An exploratory study of leadership and organisational change through the lens of organisational behaviour: a secondary school in Makhanda
- Authors: Yedwa, Sesonasipho
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434595 , vital:73088
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Yedwa, Sesonasipho
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434595 , vital:73088
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Capital mobility and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Dhlamini, Nonceba Michelle
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434712 , vital:73098
- Description: The South African current account balance has been deteriorating over the years. An investigation of the correlation between capital mobility and economic growth is of interest as South Africa is heavily reliant on capital inflows to finance the current account deficit. This research topic is of importance as there is need to devise policies that maximise the benefits the nation derives from capital mobility. The benefits that capital flows provide economies, theoretically outweigh the disadvantages, provided that capital flows are absorbed productively. The topic is also of interest in the light of the magnitude of shocks to the South African economy such as the rand crisis, dotcom bubble, stock market bubble, inflation targeting, commodity super cycle, global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and Russo-Ukrainian War, as these shocks have translated to slower economic growth and higher levels of inflation. These shocks have equally revealed that countries need to have sound macroeconomic policies in order to survive the impact of any crises. The vision 2030 secretariat has identified capital markets as the key providers of capital required for achieving social economic blueprint. The empirical evidence locally is limited in comparison to the empirical evidence from outside of South Africa. This topic is of importance as South African studies on this topic are not as recent and this study aims to bridge that gap. Data were obtained from the South African Reserve Bank Quarterly Bulletin and the World Bank database for the period 1990 to 2022. The Autoregressive Distribution Lag model was employed in order to determine the relationship. This study relied on the supply-leading theory which posits capital markets may positively or negatively affect key indicators of economic growth. The study found that there is a positive long run relationship between net capital flows, saving-investment ratio and economic growth and a negative long run relationship between the degree of trade openness and economic growth. The findings will allow opportunity to address capital flow surges and in turn boost investor confidence. Capital flow management measures can help manage destabilizing exchange rate movements and capital flows coupled with macroprudential tools helping reduce the domestic buildup of vulnerabilities. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Dhlamini, Nonceba Michelle
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434712 , vital:73098
- Description: The South African current account balance has been deteriorating over the years. An investigation of the correlation between capital mobility and economic growth is of interest as South Africa is heavily reliant on capital inflows to finance the current account deficit. This research topic is of importance as there is need to devise policies that maximise the benefits the nation derives from capital mobility. The benefits that capital flows provide economies, theoretically outweigh the disadvantages, provided that capital flows are absorbed productively. The topic is also of interest in the light of the magnitude of shocks to the South African economy such as the rand crisis, dotcom bubble, stock market bubble, inflation targeting, commodity super cycle, global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and Russo-Ukrainian War, as these shocks have translated to slower economic growth and higher levels of inflation. These shocks have equally revealed that countries need to have sound macroeconomic policies in order to survive the impact of any crises. The vision 2030 secretariat has identified capital markets as the key providers of capital required for achieving social economic blueprint. The empirical evidence locally is limited in comparison to the empirical evidence from outside of South Africa. This topic is of importance as South African studies on this topic are not as recent and this study aims to bridge that gap. Data were obtained from the South African Reserve Bank Quarterly Bulletin and the World Bank database for the period 1990 to 2022. The Autoregressive Distribution Lag model was employed in order to determine the relationship. This study relied on the supply-leading theory which posits capital markets may positively or negatively affect key indicators of economic growth. The study found that there is a positive long run relationship between net capital flows, saving-investment ratio and economic growth and a negative long run relationship between the degree of trade openness and economic growth. The findings will allow opportunity to address capital flow surges and in turn boost investor confidence. Capital flow management measures can help manage destabilizing exchange rate movements and capital flows coupled with macroprudential tools helping reduce the domestic buildup of vulnerabilities. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Effects of household debt on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Bwalya, Rachael Mulenga
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434766 , vital:73103
- Description: South Africa’s household debt relative to GDP has risen rapidly over the past decade. There is concern that high levels of household debt may decrease spending in the future and hence in the long run slow down economic growth. Thus, this study investigates the impact of household debt on growth in South Africa from 1987Q3 to 2022Q1. The research draws upon first-generation theories which include the absolute income hypothesis, life cycle hypothesis, and permanent income hypothesis, and second-generation theories which include the neo-Kaleckian model, the Super multiplier model, and the Steindl model. The impact of this relationship is assessed using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, with a Toda-Yamamoto modification for some regressions. It is discovered that household debt has a positive short-term influence on economic growth, however, the influence is weak, and it decreases in the long run. Types of household debt such as credit card debt have shown to have a positive and strong influence on economic growth in South Africa from the short run to the long run, however, mortgage debt has shown weak positive influence on economic growth from the short 105 run to the long run. The study found that the growth maximizing ratios for household debt to 106 GDP ratio is 70 percent. The growth maximising credit card debt level is ZAR 72 403, in nominal terms and for mortgage debt is ZAR 5 980 000. The findings are expected to assist policymakers such as central banks and government authorities in formulating relevant policies to ensure economic sustainability through macro-prudential policy and strategies for household debt management. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Bwalya, Rachael Mulenga
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434766 , vital:73103
- Description: South Africa’s household debt relative to GDP has risen rapidly over the past decade. There is concern that high levels of household debt may decrease spending in the future and hence in the long run slow down economic growth. Thus, this study investigates the impact of household debt on growth in South Africa from 1987Q3 to 2022Q1. The research draws upon first-generation theories which include the absolute income hypothesis, life cycle hypothesis, and permanent income hypothesis, and second-generation theories which include the neo-Kaleckian model, the Super multiplier model, and the Steindl model. The impact of this relationship is assessed using a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, with a Toda-Yamamoto modification for some regressions. It is discovered that household debt has a positive short-term influence on economic growth, however, the influence is weak, and it decreases in the long run. Types of household debt such as credit card debt have shown to have a positive and strong influence on economic growth in South Africa from the short run to the long run, however, mortgage debt has shown weak positive influence on economic growth from the short 105 run to the long run. The study found that the growth maximizing ratios for household debt to 106 GDP ratio is 70 percent. The growth maximising credit card debt level is ZAR 72 403, in nominal terms and for mortgage debt is ZAR 5 980 000. The findings are expected to assist policymakers such as central banks and government authorities in formulating relevant policies to ensure economic sustainability through macro-prudential policy and strategies for household debt management. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
- Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
- Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university
- Authors: Mpapha, Sive
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
- Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mpapha, Sive
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
- Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Short Composition Portfolio
- Authors: Mavuso, Bonelela Lindelani
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434778 , vital:73104
- Description: Short Composition Portfolio (60% performance/40%short-compositionportfolio). , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mavuso, Bonelela Lindelani
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434778 , vital:73104
- Description: Short Composition Portfolio (60% performance/40%short-compositionportfolio). , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The impact of influencer characteristics on parasocial relationships and purchase intentions
- Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Authors: Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434734 , vital:73100
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434734 , vital:73100
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The influence of strategic leadership on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises as mediated by strategy implementation
- Authors: January, Nceba
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: January, Nceba
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434723 , vital:73099
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as the cornerstone of socio-economic development in many economies globally. The progressive contribution of SMEs to the global economy is irrefutable and enshrined in poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and job creation strategies pursued by many economies worldwide. SMEs are primarily the form of enterprise that accounts for over 90% of all businesses; thus, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises are the main source of employment. SMEs' contribution to value creation is estimated to be above 50% on average. In emerging countries, particularly South Africa, SMEs contribute approximately 45% of the total employment and 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In most countries, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises contribute to more than 50% of employment and GDP, and these figures become significantly higher when the informal small business sector is included. World Bank estimated 600 million jobs needed by 2030, making SME development a high priority for many governments worldwide. Despite globally acknowledged SME contributions, small businesses are still faced with many challenges that have ramifications on their survival, growth, and performance. Studies highlighted challenges such as lack of access to finance and funding modalities, appropriate technology and infrastructure, markets and social networks, and lack of research and development, strategic management skills, and inability to perform managerial tasks, among others. Recent studies have been conducted on many of these challenges; however, there is little known about the strategic management challenges that face SMEs and their business performance. Several studies were conducted on some of these strategic management challenges, such as strategic planning, strategic orientation, strategic agility, organisational flexibility, and total quality management. However, a review of studies relevant to SMEs and their performance is silent on the argument regarding the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs, especially when key drivers of effective strategy implementation mediate strategic leadership. Thus, this study investigated the influence of strategic leadership on the performance of SMEs as mediated by strategy implementation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A detailed theoretical investigation was conducted on the nature and role of strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. Strategic leadership represents the independent variables of this study, namely: strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, organisational culture, organisation’s resource portfolio, and ethical practice, followed by the mediating variable (strategy implementation) and the dependent variable (business performance). An empirical investigation was also conducted to test the significant influence between these variables. This study adopted a positivistic approach using a quantitative research method. The sample size of the study was 390 respondents. Self-developed and structured questionnaires were physically distributed to 315 SME owners and managers in NMB using a convenience sampling method. Only 229 returned questionnaires were suitable and relevant to this study; thus, a 72.69% response rate was achieved. Returned questionnaires were cleansed, coded, and transferred to a statistical data analysis software called Statistica, version 14.0, for quantitative data analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed using Exploratory Factor Analysis and the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics was calculated to summarise the empirical data on demographic variables and the main variables of this study. Pearson’s correlations were calculated to determine the correlations between the main variables of this study, and the results confirmed that there is a positive influence between strategic leadership, strategy implementation, and business performance of SMEs. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of the influence between the main variables of the study. A regression analysis outcome revealed that some of the strategic leadership activities (strategic direction, balanced organisational controls, and organisational culture) have a statistically significant positive influence on the business performance of SMEs. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive influence does exist between strategy implementation and business performance of SMEs. This study’s recommendations were suggested to SME owners/managers. Firstly, to formulate and develop a clear long-term vision of the business for the next 3 to 5 years. Align resources to key areas of business operation and set internal controls that will help set standards of desired performance and ultimately achieve them. Secondly, to formulate and implement shared values that connect employees to the business purpose and the way it is conducted. These shared values must be underpinned by a unique, valuable, and incomparable culture against competitors to gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, consider using rewards to recognise employees who embody the shared values of the business and are committed to the success of the business because of its culture. Thirdly, ensure both strategic and financial controls support strategy implementation and guide employees to achieve performance objectives. Use balanced scorecards to assess the effectiveness of controls in the business and put corrective measures to address performance gaps. Last but not least, invest in staff development and training, technological infrastructure, and set sound processes and systems for the business operation, establish structures that have clear lines of reporting, authority, and delegation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The private collection: aura, the cult of celebrity and, the construct of value in saleable works of art
- Authors: Ellis, Yvette Tamsin
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434574 , vital:73086
