A critical assessment of the provincial intervention outcomes in Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (2012-2014)
- Authors: Teyisi, Zolani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4616 , vital:28467
- Description: This research conducts a Critical Assessment of the Provincial Intervention Outcomes in Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (2012-2014) with the overriding objectives to identify factors which cause unsuccessful Provincial intervention on local government affairs and measure the extent to which these factors played a role in the intervention in Makana Local Municipality and assess the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana Local Municipality. The entire research process was guided by the above research objectives and questions that strive to assess the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana. The study involved a qualitative research approach: conducting interviews and reviewing the Provincial Strategic Plans 2014, Financial Recover Plans 2014, Makana Annual Financial Statement 2015, Makana Budget Analysis 2014 and the Auditor Generals 2014/15 annual report on Makana. The study identified and defined challenges (factors) that contribute to poor outcomes in Provincial interventions and further identified success factors of Provincial intervention. The extent to which these factors played a role in Makana were then measured, and finally, the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana Local Municipality were assessed. The findings of the study indicate that the intervention in Makana Local Municipality has produced stability in the municipality and resulted in a degree of successful outcomes. However, there are priority areas that the municipality still needs to work on in order to make certain that the Makana Local Municipality is fully functional in all the areas that have been identified as priority areas of intervention. The study establish that there are many factors that may lead to Provincial interventions failing in Local government, such as lack of monitoring and evaluation during intervention, lack of commitment by the Province, political interferences and lack of budget or funds to implement the strategic plans. These factors can be prevented in order to assure that Provincial intervention in Local government is successful. The study reveals that proper intervention plans, effective implementations of the strategic plans, coordination and communication between municipal Council, Province and municipal officials, monitoring and evaluation during and after intervention can assist the Province to detect whether the interventions are to be successful. Lastly, the study makes recommendations for both Provincial and Local government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Teyisi, Zolani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4616 , vital:28467
- Description: This research conducts a Critical Assessment of the Provincial Intervention Outcomes in Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (2012-2014) with the overriding objectives to identify factors which cause unsuccessful Provincial intervention on local government affairs and measure the extent to which these factors played a role in the intervention in Makana Local Municipality and assess the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana Local Municipality. The entire research process was guided by the above research objectives and questions that strive to assess the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana. The study involved a qualitative research approach: conducting interviews and reviewing the Provincial Strategic Plans 2014, Financial Recover Plans 2014, Makana Annual Financial Statement 2015, Makana Budget Analysis 2014 and the Auditor Generals 2014/15 annual report on Makana. The study identified and defined challenges (factors) that contribute to poor outcomes in Provincial interventions and further identified success factors of Provincial intervention. The extent to which these factors played a role in Makana were then measured, and finally, the outcomes of Provincial intervention in Makana Local Municipality were assessed. The findings of the study indicate that the intervention in Makana Local Municipality has produced stability in the municipality and resulted in a degree of successful outcomes. However, there are priority areas that the municipality still needs to work on in order to make certain that the Makana Local Municipality is fully functional in all the areas that have been identified as priority areas of intervention. The study establish that there are many factors that may lead to Provincial interventions failing in Local government, such as lack of monitoring and evaluation during intervention, lack of commitment by the Province, political interferences and lack of budget or funds to implement the strategic plans. These factors can be prevented in order to assure that Provincial intervention in Local government is successful. The study reveals that proper intervention plans, effective implementations of the strategic plans, coordination and communication between municipal Council, Province and municipal officials, monitoring and evaluation during and after intervention can assist the Province to detect whether the interventions are to be successful. Lastly, the study makes recommendations for both Provincial and Local government.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A cross-cultural exploration of the International Affective Picture System in a sample of South African university students
- Authors: Oettlé, Ryan Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emotions -- Cross-cultural studies Emotive (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13087 , vital:27151
- Description: The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) was developed in an attempt to provide a standardised tool to elicit and measure emotions for research purposes. The IAPS is unique, in that it is completely pictorially based. An emotional response is stimulated by the pictures, which are then used to measure the emotional response. This has obvious benefits in South Africa. The overall aim of this study was to conduct a cross-cultural exploration of the IAPS, with a sample of South African university students, in order to come to an initial understanding of the measure’s performance within the South African context. A quantitative methodology was used, in order to reach the research aim and objectives. The overall research approach was exploratory and descriptive in nature and the actual data gathering consisted of a single measurement instance. The procedure for this study was based on that used by the developers of the IAPS to norm the instrument. Convenience sampling was used, resulting in a total sample of 169 participants, 31 male, and 136 female. For analysis purposes, participants were grouped according to a race and language combination, thus operationalising ethnicity. This resulted in four primary ethnic groupings. In summary, it was found that a large number of items seem to travel well in terms of equivalence. The correlations achieved and affective space plot are consistent with that outlined in the IAPS instruction manual, and are similar to international studies using the same procedure. However, when items were examined in greater detail, statistically significant differences raised concerns about the level of equivalence and suggested that not all items travel equally well. Similarly, although many items were statistically similar between the South African ethnic groups, differences were also found on specific items.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Oettlé, Ryan Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emotions -- Cross-cultural studies Emotive (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13087 , vital:27151
- Description: The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) was developed in an attempt to provide a standardised tool to elicit and measure emotions for research purposes. The IAPS is unique, in that it is completely pictorially based. An emotional response is stimulated by the pictures, which are then used to measure the emotional response. This has obvious benefits in South Africa. The overall aim of this study was to conduct a cross-cultural exploration of the IAPS, with a sample of South African university students, in order to come to an initial understanding of the measure’s performance within the South African context. A quantitative methodology was used, in order to reach the research aim and objectives. The overall research approach was exploratory and descriptive in nature and the actual data gathering consisted of a single measurement instance. The procedure for this study was based on that used by the developers of the IAPS to norm the instrument. Convenience sampling was used, resulting in a total sample of 169 participants, 31 male, and 136 female. For analysis purposes, participants were grouped according to a race and language combination, thus operationalising ethnicity. This resulted in four primary ethnic groupings. In summary, it was found that a large number of items seem to travel well in terms of equivalence. The correlations achieved and affective space plot are consistent with that outlined in the IAPS instruction manual, and are similar to international studies using the same procedure. However, when items were examined in greater detail, statistically significant differences raised concerns about the level of equivalence and suggested that not all items travel equally well. Similarly, although many items were statistically similar between the South African ethnic groups, differences were also found on specific items.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A customer lead qualification model for successful potential customer profiling
- Authors: Rheeder, Andre James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- Africa , Market surveys -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3684 , vital:20453
- Description: A key question that marketers and salespeople face is based on the dilemma of which customer to pursue and which not. This choice has far reaching effects in both company success. Investigating a client’s seriousness to make a purchase at the time of an enquiry is key. This will assist the firm in determining which future clients offer the firm the most potential value in sales turnover and company profits. By taking the client’s background and history into consideration the marketer has the opportunity to determine which clients have or have not previously committed to the firm and which did not. By profiling the customer, providing a yardstick against which one can measure probability of a purchase can be developed. New or prospective customer against those attributes of customers can then be benchmarked against the attributes that attest to whether interest and intention to purchase can be converted into a sale. Identifying these customers who will be most likely to make a purchase is a very important area of study for any business that focuses on the marketing and sales of products or services. Having an accurate profile of potential customers, of who will buy and who will not, will play a key role in the success of any organization. The focus of this study will be on investigating the profile of a potential customer/company as a benchmark for sales lead qualification. The profile will also be a precursor to determining the lifetime value of the prospective customer. Profiling of high sales potential customers is a management issue. It directly influences the number of hours key personnel in the sales department spend on key tasks, which can alternatively be spent more productively on other projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Rheeder, Andre James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- Africa , Market surveys -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3684 , vital:20453
