The diffusion of Max condoms among young women in KwaZulu Natal
- Authors: Donald, Charlene Chenaye
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96870 , vital:31342
- Description: HIV is a disease that has a myriad of effects across different settings, and its prevalence varies across countries with different epidemiological drivers. The growing and disproportionate impact on young women has encouraged new ideas in HIV prevention strategies. The profusion of studies on HIV prevention strategies notwithstanding, the aspect of condom innovation has been largely ignored in literature. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation theory, this study examines how Max condoms have gained popularity among young women aged 18-24 years. The hypotheses are tested using an innovation-decision conceptual model and a comprehensive data set of 131 participants from rural, peri-urban and urban districts in KwaZulu Natal. Results reveal that the impact of marketing material and an effective public launch were significant in increasing Max condoms uptake, while the influence of peers and other members of one’s social system are critical for normalising the behaviour change. Young women have adopted Max condoms and uptake is continually influenced by positive perception of Max condoms’ relative advantage.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Donald, Charlene Chenaye
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96870 , vital:31342
- Description: HIV is a disease that has a myriad of effects across different settings, and its prevalence varies across countries with different epidemiological drivers. The growing and disproportionate impact on young women has encouraged new ideas in HIV prevention strategies. The profusion of studies on HIV prevention strategies notwithstanding, the aspect of condom innovation has been largely ignored in literature. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation theory, this study examines how Max condoms have gained popularity among young women aged 18-24 years. The hypotheses are tested using an innovation-decision conceptual model and a comprehensive data set of 131 participants from rural, peri-urban and urban districts in KwaZulu Natal. Results reveal that the impact of marketing material and an effective public launch were significant in increasing Max condoms uptake, while the influence of peers and other members of one’s social system are critical for normalising the behaviour change. Young women have adopted Max condoms and uptake is continually influenced by positive perception of Max condoms’ relative advantage.
- Full Text:
An analysis of the tax consequences of the double tax agreement between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Authors: Mkabile, Nwabisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Income tax -- South Africa -- Foreign income , Income tax -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Foreign income
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017539
- Description: As a result of the different tax systems adopted by countries, foreign-sourced income earned by taxpayers may be subject to double taxation. This may therefore impede cross-border trade and investment. Double taxation relief is provided unilaterally, in terms of a country’s domestic laws or bilaterally in terms of Double Taxation Agreements. South African residents earning income from the Democratic Republic of Congo may be subject to tax in both countries. To eliminate such double taxation the South African Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962, provides for unilateral relief from double taxation in the form of exemptions, rebates and deductions. The double tax agreement between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo came into effect recently and double taxation relief for South African residents is now also available in terms of tax treaty law. The objective of the research was to determine whether the combination of the unilateral measures and the double tax agreement provide relief in respect of all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was concluded that the double tax agreement, together with the unilateral relief provided for in the Income Tax Act will grant relief for all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mkabile, Nwabisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Income tax -- South Africa -- Foreign income , Income tax -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Foreign income
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017539
- Description: As a result of the different tax systems adopted by countries, foreign-sourced income earned by taxpayers may be subject to double taxation. This may therefore impede cross-border trade and investment. Double taxation relief is provided unilaterally, in terms of a country’s domestic laws or bilaterally in terms of Double Taxation Agreements. South African residents earning income from the Democratic Republic of Congo may be subject to tax in both countries. To eliminate such double taxation the South African Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962, provides for unilateral relief from double taxation in the form of exemptions, rebates and deductions. The double tax agreement between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo came into effect recently and double taxation relief for South African residents is now also available in terms of tax treaty law. The objective of the research was to determine whether the combination of the unilateral measures and the double tax agreement provide relief in respect of all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was concluded that the double tax agreement, together with the unilateral relief provided for in the Income Tax Act will grant relief for all types of income earned by South African residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Full Text:
Link between ghost artefacts, source suppression and incomplete calibration sky models
- Authors: Nunhokee, Chuneeta Devi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Interferometry , Calibration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5556 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017900
- Description: Calibration is a fundamental step towards producing radio interferometric images. However, naive calibration produces calibration artefacts, in the guise of spurious emission, buried in the thermal noise. This work investigates these calibration artefacts, henceforth referred to as “ghosts”. A 21 cm observation with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope yielded similar ghost sources, and it was anticipated that they were due to calibrating with incomplete sky models. An analytical ghost distribution of a two-source scenario is derived to substantiate this theory and to seek answers to the related bewildering features (regular ghost pattern, points spread function-like sidelobes, independent of model flux). The theoretically predicted ghost distribution qualitatively matches with the observational ones and shows high dependence on the array geometry. The theory draws the conclusion that both the ghost phenomenon and suppression of the unmodelled flux have the same root cause. In addition, the suppression of the unmodelled flux is studied as functions of unmodelled flux, differential gain solution interval and the number of sources subjected to direction-dependent gains. These studies summarise that the suppression rate is constant irrespective of the degree of incompleteness of the calibration sky model. In the presence of a direction-dependent effect, the suppression drastically increases; however, this increase can be compensated for by using longer solution intervals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nunhokee, Chuneeta Devi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Interferometry , Calibration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5556 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017900
- Description: Calibration is a fundamental step towards producing radio interferometric images. However, naive calibration produces calibration artefacts, in the guise of spurious emission, buried in the thermal noise. This work investigates these calibration artefacts, henceforth referred to as “ghosts”. A 21 cm observation with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope yielded similar ghost sources, and it was anticipated that they were due to calibrating with incomplete sky models. An analytical ghost distribution of a two-source scenario is derived to substantiate this theory and to seek answers to the related bewildering features (regular ghost pattern, points spread function-like sidelobes, independent of model flux). The theoretically predicted ghost distribution qualitatively matches with the observational ones and shows high dependence on the array geometry. The theory draws the conclusion that both the ghost phenomenon and suppression of the unmodelled flux have the same root cause. In addition, the suppression of the unmodelled flux is studied as functions of unmodelled flux, differential gain solution interval and the number of sources subjected to direction-dependent gains. These studies summarise that the suppression rate is constant irrespective of the degree of incompleteness of the calibration sky model. In the presence of a direction-dependent effect, the suppression drastically increases; however, this increase can be compensated for by using longer solution intervals.
- Full Text:
Perceived breach and violation of the psychological contract in a collectivistic culture
- Van der Merwe, Sophie Wilhelmine
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Sophie Wilhelmine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Collectivism , Employees -- Attitudes , Contracts -- Psychological aspects , Industrial relations , Breach of contract , Personnel management -- Psychological aspects , Organizational behavior , Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017523
- Description: The significance of relationships on economic actions and employee behaviour makes it critical for employers to understand the dynamics of employment through mutual obligations (Rousseau, 1990; Guest, 2004b). The psychological contract affords a broad platform to study the employment relationship (Thomas et al., 2010), and is an important tool for organisational success (McDermott et al., 2013). The literature review contained in this study indicates the differences in contracting environments due to the prevailing cultural orientation. However, there is a dearth of research in collectivistic culture, to which this study will add. The literature also makes a distinction between perceptions of breach and violation. While perceptions of breach of the psychological contract is the perception that the employer has not met all obligations and promises, violation is the emotional and affective state following breach (Morrison & Robinson, 1997) and results in negative or deviant behaviours (Chiu & Peng, 2008). Both breach and violation perceptions negatively affect employee