Evaluating the extent to which Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) libraries meet student expectations
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhibing, Mu
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/648 , Nelson Mandela Metropoliotan University. Library , Academic libraries -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Description: The failure to evaluate the service quality by comparing service expectations and service perceptions of students requires that the management of NMMU libraries identify the service expectations and service perceptions of students and measure the gaps between these service expectations and service perceptions of students. A literature review was conducted to explore the service expectations and service perceptions of students. An effective method (using the LibQUAL model) to evaluate the service quality of NMMU libraries based on the service expectations of students was described. Thereafter, a LibQUAL survey was used to collect the required empirical data from a convenience sample of 2 047 students enrolled at NMMU. The empirical findings showed that gaps existed between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different campuses of NMMU. At different campuses of NMMU, the service expectations of students were not met in term of the service perceptions of the four dimensions (affect of service, library as place, information access and personal control) of the LibQUAL model. ii The study identified the gaps between the service expectations and service perceptions of students at different NMMU campuses and conclusions and recommendations based on these gaps were formulated. The management of the NMMU libraries needs to choose appropriate strategies to improve the quality of NMMU library services based on the service expectations of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The influence of selected elements of service quality provided by Chinese fine-dining restaurants in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Zhao, Feng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1088 , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: A good understanding of customer expectations is very important to service providers. Since the Chinese first came to South Africa and started their restaurant businesses. Chinese fine-dining restaurants have become more and more popular. Identifying the customer expectations and Chinese fine-dining restaurant owner perceptions will help Chinese service providers to understand better the restaurant businesses. To ensure the development of the Chinese restaurant business in South Africa, it is very important to understand what South African customers want, whether there are differences between the Chinese restaurant owner perceptions of the service quality and South African customer expectations of the service quality. This would depend on the customers’ preferences, and provide a positive contribution to customer decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to understand and identify what is customer expectations are, what the management perceptions are and the differences between them. 5 In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the following approach was followed: Factors that influence the customer expectations and management perceptions are explained. Five factors used to measure the service quality of Chinese fine-dining restaurants are identified, namely reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibility. The responses to the questionnaire were collected and analysed to determine the extent to which factors are both important to customer expectations and management perceptions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zhao, Feng
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1088 , Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Quality control , Restaurants -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: A good understanding of customer expectations is very important to service providers. Since the Chinese first came to South Africa and started their restaurant businesses. Chinese fine-dining restaurants have become more and more popular. Identifying the customer expectations and Chinese fine-dining restaurant owner perceptions will help Chinese service providers to understand better the restaurant businesses. To ensure the development of the Chinese restaurant business in South Africa, it is very important to understand what South African customers want, whether there are differences between the Chinese restaurant owner perceptions of the service quality and South African customer expectations of the service quality. This would depend on the customers’ preferences, and provide a positive contribution to customer decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to understand and identify what is customer expectations are, what the management perceptions are and the differences between them. 5 In order to achieve the objectives of the research, the following approach was followed: Factors that influence the customer expectations and management perceptions are explained. Five factors used to measure the service quality of Chinese fine-dining restaurants are identified, namely reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibility. The responses to the questionnaire were collected and analysed to determine the extent to which factors are both important to customer expectations and management perceptions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Trade, financial development and the economic growth nexus in South Africa
- Authors: Zhanje, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13327 , vital:27175
- Description: South Africa is endowed with a well-developed and regulated financial system which compares favourably with those of other developed economies. Therefore the financial sector is intended to play a significant role in supporting the real economy, by enhancing trade and stimulating economic growth and development. Despite the existence of a stable, developed and well-regulated financial sector, the South African economy has experienced current account deficits for the past 10 years and economic growth rates have mostly trailed behind the targets prescribed by the socio-economic programs formulated and implemented since 1994. To solve the trade – financial development – economic growth nexus problem, most studies have focused on other countries while research studies on South Africa did not explicitly investigate the trade – financial development – economic growth triangle, the linkage which failed to yield the desired outcome for South Africa’s post 1994 era.Therefore, this study employs Cointegration Vector Autoregressive (CVAR) methodology to investigate the relationship between trade, financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The unit root test revealed that the variables considered in the study are I(1) variables and the Johansen cointegration test justified the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. The empirical findings indicate that imports and financial development are positively related to exports whilst economic growth is negatively related to exports. The VAR Ganger causality test has shown that there is a uni-directional causality running from financial development to economic growth, exports and imports and that imports Granger cause exports. The results of this study form the basis for further investigation into the non-performance of exports and economic growth in the nexus. The research study opens up new policy insights by suggesting that financial policy can be used to be more supportive to the production of intermediate and finished products destined for both international and domestic markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zhanje, Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- South Africa Finance -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13327 , vital:27175
- Description: South Africa is endowed with a well-developed and regulated financial system which compares favourably with those of other developed economies. Therefore the financial sector is intended to play a significant role in supporting the real economy, by enhancing trade and stimulating economic growth and development. Despite the existence of a stable, developed and well-regulated financial sector, the South African economy has experienced current account deficits for the past 10 years and economic growth rates have mostly trailed behind the targets prescribed by the socio-economic programs formulated and implemented since 1994. To solve the trade – financial development – economic growth nexus problem, most studies have focused on other countries while research studies on South Africa did not explicitly investigate the trade – financial development – economic growth triangle, the linkage which failed to yield the desired outcome for South Africa’s post 1994 era.Therefore, this study employs Cointegration Vector Autoregressive (CVAR) methodology to investigate the relationship between trade, financial development and economic growth in South Africa. The unit root test revealed that the variables considered in the study are I(1) variables and the Johansen cointegration test justified the existence of a long run relationship among the variables. The empirical findings indicate that imports and financial development are positively related to exports whilst economic growth is negatively related to exports. The VAR Ganger causality test has shown that there is a uni-directional causality running from financial development to economic growth, exports and imports and that imports Granger cause exports. The results of this study form the basis for further investigation into the non-performance of exports and economic growth in the nexus. The research study opens up new policy insights by suggesting that financial policy can be used to be more supportive to the production of intermediate and finished products destined for both international and domestic markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of the relationship between the housing reform programme and housing industry development in China
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An investigation into guests' perceived service quality of the bed-and-breakfast and guest house market industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay area
- Authors: Zhang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Boardinghouses -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1087
- Description: The tourism and hospitality industry has made a meaningful contribution to the development of the South African economy. Not only the hotels, but also the demand for self-catering holiday properties such as guest houses and bed-and-breakfast Bed and Breakfast establishments is increasing which could boost the tourist industry. Moreover, the prospect of the self-catering holiday properties in South Africa is extremely positive, particularly when the country is given the opportunity to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thus, expectations and perceptions are significantly shaped and transformed by the prosperous environment. The self-catering holiday properties should provide the best possible service to international and domestic tourists and ensure that their needs are fully met. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality of guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay by comparing guests’ expectations and perceptions. The results of this study could assist the managers of guest house and Bed and Breakfast in improving its service performance to more effectively fulfil the needs of dynamic tourist market. The literature study provided an overview of tourism industry from the management and marketing perspectives, services marketing and a detailed discussion of service quality focusing on the nature of services, determinants of service quality and techniques for measuring service quality. The SERVQUAL model and its derivative, Lodging Quality Index (LQI), were adapted for measuring the guests’ perceived service quality in this research. ii The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to guests who were staying at guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay identified in terms of convenience sampling. One hundred and five useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings based on the perception-minus-expectation (P-E) gap analysis showed that the perception mean scores were consistently lower than the expectation mean scores. This implies that guests perceived service quality of guest house and Bed and Breakfast to be relatively low. It is recommended that the managers of guest houses and BBs should: uniform the employees; use every tool to figure out what the guest wants; establish specific working procedures and help employees to understand their job responsibilities and mangers’ expectations; invite suggestions of existing located facilities from guests, and move the inconvenient facilities if possible; employ a communication audit to evaluate the overall quality of the communication system by comparing communication objectives to actual performance; combine useful destination information from different sources and update them on the website frequently; and apply an attracting layout to build positive image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zhang, Jin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Customer services , Boardinghouses -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1087