- Description: A key question that marketers and salespeople face is based on the dilemma of which customer to pursue and which not. This choice has far reaching effects in both company success. Investigating a client’s seriousness to make a purchase at the time of an enquiry is key. This will assist the firm in determining which future clients offer the firm the most potential value in sales turnover and company profits. By taking the client’s background and history into consideration the marketer has the opportunity to determine which clients have or have not previously committed to the firm and which did not. By profiling the customer, providing a yardstick against which one can measure probability of a purchase can be developed. New or prospective customer against those attributes of customers can then be benchmarked against the attributes that attest to whether interest and intention to purchase can be converted into a sale. Identifying these customers who will be most likely to make a purchase is a very important area of study for any business that focuses on the marketing and sales of products or services. Having an accurate profile of potential customers, of who will buy and who will not, will play a key role in the success of any organization. The focus of this study will be on investigating the profile of a potential customer/company as a benchmark for sales lead qualification. The profile will also be a precursor to determining the lifetime value of the prospective customer. Profiling of high sales potential customers is a management issue. It directly influences the number of hours key personnel in the sales department spend on key tasks, which can alternatively be spent more productively on other projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A destination identity framework for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Reichelt, Bianca Cindy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Tourism -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable tourism -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5565 , vital:20908
- Description: Place branding has grown in popularity since the late 1990s. In this regard, place branding is an endeavour to not only construct an image or message of a place but also to communicate and manage it. Place branding can be viewed from a functionalist point of view as a strategic instrument to be managed in a similar manner as a product or corporate brand in order to enhance competitiveness. The focus of place branding has overwhelmingly been on the customers who are mainly tourists. However, there have been recent calls to take into account the perspectives of others stakeholders, in particular internal residents, in the place branding process. It has been noted that place branding is effective through its ability to authentically represent the setting of its constituents and through it to reveal a compelling narrative of the place. This authentic setting is represented by the place identity, which can be discovered from the perspectives of the place‟s internal residents. The current study was anchored in stakeholder theory and set out to propose a simple exploratory model for understanding place identity through the perspectives of internal residents. The study explored various frameworks and models proposed in the literature up to date to understand place identity. The overarching variables were filtered out from the different frameworks and an exploratory place identity framework was proposed. A non-experimental study was carried out in the city of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was exploratory and its variables had not been previously tested in the city. A questionnaire, which was partly self-administered and partly administered through face-to-face interviews, was distributed electronically and manually. The framework proposed variables were city role, cognitive evaluations, envisioned future as well as affective evaluations and they were operationalised from the literature. The relationship between the variables was confirmed through correlation analysis. The hypotheses in the study were tested through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, t-tests and Chi-squared tests. A destination identity framework for Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Reichelt, Bianca Cindy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Tourism -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable tourism -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5565 , vital:20908
- Description: Place branding has grown in popularity since the late 1990s. In this regard, place branding is an endeavour to not only construct an image or message of a place but also to communicate and manage it. Place branding can be viewed from a functionalist point of view as a strategic instrument to be managed in a similar manner as a product or corporate brand in order to enhance competitiveness. The focus of place branding has overwhelmingly been on the customers who are mainly tourists. However, there have been recent calls to take into account the perspectives of others stakeholders, in particular internal residents, in the place branding process. It has been noted that place branding is effective through its ability to authentically represent the setting of its constituents and through it to reveal a compelling narrative of the place. This authentic setting is represented by the place identity, which can be discovered from the perspectives of the place‟s internal residents. The current study was anchored in stakeholder theory and set out to propose a simple exploratory model for understanding place identity through the perspectives of internal residents. The study explored various frameworks and models proposed in the literature up to date to understand place identity. The overarching variables were filtered out from the different frameworks and an exploratory place identity framework was proposed. A non-experimental study was carried out in the city of Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was exploratory and its variables had not been previously tested in the city. A questionnaire, which was partly self-administered and partly administered through face-to-face interviews, was distributed electronically and manually. The framework proposed variables were city role, cognitive evaluations, envisioned future as well as affective evaluations and they were operationalised from the literature. The relationship between the variables was confirmed through correlation analysis. The hypotheses in the study were tested through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, t-tests and Chi-squared tests. A destination identity framework for Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A discussion of the concept, “place of effective management” and the proposed changes, in the context of South African tax law
- Authors: Singh, Nishika
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4166 , vital:20629
- Description: The concept, “place of effective management”, is used in South African tax legislation to determine the residency of companies and it is also used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and in many tax treaties as a tie-breaker clause to determine the residency of companies that may appear to be dual resident or to determine which country has the taxing rights to income that may be subject to double tax due to the income being from a source outside of the company’s country of residence. The concept is not defined in any tax legislation and there is no uniform interpretation of the concept globally. The former guidance provided by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) adopted a hierarchal approach and the focus was the implementation of the Board of Directors’ decisions. This interpretation was not aligned to the guidance of the OECD whose focus is the place where the key management and commercial decisions of the entity are made. The current SARS guidance has been aligned to the OECD guidance and, essentially, the core principle is to determine who makes the key commercial and management decisions of the company and the place where these individuals are making these decisions. The current SARS and OECD guidance have now been aligned. The current SARS and OECD interpretations have been found to be a more effective tie-breaker clause than the former interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Singh, Nishika
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4166 , vital:20629
- Description: The concept, “place of effective management”, is used in South African tax legislation to determine the residency of companies and it is also used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and in many tax treaties as a tie-breaker clause to determine the residency of companies that may appear to be dual resident or to determine which country has the taxing rights to income that may be subject to double tax due to the income being from a source outside of the company’s country of residence. The concept is not defined in any tax legislation and there is no uniform interpretation of the concept globally. The former guidance provided by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) adopted a hierarchal approach and the focus was the implementation of the Board of Directors’ decisions. This interpretation was not aligned to the guidance of the OECD whose focus is the place where the key management and commercial decisions of the entity are made. The current SARS guidance has been aligned to the OECD guidance and, essentially, the core principle is to determine who makes the key commercial and management decisions of the company and the place where these individuals are making these decisions. The current SARS and OECD guidance have now been aligned. The current SARS and OECD interpretations have been found to be a more effective tie-breaker clause than the former interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A feedback loop model to facilitate communication between citizens and local government in a smart city
- Authors: Gopeni, Amanda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2205 , vital:27705
- Description: In recent years, an increasing number of people move into cities to search for better opportunities for themselves and their families. This movement is known as urbanisation and makes it difficult for the local government to fully understand citizens’ needs particularly pertaining to public safety matters. During the first phase of the Public Safety Smart City project, it was identified that there is a need for feedback loop to facilitate effective communication of public safety issues between citizens and local government. This means that EL citizens do not have a better channel in place to address their public safety issues to the local government. This could lead to the decisions made by the local government in public safety not fully communicated back to the citizens. The primary objective of the study is to develop a feedback loop model that will assist in more effective reporting of public safety issues between citizens and the local government. The study followed an interpretivism paradigm and the research methodology employed is the qualitative approach. This was influenced by the existing De Fleur model of communication, secondary data and also semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with eleven citizens and four managers from the Department of Public Safety. It was ascertained that the lack of a feedback loop about public safety issues between citizens and local government is likely to increase public safety issues. Findings revealed that this is because citizens are not continuously updated about their reports and also about the state of public safety matters. Furthermore, the methods of communication utilised lead to poor communication of public safety issues. The study concludes that the introduction of an Information and Communication Technology enabled feedback loop between citizens and local government can help in reducing public safety issues and make public safety officials proactive rather than reactive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gopeni, Amanda
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communication in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic government information -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2205 , vital:27705
- Description: In recent years, an increasing number of people move into cities to search for better opportunities for themselves and their families. This movement is known as urbanisation and makes it difficult for the local government to fully understand citizens’ needs particularly pertaining to public safety matters. During the first phase of the Public Safety Smart City project, it was identified that there is a need for feedback loop to facilitate effective communication of public safety issues between citizens and local government. This means that EL citizens do not have a better channel in place to address their public safety issues to the local government. This could lead to the decisions made by the local government in public safety not fully communicated back to the citizens. The primary objective of the study is to develop a feedback loop model that will assist in more effective reporting of public safety issues between citizens and the local government. The study followed an interpretivism paradigm and the research methodology employed is the qualitative approach. This was influenced by the existing De Fleur model of communication, secondary data and also semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with eleven citizens and four managers from the Department of Public Safety. It was ascertained that the lack of a feedback loop about public safety issues between citizens and local government is likely to increase public safety issues. Findings revealed that this is because citizens are not continuously updated about their reports and also about the state of public safety matters. Furthermore, the methods of communication utilised lead to poor communication of public safety issues. The study concludes that the introduction of an Information and Communication Technology enabled feedback loop between citizens and local government can help in reducing public safety issues and make public safety officials proactive rather than reactive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for event marketing for Nelson Mandela Bay