behaviours and attitudes in the workplace (Aggarwal & Bhargava, 2014). This research assumed a constructivist paradigm and builds understanding of the outcomes of breach and violation of the psychological contract on employees’ working life in a collectivistic environment. Primary data collection was by in-depth semi-structured, one on one interviews with five employees of a state-subsidised organisation in East London, making use of convenience sampling. Follow up interviews were conducted, resulting in 7ₑ/₄ hours of interviewing time. Cultural orientation was ascertained through the use of a questionnaire. The findings of this study confirmed that the type of psychological contract entered into influences the outcomes of perceptions of breach and violation. Both dimensions of collectivism, namely institutional and in-group, were practised in this environment, which also impacted on both the individual’s experience and outcomes for the organisation. The latter was influenced by commitment to organisational goals and supervisory or collegial relationships. Most notable of the results is the effect of expectations of transitional justice on experience of the psychological contract. Practical implications and recommendations for future research are made. This research is presented in three sections; firstly the research is presented in the format of an academic paper and includes a concise summary of literature and research method. The second section is an expanded literature review of the psychological contract and its influencing factors, as well as the outcomes of breach and violation. The last section describes and justifies in detail the design of the research and the research procedure followed. , Alternate name: Van der Merwe, Somine
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Sophie Wilhelmine
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Collectivism , Employees -- Attitudes , Contracts -- Psychological aspects , Industrial relations , Breach of contract , Personnel management -- Psychological aspects , Organizational behavior , Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017523
- Description: The significance of relationships on economic actions and employee behaviour makes it critical for employers to understand the dynamics of employment through mutual obligations (Rousseau, 1990; Guest, 2004b). The psychological contract affords a broad platform to study the employment relationship (Thomas et al., 2010), and is an important tool for organisational success (McDermott et al., 2013). The literature review contained in this study indicates the differences in contracting environments due to the prevailing cultural orientation. However, there is a dearth of research in collectivistic culture, to which this study will add. The literature also makes a distinction between perceptions of breach and violation. While perceptions of breach of the psychological contract is the perception that the employer has not met all obligations and promises, violation is the emotional and affective state following breach (Morrison & Robinson, 1997) and results in negative or deviant behaviours (Chiu & Peng, 2008). Both breach and violation perceptions negatively affect employee behaviours and attitudes in the workplace (Aggarwal & Bhargava, 2014). This research assumed a constructivist paradigm and builds understanding of the outcomes of breach and violation of the psychological contract on employees’ working life in a collectivistic environment. Primary data collection was by in-depth semi-structured, one on one interviews with five employees of a state-subsidised organisation in East London, making use of convenience sampling. Follow up interviews were conducted, resulting in 7ₑ/₄ hours of interviewing time. Cultural orientation was ascertained through the use of a questionnaire. The findings of this study confirmed that the type of psychological contract entered into influences the outcomes of perceptions of breach and violation. Both dimensions of collectivism, namely institutional and in-group, were practised in this environment, which also impacted on both the individual’s experience and outcomes for the organisation. The latter was influenced by commitment to organisational goals and supervisory or collegial relationships. Most notable of the results is the effect of expectations of transitional justice on experience of the psychological contract. Practical implications and recommendations for future research are made. This research is presented in three sections; firstly the research is presented in the format of an academic paper and includes a concise summary of literature and research method. The second section is an expanded literature review of the psychological contract and its influencing factors, as well as the outcomes of breach and violation. The last section describes and justifies in detail the design of the research and the research procedure followed. , Alternate name: Van der Merwe, Somine
- Full Text:
Exploring the fertiliser potential of biosolids from algae integrated wastewater treatment systems
- Authors: Mlambo, Patricia Zanele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Sewage sludge as fertilizer , Algae -- Biotechnology , Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Plant regulators , Biofertilizers , Microalgae -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013342
