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
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
The effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya
- Authors: Top, Wuor Chuol Both
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Kenya -- Econometric models , Unemployment -- Effect of inflation on -- Kenya Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya Unemployment -- Kenya Kenya -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21329 , vital:29478
- Description: Since the establishment of the Central Bank of Kenya in 1966, monetary policymakers have been changing their policy instruments over the years in an attempt to bring inflation and unemployment rates to the desirable level. This study investigates the effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya over the period 1991 to 2016. This study employs the Johansen co-integration and vector error correction technique so as to identify the long-run and short-run dynamics among the variables. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Perron test for stationarity in the time series is applied. The findings of this study suggest that both short-run and long-run relationships exist among the variables, namely inflation rate, unemployment rate, money supply, real interest rate and exchange rate. The main findings of this study show that monetary policy has a significant effect on inflation in the long-run, while it has little tangible effect on unemployment in the long-run. Among the three monetary policy instruments used in this study, money supply is shown to have the most influential effect on the level of inflation in Kenya. The two monetary policy instruments, real interest rate and exchange rate, have been proved to have little influence on unemployment. This study recommends that the optimum approach for monetary policymakers to adopt towards controlling inflation in Kenya is to implement a monetarytargeting framework ‘...where money supply is controlled...’ in order to affect prices in the economy. Concerning unemployment, this study recommends that the monetary policymakers formulate a policy that encourages investors to lend or invest their money at a rate which increases employment or reduces unemployment. This study also recommends that the best approach the CBK/monetary policymakers could adopt to reduce unemployment in Kenya would be to implement a policy that encourages depreciation in the Kenya shillings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Top, Wuor Chuol Both
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Kenya -- Econometric models , Unemployment -- Effect of inflation on -- Kenya Inflation (Finance) -- Kenya Unemployment -- Kenya Kenya -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21329 , vital:29478
- Description: Since the establishment of the Central Bank of Kenya in 1966, monetary policymakers have been changing their policy instruments over the years in an attempt to bring inflation and unemployment rates to the desirable level. This study investigates the effect of monetary policy on inflation and unemployment in Kenya over the period 1991 to 2016. This study employs the Johansen co-integration and vector error correction technique so as to identify the long-run and short-run dynamics among the variables. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and Phillips-Perron test for stationarity in the time series is applied. The findings of this study suggest that both short-run and long-run relationships exist among the variables, namely inflation rate, unemployment rate, money supply, real interest rate and exchange rate. The main findings of this study show that monetary policy has a significant effect on inflation in the long-run, while it has little tangible effect on unemployment in the long-run. Among the three monetary policy instruments used in this study, money supply is shown to have the most influential effect on the level of inflation in Kenya. The two monetary policy instruments, real interest rate and exchange rate, have been proved to have little influence on unemployment. This study recommends that the optimum approach for monetary policymakers to adopt towards controlling inflation in Kenya is to implement a monetarytargeting framework ‘...where money supply is controlled...’ in order to affect prices in the economy. Concerning unemployment, this study recommends that the monetary policymakers formulate a policy that encourages investors to lend or invest their money at a rate which increases employment or reduces unemployment. This study also recommends that the best approach the CBK/monetary policymakers could adopt to reduce unemployment in Kenya would be to implement a policy that encourages depreciation in the Kenya shillings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of economic growth on the matric pass rate in South Africa
- Authors: Thobakgale, Khutso Oupa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Business and education -- South Africa , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa High school graduates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20790 , vital:29394
- Description: The study provides an econometric analysis of the impact of economic growth on the matric pass rate in South Africa. The model used provincial pass rates from the year 2008 to 2013 as well as the economic growth rates of each province from the same period. A panel data random effects model was used to run the model and produce the results. An extensive literature review was conducted to analyse the pass rate in the Eastern Cape which has been the lowest in South Africa for some years. The results of the model suggest that economic growth in the different provinces has a positive effect on the matric pass rate except for the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The model also produced a low R2 indicating that economic growth does not sufficiently explain the matric pass rate in the different provinces and other factors which were not included in the model are important.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thobakgale, Khutso Oupa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Business and education -- South Africa , Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa High school graduates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20790 , vital:29394
- Description: The study provides an econometric analysis of the impact of economic growth on the matric pass rate in South Africa. The model used provincial pass rates from the year 2008 to 2013 as well as the economic growth rates of each province from the same period. A panel data random effects model was used to run the model and produce the results. An extensive literature review was conducted to analyse the pass rate in the Eastern Cape which has been the lowest in South Africa for some years. The results of the model suggest that economic growth in the different provinces has a positive effect on the matric pass rate except for the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The model also produced a low R2 indicating that economic growth does not sufficiently explain the matric pass rate in the different provinces and other factors which were not included in the model are important.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The causal link between exports and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Tetani, Siphosethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20603 , vital:29355
- Description: Rapid economic growth has always been one of the goals of the South African government after 1994. Despite the contradicting views of the theorists, the country considered the global market as one of the gateways to accelerated economic growth. In the early 1990s South Africa opened up to foreign markets by removing trade barriers. However, the results of such actions were not entirely as expected. Different economists suggest other barriers that may be the reason behind lower levels of national output. This study examined the causal relationship between exports and economic growth in South Africa using annual data from 1970 to 2014. However, in order to achieve the main objective of this study, it was necessary to include other variables in the model as suggested by both theoretical and empirical literature. The choice of these variables was informed by an extensive review of literature on both exports and economic growth. The VECM and Granger Wild test has been utilised to capture the short run and long run dynamics of the model. The results from those tests do not approve of the Export-Led growth hypothesis and did not approve any sort relationship between exports and GDP in the short run. In the long run however, using the VECM, the study proved that exports have a positive impact on GDP. The results further suggested a negative long run relationship between consumption and economic growth. Furthermore; the results suggested that government expenditure can be detrimental to the economy in the long run. With regards to private investments, the results of this study suggest a positive relationship between investments and economic growth. Therefore, if South African government seeks to increase economic growth it needs to dedicate a considerable amount of resources in promoting local markets to expand South African exports, cut on government expenditure and attracting investment into the county.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tetani, Siphosethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20603 , vital:29355
- Description: Rapid economic growth has always been one of the goals of the South African government after 1994. Despite the contradicting views of the theorists, the country considered the global market as one of the gateways to accelerated economic growth. In the early 1990s South Africa opened up to foreign markets by removing trade barriers. However, the results of such actions were not entirely as expected. Different economists suggest other barriers that may be the reason behind lower levels of national output. This study examined the causal relationship between exports and economic growth in South Africa using annual data from 1970 to 2014. However, in order to achieve the main objective of this study, it was necessary to include other variables in the model as suggested by both theoretical and empirical literature. The choice of these variables was informed by an extensive review of literature on both exports and economic growth. The VECM and Granger Wild test has been utilised to capture the short run and long run dynamics of the model. The results from those tests do not approve of the Export-Led growth hypothesis and did not approve any sort relationship between exports and GDP in the short run. In the long run however, using the VECM, the study proved that exports have a positive impact on GDP. The results further suggested a negative long run relationship between consumption and economic growth. Furthermore; the results suggested that government expenditure can be detrimental to the economy in the long run. With regards to private investments, the results of this study suggest a positive relationship between investments and economic growth. Therefore, if South African government seeks to increase economic growth it needs to dedicate a considerable amount of resources in promoting local markets to expand South African exports, cut on government expenditure and attracting investment into the county.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The recreational value of the Baviaanskloof: a travel cost analysis using count data models
