Registered nurses’ experiences of trust in the workplace in Eastern Cape public hospitals
- Authors: Holland, Ashleigh Simone
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in organizations Trust
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50579 , vital:42255
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique. Three themes emanated from the data, namely: (1) Influence of connected and caring relationships on trust among registered nurses; (2) Influence of professional competence on trust among registered nurses; and (3) Influence of values on trust among registered nurses. The findings revealed that trust or the lack of trust is a critical component underpinning the variety of relationships that exist in the general ward hospital environment. Furthermore, for registered nurses, the competence or lack of competence of colleagues serves to instil or undermine trust among one another. In addition, owing to the nature of the profession, registered nurses place a great emphasis on values, especially as these relate to patient care, and the presence or absence of these values serve to build or undermine trust among registered nurses. It is evident that trust needs to be present in order to enhance interpersonal relationships among registered nurses (and other colleagues) and thereby maintain or enhance quality patient care. Hence, the study revealed that trust is a complex phenomenon, particularly in the hospital setting, and experiences and perceptions of trust differ among registered nurses. The findings highlighted the need for management to find ways of nurturing and building trust among registered nurses themselves and between registered nurses and their health worker colleagues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Holland, Ashleigh Simone
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in organizations Trust
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50579 , vital:42255
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique. Three themes emanated from the data, namely: (1) Influence of connected and caring relationships on trust among registered nurses; (2) Influence of professional competence on trust among registered nurses; and (3) Influence of values on trust among registered nurses. The findings revealed that trust or the lack of trust is a critical component underpinning the variety of relationships that exist in the general ward hospital environment. Furthermore, for registered nurses, the competence or lack of competence of colleagues serves to instil or undermine trust among one another. In addition, owing to the nature of the profession, registered nurses place a great emphasis on values, especially as these relate to patient care, and the presence or absence of these values serve to build or undermine trust among registered nurses. It is evident that trust needs to be present in order to enhance interpersonal relationships among registered nurses (and other colleagues) and thereby maintain or enhance quality patient care. Hence, the study revealed that trust is a complex phenomenon, particularly in the hospital setting, and experiences and perceptions of trust differ among registered nurses. The findings highlighted the need for management to find ways of nurturing and building trust among registered nurses themselves and between registered nurses and their health worker colleagues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Registered Nurse’s experiences of trust in the workplace in Eastern Cape public hospitals
- Holland, Ashley Simone Anderson
- Authors: Holland, Ashley Simone Anderson
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Public health nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trust -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49854 , vital:41809
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Holland, Ashley Simone Anderson
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Public health nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trust -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49854 , vital:41809
- Description: Trust is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships and leads to favourable outcomes for teams and organisations. Research focusing on trust has gained popularity in recent years as researchers seek to gain an understanding and insight into this concept. The importance of examining trust from both perspectives of the organisational dyad (employer-employee) is emphasised, yet much of the research focuses on the employer’s perspective. The researcher identified a gap in trust literature pertaining to the nursing work environment and sought to examine this phenomenon from the employees’ perspective, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical trust relationships. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore and describe trust experiences of registered nurses working in general wards in public hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design and was exploratory and descriptive in nature to gain insight into and depict the lived experiences of trust between participants and their peers and between participants and their superiors and subordinates. Sampling was purposive, and 14 individual, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted so that participants could describe their experiences of the phenomenon under investigation in their own words. The data was analysed using Renata Tesch’s data coding and analysis technique.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers
- Authors: Kapp, Anton
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone systems -- Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48257 , vital:40757
- Description: The mobile phone industry is one of the most technologically-advanced industries in South Africa, however, little information is available concerning retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in this industry. As research into the area of retirement planning and retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in the telecommunications industry is thus required, this study intended to fill this gap. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether mobile phone dealers were planning for their retirement and the retirement planning activities they performed. The study also further investigated the retirement activities of the mobile phone dealers’ employees. A case study research in six phases was conducted and data was obtained from 18 participants using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview guide was prepared to focus on three theoretical themes, namely, retirement activities for retirement, retirement activities at retirement and retirement activities after retirement. The rich qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Most of the participants were male and in the 51+ year age category. The analysis of the feedback from the participants suggested that one out of 18 (5.56%) participants could not retire, seven out of 18 participants (38.89%) participants did not plan to retire, while ten out of 18 (55.56%) had a planned retirement date. A small number of participants actively used the retirement planning activities for employees as a successful retention tool in their businesses in an environment where employee rotation was reported to be high. The study found that the majority of mobile phone dealers had planned and provided for their own retirement. The feedback and recommendations of this study show that employees in the mobile phone dealer businesses lack knowledge on the importance of retirement planning in their lives, and that retirement planning knowledge intervention programmes should be introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kapp, Anton
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone systems -- Retirement -- South Africa -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48257 , vital:40757