- Nyamutsambira, Kudakwashe Don
- Authors: Nyamutsambira, Kudakwashe Don
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Special events -- South Africa -- Marketing , Special events -- South Africa -- Planning Special events -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13647 , vital:27260
- Description: Recent times have seen the increased proliferation of the concept of applying events in promoting destinations. This can be attributed to the effectiveness of events in solidifying the image and attractiveness of destinations. Currently, South Africa ranks as the twenty second most popular location for hosting events and has a foothold of 2.5% of the global event market share. The global pervasion of events has changed the dynamics that surround how destinations are promoted and has also significantly impacted the tourism industry and the respective tourist patterns of consumption. Literature suggests that events are gradually moving from previously being viewed as a complementary leisure activity towards becoming a primary source of attraction for destinations. Literature also confirms the extensive inclination of cities in the use of events for branding destinations. The primary problem that this study investigates is the lack of substantial knowhow with respect to how events can be presented in order to augment and enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. There is no substantial blueprint that is capable of informing from the perspective of event marketers, how best they can drive a successful event marketing imperative that the local and external consumers can appreciate. Additionally, Nelson Mandela Bay has over the recent years encountered a significant amount of losses stemming from the events realm of its tourist offering. The most recent and calamitous of its losses to date has been estimated at R200 million, which escaped the coffers of the local economy as a result of the internationally applauded IRB World Sevens event moving from the metropolis to Cape Town. This has caused disconcerted and agitated sentiments across business and tourism leadership locally. Since 2011, the IRB World Sevens Series cultivated over R1 Billion towards the local economy. Losses in terms of showcasing the city to a global audience on highly established and followed media platforms are also expected. In addition, given the lack of knowledge with respect to event marketing dynamics, the “Twelve Events in Twelve Months”, an initiative that will see different event themes being launched within the twelve calendar months of the year in Nelson Mandela Bay, runs a high risk of failing to take off upon its launch because local residents and potential tourists, both national and international will lack the knowledge sufficient to stimulate their acceptance and attraction to this concept. This study aims to investigate the concepts, notions and critical success factors that event marketers can apply in order to increase the success of the event marketing imperative in Nelson Mandela Bay. The success of event marketing is expected to increase the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay and brand it as a viable destination to prospective stakeholders. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was suggested by this study based on the literature review, an empirical evaluation was performed amongst the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay through the application of a questionnaire that was electronically and physically distributed. This questionnaire received 3 659 responses and measured respondents’ access and usage of media facilities. It also measured the perceptions of the current state of events in Nelson Mandela Bay. Furthermore, the questionnaire evaluated the destination image of Nelson Mandela Bay. Moreover, hypotheses were tested to evaluate the assumptions that the manner in which events are packaged, placed, positioned and promoted will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The findings of this study suggest that the strategic bundling, placing, promoting and positioning of events is critical towards advancing an event marketing imperative and sustaining it in the long term. Additionally, the study also indicates that the successful development of a comprehensive event marketing initiative will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The study thus concludes that event marketers can apply the proposed event marketing framework as a blueprint for informing their strategic development of event concepts in order to enhance their potential for success. The successful establishment of event offerings will consequently amplify the destination attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. This research’s deliverables are expected to positively influence and reinforce the productivity of the social interactions that encompass Nelson Mandela Bay. Essentially, a framework that credibly guides the event marketer’s thinking in developing event concepts for the city is expected to enhance the attractiveness, sustaining and success of events therein. The success of events is expected to widen business prospects within the city. Moreover, eminent events are also expected to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a formidable player, and an attractive destination to aspiring investors, decision makers and visitors. This is expected to widen the resource base of the local players within the city, and motivate for more collaboration amongst them in a quest of deriving mutual gain from the city’s progression. In view of these notions, this study can be grounded in the social capital theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nyamutsambira, Kudakwashe Don
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Special events -- South Africa -- Marketing , Special events -- South Africa -- Planning Special events -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13647 , vital:27260
- Description: Recent times have seen the increased proliferation of the concept of applying events in promoting destinations. This can be attributed to the effectiveness of events in solidifying the image and attractiveness of destinations. Currently, South Africa ranks as the twenty second most popular location for hosting events and has a foothold of 2.5% of the global event market share. The global pervasion of events has changed the dynamics that surround how destinations are promoted and has also significantly impacted the tourism industry and the respective tourist patterns of consumption. Literature suggests that events are gradually moving from previously being viewed as a complementary leisure activity towards becoming a primary source of attraction for destinations. Literature also confirms the extensive inclination of cities in the use of events for branding destinations. The primary problem that this study investigates is the lack of substantial knowhow with respect to how events can be presented in order to augment and enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. There is no substantial blueprint that is capable of informing from the perspective of event marketers, how best they can drive a successful event marketing imperative that the local and external consumers can appreciate. Additionally, Nelson Mandela Bay has over the recent years encountered a significant amount of losses stemming from the events realm of its tourist offering. The most recent and calamitous of its losses to date has been estimated at R200 million, which escaped the coffers of the local economy as a result of the internationally applauded IRB World Sevens event moving from the metropolis to Cape Town. This has caused disconcerted and agitated sentiments across business and tourism leadership locally. Since 2011, the IRB World Sevens Series cultivated over R1 Billion towards the local economy. Losses in terms of showcasing the city to a global audience on highly established and followed media platforms are also expected. In addition, given the lack of knowledge with respect to event marketing dynamics, the “Twelve Events in Twelve Months”, an initiative that will see different event themes being launched within the twelve calendar months of the year in Nelson Mandela Bay, runs a high risk of failing to take off upon its launch because local residents and potential tourists, both national and international will lack the knowledge sufficient to stimulate their acceptance and attraction to this concept. This study aims to investigate the concepts, notions and critical success factors that event marketers can apply in order to increase the success of the event marketing imperative in Nelson Mandela Bay. The success of event marketing is expected to increase the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay and brand it as a viable destination to prospective stakeholders. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was suggested by this study based on the literature review, an empirical evaluation was performed amongst the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay through the application of a questionnaire that was electronically and physically distributed. This questionnaire received 3 659 responses and measured respondents’ access and usage of media facilities. It also measured the perceptions of the current state of events in Nelson Mandela Bay. Furthermore, the questionnaire evaluated the destination image of Nelson Mandela Bay. Moreover, hypotheses were tested to evaluate the assumptions that the manner in which events are packaged, placed, positioned and promoted will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The findings of this study suggest that the strategic bundling, placing, promoting and positioning of events is critical towards advancing an event marketing imperative and sustaining it in the long term. Additionally, the study also indicates that the successful development of a comprehensive event marketing initiative will enhance the attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. The study thus concludes that event marketers can apply the proposed event marketing framework as a blueprint for informing their strategic development of event concepts in order to enhance their potential for success. The successful establishment of event offerings will consequently amplify the destination attractiveness of Nelson Mandela Bay. This research’s deliverables are expected to positively influence and reinforce the productivity of the social interactions that encompass Nelson Mandela Bay. Essentially, a framework that credibly guides the event marketer’s thinking in developing event concepts for the city is expected to enhance the attractiveness, sustaining and success of events therein. The success of events is expected to widen business prospects within the city. Moreover, eminent events are also expected to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a formidable player, and an attractive destination to aspiring investors, decision makers and visitors. This is expected to widen the resource base of the local players within the city, and motivate for more collaboration amongst them in a quest of deriving mutual gain from the city’s progression. In view of these notions, this study can be grounded in the social capital theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for management participation in HIV and AIDS intervention programmes: the Chris Hani District Municipality case
- Authors: Kolo, Vuyiswa Felicia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15345 , vital:28221
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Workplace HIV/AIDS programmes have been singled out by the Government as one of the measures to fight against the spread of the disease. However, it is quite concerning that managers in most organisations are very reluctant to actively participate in the programmes. One of such organisations is the Chris Hani District Municipality. Reluctance by managers to participate in these programmes has given rise to effects such as lower level employees also not willing to participate in the programmes; thereby undermining efforts by the municipality and the National Government as a whole to fight against the spread of the disease in South Africa. This study has developed a framework that may enable municipal managers to participate in HIV/AIDS programmes in the municipality. In addition the study has also explored factors that discourage managers from participating in HIV/AIDS programmes. The study took place in the Chris Hani municipality. The sample population was municipal managers from the different directorates. The methodological approach was quantitative. Data was collected with use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed physically and electronically by the researcher. The findings of the study show that in order for managers to actively participate in the programmes of HIV/AIDS, measures should be put place to enhance the following: self-awareness, positive attitude, effective communication, management involvement, management support, and relationship building. The researcher hopes that the study will not only enhance management participation in the Chris Hani municipality, but also other municipalities and organisations in South Africa interested in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kolo, Vuyiswa Felicia