- Description: A tenet of the twenty-first century is the monetisation of everything due to commercialisation. The effects of this commercialisation have crept into every aspect of our lives, and although in the art world it has mostly been underhanded in its adoption, the traces of commercialisations touch are still evident in its functioning. Due to this underhandedness there hasn't been much thought put into what 'the monetisation of everything' truly implies for the industry, or how the value of the art object devoted to commercialisation may look like. The Private Collection (exhibition title of the practical component for submission in MFA completion) addresses the concept of object value and, more specifically, how that value is created within the art world through mechanisms of commercialisation that include celebrity cult, functioning of possession (through collecting), and taste. Research into Walter Benjamin's theory of the authenticity of the work of art, and in particular his concept of "aura," has helped inform the creation of a marketing strategy propelled by value driven mechanisms found within the Art Market for The Private Collection. Particular emphasis is placed on how brand value drives sales in this thesis. Thus, The Private Collection: Aura, the Cult of Celebrity, and the Construct of Value in Saleable Works of Art, defines The Private Collection as a tailored system built expressly for engagement with economic forces inside the art industry. As a result, the position of this study is based on the marketability of the object through particular driving forces that have seeped into the value system of the saleable work of art. The position of this thesis is that in this commercialist system, driving forces of value can be sustained within instances of the multiple. The project additionally supports this in maintaining that interaction from a fine art perspective would be limited if restricted to orthodox approaches (a gallery showing, and one print works), which is why a more economically interactive approach (e-commerce) was decided on for the exhibition component. The Private Collection offers an observation that the worth of a saleable work of art has become a warped representation of the commercial context we find ourselves in and that value is only awarded through particular kingmakers of the system. The practical component of this submission can be viewed online by clicking the image below. Please note that the website is not optimised for phone or tablet use, please instead view it on a computer (preferably a desktop) in full screen mode. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Ellis, Yvette Tamsin
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434574 , vital:73086
- Description: A tenet of the twenty-first century is the monetisation of everything due to commercialisation. The effects of this commercialisation have crept into every aspect of our lives, and although in the art world it has mostly been underhanded in its adoption, the traces of commercialisations touch are still evident in its functioning. Due to this underhandedness there hasn't been much thought put into what 'the monetisation of everything' truly implies for the industry, or how the value of the art object devoted to commercialisation may look like. The Private Collection (exhibition title of the practical component for submission in MFA completion) addresses the concept of object value and, more specifically, how that value is created within the art world through mechanisms of commercialisation that include celebrity cult, functioning of possession (through collecting), and taste. Research into Walter Benjamin's theory of the authenticity of the work of art, and in particular his concept of "aura," has helped inform the creation of a marketing strategy propelled by value driven mechanisms found within the Art Market for The Private Collection. Particular emphasis is placed on how brand value drives sales in this thesis. Thus, The Private Collection: Aura, the Cult of Celebrity, and the Construct of Value in Saleable Works of Art, defines The Private Collection as a tailored system built expressly for engagement with economic forces inside the art industry. As a result, the position of this study is based on the marketability of the object through particular driving forces that have seeped into the value system of the saleable work of art. The position of this thesis is that in this commercialist system, driving forces of value can be sustained within instances of the multiple. The project additionally supports this in maintaining that interaction from a fine art perspective would be limited if restricted to orthodox approaches (a gallery showing, and one print works), which is why a more economically interactive approach (e-commerce) was decided on for the exhibition component. The Private Collection offers an observation that the worth of a saleable work of art has become a warped representation of the commercial context we find ourselves in and that value is only awarded through particular kingmakers of the system. The practical component of this submission can be viewed online by clicking the image below. Please note that the website is not optimised for phone or tablet use, please instead view it on a computer (preferably a desktop) in full screen mode. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The relationship between Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP)
- Authors: Bendeman, Justin John
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434701 , vital:73097
- Description: Restricted access. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Bendeman, Justin John
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434701 , vital:73097
- Description: Restricted access. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an automotive original equipment manufacturer in South Africa
- Authors: Slater, Bronwyn Lereen
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434756 , vital:73102
- Description: The manufacturing industry is one of the greatest contributors to the South African economy. Owing to a competitive and complex automotive climate, it is suggested that only a few automotive manufacturing organisations will remain viable in the coming years, without the optimal reliance on human capital resources to navigate an unpredictable and unfolding landscape. In securing a sustainable future, the engagement of these human capital resources is necessitated. This competitive landscape has resulted in the call for adaptive and flexible leadership. Leadership behaviour is categorised into three streams, namely, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and non-leadership, which is referred to as laissez-faire leadership. Employee engagement is defined as the extent to which an employee is committed to, and involved in, their operational function and the organisation, whilst portraying a willingness to perform and contribute beyond that which is expected of them. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. This OEM operates in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. Globally, the OEM launched a leadership journey to facilitate a shared value system that supported a vision towards organisational success, by focusing on transformed ways of working and acting, as a global collective team. The outcome of this desired journey yielded eight Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles are referred to, and included in the research study, to gain a more robust internal perspective of the leadership behaviours that are most advocated within the OEM, in relation to employee engagement. The objective of this research therefore was to establish the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in the respective OEM, by investigating the impact of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on employee engagement. A triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the data, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The result when testing the reliability coefficient scores of the leadership instrument described a poor measure for transactional leadership, and a good measure for transformational leadership. Therefore, the results that stemmed from the statistical analysis in relation to transactional leadership could not be trusted. However, in the context of this research, it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement. Whilst utilising the qualitative research methodology, it was found that there is a limited definition-based relationship between transactional leadership and the eight Leadership Principles. However, there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and transformational leadership, owing to similarities found in the definition descriptions between at least six of the eight Leadership Principles. In the investigation of whether there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and employee engagement, it was found that a limited definition-based relationship between the eight Leadership Principles and engagement existed. The research therefore met its objectives in determining a relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Slater, Bronwyn Lereen
