A strategy to motivate continued instructor usage of learning management systems (LMSS) in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Siwela, Ndukuyenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Web-based instruction , Computer systems Organizational learning -- Zimbabwe Internet in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47259 , vital:39837
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to motivate continued usage of Learning Management Systems in higher learning institutions of Zimbabwe. A related goal was to identify unique challenges experienced by instructors in their use of LMSs. The use of LMSs is now global and has been fairly successful in developed countries even though past research shows that instructors tend to discontinue usage over a period of time. Whereas most LMSs research is carried in the context of the developed world, the candidate demonstrates that Vantankesh's IS Success Model and Davis' Technology Acceptance Model can be successfully replicated into the developing world on condition that local environment is taken into context. The results showed that LMSs in Zimbabwe higher learning institutions hold a promise of success even though challenges exist. The findings have wider implications on the need to invest in neccessary infrustructure and future predictions on learner interests. The study demonstrates that shared success can be achieved if the local conditions are taken into context when developing a strategy to motivate instructor continued LMS usage. The study holds the practical implication that institutions can motivate instructors to continue with usage of LMSs to deliver quality output in their daily duties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The relationship between employee value proposition, organisational commitment and intention-to-serve among provincial traffic officers
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18036 , vital:28567
- Description: Traffic officers are employed to protect and serve the community, but various sources including annual reports and newspaper articles cast doubt on whether these goals are attained in the Eastern Cape. These sources further allege that the failure to serve can be attributed to dissatisfaction and poor employee commitment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the Employee Value Proposition, organisational commitment and intention-to-serve among provincial traffic officers. A literature study was conducted on the three above-mentioned variables to achieve this objective. The empirical study consisted of a survey with a self-administered questionnaire. Five components of the Employee Value Proposition, as established by the Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) (2006), were measured. These included career opportunities, organisation itself, relationships, remuneration/reward and work itself. The Three Component Model (TCM) developed by Meyer and Allen (1991) was used to measure affective, continuance and normative commitment. The Intention-to-Serve Scale was adapted from the Employee Work Passion Appraisal (EWPA) Model (Zigarmi, Nimon, Houson, Witt and Diehl, 2011) and was used to measure intent-to-perform and intent-to-use discretion. The questionnaire was completed by 357 provincial traffic officers across the six districts of the Eastern Cape, which represented a 95 percent response rate. The results from the empirical study indicated that the majority of respondents had less positive perceptions of the Employee Value Proposition offered to them. Affective commitment, regarded as the desired type of organisational commitment, was scored the lowest. However, positive scores were obtained for intention-to-serve. A statistical and practical significant relationship was found between the Employee Value Proposition and organisational commitment, and between the Employee Value Proposition and intention-to-serve as well as between organizational commitment and intention-to-serve. The results suggest that a more appealing Employee Value Proposition could result in improved organisational commitment as well as improved intention-to-serve. It is therefore recommended that the Eastern Cape Department of Transport reconsider the Employee Value Proposition offered to traffic officers and use it as a tool to improve commitment and service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18036 , vital:28567
- Description: Traffic officers are employed to protect and serve the community, but various sources including annual reports and newspaper articles cast doubt on whether these goals are attained in the Eastern Cape. These sources further allege that the failure to serve can be attributed to dissatisfaction and poor employee commitment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the Employee Value Proposition, organisational commitment and intention-to-serve among provincial traffic officers. A literature study was conducted on the three above-mentioned variables to achieve this objective. The empirical study consisted of a survey with a self-administered questionnaire. Five components of the Employee Value Proposition, as established by the Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) (2006), were measured. These included career opportunities, organisation itself, relationships, remuneration/reward and work itself. The Three Component Model (TCM) developed by Meyer and Allen (1991) was used to measure affective, continuance and normative commitment. The Intention-to-Serve Scale was adapted from the Employee Work Passion Appraisal (EWPA) Model (Zigarmi, Nimon, Houson, Witt and Diehl, 2011) and was used to measure intent-to-perform and intent-to-use discretion. The questionnaire was completed by 357 provincial traffic officers across the six districts of the Eastern Cape, which represented a 95 percent response rate. The results from the empirical study indicated that the majority of respondents had less positive perceptions of the Employee Value Proposition offered to them. Affective commitment, regarded as the desired type of organisational commitment, was scored the lowest. However, positive scores were obtained for intention-to-serve. A statistical and practical significant relationship was found between the Employee Value Proposition and organisational commitment, and between the Employee Value Proposition and intention-to-serve as well as between organizational commitment and intention-to-serve. The results suggest that a more appealing Employee Value Proposition could result in improved organisational commitment as well as improved intention-to-serve. It is therefore recommended that the Eastern Cape Department of Transport reconsider the Employee Value Proposition offered to traffic officers and use it as a tool to improve commitment and service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploration of spirit possession and psychological praxis in South Africa: implications for a culturally competent psychological practice
- Authors: Yew-Siong, Lauren Cindy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Cultural competence -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52394 , vital:43635
- Description: Spirit possession has been documented in human history and evidence of it, still exists globally. In South Africa, spirit possession experiences are not uncommon; in some instances, culturally, they can be expressed as ‘amafufunyana’, while religiously, the term demonic/spirit possession holds true. The symptoms of a spirit possession state, should be of interest to psychology, given the similarity of its symptoms with those that are often typical of a psychological diagnosis, such as dissociation, hallucinations and delusions. While much attention has been given to patient experiences of spirit possession, little attention has been focused on the cultural competence required in working with patients with diverse worldviews. This study explores psychologists perceived cultural competence in working with patients who present with the experience of being possessed by a spirit. This exploration becomes more interesting, given that little to no attention in the literature has focused on the role and influence of psychologists religious and cultural belief systems and how these may influence (if at all), the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of a patient who believes that they are possessed. The researcher employed a qualitative method and design. Participants were recruited through use of a purposive sampling technique. Twelve psychologists agreed to participate in the study and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, by following a data analysis method by Braun and Clarke (2006). Four themes were identified namely, 1) Psychologists’ understanding and treatment of dissociative disorders/states, 2) Psychologists’ understanding of spirit possession; 3) Spirit possession experiences versus psychological disturbances; and 4) Cultural acknowledgement versus cultural considerations-implications for cultural competence. Findings from the study suggest that it is not only cultural considerations that is Running Head: An Exploration of Spirit Possession and Psychological Praxis in South Africa: Implications for a Culturally Competent Psychological Practice. xv needed within psychological practice, but that a sense of cultural acknowledgement is needed in order to bring about potential holistic healing, and more specifically, aid cultural competence within psychological practice. This, according to the findings of the study, can be done through collaboration between various professionals or practitioners- furthermore creating a platform for the inclusion of pluralism within mental healthcare services. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Yew-Siong, Lauren Cindy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Spirit possession -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Cultural competence -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52394 , vital:43635
- Description: Spirit possession has been documented in human history and evidence of it, still exists globally. In South Africa, spirit possession experiences are not uncommon; in some instances, culturally, they can be expressed as ‘amafufunyana’, while religiously, the term demonic/spirit possession holds true. The symptoms of a spirit possession state, should be of interest to psychology, given the similarity of its symptoms with those that are often typical of a psychological diagnosis, such as dissociation, hallucinations and delusions. While much attention has been given to patient experiences of spirit possession, little attention has been focused on the cultural competence required in working with patients with diverse worldviews. This study explores psychologists perceived cultural competence in working with patients who present with the experience of being possessed by a spirit. This exploration becomes more interesting, given that little to no attention in the literature has focused on the role and influence of psychologists religious and cultural belief systems and how these may influence (if at all), the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of a patient who believes that they are possessed. The researcher employed a qualitative method and design. Participants were recruited through use of a purposive sampling technique. Twelve psychologists agreed to participate in the study and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, by following a data analysis method by Braun and Clarke (2006). Four themes were identified namely, 1) Psychologists’ understanding and treatment of dissociative disorders/states, 2) Psychologists’ understanding of spirit possession; 3) Spirit possession experiences versus psychological disturbances; and 4) Cultural acknowledgement versus cultural considerations-implications for cultural competence. Findings from the study suggest that it is not only cultural considerations that is Running Head: An Exploration of Spirit Possession and Psychological Praxis in South Africa: Implications for a Culturally Competent Psychological Practice. xv needed within psychological practice, but that a sense of cultural acknowledgement is needed in order to bring about potential holistic healing, and more specifically, aid cultural competence within psychological practice. This, according to the findings of the study, can be done through collaboration between various professionals or practitioners- furthermore creating a platform for the inclusion of pluralism within mental healthcare services. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Analysis of the existence of the Phillips curve, Okun’s law and Taylor rule in the Zambian economy