- Description: The mobile phone industry is one of the most technologically-advanced industries in South Africa, however, little information is available concerning retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in this industry. As research into the area of retirement planning and retirement planning activities of mobile phone dealers in the telecommunications industry is thus required, this study intended to fill this gap. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether mobile phone dealers were planning for their retirement and the retirement planning activities they performed. The study also further investigated the retirement activities of the mobile phone dealers’ employees. A case study research in six phases was conducted and data was obtained from 18 participants using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interview guide was prepared to focus on three theoretical themes, namely, retirement activities for retirement, retirement activities at retirement and retirement activities after retirement. The rich qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using content analysis. Most of the participants were male and in the 51+ year age category. The analysis of the feedback from the participants suggested that one out of 18 (5.56%) participants could not retire, seven out of 18 participants (38.89%) participants did not plan to retire, while ten out of 18 (55.56%) had a planned retirement date. A small number of participants actively used the retirement planning activities for employees as a successful retention tool in their businesses in an environment where employee rotation was reported to be high. The study found that the majority of mobile phone dealers had planned and provided for their own retirement. The feedback and recommendations of this study show that employees in the mobile phone dealer businesses lack knowledge on the importance of retirement planning in their lives, and that retirement planning knowledge intervention programmes should be introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Revenue, Trade and Welfare Implications of the BRICS Free Trade Agreement on South Africa
- Authors: Mayende, Nosiphiwo Andisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gross domestic product -- Statistics -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50316 , vital:42105
- Description: The analysis presented in the study is based on the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS)/Software Market analysis and Restrictions on Trade (SMART) was used to assess the impacts of the BRICS free trade area (FTA) on South Africa’s revenue, trade and welfare. The findings of the study show that the BRICS FTA is expected to increase imports into South Africa from China, India, Brazil and Russia by $188 million, $469.6 million, $145 million and $19.7 million, respectively. In the same vein, the country is expected to have trade diversion totalling $886.86 million which are largely caused by China with $564.7 million dollars. The combined effects of trade creation and trade diversion, that is, total imports, is expected to lead $1.7 billion in imports surge as a result of BRICS FTA. With regard to the revenue effect, the WITS/SMART simulations indicate that South Africa will have a total fiscal revenue loss of US$1.926 billion if the BRICS FTA is implemented. Major losers include motor vehicles with a loss of US$235.6 million, footwear with US$168.6 million, garments with a loss of US$97 million and textile materials with a loss of $96 million. Overall, South Africa’s exports are expected to increase by $354 million thanks to the BRICS FTA. From the above analysis it is apparent that South Africa will both lose and benefit by joining the BRICS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mayende, Nosiphiwo Andisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gross domestic product -- Statistics -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50316 , vital:42105
- Description: The analysis presented in the study is based on the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS)/Software Market analysis and Restrictions on Trade (SMART) was used to assess the impacts of the BRICS free trade area (FTA) on South Africa’s revenue, trade and welfare. The findings of the study show that the BRICS FTA is expected to increase imports into South Africa from China, India, Brazil and Russia by $188 million, $469.6 million, $145 million and $19.7 million, respectively. In the same vein, the country is expected to have trade diversion totalling $886.86 million which are largely caused by China with $564.7 million dollars. The combined effects of trade creation and trade diversion, that is, total imports, is expected to lead $1.7 billion in imports surge as a result of BRICS FTA. With regard to the revenue effect, the WITS/SMART simulations indicate that South Africa will have a total fiscal revenue loss of US$1.926 billion if the BRICS FTA is implemented. Major losers include motor vehicles with a loss of US$235.6 million, footwear with US$168.6 million, garments with a loss of US$97 million and textile materials with a loss of $96 million. Overall, South Africa’s exports are expected to increase by $354 million thanks to the BRICS FTA. From the above analysis it is apparent that South Africa will both lose and benefit by joining the BRICS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Rural enterprise development as a means to poverty alleviation
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa Poverty alleviation -- methods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50361 , vital:42118
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bodley, David Cyril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Economic development projects -- South Africa Poverty alleviation -- methods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50361 , vital:42118
- Description: South Africa’s disappointing economic performance over the last decade has resulted in a socio-economic crisis, with unemployment and inequality rates being of the highest rates anywhere in the world. Furthermore, unemployment is concentrated among the young, unskilled, and previously disadvantaged population posing a considerable threat to South Africa’s new democracy. Internationally, a method to absorb job seekers into the economy is to make small business the engine-room of economic growth and development. Consequently, the South African Government has identified in its National Development Plan the establishment of small businesses as a priority, including the development of small businesses in rural and marginalised communities. As rural communities in South Africa experience systemic problems such as the lack of infrastructure, financial capital, skills and potential markets, establishing enterprises in rural settings is often more complex than those more advanced parts of the economy elsewhere where fewer constraints exist. This makes the task of establishing and growing rural entities particularly challenging, suggesting bespoke policy and support is required. This study analyses the literature to gain an understanding of economic development theory and how this intersects with and informs small enterprise development policy. It then looks at South Africa’s strategy and policy framework pertaining to enterprise development. Specifically, the literature examines the role of rural enterprise development to establish whether this enables people to move out of poverty or further entraps people in poverty. The study collates data from a rural and marginalised community through observation and interview techniques. Firstly, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen entrepreneurs in a rural community to collect data on business opportunities and explore the type of support entrepreneurs would require from government. Secondly, a focus group interview was conducted with entrepreneurs that had experienced institutional support to understand how well current policy and programmes support rural enterprise development. The primary data was analysed in conjunction with the literature on economic theory and enterprise development using the technique of triangulation to avoid logic leaps and formation of false assumptions. The insights and findings from the analysis reinforced certain facts within the body of knowledge pertaining to enterprise development, but there were also some interesting new insights that emanate from the data. South Africa has been able to introduce a wide range of policy initiatives and has multiple programmes and strategies to support small enterprise development. It has achieved firm success and impetus as well as experiencing certain failures. The study clearly highlights both and makes recommendations to improve policy promoting rural enterprise development as a means to alleviate poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies for rural housing provision in Nkobonkobo Village, Alice, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnqandi, Nomgqibelo Beauty