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434756 , vital:73102
- Description: The manufacturing industry is one of the greatest contributors to the South African economy. Owing to a competitive and complex automotive climate, it is suggested that only a few automotive manufacturing organisations will remain viable in the coming years, without the optimal reliance on human capital resources to navigate an unpredictable and unfolding landscape. In securing a sustainable future, the engagement of these human capital resources is necessitated. This competitive landscape has resulted in the call for adaptive and flexible leadership. Leadership behaviour is categorised into three streams, namely, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and non-leadership, which is referred to as laissez-faire leadership. Employee engagement is defined as the extent to which an employee is committed to, and involved in, their operational function and the organisation, whilst portraying a willingness to perform and contribute beyond that which is expected of them. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in South Africa. This OEM operates in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng Provinces of South Africa. Globally, the OEM launched a leadership journey to facilitate a shared value system that supported a vision towards organisational success, by focusing on transformed ways of working and acting, as a global collective team. The outcome of this desired journey yielded eight Leadership Principles. These Leadership Principles are referred to, and included in the research study, to gain a more robust internal perspective of the leadership behaviours that are most advocated within the OEM, in relation to employee engagement. The objective of this research therefore was to establish the relationship between leadership and employee engagement in the respective OEM, by investigating the impact of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on employee engagement. A triangulation approach was adopted to analyse the data, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The result when testing the reliability coefficient scores of the leadership instrument described a poor measure for transactional leadership, and a good measure for transformational leadership. Therefore, the results that stemmed from the statistical analysis in relation to transactional leadership could not be trusted. However, in the context of this research, it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement. Whilst utilising the qualitative research methodology, it was found that there is a limited definition-based relationship between transactional leadership and the eight Leadership Principles. However, there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and transformational leadership, owing to similarities found in the definition descriptions between at least six of the eight Leadership Principles. In the investigation of whether there is a definition-based relationship between the Leadership Principles and employee engagement, it was found that a limited definition-based relationship between the eight Leadership Principles and engagement existed. The research therefore met its objectives in determining a relationship between leadership and employee engagement in an Original Equipment Manufacturer in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Tradition and change in the Imfene dance of the amaMpondo in the Ntabankulu district of the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Mtsini, Nontuthuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434791 , vital:73105
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release 2025. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mtsini, Nontuthuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434791 , vital:73105
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release 2025. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Yield curve and business cycle dynamics in South Africa: new evidence from a Markov switching model
- Authors: Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434739 , vital:73101
- Description: Globally, several empirical studies have demonstrated the ability of the yield spread to predict a recession in a country. In South Africa, previous studies have not only shown the yield curve's predictive power but have further demonstrated that it outperforms other commonly used variables, such as the growth rate of real money supply, changes in stock prices, and the index of leading economic indicators. However, some recent studies have shown that the yield spread (the spread between 10-year bonds and 3-month Treasury bills) gave false signals of recession. In this study, we explore the possible reasons for the false signals of the yield spread by addressing the following questions. Does the yield spread used matter? Does the measure of the business cycle used matter? And do the estimation techniques used matter? To address the first question, unlike the previous studies, this paper uses four different yield spreads- depicting short-term, medium-term, and long-term government bonds against the backdrop of a changing structure of bond holding, which reflects the increasing risk eversion of investors in South Africa. Second, the paper used different measures of business cycles, namely industrial production index, lagging, coincident, and leading economic indicators. The empirical models were estimated using both univariate and multivariate Markov switching models. As economic theory suggests, the univariate Markov switching model was used to determine if each variable exhibits a significant regime switching. The multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for each business cycle and yield spread variable, with each of the other variables serving as a non-switching explanatory variable, thereby addressing potential endogeneity concerns and the predictive power of the explanatory variable. Finally, the multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for three monthly sample periods, a full sample for 1986 to 2022, and two sub-samples – 1986 to 2009 and 2010 to 2022. This analysis consistently reveals significant regime-switching behavior across all the series thus, affirming the superiority of the regime switching model over the standard model used in previous studies. By analyzing the transition probabilities and the expected durations between these regimes, we find that including the spreads in the business cycle model improves the models’ predictability, with the medium-term bonds spread performing better than the usual long-term spread. The smoothed regime probability of the best-performing models is compared with the SARB recession dates; the two closely resemble each other, proving that the Markov switching model can help predict the turning points in the business cycle in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Rotich, Mercyline Chepkemoi
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434739 , vital:73101
