An assessment of the Kenyan coastal artisanal fishery and implications for the introduction of fish aggregation devices
- Authors: Mbaru, Emmanuel Kakunde
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-30
- Subjects: Fisheries -- Kenya , Fishery management -- Kenya , Fish aggregation devices , Small-scale fisheries -- Kenya , Small-scale fisheries -- Economic aspects -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006055 , Fisheries -- Kenya , Fishery management -- Kenya , Fish aggregation devices , Small-scale fisheries -- Kenya , Small-scale fisheries -- Economic aspects -- Kenya
- Description: The marine fishery in Kenya is predominantly small-scale and artisanal with about 11,000 fishers intensely fishing near shore coastal reefs using minimally selective fishing gears. A large majority (88%) of fishers use outdated equipment such as basket traps, beach seines, hand lines (hook and lines), fence traps, gillnets, spearguns and cast nets. Handmade canoes propelled by paddles (kasia) or sail power are used to access offshore waters, while only a few fishers have motorized boats. Although fishers along this coast know and express the potential of offshore fishing, most of them are disempowered and unable to access any of the largely untapped offshore pelagic resources. Using a unique dataset from four distinct coastal areas: Funzi-Shirazi bay area, Diani-Chale area, Mombasa-Kilifi north coast area and the Malindi-Ungwana bay area, containing species level length frequency catch data from the multi-gear and multi-species fishery, abundance of specific species, gear use comparisons in various regions, catch per unit effort and total catch estimate over a nine year period (2001 – 2009) were evaluated. Despite high diversity in the fishery, five species (Lethrinus lentjan, Siganus sutor, Leptoscarus vaigiensis, Lethrinus harak and Parupeneus macronemus) represented over 75% of the catch. A total of 11 legitimate gears were observed in this coastal artisanal fishery with basket traps (42%) being the most popular. Fishers along the Mombasa-Kilifi area predominatly used beach seines while those in Diani-Chale, Malindi-Ungwana bay and Funzi-shirazi bay predominaltly used spearguns, gillnets and basket traps, respectively. Apart from gillnets, a general declining trend for most of the gear types was observed since 2004. Beach seines recorded the lowest (20.9±0.2 cm) mean length while gillnets recorded the highest (34.2±0.3 cm). The highest catch (~26,000 metric tons) came in 2001 and the lowest (~15,000 metric tons) in 2005. The highest number of fishers was observed in 2008 while 2009 recorded the highest (4.8±2.3) mean number of hours per outing. The mean annual CPUE per region ranged from (1.5 kg.fisher-1.hr-1) in Diani-Chale to (1.0 kg.fisher-1.hr-1) in Malindi-Ungwana bay. Making use of questionnaire data, the attitudes towards offshore fishing strategies, FADs in particular, were evaluated. Some communities (about 25% in every location) were not even aware of FAD fisheries. With the imminent introduction of a FAD fishery in Kenya, it was concluded that, for this fishery to realize its full potential, training on FAD fishing techniques has to be done. Finally, effective management is necessary if small-scale fisheries are to continue providing food security for many poor coastal communities. Gear-based management in Kenya, although under represented and under studied, has the potential to be adaptive, address multiple objectives, and be crafted to the socio-economic setting. Management effectiveness in near shore fisheries has generally been evaluated at the scale of the fish community. However, community level indicators can mask species-specific declines that provide significant portions of the fisheries yields and income. This thesis seeks to identify ways in which the Kenyan artisanal fishery can be sustained and managed from within coastal communities, giving them the resources and education to effectively improve their lives. The introduction of a offshore FAD fishery and hence access to offshore pelagic species provides an opportunity to not only alleviate pressure on coastal resources but also to empower coastal communities and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s national economy as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mbaru, Emmanuel Kakunde
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-30
- Subjects: Fisheries -- Kenya , Fishery management -- Kenya , Fish aggregation devices , Small-scale fisheries -- Kenya , Small-scale fisheries -- Economic aspects -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006055 , Fisheries -- Kenya , Fishery management -- Kenya , Fish aggregation devices , Small-scale fisheries -- Kenya , Small-scale fisheries -- Economic aspects -- Kenya
- Description: The marine fishery in Kenya is predominantly small-scale and artisanal with about 11,000 fishers intensely fishing near shore coastal reefs using minimally selective fishing gears. A large majority (88%) of fishers use outdated equipment such as basket traps, beach seines, hand lines (hook and lines), fence traps, gillnets, spearguns and cast nets. Handmade canoes propelled by paddles (kasia) or sail power are used to access offshore waters, while only a few fishers have motorized boats. Although fishers along this coast know and express the potential of offshore fishing, most of them are disempowered and unable to access any of the largely untapped offshore pelagic resources. Using a unique dataset from four distinct coastal areas: Funzi-Shirazi bay area, Diani-Chale area, Mombasa-Kilifi north coast area and the Malindi-Ungwana bay area, containing species level length frequency catch data from the multi-gear and multi-species fishery, abundance of specific species, gear use comparisons in various regions, catch per unit effort and total catch estimate over a nine year period (2001 – 2009) were evaluated. Despite high diversity in the fishery, five species (Lethrinus lentjan, Siganus sutor, Leptoscarus vaigiensis, Lethrinus harak and Parupeneus macronemus) represented over 75% of the catch. A total of 11 legitimate gears were observed in this coastal artisanal fishery with basket traps (42%) being the most popular. Fishers along the Mombasa-Kilifi area predominatly used beach seines while those in Diani-Chale, Malindi-Ungwana bay and Funzi-shirazi bay predominaltly used spearguns, gillnets and basket traps, respectively. Apart from gillnets, a general declining trend for most of the gear types was observed since 2004. Beach seines recorded the lowest (20.9±0.2 cm) mean length while gillnets recorded the highest (34.2±0.3 cm). The highest catch (~26,000 metric tons) came in 2001 and the lowest (~15,000 metric tons) in 2005. The highest number of fishers was observed in 2008 while 2009 recorded the highest (4.8±2.3) mean number of hours per outing. The mean annual CPUE per region ranged from (1.5 kg.fisher-1.hr-1) in Diani-Chale to (1.0 kg.fisher-1.hr-1) in Malindi-Ungwana bay. Making use of questionnaire data, the attitudes towards offshore fishing strategies, FADs in particular, were evaluated. Some communities (about 25% in every location) were not even aware of FAD fisheries. With the imminent introduction of a FAD fishery in Kenya, it was concluded that, for this fishery to realize its full potential, training on FAD fishing techniques has to be done. Finally, effective management is necessary if small-scale fisheries are to continue providing food security for many poor coastal communities. Gear-based management in Kenya, although under represented and under studied, has the potential to be adaptive, address multiple objectives, and be crafted to the socio-economic setting. Management effectiveness in near shore fisheries has generally been evaluated at the scale of the fish community. However, community level indicators can mask species-specific declines that provide significant portions of the fisheries yields and income. This thesis seeks to identify ways in which the Kenyan artisanal fishery can be sustained and managed from within coastal communities, giving them the resources and education to effectively improve their lives. The introduction of a offshore FAD fishery and hence access to offshore pelagic species provides an opportunity to not only alleviate pressure on coastal resources but also to empower coastal communities and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s national economy as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the level of performance management in Mnquma local municipality
- Authors: Hermanus, Nosipo Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6509 , vital:21098
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is located in the South Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province. This category B municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and comprises of an amalgamation of the former Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe and Centane TRC’s, Mnquma Municipality shares borders with three other local municipalities i.e. Mbhashe, Intsika Yethu and Great Kei Municipalities. In previous years this municipality was surrounded by violence, maladministration and mismanagement of funds. In 2009, Mnquma municipality received a disclaimer audit opinion. The bases for disclaimer are: - Consumer debtors who were disclosed at R13, 4 million on the face of the statement of financial positions and to the annual financial statements; and this amount did not agree with debtor’s age analysis; - Auditor-General was unable to confirm the exact amount of debtors removed from the accounting system; - Limitations placed on the scope of work and municipal records not permitting the application of alternative audit procedures; - Trade Creditors not supported by adequate documentation and supplier reconciliations did not have adequate alternative system of ensuring that all goods and services received prior to year-end, not paid but were accrued; and number of items that were recorded incorrectly. “The municipality adopted the PMS framework by March 2008. It was implemented and Councillors played a pivotal role in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of theIDP. Cluster meetings set and received performance reports on quarterly basis. Directorates produced monthly performance reports and submitted them to the Executive management and the Executive Mayor respectively. The PMS was cascaded down to lower levels. Managers reporting to Directors had signed Accountability Agreements, while employees below signed Performance promises. It should be stated that there were some challenges on the implementation process. The Framework was implemented for the first time and institution was in a learning curve”. (N. Pakade: 2009). The municipal manager agreed that the institution was in a learning curve even though he commended the good work of councillors, it is not all councillors who know exactly what they are supposed to be doing in monitoring the municipal performance management systems. This has been proved by areas which still do not have electricity, roads and some no running clean water. There were some improvements in 2010 Financial Statements because the municipality received an unqualified audit opinion, but the in- fighting amongst councilors still existing that affect municipal performance in regard to provide local communities with basic needs. The irregular expenditure continued to be incurred where two different security companies were appointed by Executive Mayor and Municipal Speaker to prevent each other in entering the municipal premises because of disagreements about the reappointment of the municipal manager. Mnquma municipality does not have an Executive Mayor due to councilors who fired the mayor. The Mnquma councilors’ in fighting affects local communities in a negative way that contributes to municipal bad performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hermanus, Nosipo Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6509 , vital:21098