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15345 , vital:28221
- Description: South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Workplace HIV/AIDS programmes have been singled out by the Government as one of the measures to fight against the spread of the disease. However, it is quite concerning that managers in most organisations are very reluctant to actively participate in the programmes. One of such organisations is the Chris Hani District Municipality. Reluctance by managers to participate in these programmes has given rise to effects such as lower level employees also not willing to participate in the programmes; thereby undermining efforts by the municipality and the National Government as a whole to fight against the spread of the disease in South Africa. This study has developed a framework that may enable municipal managers to participate in HIV/AIDS programmes in the municipality. In addition the study has also explored factors that discourage managers from participating in HIV/AIDS programmes. The study took place in the Chris Hani municipality. The sample population was municipal managers from the different directorates. The methodological approach was quantitative. Data was collected with use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed physically and electronically by the researcher. The findings of the study show that in order for managers to actively participate in the programmes of HIV/AIDS, measures should be put place to enhance the following: self-awareness, positive attitude, effective communication, management involvement, management support, and relationship building. The researcher hopes that the study will not only enhance management participation in the Chris Hani municipality, but also other municipalities and organisations in South Africa interested in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for the design of business intelligence dashboard tools
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business intelligence Dashboards (Management information systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12941 , vital:27136
- Description: Vast amounts of data are collected on a daily basis, making it difficult for humans to derive at valuable information to make effective decisions. In recent years, the field of Business Intelligence (BI) and Information Visualisation (IV) have become a key driver of an organisation’s success. BI tools supporting decision making need to be accessible to a larger audience on different levels of the organisation. The problem is that non-expert users, or novice users, of BI tools do not have the technical knowledge to conduct data analysis and often rely on expert users to assist. For this reason, BI vendors are shifting their focus to self-service BI, a relatively new term where novice users can analyse data without the traditional human mediator. Despite the proliferation of self-service BI tools, limited research is available on their usability and design considerations to assist novice users with decision making and BI analysis. The contribution of this study is a conceptual framework for designing, evaluating or selecting BI tools that support non-expert users to create dashboards (the BI Framework). A dashboard is a particular IV technique that enables users to view critical information at a glance. The main research problem addressed by this study is that non-expert users often have to utilise a number of software tools to conduct data analysis and to develop visualisations, such as BI dashboards. The research problem was further investigated by following a two-step approach. The first approach was to investigate existing problems by using an in-depth literature review in the fields of BI and IV. The second approach was to conduct a field study (Field Study 1) using a development environment consisting of a number of software components of which SAP Xcelsius was the main BI tool used to create a dashboard. The aim of the field study was to compare the identified problems and requirements with those found in literature. The results of the problem analysis revealed a number of problems in terms of BI software. One of the major problems is that BI tools do not adequately guide users through a logical process to conduct data analysis. In addition, the process becomes increasingly difficult when several BI tools are involved that need to be integrated. The results showed positive aspects when the data was mapped to a visualisation, which increased the users’ understanding of data they were analysing. The results were verified in a focus group discussion and were used to establish an initial set of problems and requirements, which were then synthesised with the problems and requirements identified from literature. Once the major problems were verified, a framework was established to guide the design of BI dashboard tools for novice users. The framework includes a set of design guidelines and usability evaluation criteria for BI tools. An extant systems analysis was conducted using BI tools to compare the advantages and disadvantages. The results revealed that a number of tools could be used by non-experts, however, their usability hinders users. All the participants used in all field studies and evaluations were Computer Science (CS) and Information Systems (IS) students. Participants were specially sourced from a higher education institution such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). A second field study (Field Study 2) was conducted with participants using another traditional BI tool identified from the extant systems analysis, PowerPivot. The objective of this field study was to verify the design guidelines and related features that served as a BI Scorecard that can be used to select BI tools. Another BI tool, Tableau, was used for the final evaluation. The final evaluation was conducted with a large participant sample consisting of IS students in their second and third year of study. The results for the two groups revealed a significant difference between participants’ education levels and the usability ratings of Tableau. Additionally, the results indicated a significant relationship between the participants’ experience level and the usability ratings of Tableau. The usability ratings of Tableau were mostly positive and the results revealed that participants found the tool easy to use, flexible and efficient. The proposed BI Framework can be used to assist organisations when evaluating BI tools for adoption. Furthermore, designers of BI tools can use the framework to improve the usability of these tools, reduce the workload for users when creating dashboards, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decision support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Smuts, Martin Bradley
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Business intelligence Dashboards (Management information systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12941 , vital:27136
- Description: Vast amounts of data are collected on a daily basis, making it difficult for humans to derive at valuable information to make effective decisions. In recent years, the field of Business Intelligence (BI) and Information Visualisation (IV) have become a key driver of an organisation’s success. BI tools supporting decision making need to be accessible to a larger audience on different levels of the organisation. The problem is that non-expert users, or novice users, of BI tools do not have the technical knowledge to conduct data analysis and often rely on expert users to assist. For this reason, BI vendors are shifting their focus to self-service BI, a relatively new term where novice users can analyse data without the traditional human mediator. Despite the proliferation of self-service BI tools, limited research is available on their usability and design considerations to assist novice users with decision making and BI analysis. The contribution of this study is a conceptual framework for designing, evaluating or selecting BI tools that support non-expert users to create dashboards (the BI Framework). A dashboard is a particular IV technique that enables users to view critical information at a glance. The main research problem addressed by this study is that non-expert users often have to utilise a number of software tools to conduct data analysis and to develop visualisations, such as BI dashboards. The research problem was further investigated by following a two-step approach. The first approach was to investigate existing problems by using an in-depth literature review in the fields of BI and IV. The second approach was to conduct a field study (Field Study 1) using a development environment consisting of a number of software components of which SAP Xcelsius was the main BI tool used to create a dashboard. The aim of the field study was to compare the identified problems and requirements with those found in literature. The results of the problem analysis revealed a number of problems in terms of BI software. One of the major problems is that BI tools do not adequately guide users through a logical process to conduct data analysis. In addition, the process becomes increasingly difficult when several BI tools are involved that need to be integrated. The results showed positive aspects when the data was mapped to a visualisation, which increased the users’ understanding of data they were analysing. The results were verified in a focus group discussion and were used to establish an initial set of problems and requirements, which were then synthesised with the problems and requirements identified from literature. Once the major problems were verified, a framework was established to guide the design of BI dashboard tools for novice users. The framework includes a set of design guidelines and usability evaluation criteria for BI tools. An extant systems analysis was conducted using BI tools to compare the advantages and disadvantages. The results revealed that a number of tools could be used by non-experts, however, their usability hinders users. All the participants used in all field studies and evaluations were Computer Science (CS) and Information Systems (IS) students. Participants were specially sourced from a higher education institution such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). A second field study (Field Study 2) was conducted with participants using another traditional BI tool identified from the extant systems analysis, PowerPivot. The objective of this field study was to verify the design guidelines and related features that served as a BI Scorecard that can be used to select BI tools. Another BI tool, Tableau, was used for the final evaluation. The final evaluation was conducted with a large participant sample consisting of IS students in their second and third year of study. The results for the two groups revealed a significant difference between participants’ education levels and the usability ratings of Tableau. Additionally, the results indicated a significant relationship between the participants’ experience level and the usability ratings of Tableau. The usability ratings of Tableau were mostly positive and the results revealed that participants found the tool easy to use, flexible and efficient. The proposed BI Framework can be used to assist organisations when evaluating BI tools for adoption. Furthermore, designers of BI tools can use the framework to improve the usability of these tools, reduce the workload for users when creating dashboards, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of decision support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A gender analysis of participation in community development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ndwe, Mihlali
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- EasternCape Women in development -- Africa, Southern , Women -- Africa, Southern -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13071 , vital:27149
