An investigation into the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa
- Authors: Xiaobin, Li
- Subjects: Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1177 , Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Description: As an important part of a nation’s history and culture, South African wine industry contributes vastly towards South Africa’s economy and job creation. However, under the influence of the widespread globalisation, South African wineries have to face many new issues and challenges. How to expand their overseas markets and obtain a sustainable development mode has drawn more attention from South African entrepreneurs in this field. Due to the rapid economic development and the huge population, China can provide a market with enormous potential to South African wineries. The fast growing trade between the two countries can also bring opportunities to South African entrepreneurs to explore the Chinese market. Therefore, it is necessary and vital for South African wineries to understand the Chinese market and the factors that influence wine imports from South Africa before they enter the wine market in China. The research problem addressed in this study was to investigate the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to probe the various aspects of the wine market in China, including the characteristics, the status quo and the development trends of this market. The driving factors that attribute to a great increase in wine consumption in China were also explored and discussed. Based on the literature study, a survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the empirical data. By means of comparison and integration of the findings of the empirical survey with the literature study, the results were obtained for solving the research problems. In addition, conclusions and recommendations iii were drawn to assist South African wineries and other marketers in choosing appropriate marketing strategies and avoiding potential risks.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Xiaobin, Li
- Subjects: Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1177 , Wine industry -- Marketing , Wine industry -- South Africa , Economic assistance, Chinese
- Description: As an important part of a nation’s history and culture, South African wine industry contributes vastly towards South Africa’s economy and job creation. However, under the influence of the widespread globalisation, South African wineries have to face many new issues and challenges. How to expand their overseas markets and obtain a sustainable development mode has drawn more attention from South African entrepreneurs in this field. Due to the rapid economic development and the huge population, China can provide a market with enormous potential to South African wineries. The fast growing trade between the two countries can also bring opportunities to South African entrepreneurs to explore the Chinese market. Therefore, it is necessary and vital for South African wineries to understand the Chinese market and the factors that influence wine imports from South Africa before they enter the wine market in China. The research problem addressed in this study was to investigate the factors in the Chinese market that influence wine imports from South Africa. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to probe the various aspects of the wine market in China, including the characteristics, the status quo and the development trends of this market. The driving factors that attribute to a great increase in wine consumption in China were also explored and discussed. Based on the literature study, a survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the empirical data. By means of comparison and integration of the findings of the empirical survey with the literature study, the results were obtained for solving the research problems. In addition, conclusions and recommendations iii were drawn to assist South African wineries and other marketers in choosing appropriate marketing strategies and avoiding potential risks.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of and comparison between job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Authors: Xiphu, Lizeka Cynthia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/166 , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Description: South African organizations operate in a changing environment. The ultimate criterion of organisational effectiveness is whether the organisation survives in its environment. Political, social, technological and economic changes constantly challenge businesses to adopt new approaches in this strive for survival. These challenges affect the roles, and possibly the job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers. In this paper, the writer aimed to study and compare job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The effects of job satisfaction, or the lack thereof must be clearly identifiable to the top managers. These can either be positive or negative. In the case of positive effects, managers must strive to maintain the conditions that contribute to the positive effects of job satisfaction. In the study it was observed that middle-level managers scored higher and therefore they had higher overall job satisfaction levels than first-line supervisors. The job satisfaction levels of the first-line supervisors are found to be lower in all the areas that were stated as factors affecting job satisfaction. These areas were the personality job fit, the job content, the job context, the organisational environment and the macro environment. The companies therefore have a task of improving the job satisfaction levels in these areas. The writer recommends that organisations in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area take a closer look at the job satisfaction levels of their first-line supervisors. These managers' job satisfaction levels need to be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent. It is mentioned in the theoretical study that firstline supervisors are very important in organisations, as they are the link between upper management and the employees. Their roles are multi-faceted as they have important functions to fulfil in the operation and ultimately success of the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Xiphu, Lizeka Cynthia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/166 , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Description: South African organizations operate in a changing environment. The ultimate criterion of organisational effectiveness is whether the organisation survives in its environment. Political, social, technological and economic changes constantly challenge businesses to adopt new approaches in this strive for survival. These challenges affect the roles, and possibly the job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers. In this paper, the writer aimed to study and compare job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The effects of job satisfaction, or the lack thereof must be clearly identifiable to the top managers. These can either be positive or negative. In the case of positive effects, managers must strive to maintain the conditions that contribute to the positive effects of job satisfaction. In the study it was observed that middle-level managers scored higher and therefore they had higher overall job satisfaction levels than first-line supervisors. The job satisfaction levels of the first-line supervisors are found to be lower in all the areas that were stated as factors affecting job satisfaction. These areas were the personality job fit, the job content, the job context, the organisational environment and the macro environment. The companies therefore have a task of improving the job satisfaction levels in these areas. The writer recommends that organisations in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area take a closer look at the job satisfaction levels of their first-line supervisors. These managers' job satisfaction levels need to be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent. It is mentioned in the theoretical study that firstline supervisors are very important in organisations, as they are the link between upper management and the employees. Their roles are multi-faceted as they have important functions to fulfil in the operation and ultimately success of the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation of how natural sciences teachers mediate learning of chemical reactions in Grade 9: a case study
- Authors: Xipu, Bukelwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chemical reactions Science teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Science teachers -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003513