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Housing, Rural -- South Africa -- Alice Public welfare -- South Africa -- Alice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49692 , vital:41771
- Description: South Africa’s history, pre- and post-democracy, has been designed by different laws which moulded the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in numerous ways. The introduction of democracy in the country created a platform for understanding different rights for many citizens; amongst those rights a right to shelter, proper sanitation, and clean water. The provision of housing by the three spheres of government, local, provincial, and national aimed at addressing these rights for all citizens of the country, which is a privilege for both urban and rural communities. Even though provision of houses for the rural poor was not the priority in the first administration of the democratic government, as time progressed, discussions and implementation of the policy on housing provision for rural communities became a strong political debate. The intensity on housing provision for rural houses as from 2010 became more resilient. The objectives of this study firstly viewed the botches of the Department of Human Settlement, Water and Sanitation and the Municipality to monitor and evaluate infrastructural challenges faced by rural communities who became beneficiaries of houses under Rural Development Programme (RDP). The issue of poor sanitation and access to clean water by rural poor even in the fourth and fifth administration was also a concern of the study. The socio-economic factors on the provision of houses for rural housing beneficiaries was also a major apprehension, and support services provided by the relevant stakeholders to rural housing beneficiaries was also a point for discussion. It is therefore imperative that the study evaluate and recommend strategies that can be put in place for improving housing provision for the rural poor and create sustainable human settlements. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces that are battling with backlogs related to housing provision, high unemployment rates, low rural household incomes, and low levels of education more especially to older citizens, which can create a higher risk of crime more especially by the youth. This study, therefore, attempted to highlight cases of poor administration, since it its findings the issue of wasteful expenditure of people’s taxes when houses constructed for community beneficiaries are not occupied. The absence of these important amenities in any community, poor sanitation and a lack of water which creates food insecurities, because there is no agricultural practice, even at a subsistence level and health communities are in danger more especially women and children. In such cases, poverty becomes rife, and health-related issues tend to expand. Similarly, economic growth and social development becomes limited. This treatise was concerned with the strategies used in the provision of rural housing in South Africa, the Eastern Cape Province. The findings further identify that the legislation that was supposed to be employed by the Department of Human Settlement in the provision of rural housing was not considered as a priority, hence there were many flaws identified. The policies applied in other countries, internationally, were suggested to be used as a benchmark for improving housing provision strategies in rural Eastern Cape municipalities. Since the study had adopted a descriptive approach, meaning the use of secondary data, the issue of public participation in any designed development project in rural communities should be as an important aspect of rural development, The Batho Pele Principles as key instrumental legislation in the government should be taken into serious consideration always more especially the principle of consultation. Rigorous debates are also required to produce policies that are informed by evidence in order to build and produce a better future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mnqandi, Nomgqibelo Beauty
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Housing, Rural -- South Africa -- Alice Public welfare -- South Africa -- Alice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49692 , vital:41771
- Description: South Africa’s history, pre- and post-democracy, has been designed by different laws which moulded the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in numerous ways. The introduction of democracy in the country created a platform for understanding different rights for many citizens; amongst those rights a right to shelter, proper sanitation, and clean water. The provision of housing by the three spheres of government, local, provincial, and national aimed at addressing these rights for all citizens of the country, which is a privilege for both urban and rural communities. Even though provision of houses for the rural poor was not the priority in the first administration of the democratic government, as time progressed, discussions and implementation of the policy on housing provision for rural communities became a strong political debate. The intensity on housing provision for rural houses as from 2010 became more resilient. The objectives of this study firstly viewed the botches of the Department of Human Settlement, Water and Sanitation and the Municipality to monitor and evaluate infrastructural challenges faced by rural communities who became beneficiaries of houses under Rural Development Programme (RDP). The issue of poor sanitation and access to clean water by rural poor even in the fourth and fifth administration was also a concern of the study. The socio-economic factors on the provision of houses for rural housing beneficiaries was also a major apprehension, and support services provided by the relevant stakeholders to rural housing beneficiaries was also a point for discussion. It is therefore imperative that the study evaluate and recommend strategies that can be put in place for improving housing provision for the rural poor and create sustainable human settlements. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the provinces that are battling with backlogs related to housing provision, high unemployment rates, low rural household incomes, and low levels of education more especially to older citizens, which can create a higher risk of crime more especially by the youth. This study, therefore, attempted to highlight cases of poor administration, since it its findings the issue of wasteful expenditure of people’s taxes when houses constructed for community beneficiaries are not occupied. The absence of these important amenities in any community, poor sanitation and a lack of water which creates food insecurities, because there is no agricultural practice, even at a subsistence level and health communities are in danger more especially women and children. In such cases, poverty becomes rife, and health-related issues tend to expand. Similarly, economic growth and social development becomes limited. This treatise was concerned with the strategies used in the provision of rural housing in South Africa, the Eastern Cape Province. The findings further identify that the legislation that was supposed to be employed by the Department of Human Settlement in the provision of rural housing was not considered as a priority, hence there were many flaws identified. The policies applied in other countries, internationally, were suggested to be used as a benchmark for improving housing provision strategies in rural Eastern Cape municipalities. Since the study had adopted a descriptive approach, meaning the use of secondary data, the issue of public participation in any designed development project in rural communities should be as an important aspect of rural development, The Batho Pele Principles as key instrumental legislation in the government should be taken into serious consideration always more especially the principle of consultation. Rigorous debates are also required to produce policies that are informed by evidence in order to build and produce a better future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies to improve employee financial intelligence