- Description: High rate algae oxidation ponds (HRAOP) for domestic wastewater treatment generate biosolids that are predominantly microalgae. Consequently, HRAOP biosolids are enriched with minerals, amino acids, nutrients and possibly contain plant growth regulator (PGR)-like substances, which makes HRAOP biosolids attractive as fertiliser or PGR. This study investigated HRAOP biosolids as a starting material for a natural, cost-effective and readily-available eco-friendly organic fertiliser and/or PGRs. Various HRAOP extract formulations were prepared and their effect on plant growth and development was evaluated using selected bioassays. Initial screening included assessing the effect on change in specific leaf area, radish cotyledon expansion as an indicator of PGR-like activity, and seed germination index (GI). More detailed studies on fertiliser efficacy and PGR-like activity utilised bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Combined effects of sonicated (S) and 40% v/v methanol (M) extract (5:1 SM) had impressive plant responses, comparable to Hoagland solution (HS). Other potentially fertiliser formulations included 0.5% M, 1% M, 2.5% S and 5% S formulations. The 5:1 SM and 5% S showed greater PGR-like activity, promoting cotyledon expansion by 459 ± 0.02% and 362 ± 0.01%, respectively. GI data showed that none of the formulations negatively impacted germination. Further investigation showed that the 5% S formulation increased leaf length, width and area by 6.69 ± 0.24, 6.21 ± 0.2 mm and 41.55 ± 0.2 mm². All formulated fertiliser extracts had no adverse effect on chlorophyll content and plant nutrient balance as indicated by C:N (8-10:1) ratio. In addition, plants appeared to actively mobilise nutrients to regions where needed as evidenced by a shift in shoot: root ratio depending on C, N and water availability. Furthermore, 5% S caused a 75% increase in tomato productivity and had no effect on bean productivity. Whereas, 5:1 SM and 1% M formulation improved bean pod production by 33.3% and 11%, respectively but did not affect tomato production. Harvest index (HI) however indicated a 3% reduction in tomato productivity with 5:1 SM and little or no enhancement in bean productivity with both 5:1 SM and 5% S treatments. Bean plants treated with 5:1 SM and 5% S produced larger fruits, which could be an indication of the presence of a PGR effect. Overall, HRAOP biosolids extracts prepared and investigated in this study demonstrated both fertiliser characteristics and PGR-like activity with performances comparable and in some cases exceeding that of commercial products. However additional research is needed to confirm presence of PGR-like activities and fertiliser efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mlambo, Patricia Zanele
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Sewage sludge as fertilizer , Algae -- Biotechnology , Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Plant regulators , Biofertilizers , Microalgae -- Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013342
- Description: High rate algae oxidation ponds (HRAOP) for domestic wastewater treatment generate biosolids that are predominantly microalgae. Consequently, HRAOP biosolids are enriched with minerals, amino acids, nutrients and possibly contain plant growth regulator (PGR)-like substances, which makes HRAOP biosolids attractive as fertiliser or PGR. This study investigated HRAOP biosolids as a starting material for a natural, cost-effective and readily-available eco-friendly organic fertiliser and/or PGRs. Various HRAOP extract formulations were prepared and their effect on plant growth and development was evaluated using selected bioassays. Initial screening included assessing the effect on change in specific leaf area, radish cotyledon expansion as an indicator of PGR-like activity, and seed germination index (GI). More detailed studies on fertiliser efficacy and PGR-like activity utilised bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Combined effects of sonicated (S) and 40% v/v methanol (M) extract (5:1 SM) had impressive plant responses, comparable to Hoagland solution (HS). Other potentially fertiliser formulations included 0.5% M, 1% M, 2.5% S and 5% S formulations. The 5:1 SM and 5% S showed greater PGR-like activity, promoting cotyledon expansion by 459 ± 0.02% and 362 ± 0.01%, respectively. GI data showed that none of the formulations negatively impacted germination. Further investigation showed that the 5% S formulation increased leaf length, width and area by 6.69 ± 0.24, 6.21 ± 0.2 mm and 41.55 ± 0.2 mm². All formulated fertiliser extracts had no adverse effect on chlorophyll content and plant nutrient balance as indicated by C:N (8-10:1) ratio. In addition, plants appeared to actively mobilise nutrients to regions where needed as evidenced by a shift in shoot: root ratio depending on C, N and water availability. Furthermore, 5% S caused a 75% increase in tomato productivity and had no effect on bean productivity. Whereas, 5:1 SM and 1% M formulation improved bean pod production by 33.3% and 11%, respectively but did not affect tomato production. Harvest index (HI) however indicated a 3% reduction in tomato productivity with 5:1 SM and little or no enhancement in bean productivity with both 5:1 SM and 5% S treatments. Bean plants treated with 5:1 SM and 5% S produced larger fruits, which could be an indication of the presence of a PGR effect. Overall, HRAOP biosolids extracts prepared and investigated in this study demonstrated both fertiliser characteristics and PGR-like activity with performances comparable and in some cases exceeding that of commercial products. However additional research is needed to confirm presence of PGR-like activities and fertiliser efficacy.