- Description: This research study involves two Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers from two schools in the Lady Frere District of the Eastern Cape. The reason for selecting these two teachers is that in 2009 they, like me, obtained an Advanced Certificate in Education (Science and Maths) from Rhodes University. As a result, we have a good working relationship. Furthermore, both teachers are actively involved in the Natural Sciences curriculum in the District and their schools are not far from the District Office where I work. The principal objective of this study was to investigate how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9. It was triggered by the transformation in curriculum in South Africa as well as by my experience of working with Natural Sciences teachers in our rural district. The study is informed by an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative case study approach. The data was gathered by administering analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews, observations, field notes and journals. During the data analysis process, patterns and themes were illuminated using the inductive analysis method. Rich data sets in relation to the main research question on how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9 emerged from the analysed data. The conclusions that can be drawn from the study indicate that when teaching chemical reactions, teachers should have adequate content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. It is thus recommended that teachers consider the prior knowledge of learners, use a variety of teaching and learning approaches including practical activities, to make learning meaningful. The major limitation of this study is that the two selected teachers do not represent the whole population of Grade 9 teachers in the Lady Frere District. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to represent the larger population. It is recognised, however, that within the qualitative inquiry, reliability and generalizability play a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Xipu, Bukelwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chemical reactions Science teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Science teachers -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1631 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003513
- Description: This research study involves two Grade 9 Natural Sciences teachers from two schools in the Lady Frere District of the Eastern Cape. The reason for selecting these two teachers is that in 2009 they, like me, obtained an Advanced Certificate in Education (Science and Maths) from Rhodes University. As a result, we have a good working relationship. Furthermore, both teachers are actively involved in the Natural Sciences curriculum in the District and their schools are not far from the District Office where I work. The principal objective of this study was to investigate how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9. It was triggered by the transformation in curriculum in South Africa as well as by my experience of working with Natural Sciences teachers in our rural district. The study is informed by an interpretive paradigm using a qualitative case study approach. The data was gathered by administering analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews, observations, field notes and journals. During the data analysis process, patterns and themes were illuminated using the inductive analysis method. Rich data sets in relation to the main research question on how Natural Sciences teachers mediated learning in order to enhance conceptual development and understanding of chemical reactions in Grade 9 emerged from the analysed data. The conclusions that can be drawn from the study indicate that when teaching chemical reactions, teachers should have adequate content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. It is thus recommended that teachers consider the prior knowledge of learners, use a variety of teaching and learning approaches including practical activities, to make learning meaningful. The major limitation of this study is that the two selected teachers do not represent the whole population of Grade 9 teachers in the Lady Frere District. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to represent the larger population. It is recognised, however, that within the qualitative inquiry, reliability and generalizability play a minor role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The effect of rural development projects on food security and malnutrition
- Authors: Xipu, Ncedisa Tandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13447 , vital:27195
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of rural development projects on food insecurity and malnutrition at Siyazama food garden project in Sakhisizwe Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach which included in-depth interviews of twenty-six (26) Siyazama food garden project members and four (4) municipal officials. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the level of food insecurity and malnutrition in the studied area is still regarded as being high as most of the participants reported that they still have a problem in accessing all the vital nutritional elements which constitute a balanced diet. Also, the study also found that although most of the rural development projects like the Siyazama food gardening project have a profound effect in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition on household level, in South Africa there is a debate about the sustainability or such projects in solving this issue. The study found a number of challenges facing the Siyazama Food gardening project which include: theft, poor management, lack of support, lack of agricultural expertise and conflict amongst members. The study concluded by making some recommendations with to view of resolving the above mentioned challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xipu, Ncedisa Tandile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13447 , vital:27195
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of rural development projects on food insecurity and malnutrition at Siyazama food garden project in Sakhisizwe Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach which included in-depth interviews of twenty-six (26) Siyazama food garden project members and four (4) municipal officials. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the level of food insecurity and malnutrition in the studied area is still regarded as being high as most of the participants reported that they still have a problem in accessing all the vital nutritional elements which constitute a balanced diet. Also, the study also found that although most of the rural development projects like the Siyazama food gardening project have a profound effect in tackling food insecurity and malnutrition on household level, in South Africa there is a debate about the sustainability or such projects in solving this issue. The study found a number of challenges facing the Siyazama Food gardening project which include: theft, poor management, lack of support, lack of agricultural expertise and conflict amongst members. The study concluded by making some recommendations with to view of resolving the above mentioned challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Synthesis of folate-conjugated palladium nanoparticles
- Authors: Xolo, Luthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructured materials Complex compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36442 , vital:33943
- Description: In this study, the synthesis of two new folate-conjugated palladium (Pd) nanoparticles was carried out. This was done via two steps; firstly, the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) capped with 4-aminothiophenol (4-Atp) and secondly, they were conjugated to the folate to form Folate-4Atp-PdNPs. All the above were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which confirmed the formation of the targeted product (PdNPs-4-Atp-folate) as well as the 2-Aet linked with folate product (2-Aet-folate). The optical properties of the products formed were characterized further by using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL). The size and shape of the nanoparticles were obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The FTIR confirmed the formation of desired nanoparticles (Fa-4Atp-PdNPs), with peak of C=O stretching vibration at 1659 cm-1. The UV-Vis showed absorption peaks at 236 nm and 285 nm which was due to n-π* and π-π* transitions. The nanoparticles also showed excitation and emission peaks at 360 nm and 455 nm from the PL when excitation wavelength was set at 270 nm. The methanol soluble nanoparticles had an average size of 36 nm while the water-soluble nanoparticles were 4 nm in size. The HRTEM also showed the methanol nanoparticles were amorphous while the water-soluble nanoparticles were crystalline. The work reports on comparison of the methanol-soluble and water-soluble nanoparticles size distribution and the effect of capping agent used on the nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Xolo, Luthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Nanostructured materials Complex compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36442 , vital:33943