- Description: For many decades, black rural women have been underprivileged, illiterate, with limited access to resources in general. They were not only faced with discrimination and segregation, both in organised labour markets and in informal sector employment, but they also had different legal rights regarding inheritance, land and credit. They got less education if any at all, lower pay, although they worked longer hours and had less access to professional training then men (Moser, 1993). For many years, development projects have been technical projects or construction projects focussing on construction work. Since the 1970s, possibilities for women participating in the planning, management and maintenance of development projects were broadened. In many of the projects, the project managers/planners would say that they have worked with the villages, leaders and committees, yet the majority of the time, they work with males living in the village. Women are usually targeted only for health education. More gender sensitive approach was shown in the 1980s, when women had several roles to play in matters of development (Syme, 1992: 6). In the past couple of years, South Africa has had a growing acceptance of a gender-focused approach to development. In accepting the gender-focused approach to development, the country went as far as creating a department of women, children and disabled to fight for the rights of women, children and the disabled. The country also signed a protocol of the SADC on gender and development. This protocol encompasses commitments made in all regional, global and continental instruments for achieving gender equality. It enhances these instruments by addressing gaps and setting specific, measurable targets where these do not already exist. The protocol advances gender equality by ensuring accountability by all SADC member states, as well as providing a forum for the sharing of best practices, peer support and review (SADC, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ndwe, Mihlali
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- EasternCape Women in development -- Africa, Southern , Women -- Africa, Southern -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13071 , vital:27149
- Description: For many decades, black rural women have been underprivileged, illiterate, with limited access to resources in general. They were not only faced with discrimination and segregation, both in organised labour markets and in informal sector employment, but they also had different legal rights regarding inheritance, land and credit. They got less education if any at all, lower pay, although they worked longer hours and had less access to professional training then men (Moser, 1993). For many years, development projects have been technical projects or construction projects focussing on construction work. Since the 1970s, possibilities for women participating in the planning, management and maintenance of development projects were broadened. In many of the projects, the project managers/planners would say that they have worked with the villages, leaders and committees, yet the majority of the time, they work with males living in the village. Women are usually targeted only for health education. More gender sensitive approach was shown in the 1980s, when women had several roles to play in matters of development (Syme, 1992: 6). In the past couple of years, South Africa has had a growing acceptance of a gender-focused approach to development. In accepting the gender-focused approach to development, the country went as far as creating a department of women, children and disabled to fight for the rights of women, children and the disabled. The country also signed a protocol of the SADC on gender and development. This protocol encompasses commitments made in all regional, global and continental instruments for achieving gender equality. It enhances these instruments by addressing gaps and setting specific, measurable targets where these do not already exist. The protocol advances gender equality by ensuring accountability by all SADC member states, as well as providing a forum for the sharing of best practices, peer support and review (SADC, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A longitudinal study of DNS traffic: understanding current DNS practice and abuse
- Authors: Van Zyl, Ignus
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3707 , vital:20537
- Description: This thesis examines a dataset spanning 21 months, containing 3,5 billion DNS packets. Traffic on TCP and UDP port 53, was captured on a production /24 IP block. The purpose of this thesis is twofold. The first is to create an understanding of current practice and behavior within the DNS infrastructure, the second to explore current threats faced by the DNS and the various systems that implement it. This is achieved by drawing on analysis and observations from the captured data. Aspects of the operation of DNS on the greater Internet are considered in this research with reference to the observed trends in the dataset, A thorough analysis of current DNS TTL implementation is made with respect to all response traffic, as well as sections looking at observed DNS TTL values for ,za domain replies and NX DOMAIN flagged replies. This thesis found that TTL values implemented are much lower than has been recommended in previous years, and that the TTL decrease is prevalent in most, but not all EE TTL implementation. With respect to the nature of DNS operations, this thesis also concerns itself with an analysis of the geoloeation of authoritative servers for local (,za) domains, and offers further observations towards the latency generated by the choice of authoritative server location for a given ,za domain. It was found that the majority of ,za domain authoritative servers are international, which results in latency generation that is multiple times greater than observed latencies for local authoritative servers. Further analysis is done with respect to NX DOM AIN behavior captured across the dataset. These findings outlined the cost of DNS miseonfiguration as well as highlighting instances of NXDOMAIN generation through malicious practice. With respect to DNS abuses, original research with respect to long-term scanning generated as a result of amplification attack activity on the greater Internet is presented. Many instances of amplification domain scans were captured during the packet capture, and an attempt is made to correlate that activity temporally with known amplification attack reports. The final area that this thesis deals with is the relatively new field of Bitflipping and Bitsquatting, delivering results on bitflip detection and evaluation over the course of the entire dataset. The detection methodology is outlined, and the final results are compared to findings given in recent bitflip literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Zyl, Ignus
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3707 , vital:20537
- Description: This thesis examines a dataset spanning 21 months, containing 3,5 billion DNS packets. Traffic on TCP and UDP port 53, was captured on a production /24 IP block. The purpose of this thesis is twofold. The first is to create an understanding of current practice and behavior within the DNS infrastructure, the second to explore current threats faced by the DNS and the various systems that implement it. This is achieved by drawing on analysis and observations from the captured data. Aspects of the operation of DNS on the greater Internet are considered in this research with reference to the observed trends in the dataset, A thorough analysis of current DNS TTL implementation is made with respect to all response traffic, as well as sections looking at observed DNS TTL values for ,za domain replies and NX DOMAIN flagged replies. This thesis found that TTL values implemented are much lower than has been recommended in previous years, and that the TTL decrease is prevalent in most, but not all EE TTL implementation. With respect to the nature of DNS operations, this thesis also concerns itself with an analysis of the geoloeation of authoritative servers for local (,za) domains, and offers further observations towards the latency generated by the choice of authoritative server location for a given ,za domain. It was found that the majority of ,za domain authoritative servers are international, which results in latency generation that is multiple times greater than observed latencies for local authoritative servers. Further analysis is done with respect to NX DOM AIN behavior captured across the dataset. These findings outlined the cost of DNS miseonfiguration as well as highlighting instances of NXDOMAIN generation through malicious practice. With respect to DNS abuses, original research with respect to long-term scanning generated as a result of amplification attack activity on the greater Internet is presented. Many instances of amplification domain scans were captured during the packet capture, and an attempt is made to correlate that activity temporally with known amplification attack reports. The final area that this thesis deals with is the relatively new field of Bitflipping and Bitsquatting, delivering results on bitflip detection and evaluation over the course of the entire dataset. The detection methodology is outlined, and the final results are compared to findings given in recent bitflip literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A marketing framework to enhance healthcare professionals' prescription for specialised infant formula
- Authors: Jordaan, Josina Hermeine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Marketing , Infant formulas , Medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8340 , vital:26346
- Description: The marketing of infant feeding products is almost impossible as the infant nutrition industry is highly regulated. Despite operating under strict regulations, the infant formula manufacturing companies still generate high revenues on an annual basis. The infant formula manufacturing industry operates under a value chain which can be broken down into six sequential steps. These steps are: (1) Translational science; (2) Product development; (3) Clinical research; (4) Product notification; (5) Reimbursement granting and (6) Product marketing. Medical nutrition companies aspire to understand product requirements of healthcare professionals and medical representatives. This is to enable direct investment to acquire market share without wasting resources. The medical nutrition industry currently makes use of medical representatives to execute product marketing. Manufacturing companies invest a lot of money into developing their products, employing and training medical representatives and trust that this will be enough to persuade healthcare professionals to recommend their products to parents. This study analyses the main contributing factors that enhance prescription of specialised infant formula by healthcare professionals. This study was conducted in a positivistic paradigm by making use of a quantitative approach. Healthcare professionals from Port Elizabeth, working with paediatric patients were included in this study. The healthcare professionals were chosen by a convenience sampling method and were then interviewed. The empirical interview results were substantiated with the interpretive findings which were in the form of verbatim statements extracted directly from the research questionnaire. Linkage between the dependable variable (prescription) and independent variables (manufacturing company; product composition; cost of product; medical representative and peers) were established and analysed. The research revealed that prescription behaviour is an important construct which can be measured in medical practices. Prescription behaviour is correlated with positive business and medical outcomes and manufacturing companies are able to exert influence over it through the identified variables. Of these variables, efficacy of vii a product, trusted manufacturing company and the medical representatives were found to have direct and significant effects. Healthcare professionals tend to prescribe a specialised infant formula if they have seen results and trust the outcome of the product. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to exert great effort before appointing a medical representative, to make sure that the right candidate represents the face of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jordaan, Josina Hermeine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Marketing , Infant formulas , Medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8340 , vital:26346