- Description: Globally, several empirical studies have demonstrated the ability of the yield spread to predict a recession in a country. In South Africa, previous studies have not only shown the yield curve's predictive power but have further demonstrated that it outperforms other commonly used variables, such as the growth rate of real money supply, changes in stock prices, and the index of leading economic indicators. However, some recent studies have shown that the yield spread (the spread between 10-year bonds and 3-month Treasury bills) gave false signals of recession. In this study, we explore the possible reasons for the false signals of the yield spread by addressing the following questions. Does the yield spread used matter? Does the measure of the business cycle used matter? And do the estimation techniques used matter? To address the first question, unlike the previous studies, this paper uses four different yield spreads- depicting short-term, medium-term, and long-term government bonds against the backdrop of a changing structure of bond holding, which reflects the increasing risk eversion of investors in South Africa. Second, the paper used different measures of business cycles, namely industrial production index, lagging, coincident, and leading economic indicators. The empirical models were estimated using both univariate and multivariate Markov switching models. As economic theory suggests, the univariate Markov switching model was used to determine if each variable exhibits a significant regime switching. The multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for each business cycle and yield spread variable, with each of the other variables serving as a non-switching explanatory variable, thereby addressing potential endogeneity concerns and the predictive power of the explanatory variable. Finally, the multivariate Markov switching model was estimated for three monthly sample periods, a full sample for 1986 to 2022, and two sub-samples – 1986 to 2009 and 2010 to 2022. This analysis consistently reveals significant regime-switching behavior across all the series thus, affirming the superiority of the regime switching model over the standard model used in previous studies. By analyzing the transition probabilities and the expected durations between these regimes, we find that including the spreads in the business cycle model improves the models’ predictability, with the medium-term bonds spread performing better than the usual long-term spread. The smoothed regime probability of the best-performing models is compared with the SARB recession dates; the two closely resemble each other, proving that the Markov switching model can help predict the turning points in the business cycle in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Assessing rural senior primary school natural science teachers’ TPACK: a case study
- Authors: Silvanus, Secilia Tulikefo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423902 , vital:72103
- Description: In today's world, technology has changed how people live and behave. The influence of technology contemplates a similar change in the education processes of teaching and learning. Many governments worldwide invest hugely in providing technological tools and facilities and training teachers to improve teaching and learning. The availability and access to technologies in schools seem to offer teachers opportunities to develop technological knowledge and integrate technology into teaching. Literature indicates that teachers must possess technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes effectively. However, other scholars have also suggested that teachers' TPACK develops and is shaped by many contexts. This study, therefore, sought to assess the rural senior primary Natural science teachers' TPACK. This qualitative case study was conducted with senior primary Natural science teachers in the educational circuit of Endola. An interpretive paradigm underpinned the study. The study employed semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and observation to collect the data. The study used the TPACK as a theoretical and analytical framework. The study results showed that participants had a firmer grasp of subject content (CK) and traditional teaching methods (Pedagogical Knowledge - PK and Pedagogical Content Knowledge - PCK) compared to technological knowledge (TK) and technology-based pedagogies (Technological Pedagogical Knowledge - TPK, Technological Content Knowledge - TCK, and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK). Findings support that the participants draw upon sources of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) closely aligned with Content Knowledge (CK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) to integrate technology. The study included inadequate professional development, teachers' attitudes, insufficient hardware and internet connectivity, limited technological knowledge, time constraints, and restricted access to technology tools and resources as obstacles for teachers attempting to incorporate technology into their classrooms effectively. Furthermore, the data highlights ICT training and teachers' interest as enablers that motivated participants to integrate technology into their teaching practices. Therefore, the study recommends professional development programs focusing on providing science teachers with practical skills to utilise different technologies and address common technical issues. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Silvanus, Secilia Tulikefo
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423902 , vital:72103
- Description: In today's world, technology has changed how people live and behave. The influence of technology contemplates a similar change in the education processes of teaching and learning. Many governments worldwide invest hugely in providing technological tools and facilities and training teachers to improve teaching and learning. The availability and access to technologies in schools seem to offer teachers opportunities to develop technological knowledge and integrate technology into teaching. Literature indicates that teachers must possess technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes effectively. However, other scholars have also suggested that teachers' TPACK develops and is shaped by many contexts. This study, therefore, sought to assess the rural senior primary Natural science teachers' TPACK. This qualitative case study was conducted with senior primary Natural science teachers in the educational circuit of Endola. An interpretive paradigm underpinned the study. The study employed semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and observation to collect the data. The study used the TPACK as a theoretical and analytical framework. The study results showed that participants had a firmer grasp of subject content (CK) and traditional teaching methods (Pedagogical Knowledge - PK and Pedagogical Content Knowledge - PCK) compared to technological knowledge (TK) and technology-based pedagogies (Technological Pedagogical Knowledge - TPK, Technological Content Knowledge - TCK, and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK). Findings support that the participants draw upon sources of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) closely aligned with Content Knowledge (CK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) to integrate technology. The study included inadequate professional development, teachers' attitudes, insufficient hardware and internet connectivity, limited technological knowledge, time constraints, and restricted access to technology tools and resources as obstacles for teachers attempting to incorporate technology into their classrooms effectively. Furthermore, the data highlights ICT training and teachers' interest as enablers that motivated participants to integrate technology into their teaching practices. Therefore, the study recommends professional development programs focusing on providing science teachers with practical skills to utilise different technologies and address common technical issues. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Exploring senior phase teachers’ use of kahoot! Gamification as a formative assessment tool to scaffold mathematical understanding
- Authors: Balele, Silence
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423891 , vital:72102
- Description: In South Africa, digital technology, particularly gamification, continues to become an important teaching and learning tool. Its importance lies in scaffolding mathematical understanding, improving the quality of assessment, and developing twenty-first-century technological skills for effective mathematics assessment. To explore this importance, senior phase mathematics teachers are encouraged to adopt gamification technology such as Kahoot! in assessment. The study adopted a case study research design with a interpretivist research paradigm, as this method allows detailed exploration and understanding of a specific context through a close connection with the participants. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group interviews, non-participant observations, and reflective journals. The research involved ten purposively selected senior-phase mathematics teachers from two schools in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study drew upon Vygoysky's Sociocultural Theory for its theoretical framework, while the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge was used for analysis. The data analysis pursued an inductive approach. Adopting a thematic analysis included coding participant responses, organizing codes into concepts and categories, and developing a theoretical framework from the resultant categories. A four-phase process was involved: coding, conceptualizing, categorizing, and theorizing, was employed. This process and using NVivo software for data organization and management helped identify patterns, themes, and significant concerns surrounding the study's core subject. The findings from the study were as follows: Firstly, it was revealed that most teachers have a positive perception and attitude towards using Kahoot! for formative assessment, believing that it enhances teaching and learning quality. However, they showed scepticism due to insufficient Information and Communication Technologies knowledge and training. Second, teachers' pedagogical and technological experiences were predominantly enjoyable. Kahoot! was accepted as beneficial for promoting collaboration, interaction, and immediate feedback. Third, the study identified enabling and constraining factors in using Kahoot! for formative assessment. The enabling factors include Kahoot!, which was convenient and accessible, promoted immediate feedback and fostered collaboration and interaction. The constraining factors include Information and Communication Technologies and network interference, which posed limitations. The research concluded that Kahoot! as a platform for formative assessment indeed scaffold mathematical understanding. The study recommends increasing teachers' access to educational technology, incorporating continuous professional development programs, providing subject-specific training, and encouraging teachers to adapt to emerging technologies. The study also provided recommendations for future research to explore learner perceptions, employ a mixed methods approach to help quantify learner performance and investigate the pedagogical and technological experiences of senior phase mathematics teachers regarding formative assessment. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Balele, Silence
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423891 , vital:72102
- Description: In South Africa, digital technology, particularly gamification, continues to become an important teaching and learning tool. Its importance lies in scaffolding mathematical understanding, improving the quality of assessment, and developing twenty-first-century technological skills for effective mathematics assessment. To explore this importance, senior phase mathematics teachers are encouraged to adopt gamification technology such as Kahoot! in assessment. The study adopted a case study research design with a interpretivist research paradigm, as this method allows detailed exploration and understanding of a specific context through a close connection with the participants. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group interviews, non-participant observations, and reflective journals. The research involved ten purposively selected senior-phase mathematics teachers from two schools in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study drew upon Vygoysky's Sociocultural Theory for its theoretical framework, while the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge was used for analysis. The data analysis pursued an inductive approach. Adopting a thematic analysis included coding participant responses, organizing codes into concepts and categories, and developing a theoretical framework from the resultant categories. A four-phase process was involved: coding, conceptualizing, categorizing, and theorizing, was employed. This process and using NVivo software for data organization and management helped identify patterns, themes, and significant concerns surrounding the study's core subject. The findings from the study were as follows: Firstly, it was revealed that most teachers have a positive perception and attitude towards using Kahoot! for formative assessment, believing that it enhances teaching and learning quality. However, they showed scepticism due to insufficient Information and Communication Technologies knowledge and training. Second, teachers' pedagogical and technological experiences were predominantly enjoyable. Kahoot! was accepted as beneficial for promoting collaboration, interaction, and immediate feedback. Third, the study identified enabling and constraining factors in using Kahoot! for formative assessment. The enabling factors include Kahoot!, which was convenient and accessible, promoted immediate feedback and fostered collaboration and interaction. The constraining factors include Information and Communication Technologies and network interference, which posed limitations. The research concluded that Kahoot! as a platform for formative assessment indeed scaffold mathematical understanding. The study recommends increasing teachers' access to educational technology, incorporating continuous professional development programs, providing subject-specific training, and encouraging teachers to adapt to emerging technologies. The study also provided recommendations for future research to explore learner perceptions, employ a mixed methods approach to help quantify learner performance and investigate the pedagogical and technological experiences of senior phase mathematics teachers regarding formative assessment. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK): investigating senior primary mathematics teachers’ integration of technology in the classroom in Okahao educational circuit
- Shikesho, Hilya Ndahambelela
- Authors: Shikesho, Hilya Ndahambelela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423913 , vital:72104
- Description: The overwhelming advancement of ICT devices in the contemporary Namibian education system has led to their praise for supporting differentiated instruction, fostering collaboration, and engaging multiple intelligences in teaching and learning. Consequently, the compulsory incorporation of ICTs into the teaching and learning process becomes imperative across various fields of study, including Mathematics. However, the integration of technology-based teaching proves to be a complex and challenging issue, often considered a wicked problem. To explore this matter, a qualitative case study was conducted to investigate how Senior Primary Mathematics Teachers integrated technology to develop their TPACK. The study was conducted among the twenty-seven senior primary mathematics teachers in the Okahao educational circuit in the Omuasti region. The study utilized Vygotsky‘s (1978); Socio-cultural Theory, together with Mishra and Koehler (2006), and; the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework was used as a lens to analyse the data. The data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and lesson observations. The study findings indicate that senior primary mathematics teachers utilize the available resources at their respective schools during their classroom instruction. The study further reveals that mathematics teachers exhibit a positive attitude toward the integration of technology. The study uncovers the intricate interplay between technological knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and content knowledge within the context of mathematics education. The findings reveal that while participants demonstrate a high level of proficiency in certain TPACK components such as CK, TK, PK, TPK, and PCK, they expressed a moderate level of expertise in TCK and TPCK. The study also identified challenges in TPACK development, particularly the need for subject specific technology training, lack of technological infrastructure, particularly advanced technology, as well as a deficiency in ICT knowledge. The importance of access to various technologies was emphasized, enabling teachers to seamlessly integrate technology into their practices and address diverse learning styles. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Shikesho, Hilya Ndahambelela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423913 , vital:72104
