Customer experience at the East London fresh produce market
- Authors: Matyobeni, Akhona
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Produce trade -- South Africa -- East London -- Marketing , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54069 , vital:46217
- Description: Fresh Produce Markets are an important sector in the agricultural value chain. The discussions on land expropriation, food security and job creation all demonstrate the potential that still exists within agriculture. The Fresh Produce Markets remain a solution to the distribution of food in South Africa and their existence remains relevant. Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa combined, generate about R15 billion, by distributing about 3 million tons of fresh produce. The main contributors to this success are the customers who are loyal to Fresh Produce Markets, regardless of distances these customers travel to get to Fresh Produce Markets. This study intends to understand how the East London Fresh Produce Market can put customer needs at the centre of their business, resulting in good Customer Experience. Positive customer experience promotes customer loyalty and assists organisations in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market has not been measured. The literature review conducted investigated the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience for the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study follows a positivistic research approach, using quantitative methods of analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from a questionnaire disseminated in hard copies and via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 210 was used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase/Consumption Experience all have a positive effect on the overall customer experience and on each other. Furthermore, the statistical assessment suggested new factors of Product Quality and Range(s), Brand Experience(s), Empathy(s), Communication(s) and Facilities(s), which all are found to have a positive effect on customer experience and on each other. The study developed two models that presented the determinants of Customer Experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. The models should assist managers, organisational leaders and marketers to improve their customer experience-related strategies and to gain competitive advantage. The results and insights obtained, resulted in understanding the factors that provide good customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matyobeni, Akhona
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Produce trade -- South Africa -- East London -- Marketing , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54069 , vital:46217
- Description: Fresh Produce Markets are an important sector in the agricultural value chain. The discussions on land expropriation, food security and job creation all demonstrate the potential that still exists within agriculture. The Fresh Produce Markets remain a solution to the distribution of food in South Africa and their existence remains relevant. Fresh Produce Markets in South Africa combined, generate about R15 billion, by distributing about 3 million tons of fresh produce. The main contributors to this success are the customers who are loyal to Fresh Produce Markets, regardless of distances these customers travel to get to Fresh Produce Markets. This study intends to understand how the East London Fresh Produce Market can put customer needs at the centre of their business, resulting in good Customer Experience. Positive customer experience promotes customer loyalty and assists organisations in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market has not been measured. The literature review conducted investigated the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience for the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study follows a positivistic research approach, using quantitative methods of analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from a questionnaire disseminated in hard copies and via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 210 was used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase/Consumption Experience all have a positive effect on the overall customer experience and on each other. Furthermore, the statistical assessment suggested new factors of Product Quality and Range(s), Brand Experience(s), Empathy(s), Communication(s) and Facilities(s), which all are found to have a positive effect on customer experience and on each other. The study developed two models that presented the determinants of Customer Experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. The models should assist managers, organisational leaders and marketers to improve their customer experience-related strategies and to gain competitive advantage. The results and insights obtained, resulted in understanding the factors that provide good customer experience at the East London Fresh Produce Market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Environmental legislation compliance: a strategy to implement a governance framework in Algoa Bay
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Evaluation of the expanded public works programme as poverty reduction strategy in Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay and their livelihoods
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment: a systematic review
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring the TAM3 factors of technology adoption in South African SMMEs
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing entrepreneurial capabilities of South African schools: the case of selected schools in Harry Gwala District in Kwazulu Natal
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing the buyer behaviour of Generation X and Y consumers in Johannesburg
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Financial literacy: a conceptualisation in a South African University
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Health promotional levy: a commercial perspective
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inflation, credit markets and economic growth: the case of BRICS Countries
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Barayi, Bavuyile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development -- BRIC countries , Inflation (Finance) -- BRIC countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53700 , vital:45714
- Description: The empirical study investigates the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries. The BRICS group consists of five emerging market economies and was first coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001 whereby initially the bloc consisted of only Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa joined the BRICS group in 2010. The BRICS bloc was deemed to be the top fast-growing economies that showed great potential for growth. Consequent to the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a large change in economic thinking as policy-makers have struggled to overcome the economic misfortunes caused by the crisis. Amongst the emerging countries, the BRICS countries have in effect, established a New Development Bank to play the role of the credit facilitator the BRICS countries and other emerging countries as well. This BRICS New Development Bank was established in 2014 and already has identified and funded some projects within the BRICS countries. Moreover, the main objective of this bank is to provide credit to be utilised for infrastructure, climate change measures, as well as to ensure sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the current study investigates the role played by credit and the extent of development in credit markets on enhancing growth in the BRICS countries, particularly looking at the levels of inflation that are conducive to credit market development. The study notes that in order for credit expansion to be successful, the credit received by a country must reflect positively on a country’s economic growth. In other words, with more credit coming into a country, the expected result is that there will also be a rise in economic growth. Furthermore, seeing that inflation erodes the value of money, this credit or these funds that a country receives may not have the expected influence on growth. Therefore, the study finds it imperative to investigate the levels at which inflation allows for credit expansion to promote growth in a country. Furthermore, central banks play an important role in credit markets via the interest rate channel and the study examines the role of monetary policy in credit markets of each of the BRICS countries by looking at the inflation targeting regime as well as the absence thereof within these countries. Moreover, BRICS central banks share more or less the same goal of maintaining price stability and low inflation through various monetary policy tools. Therefore, achieving this objective will allow a central bank to gain both investor and consumer confidence which plays a role in a country’s investment rates. Moreover, inflation that is not controlled results in uncertainty which makes investors hesitant and unwilling to embark on investments. Ha, Ivanova, Ohnsorge and Unsal (2019) associate a developed financial sector with low inflation, stating that stable inflation rates eliminate uncertainty and avoids the erosion of the value of money. The current study used an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the linear co-integration and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) for the non-linear empirical analysis of the relationship between inflation, credit markets and economic growth in BRICS countries. The non-linearity of this relationship is important to study as there has been many debates on the nature of the inflation-growth relationships with some studies implying that it is positive, some say it is a negative relationship and some say it is non-linear. The annual data time series is extracted from the World Bank Indicators and the Penn State database covering the period 1960-2019. The main variables used in the study are Inflation (CPI), Credit (Domestic Credit to Private Sector) and Economic growth (GDP). The study conducted various regressions including the total of five linear regressions which were run individually for each country, the non-linear regressions consisted of three regressions for each country which were on 1) Only Inflation partitioned, (2) Only Credit partitioned and (3) both Inflation and Credit were partitioned. The partitioning of the variables is made possible by the NARDL model which allows variables to be partially decomposed into negative and positive sums to identify thresholds of variables which have various effects on other variables. The overall findings of the study suggest that although inflation exerts various effects on growth, according to this study’s results, it does not have a significant impact on credit for all the countries except for China whereby credit in general is conducive to economic growth and Brazil where growth is enhanced when credit is declining. The study revealed that generally, inflation exerts a negative impact on growth, therefore, authorities must focus on keeping inflation rates low particularly for Russia, India and South Africa as Brazil’s results suggest that rising inflation is conducive to its economic growth in the long run. According to the findings of this study, credit does not have the significant impact on growth even under different inflation thresholds. Furthermore, this does not imply that the credit channel is a futile tool for authorities, the relationship between inflation, credit and growth particularly with the hypothesis that inflation enhances credit market development and therefore growth, is not significant. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inflation, exchange rate and unemployment nexuses in South Africa: lessons from the Inflation Targeting Framework
- Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Taderera, Christie Simbarashe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54752 , vital:47656
- Description: Unemployment, inflation and exchange rate are key macroeconomic indicators and determinants of the development of a nation, but their relationship remain ambiguous. From the last quarter of 1994 to the same period in 2019, unemployment in South Africa increased from 20 percent to 29.1 percent while over the same period, inflation fell from 15 percent to 4.5 percent. Exchange rate at the same time has increased from 3.55Rand: 1USD to 14.45Rand: 1USD (World Bank Data, 2020). With the adoption of inflation targeting framework as a way of stabilising the general price level which has a trickle effect on unemployment, South Africa has a relatively high unemployment rate of 29.1 percent. This study investigates the relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate in South Africa from 2009 Quarter 1 to 2020 Quarter 1. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between employment, inflation and exchange rate from 1970 to 2019. Lastly the study investigates the inflation threshold from 1970 to 2019. The study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and shows that there is no short run and long run relationship between unemployment, inflation and exchange rate. There was however a short run and long run relationship between employment, inflation, exchange rate. In a long run analysis, there is a positive relationship between employment and economic growth for both in the short run and long run. Using the conditional least squares method, an inflation threshold of 5% was found to maximise employment in South Africa vindicating the inflation target of 3-5 percent. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policy measures that increase government expenditure and economic growth be made. Thus, policy makers should increase government expenditure, either by running budget deficits or by collecting more revenue to finance its expenditures so as to increase employment or decrease unemployment without incurring the risk of crowding out. Additionally, from the inflation threshold examination, the current interest rate manipulation by raising or lowering the rate must be used to ensure inflation is kept below 5 per cent. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Investigating the consumer decision-making process and determinants of choice for prepaid services from mobile network service providers
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ajayi, Ella
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53688 , vital:45713
- Description: The mobile telecommunications industry has been a fundamental and an important enabler in the advancement of the South African economy, with mobile network providers investing billions of rands in mobile infrastructure and facilitating a functional and progressive global marketplace (ICASA Annual Performance Plan, 2020/21). South Africa’s telecommunications system is one of the most sophisticated in the emerging markets, and according to Gillwald, Mothobi, and Rademan (2018, p.6), various indices including the ICT Development Index corroborate this view. The deployment of wireless communications networks in the country has had immeasurable social benefits for many consumers. The most rural areas of the country are now able to experience the convenience and ubiquity that comes with having access to mobile network technology. Though mobile network provision is making progress in terms of bridging the digital divide, inhibitors exist within the mobile competitive landscape that prevent consumers from exploring the full benefits of the advanced technologies at their disposal. According to Chinembiri (2020, p.6), mobile data costs remain high and out of reach for the average South African consumer, despite the recent requisite data price reduction by the dominant mobile network service providers. The prepaid segment is dominated by customers who either carry multiple SIM cards or switch between mobile network operators. The adoption by ICASA of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the process through which customers switch between mobile operators and keep their mobile number (Yadav, Dabhade, & Dabhade, 2013, p.1), resulted in significant reduction in switching costs thus perpetuating the migration of subscribers between mobile network providers. According to Olufemi and Strydom (2018, p. 52), the fiercest competition experienced by South African mobile providers is in the prepaid market. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Student entrepreneurship support at South African universities
- Authors: Ismail, Riyaad
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Business education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53935 , vital:46043
- Description: South Africa as a country experiences some of the highest levels of unemployment in the world. High levels of unemployment are especially evident among the youth and graduating students. Entrepreneurship in general, including student entrepreneurship, is seen as a solution to these high levels of unemployment because of its positive impact on job creation, economic growth, and the adoption of new technologies and innovation capabilities. However, as student start-up numbers remain stagnant in South Africa, the effectiveness of university-based student entrepreneurship support is questioned. Furthermore, despite the significance of student entrepreneurship and the support provided to them by universities, research on the subject is limited, especially in a developing country context. Against this background, the primary objective of the current study was to assess the state of university-based student entrepreneurship support at South African public universities. Based on the literature and underpinned by organisational theory, a university-based entrepreneurship ecosystem (U-BEE) framework was conceptualised. This framework, together with Good, Knockaert, Soppe and Wright’s (2018) organisational design elements, namely purpose, activities, structure, and people, was used to guide the empirical investigation. The current study adopted an interpretivist philosophical stance and is situated in an interpretive research paradigm. An abductive approach to theory development was used and given that the purpose of the study was exploratory, a multi-method qualitative research method was chosen. In addition to a desk research, a multiple-case study research strategy was used, and the study was cross-sectional in nature. Deductive codes and thematic analysis, following the steps of Braun and Clark (2020), were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study were presented in terms of cross-case issues, rather than being case specific to ensure anonymity. Based on the desk research, the total number of student entrepreneurship support activities offered by each university were calculated and the 26 public universities in South Africa were then ranked from most active to least active in terms of offering these activities. Although actual rankings could not be given, the findings show that the most active universities are much older and also larger in terms of faculty, staff and student numbers, than the least active universities are, suggesting that those ranked at the top have been doing so for much longer, effectively giving them more time to have established such support structures and to obtain the necessary to do so. The findings also suggest that several of the least active universities are historically disadvantaged institutions, which could also influence the nature and extent of support being offered to their student entrepreneurs. Based on this ranking the four most active and the four least active universities in terms of student entrepreneurship support were identified, and these eight universities served as the cases on which further investigation was undertaken. The findings of this study highlight the challenges experienced by student entrepreneurs during the establishment of their student ventures, as well as those challenges that they are currently experiencing. Challenges during establishment worth noting include the lack of a network, finance, and information on how to start a business; the inability to access the market; and a lack of legal assistance and encouragement from people around them. Moreover, challenges currently being experienced by student entrepreneurs were identified as working long hours, followed by a lack of collateral and a lack of legal assistance. The findings relating to each of the elements within the conceptualised U-BEE highlight the need for entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at South African public universities, accompanied by top management buy-in to increase awareness and encourage entrepreneurship among staff, students and other stakeholders. Moreover, the findings call attention to the importance of having a team led by a student entrepreneurship champion whose primary role is to facilitate and coordinate activities relating to student entrepreneurship. Through entrepreneurship being prioritised by universities, having top management buy-in, and a student entrepreneurship champion being appointed, the required resources, support and infrastructure could follow, most notably an entrepreneurship policy, financial support, and an entrepreneurship centre (a central hub for entrepreneurship related activities). As these support structures are established and resources made available, more frequent collaborations among internal entrepreneurship stakeholders themselves could be experienced, as well those with external partnerships. Increased collaborations could in turn lead to improved communication, greater coordination and increased awareness among all existing entrepreneurship stakeholders as well as future student entrepreneurs. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ismail, Riyaad
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Business education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53935 , vital:46043
- Description: South Africa as a country experiences some of the highest levels of unemployment in the world. High levels of unemployment are especially evident among the youth and graduating students. Entrepreneurship in general, including student entrepreneurship, is seen as a solution to these high levels of unemployment because of its positive impact on job creation, economic growth, and the adoption of new technologies and innovation capabilities. However, as student start-up numbers remain stagnant in South Africa, the effectiveness of university-based student entrepreneurship support is questioned. Furthermore, despite the significance of student entrepreneurship and the support provided to them by universities, research on the subject is limited, especially in a developing country context. Against this background, the primary objective of the current study was to assess the state of university-based student entrepreneurship support at South African public universities. Based on the literature and underpinned by organisational theory, a university-based entrepreneurship ecosystem (U-BEE) framework was conceptualised. This framework, together with Good, Knockaert, Soppe and Wright’s (2018) organisational design elements, namely purpose, activities, structure, and people, was used to guide the empirical investigation. The current study adopted an interpretivist philosophical stance and is situated in an interpretive research paradigm. An abductive approach to theory development was used and given that the purpose of the study was exploratory, a multi-method qualitative research method was chosen. In addition to a desk research, a multiple-case study research strategy was used, and the study was cross-sectional in nature. Deductive codes and thematic analysis, following the steps of Braun and Clark (2020), were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study were presented in terms of cross-case issues, rather than being case specific to ensure anonymity. Based on the desk research, the total number of student entrepreneurship support activities offered by each university were calculated and the 26 public universities in South Africa were then ranked from most active to least active in terms of offering these activities. Although actual rankings could not be given, the findings show that the most active universities are much older and also larger in terms of faculty, staff and student numbers, than the least active universities are, suggesting that those ranked at the top have been doing so for much longer, effectively giving them more time to have established such support structures and to obtain the necessary to do so. The findings also suggest that several of the least active universities are historically disadvantaged institutions, which could also influence the nature and extent of support being offered to their student entrepreneurs. Based on this ranking the four most active and the four least active universities in terms of student entrepreneurship support were identified, and these eight universities served as the cases on which further investigation was undertaken. The findings of this study highlight the challenges experienced by student entrepreneurs during the establishment of their student ventures, as well as those challenges that they are currently experiencing. Challenges during establishment worth noting include the lack of a network, finance, and information on how to start a business; the inability to access the market; and a lack of legal assistance and encouragement from people around them. Moreover, challenges currently being experienced by student entrepreneurs were identified as working long hours, followed by a lack of collateral and a lack of legal assistance. The findings relating to each of the elements within the conceptualised U-BEE highlight the need for entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at South African public universities, accompanied by top management buy-in to increase awareness and encourage entrepreneurship among staff, students and other stakeholders. Moreover, the findings call attention to the importance of having a team led by a student entrepreneurship champion whose primary role is to facilitate and coordinate activities relating to student entrepreneurship. Through entrepreneurship being prioritised by universities, having top management buy-in, and a student entrepreneurship champion being appointed, the required resources, support and infrastructure could follow, most notably an entrepreneurship policy, financial support, and an entrepreneurship centre (a central hub for entrepreneurship related activities). As these support structures are established and resources made available, more frequent collaborations among internal entrepreneurship stakeholders themselves could be experienced, as well those with external partnerships. Increased collaborations could in turn lead to improved communication, greater coordination and increased awareness among all existing entrepreneurship stakeholders as well as future student entrepreneurs. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The challenges and survival strategies for SMME’s in Nelson Mandela Metro during Covid19
- Authors: Faltein, Nelisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53733 , vital:45721
- Description: Throughout history entrepreneurship has played an integral part in society. It improves standard of living, develops new markets, and puts ideas into effect while fostering economic growth and job creation. Over the recent years, the countries around the world have experienced unprecedented economic meltdowns. Economic events and prospects in industrialised countries like Europe, Asia, and America have a direct and immediate impact on developing countries, particularly Africa. Positive economic growth of Africa's key trading partners has a direct impact on the continent's economy. Africa's key trading partners' negative economic growth has unfavourable effects for the continent's economy. This was recently further exposed and exacerbated by the novel Corona virus pandemic. The worldwide economic crises have resulted in global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, soaring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness in markets. In South Africa this has contributed to very high rates of youth unemployment, stagnant economic growth, volatile socio-economic environment, and high failure of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) amongst other factors. South African SMMEs have been identified as key role players and drivers for job creation; the industry already absorbs most of the employed population. They are a potential mechanism for creation of new and sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country yet experience a high failure rate. A successful enterprise has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore indisputable that the field of entrepreneurship has received immense academic interest. The current Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous socio-economic environment necessitates strategies that are aimed at the growth, innovativeness, adaptability, and agility of entrepreneurs and SMMEs. This will enable them to reach their full potential and effectively deliver on job creation and economic growth. The purpose of this research treatise is to develop a development framework for SMMEs and entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Metro. This was achieved by applying academic insights and an extensive literature review on personality traits of entrepreneurs, the internal and external environment, and their contribution to the success of entrepreneurial ventures, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study is quantitative research on 45 SMMEs from the Nelson Mandela Metro. It contributes positively to the academic field of entrepreneurship, SMMEs and to the existing academic body of knowledge with a positive contribution on entrepreneurial traits, business development, strategy formulation and strategy implementation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Faltein, Nelisa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53733 , vital:45721
- Description: Throughout history entrepreneurship has played an integral part in society. It improves standard of living, develops new markets, and puts ideas into effect while fostering economic growth and job creation. Over the recent years, the countries around the world have experienced unprecedented economic meltdowns. Economic events and prospects in industrialised countries like Europe, Asia, and America have a direct and immediate impact on developing countries, particularly Africa. Positive economic growth of Africa's key trading partners has a direct impact on the continent's economy. Africa's key trading partners' negative economic growth has unfavourable effects for the continent's economy. This was recently further exposed and exacerbated by the novel Corona virus pandemic. The worldwide economic crises have resulted in global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, soaring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness in markets. In South Africa this has contributed to very high rates of youth unemployment, stagnant economic growth, volatile socio-economic environment, and high failure of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) amongst other factors. South African SMMEs have been identified as key role players and drivers for job creation; the industry already absorbs most of the employed population. They are a potential mechanism for creation of new and sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country yet experience a high failure rate. A successful enterprise has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore indisputable that the field of entrepreneurship has received immense academic interest. The current Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous socio-economic environment necessitates strategies that are aimed at the growth, innovativeness, adaptability, and agility of entrepreneurs and SMMEs. This will enable them to reach their full potential and effectively deliver on job creation and economic growth. The purpose of this research treatise is to develop a development framework for SMMEs and entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Metro. This was achieved by applying academic insights and an extensive literature review on personality traits of entrepreneurs, the internal and external environment, and their contribution to the success of entrepreneurial ventures, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study is quantitative research on 45 SMMEs from the Nelson Mandela Metro. It contributes positively to the academic field of entrepreneurship, SMMEs and to the existing academic body of knowledge with a positive contribution on entrepreneurial traits, business development, strategy formulation and strategy implementation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Buso, Lelethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food sovereignty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53834 , vital:46005
- Description: Most urban households in South Africa are food insecure even though poor households spend 60–80% of their income on food. Most of these households are low-income households who depend on social grants and whose main source of food are markets. This research assessed the contribution of urban agriculture to food sovereignty and household food security in Lingelihle Township, Cradock, in the Chris Hani district, South Africa. The research data were collected both from households that practise farming in Lingelihle Township and those that do not. The study used Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as observation, transect walks, resource mapping, food consumption diaries, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The research findings revealed that urban agriculture has the potential to contribute to achieving food sovereignty and household food security. The comparison between households that farm and households that do not farm proved that households that farm are more food secure and have more disposable income than households that do not farm. The study offers recommendations on how urban agriculture can be supported to contribute to household food security and food sovereignty. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The effect of technological innovation on employment: the case of manufacturing sector in South Africa
- Authors: Matjiwa, Keaobaka Onicca
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54058 , vital:46209
- Description: The role of technological innovation in the growth of an economy and the production of goods and services motivated this research. Technology is expected to boost production and relieve workers of the stress of doing repetitive tasks. It can also have a long-term impact on economic activity by increasing manufacturing efficiency and lowering production costs, which can be translated into lower prices for the goods and services demanded. The main objective of the study is to examine the relationship between technological innovation and employment, using a case study of the manufacturing sector in South Africa, making use of the Tobit regression model estimation technique. Annual secondary time series data spanning the period of 1970 to 2019 was employed. Earlier studies conducted in South Africa measured the relationship between employment in the manufacturing sector and technological innovation using different methodologies, including estimating procedures, model specifications and time frames. In this study the Tobit model estimation technique is utilised. The Tobit model results showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between variables used as proxies for technological innovation and employment in the manufacturing sector. That means an increase in technological innovation by 1 point will decrease employment in the manufacturing sector in South Africa by 0.52 points. Furthermore, the results reveals that there is relationship among control variables under the study. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends that the government and policy makers formulate and adjust economic development policies that will produce the needed economic growth to secure employment in the midst of technological advancements in the manufacturing sector, through SETAs, TVETs and other Higher education institutions by interacting with the industry to develop curriculum and offer qualifications that enhance skills complementary to technological use, such as robotics, servicing of technology, software engineering, big data analytics and so forth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Matjiwa, Keaobaka Onicca
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54058 , vital:46209
- Description: The role of technological innovation in the growth of an economy and the production of goods and services motivated this research. Technology is expected to boost production and relieve workers of the stress of doing repetitive tasks. It can also have a long-term impact on economic activity by increasing manufacturing efficiency and lowering production costs, which can be translated into lower prices for the goods and services demanded. The main objective of the study is to examine the relationship between technological innovation and employment, using a case study of the manufacturing sector in South Africa, making use of the Tobit regression model estimation technique. Annual secondary time series data spanning the period of 1970 to 2019 was employed. Earlier studies conducted in South Africa measured the relationship between employment in the manufacturing sector and technological innovation using different methodologies, including estimating procedures, model specifications and time frames. In this study the Tobit model estimation technique is utilised. The Tobit model results showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between variables used as proxies for technological innovation and employment in the manufacturing sector. That means an increase in technological innovation by 1 point will decrease employment in the manufacturing sector in South Africa by 0.52 points. Furthermore, the results reveals that there is relationship among control variables under the study. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends that the government and policy makers formulate and adjust economic development policies that will produce the needed economic growth to secure employment in the midst of technological advancements in the manufacturing sector, through SETAs, TVETs and other Higher education institutions by interacting with the industry to develop curriculum and offer qualifications that enhance skills complementary to technological use, such as robotics, servicing of technology, software engineering, big data analytics and so forth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The effectiveness of the Land Redistribution programme on women’s quality of life: A case of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape: a case of buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Qayiso, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Women's rights -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54277 , vital:46392
- Description: The land question is a highly contentious issue in post-apartheid South Africa. Land is considered as a valuable resource for sustaining the livelihoods of people yet it remains one of the most sought after and contested resource in Africa owing to her colonial past. Black South Africans were also immensely subjected to land dispossession during the colonization by the Dutch and later the British and forced land removals during the apartheid era. Although this historical context from a lens of “race" is important to note here given how it shaped the South African geography of land ownership, there is nonetheless another dimension; that of gender. The main assertion driving this study is that due to a number of contextual factors (such as women's cultural status, economic inequality and poverty), land ownership between women and men is highly unequal whereby the former owns less and is mostly marginalized from land rights. This study thus looks at the extent to which land redistribution improves the quality of life for women in Buffalo City. The land redistribution program is part of the land reform policy which is a post-apartheid design and implemented for the purpose of redressing historical land dispossession and create redistributive land equality and tenure. This study employed a qualitative approach to ‘explore’ the experiences of women who are the beneficiaries of the land redistribution program as well as the perspectives of key informants who are the officials of the Rural Development and Reform Department. The thesis used an exploratory research design which was suitable for the understanding and unpacking of women's experiences with the land redistribution program. A major finding of this study is that the women who benefited from the land redistribution program have successfully progressed from small scale subsistence farming to large scale commercial farming, significantly improving their livelihoods. Nonetheless, the lack of financial capital is a critical challenge as the land redistribution program gives access to farms that need maintenance and renewal with financial grants that are barely enough for starting up. This study therefore argues that access to land should be accompanied by access to financial resources and capacity building to empower beneficiaries to use the land and other resources effectively and efficiently. It is recommended herein that the department should give beneficiaries full ownership of the land allocated to them as opposed to the thirty- year leasehold. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Qayiso, Okuhle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Women's rights -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54277 , vital:46392
- Description: The land question is a highly contentious issue in post-apartheid South Africa. Land is considered as a valuable resource for sustaining the livelihoods of people yet it remains one of the most sought after and contested resource in Africa owing to her colonial past. Black South Africans were also immensely subjected to land dispossession during the colonization by the Dutch and later the British and forced land removals during the apartheid era. Although this historical context from a lens of “race" is important to note here given how it shaped the South African geography of land ownership, there is nonetheless another dimension; that of gender. The main assertion driving this study is that due to a number of contextual factors (such as women's cultural status, economic inequality and poverty), land ownership between women and men is highly unequal whereby the former owns less and is mostly marginalized from land rights. This study thus looks at the extent to which land redistribution improves the quality of life for women in Buffalo City. The land redistribution program is part of the land reform policy which is a post-apartheid design and implemented for the purpose of redressing historical land dispossession and create redistributive land equality and tenure. This study employed a qualitative approach to ‘explore’ the experiences of women who are the beneficiaries of the land redistribution program as well as the perspectives of key informants who are the officials of the Rural Development and Reform Department. The thesis used an exploratory research design which was suitable for the understanding and unpacking of women's experiences with the land redistribution program. A major finding of this study is that the women who benefited from the land redistribution program have successfully progressed from small scale subsistence farming to large scale commercial farming, significantly improving their livelihoods. Nonetheless, the lack of financial capital is a critical challenge as the land redistribution program gives access to farms that need maintenance and renewal with financial grants that are barely enough for starting up. This study therefore argues that access to land should be accompanied by access to financial resources and capacity building to empower beneficiaries to use the land and other resources effectively and efficiently. It is recommended herein that the department should give beneficiaries full ownership of the land allocated to them as opposed to the thirty- year leasehold. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The evaluation of the Joint Action Project (JAP) waste intervention in Gqeberha township
- Authors: Nqunqa, Likhona Nonopha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54266 , vital:46387
- Description: Successful development projects are not only grounded in proper planning and implementation but also in evaluation. Numerous development projects are implemented successfully but lack evaluation. This study evaluates the Joint Action Project (JAP) waste intervention that took place in Gqeberha Township in February 2020. The intervention was designed and implemented by a group of student volunteers from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Port Elizabeth (PE) College and Wismar University. This was a collaborative project between Development Studies, Human Settlements Development, Electrical Engineering, Communication and Design as well as Architecture students who worked together to construct a workspace for a male informal waste picker residing in Gqeberha township. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and data was collected through interviews and field observation. Although the findings of this study revealed that there were some challenges encountered by the beneficiary and the JAP team during the project implementation, the benefits of the intervention exceeded these challenges. These benefits include the improvement of the beneficiary’s livelihood and waste picking business, improvement of health and improvement of the environment surrounding the intervention site , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Nqunqa, Likhona Nonopha
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54266 , vital:46387
- Description: Successful development projects are not only grounded in proper planning and implementation but also in evaluation. Numerous development projects are implemented successfully but lack evaluation. This study evaluates the Joint Action Project (JAP) waste intervention that took place in Gqeberha Township in February 2020. The intervention was designed and implemented by a group of student volunteers from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Port Elizabeth (PE) College and Wismar University. This was a collaborative project between Development Studies, Human Settlements Development, Electrical Engineering, Communication and Design as well as Architecture students who worked together to construct a workspace for a male informal waste picker residing in Gqeberha township. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and data was collected through interviews and field observation. Although the findings of this study revealed that there were some challenges encountered by the beneficiary and the JAP team during the project implementation, the benefits of the intervention exceeded these challenges. These benefits include the improvement of the beneficiary’s livelihood and waste picking business, improvement of health and improvement of the environment surrounding the intervention site , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The Impact of in-store promotions on consumer buying behaviour
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Ruan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Sales promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54377 , vital:46486
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to identify the impact of in-store promotions on consumer buying behavior. Through utilizing real-world data, the study used a qualitative analysis by gathering input from people who are activity involved with in-store promotions. In-store promotions have been suspected to directly impact consumer buying behavior; however, there is no real proof of this. Furthermore, the theory suggests that in-store promotions should impact consumer buying behavior, but there could be a difference between what theory states against what is actually happening. Therefore, this study will be taking opinions and views from those working with in-store promotions and put it to the test against the theory. The aim is to determine whether in-store promotions is a viable source of marketing and if it can ultimately affect the consumers buying behavior. The treatise will also help the reader to understand the theory behind consumer behavior and what it entails. Interviews were conducted with store managers across South Africa to get more accurate data. By interviewing store managers from various regions, geographical skewness of data was prevented from occurring. This study further assists marketing professionals to have a more accurate understanding of what to expect when conducting in-store promotions. Marketing professionals will also be able to better predict the outcome such activities on the final purchasing decision of consumers. , Thesis (MAB) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Ruan
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Sales promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54377 , vital:46486
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to identify the impact of in-store promotions on consumer buying behavior. Through utilizing real-world data, the study used a qualitative analysis by gathering input from people who are activity involved with in-store promotions. In-store promotions have been suspected to directly impact consumer buying behavior; however, there is no real proof of this. Furthermore, the theory suggests that in-store promotions should impact consumer buying behavior, but there could be a difference between what theory states against what is actually happening. Therefore, this study will be taking opinions and views from those working with in-store promotions and put it to the test against the theory. The aim is to determine whether in-store promotions is a viable source of marketing and if it can ultimately affect the consumers buying behavior. The treatise will also help the reader to understand the theory behind consumer behavior and what it entails. Interviews were conducted with store managers across South Africa to get more accurate data. By interviewing store managers from various regions, geographical skewness of data was prevented from occurring. This study further assists marketing professionals to have a more accurate understanding of what to expect when conducting in-store promotions. Marketing professionals will also be able to better predict the outcome such activities on the final purchasing decision of consumers. , Thesis (MAB) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12