- Authors: Taonezvi, Lovemore
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Travel costs -- South Africa -- Baviaanskloof Valuation -- South Africa -- Baviaanskloof
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12371 , vital:27059
- Description: Despite constituting a sheer 2% of the world’s surface area, South Africa (SA) is the third most biologically diverse country in the world and this makes the country part of the 17 member countries that make up the ‘Megadiverse Countries’(Sandwith, 2002; Nel & Driver, 2012). Besides its exceptional levels of endemism, according to Boshoff, Cowling and Kerley (2000), three of the 25 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots are found in SA namely the Cape Florist Region, the Succulent Karoo and the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany centre of endemism. The Baviaanskloof is a very popular tourist destination, which falls within the Cape Floristic Region) ‘biodiversity hotspot’ in the Eastern Cape Province (Myers, 1988; Crane, 2007). Its high biodiversity, numerous archaeological sites, pristine environment, low crime rates, absence of malaria and easy of accessibility, makes it a perfect destination for recreationists (Clark, 1999; Boshoff et al., 2000). The Baviaanskloof was declared a ‘mega reserve’ under the Cape Action for People and Environment (CAPE) programme (CSIR, 2000). It consists of privately-owned farm land and a nature reserve called the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area (BWA). In order to properly manage, conserve and utilise the rich natural resources of the Baviaanskloof, its benefits need to be clearly documented and demonstrated. The aim of this study is to determine the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof, and this was achieved using non-market value technique, namely the travel cost method (TCM). The TCM is used to value recreational assets via the expenditures on traveling to the site by recognising that visitors to a recreation site pay an implicit price – the cost of travelling to it, including access fees and the opportunity costs of their time (Baker & Ruting, 2014). This method is mostly used to estimate use values for recreation activities and changes in these use values associated with changes in environmental quality/quantity. The greatest advantage of the TCM is that valuation estimates are derived from real economic choices made by individuals in real markets, whereas its inability to estimate non-market values is its major weakness which only limits its application to recreational studies. In estimating the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof, data from 328 respondents were used. Five econometric models, namely, a standard Poisson specification, a Poisson specification adjusted for truncation and endogenous stratification (TES Poisson), a standard negative vii binomial model (NB), a negative binomial model adjusted for truncation and endogenous stratification (NBTES), and a generalised negative binomial with endogenous stratification (GNBES) were used to estimate the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof. Crucially, all the five models simultaneously established income and total costs to be statistically significant in determining the number of trips to the recreational site according to a priori expectations. The GNBES model was observed to have the best fit of the data than the other four models after an examination of goodness-of-fit measures in conjunction with the number of statistically significant variables per model. Of the 328 respondents surveyed, on average, visitors to the Baviaanskloof are mostly male, highly educated individuals, receiving gross annual income of ZAR436 372 (USD30 451.64) and 39.87 years of age. The mean travel cost was estimated to be ZAR1 433.56 (USD100.04) and each travelling party consisted of 4.09 people on average. Using estimates from the preferred GNBES model, the study estimated consumer surplus per trip for a recreationist to the Baviaanskloof to be ZAR1 759.32 (USD122.78). When this value is multiplied by the average annual trips a person takes to site, a value of ZAR2 445.46 (USD170.66) for consumer surplus per person is produced. Further aggregation of this value across the population (i.e. 18 500), of recreationists to the Baviaanskloof per year gives total consumer surplus of ZAR3 157 210 (USD220 321). The study concludes that the Baviaanskloof has a significant recreational value which can further be increased if policymakers take actions to, inter alia, upgrade infrastructure, budget more money for conservation and market the nature reserve in unexploited markets. Since the non-use values were not taken into account and also the impact of on-site sampling on the data set, the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof should be carefully considered in any management or conservation project. More studies of this nature are greatly needed to allow for more comparisons and increase credibility of the results of environmental valuation studies in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Taonezvi, Lovemore
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Travel costs -- South Africa -- Baviaanskloof Valuation -- South Africa -- Baviaanskloof
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12371 , vital:27059
- Description: Despite constituting a sheer 2% of the world’s surface area, South Africa (SA) is the third most biologically diverse country in the world and this makes the country part of the 17 member countries that make up the ‘Megadiverse Countries’(Sandwith, 2002; Nel & Driver, 2012). Besides its exceptional levels of endemism, according to Boshoff, Cowling and Kerley (2000), three of the 25 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots are found in SA namely the Cape Florist Region, the Succulent Karoo and the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany centre of endemism. The Baviaanskloof is a very popular tourist destination, which falls within the Cape Floristic Region) ‘biodiversity hotspot’ in the Eastern Cape Province (Myers, 1988; Crane, 2007). Its high biodiversity, numerous archaeological sites, pristine environment, low crime rates, absence of malaria and easy of accessibility, makes it a perfect destination for recreationists (Clark, 1999; Boshoff et al., 2000). The Baviaanskloof was declared a ‘mega reserve’ under the Cape Action for People and Environment (CAPE) programme (CSIR, 2000). It consists of privately-owned farm land and a nature reserve called the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area (BWA). In order to properly manage, conserve and utilise the rich natural resources of the Baviaanskloof, its benefits need to be clearly documented and demonstrated. The aim of this study is to determine the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof, and this was achieved using non-market value technique, namely the travel cost method (TCM). The TCM is used to value recreational assets via the expenditures on traveling to the site by recognising that visitors to a recreation site pay an implicit price – the cost of travelling to it, including access fees and the opportunity costs of their time (Baker & Ruting, 2014). This method is mostly used to estimate use values for recreation activities and changes in these use values associated with changes in environmental quality/quantity. The greatest advantage of the TCM is that valuation estimates are derived from real economic choices made by individuals in real markets, whereas its inability to estimate non-market values is its major weakness which only limits its application to recreational studies. In estimating the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof, data from 328 respondents were used. Five econometric models, namely, a standard Poisson specification, a Poisson specification adjusted for truncation and endogenous stratification (TES Poisson), a standard negative vii binomial model (NB), a negative binomial model adjusted for truncation and endogenous stratification (NBTES), and a generalised negative binomial with endogenous stratification (GNBES) were used to estimate the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof. Crucially, all the five models simultaneously established income and total costs to be statistically significant in determining the number of trips to the recreational site according to a priori expectations. The GNBES model was observed to have the best fit of the data than the other four models after an examination of goodness-of-fit measures in conjunction with the number of statistically significant variables per model. Of the 328 respondents surveyed, on average, visitors to the Baviaanskloof are mostly male, highly educated individuals, receiving gross annual income of ZAR436 372 (USD30 451.64) and 39.87 years of age. The mean travel cost was estimated to be ZAR1 433.56 (USD100.04) and each travelling party consisted of 4.09 people on average. Using estimates from the preferred GNBES model, the study estimated consumer surplus per trip for a recreationist to the Baviaanskloof to be ZAR1 759.32 (USD122.78). When this value is multiplied by the average annual trips a person takes to site, a value of ZAR2 445.46 (USD170.66) for consumer surplus per person is produced. Further aggregation of this value across the population (i.e. 18 500), of recreationists to the Baviaanskloof per year gives total consumer surplus of ZAR3 157 210 (USD220 321). The study concludes that the Baviaanskloof has a significant recreational value which can further be increased if policymakers take actions to, inter alia, upgrade infrastructure, budget more money for conservation and market the nature reserve in unexploited markets. Since the non-use values were not taken into account and also the impact of on-site sampling on the data set, the recreational value of the Baviaanskloof should be carefully considered in any management or conservation project. More studies of this nature are greatly needed to allow for more comparisons and increase credibility of the results of environmental valuation studies in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of nutritional knowledge on consumer lifestyle behaviour
- Authors: Smit, Marli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa Consumers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Lifestyles -- Health aspects -- South Africa Nutrition -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20693 , vital:29372
- Description: The study set out to determine whether nutritional knowledge has an impact on lifestyle behaviour. The sample was based in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and consisted of approximately 499 participants. The model (nutrition variables) displayed in the introduction was formulated to portray the focus areas on which the literature was based. A self-administrated survey questionnaire was developed in accordance with the nutrition variables model. The instrument consisted of 72 items, measured by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study aim to justify that nutritional knowledge does influence the lifestyle behaviour of consumers. Findings were given regarding the influences of demographics, environmental variables and media variables on what consumers understand regarding nutrition and how this influences, for an example, dietary consumption, general lifestyle decisions and smoking. The implications of this study are outlined in the conclusion, resulting in the possibility of the study variables being further explored. Marketers need to be aware of how and when they provide nutritional information to consumers, in order to manipulate lifestyle behaviour. Recommendations include, nutrition classes implemented at school level to motivate children to follow healthier lifestyles behaviours. Nutritional challenges could b instigated at organisations to encourage employees to follow healthier lifestyles behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Smit, Marli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa Consumers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Lifestyles -- Health aspects -- South Africa Nutrition -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20693 , vital:29372