- Description: The tourism and hospitality industry has made a meaningful contribution to the development of the South African economy. Not only the hotels, but also the demand for self-catering holiday properties such as guest houses and bed-and-breakfast Bed and Breakfast establishments is increasing which could boost the tourist industry. Moreover, the prospect of the self-catering holiday properties in South Africa is extremely positive, particularly when the country is given the opportunity to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thus, expectations and perceptions are significantly shaped and transformed by the prosperous environment. The self-catering holiday properties should provide the best possible service to international and domestic tourists and ensure that their needs are fully met. The general purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality of guest houses and Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay by comparing guests’ expectations and perceptions. The results of this study could assist the managers of guest house and Bed and Breakfast in improving its service performance to more effectively fulfil the needs of dynamic tourist market. The literature study provided an overview of tourism industry from the management and marketing perspectives, services marketing and a detailed discussion of service quality focusing on the nature of services, determinants of service quality and techniques for measuring service quality. The SERVQUAL model and its derivative, Lodging Quality Index (LQI), were adapted for measuring the guests’ perceived service quality in this research. ii The empirical data was collected by means of a survey, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to guests who were staying at guest houses or Bed and Breakfasts in the Nelson Mandela Bay identified in terms of convenience sampling. One hundred and five useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings based on the perception-minus-expectation (P-E) gap analysis showed that the perception mean scores were consistently lower than the expectation mean scores. This implies that guests perceived service quality of guest house and Bed and Breakfast to be relatively low. It is recommended that the managers of guest houses and BBs should: uniform the employees; use every tool to figure out what the guest wants; establish specific working procedures and help employees to understand their job responsibilities and mangers’ expectations; invite suggestions of existing located facilities from guests, and move the inconvenient facilities if possible; employ a communication audit to evaluate the overall quality of the communication system by comparing communication objectives to actual performance; combine useful destination information from different sources and update them on the website frequently; and apply an attracting layout to build positive image.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The sustainability of health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Zhakata, Chikomborero
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Health services administration , Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019704
- Description: Primary health care is pivotal to the growth of a country’s economy by improving the health and social well-being of its people. Several efforts and structures have been put in place to ensure that all South Africans have access to health facilities as well as representation in the health facilities, just as community members are represented in schools and other boards. Health committees play an important and integral role to the community and health facilities by being mediators between the community and the health facility (Padarath &Friedman, 2008). The Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that has health committees that are fully functional and a number of factors including the collaboration of key stakeholders (facility managers, community members, clinic staff and ward councillors) contribute to why health committees have been operational in the Eastern Cape(Padarath &Friedman , 2008). It becomes critical to investigate factors that sustain health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay. This chapter introduces the research topic, purpose, rationale and background as well as the objectives of the study. The research focuses on investigating the sustainability of health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay therefore making it critical to define the term sustainability. Conceptualizing sustainability has been ongoing with various definitions from learners from different backgrounds. Sustainability as a concept emanates from different dimensions namely, scientific, political economic and indigenous dimension. Sustainability has been described by scholars as a state of well-being and as an evolutionary process (Dimitrov, 2010). Sustainability is regarded as a state of well being whereby humans can live in co-exist with the natural world, this definition takes into account issues to do with good health , cultural identity, personal security and freedom of choice. Sustainability- well being brings out a lot of questions and problems in identifying the fundamentals values of sustainability. It is continuously debated amoung scholars if sustainability of well being pertains only to the health conditions of human beings or it should be extended to others (Dimitrov, 2010) “Sustainability that is restricted to the well being of humans is related to Notions about security of individual/community health together with financial security together with financial security; the planet is regarded as a resource to further this end (Dimitrov, 2010:4) If however well-being definitions of sustainability are construed to preserving and protecting the environment as well as biodiversity of other species (plant and animals) then the normative definitions of sustainability from this viewpoint are tendered with notions of global Environmental stability, ecological considerations and security of ecosystems” (Dimitrov, 2010:4).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Zhakata, Chikomborero
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Health services administration , Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019704
- Description: Primary health care is pivotal to the growth of a country’s economy by improving the health and social well-being of its people. Several efforts and structures have been put in place to ensure that all South Africans have access to health facilities as well as representation in the health facilities, just as community members are represented in schools and other boards. Health committees play an important and integral role to the community and health facilities by being mediators between the community and the health facility (Padarath &Friedman, 2008). The Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that has health committees that are fully functional and a number of factors including the collaboration of key stakeholders (facility managers, community members, clinic staff and ward councillors) contribute to why health committees have been operational in the Eastern Cape(Padarath &Friedman , 2008). It becomes critical to investigate factors that sustain health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay. This chapter introduces the research topic, purpose, rationale and background as well as the objectives of the study. The research focuses on investigating the sustainability of health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay therefore making it critical to define the term sustainability. Conceptualizing sustainability has been ongoing with various definitions from learners from different backgrounds. Sustainability as a concept emanates from different dimensions namely, scientific, political economic and indigenous dimension. Sustainability has been described by scholars as a state of well-being and as an evolutionary process (Dimitrov, 2010). Sustainability is regarded as a state of well being whereby humans can live in co-exist with the natural world, this definition takes into account issues to do with good health , cultural identity, personal security and freedom of choice. Sustainability- well being brings out a lot of questions and problems in identifying the fundamentals values of sustainability. It is continuously debated amoung scholars if sustainability of well being pertains only to the health conditions of human beings or it should be extended to others (Dimitrov, 2010) “Sustainability that is restricted to the well being of humans is related to Notions about security of individual/community health together with financial security together with financial security; the planet is regarded as a resource to further this end (Dimitrov, 2010:4) If however well-being definitions of sustainability are construed to preserving and protecting the environment as well as biodiversity of other species (plant and animals) then the normative definitions of sustainability from this viewpoint are tendered with notions of global Environmental stability, ecological considerations and security of ecosystems” (Dimitrov, 2010:4).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth manufacturing plant : an empirical study
- Authors: Zerbst, Nicolaas Jacobus
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial productivity , Manufacturing industries -- Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013009
- Description: Manufacturing in South Africa constantly face competition from both local as well as foreign entities. Productivity growth is viewed by many executives and business leaders as the key element in maintaining competitiveness in the global economy. The success of the South African manufacturing and its global competitiveness lie in its productivity. By focusing on promoting productivity, South African manufacturers will establish a source of sustained competitive gains, while labour will establish a sustainable source of income growth. The Eberspacher South Africa Port Elizabeth (ESA) is not in any way immune to the level of competition that impacts all businesses in South Africa. ESA not only competeswith other local catalytic converter companies in terms of a high level of productivity, but also with other manufacturing plants within the Eberspacher Group globally. In Eberspacher all exhaust manufacturing plants are constantly benchmarked, comparing productivity levels, quality levels, cost and delivery. This data is used not only to determine goals, but also forms a key determinant as to where any new business is placed. The internal competition encourages all manufacturing plants within Eberspacher to continously improve plant productivity within group. A company is competitive if it is able to produce products that are either cheaper or better than those of other firms. Most of ESA customers are internal final assembly plants from Europe, USA, India and China. ESA therefore constantly have to ensure that they are competitive in all aspects of business, including productivity. In ESA, the overall productivity performance of the manufacturing plant is of utmost importance to ensure the ability to supply all the customers with cost competitive products, at the right time and with zero defects. Productivity in Eberspacher is used as a vital measurement to the sourcing decision for any new business awarded to the group. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth Manufacturing Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zerbst, Nicolaas Jacobus
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial productivity , Manufacturing industries -- Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013009
- Description: Manufacturing in South Africa constantly face competition from both local as well as foreign entities. Productivity growth is viewed by many executives and business leaders as the key element in maintaining competitiveness in the global economy. The success of the South African manufacturing and its global competitiveness lie in its productivity. By focusing on promoting productivity, South African manufacturers will establish a source of sustained competitive gains, while labour will establish a sustainable source of income growth. The Eberspacher South Africa Port Elizabeth (ESA) is not in any way immune to the level of competition that impacts all businesses in South Africa. ESA not only competeswith other local catalytic converter companies in terms of a high level of productivity, but also with other manufacturing plants within the Eberspacher Group globally. In Eberspacher all exhaust manufacturing plants are constantly benchmarked, comparing productivity levels, quality levels, cost and delivery. This data is used not only to determine goals, but also forms a key determinant as to where any new business is placed. The internal competition encourages all manufacturing plants within Eberspacher to continously improve plant productivity within group. A company is competitive if it is able to produce products that are either cheaper or better than those of other firms. Most of ESA customers are internal final assembly plants from Europe, USA, India and China. ESA therefore constantly have to ensure that they are competitive in all aspects of business, including productivity. In ESA, the overall productivity performance of the manufacturing plant is of utmost importance to ensure the ability to supply all the customers with cost competitive products, at the right time and with zero defects. Productivity in Eberspacher is used as a vital measurement to the sourcing decision for any new business awarded to the group. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth Manufacturing Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Retirement income -- South Africa -- Case studies South Africa -- Finance Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13338 , vital:27176