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is located in the South Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province. This category B municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and comprises of an amalgamation of the former Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe and Centane TRC’s, Mnquma Municipality shares borders with three other local municipalities i.e. Mbhashe, Intsika Yethu and Great Kei Municipalities. In previous years this municipality was surrounded by violence, maladministration and mismanagement of funds. In 2009, Mnquma municipality received a disclaimer audit opinion. The bases for disclaimer are: - Consumer debtors who were disclosed at R13, 4 million on the face of the statement of financial positions and to the annual financial statements; and this amount did not agree with debtor’s age analysis; - Auditor-General was unable to confirm the exact amount of debtors removed from the accounting system; - Limitations placed on the scope of work and municipal records not permitting the application of alternative audit procedures; - Trade Creditors not supported by adequate documentation and supplier reconciliations did not have adequate alternative system of ensuring that all goods and services received prior to year-end, not paid but were accrued; and number of items that were recorded incorrectly. “The municipality adopted the PMS framework by March 2008. It was implemented and Councillors played a pivotal role in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of theIDP. Cluster meetings set and received performance reports on quarterly basis. Directorates produced monthly performance reports and submitted them to the Executive management and the Executive Mayor respectively. The PMS was cascaded down to lower levels. Managers reporting to Directors had signed Accountability Agreements, while employees below signed Performance promises. It should be stated that there were some challenges on the implementation process. The Framework was implemented for the first time and institution was in a learning curve”. (N. Pakade: 2009). The municipal manager agreed that the institution was in a learning curve even though he commended the good work of councillors, it is not all councillors who know exactly what they are supposed to be doing in monitoring the municipal performance management systems. This has been proved by areas which still do not have electricity, roads and some no running clean water. There were some improvements in 2010 Financial Statements because the municipality received an unqualified audit opinion, but the in- fighting amongst councilors still existing that affect municipal performance in regard to provide local communities with basic needs. The irregular expenditure continued to be incurred where two different security companies were appointed by Executive Mayor and Municipal Speaker to prevent each other in entering the municipal premises because of disagreements about the reappointment of the municipal manager. Mnquma municipality does not have an Executive Mayor due to councilors who fired the mayor. The Mnquma councilors’ in fighting affects local communities in a negative way that contributes to municipal bad performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the monitoring and evaluation function in the Eastern Cape office of the premier
- Authors: Qinela, Loyisokazi
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1071 , vital:26523
- Description: This study responds to the need to understand the shifts in the national monitoring and evaluation policy context from output and compliance focus to outcomes and performance focus. The study also responds to need to understand how national policies are interpreted and implemented in the province through the Office of the Premier. The purpose of the study is to assess the monitoring and evaluation function in the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier. The following research questions will guide the study: a. What is the context, rationale, purpose and claims of the National M&E Policy? b. How does the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier implement the monitoring & evaluation function? c. How does the implementation of M&E by Office of the Premier resonate with intention of the National M&E policy & what are the gaps. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The use of interviews and questionnaires demonstrates the mix method approach. This approach was preferred since one part of the research analyses policy documents and the other one assesses implementation. The key findings of the research were: Although the context, rationale, purpose and claims of the National and Provincial M&E Policies are clearly articulated, there is no national legislation that gives the Office of the Premier power to enforce the implementation of the M&E policies. Both national and provincial M&E policies are not sensitive to the context of implementation. There is poor enabling environment in the Office of the Premier to implement M&E. There is a gap between planning and M&E functions in the Province the Premier’s Office, Provincial Treasury and Department of Local Government have not succeeded in coordination and the definition of roles and responsibilities for rolling out a Province wide M&E system. The M&E Policies do not address the problem of duplicate reporting in the Province. The M&E Provincial Framework has several limitations that will affect implementation. The National M&E policies are silent on the monitoring role of the legislative branch of government. There is no alignment between the development and monitoring of Service Delivery Improvement Plans with the rest of the implementation of M&E policies. Poor intergovernmental relations in the province make it difficult to fully implement M&E policies. . Programme Managers focus narrowly on day to day management functions with little or no focus on monitoring and evaluation. There was very poor usage for M&E evidence by the for decision making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Qinela, Loyisokazi
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1071 , vital:26523
- Description: This study responds to the need to understand the shifts in the national monitoring and evaluation policy context from output and compliance focus to outcomes and performance focus. The study also responds to need to understand how national policies are interpreted and implemented in the province through the Office of the Premier. The purpose of the study is to assess the monitoring and evaluation function in the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier. The following research questions will guide the study: a. What is the context, rationale, purpose and claims of the National M&E Policy? b. How does the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier implement the monitoring & evaluation function? c. How does the implementation of M&E by Office of the Premier resonate with intention of the National M&E policy & what are the gaps. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The use of interviews and questionnaires demonstrates the mix method approach. This approach was preferred since one part of the research analyses policy documents and the other one assesses implementation. The key findings of the research were: Although the context, rationale, purpose and claims of the National and Provincial M&E Policies are clearly articulated, there is no national legislation that gives the Office of the Premier power to enforce the implementation of the M&E policies. Both national and provincial M&E policies are not sensitive to the context of implementation. There is poor enabling environment in the Office of the Premier to implement M&E. There is a gap between planning and M&E functions in the Province the Premier’s Office, Provincial Treasury and Department of Local Government have not succeeded in coordination and the definition of roles and responsibilities for rolling out a Province wide M&E system. The M&E Policies do not address the problem of duplicate reporting in the Province. The M&E Provincial Framework has several limitations that will affect implementation. The National M&E policies are silent on the monitoring role of the legislative branch of government. There is no alignment between the development and monitoring of Service Delivery Improvement Plans with the rest of the implementation of M&E policies. Poor intergovernmental relations in the province make it difficult to fully implement M&E policies. . Programme Managers focus narrowly on day to day management functions with little or no focus on monitoring and evaluation. There was very poor usage for M&E evidence by the for decision making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the nature and implementation of markerting strategies of selected Eastern Cape Non-Government Organisations
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the performannce management system within the Department of Education, Graaff-Reinet district
- Authors: Ngemntu, Ellouise Marion
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Graaff-Reinet -- Evaluation , Local government -- South Africa -- Graaff-Reinet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020138
- Description: The implementation of the performance management system is important in every work situation since it has an impact on achieving the organisational goals of excellence. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of the performance management system, with specific reference to employees attached to the Department of Education in the Graaff-Reinet District. In order to achieve the research objective set out in this study a literature study was done which explains the performance management system, the principles for effective performance management, and how the system should be implemented. Furthermore, an empirical survey was undertaken in the form of a self-administered questionnaire which was delivered by hand and collected upon completion. The empirical results indicate that the performance management system appears not to have achieved its intended objectives and that the implementation of the performance management system does not adequately address the needs of both the employer and employee within the Graaff-Reinet District. Recommendations in this regard were made based on the literature review and empirical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngemntu, Ellouise Marion
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Graaff-Reinet -- Evaluation , Local government -- South Africa -- Graaff-Reinet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020138
- Description: The implementation of the performance management system is important in every work situation since it has an impact on achieving the organisational goals of excellence. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of the performance management system, with specific reference to employees attached to the Department of Education in the Graaff-Reinet District. In order to achieve the research objective set out in this study a literature study was done which explains the performance management system, the principles for effective performance management, and how the system should be implemented. Furthermore, an empirical survey was undertaken in the form of a self-administered questionnaire which was delivered by hand and collected upon completion. The empirical results indicate that the performance management system appears not to have achieved its intended objectives and that the implementation of the performance management system does not adequately address the needs of both the employer and employee within the Graaff-Reinet District. Recommendations in this regard were made based on the literature review and empirical results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An Assessment of the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA): a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (2005-2012)
- Authors: Bulelwa, Tunyiswa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013586
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education consumes a huge chunk of the Eastern Cape provincial budget. Any transgression of the laws that govern how the public purse should be managed - whether overspending, under spending, irregular or wasteful expenditure - has far reaching consequences in terms of service delivery. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest and most rural provinces in the country and by implication has huge service delivery backlogs .This has been confirmed by various stakeholders and role-players such as Chapter Nine institutions and non-governmental organisations. An observation by the Auditor-General and both the portfolio committees on Public Accounts and Education over the years is the lack of proper controls, especially in financial management. This study presents a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education in the financial years 2007-2012 to assess the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA). The main objective of this study is to assist the department by putting forward lasting scientific recommendations and solutions that could be integrated into the plans of this department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bulelwa, Tunyiswa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013586
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education consumes a huge chunk of the Eastern Cape provincial budget. Any transgression of the laws that govern how the public purse should be managed - whether overspending, under spending, irregular or wasteful expenditure - has far reaching consequences in terms of service delivery. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest and most rural provinces in the country and by implication has huge service delivery backlogs .This has been confirmed by various stakeholders and role-players such as Chapter Nine institutions and non-governmental organisations. An observation by the Auditor-General and both the portfolio committees on Public Accounts and Education over the years is the lack of proper controls, especially in financial management. This study presents a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education in the financial years 2007-2012 to assess the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999 (PFMA). The main objective of this study is to assist the department by putting forward lasting scientific recommendations and solutions that could be integrated into the plans of this department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the supply chain management policy: the case of the King William's Town district municipality period 2009-2011
- Authors: Mazibu, Vuyisile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11675 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007128 , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: The intention of the study was to assess the supply chain management policy at the King William’s Town District Municipality. It became apparent from the Literature review that any municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the supply management system policy. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the supply chain management within the King William’s Town District Municipality. In order to achieve this objective, interviews and self-administered questionnaires were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents insured the councillors from the five political parties comprising the municipality, municipal manager and section 57 managers, supply chain practitioners. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the King William’s Town District municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the supply chain management system within the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mazibu, Vuyisile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11675 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007128 , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: The intention of the study was to assess the supply chain management policy at the King William’s Town District Municipality. It became apparent from the Literature review that any municipality to play a meaningful role in ensuring that South Africa achieves the goal of becoming a developmental state, capable of confronting service delivery challenges, there needs to be a proper implementation of the supply management system policy. The study was also aimed at identifying the factors that support or hinder the implementation of the supply chain management within the King William’s Town District Municipality. In order to achieve this objective, interviews and self-administered questionnaires were conducted with various respondents in the municipality. The respondents insured the councillors from the five political parties comprising the municipality, municipal manager and section 57 managers, supply chain practitioners. It would therefore be critical important for the management of the King William’s Town District municipality to take into account the results of this study and its recommendations so as to ensure that there is a proper implementation of the supply chain management system within the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of urban residents' knowledge and appreciation of the intangible benefits of trees in two medium sized towns in South Africa
- Authors: Chinyimba, Abby
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Trees in cities -- South Africa--Limpopo , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Ecology -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Human-plant relationships -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Plants and civilization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Willingness to pay -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Limpopo (South Africa) -- Environmental conditions , Cultural importance , Cultural and regulating services , Intangible benefits , Urban systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001957
- Description: In order to meet the different public needs and requirements of contemporary urban society, a better understanding of public perceptions, appreciation and knowledge of the assorted values derived from urban trees is beneficial for improved urban greening. Thus, this study carried out an assessment of urban residents’ knowledge and appreciation of the benefits of trees and the role they play in enhancing the quality of life in urban systems. The study primarily focused on the intangible benefits (also referred to as cultural and regulating services) of urban trees, because most research to date in South Africa on trees and the benefits derived from them is biased towards the provisioning services of trees in rural areas. The significance and contribution of the intangible benefits of trees in urban systems is often underestimated and not seriously taken into account by urban planners, policy makers and other key decision makers. The study was conducted in three different residential settlement types (formal townships, RDP settlements and informal settlements) in two towns in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, namely Bela-Bela and Tzaneen. Findings revealed that the intangible benefits of trees are seen to play a significant role in improving both residents’ quality of life and the environmental conditions in cities, including the preservation of biodiversity. Findings also showed that urban residents had strong spiritual connections with trees and placed considerable cultural and historical importance on specific tree species and individual trees. Urban residents in both towns had moderate knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees based on the knowledge score that was created for the purposes of this study. Fifty seven percent of the residents had ‘reasonable’ knowledge of some of the intangible benefits of trees, while 43% had low levels of knowledge. That said, the majority of residents demonstrated high appreciation (98%) of the intangible benefits of trees (especially social and cultural values), with few residents not recognising these, suggesting that knowledge does not necessarily lead to appreciation. Age and level of education were found to influence knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees. A large proportion (86%) of residents who possessed tertiary level qualifications had more knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees as compared to residents with no formal education. Findings also revealed that younger respondents (60%) had more knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees. Factors that influenced appreciation of the intangible benefits of trees included links to crime, peoples’ value systems (their pro-environmental and altruistic values) and residential settlement type. Sixty five percent of residents in both towns felt that urban street trees and trees in public spaces attract criminals and promote crime, while 67% of RDP and 96% of informal township residents did not use or appreciate the social and recreational benefits of trees mainly because of the absence or long distances to public parks. A Willingness To Pay (WTP) survey revealed that a high proportion of residents in Bela-Bela (86%) were WTP a small annual fee in order to sustain greening initiatives in their communities compared to the residents in Tzaneen (53%). In terms of the planting and retention of trees, it was found that 300 households in both study towns had planted and retained a total of 1 615 trees in spite of the various factors that negatively influenced planting and retention of trees such as residency time and tenure security. The majority (66%) of informal township residents said tenure security was an important factor to consider when making tree planting decisions, while this was not an issue for formal township and RDP residents. Policy implications and recommendations are presented to help municipalities and urban planners improve and develop effective policies and programmes that will enable implementation of sustainable urban greening programmes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chinyimba, Abby
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Trees in cities -- South Africa--Limpopo , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Ecology -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Human-plant relationships -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Plants and civilization -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Willingness to pay -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Limpopo (South Africa) -- Environmental conditions , Cultural importance , Cultural and regulating services , Intangible benefits , Urban systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001957
- Description: In order to meet the different public needs and requirements of contemporary urban society, a better understanding of public perceptions, appreciation and knowledge of the assorted values derived from urban trees is beneficial for improved urban greening. Thus, this study carried out an assessment of urban residents’ knowledge and appreciation of the benefits of trees and the role they play in enhancing the quality of life in urban systems. The study primarily focused on the intangible benefits (also referred to as cultural and regulating services) of urban trees, because most research to date in South Africa on trees and the benefits derived from them is biased towards the provisioning services of trees in rural areas. The significance and contribution of the intangible benefits of trees in urban systems is often underestimated and not seriously taken into account by urban planners, policy makers and other key decision makers. The study was conducted in three different residential settlement types (formal townships, RDP settlements and informal settlements) in two towns in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, namely Bela-Bela and Tzaneen. Findings revealed that the intangible benefits of trees are seen to play a significant role in improving both residents’ quality of life and the environmental conditions in cities, including the preservation of biodiversity. Findings also showed that urban residents had strong spiritual connections with trees and placed considerable cultural and historical importance on specific tree species and individual trees. Urban residents in both towns had moderate knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees based on the knowledge score that was created for the purposes of this study. Fifty seven percent of the residents had ‘reasonable’ knowledge of some of the intangible benefits of trees, while 43% had low levels of knowledge. That said, the majority of residents demonstrated high appreciation (98%) of the intangible benefits of trees (especially social and cultural values), with few residents not recognising these, suggesting that knowledge does not necessarily lead to appreciation. Age and level of education were found to influence knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees. A large proportion (86%) of residents who possessed tertiary level qualifications had more knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees as compared to residents with no formal education. Findings also revealed that younger respondents (60%) had more knowledge of the intangible benefits of trees. Factors that influenced appreciation of the intangible benefits of trees included links to crime, peoples’ value systems (their pro-environmental and altruistic values) and residential settlement type. Sixty five percent of residents in both towns felt that urban street trees and trees in public spaces attract criminals and promote crime, while 67% of RDP and 96% of informal township residents did not use or appreciate the social and recreational benefits of trees mainly because of the absence or long distances to public parks. A Willingness To Pay (WTP) survey revealed that a high proportion of residents in Bela-Bela (86%) were WTP a small annual fee in order to sustain greening initiatives in their communities compared to the residents in Tzaneen (53%). In terms of the planting and retention of trees, it was found that 300 households in both study towns had planted and retained a total of 1 615 trees in spite of the various factors that negatively influenced planting and retention of trees such as residency time and tenure security. The majority (66%) of informal township residents said tenure security was an important factor to consider when making tree planting decisions, while this was not an issue for formal township and RDP residents. Policy implications and recommendations are presented to help municipalities and urban planners improve and develop effective policies and programmes that will enable implementation of sustainable urban greening programmes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assesssment of skills development programmes for selected employees: the case of Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Gaqazele, Constance Yandisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Career development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8349 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020827
- Description: Municipalities play an important role in accelerating service delivery to all communities. This study is an assessment of skills development programmes for selected employees at the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). The ADM is known as a predominantly rural district. The study revealed that the municipality is faced with a lack of proper skills to accelerate service delivery. This has resulted in the institution neglecting to invest in the development of those competencies needed to function in a constantly changing educational, training and development environment. The success of any organisation depends on its human resources, who are the most important asset. Therefore effective and efficient human resources management and training and development management play a critical role in the well-being of employees. Human resources training and development policies, practices and activities guide the institution with implementation of services and should take on a more strategic role to achieve their objectives. The researcher employed the quantitative research methodology for purposes of the empirical survey and also reviewed official documents and reports. A suitably constructed questionnaire was developed and distributed to the selected sample group from the ADM. The researcher also consulted legislation, official documents, articles, journals, policy documents, reports and books in an effort to obtain as much relevant information as possible. Based on the information gathered from the respondents and literature review the researcher proposes certain recommendations in the final chapter of the treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gaqazele, Constance Yandisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Career development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8349 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020827
