Engineering firms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14102 , vital:27426
- Description: Management of an engineering consultancy unit in the Eastern Cape Province is concerned about the costs incurred by project managers and specialist engineers pursuing tender opportunities that are not feasible. Annual losses in this unit due to unsuccessful tenders amounts to R2,5 million annually, which equates to about 12% of the revenue generated by the unit. The aim of the research study is to assist the consulting engineering firm by investigating and identifying the key determinants for making the decision of whether to bid on a particular tender opportunity. The study includes an assessment of relevant literature, academia and text to investigate key factors that could influence the decision to bid on tenders from which research questions and appropriate theories were drawn. Based on the research questions and theories that emanated from the literature, the study also includes the assessment of primary data through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire is empirically analysed within the positivistic research paradigm through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made based on the findings of the administered questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A profile of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vellem, Masixole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cost accounting , Budget Business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13568 , vital:27239
- Description: Activity-based costing is a cost allocation method which appears to have many benefits when compared to traditional costing systems. However, there is limited academic research demonstrating this superiority. There is thus a need to investigate and profile the characteristics of selected enterprises and their adopted cost allocation systems. The main objective of this study was to profile and compare the characteristics of companies in Nelson Mandela Bay that use the activity-based costing system, versus those using traditional costing methods. The research methodology used for this research study is descriptive and quantitative, using various techniques for data analysis. An electronic internet based questionnaire was distributed to companies and the response automatically recorded for analysis with the help of Nelson Mandela University statistics department. The findings of the empirical study revealed that most (38%) of the respondents use a combination of both activity-based costing and traditional costing methods, followed by traditional costing methods (35%), and purely activity-based costing (27%). Data analysis revealed that companies in construction and manufacturing seemed to prefer activity-based costing over traditional costing methods. The findings raise the question as to whether the preference in cost allocation methods is based solely on the benefits of cost allocation, lack of new knowledge, adaptability within companies, or cost of change versus the benefit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Funding and governance of cooperatives: a case study of Magwa and Majola tea estates in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Velani, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- Finance -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14411 , vital:27585
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to assess the funding and governance models utilised in the operations of cooperatives, with specific reference to Magwa and Majola Tea Estates in the Eastern Cape. Luyt (2008) observes that poverty levels in South Africa remain high, and have not been greatly reduced since 1994. There is general agreement amongst Eastern Cape communities that more than two decades after apartheid has ended, nearly half of South Africa’s population continue to live in poverty. A common understanding, is that cooperatives are geared and established to address poverty, address both social and economic development, even though they also emphasise a social focus, they are expected to be operated on sound business principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Velani, Chuma
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- Finance -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14411 , vital:27585
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to assess the funding and governance models utilised in the operations of cooperatives, with specific reference to Magwa and Majola Tea Estates in the Eastern Cape. Luyt (2008) observes that poverty levels in South Africa remain high, and have not been greatly reduced since 1994. There is general agreement amongst Eastern Cape communities that more than two decades after apartheid has ended, nearly half of South Africa’s population continue to live in poverty. A common understanding, is that cooperatives are geared and established to address poverty, address both social and economic development, even though they also emphasise a social focus, they are expected to be operated on sound business principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues
- Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20066 , vital:29101
- Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20066 , vital:29101
- Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Individual-related factors influencing knowledge-sharing intention in knowledge-intensive businesses
- Authors: Van Greunen, Conrad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Knowledge management Intellectual capital -- Management , Management -- Information services Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21274 , vital:29469
- Description: It has become generally accepted to refer to today‟s global economy as a knowledge-based economy, since knowledge has increasingly become the resource, instead of a resource for wealth creation. The ability of businesses to harness the potential of intangible assets such as knowledge has become far more decisive than their ability to manage physical assets. In the implementation of knowledge management activities, knowledge sharing is recognised as an integral task and key enabler of knowledge management. Although knowledge sharing is regarded as one of the most crucial factors in the effective management of knowledge, in knowledge-intensive businesses in particular, it has also been established that most employees are reluctant to share knowledge. Research further confirms that the factors that promote or discourage knowledge-sharing behaviour in businesses are poorly understood and that knowledge management systems fail as a result of the misunderstanding of individual characteristics that could influence