- Description: Despite the importance of retirement planning, many South Africans have been documented as reaching retirement age without adequate retirement funding. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how proper retirement planning can be beneficial for individuals; however, there has been a lack of attention given to researching the retirement planning of black individuals in South Africa. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test which factors influence retirement planning, and which aspects of retirement planning influence the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on the factors influencing the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of individuals, the following independent variables were identified as influencing the mediating variable (Aspects of retirement planning) and the dependent variable (Retirement funding adequacy) in this study: • Financial literacy; • The role of the financial planner; • Family support structure; and • Health status. These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses, as they have been identified as the prominent factors that influence the retirement planning of black South Africans. Furthermore, these independent variables were used in determining whether they have an influence on the Aspects of retirement planning (incorporating Retirement provisions, Retirement attitudes and Retirement intentions) and, ultimately, improve the Retirement funding adequacy of individuals. In order to establish the influence of the aspects of retirement planning on the retirement funding adequacy of individuals, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified though a mixed sampling approach, whereby stratified sampling and convenience sampling were used to attain 441 usable questionnaires that were subjected to statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, in the form of frequency distributions, were used to summarise Section A and Section B of the measuring instrument. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed by means of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also calculated for this purpose. As a result of conducting the EFA, two independent variables (Family support structure and Health status) loaded together, and the factor was renamed accordingly. From the EFA, the independent variables that emerged were The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being, and Financial literacy. Furthermore, the EFA revealed that three mediating variables emerged from the mediating variable Aspects of retirement planning. These three mediating variables were consequently named Retirement intentions, Retirement attitudes, and Retirement provisions. There were no eliminated variables in this study. Based on the results of the EFA, some of the definitions of the variables were adapted. Consequently, the hypothesised model and its research hypotheses were adapted to reflect the results of the EFA. The results of the Cronbach’s alphas calculated reported that all the measuring scales used in the questionnaire of the study were reliable. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product moment correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between all the variables used in this study. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of the various independent variables on the mediating variables and the dependent variable. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. SEM was also used to assess and confirm the results of the multiple regression analyses. Based on the results of the multiple regression analyses and SEM, the hypothesised relationships of the study were accepted or rejected. Additionally, the results of SEM revealed that the revised model of the study displayed acceptable model fit. To conclude the empirical investigation, t-tests and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess whether the respondents’ perceptions of the variables used in the study differed as a result of the respondents’ demographic information. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Tukey tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen’s d values. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables The role of the financial planner and Family, health, and financial well-being, and the mediating variable Retirement intentions. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the independent variable Financial literacy and the mediating variable Retirement attitudes. Other significant relationships were present between all the independent variables The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy, and the mediating variable Retirement provisions. The study also established statistically significant relationships between the mediating variables Retirement attitudes and Retirement provisions and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. Statistically significant relationships were also present between the independent variables Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. This study has added to the limited amount of academic literature in the field of retirement planning in South Africa. Through the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards investigating the factors that influence the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of black individuals residing in South Africa. This study presents recommendations to black individuals on practical strategies that could help to improve their retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy. Furthermore, suggestions are presented to financial planners and financial institutions, in order to assist black individuals or potential clients to improve their retirement planning and to help ensure that individuals are financially independent when they reach retirement age. It is recommended that financial institutions provide financial products/services that will cater to black South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Retirement income -- South Africa -- Case studies South Africa -- Finance Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13338 , vital:27176
- Description: Despite the importance of retirement planning, many South Africans have been documented as reaching retirement age without adequate retirement funding. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how proper retirement planning can be beneficial for individuals; however, there has been a lack of attention given to researching the retirement planning of black individuals in South Africa. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test which factors influence retirement planning, and which aspects of retirement planning influence the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on the factors influencing the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of individuals, the following independent variables were identified as influencing the mediating variable (Aspects of retirement planning) and the dependent variable (Retirement funding adequacy) in this study: • Financial literacy; • The role of the financial planner; • Family support structure; and • Health status. These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothesised model and research hypotheses, as they have been identified as the prominent factors that influence the retirement planning of black South Africans. Furthermore, these independent variables were used in determining whether they have an influence on the Aspects of retirement planning (incorporating Retirement provisions, Retirement attitudes and Retirement intentions) and, ultimately, improve the Retirement funding adequacy of individuals. In order to establish the influence of the aspects of retirement planning on the retirement funding adequacy of individuals, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified though a mixed sampling approach, whereby stratified sampling and convenience sampling were used to attain 441 usable questionnaires that were subjected to statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, in the form of frequency distributions, were used to summarise Section A and Section B of the measuring instrument. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed by means of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were also calculated for this purpose. As a result of conducting the EFA, two independent variables (Family support structure and Health status) loaded together, and the factor was renamed accordingly. From the EFA, the independent variables that emerged were The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being, and Financial literacy. Furthermore, the EFA revealed that three mediating variables emerged from the mediating variable Aspects of retirement planning. These three mediating variables were consequently named Retirement intentions, Retirement attitudes, and Retirement provisions. There were no eliminated variables in this study. Based on the results of the EFA, some of the definitions of the variables were adapted. Consequently, the hypothesised model and its research hypotheses were adapted to reflect the results of the EFA. The results of the Cronbach’s alphas calculated reported that all the measuring scales used in the questionnaire of the study were reliable. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were also calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product moment correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between all the variables used in this study. A multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of the various independent variables on the mediating variables and the dependent variable. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used as the main statistical procedure to test for mediation in the study. SEM was also used to assess and confirm the results of the multiple regression analyses. Based on the results of the multiple regression analyses and SEM, the hypothesised relationships of the study were accepted or rejected. Additionally, the results of SEM revealed that the revised model of the study displayed acceptable model fit. To conclude the empirical investigation, t-tests and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess whether the respondents’ perceptions of the variables used in the study differed as a result of the respondents’ demographic information. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Tukey tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen’s d values. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables The role of the financial planner and Family, health, and financial well-being, and the mediating variable Retirement intentions. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the independent variable Financial literacy and the mediating variable Retirement attitudes. Other significant relationships were present between all the independent variables The role of the financial planner, Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy, and the mediating variable Retirement provisions. The study also established statistically significant relationships between the mediating variables Retirement attitudes and Retirement provisions and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. Statistically significant relationships were also present between the independent variables Family, health, and financial well-being and Financial literacy and the dependent variable Retirement funding adequacy. This study has added to the limited amount of academic literature in the field of retirement planning in South Africa. Through the hypothesised model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards investigating the factors that influence the retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy of black individuals residing in South Africa. This study presents recommendations to black individuals on practical strategies that could help to improve their retirement planning and retirement funding adequacy. Furthermore, suggestions are presented to financial planners and financial institutions, in order to assist black individuals or potential clients to improve their retirement planning and to help ensure that individuals are financially independent when they reach retirement age. It is recommended that financial institutions provide financial products/services that will cater to black South Africans.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Benchmark value chain clusters, agglomeration economies and dynamic externalities : an intergrated approach to regional economic development
- Authors: Zeelie, Eben Johannes
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1086 , Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Description: From the broad overview of the cluster literature, the proposition emerges that the manipulation of regional economic structural and cluster factor conditions within a geographically proximate region can translate into sustainable regional economic growth outcomes. As a first step in exploring this research, a theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of industry clusters was established and a methodological framework applied to statistically identify major manufacturing value chain clusters in the Eastern Cape Province. This methodology combines a strength-of-linkage measure for all pairs of supply and use sectors (as revealed in the systematic analysis of intermediate purchasing and sales patterns in the South African Final Supply and Use Tables: 2002) with the application of Ward’s hierarchical cluster algorithm to map the national benchmark value chain clusters in the South African national economy. The ensuing national value chain benchmark cluster framework was then transposed to the Eastern Cape Province to reveal cluster concentrations and gaps that exist in the value chain clusters in the province. The methodology applied in this study provides an objective and clear perspective of inter-industry linkages in the South African economy and produces more detailed and evenly distributed clusters than traditional cluster identification methodologies. Secondary linkages were determined for each of the twenty-six core value chain clusters to depict the diversity of sectors linked to the respective core clusters. In transposing the national benchmark value chain cluster framework onto the Eastern Cape Province economy, a number of distinct advantages emerge. Firstly, it reveals gaps in value chain cluster groupings that may be filled through industry recruiting or regional business development strategies. However, not all industries absent from value chain clusters in the region are equally attractive for recruitment. Henceforth, the number of direct and indirect linkages to industries absent from the Eastern Cape Province serves as a measure of their relative attractiveness when considering their recruitment into the region. vi The benchmark value chain cluster framework alone does not explain which agglomeration externalities are generated and exploited within each cluster, but it served as the overarching framework for the remainder of the research. Accordingly, the value chain cluster framework was applied to evidence whether specialisation, competition or