A business process model for blockchain-based South African real estate transactions
- Authors: Tilbury, Jack Laurie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Conveyancing -- Technological innovations , Real estate business -- Data processing , Real estate business -- South Africa -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148380 , vital:38734
- Description: The real estate transaction process has been described as inefficient and technologically outdated due to numerous stakeholders and predominantly paper-based operations. Despite the apparent bottlenecks in the current process, the implementation of new technology into the real estate sector has lagged. Several attempts have been made to modernise and digitise the business process but committed integration of assisting technology has lacked attention. This study examined the applicability and potential integration of blockchain technology into the business process of South African real estate transactions. Blockchain’s novelty means that research in this space, especially within South Africa, is limited. Of the research that has been conducted, no models of the business processes for South African or blockchain-based real estate transactions have been constructed. This study provides two business process models, illustrating the two different processes. The main contribution of this paper was an integrated business process model, illustrating how the various processes and stakeholder interactions for South African blockchain-based real estate transactions are conducted on one transaction platform, common to all participating stakeholders. This platform was named the South African Blockchain Land Exchange System (SABLES), which manages and facilitates these transactions in their entirety from start to finish. This model depicts an enhanced business process that provides increased security, transparency, and speed. These benefits will be realised by those who register, adopt, and transact on the platform. Through in-depth interviews, the integrated business process model was assessed. The findings produced a final and combined thematic map, representing the main themes of the analysed interview data, namely blockchain implementation strategies, business process applicability, information technology assimilation, current transaction context, and PropTech 3.0 success factors. The discussion revealed that the current transaction process lacks technological innovation, which increases pressure on the conveyancing role. It was also revealed that there is not only a need within the industry, but a desire, for newer technologies to assist the transaction process. In order to streamline and improve efficiency, business processes should leverage digital records and data, and strive for a solution beyond digitisation, achieving digitalisation. Digitalisation recognises digital documents as official and legal documents as opposed to simply being digital back-ups. This, coupled with the business process models, represent theoretical contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Tilbury, Jack Laurie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) , Conveyancing -- Technological innovations , Real estate business -- Data processing , Real estate business -- South Africa -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148380 , vital:38734
- Description: The real estate transaction process has been described as inefficient and technologically outdated due to numerous stakeholders and predominantly paper-based operations. Despite the apparent bottlenecks in the current process, the implementation of new technology into the real estate sector has lagged. Several attempts have been made to modernise and digitise the business process but committed integration of assisting technology has lacked attention. This study examined the applicability and potential integration of blockchain technology into the business process of South African real estate transactions. Blockchain’s novelty means that research in this space, especially within South Africa, is limited. Of the research that has been conducted, no models of the business processes for South African or blockchain-based real estate transactions have been constructed. This study provides two business process models, illustrating the two different processes. The main contribution of this paper was an integrated business process model, illustrating how the various processes and stakeholder interactions for South African blockchain-based real estate transactions are conducted on one transaction platform, common to all participating stakeholders. This platform was named the South African Blockchain Land Exchange System (SABLES), which manages and facilitates these transactions in their entirety from start to finish. This model depicts an enhanced business process that provides increased security, transparency, and speed. These benefits will be realised by those who register, adopt, and transact on the platform. Through in-depth interviews, the integrated business process model was assessed. The findings produced a final and combined thematic map, representing the main themes of the analysed interview data, namely blockchain implementation strategies, business process applicability, information technology assimilation, current transaction context, and PropTech 3.0 success factors. The discussion revealed that the current transaction process lacks technological innovation, which increases pressure on the conveyancing role. It was also revealed that there is not only a need within the industry, but a desire, for newer technologies to assist the transaction process. In order to streamline and improve efficiency, business processes should leverage digital records and data, and strive for a solution beyond digitisation, achieving digitalisation. Digitalisation recognises digital documents as official and legal documents as opposed to simply being digital back-ups. This, coupled with the business process models, represent theoretical contributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A cloud adoption framework for South African SMEs
- Authors: Mudzamba, Ronald Ratidzo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cloud computing , Cloud computing -- Security measures , Small business -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework , Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148574 , vital:38751
- Description: Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been touted as key enablers to the economic development of most countries. Despite growing evidence that most SMEs fail within their initial years, ICTs have been found to add substantial value in facilitating their success. However, in most developing countries, ICT adoption by SMEs has been plagued with a plethora of challenges ranging from poor electricity supply, high ICT costs, lack of ICT expertise to lack of government support. While this might seem problematic for SMEs, the adoption and the use of cloud services mitigates some of these challenges. The problem, however, is that a limited amount of literature has provided guidance with regard to how the cloud adoption process should be carried out by SMEs. The objective of this research, was therefore, to address this by developing a framework that can be used by SMEs to guide them through the cloud adoption process. To this end, thirteen (13) semi-structured interviews were conducted across nine (9) SMEs in the Eastern Cape. The resultant interview transcripts were analysed using an established thematic approach; the result of which allowed for the development of a rich interpretive narrative about SME cloud adoption. Combined with theory from extant literature, this culminated in the development of a framework for cloud services adoption for SMEs in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mudzamba, Ronald Ratidzo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cloud computing , Cloud computing -- Security measures , Small business -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework , Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148574 , vital:38751
- Description: Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been touted as key enablers to the economic development of most countries. Despite growing evidence that most SMEs fail within their initial years, ICTs have been found to add substantial value in facilitating their success. However, in most developing countries, ICT adoption by SMEs has been plagued with a plethora of challenges ranging from poor electricity supply, high ICT costs, lack of ICT expertise to lack of government support. While this might seem problematic for SMEs, the adoption and the use of cloud services mitigates some of these challenges. The problem, however, is that a limited amount of literature has provided guidance with regard to how the cloud adoption process should be carried out by SMEs. The objective of this research, was therefore, to address this by developing a framework that can be used by SMEs to guide them through the cloud adoption process. To this end, thirteen (13) semi-structured interviews were conducted across nine (9) SMEs in the Eastern Cape. The resultant interview transcripts were analysed using an established thematic approach; the result of which allowed for the development of a rich interpretive narrative about SME cloud adoption. Combined with theory from extant literature, this culminated in the development of a framework for cloud services adoption for SMEs in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A comparative analysis of the effects of different Levels of Education on growth in African Economies
- Authors: Mkhosana, Nomathamsanqa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on , Education -- Economic Aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50393 , vital:42161
- Description: The economic growth and development of a country depend on the educational opportunities available to its citizens. Education is deemed to influence economic growth via improved labour productivity particularly through knowledge and skills accumulation by promoting technological improvement and innovation. The aim of the study was to highlight the importance of each level of education on economic growth of African countries. The objective of the study was to find which level of education (primary, secondary and tertiary) has the most significant effect on economic growth. To obtain this objective, the study using two panel cointegration methods, the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method applied to data covering the period of 2000 to 2017, the study aimed at sampling 10 educated economies and 10 advanced economies in Africa, since South Africa and Kenya belong in both categories, the study a total of 18 African economies. The results of the study show discrepancies, that is, primary and secondary education being most beneficial towards more advanced economies whilst only tertiary education is beneficiary towards more educated African countries. Policy implications are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mkhosana, Nomathamsanqa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on , Education -- Economic Aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50393 , vital:42161
- Description: The economic growth and development of a country depend on the educational opportunities available to its citizens. Education is deemed to influence economic growth via improved labour productivity particularly through knowledge and skills accumulation by promoting technological improvement and innovation. The aim of the study was to highlight the importance of each level of education on economic growth of African countries. The objective of the study was to find which level of education (primary, secondary and tertiary) has the most significant effect on economic growth. To obtain this objective, the study using two panel cointegration methods, the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method applied to data covering the period of 2000 to 2017, the study aimed at sampling 10 educated economies and 10 advanced economies in Africa, since South Africa and Kenya belong in both categories, the study a total of 18 African economies. The results of the study show discrepancies, that is, primary and secondary education being most beneficial towards more advanced economies whilst only tertiary education is beneficiary towards more educated African countries. Policy implications are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A comparative analysis with selected jurisdictions of structural challenges facing the South African office of the tax ombud
- Authors: Mothiba, Boitumelo Charity
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Office of the Tax Ombud , Tax administration and procdure -- South Africa , Taxpayer advocates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140360 , vital:37882