- Authors: Chella, Siame Nampasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Effect of inflation -- Mathematical models --Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49783 , vital:41800
- Description: The objective for this study was to explore the relationship between inflation and growth with an understanding of the effects of unemployment on growth. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the existence of Phillips Curve, Okun’s Law, and Taylor Rule in Zambia on the basis that Zambia is a youthful economy, with a growing population, which is expected to temper with unemployment rates, as an increase in the supply of labour might be too high for the demand for jobs available. To be specific, the study aims at determining the relationship between inflation and growth and seeks to understand what policy measures have been undertaken to curb inflation and reduce unemployment in Zambia. To achieve this, a quantitative research was undertaken using the ARDL cointegration model in conjunction with sensitivity tests to cater for structural changes in the economy with 2007 standing as the break point, as well as paying attention to the fact that different policy regimes employed during the course of the data covered, that being, 1996 to 2017, would affect that rates of unemployment, inflation and growth of the country, across period under review. The study revealed that Zambia faces a Hybrid New Keynesian Phillips Curve during the period under study which is dominated by a mixture of both back-ward and forward-looking aspects of inflation. This specifically, paints the effects of inflation persistence as well future expectations of inflation on growth. Further, a cointegration relationship was established between unemployment and output, while Taylor principles were found not to apply to the Zambian economy, which have proved in other economies to be foundation blocks for good economic growth and as such significant to both fiscal and monetary policy authorities of the economy. The researcher therefore recommends that Zambian policy makers, that is, both the fiscal and the monetary authorities, work together in order to attain minimal and optimal levels of inflation to help achieve a conducive economic environment for the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chella, Siame Nampasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Effect of inflation -- Mathematical models --Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49783 , vital:41800
- Description: The objective for this study was to explore the relationship between inflation and growth with an understanding of the effects of unemployment on growth. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the existence of Phillips Curve, Okun’s Law, and Taylor Rule in Zambia on the basis that Zambia is a youthful economy, with a growing population, which is expected to temper with unemployment rates, as an increase in the supply of labour might be too high for the demand for jobs available. To be specific, the study aims at determining the relationship between inflation and growth and seeks to understand what policy measures have been undertaken to curb inflation and reduce unemployment in Zambia. To achieve this, a quantitative research was undertaken using the ARDL cointegration model in conjunction with sensitivity tests to cater for structural changes in the economy with 2007 standing as the break point, as well as paying attention to the fact that different policy regimes employed during the course of the data covered, that being, 1996 to 2017, would affect that rates of unemployment, inflation and growth of the country, across period under review. The study revealed that Zambia faces a Hybrid New Keynesian Phillips Curve during the period under study which is dominated by a mixture of both back-ward and forward-looking aspects of inflation. This specifically, paints the effects of inflation persistence as well future expectations of inflation on growth. Further, a cointegration relationship was established between unemployment and output, while Taylor principles were found not to apply to the Zambian economy, which have proved in other economies to be foundation blocks for good economic growth and as such significant to both fiscal and monetary policy authorities of the economy. The researcher therefore recommends that Zambian policy makers, that is, both the fiscal and the monetary authorities, work together in order to attain minimal and optimal levels of inflation to help achieve a conducive economic environment for the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa
- Authors: Xolo, Siyavuya Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Investments -- South Africa , Investment analysis Land reform -- South Africa Agricultural laborers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36323 , vital:33920
- Description: The study aimed to assess beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. Farm worker equity share schemes started in the early 1990s with the aim of having a special arrangement pertaining to the ownership and operation of a farm between the farmer and the farm workers. This was intended to assist farm workers in not only remaining as farm workers but also to gain ownership of the farm. This could lead to the empowerment of farm workers, better working conditions, improved living standards and their rights to land ownership. Farm worker equity share schemes have been widely reported as having failed to meet their intended objectives, thus, in 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a study to assess the implementation of equity share schemes. Although the report was not made public, it reports that out of the 88 equity share schemes at the time, only nine managed to pay dividends ranging from R200 to R2000 per year. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform put a moratorium on equity share schemes; this was however removed in 2011. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. A positivistic research paradigm was employed in this study, by means of quantitative research. Secondary data in the form of textbooks, journal articles and Internet sources provided the theoretical framework for this study. Primary data was obtained using the survey method, by means of self-administered structured questionnaires. Convenience and purposive sampling were applied in order to select 20 farms that use equity share schemes. The farms selected for this study were located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape provinces, covering a variety of farming activities such as citrus fruits, crops, vegetables and wineries. Ideally, a total of 15 farm workers per farm were targeted. However, due to a variation in these farm worker equity share schemes, on some farms less than 15 workers and in others more than 15 workers were selected for the study; this resulted in a total sample size of 341 farm workers. Ten null-hypotheses and a hypothetical model of beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes were tested. The influence of seven independent variables were tested, these are: stakeholder trust, operational risks, government interventions, two-way communication, farm worker empowerment, training and skills development, and access to resources on farm worker equity share schemes. In addition, the influence of farm worker equity share schemes on three dependent variables, namely, farming performance, sustainability and employee expectations were tested. The Statistica (version 13.2) computer programme was used to analyse the results by means of advanced statistical techniques (such as exploratory factor analysis, regression and correlation analyses) as well as descriptive analysis and frequency distributions. After various statistical procedures, the model was re-specified; some of the variables were then renamed and the hypotheses were adjusted accordingly. The empirical results showed that three key variables to the success of farm worker equity share schemes are stakeholder trust, government interventions and farm owner support. It was determined that these key variables could lead to increased farming performance, farming sustainability and meeting employee expectations. This study provided useful and practical guidelines to farm owners and administrators of equity share schemes, so as to ensure effective strategising that could enhance their competitiveness and long term survival. The findings of this study could inform strategy policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector, as pertaining to farm worker equity share schemes. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology, which has been justified and successfully applied to this research; this method can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of farm worker equity share schemes. It is envisaged that the results and recommendations of this study could be used to implement effective strategies that could ensure the effective functioning of farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Xolo, Siyavuya Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Investments -- South Africa , Investment analysis Land reform -- South Africa Agricultural laborers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36323 , vital:33920