diversity (represented by MAR, Porter and Jacobs economies respectively) is the operative mechanism in generating cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. Since agglomeration externalities are not directly observable, construct-valid indicators for the various externalities, as well as appropriate mechanisms to empirically assess the statistical relevance of MAR-, Porter and Jacobs economies in stimulating cluster growth, were established. This thesis added to agglomeration literature by disaggregating the standard measure of diversity externalities into two unique diversity indicators, namely supply diversity (SDiv) and use diversity (UDiv). The SDiv- and UDiv coefficients measure the degree to which a value chain cluster’s supplying/user sectoral mix at provincial level differs from that of the cluster grouping at the national level. This distinction between supply-and use diversity developed in this study firstly provides a clearer insight into the relative regional presence of supplying- and using sectors to the various value chain clusters, and secondly, serves as a useful mechanism to regional policymakers in identifying industries that may be targeted for investment into a region. Therefore, by separating the diversity into its two components, a clear distinction can be drawn between the impact of supplying- and using sectors on value chain cluster growth in a particular region. From a narrow perspective, the empirical findings validate both the Marshall Arrow Romer- (small positive impact of regional cluster concentration) and the Jacobs theory (significant positive impact of cluster supply- and use diversity on cluster growth), while it invalidates Porter’s theory (no correlation between competition and cluster performance). The positive effect size recorded between the level of value chain cluster concentration and differential growth indicates that policy makers in the Eastern Cape Province will be well advised to direct growth interventions towards larger concentrated clusters, than towards smaller, incipient value chain clusters. Additionally, vii the effectiveness of targeted inward FDI to the Eastern Cape Province may be raised by evaluating the economic impact against current value chain cluster structure, as well as the effect on the supply- and use diversities of existing value chain clusters in the province. This thesis has also illustrated that value chain clusters that are concentrated in the region, show a positive effect size with the level of supply diversity in the region. Conversely, value chain clusters that reflect high levels of competitiveness record a positive effect size with use diversity. Policy interventions aimed at raising the performance of value chain clusters typified by smaller players in a competitive environment, should therefore consider raising the respective levels of use diversity in the region. This research awakens the proposition that a reliance on a serendipitous approach to generate dynamic externalities is not sufficient, and that certain factor conditions favour the transfer of tacit knowledge between cluster members. Accordingly, this research empirically explored whether statistically significant relationships can be detected between the common cluster elements, or factor conditions, that serve as conduits for the transfer of dynamic externalities and value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that linkages with knowledge generating institutions in the Eastern Cape Province do, albeit to a relatively small extent, have an impact on value chain cluster growth, and validates the assertion that cognitive enhancing institutions contribute to cluster growth. The importance of backward and forward linkages in nurturing regional growth is signified by the moderate effect size recorded by the level of vertical linkages and total value chain cluster growth. Similarly, a moderate effect size was recorded between the level of horizontal linkages and value chain cluster growth, which shows that cooperation amongst competing firms do stimulate cluster and regional growth in the Eastern Cape Province and affirms the proposition that inter-firm linkages on both vertical- and horizontal levels stimulate cluster growth. An expectation was that the institutional framework conditions would have a significant impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. However, the empirical findings reflect that the institutional framework conditions have no statistical impact on value chain cluster growth. The study also found a moderate, positive effect size between value chain cluster size (number of employees) and growth, which shows viii that size matters in regional growth. In other words, in contrast to their European counterparts, the larger the number of employees per value chain cluster, the greater the impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Zeelie, Eben Johannes
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1086 , Industrial clusters , Regional economics , Regional economic disparities , Economic development , Regional planning
- Description: From the broad overview of the cluster literature, the proposition emerges that the manipulation of regional economic structural and cluster factor conditions within a geographically proximate region can translate into sustainable regional economic growth outcomes. As a first step in exploring this research, a theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of industry clusters was established and a methodological framework applied to statistically identify major manufacturing value chain clusters in the Eastern Cape Province. This methodology combines a strength-of-linkage measure for all pairs of supply and use sectors (as revealed in the systematic analysis of intermediate purchasing and sales patterns in the South African Final Supply and Use Tables: 2002) with the application of Ward’s hierarchical cluster algorithm to map the national benchmark value chain clusters in the South African national economy. The ensuing national value chain benchmark cluster framework was then transposed to the Eastern Cape Province to reveal cluster concentrations and gaps that exist in the value chain clusters in the province. The methodology applied in this study provides an objective and clear perspective of inter-industry linkages in the South African economy and produces more detailed and evenly distributed clusters than traditional cluster identification methodologies. Secondary linkages were determined for each of the twenty-six core value chain clusters to depict the diversity of sectors linked to the respective core clusters. In transposing the national benchmark value chain cluster framework onto the Eastern Cape Province economy, a number of distinct advantages emerge. Firstly, it reveals gaps in value chain cluster groupings that may be filled through industry recruiting or regional business development strategies. However, not all industries absent from value chain clusters in the region are equally attractive for recruitment. Henceforth, the number of direct and indirect linkages to industries absent from the Eastern Cape Province serves as a measure of their relative attractiveness when considering their recruitment into the region. vi The benchmark value chain cluster framework alone does not explain which agglomeration externalities are generated and exploited within each cluster, but it served as the overarching framework for the remainder of the research. Accordingly, the value chain cluster framework was applied to evidence whether specialisation, competition or diversity (represented by MAR, Porter and Jacobs economies respectively) is the operative mechanism in generating cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. Since agglomeration externalities are not directly observable, construct-valid indicators for the various externalities, as well as appropriate mechanisms to empirically assess the statistical relevance of MAR-, Porter and Jacobs economies in stimulating cluster growth, were established. This thesis added to agglomeration literature by disaggregating the standard measure of diversity externalities into two unique diversity indicators, namely supply diversity (SDiv) and use diversity (UDiv). The SDiv- and UDiv coefficients measure the degree to which a value chain cluster’s supplying/user sectoral mix at provincial level differs from that of the cluster grouping at the national level. This distinction between supply-and use diversity developed in this study firstly provides a clearer insight into the relative regional presence of supplying- and using sectors to the various value chain clusters, and secondly, serves as a useful mechanism to regional policymakers in identifying industries that may be targeted for investment into a region. Therefore, by separating the diversity into its two components, a clear distinction can be drawn between the impact of supplying- and using sectors on value chain cluster growth in a particular region. From a narrow perspective, the empirical findings validate both the Marshall Arrow Romer- (small positive impact of regional cluster concentration) and the Jacobs theory (significant positive impact of cluster supply- and use diversity on cluster growth), while it invalidates Porter’s theory (no correlation between competition and cluster performance). The positive effect size recorded between the level of value chain cluster concentration and differential growth indicates that policy makers in the Eastern Cape Province will be well advised to direct growth interventions towards larger concentrated clusters, than towards smaller, incipient value chain clusters. Additionally, vii the effectiveness of targeted inward FDI to the Eastern Cape Province may be raised by evaluating the economic impact against current value chain cluster structure, as well as the effect on the supply- and use diversities of existing value chain clusters in the province. This thesis has also illustrated that value chain clusters that are concentrated in the region, show a positive effect size with the level of supply diversity in the region. Conversely, value chain clusters that reflect high levels of competitiveness record a positive effect size with use diversity. Policy interventions aimed at raising the performance of value chain clusters typified by smaller players in a competitive environment, should therefore consider raising the respective levels of use diversity in the region. This research awakens the proposition that a reliance on a serendipitous approach to generate dynamic externalities is not sufficient, and that certain factor conditions favour the transfer of tacit knowledge between cluster members. Accordingly, this research empirically explored whether statistically significant relationships can be detected between the common cluster elements, or factor conditions, that serve as conduits for the transfer of dynamic externalities and value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings indicate that linkages with knowledge generating institutions in the Eastern Cape Province do, albeit to a relatively small extent, have an impact on value chain cluster growth, and validates the assertion that cognitive enhancing institutions contribute to cluster growth. The importance of backward and forward linkages in nurturing regional growth is signified by the moderate effect size recorded by the level of vertical linkages and total value chain cluster growth. Similarly, a moderate effect size was recorded between the level of horizontal linkages and value chain cluster growth, which shows that cooperation amongst competing firms do stimulate cluster and regional growth in the Eastern Cape Province and affirms the proposition that inter-firm linkages on both vertical- and horizontal levels stimulate cluster growth. An expectation was that the institutional framework conditions would have a significant impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province. However, the empirical findings reflect that the institutional framework conditions have no statistical impact on value chain cluster growth. The study also found a moderate, positive effect size between value chain cluster size (number of employees) and growth, which shows viii that size matters in regional growth. In other words, in contrast to their European counterparts, the larger the number of employees per value chain cluster, the greater the impact on value chain cluster growth in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The National School Nutrition Programme in selected schools in Peddie
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The role of local economic development on poverty alleviation in Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
- Zazaza-Msengana, Andisiwe Andriesa
- Authors: Zazaza-Msengana, Andisiwe Andriesa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5922 , vital:21014
- Description: Local economic development in South Africa has been a term used to define interventions to promote economic development in a specific area ranging from small neighborhood through to a region or district. Approaches to LED have developed and changed as local economies have had to respond to changing impacts in the global economy. Local economic development projects range from simple and small to larger and more complex actions and programmes. They are aimed at changing local socio-economic relationships fundamentally over time. At the core of LED is the need to involve local people and institutions in the development of their local economies by focusing on opportunities for economic growth, employment creation through empowerment as well as social and economic transformation. Local economic development is most importantly about people working together to achieve sustainable economic growth that brings economic benefits and quality of life improvements for all in the local community. In an attempt to assess the role of LED on poverty alleviation in NMBM three LED projects were identified. Participants were members of the projects. The study found that, indeed LED projects do have a positive impact in changing socio- economic conditions of the local people. LED initiatives play a role towards poverty alleviation and economic development since they contribute towards job creation, skills transfer, infrastructure development and improving livelihoods of the people community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Zazaza-Msengana, Andisiwe Andriesa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5922 , vital:21014