- Description: In this study, the synthesis of two new folate-conjugated palladium (Pd) nanoparticles was carried out. This was done via two steps; firstly, the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) capped with 4-aminothiophenol (4-Atp) and secondly, they were conjugated to the folate to form Folate-4Atp-PdNPs. All the above were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which confirmed the formation of the targeted product (PdNPs-4-Atp-folate) as well as the 2-Aet linked with folate product (2-Aet-folate). The optical properties of the products formed were characterized further by using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL). The size and shape of the nanoparticles were obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The FTIR confirmed the formation of desired nanoparticles (Fa-4Atp-PdNPs), with peak of C=O stretching vibration at 1659 cm-1. The UV-Vis showed absorption peaks at 236 nm and 285 nm which was due to n-π* and π-π* transitions. The nanoparticles also showed excitation and emission peaks at 360 nm and 455 nm from the PL when excitation wavelength was set at 270 nm. The methanol soluble nanoparticles had an average size of 36 nm while the water-soluble nanoparticles were 4 nm in size. The HRTEM also showed the methanol nanoparticles were amorphous while the water-soluble nanoparticles were crystalline. The work reports on comparison of the methanol-soluble and water-soluble nanoparticles size distribution and the effect of capping agent used on the nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction in mining communities
- Authors: Xongo, Nosipho
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018576
- Description: There is a growing concern from government, communities, civil society and mining companies on the sustained development of the impact of mining on communities and the benefits of mineral development. Communities are more vocal in expressing their expectations for benefits and on the other hand mines are concerned about profits and maintaining a social licence to operate. This study critically evaluates the impact mining has on socio-economic development in mining communities. The focus area of the study is the West Rand District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The ‘impact’ refers to the mine’s contribution to infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects in areas where the mine is operating and sourcing labour from. Forecasts for better performance in the future will be assessed. Issues such as community consultation, identification of projects, development forums, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and partnerships are addressed. The literature was reviewed from existing national and international research on the topic. The study starts from two assumptions. The first is that minerals are potentially a great resource of wealth for poor countries. The second assumption is that minerals have the potential to benefit the local population through the creation of indirect employment, skills transfer, enhancing the capacity of health and education services, improved infrastructure and small and medium business opportunities. Poverty levels are viewed on a national and international scale. The study reveals problems, with existing approaches, on mine community development. It concludes that the impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects can be huge, but only if a variety of demanding preconditions are met. The study concludes that the reality of mineral led development in mine communities has not lived up to a roaring promise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Xongo, Nosipho
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mineral industries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018576
- Description: There is a growing concern from government, communities, civil society and mining companies on the sustained development of the impact of mining on communities and the benefits of mineral development. Communities are more vocal in expressing their expectations for benefits and on the other hand mines are concerned about profits and maintaining a social licence to operate. This study critically evaluates the impact mining has on socio-economic development in mining communities. The focus area of the study is the West Rand District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The ‘impact’ refers to the mine’s contribution to infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects in areas where the mine is operating and sourcing labour from. Forecasts for better performance in the future will be assessed. Issues such as community consultation, identification of projects, development forums, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and partnerships are addressed. The literature was reviewed from existing national and international research on the topic. The study starts from two assumptions. The first is that minerals are potentially a great resource of wealth for poor countries. The second assumption is that minerals have the potential to benefit the local population through the creation of indirect employment, skills transfer, enhancing the capacity of health and education services, improved infrastructure and small and medium business opportunities. Poverty levels are viewed on a national and international scale. The study reveals problems, with existing approaches, on mine community development. It concludes that the impact of mining on infrastructure development and poverty reduction projects can be huge, but only if a variety of demanding preconditions are met. The study concludes that the reality of mineral led development in mine communities has not lived up to a roaring promise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Causes and impacts of delays in low-income housing projects in the greater Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffolo City Municipality
- Authors: Xongo, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Project management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36259 , vital:33916
- Description: A construction project depends upon having correct people with the correct skills and usable equipment, therefore to deliver the project on time, on budget and specified quality. Project success can be attained if the construction works moves professionally within the time schedule. Delays to projects mean the go slow of process and all other related fields. The main aim of this study is to assess the numerous causes of delays and reasons for those delays that are currently affecting the project in low income housing projects in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Xongo, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Project management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Project management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Housing development -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36259 , vital:33916
- Description: A construction project depends upon having correct people with the correct skills and usable equipment, therefore to deliver the project on time, on budget and specified quality. Project success can be attained if the construction works moves professionally within the time schedule. Delays to projects mean the go slow of process and all other related fields. The main aim of this study is to assess the numerous causes of delays and reasons for those delays that are currently affecting the project in low income housing projects in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
The efficiency of service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, wards 22 and 36
- Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Authors: Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Comparative government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13425 , vital:27184
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of service delivery in specific communities, namely Wards 22 and 36, in order to assess whether residents of those communities understand the service delivery process and whether there is enough communication and relationship within the councillors and residents. It is aimed at looking at the relationship between ward councillors and the residents of the community that they are given to represent. Service delivery is something that South Africa has been battling with for years. As much as there is progress within our country, a lot still needs to be done in order to satisfy the citizens of this country. That is where the purpose of this research thus come in, it looks at what the municipality has done to assist its people in matters that are urgent, such as housing, running water and electricity, to name a few. As stated above, this research looks at the implementation, or lack thereof of the municipality, on things that they had said they would attend to in the two wards, ward 22 and ward 36.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xotyeni, Nompumelelo Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Comparative government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13425 , vital:27184
- Description: The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of service delivery in specific communities, namely Wards 22 and 36, in order to assess whether residents of those communities understand the service delivery process and whether there is enough communication and relationship within the councillors and residents. It is aimed at looking at the relationship between ward councillors and the residents of the community that they are given to represent. Service delivery is something that South Africa has been battling with for years. As much as there is progress within our country, a lot still needs to be done in order to satisfy the citizens of this country. That is where the purpose of this research thus come in, it looks at what the municipality has done to assist its people in matters that are urgent, such as housing, running water and electricity, to name a few. As stated above, this research looks at the implementation, or lack thereof of the municipality, on things that they had said they would attend to in the two wards, ward 22 and ward 36.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the existence of equilibrium in mathematical economics
- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A study of psychological intervention strategies used by national soccer coaches for male teams in South Africa
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Automated statistical audit system for a government regulatory authority
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Xozwa, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Auditing -- Statistical methods -- Data processing , Mathematica (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6061 , vital:21035
- Description: Governments all over the world are faced with numerous challenges while running their countries on a daily basis. The predominant challenges which arise are those which involve statistical methodologies. Official statistics to South Africa’s infrastructure are very important and because of this it is important that an effort is made to reduce the challenges that occur during the development of official statistics. For official statistics to be developed successfully quality standards need to be built into an organisational framework and form a system of architecture (Statistics New Zealand 2009:1). Therefore, this study seeks to develop a statistical methodology that is appropriate and scientifically correct using an automated statistical system for audits in government regulatory authorities. The study makes use of Mathematica to provide guidelines on how to develop and use an automated statistical audit system. A comprehensive literature study was conducted using existing secondary sources. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted for this study, to empirically assess the demographic characteristics of tenants of Social Housing Estates and their perceptions towards the rental units they inhabit. More specifically a descriptive study was undertaken. Furthermore, a sample size was selected by means of convenience sampling for a case study on SHRA to assess the respondent’s biographical information. From this sample, a pilot study was conducted investigating the general perceptions of the respondents regarding the physical conditions and quality of their units. The technical development of an automated statistical audit system was discussed. This process involved the development and use of a questionnaire design tool, statistical analysis and reporting and how Mathematica software served as a platform for developing the system. The findings of this study provide insights on how government regulatory authorities can best utilise automated statistical audits for regulation purposes and achieved this by developing an automated statistical audit system for government regulatory authorities. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide government regulatory authorities with practical suggestions or solutions regarding the generating of official statistics for regulatory purposes, and that the suggestions for future research will inspire future researchers to further investigate automated statistical audit systems, statistical analysis, automated questionnaire development, and government regulatory authorities individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the municipal infrastructure and systems and their implications on the small town revitalisation strategy at Engcobo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xuba, Zibele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2888 , vital:28121
- Description: This study was conducted at Engcobo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province to assess the role of municipal structures and systems in the implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. From onset, it highlights that numerous attempts to implement small town revitalisation have failed because of lack of institutional capacity. In addressing this problem, the study outlined the following objectives. To assess role played by municipal structures and systems on implementation of small town revitalisation. To identify institutional challenges experienced during implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. To propose alternative institutional measures that can lead to effective implementation of small town revitalisation. In achieving the study’s objectives; literature from both developed and developing countries was reviewed and it was learnt that institutional capacity is important for efficient implementation of the strategy. Systems theory was also reviewed so as to provide conceptual basis that underpins this study. Data was collected through primary methods and secondary sources. Research participants were chosen by random sampling from councillors, managers, business and traditional leaders. Research findings revealed that there were institutional problems which hinder implementation of the strategy such as lack of competent human resources, insufficient budget and shortages of machinery. Through analysis of findings, the research proposed that small town revitalisation strategy should be reformulated and role of municipal structures be clearly defined. Both councillors and officials should be capacitated. The study further recommended that local people and stakeholders should be involved in the conception and implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. Areas for further research were proposed at the end.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Xuba, Zibele
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2888 , vital:28121
- Description: This study was conducted at Engcobo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province to assess the role of municipal structures and systems in the implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. From onset, it highlights that numerous attempts to implement small town revitalisation have failed because of lack of institutional capacity. In addressing this problem, the study outlined the following objectives. To assess role played by municipal structures and systems on implementation of small town revitalisation. To identify institutional challenges experienced during implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. To propose alternative institutional measures that can lead to effective implementation of small town revitalisation. In achieving the study’s objectives; literature from both developed and developing countries was reviewed and it was learnt that institutional capacity is important for efficient implementation of the strategy. Systems theory was also reviewed so as to provide conceptual basis that underpins this study. Data was collected through primary methods and secondary sources. Research participants were chosen by random sampling from councillors, managers, business and traditional leaders. Research findings revealed that there were institutional problems which hinder implementation of the strategy such as lack of competent human resources, insufficient budget and shortages of machinery. Through analysis of findings, the research proposed that small town revitalisation strategy should be reformulated and role of municipal structures be clearly defined. Both councillors and officials should be capacitated. The study further recommended that local people and stakeholders should be involved in the conception and implementation of small town revitalisation strategy. Areas for further research were proposed at the end.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The art of education reform: an analysis of the relationship between arts education and performance in mathematics and science
- Authors: Xulu, Senzo Siphesihle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational change -- South Africa Arts in education -- South Africa Science -- South Africa -- Mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14124 , vital:27432
- Description: The role of the Arts Education in South African Education has long been a contentious and disputable topic. Despite this, a large amount of literature has been compiled advocating for the inclusion of the arts in schooling systems worldwide. Most of this literature speaks of the benefits of the arts, covering how they directly and indirectly affect 1) The learning environment 2) The learner and 3) The performance of the learner in other subjects. The basis of this study is to intently look at the third factor, the influence of the arts on a learner’s performance in other subjects, like Mathematics and Science. Though education reform programs are neither new nor few in number, those that have been implemented through the arts, and in low socio-economic areas, portray art education as a salient ingredient to holistic education reform. The study draws from such reform programs, from around the world, and categorically shows how they have successfully integrated arts education into their curricula. Through the investigation of the success and implementation of these programs, this paper shows that creativity - through the teaching of the arts - is a vital key to the education reform that South Africa is in need of, particularly in mathematics and science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Xulu, Senzo Siphesihle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational change -- South Africa Arts in education -- South Africa Science -- South Africa -- Mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14124 , vital:27432