- Description: The study set out to determine whether nutritional knowledge has an impact on lifestyle behaviour. The sample was based in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan and consisted of approximately 499 participants. The model (nutrition variables) displayed in the introduction was formulated to portray the focus areas on which the literature was based. A self-administrated survey questionnaire was developed in accordance with the nutrition variables model. The instrument consisted of 72 items, measured by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study aim to justify that nutritional knowledge does influence the lifestyle behaviour of consumers. Findings were given regarding the influences of demographics, environmental variables and media variables on what consumers understand regarding nutrition and how this influences, for an example, dietary consumption, general lifestyle decisions and smoking. The implications of this study are outlined in the conclusion, resulting in the possibility of the study variables being further explored. Marketers need to be aware of how and when they provide nutritional information to consumers, in order to manipulate lifestyle behaviour. Recommendations include, nutrition classes implemented at school level to motivate children to follow healthier lifestyles behaviours. Nutritional challenges could b instigated at organisations to encourage employees to follow healthier lifestyles behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Selected marketing and branding practices among small and medium-sized family business in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Richardson, Bianca
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19960 , vital:29012
- Description: Based on the importance of small and medium-sized family businesses, with regard to their economic contributions, as well as the fact that their high failure rates limit their ability to positively contribute to the economic growth of South Africa, this study focused on selected marketing and branding practices of South African family SMEs, and whether these practices influence their financial performance and ultimately their survival. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to investigate selected marketing and branding practices adopted by family SMEs in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of SMEs, and more specifically family SMEs, were described. The various challenges SMEs face were explored, with marketing and branding being identified as one of the main challenges that contributes to the high failure rate of family SMEs. In addition to the marketing challenges faced by non-family SMEs, family SMEs face extra marketing hurdles, given the overlapping subsystem of family and business. However, despite these challenges, family SMEs are able to make use of their familial aspect by marketing and branding the business as family-owned. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study, using a descriptive research approach. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, and sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all family SME owners operating within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. From the population, a sample was selected using both judgemental and convenience sampling. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 325 usable questionnaires, giving an effective response rate of 65.00 per cent. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, a survey research method using a structured, selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect the primary data. The scales used to measure the factors under investigation were developed based on previous research. In order to assess the validity of the ordinal scales, tests for unidimensionality were undertaken. Only factor loadings exceeding the 0.5 cut-off point were considered significant. Not all the items loaded as expected. Only five of the original six items intended to measure the dependent variable Perceived financial performance loaded onto this factor. The researcher, together with two experts in the field of marketing and family businesses, deemed the items for the dichotomous questions to show evidence of content validity. The reliability of the ordinal scales was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.7 were deemed a scale to be reliable. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.7 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, except one factor namely Customer service differentiation. This factor was not considered for any further statistical analyses. The reliability of the dichotomous questions was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (K-R 20). For the purpose of this study, Kuder-Richardson values greater than 0.5 deemed the dichotomous questions to be reliable. Kuder-Richardson values of greater than 0.5 were reported for the dichotomous items relating to Branding of the family name, but not for Marketing function. However, given that the questions were used for descriptive purposes only, the items measuring Marketing function were used for statistical analysis. The independent variables returned mean scores of between 3.220 and 3.773, with the majority of respondents feeling neutral or agreeing with the statements measuring these factors. The dependent variable Perceived financial performance returned the highest mean score of all the factors with the majority of respondents agreeing with the statements measuring this factor. The dichotomous questions relating to the Marketing function indicated that majority of respondents did not have a written marketing strategy or a separate department that deals with marketing for their family business. The dichotomous questions relating to Branding of the family name revealed that in most instances the family name (surname) does not appear in the name, brand, logo or advertising material of the family business. Most of the independent variables (Promotion of family business, Family business image and Stakeholder perception) reported significant and positive relationships with each other. The independent variable Perceived financial performance reported significantly positive relationships with two independent variables, namely Product differentiation and Family business image. The multiple regression analyses undertaken revealed that only one of the independent variables, namely Product differentiation, had a significant positive influence on the dependaet variable Perceived financial performance. This study found that the independent variables Promotion of family business and Family business image did not have a significant influence on the dependent variable Perceived financial performance. The results of the two single regression analyses revealed that a significant positive linear relationship exists between Stakeholder perception and Promotion of family business, as well as between Stakeholder perception and Family business image. The findings of the analysis of variance found that Number of employees was the only demographic variable that exerted a significant influence on Product differentiation. The results also indicated that Age of respondent, Generation ownership and Nature of family business had an influence on Promotion of family business. However, the post-hoc Scheffé test revealed that only Generation ownership had a significant influence on Promotion of family business. The analysis of variance also found that the demographic variables Age of respondent, Generation ownership and Number of employees exerted a significant influence on Family business image; however, the post-hoc Scheffé found that only Generation ownership had a significant influence on Family business image. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist the owners of family SMEs to ultimately improve their business’s financial performance by adopting appropriate marketing and branding practices. The findings of this study showed that by adopting a Product differentiation competitive orientation, family SME owners can enhance their financial performance. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide family SME owners with practical suggestions on how to use a product differentiation competitive orientation to ultimately increase their longevity, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the unique marketing and branding practices of family SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Richardson, Bianca
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19960 , vital:29012
- Description: Based on the importance of small and medium-sized family businesses, with regard to their economic contributions, as well as the fact that their high failure rates limit their ability to positively contribute to the economic growth of South Africa, this study focused on selected marketing and branding practices of South African family SMEs, and whether these practices influence their financial performance and ultimately their survival. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to investigate selected marketing and branding practices adopted by family SMEs in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of SMEs, and more specifically family SMEs, were described. The various challenges SMEs face were explored, with marketing and branding being identified as one of the main challenges that contributes to the high failure rate of family SMEs. In addition to the marketing challenges faced by non-family SMEs, family SMEs face extra marketing hurdles, given the overlapping subsystem of family and business. However, despite these challenges, family SMEs are able to make use of their familial aspect by marketing and branding the business as family-owned. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study, using a descriptive research approach. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, and sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all family SME owners operating within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. From the population, a sample was selected using both judgemental and convenience sampling. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 325 usable questionnaires, giving an effective response rate of 65.00 per cent. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, a survey research method using a structured, selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect the primary data. The scales used to measure the factors under investigation were developed based on previous research. In order to assess the validity of the ordinal scales, tests for unidimensionality were undertaken. Only factor loadings exceeding the 0.5 cut-off point were considered significant. Not all the items loaded as expected. Only five of the original six items intended to measure the dependent variable Perceived financial performance loaded onto this factor. The researcher, together with two experts in the field of marketing and family businesses, deemed the items for the dichotomous questions to show evidence of content validity. The reliability of the ordinal scales was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.7 were deemed a scale to be reliable. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.7 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, except one factor namely Customer service differentiation. This factor was not considered for any further statistical analyses. The reliability of the dichotomous questions was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (K-R 20). For the purpose of this study, Kuder-Richardson values greater than 0.5 deemed the dichotomous questions to be reliable. Kuder-Richardson values of greater than 0.5 were reported for the dichotomous items relating to Branding of the family name, but not for Marketing function. However, given that the questions were used for descriptive purposes only, the items measuring Marketing function were used for statistical analysis. The independent variables returned mean scores of between 3.220 and 3.773, with the majority of respondents feeling neutral or agreeing with the statements measuring these factors. The dependent variable Perceived financial performance returned the highest mean score of all the factors with the majority of respondents agreeing with the statements measuring this factor. The dichotomous questions relating to the Marketing function indicated that majority of respondents did not have a written marketing strategy or a separate department that deals with marketing for their family business. The dichotomous questions relating to Branding of the family name revealed that in most instances the family name (surname) does not appear in the name, brand, logo or advertising material of the family business. Most of the independent variables (Promotion of family business, Family business image and Stakeholder perception) reported significant and positive relationships with each other. The independent variable Perceived financial performance reported significantly positive relationships with two independent variables, namely Product differentiation and Family business image. The multiple regression analyses undertaken revealed that only one of the independent variables, namely Product differentiation, had a significant positive influence on the dependaet variable Perceived financial performance. This study found that the independent variables Promotion of family business and Family business image did not have a significant influence on the dependent variable Perceived financial performance. The results of the two single regression analyses revealed that a significant positive linear relationship exists between Stakeholder perception and Promotion of family business, as well as between Stakeholder perception and Family business image. The findings of the analysis of variance found that Number of employees was the only demographic variable that exerted a significant influence on Product differentiation. The results also indicated that Age of respondent, Generation ownership and Nature of family business had an influence on Promotion of family business. However, the post-hoc Scheffé test revealed that only Generation ownership had a significant influence on Promotion of family business. The analysis of variance also found that the demographic variables Age of respondent, Generation ownership and Number of employees exerted a significant influence on Family business image; however, the post-hoc Scheffé found that only Generation ownership had a significant influence on Family business image. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist the owners of family SMEs to ultimately improve their business’s financial performance by adopting appropriate marketing and branding practices. The findings of this study showed that by adopting a Product differentiation competitive orientation, family SME owners can enhance their financial performance. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide family SME owners with practical suggestions on how to use a product differentiation competitive orientation to ultimately increase their longevity, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the unique marketing and branding practices of family SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of organisational culture on organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry
- Authors: Pegram, Carla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19684 , vital:28934
- Description: Given the importance of organisational culture on the success of commercial banks, the prevalence of increased employee turnover rates, as well as the challenges that banks face with regard to preventing the loss of employees to its competitors, this study focused on the influence of selected organisational culture factors on the organisational commitment of banking employees. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the influence of selected organisational culture factors on Organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of organisational commitment and organisational culture were described in the context of the banking industry. From the literature it was evident that the organisational culture of a bank has an influence on the organisational commitment of employees. The literature highlighted Involvement of employees (Empowerment of employees, Team orientation and Capacity development of employees), Adaptability (Creating change, Customer focus and Organisational learning), Consistency (Core values, Coordination and integration and Agreement) and Mission (Vision, Goals and objectives and Strategic direction and intent) as the major factors of organisational culture which influence the organisational culture of a business, in this case a commercial bank. These factors of organisational culture formed the main focus of this study. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology were adopted for this study and a descriptive research approach was used. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, as well as the sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all banking employees of the selected commercial bank within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. The sample size in this study consisted of 700 banking employees. A survey was undertaken and a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in order to gather the necessary data. The measuring instrument used was based on an existing questionnaire used in previous research. Where necessary the items were reworded to suit this study. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 336 usable questionnaires. Thus, an effective response rate of 49.43% was achieved. The reliability of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.6 were deemed to be reliable. Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.6 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, thus satisfactory evidence of reliability were provided. The validity of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Items originally intended to measure the constructs under investigation did not all load as expected. One item measuring each of the factors, namely, Empowerment of employees, Creating change, Organisational learning, Agreement, and Coordination and integration, did not load as expected and was thus excluded from further statistical analyses. The operationalisation for these factors was amended accordingly. The items measuring each of the remaining constructs, namely, Organisational commitment, Team orientation, Capacity development of employees, Customer focus, Core values, Vision, Goals and objectives, and Strategic direction and intent, all loaded as expected. The sample data was summarised using descriptive statistics. In addition, t-tests were used to determine whether the differences in mean scores returned by the demographic variable Gender and the independent and dependent variables under investigation, were significantly different from each other. Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations coefficients were used to assess the associations between the variables under investigation. A Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was undertaken to measure the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variables investigated in this study. Lastly, the relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables were tested by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The dependent variable Organisational commitment returned a mean score of 6.11, with the majority of banking employees agreeing that they are highly committed to the bank and feel a strong personal connection towards the bank, would recommend working at this bank to others, would find it difficult to leave and would continue to work for the bank out of choice rather than necessity. The independent variables investigated returned mean scores of between 6.05 (Coordination and integration) and 6.32 (Strategic direction and intent) with most respondents agreeing that the conditions or relationships investigated existed within the bank in which they worked. The results of the MRA reported significant positive linear relationships between Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. Furthermore, a significant negative linear relationship between Core values and the dependent variable Organisational commitment were reported. No significant linear relationships emerged between the remaining independent variables, namely, Team orientation, Creating change, Customer focus, Organisational learning, Agreement, Vision and Goals objectives, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. The results of the ANOVA reported various significant relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables investigated in the study. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist managers of banks to ultimately improve the organisational commitment of employees by adopting and encouraging certain behaviours in terms of the organisational culture of the bank. The findings of this study showed that by focusing on Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, banks can enhance the organisational commitment of their employees. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide bank managers with practical suggestions on how to use these organisational culture factors to improve organisational commitment among employees, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the organisational culture factors in banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pegram, Carla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19684 , vital:28934
