Women’s participation in Kwasa vegetable garden project in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Blauw, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development , Economic development projects Community gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23591 , vital:30584
- Description: Poverty is one of the major challenges faced by South Africa today, even after twenty three years of being a democratic country. A majority of South Africa’s population still lives below poverty line and the most affected are women and children. The alleviation of poverty is one of the priorities for the government, and the communities where the poor live engage in projects that support poverty alleviation while on the same breath also helps with skills development and financial freedom. In this research study, the researcher has investigated the impact of women participation on urban agriculture project by means of a vegetable garden to alleviate poverty at Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. The research has followed a qualitative approach which included individual interviews using an interview schedule. To supplement the above, secondary relevant scholarly sources were consulted. The objectives of the research were outlined which include the investigation of the challenges facing the Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. In the final analysis, the researcher has provided recommendations with the view of resolving some of the problems discovered during the interviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Blauw, Thandiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development , Economic development projects Community gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23591 , vital:30584
- Description: Poverty is one of the major challenges faced by South Africa today, even after twenty three years of being a democratic country. A majority of South Africa’s population still lives below poverty line and the most affected are women and children. The alleviation of poverty is one of the priorities for the government, and the communities where the poor live engage in projects that support poverty alleviation while on the same breath also helps with skills development and financial freedom. In this research study, the researcher has investigated the impact of women participation on urban agriculture project by means of a vegetable garden to alleviate poverty at Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. The research has followed a qualitative approach which included individual interviews using an interview schedule. To supplement the above, secondary relevant scholarly sources were consulted. The objectives of the research were outlined which include the investigation of the challenges facing the Kwasa Project in Walmer Township. In the final analysis, the researcher has provided recommendations with the view of resolving some of the problems discovered during the interviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Urban agriculture and stokvels
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Trading with selected SADC countries and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Malimba, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991 Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31962 , vital:31867
- Description: This study empirically evaluates the impact of trading with SADC countries on the economic growth of South Africa (2010 -2016). The study used Fixed Effects Model to determine the relationship between economic growth of South Africa and the selected explanatory variables. The study made use of annual panel data from World Bank, Focus Economics and Trading economics. The relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and its determinants was examined using the procedure suggested in the literature by William (2017). Various tests were conducted to ensure that the relevant model is used and to produce reliable results. The results of a fixed effects model revealed that exports, imports and trade openness are statistically significant for South African economic growth. However, the p-values indicated that trade openness is the most statistically significant variable in explaining the variation in South African economic growth better than other explanatory variables confirm. Other variables that explained the fitness of the model for the data indicated that the model was a good fit. The implication of the results obtained from Fixed Effects model is that there was little trade between South Africa and selected SADC countries during the period under review. Trading with SADC countries has a negative effect on South African economy mainly because there was a decrease in exports to SADC over the past six years and that SADC countries still need to be more open to trade. Less intensive trading between SADC countries could be attributed to shortage of capital, infrastructure and skilled labour among SADC countries. The main trading partners of South Africa are countries that are characterised by being capital intensive and have highly skilled labour. In the light of the challenges that negatively affects trade in the SADC region, the study suggests that SADC should spell out the criteria that countries need to meet before they can become members of the union. These should be non-negotiable and ensure that member states harmonise their policies with those of SADC. The study also suggests that SADC countries should be more open to trade as it has been empirically proven that trade openness has a positive relationship with economic growth. Empirical evidence presents that countries with open, large and more developed neighbouring economies grow faster than those with closed, smaller, and less developed neighbouring economies. Trade should be intensified because there are potential gains to trading with SADC. It is further suggested that more focus should be given on work related training to improve the skills of our labour force. These suggestions are based on the belief that African countries have the ability to rescue themselves out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Malimba, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1991 Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31962 , vital:31867