- Description: The marketing of infant feeding products is almost impossible as the infant nutrition industry is highly regulated. Despite operating under strict regulations, the infant formula manufacturing companies still generate high revenues on an annual basis. The infant formula manufacturing industry operates under a value chain which can be broken down into six sequential steps. These steps are: (1) Translational science; (2) Product development; (3) Clinical research; (4) Product notification; (5) Reimbursement granting and (6) Product marketing. Medical nutrition companies aspire to understand product requirements of healthcare professionals and medical representatives. This is to enable direct investment to acquire market share without wasting resources. The medical nutrition industry currently makes use of medical representatives to execute product marketing. Manufacturing companies invest a lot of money into developing their products, employing and training medical representatives and trust that this will be enough to persuade healthcare professionals to recommend their products to parents. This study analyses the main contributing factors that enhance prescription of specialised infant formula by healthcare professionals. This study was conducted in a positivistic paradigm by making use of a quantitative approach. Healthcare professionals from Port Elizabeth, working with paediatric patients were included in this study. The healthcare professionals were chosen by a convenience sampling method and were then interviewed. The empirical interview results were substantiated with the interpretive findings which were in the form of verbatim statements extracted directly from the research questionnaire. Linkage between the dependable variable (prescription) and independent variables (manufacturing company; product composition; cost of product; medical representative and peers) were established and analysed. The research revealed that prescription behaviour is an important construct which can be measured in medical practices. Prescription behaviour is correlated with positive business and medical outcomes and manufacturing companies are able to exert influence over it through the identified variables. Of these variables, efficacy of vii a product, trusted manufacturing company and the medical representatives were found to have direct and significant effects. Healthcare professionals tend to prescribe a specialised infant formula if they have seen results and trust the outcome of the product. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to exert great effort before appointing a medical representative, to make sure that the right candidate represents the face of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A mathematical study on optimal prevention and control strategies for tuberculosis: case study for Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zembe, Pumelela Vincent
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention Tuberculosis -- Mathematical models , Tuberculosis -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12823 , vital:27124
- Description: In this treatise a SEIR model for the transmission of tuberculosis was proposed. It assumes that the latent infected individuals progress to active tuberculosis through endogenous reactivation and exogenous re-infection and that the individuals who have recovered from the disease through treatment are not immune to tuberculosis re-infection. While most features of the original model were kept, the model was modified to incorporate two control measures in the form of post-exposure tuberculosis prophylaxis for the treatment of latent individuals and tuberculosis therapeutics for the treatmentof individuals with active tuberculosis. Mathematical analysis of the modelwas done under the assumption that the two control measures are positiveconstants. The disease-free equilibrium point was locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number was less than unity and unstable when this epidemic threshold exceeds unity. An optimal control problem was formulated and the necessary conditions for optimality were derived.The numerical results based on data from Port Elizabeth suggest that using both forms of control measures simultaneously is more effective in reducing the total number of infected individuals than applying single controls separately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model for green product purchasing behaviour
- Authors: Vervliet, Bruce Morton
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Green marketing , Consumer behavior Consumers -- Decision making Green movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13636 , vital:27259
- Description: The global warming phenomenon and its environmental impacts have seen the emergence of the green consumer who has become more aware of their power of demand through their consumption choices as they express their own attitudes, values, thoughts, feelings and behaviours in this regard. Organisations have taken cognisance of these trends and taken steps to exploit the opportunity by developing goods and services aimed at meeting the demands of the new consumer. This, in spite of the fact that knowledge of the variables, specifically green consumer profiles, awareness, knowledge and trust in influencing purchasing behaviour remains incomplete. The purpose of this treatise was to determine a clearer understanding of the relevance of these variables to enable marketers to craft more effective marketing strategies, thereby unlocking the profit potential of the green consumer. A model for green product purchasing behaviour was proposed based on extant literature and an empirical evaluation. An empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 597 consumers over the age of 18 within the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) sector in South Africa. The main goal was to establish the relationships of the hypothesised model between the independent variables of green consumer profiles, green product trust, green product awareness and green product knowledge with the dependant variable green product purchase behaviour. There was a high prevalence of African and European female respondents in the 26 to 55 age group, living and working in the coastal areas of South Africa, predominantly Port Elizabeth, earning an income between 10 000 and 30 000 rand per month. The sample was consistent with the psychographic profile of the green consumer as described in the literature, which is characterised as a consumer that takes personal responsibility for environmental solutions, who believes they can make a contribution to solving environmental issues, incorporates green living into daily lives, considers environmental issues when making purchasing decisions, is knowledgeable of, deliberately seeks out and is prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. When analysing the relationships and the significances of the differences of the independent variables to the dependant variable in the hypothesised model, it was established that the independent variables green consumer profiles, green product awareness and green product trust were significantly related to the dependent variable. A MODEL FOR GREEN PRODUCT PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR green product purchase behaviour. This was in line with and supported the reviewed literature in this regard. It was also established that green product knowledge did not reflect any significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. This finding did not correspond with the literature as significant relationships with green product knowledge and general environmental behaviour including green product purchase behaviours have been established therein. The findings further demonstrated that the independent variable green consumer profiles displayed the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour, followed by green product awareness and then green product trust. When considering the significance in the differences in strengths of these relationships it was noted that although green product awareness and trust may influence green product purchase behaviours it was a combination of psychographic variables reflecting a consumer’s general attitudes and beliefs towards the green agenda that displays the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. Despite the fact that the study was limited to the South African FMCG sector, the profile of the green consumer in the literature was dated, the cause and effect relationships between the variables were not tested and the fact that the hypothesised model was limited to only four independent variables, the above findings may, from a marketing perspective, have practical application for marketing strategies aimed at increasing green product purchasing behaviour. The results imply that directing green marketing initiatives to consumers that are most inclined to purchase and consume green goods or services being those that fall within the biographical and psychographic parameters outlined in this treatise will result in the desired outcomes. Furthermore, marketers should also pursue initiatives that are known to support and increase the amount of green product trust that consumers have in green products, green communications and the organisation. Marketers can also benefit from well formulated green awareness campaigns as the success of these campaigns will yield greater green product awareness which could increase green product purchase behaviours and purchases of green products still further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Vervliet, Bruce Morton
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Green marketing , Consumer behavior Consumers -- Decision making Green movement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13636 , vital:27259
- Description: The global warming phenomenon and its environmental impacts have seen the emergence of the green consumer who has become more aware of their power of demand through their consumption choices as they express their own attitudes, values, thoughts, feelings and behaviours in this regard. Organisations have taken cognisance of these trends and taken steps to exploit the opportunity by developing goods and services aimed at meeting the demands of the new consumer. This, in spite of the fact that knowledge of the variables, specifically green consumer profiles, awareness, knowledge and trust in influencing purchasing behaviour remains incomplete. The purpose of this treatise was to determine a clearer understanding of the relevance of these variables to enable marketers to craft more effective marketing strategies, thereby unlocking the profit potential of the green consumer. A model for green product purchasing behaviour was proposed based on extant literature and an empirical evaluation. An empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 597 consumers over the age of 18 within the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) sector in South Africa. The main goal was to establish the relationships of the hypothesised model between the independent variables of green consumer profiles, green product trust, green product awareness and green product knowledge with the dependant variable green product purchase behaviour. There was a high prevalence of African and European female respondents in the 26 to 55 age group, living and working in the coastal areas of South Africa, predominantly Port Elizabeth, earning an income between 10 000 and 30 000 rand per month. The sample was consistent with the psychographic profile of the green consumer as described in the literature, which is characterised as a consumer that takes personal responsibility for environmental solutions, who believes they can make a contribution to solving environmental issues, incorporates green living into daily lives, considers environmental issues when making purchasing decisions, is knowledgeable of, deliberately seeks out and is prepared to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products. When analysing the relationships and the significances of the differences of the independent variables to the dependant variable in the hypothesised model, it was established that the independent variables green consumer profiles, green product awareness and green product trust were significantly related to the dependent variable. A MODEL FOR GREEN PRODUCT PURCHASING BEHAVIOUR green product purchase behaviour. This was in line with and supported the reviewed literature in this regard. It was also established that green product knowledge did not reflect any significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. This finding did not correspond with the literature as significant relationships with green product knowledge and general environmental behaviour including green product purchase behaviours have been established therein. The findings further demonstrated that the independent variable green consumer profiles displayed the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour, followed by green product awareness and then green product trust. When considering the significance in the differences in strengths of these relationships it was noted that although green product awareness and trust may influence green product purchase behaviours it was a combination of psychographic variables reflecting a consumer’s general attitudes and beliefs towards the green agenda that displays the most significant relationship to green product purchase behaviour. Despite the fact that the study was limited to the South African FMCG sector, the profile of the green consumer in the literature was dated, the cause and effect relationships between the variables were not tested and the fact that the hypothesised model was limited to only four independent variables, the above findings may, from a marketing perspective, have practical application for marketing strategies aimed at increasing green product purchasing behaviour. The results imply that directing green marketing initiatives to consumers that are most inclined to purchase and consume green goods or services being those that fall within the biographical and psychographic parameters outlined in this treatise will result in the desired outcomes. Furthermore, marketers should also pursue initiatives that are known to support and increase the amount of green product trust that consumers have in green products, green communications and the organisation. Marketers can also benefit from well formulated green awareness campaigns as the success of these campaigns will yield greater green product awareness which could increase green product purchase behaviours and purchases of green products still further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model for Internet management at a higher education institution