- Description: Given the importance of organisational culture on the success of commercial banks, the prevalence of increased employee turnover rates, as well as the challenges that banks face with regard to preventing the loss of employees to its competitors, this study focused on the influence of selected organisational culture factors on the organisational commitment of banking employees. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the influence of selected organisational culture factors on Organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of organisational commitment and organisational culture were described in the context of the banking industry. From the literature it was evident that the organisational culture of a bank has an influence on the organisational commitment of employees. The literature highlighted Involvement of employees (Empowerment of employees, Team orientation and Capacity development of employees), Adaptability (Creating change, Customer focus and Organisational learning), Consistency (Core values, Coordination and integration and Agreement) and Mission (Vision, Goals and objectives and Strategic direction and intent) as the major factors of organisational culture which influence the organisational culture of a business, in this case a commercial bank. These factors of organisational culture formed the main focus of this study. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology were adopted for this study and a descriptive research approach was used. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, as well as the sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all banking employees of the selected commercial bank within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. The sample size in this study consisted of 700 banking employees. A survey was undertaken and a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in order to gather the necessary data. The measuring instrument used was based on an existing questionnaire used in previous research. Where necessary the items were reworded to suit this study. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 336 usable questionnaires. Thus, an effective response rate of 49.43% was achieved. The reliability of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.6 were deemed to be reliable. Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.6 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, thus satisfactory evidence of reliability were provided. The validity of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Items originally intended to measure the constructs under investigation did not all load as expected. One item measuring each of the factors, namely, Empowerment of employees, Creating change, Organisational learning, Agreement, and Coordination and integration, did not load as expected and was thus excluded from further statistical analyses. The operationalisation for these factors was amended accordingly. The items measuring each of the remaining constructs, namely, Organisational commitment, Team orientation, Capacity development of employees, Customer focus, Core values, Vision, Goals and objectives, and Strategic direction and intent, all loaded as expected. The sample data was summarised using descriptive statistics. In addition, t-tests were used to determine whether the differences in mean scores returned by the demographic variable Gender and the independent and dependent variables under investigation, were significantly different from each other. Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations coefficients were used to assess the associations between the variables under investigation. A Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was undertaken to measure the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variables investigated in this study. Lastly, the relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables were tested by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The dependent variable Organisational commitment returned a mean score of 6.11, with the majority of banking employees agreeing that they are highly committed to the bank and feel a strong personal connection towards the bank, would recommend working at this bank to others, would find it difficult to leave and would continue to work for the bank out of choice rather than necessity. The independent variables investigated returned mean scores of between 6.05 (Coordination and integration) and 6.32 (Strategic direction and intent) with most respondents agreeing that the conditions or relationships investigated existed within the bank in which they worked. The results of the MRA reported significant positive linear relationships between Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. Furthermore, a significant negative linear relationship between Core values and the dependent variable Organisational commitment were reported. No significant linear relationships emerged between the remaining independent variables, namely, Team orientation, Creating change, Customer focus, Organisational learning, Agreement, Vision and Goals objectives, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. The results of the ANOVA reported various significant relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables investigated in the study. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist managers of banks to ultimately improve the organisational commitment of employees by adopting and encouraging certain behaviours in terms of the organisational culture of the bank. The findings of this study showed that by focusing on Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, banks can enhance the organisational commitment of their employees. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide bank managers with practical suggestions on how to use these organisational culture factors to improve organisational commitment among employees, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the organisational culture factors in banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Recreational resource management in Nelson Mandela Bay: a choice experiment application
- Authors: Ntshangase, Sindiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Beaches -- Recreational use -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Recreational surveys -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Recreation areas -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19608 , vital:28904
- Description: This dissertation represents one of the limited South African studies that attempts to estimate the recreational value of the identified set of bathing beaches within the local municipal area of the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). More formally, this research presents the findings of selected stated preference study used for the monetary measurement of the benefits of the improvements to the NMB bathing coastlines. Using the choice experiment method, this dissertation examines the beach users’ preferences for beach management at various beaches in NMB. The choice experiment analysis was designed to elicit individuals’ willingness to pay for the selected changes. The results are used to assess the relative importance of each beach characteristic identified. The survey is implemented on the users of beaches in NMB. The beach characteristics or attributes by focus group discussions were namely (1) bathing water quality (2) public safety by means of visible policing (3) the presence of dog mess on beaches and (4) availability of lifeguards on duty. The monetary attribute selected by focus groups as most appropriate was an additional environmental water charge. The five attributes had varying levels, one corresponding to the current scenario (status quo) and the other levels to the marginal change. These attributes and their levels were combined to generate different management options, each associated with a 'monetary price'. Respondents were asked to choose their preferred alternative within the choice sets, each consisting of three management options where one alternative was the status quo. The estimation strategy consisted of estimating a conditional logit model. Results revealed that people are willing to pay to (1) keep the water quality at the excellent current level (2) for improvements in public safety through visible policing (3) the continued of the presence of dogs on beaches and (4) for an increase in the number of lifesavers on the bathing beaches. The findings of the analysis are used to inform the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) on the improvements most preferred by beach users in the context of beach management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntshangase, Sindiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Beaches -- Recreational use -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Recreational surveys -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Recreation areas -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19608 , vital:28904
- Description: This dissertation represents one of the limited South African studies that attempts to estimate the recreational value of the identified set of bathing beaches within the local municipal area of the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). More formally, this research presents the findings of selected stated preference study used for the monetary measurement of the benefits of the improvements to the NMB bathing coastlines. Using the choice experiment method, this dissertation examines the beach users’ preferences for beach management at various beaches in NMB. The choice experiment analysis was designed to elicit individuals’ willingness to pay for the selected changes. The results are used to assess the relative importance of each beach characteristic identified. The survey is implemented on the users of beaches in NMB. The beach characteristics or attributes by focus group discussions were namely (1) bathing water quality (2) public safety by means of visible policing (3) the presence of dog mess on beaches and (4) availability of lifeguards on duty. The monetary attribute selected by focus groups as most appropriate was an additional environmental water charge. The five attributes had varying levels, one corresponding to the current scenario (status quo) and the other levels to the marginal change. These attributes and their levels were combined to generate different management options, each associated with a 'monetary price'. Respondents were asked to choose their preferred alternative within the choice sets, each consisting of three management options where one alternative was the status quo. The estimation strategy consisted of estimating a conditional logit model. Results revealed that people are willing to pay to (1) keep the water quality at the excellent current level (2) for improvements in public safety through visible policing (3) the continued of the presence of dogs on beaches and (4) for an increase in the number of lifesavers on the bathing beaches. The findings of the analysis are used to inform the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) on the improvements most preferred by beach users in the context of beach management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Revenue, trade and welfare effects of the COMESA FTA on the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Authors: Ndungo, Lusenge Patrick
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Revenue -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Econometric models , Welfare economics Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14256 , vital:27493