- Full Text:
An assessment of change readiness prior to significant organisational change
- Authors: Bedser, Mark Bernard
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organization change -- South Africa -- Case studies Eskom (Firm) -- Management , ADKAR model
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001870
- Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in research showed that: - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bedser, Mark Bernard
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organization change -- South Africa -- Case studies Eskom (Firm) -- Management , ADKAR model
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001870
- Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in research showed that: - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
- Full Text:
The tax treatment of receipts and accruals arising from equity option contracts
- Authors: Doidge, Stephen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Derivative securities Options (Finance) Swaps (Finance) Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa Futures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007921
- Description: In this thesis the tax treatment of equity option contracts is examined. The writer gives an overview of the derivatives market in general and discusses the nature and effect of equity options in detail. Limited amendments have been made to the South African Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 ('the Act') since the emergence of derivative instruments and at present only three types of derivative instruments are recognised: forward exchange and option contracts relating to forward exchange, interest rate swaps based on notional capital amounts and option contracts. Other than section 241 of the Act which deems all receipts and accruals from foreign exchange contracts to be income, the other sections dealing with derivatives do not concern themselves with capital or revenue classification. Accordingly, the classification of receipts and accruals arising from an equity option transaction is generally governed by the ordinary principles of South African tax law with the added problem of there being limited South African case law applying these general prinCiples to such transactions. The research undertaken in this thesis results in the establishment of a framework designed to determine the classification as revenue or capital the receipts and accruals arising from equity option contracts. Speculating, trading and investing in equity options is examined with regard to the general principles of South African tax and available case law. Hedging transactions are analysed with specific reference to their exact nature as well as general tax principles and available case law. The analogy of Krugerrands is used to draw parallels with the tax treatment of receipts and accruals arising from equity options used for hedging purposes. Once the theoretical framework has been established for revenue or capital classification, the actual tax treatment of both revenue and capital receipts is examined with reference to the Act and issues such as the gross income definition, the general deduction formula, trading stock and timing provisions are analysed and applied to receipts and accruals arising from equity option transactions. The thesis concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations are made based on the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Doidge, Stephen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Derivative securities Options (Finance) Swaps (Finance) Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- South Africa Futures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007921
- Description: In this thesis the tax treatment of equity option contracts is examined. The writer gives an overview of the derivatives market in general and discusses the nature and effect of equity options in detail. Limited amendments have been made to the South African Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962 ('the Act') since the emergence of derivative instruments and at present only three types of derivative instruments are recognised: forward exchange and option contracts relating to forward exchange, interest rate swaps based on notional capital amounts and option contracts. Other than section 241 of the Act which deems all receipts and accruals from foreign exchange contracts to be income, the other sections dealing with derivatives do not concern themselves with capital or revenue classification. Accordingly, the classification of receipts and accruals arising from an equity option transaction is generally governed by the ordinary principles of South African tax law with the added problem of there being limited South African case law applying these general prinCiples to such transactions. The research undertaken in this thesis results in the establishment of a framework designed to determine the classification as revenue or capital the receipts and accruals arising from equity option contracts. Speculating, trading and investing in equity options is examined with regard to the general principles of South African tax and available case law. Hedging transactions are analysed with specific reference to their exact nature as well as general tax principles and available case law. The analogy of Krugerrands is used to draw parallels with the tax treatment of receipts and accruals arising from equity options used for hedging purposes. Once the theoretical framework has been established for revenue or capital classification, the actual tax treatment of both revenue and capital receipts is examined with reference to the Act and issues such as the gross income definition, the general deduction formula, trading stock and timing provisions are analysed and applied to receipts and accruals arising from equity option transactions. The thesis concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations are made based on the research conducted.