- Description: Municipalities play an important role in accelerating service delivery to all communities. This study is an assessment of skills development programmes for selected employees at the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). The ADM is known as a predominantly rural district. The study revealed that the municipality is faced with a lack of proper skills to accelerate service delivery. This has resulted in the institution neglecting to invest in the development of those competencies needed to function in a constantly changing educational, training and development environment. The success of any organisation depends on its human resources, who are the most important asset. Therefore effective and efficient human resources management and training and development management play a critical role in the well-being of employees. Human resources training and development policies, practices and activities guide the institution with implementation of services and should take on a more strategic role to achieve their objectives. The researcher employed the quantitative research methodology for purposes of the empirical survey and also reviewed official documents and reports. A suitably constructed questionnaire was developed and distributed to the selected sample group from the ADM. The researcher also consulted legislation, official documents, articles, journals, policy documents, reports and books in an effort to obtain as much relevant information as possible. Based on the information gathered from the respondents and literature review the researcher proposes certain recommendations in the final chapter of the treatise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An economic analysis of an intensive sheep production system on cultivated pastures in South Africa, incorporating creep feeding- and accelerated breeding practices
- Authors: Terblanche, Stefan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pastures -- Irrigation -- South Africa , Sheep -- Productivity -- South Africa , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020939
- Description: The South African sheep industry has experienced an increase in the price of meat and wool over the past several years. This has led to an interest in intensification of sheep production off planted pastures. Due to this phenomenon an economic viability study was done on the intensification of sheep production on cultivated pastures under irrigation. When intensifying sheep production, certain management practices need to be incorporated in order to enhance the output obtained per hectare and to overcome the higher input cost of production. Management practices that could be included are creep feeding, accelerated breeding and feedlotting of lambs after weaning. In order to determine the economic viability of such a system, certain production parameters need to be obtained for producing sheep intensively from cultivated pastures. Three studies were conducted to obtain the required production parameters; these were then followed by an economic evaluation incorporating the parameters obtained from the studies. All the studies were conducted at Kromme Rhee and Langgewens, two research farms of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Terblanche, Stefan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pastures -- Irrigation -- South Africa , Sheep -- Productivity -- South Africa , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020939
- Description: The South African sheep industry has experienced an increase in the price of meat and wool over the past several years. This has led to an interest in intensification of sheep production off planted pastures. Due to this phenomenon an economic viability study was done on the intensification of sheep production on cultivated pastures under irrigation. When intensifying sheep production, certain management practices need to be incorporated in order to enhance the output obtained per hectare and to overcome the higher input cost of production. Management practices that could be included are creep feeding, accelerated breeding and feedlotting of lambs after weaning. In order to determine the economic viability of such a system, certain production parameters need to be obtained for producing sheep intensively from cultivated pastures. Three studies were conducted to obtain the required production parameters; these were then followed by an economic evaluation incorporating the parameters obtained from the studies. All the studies were conducted at Kromme Rhee and Langgewens, two research farms of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An economic analysis of concentrator photovoltaic technology use in South Africa: a case study
- Authors: Beukes, Justin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy resources , Power resources -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018636
- Description: South Africa relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, to generate electricity and it is a well known fact that the use of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, as it produces greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, internationally South Africa is the 17th highest emitter of GHGs (Congressional Research Service (CRS), 2008). Coupled with the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use, South Africa has a further responsibility of addressing the inherited backlog of electricity provision to the rural, and previously disadvantaged communities. In an attempt to address these two problems, the government issued the White Paper on Renewable Energy. In this paper, renewable energy alternatives are proposed to replace a portion of traditional electricity generating methods. Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) energy generation is one such renewable option available to government. CPV uses optic elements (such as lenses) to concentrate sunlight onto solar cells. Owing to the light being concentrated, the cells in CPV use less semiconductor material, which makes them more efficient in comparison to conventional photovoltaic (PV) cells. CPV is a technology that operates well in regions with high solar radiation. As such, South Africa is particularly well suited for this technology, with average solar radiation levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 05 ℎ/. CPV is also well suited for off-grid application, which addresses electricity demand in remote rural areas. This study is an economic project analysis of the installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of CPV technology in a rural area in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study area chosen for this purpose is the Tyefu settlement in the Eastern Cape. Tyefu was deemed ideal for this type of analysis due to four characteristics. Firstly, Tyefu is a remote rural settlement at the end of the national grid. Secondly, the community is very poor and previously disadvantaged. Thirdly, many households are without Eskom generated electricity. Lastly, the study area is located in an area with ideal irradiance levels for CPV. Two methods of economic project analysis are applied to this case study, namely a costbenefit analysis (CBA) and a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). Additionally, two types of CBA are performed, namely a private CBA and a social CBA. The private CBA evaluates the Tyefu electrification project from a private investor's perspective and the social CBA evaluates the project from society's point of view. The CEAs carried out compare the costeffectiveness of the traditional PV technology to that of CPV in terms of private and social costs. The private costs and benefits of the CPV project were identified and valued in terms of market prices. Then, this cost benefit profile was used to calculate net benefits which in turn were discounted to present values using a private discount rate of 6.42 percent. Three decision making criteria were generated, namely the net present value (NPV), the internal rate of return (IRR) and the benefit cost ratio (BCR). Sensitivity analysis was carried out by varying the private discount rate and the bidding price. The social costs and benefits of the CPV project were identified and valued in terms of shadow prices. This cost benefit profile was used to calculate net benefits. The net benefits were discounted to present values using a composite social discount rate equal to 5.97 percent. The same decision making criteria used in the private CBA were used in the social CBA and a sensitivity analysis was completed by varying the social discount rate. In terms of the private CEA, the costs were identified and valued in terms of market prices. All costs were brought to present values using the private discount rate of 6.42 percent. In terms of the social CEA, the costs were identified and valued in terms of shadow prices. All costs were brought to present values using the social discount rate of 5.97 percent. The cost-effectiveness (CE) ratios calculated have identical denominators since the annual output for both technologies are identical - both CPV and PV systems deliver 30 300 kWh per annum. This output is based on the demand of the given case study. The private CBA showed unfavourable results. The private CBA has a NPV of R2 046 629.01, the IRR is undefined (this is due to no sign change being present in the cost benefit profile), and has a BCR of 0.365. However, the social CBA yielded positive results, with a NPV of R125 616.64, an IRR of 8 percent (which exceeds the social discount rate of 5.97 percent), and a BCR of 1.045. The CEA showed that the CPV is more cost-effective than the traditional PV both in terms of private and social costs. The private CE ratio of CPV is R4.23/kWh compared to PV's CE ratio of R4.39/kWh. Similarly, the social CE ratio of CPV is R3.51/kWh compared to PV's CE ratio of R3.69/kWh. CPV rollout appears to be socially efficient on a small scale according to the social CBA. Consequently, the CPV project is not seen as desirable in terms of the private CBA as the benefit (income received per kWh) in the private analysis is too small to outweigh the costs of implementing and running a CPV plant in Tyefu. On the other hand, a redeeming factor is that CPV may be feasible privately, for large scale applications. A major reason for the CPV project not being appealing to private investors is that the maximum bidding price of R2.85/kWh (as at August 2011) is not high enough for private investors to undertake the CPV project. The sensitivity analysis of the bidding price showed that the bidding price of R2.85/kWh needs to be increased in the range of 250 percent (R7.13/kWh) and 300 percent (R8.55/kWh) for a great enough incentive to exist for private investors. It is thus recommended that policymakers take this into consideration when formulating policy. In terms of the social CBA, it is recommended that government undertake CPV projects of this kind, as it will be a socially desirable allocation of resources. If government were to pursue these types of projects, it is recommended that CPV be implemented as it is more cost effective than PV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Beukes, Justin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy resources , Power resources -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9017 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018636