- Description: The role of the Arts Education in South African Education has long been a contentious and disputable topic. Despite this, a large amount of literature has been compiled advocating for the inclusion of the arts in schooling systems worldwide. Most of this literature speaks of the benefits of the arts, covering how they directly and indirectly affect 1) The learning environment 2) The learner and 3) The performance of the learner in other subjects. The basis of this study is to intently look at the third factor, the influence of the arts on a learner’s performance in other subjects, like Mathematics and Science. Though education reform programs are neither new nor few in number, those that have been implemented through the arts, and in low socio-economic areas, portray art education as a salient ingredient to holistic education reform. The study draws from such reform programs, from around the world, and categorically shows how they have successfully integrated arts education into their curricula. Through the investigation of the success and implementation of these programs, this paper shows that creativity - through the teaching of the arts - is a vital key to the education reform that South Africa is in need of, particularly in mathematics and science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A critical assessment of the oversight role of committees of parliament : a case of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works National Parliament in South Africa 2010 - 2015
- Authors: Yako, Roderic Ralph Odo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Transport Legislative oversight Legislative bodies -- Committees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11928 , vital:39119
- Description: The research seeks to assess the efficacy of the oversight role of portfolio committees of Parliament with specific reference to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works between 2010 and 2015. The Portfolio Committee on Public Works has an overarching oversight role over all infrastructural and maintenance services rendered by the Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works fulfils a pivotal function in the infrastructural and maintenance service rendition to all departments in the executive. This function overlaps on provincial and local government spheres. The researcher dwells much on the capacity and competency of members of portfolio committees and support staff in their use of oversight tools, inclusive of the Theory of Change, Monitoring and Evaluation, Budget Cycle Model, Public Sector Oversight Model and Logical Framework when conducting oversight within a financial year. The critical point that was noted was the inadequate time allocated by the Joint Programme Committee for committee oversight and the inadequate capacity of members and support to apply the instruments designed for effective and efficient oversight. The dearth of application of appropriate instruments for oversight is exacerbated by the proliferation of executive government departments, which stretches the work of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works without stretching the resources. The research methodology used included data collection using questionnaires and interviews as instruments for assessment. Questionnaires were distributed to all Whips of all parties in Parliament. A sample size was measured from the total number of members of Parliament less ministers and their deputies and officials. The sample was fifty members. After analysis of the data, it transpired that the responses on the questionnaires gave a convincing result confirming some assumptions that triggered the research. The researcher arrived at conclusions and thereafter suggested recommendations. The research reflected on weaknesses and achievements of the portfolio committees in their oversight role and stressed the importance of the application and use of oversight-related tools and models in order to achieve best practices for developmental results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Yako, Roderic Ralph Odo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Transport Legislative oversight Legislative bodies -- Committees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11928 , vital:39119
- Description: The research seeks to assess the efficacy of the oversight role of portfolio committees of Parliament with specific reference to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works between 2010 and 2015. The Portfolio Committee on Public Works has an overarching oversight role over all infrastructural and maintenance services rendered by the Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works fulfils a pivotal function in the infrastructural and maintenance service rendition to all departments in the executive. This function overlaps on provincial and local government spheres. The researcher dwells much on the capacity and competency of members of portfolio committees and support staff in their use of oversight tools, inclusive of the Theory of Change, Monitoring and Evaluation, Budget Cycle Model, Public Sector Oversight Model and Logical Framework when conducting oversight within a financial year. The critical point that was noted was the inadequate time allocated by the Joint Programme Committee for committee oversight and the inadequate capacity of members and support to apply the instruments designed for effective and efficient oversight. The dearth of application of appropriate instruments for oversight is exacerbated by the proliferation of executive government departments, which stretches the work of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works without stretching the resources. The research methodology used included data collection using questionnaires and interviews as instruments for assessment. Questionnaires were distributed to all Whips of all parties in Parliament. A sample size was measured from the total number of members of Parliament less ministers and their deputies and officials. The sample was fifty members. After analysis of the data, it transpired that the responses on the questionnaires gave a convincing result confirming some assumptions that triggered the research. The researcher arrived at conclusions and thereafter suggested recommendations. The research reflected on weaknesses and achievements of the portfolio committees in their oversight role and stressed the importance of the application and use of oversight-related tools and models in order to achieve best practices for developmental results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Nutritional and pharmacological profile of moringa oleifera lam. Leaves cultivated in the South African ecotype
- Authors: Yako, Zomsa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14605 , vital:40021
- Description: Moringa oleifera Lam. is native to the Indian ecotype, which has become naturalized in many tropic and subtropic regions worldwide, thus a great variation in the bioactive compounds of the plant is recorded. The introduction of Moringa oleifera to South Africa occurred in the turn of the twentieth century with the aim of combating malnourishment, aiding health and fostering economic development. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating and authenticating the nutritional parameters, essential oil and bioactive components found in the various solvent extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in the South African ecotype. It also elucidated some of the plants medicinal properties by investigating the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the plant. The essential oil of the leaves was extracted using two methods (solvent free microwave extraction and hydrodistillation) and analysed using Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometer. The safety profile of the leaves was investigated using brine shrimp model. The results from the study revealed that Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in South Africa were rich in crude protein levels (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%). Among the minerals tested for, the leaves contained high content of calcium (1603.33 mg/100 g), potassium (1690 mg/100 g), zinc (13.03 mg/100 g) and iron (21.13 mg/100 g). The vitamin E content had the highest concentration (89.43 mg/100 g) among the vitamins evaluated. The leaves of Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus ensuring nutrients availability. This study identified 15 fatty acids in the dried leaves of Moringa. The highest fatty acid detected were polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58), 7 of the fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low besides stearic acid. 15 amino acids were present, 7 of which were essential amino acids, namely; threonine, tyrosine, methionine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine. vi Among the phytochemicals evaluated, the aqueous extract gave the highest total phenolic content (21.01 ± 2.315 mg GAE/g), the acetone extract gave the highest proanthocyanidin (15.33 3.5 mg CE/g) and flavonoid contents (25.04±3.28 mg QE/g), while saponin and alkaloid contents were 27.73 ± 9.97% and 7.32 ± 2.73 % respectively. All the extracts exhibited high radical scavenging power against the 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical with an IC50 less than 0.025 