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Internet -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10839 , vital:26828
- Description: The management of the Internet at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa (SA) was the focus of this research. The investigation was conducted into the level of Internet usage by determining for what purpose the Internet is used by the people at NMMU. The empirical data was collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed Internet Management Model was created that will assist NMMU with its Internet management obligations. It has become a standing practice at HEIs for its Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by its users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to utilise these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. This is a daunting task for various reasons, amongst which are: guidelines, best practices, governance influences, etc. are not readily available to assist with decision-making processes; the number of devices that require Internet connectivity is increasing almost on a daily basis; the content found on the Internet has become extremely resources-demanding; the Internet is no longer being utilised only during working hours but on a 24/7 basis; and lastly, the Internet is increasingly being abused by its use for non-work related activities which hinder the required connection and resources requirements for those who are using the Internet for work and research purposes. The purpose of this research study was to provide a proposed Internet Management Model to address all weaknesses and threats, currently being experienced at NMMU. This was created by firstly; determining what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEI; secondly, determining what the NMMU Internet users were utilising the Internet for and lastly; using the combined findings to draw conclusions and thereafter create an Internet Management Model for the HEI. This can assist the NMMU ICT Management team to re-align the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This will ensure that the NMMU Internet resources are effectively and efficiently utilised, which in turn will confirm that the availability of the Internet to its users and systems becomes a reliable and pleasant experience. The ICT Management team can then focus their undivided attention on other ICT-related matters. This treatise is an exploratory, mixed method study which comprises of literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys (questionnaires) was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies, and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain an insight into what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEIs in South Africa. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and various ICT Internet resources. Respondents were asked to identify the practices relevant to their HEI. The second survey was used to gain an insight into what the Internet was being used for at NMMU by staff and students. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and the various uses, frequency and periods of Internet usage. These respondents were then asked to identify the practices relevant to their Internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional study was then used to compare the two different population groups, which were NMMU staff and students, at a single point in time. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used for the analysis of the data. The HEI Internet management survey samples were of various sizes with each sample having its Internet resources specifically aligned with its environment. The common stereotypes regarding their Internet resources were mostly not present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Internet -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10839 , vital:26828
- Description: The management of the Internet at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), an Higher Education Institute (HEI) in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa (SA) was the focus of this research. The investigation was conducted into the level of Internet usage by determining for what purpose the Internet is used by the people at NMMU. The empirical data was collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed Internet Management Model was created that will assist NMMU with its Internet management obligations. It has become a standing practice at HEIs for its Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by its users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to utilise these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. This is a daunting task for various reasons, amongst which are: guidelines, best practices, governance influences, etc. are not readily available to assist with decision-making processes; the number of devices that require Internet connectivity is increasing almost on a daily basis; the content found on the Internet has become extremely resources-demanding; the Internet is no longer being utilised only during working hours but on a 24/7 basis; and lastly, the Internet is increasingly being abused by its use for non-work related activities which hinder the required connection and resources requirements for those who are using the Internet for work and research purposes. The purpose of this research study was to provide a proposed Internet Management Model to address all weaknesses and threats, currently being experienced at NMMU. This was created by firstly; determining what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEI; secondly, determining what the NMMU Internet users were utilising the Internet for and lastly; using the combined findings to draw conclusions and thereafter create an Internet Management Model for the HEI. This can assist the NMMU ICT Management team to re-align the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This will ensure that the NMMU Internet resources are effectively and efficiently utilised, which in turn will confirm that the availability of the Internet to its users and systems becomes a reliable and pleasant experience. The ICT Management team can then focus their undivided attention on other ICT-related matters. This treatise is an exploratory, mixed method study which comprises of literature studies, surveys and cross-sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys (questionnaires) was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies, and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain an insight into what was considered best practices regarding Internet management at HEIs in South Africa. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and various ICT Internet resources. Respondents were asked to identify the practices relevant to their HEI. The second survey was used to gain an insight into what the Internet was being used for at NMMU by staff and students. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographic data and the various uses, frequency and periods of Internet usage. These respondents were then asked to identify the practices relevant to their Internet usage patterns. A cross-sectional study was then used to compare the two different population groups, which were NMMU staff and students, at a single point in time. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods were used for the analysis of the data. The HEI Internet management survey samples were of various sizes with each sample having its Internet resources specifically aligned with its environment. The common stereotypes regarding their Internet resources were mostly not present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of Eastern Cape essential oil producers selling through electronic marketplaces
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A positive behaviour intervention approach to discipline at a primary school in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Matthews, Thomas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Behavior modification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11564 , vital:26938
- Description: Learner discipline has become a major concern in South African schools. A society of entitlement has been bred over the past 20 years. The school is an open system that influences its environment and is being influenced by it too. The most challenging concern, at least for teachers, is to create and to maintain a form of order and structure at schools. The troublesome situation has an impact on teachers as they have to spend more time addressing challenging behaviour instead of spending that time on teaching a set curriculum and syllabus. Unfortunately, teachers report feelings of being ill-prepared to deal effectively with the challenging behaviour of learners in schools. Hence it is imperative to consider strategies to foster school discipline to manage and modify challenging behaviour in schools. To date, most researches have shown a major paradigm shift from the punitive disciplinary measures of the past towards a rather preventive and more positive approach. It became inevitable that learner discipline should be correctional and educational – especially after the abolishment of corporal punishment in South African schools. An increase attention has started to concentrate on early identification and prevention of challenging behaviour and on strategies to resolve such behaviour at its earliest appearance. Some of the guiding determinants for this positive approach are vested in maintaining a safe, harmonious and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The outcry is to promote and encourage discipline amongst learners. An approach that has been termed school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support seems to address most of the challenging behaviours. Through the use of document analysis, observation and group interviews school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support was embraced. The findings further revealed that through proper planning, implementation strategies, and in-service training positive behaviour approach can be implemented in schools as framework for school discipline in primary schools. School-wide positive behaviour intervention and support will contribute successfully in managing and modifying challenging behaviour, fostering discipline in schools, and to educate learners in the habit of accountability and responsibility for their actions without using punishment following specified rules. Doing so some of the critical and developmental outcomes of education in South Africa will be realized. Although research in this area is limited, there are encouraging signs that a coordinated adoption of validated practice could substantially reduce challenging behaviours and thereby enhance the social and emotional well-being of learners in today’s society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Matthews, Thomas
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Behavior modification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11564 , vital:26938
- Description: Learner discipline has become a major concern in South African schools. A society of entitlement has been bred over the past 20 years. The school is an open system that influences its environment and is being influenced by it too. The most challenging concern, at least for teachers, is to create and to maintain a form of order and structure at schools. The troublesome situation has an impact on teachers as they have to spend more time addressing challenging behaviour instead of spending that time on teaching a set curriculum and syllabus. Unfortunately, teachers report feelings of being ill-prepared to deal effectively with the challenging behaviour of learners in schools. Hence it is imperative to consider strategies to foster school discipline to manage and modify challenging behaviour in schools. To date, most researches have shown a major paradigm shift from the punitive disciplinary measures of the past towards a rather preventive and more positive approach. It became inevitable that learner discipline should be correctional and educational – especially after the abolishment of corporal punishment in South African schools. An increase attention has started to concentrate on early identification and prevention of challenging behaviour and on strategies to resolve such behaviour at its earliest appearance. Some of the guiding determinants for this positive approach are vested in maintaining a safe, harmonious and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. The outcry is to promote and encourage discipline amongst learners. An approach that has been termed school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support seems to address most of the challenging behaviours. Through the use of document analysis, observation and group interviews school-wide positive behaviour intervention and support was embraced. The findings further revealed that through proper planning, implementation strategies, and in-service training positive behaviour approach can be implemented in schools as framework for school discipline in primary schools. School-wide positive behaviour intervention and support will contribute successfully in managing and modifying challenging behaviour, fostering discipline in schools, and to educate learners in the habit of accountability and responsibility for their actions without using punishment following specified rules. Doing so some of the critical and developmental outcomes of education in South Africa will be realized. Although research in this area is limited, there are encouraging signs that a coordinated adoption of validated practice could substantially reduce challenging behaviours and thereby enhance the social and emotional well-being of learners in today’s society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A psychobiographical study of Charlize Theron
- Authors: Prenter, Tracey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Theron, Charlize -- Psychology , Motion picture actors and actresses -- South Africa -- Biography , Motion picture actors and actresses -- United States -- Biography , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020843
- Description: Psychobiographers study the lives of extraordinary, prominent, and enigmatic individuals. Psychobiographical research advances our insight into the uniqueness and complexity of the human personality and therefore makes a substantial contribution towards one of the major objectives of the field of psychology. Purposive sampling was employed to select Charlize Theron as the subject of this psychobiographical study. As the only South African who has won an Oscar, Theron is an exceptional individual who demonstrates tenacity and a will to succeed despite significant traumatic events in her childhood. The case study data was organised and analysed according to the general analytic approach developed by Huberman and Miles (2002) and one of Alexander’s (1990) strategies, namely questioning the data. Erikson’s psychosocial theory (1950, 1963, 1995) was selected to guide this study because it recognises the impact of socio-cultural influences on developmental processes and provides a comprehensive, staged framework for studying Theron’s personality development. This study contributes to the development of psychobiographical research in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Prenter, Tracey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Theron, Charlize -- Psychology , Motion picture actors and actresses -- South Africa -- Biography , Motion picture actors and actresses -- United States -- Biography , Psychology -- Biographical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020843
- Description: Psychobiographers study the lives of extraordinary, prominent, and enigmatic individuals. Psychobiographical research advances our insight into the uniqueness and complexity of the human personality and therefore makes a substantial contribution towards one of the major objectives of the field of psychology. Purposive sampling was employed to select Charlize Theron as the subject of this psychobiographical study. As the only South African who has won an Oscar, Theron is an exceptional individual who demonstrates tenacity and a will to succeed despite significant traumatic events in her childhood. The case study data was organised and analysed according to the general analytic approach developed by Huberman and Miles (2002) and one of Alexander’s (1990) strategies, namely questioning the data. Erikson’s psychosocial theory (1950, 1963, 1995) was selected to guide this study because it recognises the impact of socio-cultural influences on developmental processes and provides a comprehensive, staged framework for studying Theron’s personality development. This study contributes to the development of psychobiographical research in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A psychobiographical study of Sybrand Gerhardus(Brand)Pretorius
- Authors: Harwood, Craig Sean
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pretorius, Brand, -- 1948 Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychology -- Biographical methods Industrialists -- South Africa -- Biography Businessmen -- South Africa -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7567 , vital:21929
- Description: The South African businessman, Brand Pretorius, was born in the rural Orange Free State town of Steynsrus in 1953. Pretorius rose to prominence in the motor industry in South Africa and he retired in 2011 as Chairman of McCarthy Motor Holdings Limited the largest motor retailer in South Africa. Pretorius was selected for this psychobiographical study by means of purposive sampling, given his extraordinary business achievements. Pretorius is publicly recognised as one of South Africa’s most successful businessmen and leaders. Psychobiographical research typically takes into consideration the entire life of an individual with the aim of uncovering the story of an individual’s life through the lens of a particular theory. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the leadership development of Brand Pretorius juxtaposed against the model of authentic leadership proposed by Avolio and Luthans (2003). The life history of Brand Pretorius was studied using a qualitative single-case study design. The psychobiographical research method allowed the single-case to be studied spanning his entire career. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Conceptual matrices were used to organise and integrate the findings against the model of authentic leadership. The use of multiple data sources increased the validity and reliability of the research process and findings. To ensure ethical integrity the researcher obtained informed consent from Pretorius. The findings of this research study indicate that Pretorius was able to successfully display the authentic leadership dimensions of self-awareness, internalised moral perspective, balanced processing, relational transparency and positive psychological capacities throughout the course of his career.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Harwood, Craig Sean
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Pretorius, Brand, -- 1948 Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychology -- Biographical methods Industrialists -- South Africa -- Biography Businessmen -- South Africa -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7567 , vital:21929
- Description: The South African businessman, Brand Pretorius, was born in the rural Orange Free State town of Steynsrus in 1953. Pretorius rose to prominence in the motor industry in South Africa and he retired in 2011 as Chairman of McCarthy Motor Holdings Limited the largest motor retailer in South Africa. Pretorius was selected for this psychobiographical study by means of purposive sampling, given his extraordinary business achievements. Pretorius is publicly recognised as one of South Africa’s most successful businessmen and leaders. Psychobiographical research typically takes into consideration the entire life of an individual with the aim of uncovering the story of an individual’s life through the lens of a particular theory. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the leadership development of Brand Pretorius juxtaposed against the model of authentic leadership proposed by Avolio and Luthans (2003). The life history of Brand Pretorius was studied using a qualitative single-case study design. The psychobiographical research method allowed the single-case to be studied spanning his entire career. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Conceptual matrices were used to organise and integrate the findings against the model of authentic leadership. The use of multiple data sources increased the validity and reliability of the research process and findings. To ensure ethical integrity the researcher obtained informed consent from Pretorius. The findings of this research study indicate that Pretorius was able to successfully display the authentic leadership dimensions of self-awareness, internalised moral perspective, balanced processing, relational transparency and positive psychological capacities throughout the course of his career.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A psychobiographical study of Theodore Robert Bundy
- Authors: McGivern, Kelly Berene
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychology -- United States -- Biographical methods Serial murderers -- United States -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11742 , vital:26964
- Description: This study is a psychobiographical study aiming to explore and describe the life of Theodore Robert Bundy, a serial killer who confessed to approximately 30 homicides committed in various states of America between 1974 and 1978. The study used Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to examine Bundy’s life and to understand his unique character and personality development. The subject was chosen based on interest value through purposive sampling and the study utilises a qualitative single case study approach. Archival data were collected from primary and secondary sources in order to enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of the study. All materials collected and analysed, were published and publically available. Data were analysed by first organising and reducing the information obtained, and then displaying it for a discussion of Bundy’s life. Themes of discussion centred around Bundy’s lack of resolution of psychosocial crises and the development of malignancies and maladaptations which impacted negatively on his later development and identity formation. The study emphasises the importance of psychobiographical research studies and the value of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development in understanding personality development. Recommendations for future research in this field were made in the hope of further uncovering and understanding personality and its development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: McGivern, Kelly Berene
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Psychology -- United States -- Biographical methods Serial murderers -- United States -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11742 , vital:26964
- Description: This study is a psychobiographical study aiming to explore and describe the life of Theodore Robert Bundy, a serial killer who confessed to approximately 30 homicides committed in various states of America between 1974 and 1978. The study used Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to examine Bundy’s life and to understand his unique character and personality development. The subject was chosen based on interest value through purposive sampling and the study utilises a qualitative single case study approach. Archival data were collected from primary and secondary sources in order to enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of the study. All materials collected and analysed, were published and publically available. Data were analysed by first organising and reducing the information obtained, and then displaying it for a discussion of Bundy’s life. Themes of discussion centred around Bundy’s lack of resolution of psychosocial crises and the development of malignancies and maladaptations which impacted negatively on his later development and identity formation. The study emphasises the importance of psychobiographical research studies and the value of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development in understanding personality development. Recommendations for future research in this field were made in the hope of further uncovering and understanding personality and its development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016