- Description: The study aimed to assess beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. Farm worker equity share schemes started in the early 1990s with the aim of having a special arrangement pertaining to the ownership and operation of a farm between the farmer and the farm workers. This was intended to assist farm workers in not only remaining as farm workers but also to gain ownership of the farm. This could lead to the empowerment of farm workers, better working conditions, improved living standards and their rights to land ownership. Farm worker equity share schemes have been widely reported as having failed to meet their intended objectives, thus, in 2009, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform initiated a study to assess the implementation of equity share schemes. Although the report was not made public, it reports that out of the 88 equity share schemes at the time, only nine managed to pay dividends ranging from R200 to R2000 per year. As a result, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform put a moratorium on equity share schemes; this was however removed in 2011. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess beneficiaries’ perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa. A positivistic research paradigm was employed in this study, by means of quantitative research. Secondary data in the form of textbooks, journal articles and Internet sources provided the theoretical framework for this study. Primary data was obtained using the survey method, by means of self-administered structured questionnaires. Convenience and purposive sampling were applied in order to select 20 farms that use equity share schemes. The farms selected for this study were located in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape provinces, covering a variety of farming activities such as citrus fruits, crops, vegetables and wineries. Ideally, a total of 15 farm workers per farm were targeted. However, due to a variation in these farm worker equity share schemes, on some farms less than 15 workers and in others more than 15 workers were selected for the study; this resulted in a total sample size of 341 farm workers. Ten null-hypotheses and a hypothetical model of beneficiary perceptions regarding farm worker equity share schemes were tested. The influence of seven independent variables were tested, these are: stakeholder trust, operational risks, government interventions, two-way communication, farm worker empowerment, training and skills development, and access to resources on farm worker equity share schemes. In addition, the influence of farm worker equity share schemes on three dependent variables, namely, farming performance, sustainability and employee expectations were tested. The Statistica (version 13.2) computer programme was used to analyse the results by means of advanced statistical techniques (such as exploratory factor analysis, regression and correlation analyses) as well as descriptive analysis and frequency distributions. After various statistical procedures, the model was re-specified; some of the variables were then renamed and the hypotheses were adjusted accordingly. The empirical results showed that three key variables to the success of farm worker equity share schemes are stakeholder trust, government interventions and farm owner support. It was determined that these key variables could lead to increased farming performance, farming sustainability and meeting employee expectations. This study provided useful and practical guidelines to farm owners and administrators of equity share schemes, so as to ensure effective strategising that could enhance their competitiveness and long term survival. The findings of this study could inform strategy policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural sector, as pertaining to farm worker equity share schemes. The study used a sound and well-developed research design and methodology, which has been justified and successfully applied to this research; this method can be utilised by other similar studies to conduct empirical research in the field of farm worker equity share schemes. It is envisaged that the results and recommendations of this study could be used to implement effective strategies that could ensure the effective functioning of farm worker equity share schemes in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Teachers’use of curriculum materials in Grade 3 Mathematics: A Case Study
- Authors: Whale, Susan Gaye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa , Education -- curriculum innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45591 , vital:38916
- Description: The study examines four curriculum documents with regards to curriculum facets, further interrogated through indicators for certain facets in order to ascertain whether the documents could be considered to be educative. Comparison is made with selected resources internationally. Observed episodes in four mathematics classes are interrogated with regards to teacher facets and concomitant indicators, to assess whether the tenets proposed in the written curriculum are translated into practice in the classrooms. The four Grade 3 teachers are interviewed about their views on the curriculum, their views on teaching and their views on their own agency in teaching mathematics. The teachers’ complete selected examples from a Mathematics Knowledge for Training (MKT) questionnaire and are engaged in conversations about iii their beliefs about mathematics and their confidence in both doing and teaching mathematics. The study identifies that the current CAPS curriculum documents focus on mathematical content almost exclusively and give minimal guidance concerning pedagogical content knowledge. The agency of teachers is not addressed. The study suggests a three-dimensional model of curriculum design that encompasses new educative curriculum materials; guidance on innovative teacher practices and direction towards new beliefs in teachers which could build agency and confidence. The concern that this study uncovers is that although the school and teachers were specifically chosen to minimise linguistic and social detractors, the intended curriculum does not appear to have been universally translated into
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Whale, Susan Gaye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- South Africa , Education -- curriculum innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45591 , vital:38916
- Description: The study examines four curriculum documents with regards to curriculum facets, further interrogated through indicators for certain facets in order to ascertain whether the documents could be considered to be educative. Comparison is made with selected resources internationally. Observed episodes in four mathematics classes are interrogated with regards to teacher facets and concomitant indicators, to assess whether the tenets proposed in the written curriculum are translated into practice in the classrooms. The four Grade 3 teachers are interviewed about their views on the curriculum, their views on teaching and their views on their own agency in teaching mathematics. The teachers’ complete selected examples from a Mathematics Knowledge for Training (MKT) questionnaire and are engaged in conversations about iii their beliefs about mathematics and their confidence in both doing and teaching mathematics. The study identifies that the current CAPS curriculum documents focus on mathematical content almost exclusively and give minimal guidance concerning pedagogical content knowledge. The agency of teachers is not addressed. The study suggests a three-dimensional model of curriculum design that encompasses new educative curriculum materials; guidance on innovative teacher practices and direction towards new beliefs in teachers which could build agency and confidence. The concern that this study uncovers is that although the school and teachers were specifically chosen to minimise linguistic and social detractors, the intended curriculum does not appear to have been universally translated into
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Leadership influence on organisational performance at Eskom
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The effects of vascular targeted bi-functionalized aunps on hepatic lipid metabolism of a diet-induced rats
- Authors: Singo, Dakalo Gladwell
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Bile acids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47072 , vital:39780
- Description: Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease in which the accumulation of excessive fat in the adipose tissue may interfere with the normal maintenance of a healthy state. However, there is only a limited number of drugs approved for the treatment of obesity. For this purpose, target therapies are receiving more attention as a preferred treatment to reduce the burden of chronic diseases which are associated with the current strategies. Nanotechnology is a highly promising field that offers a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system as a novel means of solving issues associated with the toxicity of conventional anti-obesity drugs. Vascular targeted nanotherapy (targeted bi-functionalized nanoparticles) as a strategy that can overcome the current available anti-obesity drugs. Aim: This study sought to understand the effects of nanotherapy in the hepatic lipid metabolism and secretion of bile acids Research focus: The effects of gold nanotherapy on the bile acid biosynthetic enzymes, transporters and lipogenic enzymes of rats that were on a high fat diet. Conclusion: The study shows low expression in the majority of genes responsible for bile acid synthesis and a lipogenic pathway; therefore, the effects of nanotherapy exhibit low toxicity in the hepatic lipid metabolism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Singo, Dakalo Gladwell
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Bile acids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47072 , vital:39780
- Description: Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease in which the accumulation of excessive fat in the adipose tissue may interfere with the normal maintenance of a healthy state. However, there is only a limited number of drugs approved for the treatment of obesity. For this purpose, target therapies are receiving more attention as a preferred treatment to reduce the burden of chronic diseases which are associated with the current strategies. Nanotechnology is a highly promising field that offers a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system as a novel means of solving issues associated with the toxicity of conventional anti-obesity drugs. Vascular targeted nanotherapy (targeted bi-functionalized nanoparticles) as a strategy that can overcome the current available anti-obesity drugs. Aim: This study sought to understand the effects of nanotherapy in the hepatic lipid metabolism and secretion of bile acids Research focus: The effects of gold nanotherapy on the bile acid biosynthetic enzymes, transporters and lipogenic enzymes of rats that were on a high fat diet. Conclusion: The study shows low expression in the majority of genes responsible for bile acid synthesis and a lipogenic pathway; therefore, the effects of nanotherapy exhibit low toxicity in the hepatic lipid metabolism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Constraints in attainment of sustainable human settlements at Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies schools in a low-socio-economic are used to maintain discipline
- Authors: Manuel, Bianca Winestine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporal punishment -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44550 , vital:38143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies schools use to maintain discipline in a low socio-economic area. Poor discipline in public schools has become a major concern following the abolition of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education. The educational authorities left educators in schools with no constructive alternatives to maintain discipline and alternative strategies had to be found and implemented. Data were collected be means of semi-structured interviews, from principals, educators and school governing body (SGB) members. Three neighbouring high schools in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Nelson Mandela Bay District of Education were used. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study. The findings supported the literature that was consulted in that there is a wide range of causes of disciplinary problems in schools. According to the findings, there is a lack of effective strategies to maintain discipline in schools but Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is in line with the perceptions of the respondents in this study. This study opened a door for further research into effective strategies that are in line with the changing teaching environment in low socio-economic areas. The government should come on board to create an environment to promote the good life for educators and learners. The final outcome of this study focused on strategies that principals, educators and SGB members can use to maintain discipline in low socio-economic areas. These strategies can create an environment that is conducive for teaching and learning, especially in schools situated in low socio-economic areas. These include consistency, parental involvement, detention, suspension and the home environment and socio-economic circumstances. Learners must be disciplined and parents must be involved in the maintenance of discipline in schools situated in low socio-economic areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manuel, Bianca Winestine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporal punishment -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44550 , vital:38143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies schools use to maintain discipline in a low socio-economic area. Poor discipline in public schools has become a major concern following the abolition of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education. The educational authorities left educators in schools with no constructive alternatives to maintain discipline and alternative strategies had to be found and implemented. Data were collected be means of semi-structured interviews, from principals, educators and school governing body (SGB) members. Three neighbouring high schools in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Nelson Mandela Bay District of Education were used. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study. The findings supported the literature that was consulted in that there is a wide range of causes of disciplinary problems in schools. According to the findings, there is a lack of effective strategies to maintain discipline in schools but Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is in line with the perceptions of the respondents in this study. This study opened a door for further research into effective strategies that are in line with the changing teaching environment in low socio-economic areas. The government should come on board to create an environment to promote the good life for educators and learners. The final outcome of this study focused on strategies that principals, educators and SGB members can use to maintain discipline in low socio-economic areas. These strategies can create an environment that is conducive for teaching and learning, especially in schools situated in low socio-economic areas. These include consistency, parental involvement, detention, suspension and the home environment and socio-economic circumstances. Learners must be disciplined and parents must be involved in the maintenance of discipline in schools situated in low socio-economic areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) and the threat of wind farms: a race to extinction?
- Authors: Brooke, Francis Rae
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Wind Turbines --Blades --Materials , Gyps --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55910 , vital:54399
- Description: The development of wind energy is increasing globally and is often considered more environmentally friendly when compared to fossil fuel technologies. However, one of the ecological drawbacks of wind energy are the collisions of wildlife with turbine blades. In addition, the resulting anthropogenic landscape transformation can negatively impact populations. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), a large endangered southern African endemic species, thus may be at risk from turbine development. The species has decreased dramatically in the past 50 years and understanding how additional mortalities from wind turbine impacts affect the population is needed to ensure effective conservation efforts. This study aimed to determine the population response to this emerging threat. This study first reviewed the species-, site- and wind farm- specific traits that make Gyps species vulnerable to collision with wind energy infrastructure. It examined the monitoring practices employed during the pre- and post-construction phase and mitigation measures in South Africa and compared it with international standards. Furthermore, wind energy development may disrupt landscape connectivity and understanding which, and how habitat patches are used is needed. Using network theory combined with telemetry data from tagged individuals across three age classes, habitat patch use was identified. Further, environmental variables associated with identified habitat patches were identified. Additionally, considering the wind energy industry is expanding in South Africa, exploring how the Cape Vulture population will respond to this novel and emerging threat may aid future conservation management plans. Therefore, using a population viability analysis approach, the study explored how present and future wind turbine mortality scenarios impact the Cape Vulture population and how the population will respond to increased wind turbine development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Brooke, Francis Rae
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Wind Turbines --Blades --Materials , Gyps --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55910 , vital:54399
- Description: The development of wind energy is increasing globally and is often considered more environmentally friendly when compared to fossil fuel technologies. However, one of the ecological drawbacks of wind energy are the collisions of wildlife with turbine blades. In addition, the resulting anthropogenic landscape transformation can negatively impact populations. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), a large endangered southern African endemic species, thus may be at risk from turbine development. The species has decreased dramatically in the past 50 years and understanding how additional mortalities from wind turbine impacts affect the population is needed to ensure effective conservation efforts. This study aimed to determine the population response to this emerging threat. This study first reviewed the species-, site- and wind farm- specific traits that make Gyps species vulnerable to collision with wind energy infrastructure. It examined the monitoring practices employed during the pre- and post-construction phase and mitigation measures in South Africa and compared it with international standards. Furthermore, wind energy development may disrupt landscape connectivity and understanding which, and how habitat patches are used is needed. Using network theory combined with telemetry data from tagged individuals across three age classes, habitat patch use was identified. Further, environmental variables associated with identified habitat patches were identified. Additionally, considering the wind energy industry is expanding in South Africa, exploring how the Cape Vulture population will respond to this novel and emerging threat may aid future conservation management plans. Therefore, using a population viability analysis approach, the study explored how present and future wind turbine mortality scenarios impact the Cape Vulture population and how the population will respond to increased wind turbine development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Youth development through basketball in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Local economic development in the rural town of Butterworth, Mnquma Municipality, 1997-2013
- Authors: Magengelele, Mkhuseli
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51809 , vital:43374
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate how Local Economic Development (LED) in Mnquma, with a particular focus on Butterworth, has impacted the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor. The aim of the literature review is to analyse the existing knowledge about LED, its impact in the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor and the tangible concrete pointer that shows that all key sector role-players are participating in LED. This study is qualitative in nature and employs a case study as the research design. The convenience sampling technique was used to select seven municipal workers and eight members of the community, giving a total of 14 participants. An open-ended interview schedule was used for the face-to-face in-depth interviews in order to collect data from the participants. Collected data was thematically analysed and raw data put set into meaningful segments, codes and categories. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that Butterworth municipality was seen as having both urban and rural features. On the other hand, it was found that the municipality did nothing to provide basic services to the people, the towns were dirty and streets lights were not working, there was insufficient representation based on the number of councillors elected under the Mnquma Local Municipality, municipality councillors lack skills, do not give feedback to the communities and need to be capacitated. The study also found that: ward committee members are less involved in the governance of the local municipality; there is a prevalence of high level unemployment and poverty in the municipality. However, there are various expanded Public Works Programmes currently going on in the municipality. The researcher made some recommendations to ensure effective LED with regard to the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor of the Mnquma area in the Butterworth municipality. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Magengelele, Mkhuseli
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51809 , vital:43374
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate how Local Economic Development (LED) in Mnquma, with a particular focus on Butterworth, has impacted the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor. The aim of the literature review is to analyse the existing knowledge about LED, its impact in the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor and the tangible concrete pointer that shows that all key sector role-players are participating in LED. This study is qualitative in nature and employs a case study as the research design. The convenience sampling technique was used to select seven municipal workers and eight members of the community, giving a total of 14 participants. An open-ended interview schedule was used for the face-to-face in-depth interviews in order to collect data from the participants. Collected data was thematically analysed and raw data put set into meaningful segments, codes and categories. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analysed. Some of the findings were that Butterworth municipality was seen as having both urban and rural features. On the other hand, it was found that the municipality did nothing to provide basic services to the people, the towns were dirty and streets lights were not working, there was insufficient representation based on the number of councillors elected under the Mnquma Local Municipality, municipality councillors lack skills, do not give feedback to the communities and need to be capacitated. The study also found that: ward committee members are less involved in the governance of the local municipality; there is a prevalence of high level unemployment and poverty in the municipality. However, there are various expanded Public Works Programmes currently going on in the municipality. The researcher made some recommendations to ensure effective LED with regard to the alleviation of inequality, underdevelopment and poverty among the poorest of the poor of the Mnquma area in the Butterworth municipality. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Strategic architecture for quantity surveying Firms in South Africa
- Mokonenyane, Mofumahatsana Dibuseng
- Authors: Mokonenyane, Mofumahatsana Dibuseng
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sustainable architecture , Quantity surveyors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59521 , vital:62149