mg/mL. Aqueous extract gave the highest capacity based on ABTS and TAC assays with IC50 of 0.074 mg/ mL and 0.055 mg/mL respectively. Ethanol extract exhibited the least antioxidant capacity among the extracts, as well as the least antimicrobial activity on both Gram −ve and Gram +ve bacteria with all its minimum inhibitory concentration values greater than 5 mg/mL. The acetone extract exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity among the extracts. A total of 8 and 24 chemical compounds were found from the solvent-free microwave extracted and hydrodistilled oils, respectively. The major components found from hydrodistillation were 2-Hexanal (16.37%), Nonanal (6.09%), 5 9-undecadien-2-one 6, 10 dimethyl- (e) - (8.01%), trans-beta-Ionone (8.02%) and octadecane (9.67%). For the solvent free microwave extracted oil, Benzene acetaldehyde (5.68%), Octadecane, Pentacosane and Eicosane which were 11.03%, were the major components. Toxicity evaluation revealed that mortality was time dependent. As the exposure period increased, mortality kept increasing. The hatching success of the cysts in acetone, aqueous and ethanol extracts were 35.7, 33.6 and 35.2% respectively. Acetone extract showed the most prominent hatching success. Hatchability and lethality were in a concentration dependent fashion. Among the extracts, acetone extract exhibited the highest lethality (12.3%) to the nauplii, followed by ethanol (10.9%), then aqueous (5.6%) extracts. All the results obtained from this study suggest that Moringa has the potential of eradicating malnutrition and aid health. It contains the necessary nutritional and bioactive compounds and the leaves proved not to be toxic at the levels (0.0625 – 1 mg/mL) tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Yako, Zomsa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14605 , vital:40021
- Description: Moringa oleifera Lam. is native to the Indian ecotype, which has become naturalized in many tropic and subtropic regions worldwide, thus a great variation in the bioactive compounds of the plant is recorded. The introduction of Moringa oleifera to South Africa occurred in the turn of the twentieth century with the aim of combating malnourishment, aiding health and fostering economic development. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating and authenticating the nutritional parameters, essential oil and bioactive components found in the various solvent extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in the South African ecotype. It also elucidated some of the plants medicinal properties by investigating the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the plant. The essential oil of the leaves was extracted using two methods (solvent free microwave extraction and hydrodistillation) and analysed using Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometer. The safety profile of the leaves was investigated using brine shrimp model. The results from the study revealed that Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in South Africa were rich in crude protein levels (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%). Among the minerals tested for, the leaves contained high content of calcium (1603.33 mg/100 g), potassium (1690 mg/100 g), zinc (13.03 mg/100 g) and iron (21.13 mg/100 g). The vitamin E content had the highest concentration (89.43 mg/100 g) among the vitamins evaluated. The leaves of Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus ensuring nutrients availability. This study identified 15 fatty acids in the dried leaves of Moringa. The highest fatty acid detected were polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58), 7 of the fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low besides stearic acid. 15 amino acids were present, 7 of which were essential amino acids, namely; threonine, tyrosine, methionine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine. vi Among the phytochemicals evaluated, the aqueous extract gave the highest total phenolic content (21.01 ± 2.315 mg GAE/g), the acetone extract gave the highest proanthocyanidin (15.33 3.5 mg CE/g) and flavonoid contents (25.04±3.28 mg QE/g), while saponin and alkaloid contents were 27.73 ± 9.97% and 7.32 ± 2.73 % respectively. All the extracts exhibited high radical scavenging power against the 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical with an IC50 less than 0.025 mg/mL. Aqueous extract gave the highest capacity based on ABTS and TAC assays with IC50 of 0.074 mg/ mL and 0.055 mg/mL respectively. Ethanol extract exhibited the least antioxidant capacity among the extracts, as well as the least antimicrobial activity on both Gram −ve and Gram +ve bacteria with all its minimum inhibitory concentration values greater than 5 mg/mL. The acetone extract exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity among the extracts. A total of 8 and 24 chemical compounds were found from the solvent-free microwave extracted and hydrodistilled oils, respectively. The major components found from hydrodistillation were 2-Hexanal (16.37%), Nonanal (6.09%), 5 9-undecadien-2-one 6, 10 dimethyl- (e) - (8.01%), trans-beta-Ionone (8.02%) and octadecane (9.67%). For the solvent free microwave extracted oil, Benzene acetaldehyde (5.68%), Octadecane, Pentacosane and Eicosane which were 11.03%, were the major components. Toxicity evaluation revealed that mortality was time dependent. As the exposure period increased, mortality kept increasing. The hatching success of the cysts in acetone, aqueous and ethanol extracts were 35.7, 33.6 and 35.2% respectively. Acetone extract showed the most prominent hatching success. Hatchability and lethality were in a concentration dependent fashion. Among the extracts, acetone extract exhibited the highest lethality (12.3%) to the nauplii, followed by ethanol (10.9%), then aqueous (5.6%) extracts. All the results obtained from this study suggest that Moringa has the potential of eradicating malnutrition and aid health. It contains the necessary nutritional and bioactive compounds and the leaves proved not to be toxic at the levels (0.0625 – 1 mg/mL) tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Evaluating the effectiveness of the business funding model in developing small, micro and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) with particular reference to OR Tambo District Municipality
- Authors: Yalezo, Bhasela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- OR Tambo Municipality , New business enterprises -- Finance -- OR Tambo Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008480 , Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- OR Tambo Municipality , New business enterprises -- Finance -- OR Tambo Municipality
- Description: A great deal of taxpayers’ money has gone to a lot of SMME development initiatives. Despite this effort over the past 17 years, South Africa (SA) lags behind other developing countries, in promoting the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The impact and achievements of government initiatives have fallen disappointingly short of aspiration (Business Development in South Africa. 2009. Occasional paper). Aims and Objectives: •To evaluate and reflect on the OR Tambo District Municipality SMME funding model and establish whether it has made the desired impact. •Determine if funds that have been channelled by the SA government to SMMEs for business expansion, start-ups, grants, and special industry development have yielded quantifiable results and •Assess the private funding institutions in assisting destitute entrepreneurs in the OR Tambo District municipality. Research methodology: The study was conducted using qualitative research and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on stakeholders in the SMME sector. The stakeholders (SMMEs and funders), formed the core research sample. Results: findings suggest that the OR Tambo Municipality has a funding gap and the current funding model both from public and private funders is not effective in developing SMMEs in the municipality. The overwhelming majority of SMMEs agreed that there is a funding gap between funders and enterprises that seek funding in the ORTDM. “Financing gap” terminology, Underhill Corporate Solutions (UCS) (2011:52) defines it as, ‘a sizeable share of economically significant SMEs cannot obtain financing from banks, capital markets or other finance suppliers.’ About 90 percent of the interviewed SMMEs agreed that there is huge funding gap and 10 percent disputed this and said that there is no funding gap; rather, it’s a funding mismatch between the funders and SMMEs which needs to be tackled by all SMMEs stakeholders. The funding model needs to be revamped so it can also be accessible to start-ups, the unemployed, people with less business management experience and limited skills, and to all sectors of the economy. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. Conclusion: The study has shown that the current SMME funding model is not effective and does not assist in developing SMMEs in ORTDM. The research findings depict the funding plight of SMMEs in South Africa; the SMME plight in ORTDM is more real than imaginary. 70 percent of SMMEs expressed less confidence in government SMMEs agencies in terms of assistance. The bigger portion of SMMEs felt that the funds channelled to government agencies were not providing significant assistance in developing SMMEs in ORTDM. Recommendations: The conclusive response from the sample, reflect structural challenges in the current funding model. About 70 percent of funding institution`s officials said “yes”, the low yield on SMME growth is a matter of funding. The funds which were meant to fund SMMEs for one reason or the other do not reach SMMEs which are looking for funding. Hence the funds channelled in the sector in the last 17 years have not yielded the desired results. 40 percent interviewed government officials conceded that there is serious political meddling in funding SMMEs in the whole province and ORTDM could not be an exception to this rule. 80 percent of interviewed SMMEs in ORTDM said funding was their main problem, and the other 20 percent indicated that their problem was not a matter of funding. The public and the private sector must revise the current funding model or devise another funding model that will: •bridge the existing current funding gap, •distribute the SMME allocated budget and achieve maximum efficiency in budget allocation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Yalezo, Bhasela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- OR Tambo Municipality , New business enterprises -- Finance -- OR Tambo Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008480 , Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- OR Tambo Municipality , New business enterprises -- Finance -- OR Tambo Municipality
- Description: A great deal of taxpayers’ money has gone to a lot of SMME development initiatives. Despite this effort over the past 17 years, South Africa (SA) lags behind other developing countries, in promoting the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The impact and achievements of government initiatives have fallen disappointingly short of aspiration (Business Development in South Africa. 2009. Occasional paper). Aims and Objectives: •To evaluate and reflect on the OR Tambo District Municipality SMME funding model and establish whether it has made the desired impact. •Determine if funds that have been channelled by the SA government to SMMEs for business expansion, start-ups, grants, and special industry development have yielded quantifiable results and •Assess the private funding institutions in assisting destitute entrepreneurs in the OR Tambo District municipality. Research methodology: The study was conducted using qualitative research and a questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on stakeholders in the SMME sector. The stakeholders (SMMEs and funders), formed the core research sample. Results: findings suggest that the OR Tambo Municipality has a funding gap and the current funding model both from public and private funders is not effective in developing SMMEs in the municipality. The overwhelming majority of SMMEs agreed that there is a funding gap between funders and enterprises that seek funding in the ORTDM. “Financing gap” terminology, Underhill Corporate Solutions (UCS) (2011:52) defines it as, ‘a sizeable share of economically significant SMEs cannot obtain financing from banks, capital markets or other finance suppliers.’ About 90 percent of the interviewed SMMEs agreed that there is huge funding gap and 10 percent disputed this and said that there is no funding gap; rather, it’s a funding mismatch between the funders and SMMEs which needs to be tackled by all SMMEs stakeholders. The funding model needs to be revamped so it can also be accessible to start-ups, the unemployed, people with less business management experience and limited skills, and to all sectors of the economy. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. Conclusion: The study has shown that the current SMME funding model is not effective and does not assist in developing SMMEs in ORTDM. The research findings depict the funding plight of SMMEs in South Africa; the SMME plight in ORTDM is more real than imaginary. 70 percent of SMMEs expressed less confidence in government SMMEs agencies in terms of assistance. The bigger portion of SMMEs felt that the funds channelled to government agencies were not providing significant assistance in developing SMMEs in ORTDM. Recommendations: The conclusive response from the sample, reflect structural challenges in the current funding model. About 70 percent of funding institution`s officials said “yes”, the low yield on SMME growth is a matter of funding. The funds which were meant to fund SMMEs for one reason or the other do not reach SMMEs which are looking for funding. Hence the funds channelled in the sector in the last 17 years have not yielded the desired results. 40 percent interviewed government officials conceded that there is serious political meddling in funding SMMEs in the whole province and ORTDM could not be an exception to this rule. 80 percent of interviewed SMMEs in ORTDM said funding was their main problem, and the other 20 percent indicated that their problem was not a matter of funding. The public and the private sector must revise the current funding model or devise another funding model that will: •bridge the existing current funding gap, •distribute the SMME allocated budget and achieve maximum efficiency in budget allocation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Synthesis and characterization of Ru(II) phenyl-3-indenylidene olefin metathesis type complexes
- Authors: Yalezo, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021128
- Description: In this study, a series of Ru(II) phenyl-3-indenylidene complexes with general formula of [RuCl2(NHC)(Ind)(L)] (where L= triphenylphosphine, pyridine and NHC = five different types of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands), have been synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, elementally analysis and melting/decomposition point. The N,N’-diarylimidazolinium chlorides have been used as N-heterocyclic carbene precursors and were synthesized from their corresponding N,N’-diarylformamidines and further characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR and melting point determination. The infrared spectra of the N,N’-diarylimidazolinium chlorides show a quaternary nature (R2N=C+) with broad vibration band in region 3300-3400 cm-1. The disappearance of this vibration band in the infrared spectra of the ruthenium(II) complexes was used to confirm the coordination of the ligand to the ruthenium ions. The percentage analysis of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen obtained corresponded with the calculated percentages of these atoms in the complexes with the slight difference of less than 1%. The electronic spectra of the complexes show three distinct absorption bands. The two bands are due to intraligand charge transfers transition assigned to π→π*, n→π* and third band is due to d-d transition, signifying the presence of the metal ion. The synthesized Ru(II) complexes did not show any of melting, however a change in colour was observed signifying the decomposition of the complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Yalezo, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021128
- Description: In this study, a series of Ru(II) phenyl-3-indenylidene complexes with general formula of [RuCl2(NHC)(Ind)(L)] (where L= triphenylphosphine, pyridine and NHC = five different types of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands), have been synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, elementally analysis and melting/decomposition point. The N,N’-diarylimidazolinium chlorides have been used as N-heterocyclic carbene precursors and were synthesized from their corresponding N,N’-diarylformamidines and further characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FTIR and melting point determination. The infrared spectra of the N,N’-diarylimidazolinium chlorides show a quaternary nature (R2N=C+) with broad vibration band in region 3300-3400 cm-1. The disappearance of this vibration band in the infrared spectra of the ruthenium(II) complexes was used to confirm the coordination of the ligand to the ruthenium ions. The percentage analysis of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen obtained corresponded with the calculated percentages of these atoms in the complexes with the slight difference of less than 1%. The electronic spectra of the complexes show three distinct absorption bands. The two bands are due to intraligand charge transfers transition assigned to π→π*, n→π* and third band is due to d-d transition, signifying the presence of the metal ion. The synthesized Ru(II) complexes did not show any of melting, however a change in colour was observed signifying the decomposition of the complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Enhancement of the usability of SOA services for novice users
- Authors: Yalezo, Sabelo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/822 , vital:26500
- Description: Recently, the automation of service integration has provided a significant advantage in delivering services to novice users. This art of integrating various services is known as Service Composition and its main purpose is to simplify the development process for web applications and facilitates reuse of services. It is one of the paradigms that enables services to end-users (i.e.service provisioning) through the outsourcing of web contents and it requires users to share and reuse services in more collaborative ways. Most service composers are effective at enabling integration of web contents, but they do not enable universal access across different groups of users. This is because, the currently existing content aggregators require complex interactions in order to create web applications (e.g., Web Service Business Process Execution Language (WS-BPEL)) as a result not all users are able to use such web tools. This trend demands changes in the web tools that end-users use to gain and share information, hence this research uses Mashups as a service composition technique to allow novice users to integrate publicly available Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) services, where there is a minimal active web application development. Mashups being the platforms that integrate disparate web Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to create user defined web applications; presents a great opportunity for service provisioning. However, their usability for novice users remains invalidated since Mashup tools are not easy to use they require basic programming skills which makes the process of designing and creating Mashups difficult. This is because Mashup tools access heterogeneous web contents using public web APIs and the process of integrating them become complex since web APIs are tailored by different vendors. Moreover, the design of Mashup editors is unnecessary complex; as a result, users do not know where to start when creating Mashups. This research address the gap between Mashup tools and usability by the designing and implementing a semantically enriched Mashup tool to discover, annotate and compose APIs to improve the utilization of SOA services by novice users. The researchers conducted an analysis of the already existing Mashup tools to identify challenges and weaknesses experienced by novice Mashup users. The findings from the requirement analysis formulated the system usability requirements that informed the design and implementation of the proposed Mashup tool. The proposed architecture addressed three layers: composition, annotation and discovery. The researchers developed a simple Mashup tool referred to as soa-Services Provisioner (SerPro) that allowed novice users to create web application flexibly. Its usability and effectiveness was validated. The proposed Mashup tool enhanced the usability of SOA services, since data analysis and results showed that it was usable to novice users by scoring a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 72.08. Furthermore, this research discusses the research limitations and future work for further improvements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yalezo, Sabelo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/822 , vital:26500
- Description: Recently, the automation of service integration has provided a significant advantage in delivering services to novice users. This art of integrating various services is known as Service Composition and its main purpose is to simplify the development process for web applications and facilitates reuse of services. It is one of the paradigms that enables services to end-users (i.e.service provisioning) through the outsourcing of web contents and it requires users to share and reuse services in more collaborative ways. Most service composers are effective at enabling integration of web contents, but they do not enable universal access across different groups of users. This is because, the currently existing content aggregators require complex interactions in order to create web applications (e.g., Web Service Business Process Execution Language (WS-BPEL)) as a result not all users are able to use such web tools. This trend demands changes in the web tools that end-users use to gain and share information, hence this research uses Mashups as a service composition technique to allow novice users to integrate publicly available Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) services, where there is a minimal active web application development. Mashups being the platforms that integrate disparate web Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to create user defined web applications; presents a great opportunity for service provisioning. However, their usability for novice users remains invalidated since Mashup tools are not easy to use they require basic programming skills which makes the process of designing and creating Mashups difficult. This is because Mashup tools access heterogeneous web contents using public web APIs and the process of integrating them become complex since web APIs are tailored by different vendors. Moreover, the design of Mashup editors is unnecessary complex; as a result, users do not know where to start when creating Mashups. This research address the gap between Mashup tools and usability by the designing and implementing a semantically enriched Mashup tool to discover, annotate and compose APIs to improve the utilization of SOA services by novice users. The researchers conducted an analysis of the already existing Mashup tools to identify challenges and weaknesses experienced by novice Mashup users. The findings from the requirement analysis formulated the system usability requirements that informed the design and implementation of the proposed Mashup tool. The proposed architecture addressed three layers: composition, annotation and discovery. The researchers developed a simple Mashup tool referred to as soa-Services Provisioner (SerPro) that allowed novice users to create web application flexibly. Its usability and effectiveness was validated. The proposed Mashup tool enhanced the usability of SOA services, since data analysis and results showed that it was usable to novice users by scoring a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 72.08. Furthermore, this research discusses the research limitations and future work for further improvements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Factors affecting customer retention at an automative manufacturing organisation
- Authors: Yam, Bonga Sherperd Elvis
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer relations , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018573
- Description: South African vehicle manufacturers are under immense competition from vehicle manufactures from India and China. The global financial crises also put these organisations under intense pressure and this resulted in these organisations having to start seeing the need to focus on issues that affect customer retention. The way that business is done in the 21st Century is forcing organisations to implement strategies that are geared towards increasing customer retention and growing the business. Organisations need to build relationships with their customers with the hope that these customers will in turn extend their stay with the organisation when an opportunity to replace their vehicles arises or keep on servicing with them. In order to establish a good relationship with customers, organisations need to understand customer expectations by being customer orientated and by providing customers with value. The primary objective of this study is to improve customer retention for a selected vehicle manufacturer after the warranty and service plans have expired, by investigating the relationship between customer service quality, customer loyalty, and customer retention. The results obtained from the 64 respondents who participated in the survey revealed that although all the above-mentioned variables play a role in increasing customer retention, customer service quality exerts the most influence. The study also highlights areas that should be improved, as well as recommendations on how to improve them. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Yam, Bonga Sherperd Elvis
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction , Customer relations , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8809 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018573
- Description: South African vehicle manufacturers are under immense competition from vehicle manufactures from India and China. The global financial crises also put these organisations under intense pressure and this resulted in these organisations having to start seeing the need to focus on issues that affect customer retention. The way that business is done in the 21st Century is forcing organisations to implement strategies that are geared towards increasing customer retention and growing the business. Organisations need to build relationships with their customers with the hope that these customers will in turn extend their stay with the organisation when an opportunity to replace their vehicles arises or keep on servicing with them. In order to establish a good relationship with customers, organisations need to understand customer expectations by being customer orientated and by providing customers with value. The primary objective of this study is to improve customer retention for a selected vehicle manufacturer after the warranty and service plans have expired, by investigating the relationship between customer service quality, customer loyalty, and customer retention. The results obtained from the 64 respondents who participated in the survey revealed that although all the above-mentioned variables play a role in increasing customer retention, customer service quality exerts the most influence. The study also highlights areas that should be improved, as well as recommendations on how to improve them. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013