- Full Text:
Achieving a realistic utopia: Rawls, realization, and the task of political philosophy
- Authors: Terlazzo, Rosa Elizabeth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rawls, John, 1921-2002 Political science -- Philosophy Justice -- Philosophy Utopias -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002851
- Description: In this thesis I argue that the tradition of political philosophy which follows in John Rawls's footsteps is obligated to concern itself not only with the realizability, but also with the realization, of justice. Although Rawls himself expresses a commitment only to the former of these, I argue that the roles which he assigns to political philosophy require him to take on the further commitment to realization. This is because these roles are meant to influence not only political philosophers, but the citizens of the wider community as well. The realistically utopian role, which I take to be the central one, requires political philosophy to inspire in that population a hope which I argue that realizability alone cannot provide. Given the deep revisions regarding the political nature of justice as fairness which Rawls made on the basis of realizability concerns, I argue that his theory must in this case be committed to a similar revision. The hope which political philosophy is meant to provide is simply not realizable until the discipline concerns itself centrally with the task of realization.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Terlazzo, Rosa Elizabeth
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rawls, John, 1921-2002 Political science -- Philosophy Justice -- Philosophy Utopias -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002851
- Description: In this thesis I argue that the tradition of political philosophy which follows in John Rawls's footsteps is obligated to concern itself not only with the realizability, but also with the realization, of justice. Although Rawls himself expresses a commitment only to the former of these, I argue that the roles which he assigns to political philosophy require him to take on the further commitment to realization. This is because these roles are meant to influence not only political philosophers, but the citizens of the wider community as well. The realistically utopian role, which I take to be the central one, requires political philosophy to inspire in that population a hope which I argue that realizability alone cannot provide. Given the deep revisions regarding the political nature of justice as fairness which Rawls made on the basis of realizability concerns, I argue that his theory must in this case be committed to a similar revision. The hope which political philosophy is meant to provide is simply not realizable until the discipline concerns itself centrally with the task of realization.
- Full Text:
The European Union trade, development and cooperation agreement (TDCA) with South Africa : promoting development or self interest?
- Authors: Mavura, Mike Tigere
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: European Union Economic development -- South Africa European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007572
- Description: This research analyses development cooperation between the European Union (EU) and South Africa with the objective of determining which between the two entities, ultimately benefits more out of this arrangement The research goes beyond the altruistic reasons offered by the EU as the rationale for development cooperation to investigate whether South Africa's development is actually being promoted by this cooperation. Further, the research investigates whether there is also EU self-interest that informs this development cooperation. This research is conceptualised within the development aid debate framework. The research argues that this development cooperation is important to South Africa even though its impact is in real terms has not been extensive due to a number of factors. It further contends that there are EU political, security and economic interests amongst others that are being promoted by this development cooperation. The research concludes by asserting that this development cooperation promotes the mutual interests of the EU and South Africa. This conclusion challenges the paradigms of the debate on development aid which is premised in black and white terms of development aid promoting either donor or recipient interests.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mavura, Mike Tigere
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: European Union Economic development -- South Africa European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2859 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007572
- Description: This research analyses development cooperation between the European Union (EU) and South Africa with the objective of determining which between the two entities, ultimately benefits more out of this arrangement The research goes beyond the altruistic reasons offered by the EU as the rationale for development cooperation to investigate whether South Africa's development is actually being promoted by this cooperation. Further, the research investigates whether there is also EU self-interest that informs this development cooperation. This research is conceptualised within the development aid debate framework. The research argues that this development cooperation is important to South Africa even though its impact is in real terms has not been extensive due to a number of factors. It further contends that there are EU political, security and economic interests amongst others that are being promoted by this development cooperation. The research concludes by asserting that this development cooperation promotes the mutual interests of the EU and South Africa. This conclusion challenges the paradigms of the debate on development aid which is premised in black and white terms of development aid promoting either donor or recipient interests.
- Full Text:
Asset prices and inflation-targeting : implications for South Africa
- Authors: Cosser, Leigh Emma
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies , Monetary policy -- Japan , Monetary policy -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020849
- Description: An analysis of the current monetary policy framework in South Africa, which followed the exampie of a number of developed countries by implementing an inflation-targeting regime in 2000, is presented. The primary goal of the framework is to establish price stability, with financial stability a secondary objective. However, as has been evident in other countries, price stability does not guarantee financial stability. Movements in asset prices and the development of asset price bubbles have resulted in a number of episodes of financial instability, which negatively impacted on the growth and development of the countries involved. In addition, the majority of these episodes have occurred in periods of low and stable inflation. The dissertation analyses whether monetary policy would be more efficient if asset price movements were incorporated within the inflation-targeting regime. International experience indicates that early intervention of monetary policy can dampen the negative effects that result when an asset price bubble "bursts". However, if the monetary authorities act too early the effects on the economy can be just as disruptive. The literature is scrutinized to establish what the most effective form of monetary policy should be. The results are then transposed within the South African context to establish how the South African Reserve Bank can best ensure both price and financial stability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cosser, Leigh Emma
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy , Banks and banking, Central -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies , Monetary policy -- Japan , Monetary policy -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020849
- Description: An analysis of the current monetary policy framework in South Africa, which followed the exampie of a number of developed countries by implementing an inflation-targeting regime in 2000, is presented. The primary goal of the framework is to establish price stability, with financial stability a secondary objective. However, as has been evident in other countries, price stability does not guarantee financial stability. Movements in asset prices and the development of asset price bubbles have resulted in a number of episodes of financial instability, which negatively impacted on the growth and development of the countries involved. In addition, the majority of these episodes have occurred in periods of low and stable inflation. The dissertation analyses whether monetary policy would be more efficient if asset price movements were incorporated within the inflation-targeting regime. International experience indicates that early intervention of monetary policy can dampen the negative effects that result when an asset price bubble "bursts". However, if the monetary authorities act too early the effects on the economy can be just as disruptive. The literature is scrutinized to establish what the most effective form of monetary policy should be. The results are then transposed within the South African context to establish how the South African Reserve Bank can best ensure both price and financial stability.