- Description: Local economic development in South Africa has been a term used to define interventions to promote economic development in a specific area ranging from small neighborhood through to a region or district. Approaches to LED have developed and changed as local economies have had to respond to changing impacts in the global economy. Local economic development projects range from simple and small to larger and more complex actions and programmes. They are aimed at changing local socio-economic relationships fundamentally over time. At the core of LED is the need to involve local people and institutions in the development of their local economies by focusing on opportunities for economic growth, employment creation through empowerment as well as social and economic transformation. Local economic development is most importantly about people working together to achieve sustainable economic growth that brings economic benefits and quality of life improvements for all in the local community. In an attempt to assess the role of LED on poverty alleviation in NMBM three LED projects were identified. Participants were members of the projects. The study found that, indeed LED projects do have a positive impact in changing socio- economic conditions of the local people. LED initiatives play a role towards poverty alleviation and economic development since they contribute towards job creation, skills transfer, infrastructure development and improving livelihoods of the people community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Incorporating socio-economic development initiatives for community development as part of wind farm management in Cookhouse
- Authors: Zambonini, Scott John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50044 , vital:41995
- Description: The purpose of this case study research was to develop a model for management of the Cookhouse Wind Farm incorporating relevant socio-economic development initiatives for community development in the Cookhouse area. As a result of the REIPPPP’s socio-economic development requirements and the multiple project overlaps of the 50km radius for the beneficiaries of wind farms, management of the Cookhouse Wind Farm face the problem of using the funding to benefit the communities in a sustainable manner. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a useful insight into socio-economic development in the South African wind power industry. The outcome of the study was in the form of a sustainable socio-economic development model for Cookhouse wind farm management, which highlighted the following four key focus areas: Education, Welfare, Infrastructure and Health. The study concluded with practical recommendations for relevant and sustainable socioeconomic development projects under the four key focus areas. Since the completion of the study two additional renewable energy projects have been approved (Nxuba and Golden Valley) in the same area as Cookhouse which serve to further strengthen the studies purpose.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Zambonini, Scott John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development Wind power -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wind power plants -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50044 , vital:41995
- Description: The purpose of this case study research was to develop a model for management of the Cookhouse Wind Farm incorporating relevant socio-economic development initiatives for community development in the Cookhouse area. As a result of the REIPPPP’s socio-economic development requirements and the multiple project overlaps of the 50km radius for the beneficiaries of wind farms, management of the Cookhouse Wind Farm face the problem of using the funding to benefit the communities in a sustainable manner. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a useful insight into socio-economic development in the South African wind power industry. The outcome of the study was in the form of a sustainable socio-economic development model for Cookhouse wind farm management, which highlighted the following four key focus areas: Education, Welfare, Infrastructure and Health. The study concluded with practical recommendations for relevant and sustainable socioeconomic development projects under the four key focus areas. Since the completion of the study two additional renewable energy projects have been approved (Nxuba and Golden Valley) in the same area as Cookhouse which serve to further strengthen the studies purpose.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The selection and evaluation of a sensory technology for interaction in a warehouse environment
- Zadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh Saleh, Greyling, Jean
- Authors: Zadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh Saleh , Greyling, Jean
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction User interfaces (Computer systems) Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13193 , vital:27160
- Description: In recent years, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has become a significant part of modern life as it has improved human performance in the completion of daily tasks in using computerised systems. The increase in the variety of bio-sensing and wearable technologies on the market has propelled designers towards designing more efficient, effective and fully natural User-Interfaces (UI), such as the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and the Muscle-Computer Interface (MCI). BCI and MCI have been used for various purposes, such as controlling wheelchairs, piloting drones, providing alphanumeric inputs into a system and improving sports performance. Various challenges are experienced by workers in a warehouse environment. Because they often have to carry objects (referred to as hands-full) it is difficult to interact with traditional devices. Noise undeniably exists in some industrial environments and it is known as a major factor that causes communication problems. This has reduced the popularity of using verbal interfaces with computer applications, such as Warehouse Management Systems. Another factor that effects the performance of workers are action slips caused by a lack of concentration during, for example, routine picking activities. This can have a negative impact on job performance and allow a worker to incorrectly execute a task in a warehouse environment. This research project investigated the current challenges workers experience in a warehouse environment and the technologies utilised in this environment. The latest automation and identification systems and technologies are identified and discussed, specifically the technologies which have addressed known problems. Sensory technologies were identified that enable interaction between a human and a computerised warehouse environment. Biological and natural behaviours of humans which are applicable in the interaction with a computerised environment were described and discussed. The interactive behaviours included the visionary, auditory, speech production and physiological movement where other natural human behaviours such paying attention, action slips and the action of counting items were investigated. A number of modern sensory technologies, devices and techniques for HCI were identified with the aim of selecting and evaluating an appropriate sensory technology for MCI. iii MCI technologies enable a computer system to recognise hand and other gestures of a user, creating means of direct interaction between a user and a computer as they are able to detect specific features extracted from a specific biological or physiological activity. Thereafter, Machine Learning (ML) is applied in order to train a computer system to detect these features and convert them to a computer interface. An application of biomedical signals (bio-signals) in HCI using a MYO Armband for MCI is presented. An MCI prototype (MCIp) was developed and implemented to allow a user to provide input to an HCI, in a hands-free and hands-full situation. The MCIp was designed and developed to recognise the hand-finger gestures of a person when both hands are free or when holding an object, such a cardboard box. The MCIp applies an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to classify features extracted from the surface Electromyography signals acquired by the MYO Armband around the forearm muscle. The MCIp provided the results of data classification for gesture recognition to an accuracy level of 34.87% with a hands-free situation. This was done by employing the ANN. The MCIp, furthermore, enabled users to provide numeric inputs to the MCIp system hands-full with an accuracy of 59.7% after a training session for each gesture of only 10 seconds. The results were obtained using eight participants. Similar experimentation with the MYO Armband has not been found to be reported in any literature at submission of this document. Based on this novel experimentation, the main contribution of this research study is a suggestion that the application of a MYO Armband, as a commercially available muscle-sensing device on the market, has the potential as an MCI to recognise the finger gestures hands-free and hands-full. An accurate MCI can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of an HCI tool when it is applied to different applications in a warehouse where noise and hands-full activities pose a challenge. Future work to improve its accuracy is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zadeh, Seyed Amirsaleh Saleh , Greyling, Jean
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-computer interaction User interfaces (Computer systems) Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13193 , vital:27160
- Description: In recent years, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has become a significant part of modern life as it has improved human performance in the completion of daily tasks in using computerised systems. The increase in the variety of bio-sensing and wearable technologies on the market has propelled designers towards designing more efficient, effective and fully natural User-Interfaces (UI), such as the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and the Muscle-Computer Interface (MCI). BCI and MCI have been used for various purposes, such as controlling wheelchairs, piloting drones, providing alphanumeric inputs into a system and improving sports performance. Various challenges are experienced by workers in a warehouse environment. Because they often have to carry objects (referred to as hands-full) it is difficult to interact with traditional devices. Noise undeniably exists in some industrial environments and it is known as a major factor that causes communication problems. This has reduced the popularity of using verbal interfaces with computer applications, such as Warehouse Management Systems. Another factor that effects the performance of workers are action slips caused by a lack of concentration during, for example, routine picking activities. This can have a negative impact on job performance and allow a worker to incorrectly execute a task in a warehouse environment. This research project investigated the current challenges workers experience in a warehouse environment and the technologies utilised in this environment. The latest automation and identification systems and technologies are identified and discussed, specifically the technologies which have addressed known problems. Sensory technologies were identified that enable interaction between a human and a computerised warehouse environment. Biological and natural behaviours of humans which are applicable in the interaction with a computerised environment were described and discussed. The interactive behaviours included the visionary, auditory, speech production and physiological movement where other natural human behaviours such paying attention, action slips and the action of counting items were investigated. A number of modern sensory technologies, devices and techniques for HCI were identified with the aim of selecting and evaluating an appropriate sensory technology for MCI. iii MCI technologies enable a computer system to recognise hand and other gestures of a user, creating means of direct interaction between a user and a computer as they are able to detect specific features extracted from a specific biological or physiological activity. Thereafter, Machine Learning (ML) is applied in order to train a computer system to detect these features and convert them to a computer interface. An application of biomedical signals (bio-signals) in HCI using a MYO Armband for MCI is presented. An MCI prototype (MCIp) was developed and implemented to allow a user to provide input to an HCI, in a hands-free and hands-full situation. The MCIp was designed and developed to recognise the hand-finger gestures of a person when both hands are free or when holding an object, such a cardboard box. The MCIp applies an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to classify features extracted from the surface Electromyography signals acquired by the MYO Armband around the forearm muscle. The MCIp provided the results of data classification for gesture recognition to an accuracy level of 34.87% with a hands-free situation. This was done by employing the ANN. The MCIp, furthermore, enabled users to provide numeric inputs to the MCIp system hands-full with an accuracy of 59.7% after a training session for each gesture of only 10 seconds. The results were obtained using eight participants. Similar experimentation with the MYO Armband has not been found to be reported in any literature at submission of this document. Based on this novel experimentation, the main contribution of this research study is a suggestion that the application of a MYO Armband, as a commercially available muscle-sensing device on the market, has the potential as an MCI to recognise the finger gestures hands-free and hands-full. An accurate MCI can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of an HCI tool when it is applied to different applications in a warehouse where noise and hands-full activities pose a challenge. Future work to improve its accuracy is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Retention strategies for medical doctors in a Port Elizabeth Hospital complex