- Description: South Africa relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, to generate electricity and it is a well known fact that the use of fossil fuels contributes to climate change, as it produces greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, internationally South Africa is the 17th highest emitter of GHGs (Congressional Research Service (CRS), 2008). Coupled with the environmental consequences of fossil fuel use, South Africa has a further responsibility of addressing the inherited backlog of electricity provision to the rural, and previously disadvantaged communities. In an attempt to address these two problems, the government issued the White Paper on Renewable Energy. In this paper, renewable energy alternatives are proposed to replace a portion of traditional electricity generating methods. Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) energy generation is one such renewable option available to government. CPV uses optic elements (such as lenses) to concentrate sunlight onto solar cells. Owing to the light being concentrated, the cells in CPV use less semiconductor material, which makes them more efficient in comparison to conventional photovoltaic (PV) cells. CPV is a technology that operates well in regions with high solar radiation. As such, South Africa is particularly well suited for this technology, with average solar radiation levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 05 ℎ/. CPV is also well suited for off-grid application, which addresses electricity demand in remote rural areas. This study is an economic project analysis of the installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of CPV technology in a rural area in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study area chosen for this purpose is the Tyefu settlement in the Eastern Cape. Tyefu was deemed ideal for this type of analysis due to four characteristics. Firstly, Tyefu is a remote rural settlement at the end of the national grid. Secondly, the community is very poor and previously disadvantaged. Thirdly, many households are without Eskom generated electricity. Lastly, the study area is located in an area with ideal irradiance levels for CPV. Two methods of economic project analysis are applied to this case study, namely a costbenefit analysis (CBA) and a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). Additionally, two types of CBA are performed, namely a private CBA and a social CBA. The private CBA evaluates the Tyefu electrification project from a private investor's perspective and the social CBA evaluates the project from society's point of view. The CEAs carried out compare the costeffectiveness of the traditional PV technology to that of CPV in terms of private and social costs. The private costs and benefits of the CPV project were identified and valued in terms of market prices. Then, this cost benefit profile was used to calculate net benefits which in turn were discounted to present values using a private discount rate of 6.42 percent. Three decision making criteria were generated, namely the net present value (NPV), the internal rate of return (IRR) and the benefit cost ratio (BCR). Sensitivity analysis was carried out by varying the private discount rate and the bidding price. The social costs and benefits of the CPV project were identified and valued in terms of shadow prices. This cost benefit profile was used to calculate net benefits. The net benefits were discounted to present values using a composite social discount rate equal to 5.97 percent. The same decision making criteria used in the private CBA were used in the social CBA and a sensitivity analysis was completed by varying the social discount rate. In terms of the private CEA, the costs were identified and valued in terms of market prices. All costs were brought to present values using the private discount rate of 6.42 percent. In terms of the social CEA, the costs were identified and valued in terms of shadow prices. All costs were brought to present values using the social discount rate of 5.97 percent. The cost-effectiveness (CE) ratios calculated have identical denominators since the annual output for both technologies are identical - both CPV and PV systems deliver 30 300 kWh per annum. This output is based on the demand of the given case study. The private CBA showed unfavourable results. The private CBA has a NPV of R2 046 629.01, the IRR is undefined (this is due to no sign change being present in the cost benefit profile), and has a BCR of 0.365. However, the social CBA yielded positive results, with a NPV of R125 616.64, an IRR of 8 percent (which exceeds the social discount rate of 5.97 percent), and a BCR of 1.045. The CEA showed that the CPV is more cost-effective than the traditional PV both in terms of private and social costs. The private CE ratio of CPV is R4.23/kWh compared to PV's CE ratio of R4.39/kWh. Similarly, the social CE ratio of CPV is R3.51/kWh compared to PV's CE ratio of R3.69/kWh. CPV rollout appears to be socially efficient on a small scale according to the social CBA. Consequently, the CPV project is not seen as desirable in terms of the private CBA as the benefit (income received per kWh) in the private analysis is too small to outweigh the costs of implementing and running a CPV plant in Tyefu. On the other hand, a redeeming factor is that CPV may be feasible privately, for large scale applications. A major reason for the CPV project not being appealing to private investors is that the maximum bidding price of R2.85/kWh (as at August 2011) is not high enough for private investors to undertake the CPV project. The sensitivity analysis of the bidding price showed that the bidding price of R2.85/kWh needs to be increased in the range of 250 percent (R7.13/kWh) and 300 percent (R8.55/kWh) for a great enough incentive to exist for private investors. It is thus recommended that policymakers take this into consideration when formulating policy. In terms of the social CBA, it is recommended that government undertake CPV projects of this kind, as it will be a socially desirable allocation of resources. If government were to pursue these types of projects, it is recommended that CPV be implemented as it is more cost effective than PV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An empirical analysis of financial stress within South Africa and its apparent co-movement with financial stress emanating from advanced and emerging economies
- Authors: Graham, Brydone
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Financial crises -- South Africa Financial crises -- Developing countries Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa International economic relations South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006795
- Description: The identification of financial stress, and an understanding of financial contagion on a global scale, is of critical importance to a South African economy that is becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy. The last decade has been characterised by periods of high economic growth, but also periods of significant financial instability culminating in global economic crises. This study examines the extent to which the South African financial system is exposed to distress abroad by identifying and measuring the co-movement of financial stress originating from within and outside South Africa. The study can be separated into two sections: the identification of financial stress and the measurement of financial contagion. Using monthly data for the period 2000 to 2012, three indices were constructed for the emerging markets, advanced economies and South Africa using varianceequal weighting. The indices were tested for contagion using the Johansen and Jesulius (1990) multivariate cointegration approach supplemented with basic OLS architecture and Impulse Response analysis. The results indicate the three constructed indices were highly accurate at identifying the intensity and timing of financial stress over the three regions respectively. It was found that the South African financial sector is highly susceptible to financial stress originating from advanced economies. The results obtained for financial stress emanating from emerging markets were not as conclusive and found to be insignificant. Overall, it is clear that the methods employed to identify financial stress are highly accurate and that South Africa is highly susceptible to financial stress originating from abroad. It is clear that advanced economies have a greater ability to affect financial stress in South Africa via contagion. It must be noted that this does not conclude that South Africa is not affected by emerging market crises, but that these crises tend to affect South Africa through advanced economy channels as defined within this thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Graham, Brydone
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Financial crises -- South Africa Financial crises -- Developing countries Globalization -- Economic aspects -- South Africa International economic relations South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1053 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006795
- Description: The identification of financial stress, and an understanding of financial contagion on a global scale, is of critical importance to a South African economy that is becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy. The last decade has been characterised by periods of high economic growth, but also periods of significant financial instability culminating in global economic crises. This study examines the extent to which the South African financial system is exposed to distress abroad by identifying and measuring the co-movement of financial stress originating from within and outside South Africa. The study can be separated into two sections: the identification of financial stress and the measurement of financial contagion. Using monthly data for the period 2000 to 2012, three indices were constructed for the emerging markets, advanced economies and South Africa using varianceequal weighting. The indices were tested for contagion using the Johansen and Jesulius (1990) multivariate cointegration approach supplemented with basic OLS architecture and Impulse Response analysis. The results indicate the three constructed indices were highly accurate at identifying the intensity and timing of financial stress over the three regions respectively. It was found that the South African financial sector is highly susceptible to financial stress originating from advanced economies. The results obtained for financial stress emanating from emerging markets were not as conclusive and found to be insignificant. Overall, it is clear that the methods employed to identify financial stress are highly accurate and that South Africa is highly susceptible to financial stress originating from abroad. It is clear that advanced economies have a greater ability to affect financial stress in South Africa via contagion. It must be noted that this does not conclude that South Africa is not affected by emerging market crises, but that these crises tend to affect South Africa through advanced economy channels as defined within this thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An empirical application of the Tobin’s Q theory in housing investments in South Africa
- Authors: Sitima, Innocent
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11474 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013581
- Description: This study examines the patterns in the housing investments in South Africa in an attempt to understand if the possibility of the Tobin Q can be used to interpret the patterns and trends in the South African residential investments. The study, in its quest to explore and expose this intermporal relationship, it makes use of the South African annual time series data from 1960- 2010. The data was computed in different economic and econometric analysis software for better and reliable output, depending on the different level econometric technique that is required and need to be captured by the study. The dynamic investment equation is estimated using general- to- specific ARDL approach to magnify this connection and trends. The study established that combined asset prices and the levels of residential investment affect the long run investment performance rather than the Tobin Q. In the short run the lagged values of the Q, Business investment and residential investments seemed to be influential driving forces of private investment in South Africa. Even if the capital reserves in South Africa seem to be healthy, there is always a dire call for policy to be geared in the direction of the accessibility of credit to guarantee a supplementary conducive investment climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sitima, Innocent
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11474 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013581
- Description: This study examines the patterns in the housing investments in South Africa in an attempt to understand if the possibility of the Tobin Q can be used to interpret the patterns and trends in the South African residential investments. The study, in its quest to explore and expose this intermporal relationship, it makes use of the South African annual time series data from 1960- 2010. The data was computed in different economic and econometric analysis software for better and reliable output, depending on the different level econometric technique that is required and need to be captured by the study. The dynamic investment equation is estimated using general- to- specific ARDL approach to magnify this connection and trends. The study established that combined asset prices and the levels of residential investment affect the long run investment performance rather than the Tobin Q. In the short run the lagged values of the Q, Business investment and residential investments seemed to be influential driving forces of private investment in South Africa. Even if the capital reserves in South Africa seem to be healthy, there is always a dire call for policy to be geared in the direction of the accessibility of credit to guarantee a supplementary conducive investment climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An empirical investigation into task aversion
- Authors: Sunshine, Megan
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-25
- Subjects: Work aversion , Mental fatigue , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Industrial hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006085 , Work aversion , Mental fatigue , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Industrial hygiene