- Description: This study empirically evaluates the impact of trading with SADC countries on the economic growth of South Africa (2010 -2016). The study used Fixed Effects Model to determine the relationship between economic growth of South Africa and the selected explanatory variables. The study made use of annual panel data from World Bank, Focus Economics and Trading economics. The relationship between South Africa’s economic growth and its determinants was examined using the procedure suggested in the literature by William (2017). Various tests were conducted to ensure that the relevant model is used and to produce reliable results. The results of a fixed effects model revealed that exports, imports and trade openness are statistically significant for South African economic growth. However, the p-values indicated that trade openness is the most statistically significant variable in explaining the variation in South African economic growth better than other explanatory variables confirm. Other variables that explained the fitness of the model for the data indicated that the model was a good fit. The implication of the results obtained from Fixed Effects model is that there was little trade between South Africa and selected SADC countries during the period under review. Trading with SADC countries has a negative effect on South African economy mainly because there was a decrease in exports to SADC over the past six years and that SADC countries still need to be more open to trade. Less intensive trading between SADC countries could be attributed to shortage of capital, infrastructure and skilled labour among SADC countries. The main trading partners of South Africa are countries that are characterised by being capital intensive and have highly skilled labour. In the light of the challenges that negatively affects trade in the SADC region, the study suggests that SADC should spell out the criteria that countries need to meet before they can become members of the union. These should be non-negotiable and ensure that member states harmonise their policies with those of SADC. The study also suggests that SADC countries should be more open to trade as it has been empirically proven that trade openness has a positive relationship with economic growth. Empirical evidence presents that countries with open, large and more developed neighbouring economies grow faster than those with closed, smaller, and less developed neighbouring economies. Trade should be intensified because there are potential gains to trading with SADC. It is further suggested that more focus should be given on work related training to improve the skills of our labour force. These suggestions are based on the belief that African countries have the ability to rescue themselves out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The viability of introducing radio frequency identification to the South African truck tyre market: a cross-sectional study
- Authors: Francis, Merwin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa Radio frequency identification systems , Inventory control -- South Africa Product life cycle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21678 , vital:29732
- Description: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is revolutionizing business practices across industries worldwide as means for its commercial application continue to be developed. It is surpassing barcoding as the preferred means of product identification due to its’ ability to identify goods at item-level as opposed to batch- or type identification, and with no line-of-sight requirements for item detection. Although many industries have successfully employed the technology and are reaping the rewards, RFID’s adoption in the truck tyre industry is still in its infant stage. A small number of documented cases discuss the limited roll-out and testing of RFID effectiveness in satisfying the demands and expectations associated with this specific application. This study is aimed at evaluating the viability of introducing RFID to the South African market. The market readiness is reflected in the perceptions of Continental Tyre South Africa’s (CTSA’s) customers regarding the perceived benefits of RFID. More importantly, it is revealed in how it affects customers’ buying behaviour and, by implication, the impact on CTSA’s sales. The results of the study also reveal critical aspects unique to the South African truck tyre market which could potentially be addressed through the introduction of RFID. These aspects form the basis of the conclusions and recommendations for future actions by CTSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Francis, Merwin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa Radio frequency identification systems , Inventory control -- South Africa Product life cycle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21678 , vital:29732
- Description: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is revolutionizing business practices across industries worldwide as means for its commercial application continue to be developed. It is surpassing barcoding as the preferred means of product identification due to its’ ability to identify goods at item-level as opposed to batch- or type identification, and with no line-of-sight requirements for item detection. Although many industries have successfully employed the technology and are reaping the rewards, RFID’s adoption in the truck tyre industry is still in its infant stage. A small number of documented cases discuss the limited roll-out and testing of RFID effectiveness in satisfying the demands and expectations associated with this specific application. This study is aimed at evaluating the viability of introducing RFID to the South African market. The market readiness is reflected in the perceptions of Continental Tyre South Africa’s (CTSA’s) customers regarding the perceived benefits of RFID. More importantly, it is revealed in how it affects customers’ buying behaviour and, by implication, the impact on CTSA’s sales. The results of the study also reveal critical aspects unique to the South African truck tyre market which could potentially be addressed through the introduction of RFID. These aspects form the basis of the conclusions and recommendations for future actions by CTSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The utility of vertical farming for urban renewal: an integrated business model for profitable and sustainable vegetation production
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The understanding and adoption of e-finance by small and medium enterprises (SMES)
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The sustainability of emerging black construction companies: potential threats
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of women's agricultural cooperatives in meeting United Nations sustainable development goals
- Authors: Boni, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women in agriculture -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21768 , vital:29775
- Description: The majority of the people in South Africa were poor prior 1994, especially those in the rural areas. Poverty in the rural areas affected mostly the women. The government of South Africa designed support programmes to mainstream women into the economy, although it had its own challenges, such as the non-participation of women in their own development and the top-down approach that at times was used by the government in the implementation of the programmes. Owing to the nature of the rural areas, agriculture was identified as a sector that had a potential to improve the economy in order to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Since 2005 the concept of cooperative development has been a vehicle that has the potential to address the aforementioned challenges. In order for the cooperative development to run efficiently and effectively and in line with the cooperative principles and values, the government should keep the independence of this sector in mind by engaging the cooperatives in all the activities that were affecting the cooperative sector through their cooperative movement.The findings of the study showed that the agricultural cooperatives have not yet addressed poverty fully. All their members were employed and at times employment opportunities were extended to their community members, but the income earned was not satisfying its members. The women felt that they were not in control of their development as they lacked the capacity to lead and they were still led by the men in their cooperatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Boni, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Women in agriculture -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21768 , vital:29775