- Description: The present research attempts to assess the likely revenue, trade and welfare implications of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study adopts a partial equilibrium model based on the World Integrated Trade Solution 2010 database and the Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS-SMART) as the methodological approach. The findings of the research reveal that the COMESA FTA will be beneficial to the DRC in terms of an increase in exports of US$371.57 million and consumer welfare gain amounting to US$28.49 million. Moreover, The WITS-SMART simulation results indicate that around US$322.10 million of trade will be created in the DRC as a result of the COMESA FTA. Notwithstanding the fact that trade creation will have a positive effect on welfare, as the Congolese consumers would benefit from lower prices, some local industries in the DRC may be threaten of closure due to the lack of competitiveness. In addition, the simultation results show that the country will experience a huge fiscal revenue loss amounting to US$107.01 million due to the implementation of zero per cent tarrif rate on imports duty from the COMESA trading partners. Finally, the simultation results indicate that an equivalent value of US$49.47 million of trade will be diverted from more efficient and low cost non-member states to high cost suppliers from the COMESA region. In light of these results, the research recommends that the DRC’s government needs to come up with a strategic plan in order to protect the national industry that would be negatively affected by the trade-creation effect. In order to mitigate the expected revenue loss, the implementation of the COMESA FTA in the DRC should be accompanied by fiscal reforms to improve the tax-collection system from sales or value-added taxes (VAT) and domestic excise. Regarding the trade-diversion effect, the inefficient producers from the COMESA region could be displaced through building new capacities in short, medium and long term based on comparative advantage in order to address supply constraints in these sectors affected by trade diversion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ndungo, Lusenge Patrick
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Revenue -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Econometric models , Welfare economics Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14256 , vital:27493
- Description: The present research attempts to assess the likely revenue, trade and welfare implications of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study adopts a partial equilibrium model based on the World Integrated Trade Solution 2010 database and the Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS-SMART) as the methodological approach. The findings of the research reveal that the COMESA FTA will be beneficial to the DRC in terms of an increase in exports of US$371.57 million and consumer welfare gain amounting to US$28.49 million. Moreover, The WITS-SMART simulation results indicate that around US$322.10 million of trade will be created in the DRC as a result of the COMESA FTA. Notwithstanding the fact that trade creation will have a positive effect on welfare, as the Congolese consumers would benefit from lower prices, some local industries in the DRC may be threaten of closure due to the lack of competitiveness. In addition, the simultation results show that the country will experience a huge fiscal revenue loss amounting to US$107.01 million due to the implementation of zero per cent tarrif rate on imports duty from the COMESA trading partners. Finally, the simultation results indicate that an equivalent value of US$49.47 million of trade will be diverted from more efficient and low cost non-member states to high cost suppliers from the COMESA region. In light of these results, the research recommends that the DRC’s government needs to come up with a strategic plan in order to protect the national industry that would be negatively affected by the trade-creation effect. In order to mitigate the expected revenue loss, the implementation of the COMESA FTA in the DRC should be accompanied by fiscal reforms to improve the tax-collection system from sales or value-added taxes (VAT) and domestic excise. Regarding the trade-diversion effect, the inefficient producers from the COMESA region could be displaced through building new capacities in short, medium and long term based on comparative advantage in order to address supply constraints in these sectors affected by trade diversion.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of fiscal policy on economic growth in South Africa
- Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Authors: Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19630 , vital:28917
- Description: This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in South Africa for the period 1994-2014. This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth within the context of the endogenous growth theory. Three models are estimated. The variables included in the first model are; real GDP, aggregate government expenditure, total taxes and private investment. The second and third models disaggregate government expenditure into productive and non-productive and taxes into distortionary and non-distortionary. The Vector Autoregressive is used to estimate the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth. The data is quarterly in frequency. The findings of the study suggest that government investment expenditure has negative impact on growth, while government consumption expenditure has positive impact on growth. Furthermore, the findings of the study are that direct taxes have negative impact on the economy while indirect taxes have positive impact on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mphinyana, Shonisani Tshinakaho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19630 , vital:28917
- Description: This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in South Africa for the period 1994-2014. This study examines the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth within the context of the endogenous growth theory. Three models are estimated. The variables included in the first model are; real GDP, aggregate government expenditure, total taxes and private investment. The second and third models disaggregate government expenditure into productive and non-productive and taxes into distortionary and non-distortionary. The Vector Autoregressive is used to estimate the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth. The data is quarterly in frequency. The findings of the study suggest that government investment expenditure has negative impact on growth, while government consumption expenditure has positive impact on growth. Furthermore, the findings of the study are that direct taxes have negative impact on the economy while indirect taxes have positive impact on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The relationship between extraversion, emotional intelligence and leadership experience
- Molaudzi, Katlego Jacky-Grace
- Authors: Molaudzi, Katlego Jacky-Grace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership Emotional intelligence , South Africa -- South African Defence Force
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19059 , vital:28769
- Description: The debate about leader characteristics continues yet understanding leadership is very important for selection, promotion and leadership development. The purpose of the study was to find out if a link existed between extraversion, emotional quotient (EQ), leadership position and years of experience as a leader. A quantitative study with a questionnaire, which included Jung Personality Questionnaire and Ryback’s Emotional Quotient Executive survey was administered to military personnel at Thaba Tshwane Military Area in Pretoria, which is the military headquarters of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Respondents were selected randomly from the ranks of Corporal to Generals. The results revealed that there is no correlation between extraversion and emotional intelligence. Results also show that more males were introverted while more females were extraverted. It can therefore be concluded that people who are extraverted do not necessarily have high levels of EQ. Extraversion did not present as a dominant characteristic in the leaders of the sample group with just over half presenting with higher levels of extraversion. With regard to emotional intelligence, the majority of respondents showed high levels of Emotional Intelligence. In terms of EQ, one could probably reason that introverts are better at self-awareness and more reflective of feelings and relationships, while extraverts are better at expressing feelings and taking overt action to build relations. However, further research on this is required. The study therefore places emphasises the role of EQ in leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Molaudzi, Katlego Jacky-Grace
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership Emotional intelligence , South Africa -- South African Defence Force
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19059 , vital:28769
- Description: The debate about leader characteristics continues yet understanding leadership is very important for selection, promotion and leadership development. The purpose of the study was to find out if a link existed between extraversion, emotional quotient (EQ), leadership position and years of experience as a leader. A quantitative study with a questionnaire, which included Jung Personality Questionnaire and Ryback’s Emotional Quotient Executive survey was administered to military personnel at Thaba Tshwane Military Area in Pretoria, which is the military headquarters of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Respondents were selected randomly from the ranks of Corporal to Generals. The results revealed that there is no correlation between extraversion and emotional intelligence. Results also show that more males were introverted while more females were extraverted. It can therefore be concluded that people who are extraverted do not necessarily have high levels of EQ. Extraversion did not present as a dominant characteristic in the leaders of the sample group with just over half presenting with higher levels of extraversion. With regard to emotional intelligence, the majority of respondents showed high levels of Emotional Intelligence. In terms of EQ, one could probably reason that introverts are better at self-awareness and more reflective of feelings and relationships, while extraverts are better at expressing feelings and taking overt action to build relations. However, further research on this is required. The study therefore places emphasises the role of EQ in leadership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa
- Authors: Mbewu, Asanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19015 , vital:28765
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa. In conducting the empirical test, the Vector Error Correction Model and annual time series data between 1973 and 2014 has been utilised. In the model, exports are the dependent variable and the real effective exchange rates, gross domestic product, mining, agricultural, foreign direct investments, and merchandise export prices are explanatory variables. A significant inverse relationship between real effective exchange rates and exports was confirmed in line with economic theory. Except for the Gross Domestic Product which exhibited a positive relationship, all other explanatory variables displayed an inverse relationship with exports. All other variables exhibited a significant impact except for Foreign Direct Investments. Based on the findings of this study, firm and practical policy recommendations are made including a moderated adjustment of monetary and fiscal policy to ensure competitiveness on the supply side.