- Description: The overwhelming advancement of ICT devices in the contemporary Namibian education system has led to their praise for supporting differentiated instruction, fostering collaboration, and engaging multiple intelligences in teaching and learning. Consequently, the compulsory incorporation of ICTs into the teaching and learning process becomes imperative across various fields of study, including Mathematics. However, the integration of technology-based teaching proves to be a complex and challenging issue, often considered a wicked problem. To explore this matter, a qualitative case study was conducted to investigate how Senior Primary Mathematics Teachers integrated technology to develop their TPACK. The study was conducted among the twenty-seven senior primary mathematics teachers in the Okahao educational circuit in the Omuasti region. The study utilized Vygotsky‘s (1978); Socio-cultural Theory, together with Mishra and Koehler (2006), and; the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework was used as a lens to analyse the data. The data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and lesson observations. The study findings indicate that senior primary mathematics teachers utilize the available resources at their respective schools during their classroom instruction. The study further reveals that mathematics teachers exhibit a positive attitude toward the integration of technology. The study uncovers the intricate interplay between technological knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and content knowledge within the context of mathematics education. The findings reveal that while participants demonstrate a high level of proficiency in certain TPACK components such as CK, TK, PK, TPK, and PCK, they expressed a moderate level of expertise in TCK and TPCK. The study also identified challenges in TPACK development, particularly the need for subject specific technology training, lack of technological infrastructure, particularly advanced technology, as well as a deficiency in ICT knowledge. The importance of access to various technologies was emphasized, enabling teachers to seamlessly integrate technology into their practices and address diverse learning styles. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A council of women
- Authors: Sobekwa, Lelethu Anathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435988 , vital:73218
- Description: This thesis comprises extracts of life writing written in short prose forms. The work reads like a novella and I have been inspired by Margaret Patton Chapman’s approach to the novella, where she condenses “the telling of a long story time wise”, so that a story occurring over two years can be told over two pages. The thesis explores relationships between mother, daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, each with different life experiences and each teaching the next generation about how to navigate life as politically, socially and economically disadvantaged women. I have also drawn inspiration from authors such as NoViolet Bulawayo who explores the hypocrisies of the church and the government in We Need New Names. In Kate Bernheimer’s “Fairy Tale is Form, Form is Fairy Tale” she writes about fairy tales adopting “intuitive logic” or telling in the form of “this happens and then this happens” while the explanation behind the events is not spelt out but rather exists between the lines. My thesis adopts this style of writing by allowing the reader to understand what is being said without over-simplifying. To this end, I have used the concept of place modelled on Es’kia Mphahlele’s In Corner B, where characters are inscribed in relation to the spaces they inhabit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Sobekwa, Lelethu Anathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435988 , vital:73218
- Description: This thesis comprises extracts of life writing written in short prose forms. The work reads like a novella and I have been inspired by Margaret Patton Chapman’s approach to the novella, where she condenses “the telling of a long story time wise”, so that a story occurring over two years can be told over two pages. The thesis explores relationships between mother, daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, each with different life experiences and each teaching the next generation about how to navigate life as politically, socially and economically disadvantaged women. I have also drawn inspiration from authors such as NoViolet Bulawayo who explores the hypocrisies of the church and the government in We Need New Names. In Kate Bernheimer’s “Fairy Tale is Form, Form is Fairy Tale” she writes about fairy tales adopting “intuitive logic” or telling in the form of “this happens and then this happens” while the explanation behind the events is not spelt out but rather exists between the lines. My thesis adopts this style of writing by allowing the reader to understand what is being said without over-simplifying. To this end, I have used the concept of place modelled on Es’kia Mphahlele’s In Corner B, where characters are inscribed in relation to the spaces they inhabit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A study on visual inspection of citrus sorters in a packhouse in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Maher, Christopher Richard
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424256 , vital:72137
- Description: Background and Purpose. The South African citrus industry is a major global producer of citrus as well as the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. This industry provides employment to an estimated 112 000 workers in South Africa and is vital in providing economic opportunities to communities such as those in the Sunday’s River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa due to the low employment and education levels within this province. Citrus sorting is a visual inspection task that requires workers to sustain attention and remain vigilant for the duration of a working shift. Their role in the packhouse is to ensure that no defective products are packed for export or the local market and that the fruit meets the customers’ expectations. Since the demands of sorting citrus are poorly understood, this study attempted to assess the effect that sorting citrus has on vigilance performance as well as attempt to quantify perceived workload while taking into account different contextual factors that affect perceptions of this working task. Methods. This study was conducted within a citrus packhouse in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The sample was comprised of individuals employed by the packhouse as citrus sorters. In addition to a recruitment and information session, testing was conducted at three intervals during a working shift on four consecutive days. Each time, indicators of vigilance, such as correct responses, sensitivity, reaction time, false alarms and misses, were collected during a 5-minute computerised version of the Mackworth Clock-test, while perceived workload was assessed with the NASA-TLX scale, and sleepiness was recording using the WITS Sleepiness Scale. Furthermore, an open-ended question was asked to further understand factors affecting the ability of participants to concentrate during their task of sorting. Results. 18 participants consented to participate in this study. 16 of these individuals identified as female with an average age of 30 years (± 7). 83% of participants were of Black African descent and were isiXhosa speakers, while 17% of participants were of Coloured descent and Afrikaans speakers. This study found that performance, as measured by the percentage of correct responses, sensitivity and reaction time on the 5-minute long Mackworth Clock Test was not significantly affected as time-on-task for sorting citrus increased during a working shift, neither did performance on the vigilance test change as days of the week proceeded. However, ‘misses’ during the vigilance test were found to significantly decrease over the course of a working shift, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of this study. Perceived workload of sorting citrus, as well as perceived sleepiness, significantly increased with time-on-task during the course of a working shift. The major contributions for this increase in perceived workload while sorting citrus were derived from the Mental Demand and Physical Demand sub-scale for the NASA-TLX. However, responses from the open-ended question indicated that participants generally enjoyed their work, although there were factors, such as the nature of fruit and social set-up of work, that negatively affected this perception. Discussion. The results from this study contradicted the researcher’s expectations. It was anticipated that measures of correct responses and sensitivity would decrease and misses, and reaction time would increase with time-on-task for sorting citrus, yet vigilance indicators from the Mackworth Clock Test generally indicated no change in vigilance, and, according to “misses” even improved with time-on-task. A likely explanation for this is that the use of a 5-minute Mackworth Clock-test was unsuitable in this context, or