- Description: The majority of the people in South Africa were poor prior 1994, especially those in the rural areas. Poverty in the rural areas affected mostly the women. The government of South Africa designed support programmes to mainstream women into the economy, although it had its own challenges, such as the non-participation of women in their own development and the top-down approach that at times was used by the government in the implementation of the programmes. Owing to the nature of the rural areas, agriculture was identified as a sector that had a potential to improve the economy in order to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Since 2005 the concept of cooperative development has been a vehicle that has the potential to address the aforementioned challenges. In order for the cooperative development to run efficiently and effectively and in line with the cooperative principles and values, the government should keep the independence of this sector in mind by engaging the cooperatives in all the activities that were affecting the cooperative sector through their cooperative movement.The findings of the study showed that the agricultural cooperatives have not yet addressed poverty fully. All their members were employed and at times employment opportunities were extended to their community members, but the income earned was not satisfying its members. The women felt that they were not in control of their development as they lacked the capacity to lead and they were still led by the men in their cooperatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of traditional leaders in rural development in the Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Mani, Nontsikelelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31973 , vital:31868
- Description: This study investigates the role of traditional leaders in the development of their communities. The villages in the Whittlesea area within Lukhanji Local Municipality were chosen as sample of study. The aim was to investigate the involvement of traditional leaders in the delivery of quality services to their communities. To achieve this, literature on the role of traditional leaders was reviewed. Case studies from other countries on the subject matter were also reviewed. The second objective was to look at the relationship between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The support rendered by the Lukhanji Local Municipality in terms of capacity building programmes for traditional leaders was also examined. This was done in order to check mechanisms used by the municipality to strengthen the capacity of the traditional leaders as one of the agents of service delivery. Face to face interviews were conducted with the selected sample of traditional leaders and ward councillors to conduct the research. The findings were that if the traditional leaders can be well capacitated, they can play a crucial role to enhance service delivery and also in the monitoring of the services rendered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mani, Nontsikelelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31973 , vital:31868
- Description: This study investigates the role of traditional leaders in the development of their communities. The villages in the Whittlesea area within Lukhanji Local Municipality were chosen as sample of study. The aim was to investigate the involvement of traditional leaders in the delivery of quality services to their communities. To achieve this, literature on the role of traditional leaders was reviewed. Case studies from other countries on the subject matter were also reviewed. The second objective was to look at the relationship between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The support rendered by the Lukhanji Local Municipality in terms of capacity building programmes for traditional leaders was also examined. This was done in order to check mechanisms used by the municipality to strengthen the capacity of the traditional leaders as one of the agents of service delivery. Face to face interviews were conducted with the selected sample of traditional leaders and ward councillors to conduct the research. The findings were that if the traditional leaders can be well capacitated, they can play a crucial role to enhance service delivery and also in the monitoring of the services rendered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis
- Authors: Mjoli, Anthony Lunga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa , Wind power -- South Africa Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32171 , vital:31972
- Description: Renewable energy has played a critical role in improving the economy of South Africa as well as the lives of the citizens. There have been a lot of advantages in using renewable energy such as increased access to electricity, job creation and increased investment. This research project sought to give insight into the effectiveness of renewable energy projects in resolving the nation’s power crises. The research problem was motivated by the power outages that took place in South Africa for close to half a decade between 2010 and 2015. The introduction of renewable energy versus nuclear energy caused wide-spread debates in the business, political and social sectors inter alias. The renewable energy sector started off as a controversial issue across South Africa, with a lot of critics regarding it as an expensive trial and era method of tackling the energy crisis. The researcher purposed to explore on the role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis. The specific objectives of the research were to investigate and evaluate how the renewable energy projects contribute to improving the energy supply; to examine the effectiveness of the renewable energy projects in improving the energy supply; and to provide a critical appraisal of the constraints faced renewable energy projects in improving the energy supply in South Africa. The role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis is a controversial issue inviting many debates within the realm of scholarship pertaining to energy development. Thus literature was reviewed to give an understanding of the realities associated with the energy status in South Africa at present in order to have an in-depth understanding of the concerns, which need to be dealt with if renewable energy is to play a vital role in the alleviation of the plight of South Africa’s energy crisis. The literature review was part of the secondary data, therefore, the focus thereof led to the adoption of an interpretive stance as the favoured research methodology. A content analysis in case study approach was therefore, used to describe the role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis. The research focused on two main renewable energy sources wind and solar energy respectively. The results show that wind energy dominates the RE sector with 3342.59MW of electricity which accounts for approximately 53% of the total production. Solar energy in its various forms accounts for approximately 46% of the total production. Biomass, small hydro and land fill gas account for less than 2% of the total production. The research showed that wind and solar energy are the main renewable energy sources that combat the energy crisis in South Africa. The researcher concluded that there no longer exists a crisis in the South African energy sector. Secondly the researcher concluded that RE has significantly contributed to the energy mix, thereby playing a crucial role in the aversion of the afore-mentioned crisis. Thirdly, the researcher concluded that while the RE sector is growing at an impressive rate, coal will remain the cheapest and dominant source of energy in the foreseeable future of South Africa up to 2050 and possibly beyond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mjoli, Anthony Lunga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa , Wind power -- South Africa Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32171 , vital:31972
- Description: Renewable energy has played a critical role in improving the economy of South Africa as well as the lives of the citizens. There have been a lot of advantages in using renewable energy such as increased access to electricity, job creation and increased investment. This research project sought to give insight into the effectiveness of renewable energy projects in resolving the nation’s power crises. The research problem was motivated by the power outages that took place in South Africa for close to half a decade between 2010 and 2015. The introduction of renewable energy versus nuclear energy caused wide-spread debates in the business, political and social sectors inter alias. The renewable energy sector started off as a controversial issue across South Africa, with a lot of critics regarding it as an expensive trial and era method of tackling the energy crisis. The researcher purposed to explore on the role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis. The specific objectives of the research were to investigate and evaluate how the renewable energy projects contribute to improving the energy supply; to examine the effectiveness of the renewable energy projects in improving the energy supply; and to provide a critical appraisal of the constraints faced renewable energy projects in improving the energy supply in South Africa. The role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis is a controversial issue inviting many debates within the realm of scholarship pertaining to energy development. Thus literature was reviewed to give an understanding of the realities associated with the energy status in South Africa at present in order to have an in-depth understanding of the concerns, which need to be dealt with if renewable energy is to play a vital role in the alleviation of the plight of South Africa’s energy crisis. The literature review was part of the secondary data, therefore, the focus thereof led to the adoption of an interpretive stance as the favoured research methodology. A content analysis in case study approach was therefore, used to describe the role of renewable energy projects in solving South Africa’s energy crisis. The research focused on two main renewable energy sources wind and solar energy respectively. The results show that wind energy dominates the RE sector with 3342.59MW of electricity which accounts for approximately 53% of the total production. Solar energy in its various forms accounts for approximately 46% of the total production. Biomass, small hydro and land fill gas account for less than 2% of the total production. The research showed that wind and solar energy are the main renewable energy sources that combat the energy crisis in South Africa. The researcher concluded that there no longer exists a crisis in the South African energy sector. Secondly the researcher concluded that RE has significantly contributed to the energy mix, thereby playing a crucial role in the aversion of the afore-mentioned crisis. Thirdly, the researcher concluded that while the RE sector is growing at an impressive rate, coal will remain the cheapest and dominant source of energy in the foreseeable future of South Africa up to 2050 and possibly beyond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of microfinance institutions in poverty alleviation in Limpopo province
- Authors: Hlungwani, Kholofelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Small business -- Finance Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30320 , vital:30930
- Description: In many developing nations, the majority of poor people live in rural areas. Yet, most of them do not have access to financial services needed to sustain their living standards. Poverty remains high in many developing nations, despite numerous non-government and government efforts to alleviate poverty through microfinance. Further, poor people are not unique to rural areas; they are present in urban areas too. Poverty remains prevalent and much remains to be done to improve the quality of life for the poor people. This study examines the role of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in poverty alleviation for both rural and urban areas of Limpopo Province. This study was aimed at investigating how MFIs are benefiting low-income earners in the rural and urban areas of Limpopo Province. Mopani District in Limpopo Province was the study area. Forty five MFIs clients were interviewed as well as ten MFIs in the. This study adopted a mixed research approach. Primary data was collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires, while secondary data was collected from published and unpublished materials. The findings of the study revealed that MFIs operating in Mopani District only provide credit facilities to their clients. The services are provided to all gender, salary earners, pensioners and residents of both rural and urban areas. The interest charges on the credit ranged from 5% to 40%. The collateral security required was certified ID, payslip, bankcard, and proof of residence and personal assets. The study established that those clients that accessed loans from MFIs were able to improve their standard of living through start up and expanding their businesses, paying school fees, building and improving their house and affording private health facilities. The research found out that there are challenges faced by both MFIs and MFIs clients. MFIs indicated that they faced challenges such as increased competition, lack of information about the client, profit performance and attracting low –income clients. However, the clients indicated that MFIs charge high interest rates. The respondents recommend that MFIs could lessen interest rate, increase on the amount given as loans to their clients and assess repayment capabilities before offering loans. For MFIs client’s respondents recommend that to improve the standard of living clients could get investment opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hlungwani, Kholofelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Small business -- Finance Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30320 , vital:30930
- Description: In many developing nations, the majority of poor people live in rural areas. Yet, most of them do not have access to financial services needed to sustain their living standards. Poverty remains high in many developing nations, despite numerous non-government and government efforts to alleviate poverty through microfinance. Further, poor people are not unique to rural areas; they are present in urban areas too. Poverty remains prevalent and much remains to be done to improve the quality of life for the poor people. This study examines the role of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in poverty alleviation for both rural and urban areas of Limpopo Province. This study was aimed at investigating how MFIs are benefiting low-income earners in the rural and urban areas of Limpopo Province. Mopani District in Limpopo Province was the study area. Forty five MFIs clients were interviewed as well as ten MFIs in the. This study adopted a mixed research approach. Primary data was collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires, while secondary data was collected from published and unpublished materials. The findings of the study revealed that MFIs operating in Mopani District only provide credit facilities to their clients. The services are provided to all gender, salary earners, pensioners and residents of both rural and urban areas. The interest charges on the credit ranged from 5% to 40%. The collateral security required was certified ID, payslip, bankcard, and proof of residence and personal assets. The study established that those clients that accessed loans from MFIs were able to improve their standard of living through start up and expanding their businesses, paying school fees, building and improving their house and affording private health facilities. The research found out that there are challenges faced by both MFIs and MFIs clients. MFIs indicated that they faced challenges such as increased competition, lack of information about the client, profit performance and attracting low –income clients. However, the clients indicated that MFIs charge high interest rates. The respondents recommend that MFIs could lessen interest rate, increase on the amount given as loans to their clients and assess repayment capabilities before offering loans. For MFIs client’s respondents recommend that to improve the standard of living clients could get investment opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of enterprise risk management in the success of South African short-term insurance companies
- Authors: Ntwana, Lwandile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33758 , vital:33015
- Description: Short-term insurance companies, though they are in a business of managing risks for other companies; they themselves are vulnerable to different types of risks in their operation. The pressure from the Financial Services Board and the ratings agencies has also added to the risk management burden faced by short-term insurance companies. For this study four generic types of risks were identified as the key risks each insurance company needs to focus on in order to ensure success and survival in their operations. Implementation of enterprise risk management framework has thus become a necessity for every short-term insurance company in order to effectively mitigate the complex risks brought by the ever-changing business environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of the relationship between enterprise risk management and the success and survival of the companies in the short-term insurance industry in order to develop and implement strategies to manage risks effectively. This study specifically looked at these types of risks: operational risks, financial risks, market risks and reputational risks; and these have been identified as generic risks that can be used as a guide for companies who intend implementing an enterprise risk management framework. An empirical study was conducted using a population of 45 short-term insurance companies who operate in South Africa; and for this study a response rate of 53% was achieved. The methodology adopted in the study included the research design, research methods and test for tests for validity and reliability. The results were analysed and discussed. The key findings from the empirical study indicated that, there is a relationship between operational risk, market risk and reputational risk; and the success and survival of short-term insurance companies in South Africa. Secondary literature also emphasised the importance of enterprise risk management on the success and survival of short-term insurance companies in South Africa. Adoption and implementation of enterprise risk management remains vital for short-term insurance companies in South Africa as a tool to help manage the very complex risks facing the industry on daily basis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntwana, Lwandile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33758 , vital:33015
- Description: Short-term insurance companies, though they are in a business of managing risks for other companies; they themselves are vulnerable to different types of risks in their operation. The pressure from the Financial Services Board and the ratings agencies has also added to the risk management burden faced by short-term insurance companies. For this study four generic types of risks were identified as the key risks each insurance company needs to focus on in order to ensure success and survival in their operations. Implementation of enterprise risk management framework has thus become a necessity for every short-term insurance company in order to effectively mitigate the complex risks brought by the ever-changing business environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of the relationship between enterprise risk management and the success and survival of the companies in the short-term insurance industry in order to develop and implement strategies to manage risks effectively. This study specifically looked at these types of risks: operational risks, financial risks, market risks and reputational risks; and these have been identified as generic risks that can be used as a guide for companies who intend implementing an enterprise risk management framework. An empirical study was conducted using a population of 45 short-term insurance companies who operate in South Africa; and for this study a response rate of 53% was achieved. The methodology adopted in the study included the research design, research methods and test for tests for validity and reliability. The results were analysed and discussed. The key findings from the empirical study indicated that, there is a relationship between operational risk, market risk and reputational risk; and the success and survival of short-term insurance companies in South Africa. Secondary literature also emphasised the importance of enterprise risk management on the success and survival of short-term insurance companies in South Africa. Adoption and implementation of enterprise risk management remains vital for short-term insurance companies in South Africa as a tool to help manage the very complex risks facing the industry on daily basis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between psychological capital and burnout in secondary school teachers
- Authors: Lokotsch, Leila Valerie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Personnel management High school teachers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30940 , vital:31227
- Description: Psychological capital (Psycap) emerged from positive psychology and the recently developed positive organisational behaviour (POB) which focuses on the positive. The core construct of Psycap is made up of hope, self-efficacy, optimism and resilience. Job burnout is a persistent reaction to on-going emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Burnout is considered to be more of a dominant problem among teachers compared to other professions. Considerable research on Psycap has shown that Psycap is negatively linked to stress and burnout. To provide an overview, a quantitative approach was adopted by means of survey research and the type of study conducted was a correlational study. The purpose of this research was to first investigate the relationship between Psycap and burnout in secondary school teachers. The secondary objective was to provide recommendations related to Psycap and burnout based on the findings. In summary, the results of the study found that there are mostly negative relationships between PsyCap and burnout and their dimensions. The instruments ustilised were the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). These are self-report questionnaires and were completed by way of paper-and-pencil tests. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the reliability on the measures used in the study, descriptive statistics was utilised to describe the sample, ANOVA and t-tests was used in order to determine if there were some noteworthy variances in the means of various demographic groupings for PsyCap and burnout. In order to determine the relationship between PsyCap and burnout, Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used. The study provides recommendations for schools and teachers, as well as, recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lokotsch, Leila Valerie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Personnel management High school teachers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30940 , vital:31227
- Description: Psychological capital (Psycap) emerged from positive psychology and the recently developed positive organisational behaviour (POB) which focuses on the positive. The core construct of Psycap is made up of hope, self-efficacy, optimism and resilience. Job burnout is a persistent reaction to on-going emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Burnout is considered to be more of a dominant problem among teachers compared to other professions. Considerable research on Psycap has shown that Psycap is negatively linked to stress and burnout. To provide an overview, a quantitative approach was adopted by means of survey research and the type of study conducted was a correlational study. The purpose of this research was to first investigate the relationship between Psycap and burnout in secondary school teachers. The secondary objective was to provide recommendations related to Psycap and burnout based on the findings. In summary, the results of the study found that there are mostly negative relationships between PsyCap and burnout and their dimensions. The instruments ustilised were the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). These are self-report questionnaires and were completed by way of paper-and-pencil tests. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the reliability on the measures used in the study, descriptive statistics was utilised to describe the sample, ANOVA and t-tests was used in order to determine if there were some noteworthy variances in the means of various demographic groupings for PsyCap and burnout. In order to determine the relationship between PsyCap and burnout, Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used. The study provides recommendations for schools and teachers, as well as, recommendations for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between poor governance and housing delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: George, Mandla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Public housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30183 , vital:30857
- Description: In this study, the relationship between poor governance and housing delivery in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) is investigated. The focus is on a case study in Motherwell NU29 that demonstrated poor planning, approvals and implementation resulting in communities being allocated houses that were structurally damaged and unsuitable for habitation. Reports that support the Metro, particularly from the Human Settlements Department, constituted the data for the case study. The study reveals how party political problems in the ruling African National Congress led to instability in the administrative and political leadership of the NMBM and resulted in poor leadership that compromised the relationship between communities and those in positions of authority. Poor governance further compromised relationships between the Metro and the Provincial and National spheres of government. The study further reveals how corruption and maladministration of the Motherwell NU29 Project affected the delivery of what could have potentially been a great model for densification in the Metro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: George, Mandla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Housing development -- South Africa , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Public housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30183 , vital:30857
- Description: In this study, the relationship between poor governance and housing delivery in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) is investigated. The focus is on a case study in Motherwell NU29 that demonstrated poor planning, approvals and implementation resulting in communities being allocated houses that were structurally damaged and unsuitable for habitation. Reports that support the Metro, particularly from the Human Settlements Department, constituted the data for the case study. The study reveals how party political problems in the ruling African National Congress led to instability in the administrative and political leadership of the NMBM and resulted in poor leadership that compromised the relationship between communities and those in positions of authority. Poor governance further compromised relationships between the Metro and the Provincial and National spheres of government. The study further reveals how corruption and maladministration of the Motherwell NU29 Project affected the delivery of what could have potentially been a great model for densification in the Metro.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between personal branding and career success: a study of female managers in South Africa
- Foli, Edem Nompumelelo Akoswa
- Authors: Foli, Edem Nompumelelo Akoswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Management , Success in business -- Women -- South Africa Career development -- Women -- South Africa Women executives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21907 , vital:29800
- Description: The research objective of this study was to determine the relationship between personal branding and career success of female managers in South Africa. Personal branding is a technique used by individuals to enhance their careers. Women are still struggling to be recognised as equals to men in the workplace and do not hold as many key decision-making positions as their male counterparts. Women can use personal branding as a tool to help them progress faster in the workplace and enhance their career success. A questionnaire survey based on a conceptual framework – which consisted of the personal branding tactics of self-promotion, ingratiation, exemplification, intimidation, supplication and career success – was used to conduct this study. The research questions were: (1) Do female managers in South Africa think that personal branding is important; (2) What personal branding tactics for career success do female managers in South Africa use; (3) Do female managers think that online personal branding is important; and (4) How many female managers brand themselves online. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics, one-sample tests, Analysis of Variance, and multiple linear aggression analysis. The research had 105 respondents and showed that female managers who participated in the study perceived personal branding as important; the results were statistically significant. The study also showed that the female managers were engaging in self-promotion as a way of advancing their career success. The majority of the female managers were also branding themselves online through media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, websites and blogs. The main limitation of this study was that the non-probability sampling technique was used and this meant that the findings could not be generalised to the entire female manager population in South Africa. Suggestions for further research include collaborating with a women’s organisation with access to a database of female managers in South Africa and conducting the same research from the perspective of how others view female managers’ personal branding tactics and career successes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Foli, Edem Nompumelelo Akoswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Management , Success in business -- Women -- South Africa Career development -- Women -- South Africa Women executives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21907 , vital:29800
- Description: The research objective of this study was to determine the relationship between personal branding and career success of female managers in South Africa. Personal branding is a technique used by individuals to enhance their careers. Women are still struggling to be recognised as equals to men in the workplace and do not hold as many key decision-making positions as their male counterparts. Women can use personal branding as a tool to help them progress faster in the workplace and enhance their career success. A questionnaire survey based on a conceptual framework – which consisted of the personal branding tactics of self-promotion, ingratiation, exemplification, intimidation, supplication and career success – was used to conduct this study. The research questions were: (1) Do female managers in South Africa think that personal branding is important; (2) What personal branding tactics for career success do female managers in South Africa use; (3) Do female managers think that online personal branding is important; and (4) How many female managers brand themselves online. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics, one-sample tests, Analysis of Variance, and multiple linear aggression analysis. The research had 105 respondents and showed that female managers who participated in the study perceived personal branding as important; the results were statistically significant. The study also showed that the female managers were engaging in self-promotion as a way of advancing their career success. The majority of the female managers were also branding themselves online through media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, websites and blogs. The main limitation of this study was that the non-probability sampling technique was used and this meant that the findings could not be generalised to the entire female manager population in South Africa. Suggestions for further research include collaborating with a women’s organisation with access to a database of female managers in South Africa and conducting the same research from the perspective of how others view female managers’ personal branding tactics and career successes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between operational risk management and business continuity management: a case study of a selected financial institution in South Africa
- Mkhize, Gelvas Bhekabambo Senzoesihe
- Authors: Mkhize, Gelvas Bhekabambo Senzoesihe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Risk assessment -- South Africa Operations research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22769 , vital:30076
- Description: The disruption of a leading financial services company because of internal or external risks has huge negative impact on the business bottom-line and the South African Financial Services industry at large. The Basel Accord defined operational risk as one of the key risk to manage in an attempt to minimise risk within a bank. Business Continuity Management (BCM) is a key component of enabling a business to prepare for disruptions and yet BCM remains poorly integrated with Operational Risk Management (ORM) in most financial institutions. Qualitative research focuses on gathering and interpreting data through quotation, description and narration was undertaken to explore opportunities for integration of tools and methodologies used by these two risk types. This type of research is concerned with capturing conversations, experiences, perspectives, voices and meanings typically from small samples purposively selected. The study findings are based on a sample of 9 respondents. Most of the respondents indicated that the bank is guided by the Basel, Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA) accreditation to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the three lines of defense. There were many integration points identified by respondent and three recommendations were made to address the research objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mkhize, Gelvas Bhekabambo Senzoesihe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Risk management -- South Africa , Risk assessment -- South Africa Operations research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22769 , vital:30076
- Description: The disruption of a leading financial services company because of internal or external risks has huge negative impact on the business bottom-line and the South African Financial Services industry at large. The Basel Accord defined operational risk as one of the key risk to manage in an attempt to minimise risk within a bank. Business Continuity Management (BCM) is a key component of enabling a business to prepare for disruptions and yet BCM remains poorly integrated with Operational Risk Management (ORM) in most financial institutions. Qualitative research focuses on gathering and interpreting data through quotation, description and narration was undertaken to explore opportunities for integration of tools and methodologies used by these two risk types. This type of research is concerned with capturing conversations, experiences, perspectives, voices and meanings typically from small samples purposively selected. The study findings are based on a sample of 9 respondents. Most of the respondents indicated that the bank is guided by the Basel, Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA) accreditation to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the three lines of defense. There were many integration points identified by respondent and three recommendations were made to address the research objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mazantsana, Pumla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Research , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32741 , vital:32340
- Description: The study investigated the relationship between leadership, group identity and intention to attend; among a sample of employees in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Since it is a common occurrence that public entities in South Africa are faced with high labour turnover and absenteeism as a result of failure to attend, strategies are required that will assist in reducing this challenging issue. The expectation is that by virtue of the leadership authorities and responsibilities, they play an important in the effective functioning of such public entities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between conflict cycles and sustainable development goals
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The key drivers of grain commodity prices in South Africa: a market intelligence approach
- Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Authors: Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marketing research -- South Africa , Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Grain -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22725 , vital:30068
- Description: Grain forms a staple part of the majority of the global populations’ diets and it is used a raw material for animal feed in many countries. The envisaged increase in population in years to come can be expected to increase the demand of grain globally. Grain production is expected to fulfil energy requirements since developed countries are increasingly utilising grain as an alternative energy source to reduce the negative environmental effects caused by energy derived from fossil fuels. The grain value chain in South Africa consists of grain producers, input suppliers, millers and processors, as well as traders and speculators. The majority of the grain producers in South Africa are commercial farmers who play an important role in the economy of the country. South Africa trades their grain commodities on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange where grain prices are controlled by different social, economic and political factors. This gives rise to grain commodity price volatility because of its sensitivity to market changes. This study focuses on the difficulty faced by the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain, like traders and speculators, who are exposed to price related risks as a result of the volatility of the grain commodity. It presents the current mitigation strategies that are available to hedge against these risks. Research shows that the current mitigation strategies are not being fully utilised by the grain producers because of their lack of skills and the time to search through and make sense of the datasets on the abundance of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This study presents a market intelligence approach as a solution to the grain volatility price risk. Market intelligence is utilised to enable the prediction of grain prices and to discover the factors that are driving the market at different periods. This is achieved by utilising neural networks and relative importance statistical techniques. In this study, it was found that the impact of the different factors changes from time to time. It proposed a technique for making sense of the changes in the prices of grain commodities. A framework for the implementation of market intelligence to mitigate against price volatility risks is proposed as an output of this study. The impact of the findings of this study to the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain is that they can have insight on which factor is driving the market at a given period. This would enable then to adjust their activities and enable increased profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbhele, Dadewabo Babongile Pearl
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marketing research -- South Africa , Commodity exchanges -- South Africa Grain -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22725 , vital:30068
- Description: Grain forms a staple part of the majority of the global populations’ diets and it is used a raw material for animal feed in many countries. The envisaged increase in population in years to come can be expected to increase the demand of grain globally. Grain production is expected to fulfil energy requirements since developed countries are increasingly utilising grain as an alternative energy source to reduce the negative environmental effects caused by energy derived from fossil fuels. The grain value chain in South Africa consists of grain producers, input suppliers, millers and processors, as well as traders and speculators. The majority of the grain producers in South Africa are commercial farmers who play an important role in the economy of the country. South Africa trades their grain commodities on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange where grain prices are controlled by different social, economic and political factors. This gives rise to grain commodity price volatility because of its sensitivity to market changes. This study focuses on the difficulty faced by the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain, like traders and speculators, who are exposed to price related risks as a result of the volatility of the grain commodity. It presents the current mitigation strategies that are available to hedge against these risks. Research shows that the current mitigation strategies are not being fully utilised by the grain producers because of their lack of skills and the time to search through and make sense of the datasets on the abundance of factors that influence the grain commodities market. This study presents a market intelligence approach as a solution to the grain volatility price risk. Market intelligence is utilised to enable the prediction of grain prices and to discover the factors that are driving the market at different periods. This is achieved by utilising neural networks and relative importance statistical techniques. In this study, it was found that the impact of the different factors changes from time to time. It proposed a technique for making sense of the changes in the prices of grain commodities. A framework for the implementation of market intelligence to mitigate against price volatility risks is proposed as an output of this study. The impact of the findings of this study to the grain producers and stakeholders in the value chain is that they can have insight on which factor is driving the market at a given period. This would enable then to adjust their activities and enable increased profitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The intersection between social development and the internationalisation of higher education in Colombia
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018