- Authors: Botha, Perine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47486 , vital:40118
- Description: South African employees are largely indebted, with the majority of their disposable income used to service debt. The potential causes of this problem include the levels of education of individuals, how investors perceive the political climate in the country, levels of disposable income and the spending habits of individuals. This study aims to assist organisations to improve employee financial intelligence by investigating what influences financial intelligence. To ascertain these influences, the respondents’ level of financial literacy is to be determined as well. Financial literacy is assessed by determining a respondents’ knowledge of numeracy, risk diversification, compound interest and inflation. Additional factors such as debt management, saving culture and access to digital information too have an impact on financial literacy. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted among employees of a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. These employees represent both the management and junior employee profiles. The study found that 75% of the respondents were not financially literate. Financial literacy rates globally are at 51%, however, in a major emerging economy such as South Africa, the rate is between 48% and 51%. The results of the study however indicate that it is much lower than the global average as well as for that of similar developing countries. The results of the study indicate that age, gender, job grade, level of education, access to digital information, a savings culture, budgeting and debt management do not significantly influence financial literacy in the context of SouthAfrica.The research indicates that the respondents are, however, willing to learn and be educated to increase their financial knowledge and awareness. Possible strategies which could assist in improving levels of financial intelligence are:•Financial literacy courses offered by employers;•Research undertaken by employees themselves could increase their financial literacy; Employee wellness programmes, such as debt counselling, could improve the financial literacy of employees;•Completion of online courses would improve the employees’ level of financial literacy;•Budgeting and money management courses;•Financial advisors to be appointed by employers;•Debt counselling of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Botha, Perine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47486 , vital:40118
- Description: South African employees are largely indebted, with the majority of their disposable income used to service debt. The potential causes of this problem include the levels of education of individuals, how investors perceive the political climate in the country, levels of disposable income and the spending habits of individuals. This study aims to assist organisations to improve employee financial intelligence by investigating what influences financial intelligence. To ascertain these influences, the respondents’ level of financial literacy is to be determined as well. Financial literacy is assessed by determining a respondents’ knowledge of numeracy, risk diversification, compound interest and inflation. Additional factors such as debt management, saving culture and access to digital information too have an impact on financial literacy. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted among employees of a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. These employees represent both the management and junior employee profiles. The study found that 75% of the respondents were not financially literate. Financial literacy rates globally are at 51%, however, in a major emerging economy such as South Africa, the rate is between 48% and 51%. The results of the study however indicate that it is much lower than the global average as well as for that of similar developing countries. The results of the study indicate that age, gender, job grade, level of education, access to digital information, a savings culture, budgeting and debt management do not significantly influence financial literacy in the context of SouthAfrica.The research indicates that the respondents are, however, willing to learn and be educated to increase their financial knowledge and awareness. Possible strategies which could assist in improving levels of financial intelligence are:•Financial literacy courses offered by employers;•Research undertaken by employees themselves could increase their financial literacy; Employee wellness programmes, such as debt counselling, could improve the financial literacy of employees;•Completion of online courses would improve the employees’ level of financial literacy;•Budgeting and money management courses;•Financial advisors to be appointed by employers;•Debt counselling of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Technology readiness of public school teachers : a study in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Ebongue, Placide Mbella
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Educational technology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49659 , vital:41766
- Description: Globally, it is well documented that technology integration (Information & Communication Technology) in teaching & learning environments improve educational experiences and outcomes. The information revolution also conditions the global collective to prioritise and invest in education. In South Africa, basic education is increasingly aiming to integrate technology in its teaching and learning processes, as is already common practice in the higher learning environment. Policies and supporting educational legislation must, therefore, be geared to steer teacher training emphasis in this regard, especially for primary schools. To anchor economic developments, important parameters to consider, include the readiness of teachers to use technology in the classroom, measured through the technology readiness index (TRI) and a variety of demographic indices. These reveal trends among teachers and their interaction with learners while delivering subject content in the classroom. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) (Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage) area, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 32 schools totalling 70 teachers were evaluated using an online survey, based on a TRI model, initially developed by Parasuraman and later refined by Parasuraman and Colby. Results showed that teachers in the NMBM area have a medium to high technology propensity, with a readiness index score of 3.445 out of five. The demographic analysis also revealed that teachers are optimistic about technology and motivated about making it work in their classroom. These positive indicators towards technology (ICT) adoption encourage economic investments in basic education; however, further study is recommended to investigate implementation (and comparison to other provinces), therefore, informing the specific magnitude and type of investments needed in the Eastern Cape. An implementation model, which promotes ICT policy with a combination of software, hardware and internet access, appropriately incorporated in teaching and learning objectives, is encouraged to promote economic developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ebongue, Placide Mbella
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Educational technology -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MDS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49659 , vital:41766
- Description: Globally, it is well documented that technology integration (Information & Communication Technology) in teaching & learning environments improve educational experiences and outcomes. The information revolution also conditions the global collective to prioritise and invest in education. In South Africa, basic education is increasingly aiming to integrate technology in its teaching and learning processes, as is already common practice in the higher learning environment. Policies and supporting educational legislation must, therefore, be geared to steer teacher training emphasis in this regard, especially for primary schools. To anchor economic developments, important parameters to consider, include the readiness of teachers to use technology in the classroom, measured through the technology readiness index (TRI) and a variety of demographic indices. These reveal trends among teachers and their interaction with learners while delivering subject content in the classroom. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) (Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage) area, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 32 schools totalling 70 teachers were evaluated using an online survey, based on a TRI model, initially developed by Parasuraman and later refined by Parasuraman and Colby. Results showed that teachers in the NMBM area have a medium to high technology propensity, with a readiness index score of 3.445 out of five. The demographic analysis also revealed that teachers are optimistic about technology and motivated about making it work in their classroom. These positive indicators towards technology (ICT) adoption encourage economic investments in basic education; however, further study is recommended to investigate implementation (and comparison to other provinces), therefore, informing the specific magnitude and type of investments needed in the Eastern Cape. An implementation model, which promotes ICT policy with a combination of software, hardware and internet access, appropriately incorporated in teaching and learning objectives, is encouraged to promote economic developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The development of a framework to facilitate an increase level of self employment mongst the rural youth by promoting increased level of entrepreneurial intent
- Authors: Lindoor, Jillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Youth-- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49878 , vital:41812
- Description: Natural resources and unique livelihoods within rural areas could be transformed into investments that would attract affluent urban groups and benefit the wider community,reduce unemployment and create self-employment among the youth. However limited employment opportunities, ongoing failure of local development projects, low level of self-acknowledge conviction amongst the rural youth to set up new business ventures is low exists. These issues that serve as the motivation for this research, are evident in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (BNLM) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These issues increases poverty, alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to find a solution to the problem and develop the local economy, increase employment, reduce poverty and assist in contributing to the millennium goals as set out by the United Nations. The research objective of the study is therefore to investigate what methods can be implemented to facilitate an increase in the level of self-employment amongst the rural youth by promoting an increased level of entrepreneurial intent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lindoor, Jillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Youth-- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49878 , vital:41812
- Description: Natural resources and unique livelihoods within rural areas could be transformed into investments that would attract affluent urban groups and benefit the wider community,reduce unemployment and create self-employment among the youth. However limited employment opportunities, ongoing failure of local development projects, low level of self-acknowledge conviction amongst the rural youth to set up new business ventures is low exists. These issues that serve as the motivation for this research, are evident in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (BNLM) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These issues increases poverty, alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to find a solution to the problem and develop the local economy, increase employment, reduce poverty and assist in contributing to the millennium goals as set out by the United Nations. The research objective of the study is therefore to investigate what methods can be implemented to facilitate an increase in the level of self-employment amongst the rural youth by promoting an increased level of entrepreneurial intent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the eastern region of RSA
- Authors: Alley, Andre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa , Project management Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50338 , vital:42110
- Description: The purpose of this research was the development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). As a result of a recent increase of complaints regarding projects delivered by Vodacom Eastern Region. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis, providing useful insights in sustainable project management in Vodacom Easter Region, RSA. The outcome of the research was in the form of a sustainable project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of RSA, which highlighted five focus areas, namely; team structure, project organisational structure, stakeholder management, attributes of team members, communication and information technology enablers. The study concluded with practical recommendations for a relevant and sustainable project management model under the five focus areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Alley, Andre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa , Project management Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50338 , vital:42110
- Description: The purpose of this research was the development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). As a result of a recent increase of complaints regarding projects delivered by Vodacom Eastern Region. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis, providing useful insights in sustainable project management in Vodacom Easter Region, RSA. The outcome of the research was in the form of a sustainable project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of RSA, which highlighted five focus areas, namely; team structure, project organisational structure, stakeholder management, attributes of team members, communication and information technology enablers. The study concluded with practical recommendations for a relevant and sustainable project management model under the five focus areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The distiction between debt and equity from an income tax perspective
- Authors: Duna, Nomfundo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47791 , vital:40375
- Description: The debt bias gives rise to real and disadvantageous consequences for many jurisdictions. South Africa is by no means any safer from its dilutive and evasive effect. This bias in favour of debt arises as a result of the difference in the tax treatment of debt and equity which is found in the South African tax legislation. At the centre of the difference in tax treatment is that under the domestic tax legislation, interest incurred on debt is deductible to the extent that the debt was used to fund income generating assets which dividends payable to equity investors is not. From a South African perspective, the classification of a funding as debt or equity funding for tax purposes is not exhaustively dealt with within the tax legislation as it is not always that these terms are defined in the tax legislation. In some instances, common law is relied upon to classify funding as debt or equity funding. Furthermore, this classification and the resultant tax treatment of funding as either debt or equity becomes even more complicated when you consider the various tax avoidance mechanisms that taxpayer corporations use to take advantage of the debt bias. Tax avoidance mechanisms such as the uptake of excessive debt to increase interest deductions and the use of hybrid debt instruments has necessitated the inclusion of targeted anti-avoidance provisions that operate to either reclassify the nature of the funding or the return on such funding, or in some instances deny interest deductions. These targeted anti-avoidance provisions contain definitions of the type of funding that they apply to. In the South African context, the South African tax legislation contains provisions in respect of anti-excessive debt rules contained in section 23M and 23N as well as hybrid instruments contained in sections 8E,8EA, 8F and 8FA that aim to counter the extent to which taxpayers exploit the debt bias to avoid tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Duna, Nomfundo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47791 , vital:40375
- Description: The debt bias gives rise to real and disadvantageous consequences for many jurisdictions. South Africa is by no means any safer from its dilutive and evasive effect. This bias in favour of debt arises as a result of the difference in the tax treatment of debt and equity which is found in the South African tax legislation. At the centre of the difference in tax treatment is that under the domestic tax legislation, interest incurred on debt is deductible to the extent that the debt was used to fund income generating assets which dividends payable to equity investors is not. From a South African perspective, the classification of a funding as debt or equity funding for tax purposes is not exhaustively dealt with within the tax legislation as it is not always that these terms are defined in the tax legislation. In some instances, common law is relied upon to classify funding as debt or equity funding. Furthermore, this classification and the resultant tax treatment of funding as either debt or equity becomes even more complicated when you consider the various tax avoidance mechanisms that taxpayer corporations use to take advantage of the debt bias. Tax avoidance mechanisms such as the uptake of excessive debt to increase interest deductions and the use of hybrid debt instruments has necessitated the inclusion of targeted anti-avoidance provisions that operate to either reclassify the nature of the funding or the return on such funding, or in some instances deny interest deductions. These targeted anti-avoidance provisions contain definitions of the type of funding that they apply to. In the South African context, the South African tax legislation contains provisions in respect of anti-excessive debt rules contained in section 23M and 23N as well as hybrid instruments contained in sections 8E,8EA, 8F and 8FA that aim to counter the extent to which taxpayers exploit the debt bias to avoid tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The economic impact of electrical meter tampering within Western Cape municipalities
- Authors: Brink, Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric meters--Power supply
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47526 , vital:40125
- Description: Electricity access is fundamental for satisfying elementary human needs, raising living standards, preserving satisfactory human health, assisting in the relief of poverty and helping expedite sustainable development. Furthermore, access to electricity helps to uplift communities and empower businesses, contributing to an all-round positive environment ultimately leading to the development of a country. Worldwide, electricity is generated at identified areas and by specific entities such as Eskom in South Africa, Nampower in Namibia and LEC in Lesotho. Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution are a business just like any other business and its main goals are to service the needs of its customers as well as to make a profit and look after the interests of the shareholders. Although electricity must be made available for use by all the citizens and businesses in a country, it is not a free service and must be paid for. An electricity meter is used to measure the amount of electricity used and bill the consumer accordingly. Tampering with any electrical meters in order to avoid paying for electricity is illegal and a criminal offense. Electrical meter tampering and the economic impact it has on a utility is a massive overall problem. An initial review of the problem revealed that there are studies and published statistics for electrical meter tampering in South Africa on a national level, but that there is a lack of focus and results on a regional level. The purpose of this study is to assist regional municipalities and determine how to challenge electricity meter tampering and therefore influence the economic effect it might have on such a municipality. This study looks at investigating regional municipalities with a specific focus on municipalities situated within the Western Cape. To initiate this study, secondary data was collected from academic sources and presented in the form of a literature review. The literature review addresses research questions and objectives around the background, nature, and extent of managing electricity, electrical meters, the importance of solving the problem and the potential causes of electrical meter tampering. An interpretive research philosophy was followed and primary data was gathered through a qualitative study by interviewing eleven (11)participants from ten (10)local Western Cape Municipalities. Furthermore, it was identified that the two qualitative approaches best suited to this research was a case study and grounded theory. In order to analyse the primary data gathered, a sophisticated software programme called ATLAS.ti was used to identify themes and codes emanating from the data. The analysis of the primary data was presented in the form of columns, bar and pie charts and the key findings interpreted with reference to the secondary data gathered earlier in the study.The treatise was concluded with recommendations to municipal managers of how to challenge electrical meter tampering and what economic impact meter tampering has on their municipalities. It was left to the municipal manager’s discretion to decide if they want to share the results of the study with their senior and middle managers who acted as participants in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Brink, Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric meters--Power supply
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47526 , vital:40125