rather, the time of this test was not long enough to induce a ‘vigilance decrement’. Furthermore, in order to administer this vigilance test, participants were taken off the production line and led to a testing room which most likely increased their levels of arousal, thus affecting performance on the vigilance test. However, even though perceived sleepiness was found to significantly increase over the course of a working shift, these data correlated poorly with the vigilance results, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of the study. Mental demand significantly increased, possibly due to the demand of attentional informational processing required for sorting, as well as various environmental factors present within the packhouse. Physical demand, too, significantly increased as workers were required to remain standing throughout their working task as well as to make use of their upper extremities to remove defective fruit. Correlation analyses showed significantly weak correlation for Mackworth Clock Test variables and sleepiness ratings to all other variables. NASA-TLX variables, however, generally showed significantly moderate correlations with one another. Conclusion. It remains unclear how vigilance changes and sustained attention while sorting citrus, since the experiment did not show changes in performance. This is largely attributed to the methodological set-up which could have increased arousal and therefore affected vigilance. It is recommended that future studies research vigilance and sustained attention during the sorting itself, rather than attempting to infer vigilance results from a computerised vigilance test. Perceived workload of sorting, however, increased over the course of a working shift due to significant increases in perceptions of the physical and mental demands of sorting. Future studies should address concerns relating to the physical demand of sorting. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to compare responses of day and night shift sorters to further understand how the relationship between these variables may change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Maher, Christopher Richard
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424256 , vital:72137
- Description: Background and Purpose. The South African citrus industry is a major global producer of citrus as well as the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. This industry provides employment to an estimated 112 000 workers in South Africa and is vital in providing economic opportunities to communities such as those in the Sunday’s River Valley in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa due to the low employment and education levels within this province. Citrus sorting is a visual inspection task that requires workers to sustain attention and remain vigilant for the duration of a working shift. Their role in the packhouse is to ensure that no defective products are packed for export or the local market and that the fruit meets the customers’ expectations. Since the demands of sorting citrus are poorly understood, this study attempted to assess the effect that sorting citrus has on vigilance performance as well as attempt to quantify perceived workload while taking into account different contextual factors that affect perceptions of this working task. Methods. This study was conducted within a citrus packhouse in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The sample was comprised of individuals employed by the packhouse as citrus sorters. In addition to a recruitment and information session, testing was conducted at three intervals during a working shift on four consecutive days. Each time, indicators of vigilance, such as correct responses, sensitivity, reaction time, false alarms and misses, were collected during a 5-minute computerised version of the Mackworth Clock-test, while perceived workload was assessed with the NASA-TLX scale, and sleepiness was recording using the WITS Sleepiness Scale. Furthermore, an open-ended question was asked to further understand factors affecting the ability of participants to concentrate during their task of sorting. Results. 18 participants consented to participate in this study. 16 of these individuals identified as female with an average age of 30 years (± 7). 83% of participants were of Black African descent and were isiXhosa speakers, while 17% of participants were of Coloured descent and Afrikaans speakers. This study found that performance, as measured by the percentage of correct responses, sensitivity and reaction time on the 5-minute long Mackworth Clock Test was not significantly affected as time-on-task for sorting citrus increased during a working shift, neither did performance on the vigilance test change as days of the week proceeded. However, ‘misses’ during the vigilance test were found to significantly decrease over the course of a working shift, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of this study. Perceived workload of sorting citrus, as well as perceived sleepiness, significantly increased with time-on-task during the course of a working shift. The major contributions for this increase in perceived workload while sorting citrus were derived from the Mental Demand and Physical Demand sub-scale for the NASA-TLX. However, responses from the open-ended question indicated that participants generally enjoyed their work, although there were factors, such as the nature of fruit and social set-up of work, that negatively affected this perception. Discussion. The results from this study contradicted the researcher’s expectations. It was anticipated that measures of correct responses and sensitivity would decrease and misses, and reaction time would increase with time-on-task for sorting citrus, yet vigilance indicators from the Mackworth Clock Test generally indicated no change in vigilance, and, according to “misses” even improved with time-on-task. A likely explanation for this is that the use of a 5-minute Mackworth Clock-test was unsuitable in this context, or rather, the time of this test was not long enough to induce a ‘vigilance decrement’. Furthermore, in order to administer this vigilance test, participants were taken off the production line and led to a testing room which most likely increased their levels of arousal, thus affecting performance on the vigilance test. However, even though perceived sleepiness was found to significantly increase over the course of a working shift, these data correlated poorly with the vigilance results, thus contradicting the expected outcomes of the study. Mental demand significantly increased, possibly due to the demand of attentional informational processing required for sorting, as well as various environmental factors present within the packhouse. Physical demand, too, significantly increased as workers were required to remain standing throughout their working task as well as to make use of their upper extremities to remove defective fruit. Correlation analyses showed significantly weak correlation for Mackworth Clock Test variables and sleepiness ratings to all other variables. NASA-TLX variables, however, generally showed significantly moderate correlations with one another. Conclusion. It remains unclear how vigilance changes and sustained attention while sorting citrus, since the experiment did not show changes in performance. This is largely attributed to the methodological set-up which could have increased arousal and therefore affected vigilance. It is recommended that future studies research vigilance and sustained attention during the sorting itself, rather than attempting to infer vigilance results from a computerised vigilance test. Perceived workload of sorting, however, increased over the course of a working shift due to significant increases in perceptions of the physical and mental demands of sorting. Future studies should address concerns relating to the physical demand of sorting. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to compare responses of day and night shift sorters to further understand how the relationship between these variables may change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
African linguistic phenomenology as illustrated through the Setswana language
- Authors: Modisakeng, Lemogang
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425089 , vital:72208
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Modisakeng, Lemogang
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425089 , vital:72208
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13