- Description: Aversion is a complex phenomenon that arises over time through performance of cognitively demanding tasks and has been associated with the mechanisms of mental fatigue and compensatory control. However, little is known about this sensation to dissociate from the task at hand and the causation thereof. It is apparent that aversion is a negative state for the operator and could result in decreased performance and productivity. Through identification of factors that contribute to aversion when performing cognitively demanding tasks, recommendations to reduce design deficits may be employed to promote worker wellbeing and further advance performance and productivity. The current study examined possible factors that may influence aversion experienced through execution of cognitive tasks. A subsequent aim of this study was to assess a possible cause of aversion. The cause of aversion was hypothesized to be related to efficiency, namely the perception of efficiency when performing tasks and actual efficiency calculated through performance of tasks in relation to the expenditure of effort. Four investigations were undertaken with a non-repeated design between investigations and a repeated design within investigations. The first investigation was an analysis of the effect that stimulus cycling had on the aversion experienced. This consisted of a proof reading task with two conditions varying in the repetitiveness of the text, therefore, allowing an analysis as to how aversion is altered by the provision of a new stimulus to the participants. Investigation two investigated the effect that task difficulty imposed on aversion experienced. This comprised of two conditions with varied difficulty that were implemented through a driving simulator tracking task with difficulty altered by the width of the driving lane. The effect of performance feedback on the aversion experienced towards a task was the focus of the third investigation. The effect on aversion experienced was assessed through a driving simulator tracking task with a condition providing feedback of performance to participants and a condition with no knowledge of performance. The final experiment evaluated the effect of task alternations on aversion. This experiment was conducted through alternations between a driving simulator tracking task and a choice reaction task. The choice reaction tasks required participants to identify critical and non-critical stimulus. Four conditions were required for this experiment and were made up of two conditions where there was provision of alternation that varied in frequencies between the two tasks (medium alternation condition and fast alternation condition) and two conditions where no alternations were instated (driving simulator task condition and choice reaction task condition). Separations between all testing conditions were three or more days apart with sixty participants distributed between the investigations. Test duration of each condition was 30 minutes. Subjective data was recorded throughout investigations for all conditions in the form of aversion, subjectively perceived efficiency and rate of perceived exertion. Objective data was collected in the form of physiological responses and performance of tasks for the analysis of objective efficiency. For factors influencing aversion analysis, no differences in aversion experienced were found for the task difficulty and performance feedback investigations. Aversion was found to be less for the changes imposed through the task cycles and task alternation investigations. This concludes that aversion is aggravated through monotonous tasks and by a change of the stimulus or the structure of the cognitive tasks provided to operators; aversion can be alleviated. The results for the cause of aversion analysis found no difference in objective efficiency over time, with a subsequent decrease in perceived efficiency associated with the increasing aversion. Inference from these findings suggest that aversion cannot be attributed to objective inefficiency of task performance, however it can further be assumed that perception of actual efficiency is inaccurate. Perception of efficiency however had a large influence on the sensation of aversion. Aversion is seen to be more of a product of time on task, however whether this is mechanism of fatigue or compensatory control is still to be determined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sunshine, Megan
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-25
- Subjects: Work aversion , Mental fatigue , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Industrial hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006085 , Work aversion , Mental fatigue , Labor productivity , Employees -- Workload , Industrial hygiene
- Description: Aversion is a complex phenomenon that arises over time through performance of cognitively demanding tasks and has been associated with the mechanisms of mental fatigue and compensatory control. However, little is known about this sensation to dissociate from the task at hand and the causation thereof. It is apparent that aversion is a negative state for the operator and could result in decreased performance and productivity. Through identification of factors that contribute to aversion when performing cognitively demanding tasks, recommendations to reduce design deficits may be employed to promote worker wellbeing and further advance performance and productivity. The current study examined possible factors that may influence aversion experienced through execution of cognitive tasks. A subsequent aim of this study was to assess a possible cause of aversion. The cause of aversion was hypothesized to be related to efficiency, namely the perception of efficiency when performing tasks and actual efficiency calculated through performance of tasks in relation to the expenditure of effort. Four investigations were undertaken with a non-repeated design between investigations and a repeated design within investigations. The first investigation was an analysis of the effect that stimulus cycling had on the aversion experienced. This consisted of a proof reading task with two conditions varying in the repetitiveness of the text, therefore, allowing an analysis as to how aversion is altered by the provision of a new stimulus to the participants. Investigation two investigated the effect that task difficulty imposed on aversion experienced. This comprised of two conditions with varied difficulty that were implemented through a driving simulator tracking task with difficulty altered by the width of the driving lane. The effect of performance feedback on the aversion experienced towards a task was the focus of the third investigation. The effect on aversion experienced was assessed through a driving simulator tracking task with a condition providing feedback of performance to participants and a condition with no knowledge of performance. The final experiment evaluated the effect of task alternations on aversion. This experiment was conducted through alternations between a driving simulator tracking task and a choice reaction task. The choice reaction tasks required participants to identify critical and non-critical stimulus. Four conditions were required for this experiment and were made up of two conditions where there was provision of alternation that varied in frequencies between the two tasks (medium alternation condition and fast alternation condition) and two conditions where no alternations were instated (driving simulator task condition and choice reaction task condition). Separations between all testing conditions were three or more days apart with sixty participants distributed between the investigations. Test duration of each condition was 30 minutes. Subjective data was recorded throughout investigations for all conditions in the form of aversion, subjectively perceived efficiency and rate of perceived exertion. Objective data was collected in the form of physiological responses and performance of tasks for the analysis of objective efficiency. For factors influencing aversion analysis, no differences in aversion experienced were found for the task difficulty and performance feedback investigations. Aversion was found to be less for the changes imposed through the task cycles and task alternation investigations. This concludes that aversion is aggravated through monotonous tasks and by a change of the stimulus or the structure of the cognitive tasks provided to operators; aversion can be alleviated. The results for the cause of aversion analysis found no difference in objective efficiency over time, with a subsequent decrease in perceived efficiency associated with the increasing aversion. Inference from these findings suggest that aversion cannot be attributed to objective inefficiency of task performance, however it can further be assumed that perception of actual efficiency is inaccurate. Perception of efficiency however had a large influence on the sensation of aversion. Aversion is seen to be more of a product of time on task, however whether this is mechanism of fatigue or compensatory control is still to be determined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An enquiry into the formative and summative assessment procedures, and perceptions thereof, of grade 10 mathematics teachers : a Namibian case study
- Authors: Marongwe, Anesu Desmond
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001513
- Description: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into observed discrepancies between continuous assessment and final examination average marks in Grade 10 Mathematics in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. A mixed methods approach was applied, eliciting both quantitative as well as qualitative data. The study took place in two phases. In Phase 1, continuous assessment and Grade 10 final examination average marks for 62 Junior Secondary Schools for the period 2008-2010 were gathered and analyzed. Schools were characterized in terms of the relationship between their continuous assessment and final examination average marks for each of the three years. Phase 2, which was informed by Phase 1, took the form of structured interviews with a sample of three Mathematics teachers and three principals along with a focus-group interview of twelve teachers in order to investigate more deeply the perceptions of teachers and principals toward assessment policy and practice. The study shows that Grade 10 assessment practice in Namibian schools is far from ideal. Many teachers are not fully conversant with the various continuous assessment components as outlined by policy, and teachers are not confident about setting appropriate continuous assessment tasks. There is a strong perception that continuous assessment marks can easily be inflated and those teachers who gave high continuous assessment marks to their learners were generally perceived as being either incompetent or dishonest. While continuous assessment was seen as an important component of teaching and learning, it is evident that teachers and principals would welcome greater clarity, along with standardization and moderation, with respect to continuous assessment practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marongwe, Anesu Desmond
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1385 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001513
- Description: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into observed discrepancies between continuous assessment and final examination average marks in Grade 10 Mathematics in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study is framed as a case study and is grounded within the interpretive paradigm. A mixed methods approach was applied, eliciting both quantitative as well as qualitative data. The study took place in two phases. In Phase 1, continuous assessment and Grade 10 final examination average marks for 62 Junior Secondary Schools for the period 2008-2010 were gathered and analyzed. Schools were characterized in terms of the relationship between their continuous assessment and final examination average marks for each of the three years. Phase 2, which was informed by Phase 1, took the form of structured interviews with a sample of three Mathematics teachers and three principals along with a focus-group interview of twelve teachers in order to investigate more deeply the perceptions of teachers and principals toward assessment policy and practice. The study shows that Grade 10 assessment practice in Namibian schools is far from ideal. Many teachers are not fully conversant with the various continuous assessment components as outlined by policy, and teachers are not confident about setting appropriate continuous assessment tasks. There is a strong perception that continuous assessment marks can easily be inflated and those teachers who gave high continuous assessment marks to their learners were generally perceived as being either incompetent or dishonest. While continuous assessment was seen as an important component of teaching and learning, it is evident that teachers and principals would welcome greater clarity, along with standardization and moderation, with respect to continuous assessment practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An enterprise architecture for environmental information management and reporting
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Information technology -- Management , Sustainable development reporting , Environmental reporting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021040