- Description: Quantity surveying firms are a crucial part of the construction industry because they are involved in the financial aspects of the projects, and their role and benefits have been documented across various studies. Furthermore, they provide services such as estimating, cost control and feasibility studies in numerous industries and these services are not limited to the construction industry. They are crucial in ensuring that the project proceeds according to budget, quality and time. Despite the noted benefits of quantity surveying firms, there has been a noticeable decline in the survival rate of the firms over the past ten years. It has been documented that several external and internal environmental factors affect the firms and thus have caused a decline in the survival rate. The volatility of internal and external forces that affect the industry has formed the basis of this study. Previous studies have failed to highlight the strategies to reduce threats and utilise opportunities. This study aims to establish common internal and external environmental factors affecting quantity surveying firms and determine these firms’ strategic architecture. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to assess the internal and external environment and strategic nature of Quantity surveying firms. In addition, a thematic analysis was administered to identify themes. The themes that arose from the external business environment were technology, political instability, tendering irregularities, lack of availability of work and the practice of green building. The technology theme highlighted the respondents’ views of the technological environment and the role of BIM and other software. Tendering irregularities threatened prospective tenderpreneurs as the respondents viewed the process as flawed and requiring better regulation. Lack of work was highlighted as a further factor. Although not many respondents mentioned this theme, green building is an emerging theme within the South African market. Two main themes were identified in the internal business environment: fee discounting and human resources. Fee discounting refers to the reduction of fees to secure work, while human resources were highlighted as an important factor and are regarded as the fuel that keeps the organisation running. Owing to the varying nature of factors within the external and internal business environment, it was concluded that there is no formal generic strategy that can be utilised to mitigate internal and external environmental factors. The client relationships were highlighted as an important factor, while client relationships were discussed under the balanced scorecard section of the study. The two main themes derived from the balanced scorecard were the financial perspective and client relationships under customer. Increased revenue per customer and venturing into new markets were the main themes mentioned within the financial perspective. The importance of nurturing client relationships was identified as an important factor under the customer section of the balanced scorecard. iii | P a g e The findings of this study will assist the stakeholders within the built environment in determining common internal and external environmental issues facing the industry. The recommendation will assist stakeholders in establishing probable solutions that can be implemented to overcome these challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mokonenyane, Mofumahatsana Dibuseng
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sustainable architecture , Quantity surveyors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59521 , vital:62149
- Description: Quantity surveying firms are a crucial part of the construction industry because they are involved in the financial aspects of the projects, and their role and benefits have been documented across various studies. Furthermore, they provide services such as estimating, cost control and feasibility studies in numerous industries and these services are not limited to the construction industry. They are crucial in ensuring that the project proceeds according to budget, quality and time. Despite the noted benefits of quantity surveying firms, there has been a noticeable decline in the survival rate of the firms over the past ten years. It has been documented that several external and internal environmental factors affect the firms and thus have caused a decline in the survival rate. The volatility of internal and external forces that affect the industry has formed the basis of this study. Previous studies have failed to highlight the strategies to reduce threats and utilise opportunities. This study aims to establish common internal and external environmental factors affecting quantity surveying firms and determine these firms’ strategic architecture. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to assess the internal and external environment and strategic nature of Quantity surveying firms. In addition, a thematic analysis was administered to identify themes. The themes that arose from the external business environment were technology, political instability, tendering irregularities, lack of availability of work and the practice of green building. The technology theme highlighted the respondents’ views of the technological environment and the role of BIM and other software. Tendering irregularities threatened prospective tenderpreneurs as the respondents viewed the process as flawed and requiring better regulation. Lack of work was highlighted as a further factor. Although not many respondents mentioned this theme, green building is an emerging theme within the South African market. Two main themes were identified in the internal business environment: fee discounting and human resources. Fee discounting refers to the reduction of fees to secure work, while human resources were highlighted as an important factor and are regarded as the fuel that keeps the organisation running. Owing to the varying nature of factors within the external and internal business environment, it was concluded that there is no formal generic strategy that can be utilised to mitigate internal and external environmental factors. The client relationships were highlighted as an important factor, while client relationships were discussed under the balanced scorecard section of the study. The two main themes derived from the balanced scorecard were the financial perspective and client relationships under customer. Increased revenue per customer and venturing into new markets were the main themes mentioned within the financial perspective. The importance of nurturing client relationships was identified as an important factor under the customer section of the balanced scorecard. iii | P a g e The findings of this study will assist the stakeholders within the built environment in determining common internal and external environmental issues facing the industry. The recommendation will assist stakeholders in establishing probable solutions that can be implemented to overcome these challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Vulnerability and coping strategies of the Missionvale informal settlement community to flood hazards
- Authors: Tele, Asanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urbanization -- South Africa Floods -- Health aspects Floods -- Economic aspects Floods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Emergency management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35796 , vital:33848
- Description: While many governments and organisations across the globe have programmes in place to control flood disasters, the challenges, unpreparedness and vulnerability to flooding in many parts of the world persist. This study used the low-lying area of Missionvale township in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study to investigate the extent of the vulnerability of informal settlement dwellers to flooding, and to understand how the community deals with and recovers from severe flood disasters. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey of 90 residents of the area, as well as interviews with the members of the community. Fieldwork and observations were also conducted. These focused on examining the area in terms of disaster relief. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review as well as a review of legislative frameworks. The findings indicate that since 1994, the government has put in place a disaster management system but the system still needs to be reinforced as periodic severe flooding continues to destroy properties and infrastructure in many communities. Crime as well as the emergence of water-borne diseases are negative spin-offs of these disasters. The research elaborates on the coping strategies of the community to floods and makes recommendations on vulnerability and coping strategies to floods in low-income settlements in South Africa. With climate change likely to aggravate flood disasters, it is recommended that the policy directions need stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, provide flood measures to houses and storm water drainage, develop early warning systems and improve community participation in disaster preparedness planning and efforts. In addition, it is crucial to improve post-disaster responses such as service delivery and support for the flood victims with needed resources and rebuilding of homes and lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Tele, Asanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urbanization -- South Africa Floods -- Health aspects Floods -- Economic aspects Floods -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Emergency management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35796 , vital:33848
- Description: While many governments and organisations across the globe have programmes in place to control flood disasters, the challenges, unpreparedness and vulnerability to flooding in many parts of the world persist. This study used the low-lying area of Missionvale township in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa as a case study to investigate the extent of the vulnerability of informal settlement dwellers to flooding, and to understand how the community deals with and recovers from severe flood disasters. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The empirical data for the study was obtained through a survey of 90 residents of the area, as well as interviews with the members of the community. Fieldwork and observations were also conducted. These focused on examining the area in terms of disaster relief. Secondary data was obtained through a literature review as well as a review of legislative frameworks. The findings indicate that since 1994, the government has put in place a disaster management system but the system still needs to be reinforced as periodic severe flooding continues to destroy properties and infrastructure in many communities. Crime as well as the emergence of water-borne diseases are negative spin-offs of these disasters. The research elaborates on the coping strategies of the community to floods and makes recommendations on vulnerability and coping strategies to floods in low-income settlements in South Africa. With climate change likely to aggravate flood disasters, it is recommended that the policy directions need stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, provide flood measures to houses and storm water drainage, develop early warning systems and improve community participation in disaster preparedness planning and efforts. In addition, it is crucial to improve post-disaster responses such as service delivery and support for the flood victims with needed resources and rebuilding of homes and lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Impacts of African elephant feeding on white rhinoceros foraging opportunities
- Authors: Prinsloo, Dominique