- Authors: Yusuff, Toyeeb
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physicians -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8856 , vital:26436
- Description: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors identified as significant in increasing the retention of medical doctors employed in Port Elizabeth hospital complex (PEHC) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Medical practitioners of PEHC are providing the needed critical clinical services and are believed to be the strength of tertiary health services in the Eastern Cape, providing world class treatment to the public. Recruitment and retention of talented medical practitioners, then, is in the best interests of the Department of Health. Demotivated staffs are more likely to leave their jobs for better opportunities, and therefore efforts must be geared towards retaining them. This research investigates the independent factors identified. They include the management style, risk exposure, the working environment, the work overload, and the benefits associated with retaining of medical practitioners in PEHC. The results of this study revealed that the following factors influence the talent management and retention of doctors in the hospital complex: a management style that appreciates and recognises staff, a risk-free work environment, a flexible and balanced life, a reasonable work load, and the attitude of immediate supervisors. The results of this study will add to the guidelines and retention strategies already in place by the Department of Health, Eastern Cape. The senior management and policy makers could use the recommendations revealed in this study for an efficient human resources policy. However, future research still needs to be done in the area of providing employment for spouses of members of staff especially on the reward system and the recognition of employees in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yusuff, Toyeeb
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physicians -- Recruiting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8856 , vital:26436
- Description: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors identified as significant in increasing the retention of medical doctors employed in Port Elizabeth hospital complex (PEHC) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Medical practitioners of PEHC are providing the needed critical clinical services and are believed to be the strength of tertiary health services in the Eastern Cape, providing world class treatment to the public. Recruitment and retention of talented medical practitioners, then, is in the best interests of the Department of Health. Demotivated staffs are more likely to leave their jobs for better opportunities, and therefore efforts must be geared towards retaining them. This research investigates the independent factors identified. They include the management style, risk exposure, the working environment, the work overload, and the benefits associated with retaining of medical practitioners in PEHC. The results of this study revealed that the following factors influence the talent management and retention of doctors in the hospital complex: a management style that appreciates and recognises staff, a risk-free work environment, a flexible and balanced life, a reasonable work load, and the attitude of immediate supervisors. The results of this study will add to the guidelines and retention strategies already in place by the Department of Health, Eastern Cape. The senior management and policy makers could use the recommendations revealed in this study for an efficient human resources policy. However, future research still needs to be done in the area of providing employment for spouses of members of staff especially on the reward system and the recognition of employees in the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The role of African leadership values in achieving employee engagement in firms
- Authors: Yoyo, Vuyisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects Employee motivation Business ethics -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13392 , vital:27181
- Description: Firms have been largely characterised by competition and this necessitates that organisations leverage on their own competitive advantage in order to stay relevant to their customers. This is applicable to organisations whether they sell products or render services. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Employee engagement becomes an important factor that needs to be understood together with the leadership values that can be utilised to increase employee engagement. Understanding the role of leadership values in achieving employee engagement is essential as this will assist management to practise and encourage the implementation of these values in their organisations. The aim of this study to assist organisations to improve employee engagement by investigating the leadership values that influence the increase in employee engagement. This study is specifically looking at investigating the role that African Values in Leadership (AVL), as measured by communalism, cooperativeness, selflessness and collectivism, play in the achievement of employee engagement in firms. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 109 employees of the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Eastern Cape Province. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent and leadership determinants of employee engagement in the SOEs. The key findings indicated that AVL played a vital role in achieving employee engagement. Important values that were found to be significant in increasing employee engagement were selflessness, collectivism and cooperativeness. Furthermore recommendations were made to management to ensure that they encourage employees to practise AVL and also lead by examples through modelling these values to foster employee engagement in SOEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Yoyo, Vuyisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership -- Africa , Management -- Moral and ethical aspects Employee motivation Business ethics -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13392 , vital:27181
- Description: Firms have been largely characterised by competition and this necessitates that organisations leverage on their own competitive advantage in order to stay relevant to their customers. This is applicable to organisations whether they sell products or render services. Employees become key in assisting organisations to ensure that they deliver quality services or products to these customers, as they are mostly the ones that liaise with these customers. Employee engagement becomes an important factor that needs to be understood together with the leadership values that can be utilised to increase employee engagement. Understanding the role of leadership values in achieving employee engagement is essential as this will assist management to practise and encourage the implementation of these values in their organisations. The aim of this study to assist organisations to improve employee engagement by investigating the leadership values that influence the increase in employee engagement. This study is specifically looking at investigating the role that African Values in Leadership (AVL), as measured by communalism, cooperativeness, selflessness and collectivism, play in the achievement of employee engagement in firms. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 109 employees of the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Eastern Cape Province. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent and leadership determinants of employee engagement in the SOEs. The key findings indicated that AVL played a vital role in achieving employee engagement. Important values that were found to be significant in increasing employee engagement were selflessness, collectivism and cooperativeness. Furthermore recommendations were made to management to ensure that they encourage employees to practise AVL and also lead by examples through modelling these values to foster employee engagement in SOEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Coega industrial development zone as a catalyst for development in NMBM
- Authors: Younouss, Sanda Oumarou
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36162 , vital:33901
- Description: It is common for countries to adopt growth-targeted strategies to address poverty and as a result, achieve development. South Africa is not an exception and that is the reason for implementing the industrial development zone (IDZ) programme, intended to achieve growth through exports. As part of this programme, the country established five IDZs, each of which operates in specific investment sectors. The economy of the Eastern Cape is experiencing difficulties in terms of unemployment, low wages and a declining population and the migration out of the Eastern Cape is due to limited job opportunities and low wages. The four largest economic sectors in the province are manufacturing, construction, agriculture and mining. The Coega IDZ (CIDZ) is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and operates in six investment sectors, namely automotive, agro-processing and aqua farming, chemical manufacturing, business process outsourcing, energy and metals. This research investigated the contribution of the CIDZ as a tool for development in the Eastern Cape and South Africa. It further investigates its contribution to the development of the Eastern Cape in the event of its expansion across three additional investment sectors, namely electronics, clothing and furniture. With the aim of conducting a proper assessment of their contribution, the strengths and weaknesses of these three investment sectors were elucidated. Additionally, the research described the operation of four special economic zones (SEZs), namely the Zarqa Free Zone, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and the Coega Industrial Development Zone (CIDZ). The research methodology used was that of a descriptive study (literature-based). The research revealed that there is a need to add these three investment sectors to the CIDZ in order to develop the Eastern Cape, as they have the potential to meet the challenges that the province is facing. The research led to a number of recommendations inspired by the SEZs presented in the descriptive study, to improve the contribution of the CIDZ to the development of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Younouss, Sanda Oumarou
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36162 , vital:33901
- Description: It is common for countries to adopt growth-targeted strategies to address poverty and as a result, achieve development. South Africa is not an exception and that is the reason for implementing the industrial development zone (IDZ) programme, intended to achieve growth through exports. As part of this programme, the country established five IDZs, each of which operates in specific investment sectors. The economy of the Eastern Cape is experiencing difficulties in terms of unemployment, low wages and a declining population and the migration out of the Eastern Cape is due to limited job opportunities and low wages. The four largest economic sectors in the province are manufacturing, construction, agriculture and mining. The Coega IDZ (CIDZ) is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and operates in six investment sectors, namely automotive, agro-processing and aqua farming, chemical manufacturing, business process outsourcing, energy and metals. This research investigated the contribution of the CIDZ as a tool for development in the Eastern Cape and South Africa. It further investigates its contribution to the development of the Eastern Cape in the event of its expansion across three additional investment sectors, namely electronics, clothing and furniture. With the aim of conducting a proper assessment of their contribution, the strengths and weaknesses of these three investment sectors were elucidated. Additionally, the research described the operation of four special economic zones (SEZs), namely the Zarqa Free Zone, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and the Coega Industrial Development Zone (CIDZ). The research methodology used was that of a descriptive study (literature-based). The research revealed that there is a need to add these three investment sectors to the CIDZ in order to develop the Eastern Cape, as they have the potential to meet the challenges that the province is facing. The research led to a number of recommendations inspired by the SEZs presented in the descriptive study, to improve the contribution of the CIDZ to the development of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The philanthropic priorities of Chinese and Japanese Americans as they relate to Asian American culturally specific museums
- Authors: Yok, Larry Tom
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Museums -- Economic aspects -- United States Chinese Americans -- Development -- United States Non-governmental organizations -- Museums -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13160 , vital:27157