- Description: Electricity access is fundamental for satisfying elementary human needs, raising living standards, preserving satisfactory human health, assisting in the relief of poverty and helping expedite sustainable development. Furthermore, access to electricity helps to uplift communities and empower businesses, contributing to an all-round positive environment ultimately leading to the development of a country. Worldwide, electricity is generated at identified areas and by specific entities such as Eskom in South Africa, Nampower in Namibia and LEC in Lesotho. Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution are a business just like any other business and its main goals are to service the needs of its customers as well as to make a profit and look after the interests of the shareholders. Although electricity must be made available for use by all the citizens and businesses in a country, it is not a free service and must be paid for. An electricity meter is used to measure the amount of electricity used and bill the consumer accordingly. Tampering with any electrical meters in order to avoid paying for electricity is illegal and a criminal offense. Electrical meter tampering and the economic impact it has on a utility is a massive overall problem. An initial review of the problem revealed that there are studies and published statistics for electrical meter tampering in South Africa on a national level, but that there is a lack of focus and results on a regional level. The purpose of this study is to assist regional municipalities and determine how to challenge electricity meter tampering and therefore influence the economic effect it might have on such a municipality. This study looks at investigating regional municipalities with a specific focus on municipalities situated within the Western Cape. To initiate this study, secondary data was collected from academic sources and presented in the form of a literature review. The literature review addresses research questions and objectives around the background, nature, and extent of managing electricity, electrical meters, the importance of solving the problem and the potential causes of electrical meter tampering. An interpretive research philosophy was followed and primary data was gathered through a qualitative study by interviewing eleven (11)participants from ten (10)local Western Cape Municipalities. Furthermore, it was identified that the two qualitative approaches best suited to this research was a case study and grounded theory. In order to analyse the primary data gathered, a sophisticated software programme called ATLAS.ti was used to identify themes and codes emanating from the data. The analysis of the primary data was presented in the form of columns, bar and pie charts and the key findings interpreted with reference to the secondary data gathered earlier in the study.The treatise was concluded with recommendations to municipal managers of how to challenge electrical meter tampering and what economic impact meter tampering has on their municipalities. It was left to the municipal manager’s discretion to decide if they want to share the results of the study with their senior and middle managers who acted as participants in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of leadership on organisational culture and employee engagement in the South African horseracing industry
- Authors: Doorgapershad,Vikash
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa Organisational behaviour Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50524 , vital:42210
- Description: The South African horseracing industry dates back to the late 1700’s, and since then has given rise to the gambling industry within the country which has become a major form of entertainment to many. The horseracing industry in South Africa is run by various stakeholders that contribute to the three sectors of the industry - agriculture, sport and gambling. The industry contributes significantly to South Africa’s GDP in the form of gambling revenue, and has created employment for thousands of people. However, over the past decade there has been a decline in the revenue required to sustain the sport of horseracing. This revenue decline is evident in the reported annual figures of the horseracing operators Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd and Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd. The study that follows investigates concepts of organisational culture, employee engagement and employee performance (dependent variable) as possible causes for the decline in the revenue for the horseracing operators by examining the effects of the independent variables, leadership, financial goals and objectives, policies and procedures, innovation and the nature of business of these concepts. This was achieved by collecting data from respondents from Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle, and analysing them in accordance with the literature on the above dependent and independent variables. The empirical results of the study indicate that the concepts mentioned above play a significant role in the problem/s faced by the horseracing operators, and that not enough is being done to address employee related issues. As the economic climate within the country struggles during Covid-19, it has become evident that the problems faced by Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle need to be addressed urgently to ensure survival and sustainability of their businesses, and the horseracing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Doorgapershad,Vikash
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa Organisational behaviour Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50524 , vital:42210
- Description: The South African horseracing industry dates back to the late 1700’s, and since then has given rise to the gambling industry within the country which has become a major form of entertainment to many. The horseracing industry in South Africa is run by various stakeholders that contribute to the three sectors of the industry - agriculture, sport and gambling. The industry contributes significantly to South Africa’s GDP in the form of gambling revenue, and has created employment for thousands of people. However, over the past decade there has been a decline in the revenue required to sustain the sport of horseracing. This revenue decline is evident in the reported annual figures of the horseracing operators Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd and Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd. The study that follows investigates concepts of organisational culture, employee engagement and employee performance (dependent variable) as possible causes for the decline in the revenue for the horseracing operators by examining the effects of the independent variables, leadership, financial goals and objectives, policies and procedures, innovation and the nature of business of these concepts. This was achieved by collecting data from respondents from Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle, and analysing them in accordance with the literature on the above dependent and independent variables. The empirical results of the study indicate that the concepts mentioned above play a significant role in the problem/s faced by the horseracing operators, and that not enough is being done to address employee related issues. As the economic climate within the country struggles during Covid-19, it has become evident that the problems faced by Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle need to be addressed urgently to ensure survival and sustainability of their businesses, and the horseracing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South Africa manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Lionel Daveril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49830 , vital:41806
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Erasmus, Lionel Daveril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49830 , vital:41806
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South African manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Daveril Lionel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50546 , vital:42218
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005). In this study, emphasis will be placed on the issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Erasmus, Daveril Lionel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50546 , vital:42218
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005). In this study, emphasis will be placed on the issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of directed financing on growth and performance of smallholder farmers in the Western Cape Province
- Authors: Deliwe, Peliwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47705 , vital:40328
- Description: Agriculture is of great significance in the South African economy as it contributes over 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounting for more than 10% of the formal sector employment. Although agriculture is seasonal, it is regarded as an intensive employment sector which plays a critical role on promoting empowerment and improving food security. The smallholder farming sector is the result of policies targeting the participation of previously disadvantaged individual (PDI’s) in the food economy, particularly through land use and ownership (Isdardi, Jordaan & van Schalkwyk, 2008: 1). Smallholder farmers are neither commercial farmers nor subsistence in nature but have become the focus of government’s efforts to achieve transformation within the broad agricultural sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Deliwe, Peliwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47705 , vital:40328
- Description: Agriculture is of great significance in the South African economy as it contributes over 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounting for more than 10% of the formal sector employment. Although agriculture is seasonal, it is regarded as an intensive employment sector which plays a critical role on promoting empowerment and improving food security. The smallholder farming sector is the result of policies targeting the participation of previously disadvantaged individual (PDI’s) in the food economy, particularly through land use and ownership (Isdardi, Jordaan & van Schalkwyk, 2008: 1). Smallholder farmers are neither commercial farmers nor subsistence in nature but have become the focus of government’s efforts to achieve transformation within the broad agricultural sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Effects of exchange rates on bilateral trade balances of SACU members states with their trading partners
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50371 , vital:42152
- Description: The fluctuations of exchange rates prevent countries from achieving stability in their external account records. Appreciation or depreciation has effects on international trade. This thesis examines the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations on bilateral trade balances focusing on the SACU region. There are several theories made to explain the relationship between exchange rate and trade balances. In examining this phenomenon, this thesis will unveil if the purchasing power parity theory, the Marshall-Lerner condition and the J-curve effect holds in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. This analysis is divided into three parts. The first part examines the stability of the exchange rate in the SACU countries in the long run as given by the purchasing power parity. To test for the Purchasing Power Parity theory, the recently developed powerful unit root test was applied with multiple smooth structural breaks of Omay (2015), based on a Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Form (FFFFF) on unique data of SACU countries covering the monthly period of 1995M01-2017M11. The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) results show that the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of all SACU members does not provide evidence for PPP theory. In terms of the real effective exchange rate (REER), the PPP condition holds in the case of South Africa only. Further unit root investigations were carried out using the panel data for all SACU members, NEER and REER. The FFFFF test results for panel data shows strong evidence of the PPP while the standard DF test rejects PPP theory in the SACU’s NEER. Both the standard DF and the FFFFF tests show strong evidence of PPP theory in the case of SACU’s REER. The second section of the analysis examines the Marshall-Lerner condition employing annual data from the period of 1980-2017. The import and export model were examined firstly in a time series format and then in a panel data format. The time series data was examined using the ARDL (PMG) model while the panel data used the panel ARDL, fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method and the Dynamic OLS (DOLS) method of estimation. The PMG/ARDL model shows no evidence to support the existence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the short run for all SACU members. However, only two out of five countries show evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the long run. There is strong evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia and Botswana in the long run using the PMG/ARDL model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mhaka, Simbarashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50371 , vital:42152
- Description: The fluctuations of exchange rates prevent countries from achieving stability in their external account records. Appreciation or depreciation has effects on international trade. This thesis examines the relationship between exchange rate fluctuations on bilateral trade balances focusing on the SACU region. There are several theories made to explain the relationship between exchange rate and trade balances. In examining this phenomenon, this thesis will unveil if the purchasing power parity theory, the Marshall-Lerner condition and the J-curve effect holds in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries. This analysis is divided into three parts. The first part examines the stability of the exchange rate in the SACU countries in the long run as given by the purchasing power parity. To test for the Purchasing Power Parity theory, the recently developed powerful unit root test was applied with multiple smooth structural breaks of Omay (2015), based on a Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Form (FFFFF) on unique data of SACU countries covering the monthly period of 1995M01-2017M11. The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) results show that the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of all SACU members does not provide evidence for PPP theory. In terms of the real effective exchange rate (REER), the PPP condition holds in the case of South Africa only. Further unit root investigations were carried out using the panel data for all SACU members, NEER and REER. The FFFFF test results for panel data shows strong evidence of the PPP while the standard DF test rejects PPP theory in the SACU’s NEER. Both the standard DF and the FFFFF tests show strong evidence of PPP theory in the case of SACU’s REER. The second section of the analysis examines the Marshall-Lerner condition employing annual data from the period of 1980-2017. The import and export model were examined firstly in a time series format and then in a panel data format. The time series data was examined using the ARDL (PMG) model while the panel data used the panel ARDL, fully modified OLS (FMOLS) method and the Dynamic OLS (DOLS) method of estimation. The PMG/ARDL model shows no evidence to support the existence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the short run for all SACU members. However, only two out of five countries show evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in the long run. There is strong evidence of the Marshall-Lerner condition in Namibia and Botswana in the long run using the PMG/ARDL model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth in South Africa (2003-2017)
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020