knowledge sharing. Moreover, the focus of knowledge-sharing literature, in terms of the unit of analysis, is rarely at an individual/micro level, although the role of individuals in the knowledge-sharing process is critical as tacit knowledge resides within the individual and knowledge sharing starts with individuals. Given the importance of understanding knowledge sharing of individuals in knowledge-intensive businesses – but noting the lack of existing systematic, integrated research that focuses on individual-related factors influencing knowledge sharing – the purpose of this study was to fill the gap in the current literature. As such, the primary objective of this research was to identify and empirically investigate the individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individual employees in knowledge-intensive businesses. The literature review revealed twelve constructs, namely Individuals’ awareness, Intrinsic motivation, Extrinsic motivation, Transactional psychological contract breach, Relational psychological contract breach, Relationship conflict, Task conflict, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness to experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness that could influence the dependent variable Knowledge-sharing intention in knowledge-intensive businesses. Various moderating relationships between the dependent and independent variables were also proposed, while seven demographic variables (Age, Gender, Language, Highest qualification, Ethnic background, Organisational tenure and Job tenure of the respondent) were identified as potential control variables. Each construct in the hypothesised model of individual-related factors influencing Knowledge-sharing intention was defined and operationalised using items sourced from validated measuring instruments in previous studies. Several self-generated items based on secondary sources were also formulated. A structured questionnaire was made available to respondents identified by means of the convenience sampling technique, and the data collected from 597 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted which confirmed the unique factors present in the data, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. A subset of SEM, namely general linear modelling (GLM) was used to determine the influence of selected demographic variables on Knowledge-sharing intention and to assess various moderating relationships as proposed in the hypothesised model. The main findings of this study were that personality traits are strong predictors of individual employees‟ willingness to share knowledge, and that the maturity of individuals, in terms of realising the significance and value of sharing their knowledge with others, and in recognising the intrinsic benefits of sharing, influence Knowledge-sharing intention. The main limitations of the study were the use of a convenience sampling technique to collect the data, as well as the dependence of self-report by respondents, which could lead to response bias. This study has added to the body of knowledge management research, in particular knowledge-sharing research, by investigating selected individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individuals in a particular subset of businesses, namely knowledge-intensive businesses, and focusing on a particular type of knowledge, namely tacit knowledge. From a business‟s perspective, this study offers recommendations and suggestions for managing these individual-related factors in such a way as to increase knowledge sharing among employees, and as a result, the effectiveness and competitive advantage of knowledge-intensive businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Individual-related factors influencing knowledge-sharing intention in knowledge-intensive businesses
- Authors: Van Greunen, Conrad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Knowledge management Intellectual capital -- Management , Management -- Information services Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21274 , vital:29469
- Description: It has become generally accepted to refer to today‟s global economy as a knowledge-based economy, since knowledge has increasingly become the resource, instead of a resource for wealth creation. The ability of businesses to harness the potential of intangible assets such as knowledge has become far more decisive than their ability to manage physical assets. In the implementation of knowledge management activities, knowledge sharing is recognised as an integral task and key enabler of knowledge management. Although knowledge sharing is regarded as one of the most crucial factors in the effective management of knowledge, in knowledge-intensive businesses in particular, it has also been established that most employees are reluctant to share knowledge. Research further confirms that the factors that promote or discourage knowledge-sharing behaviour in businesses are poorly understood and that knowledge management systems fail as a result of the misunderstanding of individual characteristics that could influence knowledge sharing. Moreover, the focus of knowledge-sharing literature, in terms of the unit of analysis, is rarely at an individual/micro level, although the role of individuals in the knowledge-sharing process is critical as tacit knowledge resides within the individual and knowledge sharing starts with individuals. Given the importance of understanding knowledge sharing of individuals in knowledge-intensive businesses – but noting the lack of existing systematic, integrated research that focuses on individual-related factors influencing knowledge sharing – the purpose of this study was to fill the gap in the current literature. As such, the primary objective of this research was to identify and empirically investigate the individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individual employees in knowledge-intensive businesses. The literature review revealed twelve constructs, namely Individuals’ awareness, Intrinsic motivation, Extrinsic motivation, Transactional psychological contract breach, Relational psychological contract breach, Relationship conflict, Task conflict, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness to experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness that could influence the dependent variable Knowledge-sharing intention in knowledge-intensive businesses. Various moderating relationships between the dependent and independent variables were also proposed, while seven demographic variables (Age, Gender, Language, Highest qualification, Ethnic background, Organisational tenure and Job tenure of the respondent) were identified as potential control variables. Each construct in the hypothesised model of individual-related factors influencing Knowledge-sharing intention was defined and operationalised using items sourced from validated measuring instruments in previous studies. Several self-generated items based on secondary sources were also formulated. A structured questionnaire was made available to respondents identified by means of the convenience sampling technique, and the data collected from 597 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted which confirmed the unique factors present in the data, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. A subset of SEM, namely general linear modelling (GLM) was used to determine the influence of selected demographic variables on Knowledge-sharing intention and to assess various moderating relationships as proposed in the hypothesised model. The main findings of this study were that personality traits are strong predictors of individual employees‟ willingness to share knowledge, and that the maturity of individuals, in terms of realising the significance and value of sharing their knowledge with others, and in recognising the intrinsic benefits of sharing, influence Knowledge-sharing intention. The main limitations of the study were the use of a convenience sampling technique to collect the data, as well as the dependence of self-report by respondents, which could lead to response bias. This study has added to the body of knowledge management research, in particular knowledge-sharing research, by investigating selected individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individuals in a particular subset of businesses, namely knowledge-intensive businesses, and focusing on a particular type of knowledge, namely tacit knowledge. From a business‟s perspective, this study offers recommendations and suggestions for managing these individual-related factors in such a way as to increase knowledge sharing among employees, and as a result, the effectiveness and competitive advantage of knowledge-intensive businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Taxation of non-residents in South Africa with specific reference to withholding taxes
- Van der Merwe, de Vos Wouter
- Authors: Van der Merwe, de Vos Wouter
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa Intergovernmental tax relations , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21296 , vital:29473
- Description: This treatise tests the effectiveness of withholding taxes imposed by the South African tax authorities with respect to amounts paid from a South African source to a non-resident in respect of interest, royalties and foreign entertainers and sportspersons. The first research objective discusses the alignment of the meaning of words and phrases in both the domestic law of South Africa and Double Tax Agreements (DTA.) The second issue outlines whether the DTA supports the domestic law through the waiving of tax claims in favour of the country of source. In last instance the attribution of income is discussed. The interpretation attached to the words for the purpose of levying normal tax, serves as the methodology for identifying inconsistencies with the levying of withholding tax. The wider scope of withholding taxes with respect to the meaning of ‘interest’, ‘royalties’ as well as ‘foreign entertainer and sportsperson’ misaligns with the corresponding meaning of it in the DTA. This creates the risk that amounts paid to non-residents will either not be subjected to withholding tax in the source state or that the income will be taxable in the resident state as a result of the application of other articles of the DTA. DTA’s concluded between South Africa and other countries are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. These DTA’s tend to favour the residence state with respect to the waiving of tax claims. The source state’s right to collect withholding tax on income from royalties and interest is prevented if the foreign person is physically present in South Africa for more than 183 days and if the interest/royalty payment is effectively connected with a permanent establishment in South Africa. The domestic law and DTA are misaligned with respect to the attribution of interest and royalty income since the recipient of the income for the purpose of the domestic law is not necessarily the beneficial owner of the debt claim or intellectual property. It can therefore be recommended that South Africa must renegotiate DTA’s to favour taxation in the source state. Withholding tax provisions must also be redrafted to align them with the DTA meaning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Van der Merwe, de Vos Wouter
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa Intergovernmental tax relations , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21296 , vital:29473
- Description: This treatise tests the effectiveness of withholding taxes imposed by the South African tax authorities with respect to amounts paid from a South African source to a non-resident in respect of interest, royalties and foreign entertainers and sportspersons. The first research objective discusses the alignment of the meaning of words and phrases in both the domestic law of South Africa and Double Tax Agreements (DTA.) The second issue outlines whether the DTA supports the domestic law through the waiving of tax claims in favour of the country of source. In last instance the attribution of income is discussed. The interpretation attached to the words for the purpose of levying normal tax, serves as the methodology for identifying inconsistencies with the levying of withholding tax. The wider scope of withholding taxes with respect to the meaning of ‘interest’, ‘royalties’ as well as ‘foreign entertainer and sportsperson’ misaligns with the corresponding meaning of it in the DTA. This creates the risk that amounts paid to non-residents will either not be subjected to withholding tax in the source state or that the income will be taxable in the resident state as a result of the application of other articles of the DTA. DTA’s concluded between South Africa and other countries are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. These DTA’s tend to favour the residence state with respect to the waiving of tax claims. The source state’s right to collect withholding tax on income from royalties and interest is prevented if the foreign person is physically present in South Africa for more than 183 days and if the interest/royalty payment is effectively connected with a permanent establishment in South Africa. The domestic law and DTA are misaligned with respect to the attribution of interest and royalty income since the recipient of the income for the purpose of the domestic law is not necessarily the beneficial owner of the debt claim or intellectual property. It can therefore be recommended that South Africa must renegotiate DTA’s to favour taxation in the source state. Withholding tax provisions must also be redrafted to align them with the DTA meaning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A proposed service quality framework for multi-national supply logistics providers in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Dawid Titus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing -- South Africa -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21307 , vital:29476
- Description: Managing a sustainable service business rests on two critical customer perceptions: Firstly, the perceived sufficiency of the value of the service, and secondly the level of value differentiation between the current service provider other service providers in the market. (DeSarbo, Ebbs, Fong & Snow, 2010; Parasuraman & Grewal, 2000) The direction for this study was prompted by the limited research available around service quality for Supply Logistics within the global automotive industry. The study identified the key factors that logistics service providers need to focus on when aligning their perceptions of service quality to that of their customers. The service gaps between customer and service provider perceptions are uncovered. Particular focus was given to: The definition gaps in service quality, The perceived level of service quality, and The size of service quality differentiation between service providers. The key finding of the study is that service differentiation is influenced by the ability of the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to deliver a quality of service in line with the level of importance the various elements hold to the customer. The causal relationships offered a step wise understanding of improving the perceptions of customers. This perception forming process is outlined as follows: Firstly, create a common understanding of the definition of service quality and establish the comparative importance of the various elements. Having an understanding of how customers’ value service quality is a critical first step in delivering superior service. A proposed Service Quality Framework for multi-national Supply Logistics providers in the South African automotive industry Secondly, align efforts to achieve in accordance to the level of importance of the service elements. If this is achieved, LSP’s will retain positive differentiation to its competitors irrespective of the actions of those competitors. Lastly, LSP’s need to regularly review if their own perception of the service level (per element) is in line with that of the customer. The study created a service quality framework of 22 different service elements grouped in four service factors. The relative importance of these elements were uncovered. This offered insight for organizing the business around key service elements. Within Supply Logistics the operational-management-tools, engineering-skills, processes-stability and management-structure are typical elements around which customers form their perceptions. The quality of the direct staff holds the key to sustained customer satisfaction, much more so than the commercial arrangements, industry innovations and the prestige of the brand behind the service. This study laid a foundation from which future research can deeper explore the unique slant that geographical, organisational designation or customer brand lines hold on the service quality perception.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Van Aswegen, Dawid Titus
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing -- South Africa -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21307 , vital:29476
- Description: Managing a sustainable service business rests on two critical customer perceptions: Firstly, the perceived sufficiency of the value of the service, and secondly the level of value differentiation between the current service provider other service providers in the market. (DeSarbo, Ebbs, Fong & Snow, 2010; Parasuraman & Grewal, 2000) The direction for this study was prompted by the limited research available around service quality for Supply Logistics within the global automotive industry. The study identified the key factors that logistics service providers need to focus on when aligning their perceptions of service quality to that of their customers. The service gaps between customer and service provider perceptions are uncovered. Particular focus was given to: The definition gaps in service quality, The perceived level of service quality, and The size of service quality differentiation between service providers. The key finding of the study is that service differentiation is influenced by the ability of the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to deliver a quality of service in line with the level of importance the various elements hold to the customer. The causal relationships offered a step wise understanding of improving the perceptions of customers. This perception forming process is outlined as follows: Firstly, create a common understanding of the definition of service quality and establish the comparative importance of the various elements. Having an understanding of how customers’ value service quality is a critical first step in delivering superior service. A proposed Service Quality Framework for multi-national Supply Logistics providers in the South African automotive industry Secondly, align efforts to achieve in accordance to the level of importance of the service elements. If this is achieved, LSP’s will retain positive differentiation to its competitors irrespective of the actions of those competitors. Lastly, LSP’s need to regularly review if their own perception of the service level (per element) is in line with that of the customer. The study created a service quality framework of 22 different service elements grouped in four service factors. The relative importance of these elements were uncovered. This offered insight for organizing the business around key service elements. Within Supply Logistics the operational-management-tools, engineering-skills, processes-stability and management-structure are typical elements around which customers form their perceptions. The quality of the direct staff holds the key to sustained customer satisfaction, much more so than the commercial arrangements, industry innovations and the prestige of the brand behind the service. This study laid a foundation from which future research can deeper explore the unique slant that geographical, organisational designation or customer brand lines hold on the service quality perception.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017