- Description: The Office of the Tax Ombud is critical in the protection of South African taxpayers' rights. The office has only been in existence for a little over five years and to ensure that it fulfils the purpose for which it was established, it must be properly structured. This includes that it ought to be independent from any external influence and manipulation. Any such external influence on the Tax Ombud creates the risk that the general public will lose confidence in the Tax Ombud as an independent recourse. The study, therefore, is designed to review the structure relating to the independence and powers of the South African Tax Ombud. The study assesses and evaluates the legislative safeguards of the structure of the Tax Ombud office in order to determine whether the legislative framework (the Tax Administration Act) safeguarding the Office of the Tax Ombud is adequate to ensure its independence and also to ensure a strengthened structure, without interference in the decision-making process of the office. To achieve this, a comparative analysis was made with selected foreign institutions of Tax Ombudsmen, or equivalent institutions, in order to draw from the best international practice. The study found that the structure of the Office of the Tax Ombud is relatively weak and does not fully provide the legislative powers to protect taxpayers from the well-resourced South African Revenue Service. The study also revealed that most of the institutional features in the structure of the South African Tax Ombud were found to be in line with standard international practice. The study has made recommendations aimed at strengthening the structure of the South African Tax Ombud by suggesting reforms in the legislative framework of the Tax Ombud.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mothiba, Boitumelo Charity
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Office of the Tax Ombud , Tax administration and procdure -- South Africa , Taxpayer advocates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140360 , vital:37882
- Description: The Office of the Tax Ombud is critical in the protection of South African taxpayers' rights. The office has only been in existence for a little over five years and to ensure that it fulfils the purpose for which it was established, it must be properly structured. This includes that it ought to be independent from any external influence and manipulation. Any such external influence on the Tax Ombud creates the risk that the general public will lose confidence in the Tax Ombud as an independent recourse. The study, therefore, is designed to review the structure relating to the independence and powers of the South African Tax Ombud. The study assesses and evaluates the legislative safeguards of the structure of the Tax Ombud office in order to determine whether the legislative framework (the Tax Administration Act) safeguarding the Office of the Tax Ombud is adequate to ensure its independence and also to ensure a strengthened structure, without interference in the decision-making process of the office. To achieve this, a comparative analysis was made with selected foreign institutions of Tax Ombudsmen, or equivalent institutions, in order to draw from the best international practice. The study found that the structure of the Office of the Tax Ombud is relatively weak and does not fully provide the legislative powers to protect taxpayers from the well-resourced South African Revenue Service. The study also revealed that most of the institutional features in the structure of the South African Tax Ombud were found to be in line with standard international practice. The study has made recommendations aimed at strengthening the structure of the South African Tax Ombud by suggesting reforms in the legislative framework of the Tax Ombud.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A comparative study of the tax measures for persons with disabilities in South Africa with those of Canada and the Republic of Ireland
- Authors: Currie, Natasha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Taxation -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Canada , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- Ireland , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Ireland
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170746 , vital:41956
- Description: Literature indicates that tax relief measures for persons with disabilities are important as they align with the principle of equity in the allocation of the tax burden. They are a government intervention that assists in decreasing the financial burden of medical care for persons with disabilities. The right of persons with disabilities to an adequate standard of living is contained in the landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol, a treaty of the United Nations, which South Africa ratified in 2007. The objective of the research was to provide a comparative study of tax relief measures for persons with disabilities in South Africa with those of Canada and the Republic of Ireland, with a view to identifying potential areas for improvement in South Africa. The requisite information was primarily collected through an extensive analysis of the tax legislation in the jurisdictions. The research found that tax relief measures for persons with disabilities and their families in South Africa are limited when compared with those of Canada and the Republic of Ireland. The comparative study identifies a number of potential tax relief measures for implementation in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Currie, Natasha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Taxation -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Canada , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- Ireland , People with disabilities -- Taxation -- Ireland
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170746 , vital:41956
- Description: Literature indicates that tax relief measures for persons with disabilities are important as they align with the principle of equity in the allocation of the tax burden. They are a government intervention that assists in decreasing the financial burden of medical care for persons with disabilities. The right of persons with disabilities to an adequate standard of living is contained in the landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol, a treaty of the United Nations, which South Africa ratified in 2007. The objective of the research was to provide a comparative study of tax relief measures for persons with disabilities in South Africa with those of Canada and the Republic of Ireland, with a view to identifying potential areas for improvement in South Africa. The requisite information was primarily collected through an extensive analysis of the tax legislation in the jurisdictions. The research found that tax relief measures for persons with disabilities and their families in South Africa are limited when compared with those of Canada and the Republic of Ireland. The comparative study identifies a number of potential tax relief measures for implementation in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A critical analysis of selected clauses in selected Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) with South Africa
- Authors: Ndzimakhwe, Vusumzi Allen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49986 , vital:41967
- Description: The purpose of this treatise was to analyse selected clauses in selected double taxation agreements with South Africa. An integrative literature review research method was used. The study commenced with an overview of double tax agreements from both an international and South African perspective. This was followed by a critical analysis of the Mutual Agreement Procedures, the Most-Favoured Nation clause and the Non-discrimination obligation. Selected court cases domestic and foreign court cases were used to illustrate the gaps that sometimes exist between revenue authorities’ and taxpayers’ understanding of the clauses being studied. An analysis was then performed of the measures and their appropriateness that South Africa can implement to close the loopholes arising from the selected clauses. This was informed by the action plans suggested by the OECD and the Davis Tax Committee on base erosion and profit shifting. The study then concluded with a synopsis of the key findings of the selected clauses and their recommendations. Finally recommendations were made for areas of further research which might assist in closing the loopholes arising from the words employed within double tax agreements and the intention of the legislature/the executive can be closed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ndzimakhwe, Vusumzi Allen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Double taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49986 , vital:41967
- Description: The purpose of this treatise was to analyse selected clauses in selected double taxation agreements with South Africa. An integrative literature review research method was used. The study commenced with an overview of double tax agreements from both an international and South African perspective. This was followed by a critical analysis of the Mutual Agreement Procedures, the Most-Favoured Nation clause and the Non-discrimination obligation. Selected court cases domestic and foreign court cases were used to illustrate the gaps that sometimes exist between revenue authorities’ and taxpayers’ understanding of the clauses being studied. An analysis was then performed of the measures and their appropriateness that South Africa can implement to close the loopholes arising from the selected clauses. This was informed by the action plans suggested by the OECD and the Davis Tax Committee on base erosion and profit shifting. The study then concluded with a synopsis of the key findings of the selected clauses and their recommendations. Finally recommendations were made for areas of further research which might assist in closing the loopholes arising from the words employed within double tax agreements and the intention of the legislature/the executive can be closed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A critical analysis of the administrative issues related to the Health Promotion Levy in South Africa
- Authors: Herbst, Tamryn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48158 , vital:40515
- Description: The purpose of the treatise was to examine the administrative issues that have arisen related to the implementation of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) in South Africa, and to identify solutions to these issues. The study commenced with a review of what the HPL is and how it is levied. This was followed by a comparative analysis of issues that have been experienced by four countries, as well as any potential issues that have been identified by the four countries. The HPL is often referred to as sugar tax in many jurisdictions, and was referred to as HPL for the purposes of this treatise. A review was then performed of the solutions that were implemented by these countries in responding to the administrative issues that were identified, as well as guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation for the implementation of this levy. The likelihood of these issues arising in South Africa’s implementation of the Health Promotion Levy was examined based on these comparisons. It was found that the issues experienced by other countries in the implementation of the HPL have been experienced in South Africa, or may be relevant in a South African context. Following this, the solutions implemented by other countries and recommended by the World Health Organisation were analysed to determine if these solutions are practical in a South African context. Many of the solutions implemented by the countries analysed, are relevant in a South African context and have, in fact, already been implemented in South Africa The conclusion reached was that South Africa has been successful in administering the implementation of the HPL and that the administrative costs of the implementation and administration of the HPL are outweighed by the benefits of the health awareness raised by the implementation of the HPL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Herbst, Tamryn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48158 , vital:40515
- Description: The purpose of the treatise was to examine the administrative issues that have arisen related to the implementation of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) in South Africa, and to identify solutions to these issues. The study commenced with a review of what the HPL is and how it is levied. This was followed by a comparative analysis of issues that have been experienced by four countries, as well as any potential issues that have been identified by the four countries. The HPL is often referred to as sugar tax in many jurisdictions, and was referred to as HPL for the purposes of this treatise. A review was then performed of the solutions that were implemented by these countries in responding to the administrative issues that were identified, as well as guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation for the implementation of this levy. The likelihood of these issues arising in South Africa’s implementation of the Health Promotion Levy was examined based on these comparisons. It was found that the issues experienced by other countries in the implementation of the HPL have been experienced in South Africa, or may be relevant in a South African context. Following this, the solutions implemented by other countries and recommended by the World Health Organisation were analysed to determine if these solutions are practical in a South African context. Many of the solutions implemented by the countries analysed, are relevant in a South African context and have, in fact, already been implemented in South Africa The conclusion reached was that South Africa has been successful in administering the implementation of the HPL and that the administrative costs of the implementation and administration of the HPL are outweighed by the benefits of the health awareness raised by the implementation of the HPL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A critical analysis of the South African turnover tax system