- Description: Asian American culturally specific museums began forming in the United States in 1963. There are now 11 in existence. Four of these museums (two Chinese American, one Japanese American and one Pan Asian American) dramatically expanded their programs and constructed large new facilities. These culturally specific museums are private nonprofit organizations that are reliant on private donors for most of their financial support. Asian Americans comprise the majority of these Asian American museums’ donor bases. Understanding why donors support these museums may be useful to the museums’ abilities to raise funds.In this thesis I explore the reasons Chinese and Japanese Americans support these culturally specific museums. I used data from my qualitative study involving in-depth interviews of 16 Chinese and Japanese American current and former donors to a Pan Asian culturally specific museum in Seattle, Washington along with interviews of chief executives and other key informants of five other culturally specific museums in addition to primary documents provided by the museums and related secondary information available through the Internet. I also conducted a literature review in the fields of Development Studies, racial and ethnic identity, museology, and philanthropy. While identifying the reasons donors support these culturally specific museums, I also identify the philanthropic priorities and criteria of Chinese and Japanese Americans residing in Seattle and compare them with similar studies of Asian American philanthropy conducted in other cities in the 1990’s. I also examine the roles played by these culturally specific museums in the promotion of social capital, cultural capital and heritage capital in their communities. Chinese and Japanese Americans support these museums to preserve and educate their communities about the contributions their forebears made to the development of the United States. Asian American history has been marginalized in conventional narratives and one mission of the Asian American culturally specific museums is to bring their stories into the American history mainstream. Creating and operating these museums requires substantial networking within the Chinese and Japanese American communities and with other ethnic communities to bring in visitors and obtain financial and other support. The museums promote social capital development through collaboration in the museums’ operations. They increase the communities’ cultural capital by assembling the dispersed cultural and heritage capital of the Chinese and Japanese American communities into curated collections. These Asian American culturally specific museums face challenges stemming from attrition in their donor bases due to age. The museums need to develop activities that attract new supporters who may be mixed race or mixed ethnicity or who are interested in social activism that impacts society. The museums also must create programs that are relevant to younger generations. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for further inquiry into the ways culturally specific museums promote bonding and bridging capital in low and middle class Asian American communities and the degree to which they affect development in their neighbourhoods. Further research into the museums’ educational programs efficacy as they relate to correcting misperceptions about Asian Americans among non-Asian Americans may be desirable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Yok, Larry Tom
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Museums -- Economic aspects -- United States Chinese Americans -- Development -- United States Non-governmental organizations -- Museums -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13160 , vital:27157
- Description: Asian American culturally specific museums began forming in the United States in 1963. There are now 11 in existence. Four of these museums (two Chinese American, one Japanese American and one Pan Asian American) dramatically expanded their programs and constructed large new facilities. These culturally specific museums are private nonprofit organizations that are reliant on private donors for most of their financial support. Asian Americans comprise the majority of these Asian American museums’ donor bases. Understanding why donors support these museums may be useful to the museums’ abilities to raise funds.In this thesis I explore the reasons Chinese and Japanese Americans support these culturally specific museums. I used data from my qualitative study involving in-depth interviews of 16 Chinese and Japanese American current and former donors to a Pan Asian culturally specific museum in Seattle, Washington along with interviews of chief executives and other key informants of five other culturally specific museums in addition to primary documents provided by the museums and related secondary information available through the Internet. I also conducted a literature review in the fields of Development Studies, racial and ethnic identity, museology, and philanthropy. While identifying the reasons donors support these culturally specific museums, I also identify the philanthropic priorities and criteria of Chinese and Japanese Americans residing in Seattle and compare them with similar studies of Asian American philanthropy conducted in other cities in the 1990’s. I also examine the roles played by these culturally specific museums in the promotion of social capital, cultural capital and heritage capital in their communities. Chinese and Japanese Americans support these museums to preserve and educate their communities about the contributions their forebears made to the development of the United States. Asian American history has been marginalized in conventional narratives and one mission of the Asian American culturally specific museums is to bring their stories into the American history mainstream. Creating and operating these museums requires substantial networking within the Chinese and Japanese American communities and with other ethnic communities to bring in visitors and obtain financial and other support. The museums promote social capital development through collaboration in the museums’ operations. They increase the communities’ cultural capital by assembling the dispersed cultural and heritage capital of the Chinese and Japanese American communities into curated collections. These Asian American culturally specific museums face challenges stemming from attrition in their donor bases due to age. The museums need to develop activities that attract new supporters who may be mixed race or mixed ethnicity or who are interested in social activism that impacts society. The museums also must create programs that are relevant to younger generations. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for further inquiry into the ways culturally specific museums promote bonding and bridging capital in low and middle class Asian American communities and the degree to which they affect development in their neighbourhoods. Further research into the museums’ educational programs efficacy as they relate to correcting misperceptions about Asian Americans among non-Asian Americans may be desirable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The role of stakeholders in developing entrepreneurs in the bunkering industry: the case of Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Yibe, Luthando
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Oil transfer operations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54849 , vital:48033
- Description: In July 2014 the South African government launched an oceans economy growth and development program called Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy. The oceans economy is one of the sectors that is identified by the South African government where entrepreneurship can play a meaningful role in contributing to South Africa’s economic growth. Shipping is regarded as a critical operation within the export and import activities of any country . About 30 000 vessels sail along the coast of South Africa each year and approximately 13 000 vessels visit South African ports annually. Bunker replenishment is identified as a critical component within the operation of ships. In 2016 the first offshore bunkering operations were in launched in the Nelson Mandela Bay ports to revitalise the bunkering business. The aim of the study is to provide insight into how entrepreneurs can recognise value in business models, the application of the business model framework and how stakeholders can play a role in developing entrepreneurs in the bunkering sector. A survey using interviews was conducted amongst key stakeholders in the bunkering industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Six themes were formulated, and these themes formed the basis of the interview structure. The themes focused amongst on challenges faced by entrepreneurs, access to funding, impact of industry regulations, government programmes and support available to entrepreneurs and the application of business model and innovation. The findings revealed that whilst Small Medium Enterprises faced several challenges in entering the industry, the support provided by key stakeholders and the application of a business model is key if entrepreneurs are to be successful in the bunkering industry. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciencess, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Yibe, Luthando
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Oil transfer operations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54849 , vital:48033
- Description: In July 2014 the South African government launched an oceans economy growth and development program called Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy. The oceans economy is one of the sectors that is identified by the South African government where entrepreneurship can play a meaningful role in contributing to South Africa’s economic growth. Shipping is regarded as a critical operation within the export and import activities of any country . About 30 000 vessels sail along the coast of South Africa each year and approximately 13 000 vessels visit South African ports annually. Bunker replenishment is identified as a critical component within the operation of ships. In 2016 the first offshore bunkering operations were in launched in the Nelson Mandela Bay ports to revitalise the bunkering business. The aim of the study is to provide insight into how entrepreneurs can recognise value in business models, the application of the business model framework and how stakeholders can play a role in developing entrepreneurs in the bunkering sector. A survey using interviews was conducted amongst key stakeholders in the bunkering industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. Six themes were formulated, and these themes formed the basis of the interview structure. The themes focused amongst on challenges faced by entrepreneurs, access to funding, impact of industry regulations, government programmes and support available to entrepreneurs and the application of business model and innovation. The findings revealed that whilst Small Medium Enterprises faced several challenges in entering the industry, the support provided by key stakeholders and the application of a business model is key if entrepreneurs are to be successful in the bunkering industry. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciencess, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Creating value through experiential marketing for mobile network operators in Ghana
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Target marketing -- Ghana , Branding (Marketing) -- Ghana Marketing -- Ghana Telecommunication -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44357 , vital:37158
- Description: Experiential marketing and value creation have become paramount for businesses, worldwide, to remain competitive and sustainable. Due to the global economic crisis which put all public and private sector businesses under financial stress, experiential marketing has become necessary as a mechanism in facilitating value creation for the mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana to survive and to outdo their counterparts in the industry. The effective and efficient implementation of the experiential marketing programmes and campaigns, aside from helping these businesses in deriving value, could further assist the government of Ghana in its quest to develop the telecommunications industry. The government has stated that the mobile network industry of the country should be based upon the principles of open markets and fair competition, which requires strong policies and strategies in experiential marketing to create value as well as to survive. It must be noted that a unique product or service experience creates a memorable customer experience where emotion has a significant impact on business performance in terms of customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as growth in sales and revenue and return on capital employed (ROCE). It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that network operators have the necessary resources and techniques in experiential marketing to facilitate sustainable value creation in the industry, as a lack of proper resources and implementation strategies can hinder the successful creation of value. Given this situation, this study sought to create value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The study sought to empirically test a hypothetical model reflecting 11 independent variables on experiential marketing (i.e. mediating variables), particularly with proper attention to the experiential value gained by consumers after consumption. Also, the study addressed the contribution of all mobile components, namely processes, physical evidence, and people, in experiential marketing and creating value for businesses. The remaining hypothesis aimed at identifying the impact of the mediating variable (i.e. experiential marketing) on the dependent variable (i.e. business value) to assess how value is created through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The outcome of the primary research helped in recommending strategies that could be employed by businesses for improving competitiveness and sustainability. The debate about value creation through experiential marketing to MNOs in Ghana is not available. Consequently, this study attempted to develop a hypothetical model to provide a scientific, theoretical, and empirical contribution to MNOs, other businesses, and the entire telecommunications industry of Ghana in order to aid them in creating value through experiential marketing. To achieve the objectives of this study, a quantitative approach using a face-to-face self-administered questionnaire was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected based on the 10 regions to which they belong in the country. With a visit to the regional offices of the mobile operators, the questionnaires were conveniently administered. A total of 384 participants were selected through a stratification sampling and, in addition, a total of 31 participants were conveniently added, producing a total of 415 respondents who completed the survey. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a hypothetical model regarding creating value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana was constructed. The proposed hypothetical model indicated that the mediating variable of experiential marketing, with sub-variables related to experiential mix (i.e. sense, feel, think, act, and relate) and experiential value (i.e. emotional, functional, and social), is possibly influenced by the independent variables. This influence is also known as the mobile mix, namely 1) physical evidence with sub-variables related to the physical environment, building and spatial layout, and corporate branding; 2) process with sub-variables related to technology development, research and development, and machines and operation; and 3) people with sub-elements related to input and output logistics, marketing and customers services, human resource management, and procurement managing. The business value (i.e. the dependent variables) was identified as consisting of sales value, growth value, and return on capital employed value (ROEV). IBM’s SPSS AMOS (Version 25) was utilised for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data of respondents leading to easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was utilised to test for relationships between identified variables by using a validity test, a reliability test, correlation, and a structural equation model (SEM). The empirical results revealed that the mobile mix (i.e. the independent variables) has a significant positive influence and relationship with experiential marketing (i.e. the mediating variables). On the other hand, experiential marketing was identified as having a significant positive influence on business value (i.e. the dependent variables). The majority of the respondents agreed concerning the variable items measuring experiential marketing and its influence on creating value to MNOs in Ghana. It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study could assist MNOs in Ghana in understanding the factors influencing experiential marketing and its role in creating value and, thereby, assist these businesses in strategy development and decision-making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that could make MNOs in Ghana generate sustainable long-term value. Thus, the objectives of this study were achieved, and the research problem was answered. This study could also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Target marketing -- Ghana , Branding (Marketing) -- Ghana Marketing -- Ghana Telecommunication -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44357 , vital:37158
- Description: Experiential marketing and value creation have become paramount for businesses, worldwide, to remain competitive and sustainable. Due to the global economic crisis which put all public and private sector businesses under financial stress, experiential marketing has become necessary as a mechanism in facilitating value creation for the mobile network operators (MNOs) in Ghana to survive and to outdo their counterparts in the industry. The effective and efficient implementation of the experiential marketing programmes and campaigns, aside from helping these businesses in deriving value, could further assist the government of Ghana in its quest to develop the telecommunications industry. The government has stated that the mobile network industry of the country should be based upon the principles of open markets and fair competition, which requires strong policies and strategies in experiential marketing to create value as well as to survive. It must be noted that a unique product or service experience creates a memorable customer experience where emotion has a significant impact on business performance in terms of customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as growth in sales and revenue and return on capital employed (ROCE). It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that network operators have the necessary resources and techniques in experiential marketing to facilitate sustainable value creation in the industry, as a lack of proper resources and implementation strategies can hinder the successful creation of value. Given this situation, this study sought to create value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The study sought to empirically test a hypothetical model reflecting 11 independent variables on experiential marketing (i.e. mediating variables), particularly with proper attention to the experiential value gained by consumers after consumption. Also, the study addressed the contribution of all mobile components, namely processes, physical evidence, and people, in experiential marketing and creating value for businesses. The remaining hypothesis aimed at identifying the impact of the mediating variable (i.e. experiential marketing) on the dependent variable (i.e. business value) to assess how value is created through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana. The outcome of the primary research helped in recommending strategies that could be employed by businesses for improving competitiveness and sustainability. The debate about value creation through experiential marketing to MNOs in Ghana is not available. Consequently, this study attempted to develop a hypothetical model to provide a scientific, theoretical, and empirical contribution to MNOs, other businesses, and the entire telecommunications industry of Ghana in order to aid them in creating value through experiential marketing. To achieve the objectives of this study, a quantitative approach using a face-to-face self-administered questionnaire was adopted to test the hypotheses. The participants were randomly selected based on the 10 regions to which they belong in the country. With a visit to the regional offices of the mobile operators, the questionnaires were conveniently administered. A total of 384 participants were selected through a stratification sampling and, in addition, a total of 31 participants were conveniently added, producing a total of 415 respondents who completed the survey. Based on the analysis of various secondary sources, a hypothetical model regarding creating value through experiential marketing for MNOs in Ghana was constructed. The proposed hypothetical model indicated that the mediating variable of experiential marketing, with sub-variables related to experiential mix (i.e. sense, feel, think, act, and relate) and experiential value (i.e. emotional, functional, and social), is possibly influenced by the independent variables. This influence is also known as the mobile mix, namely 1) physical evidence with sub-variables related to the physical environment, building and spatial layout, and corporate branding; 2) process with sub-variables related to technology development, research and development, and machines and operation; and 3) people with sub-elements related to input and output logistics, marketing and customers services, human resource management, and procurement managing. The business value (i.e. the dependent variables) was identified as consisting of sales value, growth value, and return on capital employed value (ROEV). IBM’s SPSS AMOS (Version 25) was utilised for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data of respondents leading to easy interpretation by the researcher. Inferential statistical analysis was utilised to test for relationships between identified variables by using a validity test, a reliability test, correlation, and a structural equation model (SEM). The empirical results revealed that the mobile mix (i.e. the independent variables) has a significant positive influence and relationship with experiential marketing (i.e. the mediating variables). On the other hand, experiential marketing was identified as having a significant positive influence on business value (i.e. the dependent variables). The majority of the respondents agreed concerning the variable items measuring experiential marketing and its influence on creating value to MNOs in Ghana. It is envisaged that the empirical evidence provided in this study could assist MNOs in Ghana in understanding the factors influencing experiential marketing and its role in creating value and, thereby, assist these businesses in strategy development and decision-making. This study provides relevant and practical recommendations that could make MNOs in Ghana generate sustainable long-term value. Thus, the objectives of this study were achieved, and the research problem was answered. This study could also act as a foundation for other studies, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge in this regard.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model of creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3812 , vital:20465
- Description: Creativity and innovation are significant for the creation of a knowledge and productive base economy with its associated growth, sustainability and job creation. However it is noticed that students will need to employ the techniques on creativity and innovation in order to prepare themselves sufficiently to become business owners and entrepreneurs in this current global world where government jobs are difficult to come by. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to determine creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final-year students to become entrepreneurs. A hard copy Word document questionnaire was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included entrepreneurial experts, business owners, teachers and lecturers of business management/studies in the Sisonke District of Kwazulu Natal Province. Thus, some 100 entrepreneur experts, owners of businesses, teachers and lecturers were identified as part of the sampling frame. A total number of 67 questionnaires were administered out of the 100 targeted– giving a response rate of 67%. The quantitative data were processed using Excel, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of a model that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs, problem statements and sub-problems were stated and a t-test was used to establish demographic variables, whilst correlation analysis among skills was conducted regarding the model of creative and innovative techniques. Factor analysis was conducted using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which confirms that training in the model will prepare students to become entrepreneurs. The results from the empirical study revealed that a model of creative and innovative techniques will prepare students to become entrepreneurs, with a total of 70% of respondents attesting to it. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to support the training needs of students on creativity and innovation techniques. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive entrepreneurial experts database and small number of further education and training colleges in the Sisonke District, did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could be investigated from lecturers, business owners and experts whether an introduction of a special curriculum on creativity and innovation in further education and training schools may prepare students to become entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yiadom, Michael Boakye
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3812 , vital:20465
- Description: Creativity and innovation are significant for the creation of a knowledge and productive base economy with its associated growth, sustainability and job creation. However it is noticed that students will need to employ the techniques on creativity and innovation in order to prepare themselves sufficiently to become business owners and entrepreneurs in this current global world where government jobs are difficult to come by. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to determine creative and innovative techniques that will prepare final-year students to become entrepreneurs. A hard copy Word document questionnaire was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included entrepreneurial experts, business owners, teachers and lecturers of business management/studies in the Sisonke District of Kwazulu Natal Province. Thus, some 100 entrepreneur experts, owners of businesses, teachers and lecturers were identified as part of the sampling frame. A total number of 67 questionnaires were administered out of the 100 targeted– giving a response rate of 67%. The quantitative data were processed using Excel, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of a model that will prepare final year students to become entrepreneurs, problem statements and sub-problems were stated and a t-test was used to establish demographic variables, whilst correlation analysis among skills was conducted regarding the model of creative and innovative techniques. Factor analysis was conducted using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which confirms that training in the model will prepare students to become entrepreneurs. The results from the empirical study revealed that a model of creative and innovative techniques will prepare students to become entrepreneurs, with a total of 70% of respondents attesting to it. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to support the training needs of students on creativity and innovation techniques. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive entrepreneurial experts database and small number of further education and training colleges in the Sisonke District, did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could be investigated from lecturers, business owners and experts whether an introduction of a special curriculum on creativity and innovation in further education and training schools may prepare students to become entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014