- Description: Organisations globally are communicating their environmental sustainability impact to stakeholders by means of the widely used sustainability report. A key benefit of environmental sustainability reporting is that organisations can gain a positive reputation when these reports are presented to stakeholders. Organisations in South Africa are faced with many challenges regarding managing sustainability information and producing an environmental sustainability report. Two of the primary challenges are the many diverse standards for sustainability reporting and data quality issues. Information Technology (IT) can be used to support and improve the process of sustainability reporting but it is important to align the environmental sustainability strategies with the strategies of business and also with the IT strategy to avoid silos of information and reporting. Enterprise Architecture (EA) can be used to solve alignment problems since it supports business-IT alignment. EA is defined by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) as “The fundamental concepts or properties of a system in its environment embodied in its elements, relationships, and in the principles of its design and evolution”. It can be argued, therefore, that EA can be used to support environmental sustainability information management and the reporting process by means of its support of improved business-IT alignment and ultimately integrated systems. The main objective of this study is to investigate how EA can be used to support environmental information management (EIM) and reporting. A survey study of thirty one prominent South African organisations was undertaken in order to investigate the status of their EA adoption and environmental reporting and EIM processes. An EA for EIM Toolkit and a set of guidelines are proposed which can provide support for EIM through the use of EA. These guidelines were proposed based on best-practice for each of the three process levels of an organisation, namely, the strategic level, the operational level and the technological level. The toolkit and guidelines were derived from theory and the results of the industry survey were then validated by an in-depth analysis of a case study consisting of multiple cases with key employees of seven South African organisations which have proved to be successful at EA and EIM and reporting. The results of the case study show that the EA for EIM Toolkit and related guidelines can assist organisations to align their environmental sustainability strategies with their organisational and IT strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van der Hoogen, Anthea
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Information technology -- Management , Sustainable development reporting , Environmental reporting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:10499 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021040
- Description: Organisations globally are communicating their environmental sustainability impact to stakeholders by means of the widely used sustainability report. A key benefit of environmental sustainability reporting is that organisations can gain a positive reputation when these reports are presented to stakeholders. Organisations in South Africa are faced with many challenges regarding managing sustainability information and producing an environmental sustainability report. Two of the primary challenges are the many diverse standards for sustainability reporting and data quality issues. Information Technology (IT) can be used to support and improve the process of sustainability reporting but it is important to align the environmental sustainability strategies with the strategies of business and also with the IT strategy to avoid silos of information and reporting. Enterprise Architecture (EA) can be used to solve alignment problems since it supports business-IT alignment. EA is defined by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) as “The fundamental concepts or properties of a system in its environment embodied in its elements, relationships, and in the principles of its design and evolution”. It can be argued, therefore, that EA can be used to support environmental sustainability information management and the reporting process by means of its support of improved business-IT alignment and ultimately integrated systems. The main objective of this study is to investigate how EA can be used to support environmental information management (EIM) and reporting. A survey study of thirty one prominent South African organisations was undertaken in order to investigate the status of their EA adoption and environmental reporting and EIM processes. An EA for EIM Toolkit and a set of guidelines are proposed which can provide support for EIM through the use of EA. These guidelines were proposed based on best-practice for each of the three process levels of an organisation, namely, the strategic level, the operational level and the technological level. The toolkit and guidelines were derived from theory and the results of the industry survey were then validated by an in-depth analysis of a case study consisting of multiple cases with key employees of seven South African organisations which have proved to be successful at EA and EIM and reporting. The results of the case study show that the EA for EIM Toolkit and related guidelines can assist organisations to align their environmental sustainability strategies with their organisational and IT strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An evaluation of the performance management and development system of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Javu, Mncedi Gladman
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Department of Health -- Management Performance -- Management Personnel management -- South Africa , Eastern Cape Health Department
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001871
- Description: This study used a quantitative approach to evaluate the application of the performance management and development system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, from the perspective of employees. The evaluation report has three sections that are designed as interrelated but stand-alone documents. Section One is written as a report directed to the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Section Two is a review of the relevant literature that was conducted to review the existing literature related to the application of performance management and development systems, and underpinned the construction of the questionnaire. Section Three provides a description and justification of the design of the research, as well as describing the research procedure followed. Pertinent components of Sections Two and Three are extracted from these sections and included in the report in Section One. The literature review focused on the following areas: the purpose of performance management, components of the performance management process, challenges/ criticism of performance management systems, integration of performance management with other systems and the effectiveness of performance management system. The results revealed that about 74% of employees disagree that management is committed towards the successful application of the performance management system. This finding concurs with the literature. For example, De Waal and Counet (2009:367) argue that one of the problems in the application of performance management system is that the management lacks commitment to the implementation of a performance management system. Systematic sampling (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010) was used to select 120 participants in three Departmental programmes or clusters from grade levels six to 15. The researcher distributed the questionnaires to every fifth person of the population electronically using SurveyBob, which is an on line survey tool. The collected data was then analyzed using Excel software. The findings indicated that although overall employees are not satisfied with the application of the PMDS system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, there were some successes. Nevertheless, the challenges outweighed successes of the system. The challenges that resulted in the failure of the system include poor communication, a lack of understanding of the system by the employees and a lack of knowledge with regards to the integration of PMDS with other initiatives and plans already in place. Page 4 There were positive views with enabling factors and these were work plans that are mutually agreed upon between the employee and their supervisors and are aligned to departmental strategic priorities. Constraining factors included the low levels of commitment of the management to the application of the PMDS processes, review meetings not being undertaken on a quarterly basis, and a lack of written outcome reviews. The majority of the study participants believe that the PMDS lacks fairness in its implementation. Recommendations were made on the basis of the gaps that were identified so as to improve the application of the performance management system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. It is therefore recommended that the Department should ensure that training and development of employees on the PMDS takes place to enhance manager’s understanding of the policy. This will enable managers to understand the important role played by performance management in their day to day activities. A performance management and development system needs to be integrated with all other processes to be effective. On-going communication of the PMDS policy should be considered. Accountability of managers to the Accounting Officer and submission of quarterly reports are imperative to ensure their compliance. In conclusion, dissatisfaction outweighs satisfaction of the employees with regards to the implementation of the PMDS system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Javu, Mncedi Gladman
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Department of Health -- Management Performance -- Management Personnel management -- South Africa , Eastern Cape Health Department
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001871
- Description: This study used a quantitative approach to evaluate the application of the performance management and development system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, from the perspective of employees. The evaluation report has three sections that are designed as interrelated but stand-alone documents. Section One is written as a report directed to the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Section Two is a review of the relevant literature that was conducted to review the existing literature related to the application of performance management and development systems, and underpinned the construction of the questionnaire. Section Three provides a description and justification of the design of the research, as well as describing the research procedure followed. Pertinent components of Sections Two and Three are extracted from these sections and included in the report in Section One. The literature review focused on the following areas: the purpose of performance management, components of the performance management process, challenges/ criticism of performance management systems, integration of performance management with other systems and the effectiveness of performance management system. The results revealed that about 74% of employees disagree that management is committed towards the successful application of the performance management system. This finding concurs with the literature. For example, De Waal and Counet (2009:367) argue that one of the problems in the application of performance management system is that the management lacks commitment to the implementation of a performance management system. Systematic sampling (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010) was used to select 120 participants in three Departmental programmes or clusters from grade levels six to 15. The researcher distributed the questionnaires to every fifth person of the population electronically using SurveyBob, which is an on line survey tool. The collected data was then analyzed using Excel software. The findings indicated that although overall employees are not satisfied with the application of the PMDS system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, there were some successes. Nevertheless, the challenges outweighed successes of the system. The challenges that resulted in the failure of the system include poor communication, a lack of understanding of the system by the employees and a lack of knowledge with regards to the integration of PMDS with other initiatives and plans already in place. Page 4 There were positive views with enabling factors and these were work plans that are mutually agreed upon between the employee and their supervisors and are aligned to departmental strategic priorities. Constraining factors included the low levels of commitment of the management to the application of the PMDS processes, review meetings not being undertaken on a quarterly basis, and a lack of written outcome reviews. The majority of the study participants believe that the PMDS lacks fairness in its implementation. Recommendations were made on the basis of the gaps that were identified so as to improve the application of the performance management system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. It is therefore recommended that the Department should ensure that training and development of employees on the PMDS takes place to enhance manager’s understanding of the policy. This will enable managers to understand the important role played by performance management in their day to day activities. A performance management and development system needs to be integrated with all other processes to be effective. On-going communication of the PMDS policy should be considered. Accountability of managers to the Accounting Officer and submission of quarterly reports are imperative to ensure their compliance. In conclusion, dissatisfaction outweighs satisfaction of the employees with regards to the implementation of the PMDS system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An evaluation of the use of testamentary and Inter vivos trusts as estate-planning vehicles and the development of holistic estate-planning models involving the use of these trusts
- Authors: Naidoo, Loganathan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Commission of Inquiry into Certain Aspects of the Tax Structure of South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Trusts and trustees -- South Africa Trusts and trustees -- Taxations -- South Africa Estate planning -- South Africa Estates (Law) -- South Africa Administration of estates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008100
- Description: Trusts are subject to multiple forms of legislative regulation dealing with taxation and governance. Trusts were widely used by planners as tax avoidance shelters. Tax legislation was amended to subject trusts, other than special trusts as defined, to the highest income tax rate of forty percent, in terms of section 5(2) of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962. The inter vivos trust is also subject to a wide range of anti-avoidance measures, including those contained in sub-sections (3) to (8) of section 7 of the Income Tax Act and Part X of the Eighth Schedule to the Act, as well as the general anti -avoidance measures in section 103. These measures impact negatively on the use of trusts for estate-planning purposes. The research objective was to evaluate the use of testamentary and inter vivos trusts for estate-planning purposes and to develop a holistic estate-planning model incorporating these planning instruments. Both the testamentary trust and the inter vivos trust were evaluated against broad principles of effective estate planning and the taxes and duties applicable to them. The research also reviewed the writings of financial planners on various techniques and models used for estate planning, as wells as case studies documented in the literature. The research developed and evaluated holistic estate-planning models incorporating testamentary trusts and inter vivos trusts, respectively. By neutralizing the effects of various taxes and duties, it was demonstrated that it is possible to develop an estate plan that satisfies most of the requirements of effective estate planning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Naidoo, Loganathan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Commission of Inquiry into Certain Aspects of the Tax Structure of South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Trusts and trustees -- South Africa Trusts and trustees -- Taxations -- South Africa Estate planning -- South Africa Estates (Law) -- South Africa Administration of estates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008100
- Description: Trusts are subject to multiple forms of legislative regulation dealing with taxation and governance. Trusts were widely used by planners as tax avoidance shelters. Tax legislation was amended to subject trusts, other than special trusts as defined, to the highest income tax rate of forty percent, in terms of section 5(2) of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962. The inter vivos trust is also subject to a wide range of anti-avoidance measures, including those contained in sub-sections (3) to (8) of section 7 of the Income Tax Act and Part X of the Eighth Schedule to the Act, as well as the general anti -avoidance measures in section 103. These measures impact negatively on the use of trusts for estate-planning purposes. The research objective was to evaluate the use of testamentary and inter vivos trusts for estate-planning purposes and to develop a holistic estate-planning model incorporating these planning instruments. Both the testamentary trust and the inter vivos trust were evaluated against broad principles of effective estate planning and the taxes and duties applicable to them. The research also reviewed the writings of financial planners on various techniques and models used for estate planning, as wells as case studies documented in the literature. The research developed and evaluated holistic estate-planning models incorporating testamentary trusts and inter vivos trusts, respectively. By neutralizing the effects of various taxes and duties, it was demonstrated that it is possible to develop an estate plan that satisfies most of the requirements of effective estate planning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An experimental and theoretical investigation of unstable Fischer chromium carbene complexes
- Authors: Makanjee, Che Azad
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-27
- Subjects: Chromium , Organolithium compounds , Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Organometallic chemistry , Organometallic compounds , Organochromium compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002953 , Chromium , Organolithium compounds , Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Organometallic chemistry , Organometallic compounds , Organochromium compounds
- Description: This organometallic study involves the use organostannanes and organolithiums as precursors to chromium Fischer carbene complexes. Fischer carbenes are typically electrophilic and are stabilized by a single π-donor substituent, and contain low oxidation state metals (often but not always from Group 6). They are highly reactive and can give access to a range of biologically active compounds through cyclopropanations, insertions, coupling and photochemical reactions. Synthesis and characterization of three MOM-protected α-alkoxy organostannanes was successfully carried out via a nucleophilic addition of tributylstannyllithium to suitable aldehydes, and immediate protection of the alcohol with MOM. Two N-BOC protected α-amino organostannanes were successfully synthesized and characterized via α-lithiation and tin-lithium exchange in the presence of TMEDA. Tin-lithium transmetallation of the organostannanes allowed access to the organolithiums required for the synthesis of novel Fischer carbenes. Addition of chromium hexacarbonyl to the organolithiums formed the acylpentacarbonyl chromate salt which was alkylated with Meerwein salt, resulting in the Fischer carbene and a by-product, tetrabutyltin, which proved difficult to remove. Several Fischer carbenes were synthesized and characterized, some simple and known and some novel. In silico work explored the reaction coordinate of the [2+2] cycloaddition towards the formation of β-lactams, and the photoactivation cycle that precedes this process. Computational work also showed the effect of the ligand on the stability and reactivity of the carbene. It was found that in some cases the oxygen on the ligand could negatively influence the stability of the carbene (when compared to a simple methyl carbene). A link between bond orders and back donation in Fischer carbenes was explored in an attempt to theoretically predict the stability of a range of carbenes. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Makanjee, Che Azad
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-27
- Subjects: Chromium , Organolithium compounds , Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Organometallic chemistry , Organometallic compounds , Organochromium compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002953 , Chromium , Organolithium compounds , Carbenes (Methylene compounds) , Organometallic chemistry , Organometallic compounds , Organochromium compounds
- Description: This organometallic study involves the use organostannanes and organolithiums as precursors to chromium Fischer carbene complexes. Fischer carbenes are typically electrophilic and are stabilized by a single π-donor substituent, and contain low oxidation state metals (often but not always from Group 6). They are highly reactive and can give access to a range of biologically active compounds through cyclopropanations, insertions, coupling and photochemical reactions. Synthesis and characterization of three MOM-protected α-alkoxy organostannanes was successfully carried out via a nucleophilic addition of tributylstannyllithium to suitable aldehydes, and immediate protection of the alcohol with MOM. Two N-BOC protected α-amino organostannanes were successfully synthesized and characterized via α-lithiation and tin-lithium exchange in the presence of TMEDA. Tin-lithium transmetallation of the organostannanes allowed access to the organolithiums required for the synthesis of novel Fischer carbenes. Addition of chromium hexacarbonyl to the organolithiums formed the acylpentacarbonyl chromate salt which was alkylated with Meerwein salt, resulting in the Fischer carbene and a by-product, tetrabutyltin, which proved difficult to remove. Several Fischer carbenes were synthesized and characterized, some simple and known and some novel. In silico work explored the reaction coordinate of the [2+2] cycloaddition towards the formation of β-lactams, and the photoactivation cycle that precedes this process. Computational work also showed the effect of the ligand on the stability and reactivity of the carbene. It was found that in some cases the oxygen on the ligand could negatively influence the stability of the carbene (when compared to a simple methyl carbene). A link between bond orders and back donation in Fischer carbenes was explored in an attempt to theoretically predict the stability of a range of carbenes. , Microsoft� Office Word 2007
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An exploration of affirming family communication in families with adolescent children
- Authors: Jordaan, Cabriere
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in families , Families -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020054
- Description: Affirming or positive family communication is important to equip families and individuals to meet life challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between affirming family communication and family functioning, as well as the relationship between family functioning and the quality of communication between the adolescent and the father and mother respectively. Following this, affirming family communication was explored qualitatively from the perspective of the adolescent. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey research design was combined with an exploratory, qualitative design. The quantitative data was collected by asking participants to complete self-report questionnaires. The qualitative component consisted of focus groups discussing the topic of affirming family communication. One hundred first-year Psychology students of Stellenbosch University in South Africa completed the questionnaires. Fourteen of these students also participated in the focus groups. The quantitative results revealed a significant positive correlation between affirming family communication and family functioning. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and openness in communication between the adolescent and the mother and father respectively. Three core categories (with sub- categories) emerged from the content analysis of the focus group discussions. These core categories were verbal affirming communication, non-verbal affirming communication and functional affirming communication. The findings of this study highlight the importance of affirming family communication, especially in families with adolescent children, while also providing a description of affirming family communication from the adolescent’s perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jordaan, Cabriere
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in families , Families -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020054
- Description: Affirming or positive family communication is important to equip families and individuals to meet life challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between affirming family communication and family functioning, as well as the relationship between family functioning and the quality of communication between the adolescent and the father and mother respectively. Following this, affirming family communication was explored qualitatively from the perspective of the adolescent. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey research design was combined with an exploratory, qualitative design. The quantitative data was collected by asking participants to complete self-report questionnaires. The qualitative component consisted of focus groups discussing the topic of affirming family communication. One hundred first-year Psychology students of Stellenbosch University in South Africa completed the questionnaires. Fourteen of these students also participated in the focus groups. The quantitative results revealed a significant positive correlation between affirming family communication and family functioning. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and openness in communication between the adolescent and the mother and father respectively. Three core categories (with sub- categories) emerged from the content analysis of the focus group discussions. These core categories were verbal affirming communication, non-verbal affirming communication and functional affirming communication. The findings of this study highlight the importance of affirming family communication, especially in families with adolescent children, while also providing a description of affirming family communication from the adolescent’s perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013