- Authors: Chiromo, Samuel John
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Small business -- Taxation -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Turnover tax -- South Africa , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Tax incentives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166103 , vital:41329
- Description: The objective of the turnover tax system is to reduce the administrative burden on micro businesses and to contribute positively to boosting these businesses and the economic growth of South Africa. The over-arching goal of this research was to analyse the South African turnover tax to investigate to what extent the turnover tax system complies with generally accepted principles of a good tax system. The research was conducted within an interpretative post-positivism paradigm, applied a qualitative research methodology, and a doctrinal research method. A detailed review of the literature was conducted to establish the nature of South African turnover tax system and the extent of its compliance with generally accepted principles of a good tax system. The literature review included an in-depth analysis of the South African turnover tax system, an in-depth analysis of generally accepted principles of a good tax system, and an investigation of the extent to which turnover tax system complies with various elements of the principles of a good tax system. It was found in this study that the turnover tax system does not comply with certain of the elements of generally accepted principles of a good tax system and the study proposed several recommendations for the improvement of the turnover tax system. These recommendations include the establishment of training initiatives for micro business owners, reviewing the regulations pertaining to turnover tax and providing digital administration of turnover tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chiromo, Samuel John
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Small business -- Taxation -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance , Turnover tax -- South Africa , Government aid to small business -- South Africa , Tax incentives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166103 , vital:41329
- Description: The objective of the turnover tax system is to reduce the administrative burden on micro businesses and to contribute positively to boosting these businesses and the economic growth of South Africa. The over-arching goal of this research was to analyse the South African turnover tax to investigate to what extent the turnover tax system complies with generally accepted principles of a good tax system. The research was conducted within an interpretative post-positivism paradigm, applied a qualitative research methodology, and a doctrinal research method. A detailed review of the literature was conducted to establish the nature of South African turnover tax system and the extent of its compliance with generally accepted principles of a good tax system. The literature review included an in-depth analysis of the South African turnover tax system, an in-depth analysis of generally accepted principles of a good tax system, and an investigation of the extent to which turnover tax system complies with various elements of the principles of a good tax system. It was found in this study that the turnover tax system does not comply with certain of the elements of generally accepted principles of a good tax system and the study proposed several recommendations for the improvement of the turnover tax system. These recommendations include the establishment of training initiatives for micro business owners, reviewing the regulations pertaining to turnover tax and providing digital administration of turnover tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A framework for supplier selection in the Nelson Mandela Bay retail industry
- Authors: Mavela, A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48905 , vital:41169
- Description: The success of business firms operating in the retail industry is largely dependent on the performance rendered by their supply base. Choosing the incorrect supplier could have dire consequences for the retailer’s performance, as suppliers are generally considered an extension of the retailer. Organisations base their operational expertise on the key performance objectives of cost, service, quality, speed, dependability and flexibility, which becomes the basis of their selection criteria when evaluating suppliers. The primary objective of this study was to develop a framework that guides retailers in their supplier selection process with the ultimate goal of formulating strategies to improve Nelson Mandela Bay’s (NMB’s) retail performance. In support of the primary objective, it was necessary to identify the current supplier selection criteria used in the NMB retail industry and the challenges that retailers face when selecting suppliers. The study set out to assess the effects of utilising established supplier selection criteria on retailers’ performance, as well as to identify strategies that retailers should employ to improve their performance. A quantitative research approach was utilised to collect data from a sample of 248 retailers and procurement and logistics managers. The empirical findings of the study identified flexibility, timeous delivery and reliability as the most important supplier selection criteria identified by retailers in NMB. The findings also revealed that utilising established supplier selection criteria has a significantly positive effect on retailers’ performance. Lack of collaboration between suppliers and retailers, lack of transparency between suppliers and retailers and suppliers’ limited knowledge of the criteria by which they are judged were identified as the most significant challenges facing retailers in NMB. The empirical findings also identified an increase in a retailer’s competitive advantage and revenue as the benefits of utilising supplier selection criteria to improve a retailer’s performance. The conclusions and implications of the empirical findings are provided and recommendations made. The study advances a framework to assist in guiding the retailers and procurement and logistics managers, retail researchers and policy makers when selecting suppliers. The study suggests that retailers should identify the most important supplier selection criteria, inform potential suppliers of the importance v of those criteria, select suppliers based on those criteria and utilise those criteria to evaluate the suppliers’ performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mavela, A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48905 , vital:41169
- Description: The success of business firms operating in the retail industry is largely dependent on the performance rendered by their supply base. Choosing the incorrect supplier could have dire consequences for the retailer’s performance, as suppliers are generally considered an extension of the retailer. Organisations base their operational expertise on the key performance objectives of cost, service, quality, speed, dependability and flexibility, which becomes the basis of their selection criteria when evaluating suppliers. The primary objective of this study was to develop a framework that guides retailers in their supplier selection process with the ultimate goal of formulating strategies to improve Nelson Mandela Bay’s (NMB’s) retail performance. In support of the primary objective, it was necessary to identify the current supplier selection criteria used in the NMB retail industry and the challenges that retailers face when selecting suppliers. The study set out to assess the effects of utilising established supplier selection criteria on retailers’ performance, as well as to identify strategies that retailers should employ to improve their performance. A quantitative research approach was utilised to collect data from a sample of 248 retailers and procurement and logistics managers. The empirical findings of the study identified flexibility, timeous delivery and reliability as the most important supplier selection criteria identified by retailers in NMB. The findings also revealed that utilising established supplier selection criteria has a significantly positive effect on retailers’ performance. Lack of collaboration between suppliers and retailers, lack of transparency between suppliers and retailers and suppliers’ limited knowledge of the criteria by which they are judged were identified as the most significant challenges facing retailers in NMB. The empirical findings also identified an increase in a retailer’s competitive advantage and revenue as the benefits of utilising supplier selection criteria to improve a retailer’s performance. The conclusions and implications of the empirical findings are provided and recommendations made. The study advances a framework to assist in guiding the retailers and procurement and logistics managers, retail researchers and policy makers when selecting suppliers. The study suggests that retailers should identify the most important supplier selection criteria, inform potential suppliers of the importance v of those criteria, select suppliers based on those criteria and utilise those criteria to evaluate the suppliers’ performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A Social Media Method for Eliciting Millennials’ Worldviews on the Coastal and Marine Environment
- Authors: Okuah, Obrukevwe Anehwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Millennialism -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48588 , vital:40893
- Description: A lack of involvement by participants with traditional data collection methods for research has led to insufficient data regarding millennials’ worldviews on the coastal and marine environment. Understanding millennial worldviews could provide insights for policy interventions for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment. The aim of this research is to design, develop and evaluate an appropriate social media method to elicit millennials’ worldviews on the coastal and marine environment. The methodology used for the research was Design Science Research (DSR), which is a legitimate approach to conducting research in the field of Information Systems. The methods used were a literature review, interviews with social media experts and Social Media Influencers (SMIs), and a focus group discussion with researchers from the field of social sciences. The proposed artefact (the method) can be used to provide guidance to researchers for engaging and eliciting opinions and worldviews of millennials on social media. The method includes a Social Media Influencer Model that illustrates the relationship between SMIs’ characteristics and techniques for engaging the public, and a Social Media Analytics (SMA) Process model that can guide researchers through the steps of eliciting worldviews from the public. Although there are several SMA techniques that can be used, the proposed method uses sentiment analysis as an SMA technique for deriving sentiments from social media data. The method was evaluated by researchers who require a social media method for eliciting millennials worldviews. The findings confirmed some of the techniques identified in literature as well as some additional techniques and processes. It was also evident that using this method could assist researchers for data collection and specifically to obtain worldviews on the marine and coastal environment. The contribution of this study is an artefact that fulfils the need for a social media method for data collection that is more convenient for researchers and millennials and can guide researchers through the steps of eliciting worldviews from the public.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Okuah, Obrukevwe Anehwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Millennialism -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48588 , vital:40893
- Description: A lack of involvement by participants with traditional data collection methods for research has led to insufficient data regarding millennials’ worldviews on the coastal and marine environment. Understanding millennial worldviews could provide insights for policy interventions for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment. The aim of this research is to design, develop and evaluate an appropriate social media method to elicit millennials’ worldviews on the coastal and marine environment. The methodology used for the research was Design Science Research (DSR), which is a legitimate approach to conducting research in the field of Information Systems. The methods used were a literature review, interviews with social media experts and Social Media Influencers (SMIs), and a focus group discussion with researchers from the field of social sciences. The proposed artefact (the method) can be used to provide guidance to researchers for engaging and eliciting opinions and worldviews of millennials on social media. The method includes a Social Media Influencer Model that illustrates the relationship between SMIs’ characteristics and techniques for engaging the public, and a Social Media Analytics (SMA) Process model that can guide researchers through the steps of eliciting worldviews from the public. Although there are several SMA techniques that can be used, the proposed method uses sentiment analysis as an SMA technique for deriving sentiments from social media data. The method was evaluated by researchers who require a social media method for eliciting millennials worldviews. The findings confirmed some of the techniques identified in literature as well as some additional techniques and processes. It was also evident that using this method could assist researchers for data collection and specifically to obtain worldviews on the marine and coastal environment. The contribution of this study is an artefact that fulfils the need for a social media method for data collection that is more convenient for researchers and millennials and can guide researchers through the steps of eliciting worldviews from the public.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A Veblenian Dichotomy re-examination of labour brokerage and South African labour market functionality
- Authors: Haaketa, Bernadatte Tina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Veblen, Thorstein, 1857-1929 , Contracting out -- South Africa , Temporary employment -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168446 , vital:41583
- Description: Labour markets ar ound the world have witnessed a great change in labour relations. The introduction of globa lisation, increased competition and technological advancements has caused business organisations to change their employment methods. While trying to survive and remain profitable, employers have adopted a new form of triangular employment relationship. Thi s form of employment relationship known as labour broking and which forms part of the Temporary Employment Services (TES) involves a relationship between the worker, labour agent (broker) and a client c ompany. Although it may seem like a good strategy for business organisations, the change in employment relationships has had negative effects and contributed to labour market dysfunctionalities . This has resulted in critics of labour broking calling or an end in labour broking and supporters of labour broking asking for better regulation of the industry. Labour markets are me When it comes to analysing labour broking and its impact on labour market functionality in South Africa. Scholars and analysts such as Budlender ( 2013 ) and Bhorat, Lil enstein, Oosthuizen , and Thornton ( 2016 ) have used the Neoclassical , New Institutional Economics and Marxist approach es. The current views on labour broking and the current schools of thought fail to look at the underlying behavioural aspect of labour brokers and the client c ompanies. Hence making it easy for labour brokers and their client companies to continue with their unscrupulous activities. However, this t hesis adapted the Veblenian Dichotomy framework which focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary proce ss and the role of institutions in shaping economic behaviour. The Veblenian dichotomy shows that power plays an important role in how labour markets are run. Similarly, behaviour also influences the manner in which labour brokers and client companies trea t workers. And lastly the Veblenian dichotomy shows that in order for the industry to be run better there has to be change in the behaviour and cultu re of the labour brokers and client companies . This view allows for deeper analysis of the reasons for the flour ishing nature of labour broking and the rationale behind the behaviour of economic players and attempts to provide solutions on how labour brok ing can be correctly administered in South Africa. The Veblenian Dichotomy categorises institutions into t wo sets, namely the ceremonial institutions and instrumental institutions. Where Ceremonial institutions are said to be institutions that foster the interests of business such as profitability and earning of free income, even if there is no corresponding i ncrease in production. While Instrumental institutions, usually working through the influence of technology, address the interests of the common pers on and the labourer as well as business (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). These two systems of va lues and institutions are antagonistic and the relative strength of one to the other determines economic outcomes and in whose interests the outcomes would be (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). The Veblenian Dichotomy further looks at ceremonial encapsulation which occurs when ceremonial systems prevail over instrumental systems. Ceremonial encapsulation presents the hypothesis that the insti tutional structure will absorb new technology only to the extent that it can do so without disrupting the e xisting value structure (Waller, 1987; Bush, 1979.) The thesis use d various sources , such as working papers, public hearings, court cases, trade union submissions, integrated reports from companies, employee submissions and media publications on the debate about labour broking whether labour broking and applied the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysi s (IPA) research approach, in the process of data collection and analysis . The thesis further applied thematic analysis to derive themes that would be used to analyse the impact of labour broking on labour market functionality in South Africa. The emergent themes and subthemes were Exploitative lab our relations subthemes; job Insecurity, increased financial burden and no skills development. The second theme was; Competitive advantage and the subthemes were; i ncreased profits and organisational efficiency. The third theme was l abour market efficiency and the subthemes were. E mployment creation and labour market flexibility. And, the last theme was a mbiguous l abour regulation s with subthemes; n o freedom of association and a tool for circumventing labour regulations . Lastly, Tool’s (1994) criteria of j udgement for institutional adjustments was used to evaluate the emergent themes and to evaluate the impact of l abour broking on the overall welfare of individuals, which includes determining whether employees in the TES sector gain skills and improved stan dards of living. The findings of the research the TES sector is characterised by ceremonial values. Ceremonial values (as mentioned in section 3.3) are those values that are warranted by the ways of life that prescribe status and hierarchies and unpleasant distinctions to apply value and status on other people (Bush, 1987, 1988; Ayres, 1967). Thus changing the way in which labour brokers conduct themselves or handle labour broking activities would prove to be difficult . T he power that is mostly used in TES employment sectors is condign power. Condign power is explained as the form of power that is predominantly used in ceremonially encapsulated markets. And it involves making use of punishment or fear in order to get people to do something. This is because w orkers in the TES sector are forced to submit to conditions that they would not normally have submitted to if t hey did not have a fear of losing their jobs. This supports existing literature which shows that in the TES sector, TES employers use force and p ower in order to get the workers to do something, and this results in a master - servant relationship between the employer and the employee. Furthermore, the protests that erupt in the TES sector agree with Marxist theory which notes that the frustrations in the way workers are treated would result in a revolution of the working class against the employers. However, now, workers have not been able to overcome the employers and take over the industry. In addition to what current literature says, the research found that some managers make use of labour broking as a way of manifesting their exploitative characteristics on the labour market, thus creating information asymmetries in order to advance their own personal needs. Situations such as these reve al characteristics of opportunistic behaviour, which is perpetuated by the imperfect flow of information. This means th at the market is imperfect, and imperfect markets are characteristics of dysfunctional labour markets. The research also found that it i s the South African Constitution that protects labour brokers and client companies from accounting for the unfair treatm ent of workers. Labour brokers and client companies rely on the South African Constitution to defend them when it comes to banning labou r broking. This is because section 22 of the Constitution talks about the right of every individual to trade freely in S outh Africa (Kutumela, 2015). When institutional adjustments do not meet the requirements of the progressive criteria, it means they are regressive. Based on the data that was collected and the responses and remarks of the workers, trade unions, and trade union federations, it can be said that TES employment and labour broking hinders labour market functionality. Hence, it can be concluded that, due to the characteristics mentioned, labour broking does indeed have a regressive element which hinders labour m arket functionality. An area for further research for TES employment would be to look at the impact of the amendments to the Labour Rela tions Act. Specifically focusing on the Constitutional Court ruling, which forces labour brokers to treat employees who have been employed for longer than three months as permanent employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Haaketa, Bernadatte Tina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Veblen, Thorstein, 1857-1929 , Contracting out -- South Africa , Temporary employment -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168446 , vital:41583
- Description: Labour markets ar ound the world have witnessed a great change in labour relations. The introduction of globa lisation, increased competition and technological advancements has caused business organisations to change their employment methods. While trying to survive and remain profitable, employers have adopted a new form of triangular employment relationship. Thi s form of employment relationship known as labour broking and which forms part of the Temporary Employment Services (TES) involves a relationship between the worker, labour agent (broker) and a client c ompany. Although it may seem like a good strategy for business organisations, the change in employment relationships has had negative effects and contributed to labour market dysfunctionalities . This has resulted in critics of labour broking calling or an end in labour broking and supporters of labour broking asking for better regulation of the industry. Labour markets are me When it comes to analysing labour broking and its impact on labour market functionality in South Africa. Scholars and analysts such as Budlender ( 2013 ) and Bhorat, Lil enstein, Oosthuizen , and Thornton ( 2016 ) have used the Neoclassical , New Institutional Economics and Marxist approach es. The current views on labour broking and the current schools of thought fail to look at the underlying behavioural aspect of labour brokers and the client c ompanies. Hence making it easy for labour brokers and their client companies to continue with their unscrupulous activities. However, this t hesis adapted the Veblenian Dichotomy framework which focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary proce ss and the role of institutions in shaping economic behaviour. The Veblenian dichotomy shows that power plays an important role in how labour markets are run. Similarly, behaviour also influences the manner in which labour brokers and client companies trea t workers. And lastly the Veblenian dichotomy shows that in order for the industry to be run better there has to be change in the behaviour and cultu re of the labour brokers and client companies . This view allows for deeper analysis of the reasons for the flour ishing nature of labour broking and the rationale behind the behaviour of economic players and attempts to provide solutions on how labour brok ing can be correctly administered in South Africa. The Veblenian Dichotomy categorises institutions into t wo sets, namely the ceremonial institutions and instrumental institutions. Where Ceremonial institutions are said to be institutions that foster the interests of business such as profitability and earning of free income, even if there is no corresponding i ncrease in production. While Instrumental institutions, usually working through the influence of technology, address the interests of the common pers on and the labourer as well as business (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). These two systems of va lues and institutions are antagonistic and the relative strength of one to the other determines economic outcomes and in whose interests the outcomes would be (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). The Veblenian Dichotomy further looks at ceremonial encapsulation which occurs when ceremonial systems prevail over instrumental systems. Ceremonial encapsulation presents the hypothesis that the insti tutional structure will absorb new technology only to the extent that it can do so without disrupting the e xisting value structure (Waller, 1987; Bush, 1979.) The thesis use d various sources , such as working papers, public hearings, court cases, trade union submissions, integrated reports from companies, employee submissions and media publications on the debate about labour broking whether labour broking and applied the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysi s (IPA) research approach, in the process of data collection and analysis . The thesis further applied thematic analysis to derive themes that would be used to analyse the impact of labour broking on labour market functionality in South Africa. The emergent themes and subthemes were Exploitative lab our relations subthemes; job Insecurity, increased financial burden and no skills development. The second theme was; Competitive advantage and the subthemes were; i ncreased profits and organisational efficiency. The third theme was l abour market efficiency and the subthemes were. E mployment creation and labour market flexibility. And, the last theme was a mbiguous l abour regulation s with subthemes; n o freedom of association and a tool for circumventing labour regulations . Lastly, Tool’s (1994) criteria of j udgement for institutional adjustments was used to evaluate the emergent themes and to evaluate the impact of l abour broking on the overall welfare of individuals, which includes determining whether employees in the TES sector gain skills and improved stan dards of living. The findings of the research the TES sector is characterised by ceremonial values. Ceremonial values (as mentioned in section 3.3) are those values that are warranted by the ways of life that prescribe status and hierarchies and unpleasant distinctions to apply value and status on other people (Bush, 1987, 1988; Ayres, 1967). Thus changing the way in which labour brokers conduct themselves or handle labour broking activities would prove to be difficult . T he power that is mostly used in TES employment sectors is condign power. Condign power is explained as the form of power that is predominantly used in ceremonially encapsulated markets. And it involves making use of punishment or fear in order to get people to do something. This is because w orkers in the TES sector are forced to submit to conditions that they would not normally have submitted to if t hey did not have a fear of losing their jobs. This supports existing literature which shows that in the TES sector, TES employers use force and p ower in order to get the workers to do something, and this results in a master - servant relationship between the employer and the employee. Furthermore, the protests that erupt in the TES sector agree with Marxist theory which notes that the frustrations in the way workers are treated would result in a revolution of the working class against the employers. However, now, workers have not been able to overcome the employers and take over the industry. In addition to what current literature says, the research found that some managers make use of labour broking as a way of manifesting their exploitative characteristics on the labour market, thus creating information asymmetries in order to advance their own personal needs. Situations such as these reve al characteristics of opportunistic behaviour, which is perpetuated by the imperfect flow of information. This means th at the market is imperfect, and imperfect markets are characteristics of dysfunctional labour markets. The research also found that it i s the South African Constitution that protects labour brokers and client companies from accounting for the unfair treatm ent of workers. Labour brokers and client companies rely on the South African Constitution to defend them when it comes to banning labou r broking. This is because section 22 of the Constitution talks about the right of every individual to trade freely in S outh Africa (Kutumela, 2015). When institutional adjustments do not meet the requirements of the progressive criteria, it means they are regressive. Based on the data that was collected and the responses and remarks of the workers, trade unions, and trade union federations, it can be said that TES employment and labour broking hinders labour market functionality. Hence, it can be concluded that, due to the characteristics mentioned, labour broking does indeed have a regressive element which hinders labour m arket functionality. An area for further research for TES employment would be to look at the impact of the amendments to the Labour Rela tions Act. Specifically focusing on the Constitutional Court ruling, which forces labour brokers to treat employees who have been employed for longer than three months as permanent employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An analysis of carbon tax and other environmental levies: a South African and international perspective
- Authors: Vuzane, Rolihlahla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Environmental impact charges , Environmental impact charges -- South Africa , Taxation -- Environmental aspects , Taxation -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167676 , vital:41502
- Description: As a “Non-Annex 1” country, there was no obligation for South Africa to reduce its carbon emissions. South Africa undertook, of its own volition, to take measures to reduce 34% of the carbon monoxide emissions by 2020 and 42% by 2025 respectively. In response, South Africa promulgated the Carbon Tax Act, No. 15 of 2019. This study seeks to answer the question: After analysing the range of environmental taxes levied in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) and in South Africa, are there lessons that can be learnt for South Africa? In answering this question, the carbon tax structure in South Africa and in selected Scandinavian countries is analysed, together with existing environmental taxes and the related policies, using a literature study. What is evident from the Scandinavian countries studied, is that environmental taxes have distributional effects and are effective in reducing carbon emissions. The major result of the study was that the real weakness of the newly introduced Carbon Tax Act is that in both in the first and second phase of its implementation, the carbon tax rate is too low to send an appropriate signal to the market and would not have the desired outcome. In addition, there are currently no guidelines that inform the revenue recycling technique to ensure transparency of revenue usage, improved energy management, or how the Carbon Tax Act will promote environmental quality. A major concern is that carbon tax revenue will not be ring-fenced. Given that South Africa is a developing country and depends mainly on non-renewable energy, it is inevitable that most of its sectors will be subject to the carbon tax. A plausible approach is the one that promotes the idea of taxing those more heavily that contribute most to environmental degradation and are highly energy concentrated, to promote parity between the harm to the environment and the taxes levied to redress the harm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Vuzane, Rolihlahla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Environmental impact charges , Environmental impact charges -- South Africa , Taxation -- Environmental aspects , Taxation -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167676 , vital:41502
- Description: As a “Non-Annex 1” country, there was no obligation for South Africa to reduce its carbon emissions. South Africa undertook, of its own volition, to take measures to reduce 34% of the carbon monoxide emissions by 2020 and 42% by 2025 respectively. In response, South Africa promulgated the Carbon Tax Act, No. 15 of 2019. This study seeks to answer the question: After analysing the range of environmental taxes levied in the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) and in South Africa, are there lessons that can be learnt for South Africa? In answering this question, the carbon tax structure in South Africa and in selected Scandinavian countries is analysed, together with existing environmental taxes and the related policies, using a literature study. What is evident from the Scandinavian countries studied, is that environmental taxes have distributional effects and are effective in reducing carbon emissions. The major result of the study was that the real weakness of the newly introduced Carbon Tax Act is that in both in the first and second phase of its implementation, the carbon tax rate is too low to send an appropriate signal to the market and would not have the desired outcome. In addition, there are currently no guidelines that inform the revenue recycling technique to ensure transparency of revenue usage, improved energy management, or how the Carbon Tax Act will promote environmental quality. A major concern is that carbon tax revenue will not be ring-fenced. Given that South Africa is a developing country and depends mainly on non-renewable energy, it is inevitable that most of its sectors will be subject to the carbon tax. A plausible approach is the one that promotes the idea of taxing those more heavily that contribute most to environmental degradation and are highly energy concentrated, to promote parity between the harm to the environment and the taxes levied to redress the harm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An historical analysis of the development of a company as a single enterprise and the impact on group company taxation
- Authors: Els, Tania
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Taxation -- South Africa , Taxation -- History , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Corporation law -- South Africa , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , South Africa. Companies Act, 2008 , Separate legal personality , Group taxation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154241 , vital:39628
- Description: The company is considered a separate legal entity in both legislation and jurisprudence. The “veil” separating the company and its shareholders is a doctrine entrenched in company law that originated centuries ago. The doctrine is based on conditions that existed during a period that commenced with trading forms less complicated than the corporate groups found today. Trading forms known as guilds could be traced back to 1087, which gradually developed into regulated companies and, in the last century, into the joint-stock company form. The modern era has seen the development of groups of companies carrying on business as economic units. Company law, in regulating business forms, has failed to acknowledge the corporate group as a new business entity. The main purpose of this research was to analyse the origins of the separate legal personality of a company and its relevance for the present corporate group structures. The research aimed to understand company law and jurisprudence in South Africa in relation to the legal personality of a company and a corporate group. The final objective of this reform-orientated doctrinal research thesis was to provide clarity on the need to consider granting separate legal identity to corporate groups in recognition of their economic unity. A historically contextualised analysis was carried out on the development of trading through unregulated forms of businesses to the creation of the company as a regulated entity. The development of the legal persona of a company in legislation as well as jurisprudence was critically analysed in on the context of companies within a corporate group. A case study of a South African corporate group was used to highlight the different characteristics of the companies doing business in the form of a corporate group. The thesis concluded by recommending that legal personality should be extended to include a corporate group in order to facilitate the introduction of a group taxation regime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Els, Tania
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Taxation -- South Africa , Taxation -- History , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Corporation law -- South Africa , South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , South Africa. Companies Act, 2008 , Separate legal personality , Group taxation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154241 , vital:39628
- Description: The company is considered a separate legal entity in both legislation and jurisprudence. The “veil” separating the company and its shareholders is a doctrine entrenched in company law that originated centuries ago. The doctrine is based on conditions that existed during a period that commenced with trading forms less complicated than the corporate groups found today. Trading forms known as guilds could be traced back to 1087, which gradually developed into regulated companies and, in the last century, into the joint-stock company form. The modern era has seen the development of groups of companies carrying on business as economic units. Company law, in regulating business forms, has failed to acknowledge the corporate group as a new business entity. The main purpose of this research was to analyse the origins of the separate legal personality of a company and its relevance for the present corporate group structures. The research aimed to understand company law and jurisprudence in South Africa in relation to the legal personality of a company and a corporate group. The final objective of this reform-orientated doctrinal research thesis was to provide clarity on the need to consider granting separate legal identity to corporate groups in recognition of their economic unity. A historically contextualised analysis was carried out on the development of trading through unregulated forms of businesses to the creation of the company as a regulated entity. The development of the legal persona of a company in legislation as well as jurisprudence was critically analysed in on the context of companies within a corporate group. A case study of a South African corporate group was used to highlight the different characteristics of the companies doing business in the form of a corporate group. The thesis concluded by recommending that legal personality should be extended to include a corporate group in order to facilitate the introduction of a group taxation regime.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation into the tax consequences for individuals performing work abroad
- Authors: De Ponte, Celeste Lidia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141235 , vital:37955
- Description: This thesis considered the income tax implications for South African tax resident individuals who render services abroad. The research included an analysis of the impact that the amendment to the section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption has on individuals rendering services abroad and companies who send their employees abroad. In doing so, this thesis sought to highlight the key factors for consideration, for both employers and individuals. A doctrinal methodology was applied, and an analysis was carried out of relevant tax legislation, commentary of experts in the field of tax law and the relevant case law of South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and the United States of America (US), where relevant. It was established that residency is key to determining the tax liability of a person and has an impact on the relief mechanisms that are available where double taxation arises. In addition, the amendment to section 10(1)(o)(ii) was considered. It was concluded that when rendering services abroad, both the employer and employee need to consider the tax consequences that may arise and highlights the factors which may be relevant. The thesis illustrates that, whilst the R1 million exemption alleviates the double tax consequences to a certain extent, further guidance is needed as to how the R1 million threshold will be calculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: De Ponte, Celeste Lidia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , International business enterprises -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141235 , vital:37955
- Description: This thesis considered the income tax implications for South African tax resident individuals who render services abroad. The research included an analysis of the impact that the amendment to the section 10(1)(o)(ii) exemption has on individuals rendering services abroad and companies who send their employees abroad. In doing so, this thesis sought to highlight the key factors for consideration, for both employers and individuals. A doctrinal methodology was applied, and an analysis was carried out of relevant tax legislation, commentary of experts in the field of tax law and the relevant case law of South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and the United States of America (US), where relevant. It was established that residency is key to determining the tax liability of a person and has an impact on the relief mechanisms that are available where double taxation arises. In addition, the amendment to section 10(1)(o)(ii) was considered. It was concluded that when rendering services abroad, both the employer and employee need to consider the tax consequences that may arise and highlights the factors which may be relevant. The thesis illustrates that, whilst the R1 million exemption alleviates the double tax consequences to a certain extent, further guidance is needed as to how the R1 million threshold will be calculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Analysis of the existence of the Phillips curve, Okun’s law and Taylor rule in the Zambian economy
- Authors: Chella, Siame Nampasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Effect of inflation -- Mathematical models --Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49783 , vital:41800
- Description: The objective for this study was to explore the relationship between inflation and growth with an understanding of the effects of unemployment on growth. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the existence of Phillips Curve, Okun’s Law, and Taylor Rule in Zambia on the basis that Zambia is a youthful economy, with a growing population, which is expected to temper with unemployment rates, as an increase in the supply of labour might be too high for the demand for jobs available. To be specific, the study aims at determining the relationship between inflation and growth and seeks to understand what policy measures have been undertaken to curb inflation and reduce unemployment in Zambia. To achieve this, a quantitative research was undertaken using the ARDL cointegration model in conjunction with sensitivity tests to cater for structural changes in the economy with 2007 standing as the break point, as well as paying attention to the fact that different policy regimes employed during the course of the data covered, that being, 1996 to 2017, would affect that rates of unemployment, inflation and growth of the country, across period under review. The study revealed that Zambia faces a Hybrid New Keynesian Phillips Curve during the period under study which is dominated by a mixture of both back-ward and forward-looking aspects of inflation. This specifically, paints the effects of inflation persistence as well future expectations of inflation on growth. Further, a cointegration relationship was established between unemployment and output, while Taylor principles were found not to apply to the Zambian economy, which have proved in other economies to be foundation blocks for good economic growth and as such significant to both fiscal and monetary policy authorities of the economy. The researcher therefore recommends that Zambian policy makers, that is, both the fiscal and the monetary authorities, work together in order to attain minimal and optimal levels of inflation to help achieve a conducive economic environment for the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chella, Siame Nampasa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Effect of inflation -- Mathematical models --Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49783 , vital:41800
- Description: The objective for this study was to explore the relationship between inflation and growth with an understanding of the effects of unemployment on growth. The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the existence of Phillips Curve, Okun’s Law, and Taylor Rule in Zambia on the basis that Zambia is a youthful economy, with a growing population, which is expected to temper with unemployment rates, as an increase in the supply of labour might be too high for the demand for jobs available. To be specific, the study aims at determining the relationship between inflation and growth and seeks to understand what policy measures have been undertaken to curb inflation and reduce unemployment in Zambia. To achieve this, a quantitative research was undertaken using the ARDL cointegration model in conjunction with sensitivity tests to cater for structural changes in the economy with 2007 standing as the break point, as well as paying attention to the fact that different policy regimes employed during the course of the data covered, that being, 1996 to 2017, would affect that rates of unemployment, inflation and growth of the country, across period under review. The study revealed that Zambia faces a Hybrid New Keynesian Phillips Curve during the period under study which is dominated by a mixture of both back-ward and forward-looking aspects of inflation. This specifically, paints the effects of inflation persistence as well future expectations of inflation on growth. Further, a cointegration relationship was established between unemployment and output, while Taylor principles were found not to apply to the Zambian economy, which have proved in other economies to be foundation blocks for good economic growth and as such significant to both fiscal and monetary policy authorities of the economy. The researcher therefore recommends that Zambian policy makers, that is, both the fiscal and the monetary authorities, work together in order to attain minimal and optimal levels of inflation to help achieve a conducive economic environment for the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Analysis of the relationship between changes in macroeconomic variables and various sector price indices of JSE
- Mapanda, Tungamirai Chisvuvo
- Authors: Mapanda, Tungamirai Chisvuvo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock price indexes -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147445 , vital:38637
- Description: Purpose- The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between changes in domestic macroeconomic variables and various indices of the JSE during the full time period, June 1995 to December 2018 and the sub-periods, June 1995 to June 2007 and July 2007 to December 2018. Design/ methodology/ approach- The paper employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach to cointegration using monthly data from June 1995 to December 2018. Findings- In terms of the long run, the results show that the coincident indicator measure of domestic economic activity is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices for all study periods. In terms of inflation, the results show no relationship between inflation rate and the various indices for both whole period and June 1995 to June 2007 sub period. However for the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, JSE All Share Index and JSE Top 40 Index are negatively related. For the real effective exchange rate, only the Consumer Services Index is positively related to the exchange rate in terms of June 1995 to June 2007 sub period. However, JSE All Share Index and JSE Top 40 Index are negatively related to the exchange rate in all study periods. In terms of the short term interest rate, for the whole period, JSE All Share Index, JSE Top 40 Index, Health Care Index and Telecommunications Index are negatively related to interest rate. In terms of the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period, JSE All Share Index and Industrials Index are negatively related to the short term interest rate. For the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Telecommunications Index and Technology Index are negatively related. In terms of the short run, the coincident indicator is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices for all study periods. Inflation is not significantly related to any index in the whole period. In terms of the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period, Industrials Index and Financials Index are positively related to inflation and in the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Consumer Goods Index, Health Index and Consumer Services Index are negatively related to the inflation rate. The real effective exchange rate is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices in the different study periods. In terms of the short term interest rate, for the whole period and the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period only the Technology Index is not significantly and negatively related to the short term interest rate, but for the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Top 40 Index, Telecommunications Index and Technology Index are positively related to the interest rate. Only the Financial Index is negatively related to short term interest rates during this sub period. Research Limitations- Not a lot literature was found on the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the various sector indices of the JSE. Most previous work, in the South African context focused just on the JSE All Share Index. Practical Implications- The findings can help investors diversify their portfolios into indices that benefit from expected changes in macroeconomic variables, such as recessions, rising interest rates, rising inflation or a weakening exchange rate. Alternatively, they can hedge themselves against the negative implications of such macroeconomic changes on portfolio performance. In addition, the findings are important for the monetary authorities to better understand the implications of their policy changes on financial markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mapanda, Tungamirai Chisvuvo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stock price indexes -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147445 , vital:38637
- Description: Purpose- The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between changes in domestic macroeconomic variables and various indices of the JSE during the full time period, June 1995 to December 2018 and the sub-periods, June 1995 to June 2007 and July 2007 to December 2018. Design/ methodology/ approach- The paper employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach to cointegration using monthly data from June 1995 to December 2018. Findings- In terms of the long run, the results show that the coincident indicator measure of domestic economic activity is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices for all study periods. In terms of inflation, the results show no relationship between inflation rate and the various indices for both whole period and June 1995 to June 2007 sub period. However for the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, JSE All Share Index and JSE Top 40 Index are negatively related. For the real effective exchange rate, only the Consumer Services Index is positively related to the exchange rate in terms of June 1995 to June 2007 sub period. However, JSE All Share Index and JSE Top 40 Index are negatively related to the exchange rate in all study periods. In terms of the short term interest rate, for the whole period, JSE All Share Index, JSE Top 40 Index, Health Care Index and Telecommunications Index are negatively related to interest rate. In terms of the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period, JSE All Share Index and Industrials Index are negatively related to the short term interest rate. For the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Telecommunications Index and Technology Index are negatively related. In terms of the short run, the coincident indicator is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices for all study periods. Inflation is not significantly related to any index in the whole period. In terms of the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period, Industrials Index and Financials Index are positively related to inflation and in the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Consumer Goods Index, Health Index and Consumer Services Index are negatively related to the inflation rate. The real effective exchange rate is positively and significantly related to the various JSE indices in the different study periods. In terms of the short term interest rate, for the whole period and the June 1995 to June 2007 sub period only the Technology Index is not significantly and negatively related to the short term interest rate, but for the July 2007 to December 2018 sub period, Top 40 Index, Telecommunications Index and Technology Index are positively related to the interest rate. Only the Financial Index is negatively related to short term interest rates during this sub period. Research Limitations- Not a lot literature was found on the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the various sector indices of the JSE. Most previous work, in the South African context focused just on the JSE All Share Index. Practical Implications- The findings can help investors diversify their portfolios into indices that benefit from expected changes in macroeconomic variables, such as recessions, rising interest rates, rising inflation or a weakening exchange rate. Alternatively, they can hedge themselves against the negative implications of such macroeconomic changes on portfolio performance. In addition, the findings are important for the monetary authorities to better understand the implications of their policy changes on financial markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Convergence effects of African GDP with the rest of the world: Analysis the African continental free trade agreement
- Matonana, Phumelela Ntombiyesibini
- Authors: Matonana, Phumelela Ntombiyesibini
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gross domestic product -- Africa -- Statistics , Economic development -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50306 , vital:42102
- Description: This study is an investigation of the convergence hypothesis in African countries motivated by the increasing interest to measure disparities in the establishment of an economic union. The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of convergence in Africa by looking at the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) against 6 of its top trading partner groups. This study seeks to establish whether Africa and African countries who belong to the AfCFTA catchup to the growth rates of their more developed trading partners. The data sample spans from 1971- 2018. The method of analysis employed in this study is a unit root testing procedure using the linear ADF and nonlinear KSS unit root tests, the HEGY and Canova and Hansen seasonal unit root tests, the Lee and Strazicich structural break test, and the Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) and Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Function (FFFFF) unit root tests to account for smooth structural breaks. This study is, as we have reviewed, the first to investigate convergence in the newly established economic union and the first employ the above-mentioned series of unit root tests. The empirical outcomes in this study point towards weak evidence of convergence between Africa and international trade groups when considering the more robust Fourier-based unit root tests. Therefore, we conclude that Africa does not necessarily exhibit catch up effects with a majority of its trading partners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matonana, Phumelela Ntombiyesibini
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Gross domestic product -- Africa -- Statistics , Economic development -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50306 , vital:42102
- Description: This study is an investigation of the convergence hypothesis in African countries motivated by the increasing interest to measure disparities in the establishment of an economic union. The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of convergence in Africa by looking at the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) against 6 of its top trading partner groups. This study seeks to establish whether Africa and African countries who belong to the AfCFTA catchup to the growth rates of their more developed trading partners. The data sample spans from 1971- 2018. The method of analysis employed in this study is a unit root testing procedure using the linear ADF and nonlinear KSS unit root tests, the HEGY and Canova and Hansen seasonal unit root tests, the Lee and Strazicich structural break test, and the Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) and Fractional Frequency Flexible Fourier Function (FFFFF) unit root tests to account for smooth structural breaks. This study is, as we have reviewed, the first to investigate convergence in the newly established economic union and the first employ the above-mentioned series of unit root tests. The empirical outcomes in this study point towards weak evidence of convergence between Africa and international trade groups when considering the more robust Fourier-based unit root tests. Therefore, we conclude that Africa does not necessarily exhibit catch up effects with a majority of its trading partners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Cryptocurrencies in the future of money and monetary policy
- Authors: Brown, Henry Brandon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cryptocurrencies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47495 , vital:40122
- Description: The idiosyncratic allure of cryptocurrencies, in particular Bitcoin, has attracted widespread, if reticent, attention in the financial markets. Since Bitcoin’s introduction in 2008 there has been a growing interest in digital assets possibly supplanting traditional payment methods. Two conceptual questions raised regarding cryptocurrencies are firstly, whether cryptocurrencies meet the traditional functions of money; secondly, what is the future of cryptocurrencies? This dissertation seeks to examine the future of cryptocurrency by reference to money and monetary policy. The further question, whether cryptocurrencies meet the traditional functions of money, is tested via a combination of theoretical and empirical analysis. The study explores both statistical and empirical models, in illustrative comparative detail, provided by analysis which included ADF and KPSS test models, alongside an ARMA(p,q)-GARCH(1,1) model. Cryptocurrencies present both significant benefits, alongside immense shortcomings. They provide the novel ability to conduct anonymous international transactions on a decentralised platform with lower transaction fees. However, the very nature of that anonymity could provide their downfall as much as they open a market for illicit activities. In addition, cryptocurrency’s significant energy consumption through the mining of cryptocurrencies is of concern to environmentalists. The empirical section of the dissertation consists of a comparative analysis between Bitcoin/USD time series to the Rand/USD time series, with specific attention devoted to the level of volatility of each time series. This was important in determining whether cryptocurrencies fulfil the store of value function of money. The dissertation concluded that Bitcoin/USD time series exhibited identifiable adverse characteristics of autocorrelation and ARCH effects, thus suggesting that Bitcoin/USD is strongly associated with volatility. The Rand/USD signified the same effects although of significantly lesser order than that of Bitcoin/USD. Consequently, cryptocurrencies are seen to act more as an asset than a currency. Nonetheless, cryptocurrencies seem likely to grow as a medium of exchange as more and more businesses gain knowledge of the innovation and seek to adopt innovative ways to become more efficient and follow technology trends. Currently, fiat currencies remain superior in the financial market, simply because cryptocurrencies are perceived not to fulfil the traditional functions of money. However in the future, the market share of cryptocurrencies is likely to increase, and so the future of the financial markets will surely include a coexistence of both fiat and cryptocurrencies, as people’s preferences determine where they feel safe to hold their money.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Brown, Henry Brandon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cryptocurrencies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47495 , vital:40122
- Description: The idiosyncratic allure of cryptocurrencies, in particular Bitcoin, has attracted widespread, if reticent, attention in the financial markets. Since Bitcoin’s introduction in 2008 there has been a growing interest in digital assets possibly supplanting traditional payment methods. Two conceptual questions raised regarding cryptocurrencies are firstly, whether cryptocurrencies meet the traditional functions of money; secondly, what is the future of cryptocurrencies? This dissertation seeks to examine the future of cryptocurrency by reference to money and monetary policy. The further question, whether cryptocurrencies meet the traditional functions of money, is tested via a combination of theoretical and empirical analysis. The study explores both statistical and empirical models, in illustrative comparative detail, provided by analysis which included ADF and KPSS test models, alongside an ARMA(p,q)-GARCH(1,1) model. Cryptocurrencies present both significant benefits, alongside immense shortcomings. They provide the novel ability to conduct anonymous international transactions on a decentralised platform with lower transaction fees. However, the very nature of that anonymity could provide their downfall as much as they open a market for illicit activities. In addition, cryptocurrency’s significant energy consumption through the mining of cryptocurrencies is of concern to environmentalists. The empirical section of the dissertation consists of a comparative analysis between Bitcoin/USD time series to the Rand/USD time series, with specific attention devoted to the level of volatility of each time series. This was important in determining whether cryptocurrencies fulfil the store of value function of money. The dissertation concluded that Bitcoin/USD time series exhibited identifiable adverse characteristics of autocorrelation and ARCH effects, thus suggesting that Bitcoin/USD is strongly associated with volatility. The Rand/USD signified the same effects although of significantly lesser order than that of Bitcoin/USD. Consequently, cryptocurrencies are seen to act more as an asset than a currency. Nonetheless, cryptocurrencies seem likely to grow as a medium of exchange as more and more businesses gain knowledge of the innovation and seek to adopt innovative ways to become more efficient and follow technology trends. Currently, fiat currencies remain superior in the financial market, simply because cryptocurrencies are perceived not to fulfil the traditional functions of money. However in the future, the market share of cryptocurrencies is likely to increase, and so the future of the financial markets will surely include a coexistence of both fiat and cryptocurrencies, as people’s preferences determine where they feel safe to hold their money.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Economic convergence among the SADC members
- Authors: Mbangezeli, Sinawo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Convergence (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48927 , vital:41171
- Description: This study utilized beta convergence to investigate the catch-up process among the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the period 1971 to 2017. The theoretical underpinning of this study was that of neoclassical economists, such as Solow (1956) and Barro and Sala-I-Martin (1990, 1991). Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates and per capita growth rates were used to test for the convergence hypothesis. This study employed conventional unit root test which include the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, Phillips Perron (PP) test and the Kwiatkowski Phillips Schmidt Shin (KPSS) test. As well the Dickey Fuller-GLS and NG-Perron modified unit root tests. In addition, the Lee-Strazicich (LS) and Zivot- Andrew (ZA) unit root tests were used to allow for structural breaks. The conventional and modified unit root tests showed that most countries show evidence of GDP growth convergence, the exception being on the KPSS unit root test. Furthermore, most countries showed evidence of convergence when classified according to income levels. Meanwhile, when the structural breaks unit root tests when performed there was a strong evidence of both GDP growth and GDP per capita growth rates. Except in a few cases of the Lee-Strazicich tests. Lastly, the Flexible Fourier Form (FFF) unit root test was performed following the Enders and Lee (2012) methodology. The t-statistics under the FFF test reveal that all members besides Congo and Zimbabwe converge towards the SADC average growth rates. Similarly, all lower-middle economies catch up to the upper-middle- and high-income level economies and upper-middle economies converge to Seychelles’ GDP growth rates. Whereas only Congo and Tanzania among the lower income economies converge toward the average GDP growth rates of the other countries. In addition, all members show evidence of per capita GDP convergence except when the test is performed in panel A. Based on the reported results, the paper recommends that measures should be put in place to aid non-converging member states, adoption of growth promoting policies and that there should be harsh consequences for countries that do not improve their growth rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbangezeli, Sinawo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Convergence (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48927 , vital:41171
- Description: This study utilized beta convergence to investigate the catch-up process among the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the period 1971 to 2017. The theoretical underpinning of this study was that of neoclassical economists, such as Solow (1956) and Barro and Sala-I-Martin (1990, 1991). Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates and per capita growth rates were used to test for the convergence hypothesis. This study employed conventional unit root test which include the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, Phillips Perron (PP) test and the Kwiatkowski Phillips Schmidt Shin (KPSS) test. As well the Dickey Fuller-GLS and NG-Perron modified unit root tests. In addition, the Lee-Strazicich (LS) and Zivot- Andrew (ZA) unit root tests were used to allow for structural breaks. The conventional and modified unit root tests showed that most countries show evidence of GDP growth convergence, the exception being on the KPSS unit root test. Furthermore, most countries showed evidence of convergence when classified according to income levels. Meanwhile, when the structural breaks unit root tests when performed there was a strong evidence of both GDP growth and GDP per capita growth rates. Except in a few cases of the Lee-Strazicich tests. Lastly, the Flexible Fourier Form (FFF) unit root test was performed following the Enders and Lee (2012) methodology. The t-statistics under the FFF test reveal that all members besides Congo and Zimbabwe converge towards the SADC average growth rates. Similarly, all lower-middle economies catch up to the upper-middle- and high-income level economies and upper-middle economies converge to Seychelles’ GDP growth rates. Whereas only Congo and Tanzania among the lower income economies converge toward the average GDP growth rates of the other countries. In addition, all members show evidence of per capita GDP convergence except when the test is performed in panel A. Based on the reported results, the paper recommends that measures should be put in place to aid non-converging member states, adoption of growth promoting policies and that there should be harsh consequences for countries that do not improve their growth rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Economic evaluation of chemical and biological control methods on four aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Authors: Maluleke, Mary
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Introduced organisms -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic resources -- Management , Cost effectiveness , Net present value , Herbicides -- Cost effectiveness , Working for Water Programme , Water conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145953 , vital:38481
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAPs) of various kinds pose a threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation and overall economy. In a world experiencing exponential increase in IAPs – this issue has become endemic, especially for developing countries such as South Africa. South Africa is a water scarce country and IAPs increase water stress. Thus, South Africa must invest in a more realistic, environmentally and economically inclusive policy outlook on the management of IAPs including aquatic weeds. This is especially urgent when considering the changing global climate, which is predicted to further reduce the quantity and quality of potable water. The Working for Water Programme (WfW) in South Africa aimed at addressing the issue of IAPs in a way that protects the environment as well as produces maximum return to society through poverty alleviation. As such, the aquatic weeds management strategy put in place for four of South Africa’s aquatic weeds Pista stratiotes, Salvinia molesta, Azolla filiculoides and Myriophyllum aquaticum - should be one that is cost-effective, efficient and sustainable; yielding the best possible return on investment. Since these four weeds are already under complete biological control, in the absence of biological agents, the WfW programme would have used herbicides to control these weeds. As such, this thesis conducted a retrospective analysis of the relative herbicide cost-saving associated with the use of biological control. To do this, due to existing limitations, E. crassipes was used as a surrogate weed and its herbicide control costs were used as proxy for the herbicide control cost estimates of the four selected weeds; with reasonable conversion factors applied to cater for the biological difference of the five weeds. Using the cost benefit analysis (CBA) framework, the net present cost (NPC) of each control method was calculated to which the relative cost-saving was considered to represent the avoided cost of using biological control instead of chemical control on these weeds. The avoided cost was used as the main benefit component when deriving the relative benefit cost ratios (BCR). Two scenarios were used, one assuming no follow-up requirement and the other assuming one follow-up requirement for chemical control. Using an 8% discount rate, the study found that the estimated cost of the biological control method on all four aquatic weeds was about R7,843,205 while for chemical control the estimated costs would have costed R149,580,142, R268,264,838 and R881,711,738 for application by means of a boat, bakkie and knapsack. Chemical control cost estimates would have increased to about R164,538,052, R295,216,120 and R1,008,761,000 for boat, bakkie and knapsack approach respectively when including a possible follow-up programme. These would have led to positive BCRs of 90.24:1, 164.97:1 and 557.99:1 across the three chemical control approaches without a follow-up (with BCR of about 99.67:1, 182.00:1 and 631.56:1 for the boat, bakkie and knapsack approach respectively with the accepted follow-up programme). When running a sensitivity test with varying discount rates of 5% and 10%, these results remained robust. As such, failing to reject the dominant hypothesis in literature, the main conclusion of the study is that biological control is indeed the more cost-effective management option compared to chemical control with respect to herbicide cost-saving. Further, biological control is most-likely to produce more environmental cost-saving and water-saving over chemical control. The study recommends the continued use of the biological control investment on the four aquatic weeds under study as well as on emerging aquatic weeds such as Iris pseudacorus, Nymphaea mexicana and Sagittaria platyphylla in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Economic evaluation of chemical and biological control methods on four aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Authors: Maluleke, Mary
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Introduced organisms -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Control -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Aquatic resources -- Management , Cost effectiveness , Net present value , Herbicides -- Cost effectiveness , Working for Water Programme , Water conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145953 , vital:38481
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAPs) of various kinds pose a threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation and overall economy. In a world experiencing exponential increase in IAPs – this issue has become endemic, especially for developing countries such as South Africa. South Africa is a water scarce country and IAPs increase water stress. Thus, South Africa must invest in a more realistic, environmentally and economically inclusive policy outlook on the management of IAPs including aquatic weeds. This is especially urgent when considering the changing global climate, which is predicted to further reduce the quantity and quality of potable water. The Working for Water Programme (WfW) in South Africa aimed at addressing the issue of IAPs in a way that protects the environment as well as produces maximum return to society through poverty alleviation. As such, the aquatic weeds management strategy put in place for four of South Africa’s aquatic weeds Pista stratiotes, Salvinia molesta, Azolla filiculoides and Myriophyllum aquaticum - should be one that is cost-effective, efficient and sustainable; yielding the best possible return on investment. Since these four weeds are already under complete biological control, in the absence of biological agents, the WfW programme would have used herbicides to control these weeds. As such, this thesis conducted a retrospective analysis of the relative herbicide cost-saving associated with the use of biological control. To do this, due to existing limitations, E. crassipes was used as a surrogate weed and its herbicide control costs were used as proxy for the herbicide control cost estimates of the four selected weeds; with reasonable conversion factors applied to cater for the biological difference of the five weeds. Using the cost benefit analysis (CBA) framework, the net present cost (NPC) of each control method was calculated to which the relative cost-saving was considered to represent the avoided cost of using biological control instead of chemical control on these weeds. The avoided cost was used as the main benefit component when deriving the relative benefit cost ratios (BCR). Two scenarios were used, one assuming no follow-up requirement and the other assuming one follow-up requirement for chemical control. Using an 8% discount rate, the study found that the estimated cost of the biological control method on all four aquatic weeds was about R7,843,205 while for chemical control the estimated costs would have costed R149,580,142, R268,264,838 and R881,711,738 for application by means of a boat, bakkie and knapsack. Chemical control cost estimates would have increased to about R164,538,052, R295,216,120 and R1,008,761,000 for boat, bakkie and knapsack approach respectively when including a possible follow-up programme. These would have led to positive BCRs of 90.24:1, 164.97:1 and 557.99:1 across the three chemical control approaches without a follow-up (with BCR of about 99.67:1, 182.00:1 and 631.56:1 for the boat, bakkie and knapsack approach respectively with the accepted follow-up programme). When running a sensitivity test with varying discount rates of 5% and 10%, these results remained robust. As such, failing to reject the dominant hypothesis in literature, the main conclusion of the study is that biological control is indeed the more cost-effective management option compared to chemical control with respect to herbicide cost-saving. Further, biological control is most-likely to produce more environmental cost-saving and water-saving over chemical control. The study recommends the continued use of the biological control investment on the four aquatic weeds under study as well as on emerging aquatic weeds such as Iris pseudacorus, Nymphaea mexicana and Sagittaria platyphylla in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020