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Ecology -- South Africa , Grassland ecology -- South Africa Animal-plant relationships -- South Africa Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13768 , vital:27306
- Description: In this study, I investigated the interaction between two megaherbivores, the African elephant and white rhinoceros, that has the potential to impact grazing lawns of which white rhino are the creators and maintainers and elephants are potentially the modifiers. I hypothesized that as elephants browse, they discard a variety of coarse woody debris onto the ground; should this woody debris (of varying amounts and sizes) fall onto grazing lawns, white rhino either move them, consume grass around the woody debris or abandon the lawn entirely. If high levels of woody debris are deposited here, grazing by white rhino is likely to be prevented, at which time I predicted that mesoherbivores would have a competitive advantage in accessing forage that white rhino cannot. I examined the mechanistic links between different levels of elephant-deposited woody debris and grass response at a point scale and feeding patch spatial scale of grazing lawns in an African savanna. In addition, I assessed the response of mesoherbivores in terms of vigilance behaviour with increasing levels of predation risk posed by increasing levels of woody debris. I present the first evidence of an indirect effect of elephant on white rhino foraging behaviour. I demonstrate how increasing levels of woody debris lead to a decreasing probability of foraging by white rhino. I also demonstrate how the probability of foraging by mesoherbivores increases as the amount of forage increases. However, since this study took place during a severe drought where resources are extremely limited, I was unable to properly separate the effects of elephant-deposited woody debris from the severe lack of rainfall on grass response and subsequently herbivore foraging behaviour. Due possibly to the drought, mesoherbivores responded less or not at all to risk factors such as woody debris therefore woody debris was not a predictor of vigilance behaviour in my study. This study contributes to our understanding of how the impacts of elephants, as ecosystem engineers, have cascading effects on savanna ecosystems. My study showed that elephant impact mediates the foraging behaviour of white rhino during a drought. However, under average rainfall periods, my original hypothesized effect of the indirect impacts of elephants on white rhino foraging and grazing lawn dynamics could still hold. This key hypothesis that I was unable to test under ‘normal’ conditions due to the drought is still valid and functionally important for understanding the ecosystem processes driving grazing lawn formation, persistence and composition in African savannas where elephants and white rhinos coexist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Prinsloo, Dominique
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Herbivores -- Ecology -- South Africa , Grassland ecology -- South Africa Animal-plant relationships -- South Africa Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13768 , vital:27306
- Description: In this study, I investigated the interaction between two megaherbivores, the African elephant and white rhinoceros, that has the potential to impact grazing lawns of which white rhino are the creators and maintainers and elephants are potentially the modifiers. I hypothesized that as elephants browse, they discard a variety of coarse woody debris onto the ground; should this woody debris (of varying amounts and sizes) fall onto grazing lawns, white rhino either move them, consume grass around the woody debris or abandon the lawn entirely. If high levels of woody debris are deposited here, grazing by white rhino is likely to be prevented, at which time I predicted that mesoherbivores would have a competitive advantage in accessing forage that white rhino cannot. I examined the mechanistic links between different levels of elephant-deposited woody debris and grass response at a point scale and feeding patch spatial scale of grazing lawns in an African savanna. In addition, I assessed the response of mesoherbivores in terms of vigilance behaviour with increasing levels of predation risk posed by increasing levels of woody debris. I present the first evidence of an indirect effect of elephant on white rhino foraging behaviour. I demonstrate how increasing levels of woody debris lead to a decreasing probability of foraging by white rhino. I also demonstrate how the probability of foraging by mesoherbivores increases as the amount of forage increases. However, since this study took place during a severe drought where resources are extremely limited, I was unable to properly separate the effects of elephant-deposited woody debris from the severe lack of rainfall on grass response and subsequently herbivore foraging behaviour. Due possibly to the drought, mesoherbivores responded less or not at all to risk factors such as woody debris therefore woody debris was not a predictor of vigilance behaviour in my study. This study contributes to our understanding of how the impacts of elephants, as ecosystem engineers, have cascading effects on savanna ecosystems. My study showed that elephant impact mediates the foraging behaviour of white rhino during a drought. However, under average rainfall periods, my original hypothesized effect of the indirect impacts of elephants on white rhino foraging and grazing lawn dynamics could still hold. This key hypothesis that I was unable to test under ‘normal’ conditions due to the drought is still valid and functionally important for understanding the ecosystem processes driving grazing lawn formation, persistence and composition in African savannas where elephants and white rhinos coexist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Assessing Diabetes distress amongst type 2 Diabetic patients at the Mhlontlo sub-district healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo health District
- Authors: Mboniso, Veronica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Diabetes , Medical care , Primary health care -- OR Tambo Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60111 , vital:63096
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine condition that requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to its management to ensure patient well-being, although this can be challenging for various reasons. In addition, diabetes is a behavioural and emotionally demanding condition that could affect the psychosocial well-being of a patient. Diabetes distress is quite common in people living with diabetes, as they lose hope easily, especially when their diabetes is uncontrolled. The research study identified and described factors contributing to diabetes distress amongst type 2 diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo Health District. Probability sampling was used to select patients who were 18 years and older after approval from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and relevant authorisation was obtained. The study was conducted between August and October 2021, using a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which had been adapted from the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) created by Polonsky et al. (2005). A total of 136 diabetic patients completed the questionnaire, which comprised three sections: demographic information (Section A); the DDS-17 (Section B); and contributing factors to diabetes distress in diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics (Section C). The researcher conducted a pilot study in one of the clinics to check the feasibility of the questionnaire. After the data were collected, it was statistically analysed with the assistance of a statistician to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysed data revealed that most of the diabetic patients indicated that they found travelling far to fetch medication and standing in long queues at the clinic distressing. Therefore, they wanted the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme to be rolled out to bring medication to them. The results also revealed that the patients' diabetes distress was exacerbated by them having to travel to clinics in search of medication when their usual clinic had no adequate v stocks of medication. Another factor contributing to the patients’ diabetes distress was the lack of a doctor on site. The patients indicated that doctors should be available at the clinics, even periodically, to address problems that cannot be solved by nurses. The absence of haemoglucotest (HGT machines at clinics was another contributing factor to diabetes distress. Most of the patients in the study felt that they would manage their diabetes better if the government supplied these machines. The results informed various recommendations that might help the management of OR Tambo Health District to make changes and thus minimise the diabetes distress reported by its patients. However, the study had limitations, although it observed the principles of reliability and validity. Moreover, ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report, and the study adhered to the principles of informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence and distributive justice. , Thesis (MNur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Lifestyle Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Mboniso, Veronica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Diabetes , Medical care , Primary health care -- OR Tambo Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60111 , vital:63096
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine condition that requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to its management to ensure patient well-being, although this can be challenging for various reasons. In addition, diabetes is a behavioural and emotionally demanding condition that could affect the psychosocial well-being of a patient. Diabetes distress is quite common in people living with diabetes, as they lose hope easily, especially when their diabetes is uncontrolled. The research study identified and described factors contributing to diabetes distress amongst type 2 diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo Health District. Probability sampling was used to select patients who were 18 years and older after approval from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and relevant authorisation was obtained. The study was conducted between August and October 2021, using a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which had been adapted from the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) created by Polonsky et al. (2005). A total of 136 diabetic patients completed the questionnaire, which comprised three sections: demographic information (Section A); the DDS-17 (Section B); and contributing factors to diabetes distress in diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics (Section C). The researcher conducted a pilot study in one of the clinics to check the feasibility of the questionnaire. After the data were collected, it was statistically analysed with the assistance of a statistician to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysed data revealed that most of the diabetic patients indicated that they found travelling far to fetch medication and standing in long queues at the clinic distressing. Therefore, they wanted the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme to be rolled out to bring medication to them. The results also revealed that the patients' diabetes distress was exacerbated by them having to travel to clinics in search of medication when their usual clinic had no adequate v stocks of medication. Another factor contributing to the patients’ diabetes distress was the lack of a doctor on site. The patients indicated that doctors should be available at the clinics, even periodically, to address problems that cannot be solved by nurses. The absence of haemoglucotest (HGT machines at clinics was another contributing factor to diabetes distress. Most of the patients in the study felt that they would manage their diabetes better if the government supplied these machines. The results informed various recommendations that might help the management of OR Tambo Health District to make changes and thus minimise the diabetes distress reported by its patients. However, the study had limitations, although it observed the principles of reliability and validity. Moreover, ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report, and the study adhered to the principles of informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence and distributive justice. , Thesis (MNur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Lifestyle Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The influence of organisational culture on organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry
- Authors: Pegram, Carla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19684 , vital:28934
- Description: Given the importance of organisational culture on the success of commercial banks, the prevalence of increased employee turnover rates, as well as the challenges that banks face with regard to preventing the loss of employees to its competitors, this study focused on the influence of selected organisational culture factors on the organisational commitment of banking employees. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the influence of selected organisational culture factors on Organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of organisational commitment and organisational culture were described in the context of the banking industry. From the literature it was evident that the organisational culture of a bank has an influence on the organisational commitment of employees. The literature highlighted Involvement of employees (Empowerment of employees, Team orientation and Capacity development of employees), Adaptability (Creating change, Customer focus and Organisational learning), Consistency (Core values, Coordination and integration and Agreement) and Mission (Vision, Goals and objectives and Strategic direction and intent) as the major factors of organisational culture which influence the organisational culture of a business, in this case a commercial bank. These factors of organisational culture formed the main focus of this study. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology were adopted for this study and a descriptive research approach was used. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, as well as the sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all banking employees of the selected commercial bank within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. The sample size in this study consisted of 700 banking employees. A survey was undertaken and a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in order to gather the necessary data. The measuring instrument used was based on an existing questionnaire used in previous research. Where necessary the items were reworded to suit this study. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 336 usable questionnaires. Thus, an effective response rate of 49.43% was achieved. The reliability of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.6 were deemed to be reliable. Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.6 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, thus satisfactory evidence of reliability were provided. The validity of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Items originally intended to measure the constructs under investigation did not all load as expected. One item measuring each of the factors, namely, Empowerment of employees, Creating change, Organisational learning, Agreement, and Coordination and integration, did not load as expected and was thus excluded from further statistical analyses. The operationalisation for these factors was amended accordingly. The items measuring each of the remaining constructs, namely, Organisational commitment, Team orientation, Capacity development of employees, Customer focus, Core values, Vision, Goals and objectives, and Strategic direction and intent, all loaded as expected. The sample data was summarised using descriptive statistics. In addition, t-tests were used to determine whether the differences in mean scores returned by the demographic variable Gender and the independent and dependent variables under investigation, were significantly different from each other. Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations coefficients were used to assess the associations between the variables under investigation. A Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was undertaken to measure the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variables investigated in this study. Lastly, the relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables were tested by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The dependent variable Organisational commitment returned a mean score of 6.11, with the majority of banking employees agreeing that they are highly committed to the bank and feel a strong personal connection towards the bank, would recommend working at this bank to others, would find it difficult to leave and would continue to work for the bank out of choice rather than necessity. The independent variables investigated returned mean scores of between 6.05 (Coordination and integration) and 6.32 (Strategic direction and intent) with most respondents agreeing that the conditions or relationships investigated existed within the bank in which they worked. The results of the MRA reported significant positive linear relationships between Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. Furthermore, a significant negative linear relationship between Core values and the dependent variable Organisational commitment were reported. No significant linear relationships emerged between the remaining independent variables, namely, Team orientation, Creating change, Customer focus, Organisational learning, Agreement, Vision and Goals objectives, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. The results of the ANOVA reported various significant relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables investigated in the study. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist managers of banks to ultimately improve the organisational commitment of employees by adopting and encouraging certain behaviours in terms of the organisational culture of the bank. The findings of this study showed that by focusing on Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, banks can enhance the organisational commitment of their employees. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide bank managers with practical suggestions on how to use these organisational culture factors to improve organisational commitment among employees, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the organisational culture factors in banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pegram, Carla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19684 , vital:28934
- Description: Given the importance of organisational culture on the success of commercial banks, the prevalence of increased employee turnover rates, as well as the challenges that banks face with regard to preventing the loss of employees to its competitors, this study focused on the influence of selected organisational culture factors on the organisational commitment of banking employees. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the influence of selected organisational culture factors on Organisational commitment of employees in the banking industry in the Eastern Cape. An overview of the literature was provided whereby the nature and importance of organisational commitment and organisational culture were described in the context of the banking industry. From the literature it was evident that the organisational culture of a bank has an influence on the organisational commitment of employees. The literature highlighted Involvement of employees (Empowerment of employees, Team orientation and Capacity development of employees), Adaptability (Creating change, Customer focus and Organisational learning), Consistency (Core values, Coordination and integration and Agreement) and Mission (Vision, Goals and objectives and Strategic direction and intent) as the major factors of organisational culture which influence the organisational culture of a business, in this case a commercial bank. These factors of organisational culture formed the main focus of this study. A positivistic research paradigm and quantitative research methodology were adopted for this study and a descriptive research approach was used. The primary data collection procedures involved selecting the population, the sample, sampling techniques, as well as the sample size. For the purpose of this study, the population consisted of all banking employees of the selected commercial bank within the borders of the Eastern Cape province. The sample size in this study consisted of 700 banking employees. A survey was undertaken and a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in order to gather the necessary data. The measuring instrument used was based on an existing questionnaire used in previous research. Where necessary the items were reworded to suit this study. A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed, which resulted in 336 usable questionnaires. Thus, an effective response rate of 49.43% was achieved. The reliability of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients, whereby coefficients greater than 0.6 were deemed to be reliable. Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients of greater than 0.6 were returned for all the factors measured using ordinal scales, thus satisfactory evidence of reliability were provided. The validity of the ordinal scales of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Items originally intended to measure the constructs under investigation did not all load as expected. One item measuring each of the factors, namely, Empowerment of employees, Creating change, Organisational learning, Agreement, and Coordination and integration, did not load as expected and was thus excluded from further statistical analyses. The operationalisation for these factors was amended accordingly. The items measuring each of the remaining constructs, namely, Organisational commitment, Team orientation, Capacity development of employees, Customer focus, Core values, Vision, Goals and objectives, and Strategic direction and intent, all loaded as expected. The sample data was summarised using descriptive statistics. In addition, t-tests were used to determine whether the differences in mean scores returned by the demographic variable Gender and the independent and dependent variables under investigation, were significantly different from each other. Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations coefficients were used to assess the associations between the variables under investigation. A Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was undertaken to measure the relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variables investigated in this study. Lastly, the relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables were tested by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The dependent variable Organisational commitment returned a mean score of 6.11, with the majority of banking employees agreeing that they are highly committed to the bank and feel a strong personal connection towards the bank, would recommend working at this bank to others, would find it difficult to leave and would continue to work for the bank out of choice rather than necessity. The independent variables investigated returned mean scores of between 6.05 (Coordination and integration) and 6.32 (Strategic direction and intent) with most respondents agreeing that the conditions or relationships investigated existed within the bank in which they worked. The results of the MRA reported significant positive linear relationships between Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. Furthermore, a significant negative linear relationship between Core values and the dependent variable Organisational commitment were reported. No significant linear relationships emerged between the remaining independent variables, namely, Team orientation, Creating change, Customer focus, Organisational learning, Agreement, Vision and Goals objectives, and the dependent variable Organisational commitment. The results of the ANOVA reported various significant relationships between the demographic variables and the dependent and independent variables investigated in the study. Based on the findings of this study, numerous recommendations were proposed to assist managers of banks to ultimately improve the organisational commitment of employees by adopting and encouraging certain behaviours in terms of the organisational culture of the bank. The findings of this study showed that by focusing on Empowerment of employees, Capacity development of employees, Coordination and integration and Strategic direction and intent, banks can enhance the organisational commitment of their employees. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide bank managers with practical suggestions on how to use these organisational culture factors to improve organisational commitment among employees, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to continue investigating the organisational culture factors in banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A comparative analysis of the taxation of lease transactions in South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria
- Authors: Galada, Khayalethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Tax accounting -- South Africa , Tax accounting -- Australia , Tax accounting -- Nigeria , Taxation -- South Africa Taxation -- Australia Taxation -- Nigeria Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51428 , vital:43274
- Description: This treatise compared the tax treatment of lease transactions in South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria from both the lessor and lessee perspective. The analysis revealed that there are similarities and differences in the tax treatment of lease transactions between South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria. In particular, one major difference was that unlike Nigeria, South Africa and Australia have not aligned the income tax treatment of lease transactions with the accounting treatment of lease transactions in terms of IFRS 16. Consequently, the research concludes that certain parts of the tax treatment of lease transactions in South Africa may be deemed to be inadequate as a result of the misalignment between the income tax and accounting treatment of lease transactions and the inconsistency between the income tax and VAT treatment of lease transactions. This research proposes that the South African income tax treatment of lease transactions be revised by aligning the income tax treatment of lease transactions with the accounting treatment of lease transactions for simplicity purposes, and that the inconsistency between the income tax treatment and the value-added tax of lease transactions be eliminated. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A comparative analysis of the taxation of lease transactions in South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria
- Authors: Galada, Khayalethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Tax accounting -- South Africa , Tax accounting -- Australia , Tax accounting -- Nigeria , Taxation -- South Africa Taxation -- Australia Taxation -- Nigeria Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51428 , vital:43274
- Description: This treatise compared the tax treatment of lease transactions in South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria from both the lessor and lessee perspective. The analysis revealed that there are similarities and differences in the tax treatment of lease transactions between South Africa, Australia, and Nigeria. In particular, one major difference was that unlike Nigeria, South Africa and Australia have not aligned the income tax treatment of lease transactions with the accounting treatment of lease transactions in terms of IFRS 16. Consequently, the research concludes that certain parts of the tax treatment of lease transactions in South Africa may be deemed to be inadequate as a result of the misalignment between the income tax and accounting treatment of lease transactions and the inconsistency between the income tax and VAT treatment of lease transactions. This research proposes that the South African income tax treatment of lease transactions be revised by aligning the income tax treatment of lease transactions with the accounting treatment of lease transactions for simplicity purposes, and that the inconsistency between the income tax treatment and the value-added tax of lease transactions be eliminated. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Accounting, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring an effective energy transition management framework for the South African energy sector
- Authors: Lloyd, Vuyisile Patrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Power resources -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51753 , vital:43369
- Description: The global energy transition slowed in 2019 according to the Energy Transition Index report from World Economic Forum, and South Africa (SA) was ranked one hundred and fourteenth out of the one hundred and fifteen countries assessed South Africa thus demonstrated low results in both the energy system performance index and the readiness for energy transition. A range of countries are also facing challenges that are central to the transformation of the energy sector, including protecting the environment, energy security and climate change. These persistent global crises and problems experienced by the energy sector in relation also to scarcity of natural resources, widening social inequalities and environmental degradation, have necessitated reforms and transitions in the energy sector. This study follows an interpretivism research philosophy because it is more suitable for a qualitative research methodology. The strategy of case study research is related to the paradigm of interpretivism approach and thus to the methodology of qualitative research. Various research strategies are used to gain in-depth knowledge, including the use of a case study research methodology to investigate a particular natural setting phenomenon. The research methodology with the embedded sub-units of analysis uses a single case study instrument. The primary unit of analysis considered for this study is the energy sector in South Africa in its current state. For this study, semi-structured interviews are utilised as the research instrument forming the primary data. Transition management and research propositions as conceptualised in this case study are theoretical concepts that management could use to positively influence the South African energy transition. SA is seriously impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. The online research approach used resulted in some limitations during data collection, not being able to conduct interviews face-to-face and inability to observe participants during data collection. The researcher also found limitations on accessing data from some of the energy experts recruited to participate in the research. Some reported being busy and not having time to fill out the questionnaires. The researcher carried out follow-ups and recruited new participants. Primary data was ultimately collected from a total of five energy experts who participated in the study against the initial plan for eight participants. Most energy transition studies have focused almost entirely on energy technologies choices. The research intends to contribute to the body of knowledge and provides solutions for management, government and energy sector stakeholders to build strategies to resolve the complex and persistent challenges that slow down the energy transition in South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Lloyd, Vuyisile Patrick
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Energy development -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Power resources -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51753 , vital:43369
- Description: The global energy transition slowed in 2019 according to the Energy Transition Index report from World Economic Forum, and South Africa (SA) was ranked one hundred and fourteenth out of the one hundred and fifteen countries assessed South Africa thus demonstrated low results in both the energy system performance index and the readiness for energy transition. A range of countries are also facing challenges that are central to the transformation of the energy sector, including protecting the environment, energy security and climate change. These persistent global crises and problems experienced by the energy sector in relation also to scarcity of natural resources, widening social inequalities and environmental degradation, have necessitated reforms and transitions in the energy sector. This study follows an interpretivism research philosophy because it is more suitable for a qualitative research methodology. The strategy of case study research is related to the paradigm of interpretivism approach and thus to the methodology of qualitative research. Various research strategies are used to gain in-depth knowledge, including the use of a case study research methodology to investigate a particular natural setting phenomenon. The research methodology with the embedded sub-units of analysis uses a single case study instrument. The primary unit of analysis considered for this study is the energy sector in South Africa in its current state. For this study, semi-structured interviews are utilised as the research instrument forming the primary data. Transition management and research propositions as conceptualised in this case study are theoretical concepts that management could use to positively influence the South African energy transition. SA is seriously impacted by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. The online research approach used resulted in some limitations during data collection, not being able to conduct interviews face-to-face and inability to observe participants during data collection. The researcher also found limitations on accessing data from some of the energy experts recruited to participate in the research. Some reported being busy and not having time to fill out the questionnaires. The researcher carried out follow-ups and recruited new participants. Primary data was ultimately collected from a total of five energy experts who participated in the study against the initial plan for eight participants. Most energy transition studies have focused almost entirely on energy technologies choices. The research intends to contribute to the body of knowledge and provides solutions for management, government and energy sector stakeholders to build strategies to resolve the complex and persistent challenges that slow down the energy transition in South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04