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- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbewu, Asanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19015 , vital:28765
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa. In conducting the empirical test, the Vector Error Correction Model and annual time series data between 1973 and 2014 has been utilised. In the model, exports are the dependent variable and the real effective exchange rates, gross domestic product, mining, agricultural, foreign direct investments, and merchandise export prices are explanatory variables. A significant inverse relationship between real effective exchange rates and exports was confirmed in line with economic theory. Except for the Gross Domestic Product which exhibited a positive relationship, all other explanatory variables displayed an inverse relationship with exports. All other variables exhibited a significant impact except for Foreign Direct Investments. Based on the findings of this study, firm and practical policy recommendations are made including a moderated adjustment of monetary and fiscal policy to ensure competitiveness on the supply side.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The use of strategy tools in the non-profit sector
- Authors: Mawila, Melba Hlulani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Management Strategic planning , Social entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45453 , vital:38618
- Description: This study undertook to explore the use of strategy tools in the NPO sector and also to determine if there are any differences in the use of tools between social enterprises and traditional NPOs. This was achieved by a Qualitative research methodology, where semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted to answer the set research questions. The findings of the study indicated that NPOs use a combination of conceptual, material and other strategy tools during their strategizing activities. The findings also suggest that strategy practitioners use strategy tools eclectically by adapting them for their specific context. Lastly, the findings revealed that there are no significant differences in the use of strategy tools between social enterprises and traditional NPOs. The level and pace of change in the business environment has been steadily increasing during the past decades. However, the collapse of the financial markets in 2008/2009 intensified the impact of this change for many organisations. Change impacts organisations in a number of ways. The impact is, amongst others, mostly felt by Non-profit organisations (NPOs). Unlike for-profit organisations, NPOs rely heavily on external funders to fulfil their mission and sustain their organisations. On the other hand, organisations now have to reduce their corporate social responsibility budgets, international funders and governments have to re-direct their funds and individual funders have to tighten their belts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mawila, Melba Hlulani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Management Strategic planning , Social entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45453 , vital:38618
- Description: This study undertook to explore the use of strategy tools in the NPO sector and also to determine if there are any differences in the use of tools between social enterprises and traditional NPOs. This was achieved by a Qualitative research methodology, where semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted to answer the set research questions. The findings of the study indicated that NPOs use a combination of conceptual, material and other strategy tools during their strategizing activities. The findings also suggest that strategy practitioners use strategy tools eclectically by adapting them for their specific context. Lastly, the findings revealed that there are no significant differences in the use of strategy tools between social enterprises and traditional NPOs. The level and pace of change in the business environment has been steadily increasing during the past decades. However, the collapse of the financial markets in 2008/2009 intensified the impact of this change for many organisations. Change impacts organisations in a number of ways. The impact is, amongst others, mostly felt by Non-profit organisations (NPOs). Unlike for-profit organisations, NPOs rely heavily on external funders to fulfil their mission and sustain their organisations. On the other hand, organisations now have to reduce their corporate social responsibility budgets, international funders and governments have to re-direct their funds and individual funders have to tighten their belts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Competition factors influencing client switching behaviour within the commercial banking industry
- Authors: Mathiyase, Kholiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45366 , vital:38574
- Description: Banks are faced with challenges of retaining clients and preventing them from switching to competitors. For many years the South African banking industry has been dominated by the big four banks that were not known to be client focused. The banks were also known for serving only the middle and high-income earners, with the banks having a high and non-transparent banking fee structure. As a result, Capitec Bank was established in 2001 and differentiated itself from the traditional ways of providing banking service. One of their value propositions, Capitec Bank provided low and transparent banking fees, provided a unique personalised service to cater for the unbanked market and is gradually serving the middle and high-income market as well. Capitec Bank managed to establish its presence in the South African banking industry despite the dominance of the big four banks. The banking industry environment has also been subjected to a number of changes, including the entrants of other non-traditional banks, changing client behaviour, technology, regulatory and political reforms and the current depressed economic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mathiyase, Kholiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45366 , vital:38574
- Description: Banks are faced with challenges of retaining clients and preventing them from switching to competitors. For many years the South African banking industry has been dominated by the big four banks that were not known to be client focused. The banks were also known for serving only the middle and high-income earners, with the banks having a high and non-transparent banking fee structure. As a result, Capitec Bank was established in 2001 and differentiated itself from the traditional ways of providing banking service. One of their value propositions, Capitec Bank provided low and transparent banking fees, provided a unique personalised service to cater for the unbanked market and is gradually serving the middle and high-income market as well. Capitec Bank managed to establish its presence in the South African banking industry despite the dominance of the big four banks. The banking industry environment has also been subjected to a number of changes, including the entrants of other non-traditional banks, changing client behaviour, technology, regulatory and political reforms and the current depressed economic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of pula devaluation on non-mining export sector in Botswana
- Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Authors: Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Devaluation of currency -- Botswana Inflation (Finance) -- Botswana , Foreign exchange rates -- Botswana Developing countries -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18080 , vital:28574
- Description: This dissertation investigates the effects of exchange rate devaluation on non-mining exports in Botswana over the period 1984-2012 and the exchange rate pass-through effect to consumer prices. The economy of Botswana is significantly dependent on mineral exports, particularly the diamond. The dominance and over-reliance on diamond exports in the economy has led to low levels of economic diversification. Bank of Botswana has over the years devalued the pula, in attempt to stimulate growth of non-mining export industries and to enhance non-mining export competitiveness. However, raising export competitiveness this way may be inflationary and have no significant effect on non-mining exports. The study investigates the existence of cointegration between real effective exchange rate and the non-mining exports using the Johansen method of cointegration. The vector error correction model is used, to examine the short-run dynamics of the model. The results suggest that a positive long-run relationship exists between real effective exchange rate and Botswana’s non-mining exports. The results of the exchange rate pass-through suggest that nominal exchange rate has a short term relationship with consumer prices in Botswana. However this relationship does not hold over the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makhale, Lebone Matshelanoka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Devaluation of currency -- Botswana Inflation (Finance) -- Botswana , Foreign exchange rates -- Botswana Developing countries -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18080 , vital:28574
- Description: This dissertation investigates the effects of exchange rate devaluation on non-mining exports in Botswana over the period 1984-2012 and the exchange rate pass-through effect to consumer prices. The economy of Botswana is significantly dependent on mineral exports, particularly the diamond. The dominance and over-reliance on diamond exports in the economy has led to low levels of economic diversification. Bank of Botswana has over the years devalued the pula, in attempt to stimulate growth of non-mining export industries and to enhance non-mining export competitiveness. However, raising export competitiveness this way may be inflationary and have no significant effect on non-mining exports. The study investigates the existence of cointegration between real effective exchange rate and the non-mining exports using the Johansen method of cointegration. The vector error correction model is used, to examine the short-run dynamics of the model. The results suggest that a positive long-run relationship exists between real effective exchange rate and Botswana’s non-mining exports. The results of the exchange rate pass-through suggest that nominal exchange rate has a short term relationship with consumer prices in Botswana. However this relationship does not hold over the long run.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Direct income tax and the digital economy
- Authors: Mackenzie, Lara
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income tax Corporations -- Taxation , information technology -- Economic aspects Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18047 , vital:28568
- Description: Due to the nature of the digital economy, multi-national entities are able to trade in countries over the internet without a physical presence, they are setting up group structures across the world, housing intellectual property in tax havens and shifting profits between jurisdictions, lowering their group tax rates. This treatise considered the OECD/G20 BEPS Project 2015 Final Report on Action Plan 1 which discusses the nature, risks and proposed options to combat base erosion and profit sharing (BEPS). Although the OECD have made no recommendations in their report many countries have taken action to protect their tax bases. The scope of this treatise is limited to multi-national entities who avoid tax presence in a country or shift profits to off-shore entities in low/no tax jurisdictions. The aim of this treatise is to identify the risks posed by the nature of the digital economy to direct taxation and analyse proposed solutions to respond to these risks. A comparative study of the proposal and changes implemented in the UK, Australia and India was undertaken to gain an understanding of international thinking regarding the best way to combat BEPS. These proposals were then compared to the South African perspective in order to determine which of the proposals would be feasible to combat BEPS in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mackenzie, Lara
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income tax Corporations -- Taxation , information technology -- Economic aspects Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18047 , vital:28568
- Description: Due to the nature of the digital economy, multi-national entities are able to trade in countries over the internet without a physical presence, they are setting up group structures across the world, housing intellectual property in tax havens and shifting profits between jurisdictions, lowering their group tax rates. This treatise considered the OECD/G20 BEPS Project 2015 Final Report on Action Plan 1 which discusses the nature, risks and proposed options to combat base erosion and profit sharing (BEPS). Although the OECD have made no recommendations in their report many countries have taken action to protect their tax bases. The scope of this treatise is limited to multi-national entities who avoid tax presence in a country or shift profits to off-shore entities in low/no tax jurisdictions. The aim of this treatise is to identify the risks posed by the nature of the digital economy to direct taxation and analyse proposed solutions to respond to these risks. A comparative study of the proposal and changes implemented in the UK, Australia and India was undertaken to gain an understanding of international thinking regarding the best way to combat BEPS. These proposals were then compared to the South African perspective in order to determine which of the proposals would be feasible to combat BEPS in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring counterfeit versus authentic purchases of youth consumers
- Authors: Koeberg, Richenda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brand name products Young consumers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18805 , vital:28725
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore counterfeit versus authentic luxury branded products from the perspective of consumers’ choice and social influence. Africa’s high level of domestic poverty has been one of the crucial factors for encouraging the import of counterfeit products (Meeking, 2013). In 2011, South Africa had estimated the counterfeit industry to be at R3.60 billion; and it is currently viewed as the world’s fastest growing industry (Le Cordeur, 2012; News24, 2011). Research on the purchases of counterfeit and authentic luxury brands has focused primarily on the supply side; however, this assumes that consumers are unaware of counterfeits. The aim was to explore whether consumers are able to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products. In addition, the research also aimed to explore: 1) Youth consumers’ perceptions of luxury brands; 2) the attitudes of youth consumers towards counterfeit luxury brands; 3) the behaviour of youth consumers towards counterfeit products in general; and 4) the perceived influence of functional or status utility products on purchase behaviour. Therefore To methods of analysis was used; first a discrimination test was conducted and analysed using basic descriptive statistics were used. And second, a qualitative research methodology was adopted, from a social constructionist paradigm. Four focus-group interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. The results from the thematic analysis identified five themes, namely: 1) The conceptualisation of counterfeits; 2) conceptualising luxury brands; 3) attitudes towards counterfeit-branded products; 4) consumer decision-making styles; 5) status; and 6) post-purchase behaviour. This empirical study forms a foundation for future research on this phenomenon in the current context. Additionally, manufacturers should be aware of the impact of selling defect branded products on consumers’ conceptualisation of counterfeits. Marketers should also focus on the salient role of sneakers as status symbols among youth consumers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Koeberg, Richenda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Brand name products Young consumers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18805 , vital:28725
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore counterfeit versus authentic luxury branded products from the perspective of consumers’ choice and social influence. Africa’s high level of domestic poverty has been one of the crucial factors for encouraging the import of counterfeit products (Meeking, 2013). In 2011, South Africa had estimated the counterfeit industry to be at R3.60 billion; and it is currently viewed as the world’s fastest growing industry (Le Cordeur, 2012; News24, 2011). Research on the purchases of counterfeit and authentic luxury brands has focused primarily on the supply side; however, this assumes that consumers are unaware of counterfeits. The aim was to explore whether consumers are able to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products. In addition, the research also aimed to explore: 1) Youth consumers’ perceptions of luxury brands; 2) the attitudes of youth consumers towards counterfeit luxury brands; 3) the behaviour of youth consumers towards counterfeit products in general; and 4) the perceived influence of functional or status utility products on purchase behaviour. Therefore To methods of analysis was used; first a discrimination test was conducted and analysed using basic descriptive statistics were used. And second, a qualitative research methodology was adopted, from a social constructionist paradigm. Four focus-group interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. The results from the thematic analysis identified five themes, namely: 1) The conceptualisation of counterfeits; 2) conceptualising luxury brands; 3) attitudes towards counterfeit-branded products; 4) consumer decision-making styles; 5) status; and 6) post-purchase behaviour. This empirical study forms a foundation for future research on this phenomenon in the current context. Additionally, manufacturers should be aware of the impact of selling defect branded products on consumers’ conceptualisation of counterfeits. Marketers should also focus on the salient role of sneakers as status symbols among youth consumers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017