- Full Text:
Making sense of ʺessenceʺ : a critical examination of the adequacy of the modern philosophical conception of ʺessenceʺ
- Authors: Ross, Allison
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Essentialism (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002850 , Essentialism (Philosophy)
- Description: The idea that some sub-set of the properties of an object captures what it is to be that thing i.e. that it has an essence which is there to be discovered and about which we can be mistaken - is a commonsense assumption that we use all the time. However, philosophers of this century have regarded the realism about essence with skepticism, arguing that we impose essences on things by the way we define our concepts as opposed to discovering them. Essences are supposedly characteristics of our concepts rather than of objects in the world. This was the orthodox view until a group of philosophers of language developed the theory of direct reference. They claimed that proper names and certain other words refer non-connotatively which entails that the real properties of objects are crucial to the establishment of the reference of such terms. It can be shown that the properties involved in reference determination must be all and only the necessary properties of those objects. This discovery has been taken to mark the rehabilitation of the notion of essence, with an object’s essence being taken to be that set of properties which it must have in all possible worlds in which it exists. I will argue that the theory of direct reference is correct up to the point at which it assimilates the necessary properties of objects to their essences. I will show that the set of an object’s necessary properties cannot fulfill the role reserved for the concept of essence in metaphysical hypotheses concerning the nature of objects. I will go on to show that a sub-set of a thing’s necessary properties can fulfill this role and I will suggest that we identify the members of this sub-set by testing their ability to furnish the kinds of explanations we expect from essences. I will demonstrate how this can be done using the Aristotelian idea that the notion of essence is required in order to explain how it is that objects can persist through change.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ross, Allison
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Essentialism (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002850 , Essentialism (Philosophy)
- Description: The idea that some sub-set of the properties of an object captures what it is to be that thing i.e. that it has an essence which is there to be discovered and about which we can be mistaken - is a commonsense assumption that we use all the time. However, philosophers of this century have regarded the realism about essence with skepticism, arguing that we impose essences on things by the way we define our concepts as opposed to discovering them. Essences are supposedly characteristics of our concepts rather than of objects in the world. This was the orthodox view until a group of philosophers of language developed the theory of direct reference. They claimed that proper names and certain other words refer non-connotatively which entails that the real properties of objects are crucial to the establishment of the reference of such terms. It can be shown that the properties involved in reference determination must be all and only the necessary properties of those objects. This discovery has been taken to mark the rehabilitation of the notion of essence, with an object’s essence being taken to be that set of properties which it must have in all possible worlds in which it exists. I will argue that the theory of direct reference is correct up to the point at which it assimilates the necessary properties of objects to their essences. I will show that the set of an object’s necessary properties cannot fulfill the role reserved for the concept of essence in metaphysical hypotheses concerning the nature of objects. I will go on to show that a sub-set of a thing’s necessary properties can fulfill this role and I will suggest that we identify the members of this sub-set by testing their ability to furnish the kinds of explanations we expect from essences. I will demonstrate how this can be done using the Aristotelian idea that the notion of essence is required in order to explain how it is that objects can persist through change.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »