Destination management: critical success factors for Knysna as an international tourism destination
- Authors: Gie, Jannie Adriaan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1433 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Description: Tourism, as an industry, has a great impact on society and the environment. It adds to economic growth; and therefore, many governments try to enhance tourism because they realise the potential economic returns. Within each country, there are towns or cities that have great tourism potential. In South Africa, Knysna is a good example of a small town with great tourism potential. This study examines the critical success factors of tourism destination marketing for the town of Knysna. Most South Africans see Knysna as an ideal holiday destination, as it has the infrastructure and offerings to make tourists' holidays unforgettable. However, unfortunately, in recent times bad publicity has caused Knysna's image to be damaged. To improve the town's image and to add to its economic growth, tourism bodies and the community have had to work together to ensure that Knysna sustains its position in the national and international tourism markets. The best way to achieve this is through effective destination management and destination marketing. The aim of this study is to determine how effective destination management and destination marketing can lead to competitive growth and to enhancing a destination's position in the tourism industry, and also to providing a set of practical guidelines for the successful implementation of the destination marketing of the town of Knysna. A literature study was conducted to find out what the theory reveals about destination management and marketing. This was followed by an empirical survey; and this survey was conducted in Knysna in the Western Cape. The results of the survey were compared with the literature and tourism operators and managers can now use these as a point of departure to fill any gaps, thus leading to the optimal positioning of Knysna on the international tourism map.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gie, Jannie Adriaan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1433 , Place marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- Marketing -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism management -- South Africa -- Knysna , Tourism -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Description: Tourism, as an industry, has a great impact on society and the environment. It adds to economic growth; and therefore, many governments try to enhance tourism because they realise the potential economic returns. Within each country, there are towns or cities that have great tourism potential. In South Africa, Knysna is a good example of a small town with great tourism potential. This study examines the critical success factors of tourism destination marketing for the town of Knysna. Most South Africans see Knysna as an ideal holiday destination, as it has the infrastructure and offerings to make tourists' holidays unforgettable. However, unfortunately, in recent times bad publicity has caused Knysna's image to be damaged. To improve the town's image and to add to its economic growth, tourism bodies and the community have had to work together to ensure that Knysna sustains its position in the national and international tourism markets. The best way to achieve this is through effective destination management and destination marketing. The aim of this study is to determine how effective destination management and destination marketing can lead to competitive growth and to enhancing a destination's position in the tourism industry, and also to providing a set of practical guidelines for the successful implementation of the destination marketing of the town of Knysna. A literature study was conducted to find out what the theory reveals about destination management and marketing. This was followed by an empirical survey; and this survey was conducted in Knysna in the Western Cape. The results of the survey were compared with the literature and tourism operators and managers can now use these as a point of departure to fill any gaps, thus leading to the optimal positioning of Knysna on the international tourism map.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape South Africa -- Officials and employees -- Selection and appointment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5752 , vital:29379
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The mindful therapist: an interpretive phenomenological analysis of mindfulness meditation and the therapeutic alliance
- Authors: Gillitt, Tarryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Meditation -- Therapeutic use Psychotherapy Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002491
- Description: The aim of this study was to present and understand therapists’ experiences of the impact of their mindfulness meditation practice on their role in the therapeutic alliance. The topic emerged in response to extant research recommendations and researcher observations of the compatibility between mindfulness meditation outcomes and the demands on therapists for establishing effective alliances with clients. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy located within the qualitative paradigm, and thus a small sample of therapists practicing mindfulness meditation were selected and interviewed on their experiences using semi-structured interviewing. Data were analysed for meaning units, which were then interpreted inductively and hermeneutically and categorized into superordinate themes. Three superordinate themes within participants’ experiences of how their mindfulness meditation practice impacts upon their role in the alliance were determined, namely: ‘self-care’; ‘insight into the structure of selfhood’; and ‘immediate mindfulness meditation during therapy’. This study found these experiences capacitated participants with compassionate interpersonal affects used for creating secure bonds with clients; skills for accurate empathic understanding; and skills and attitudes for working collaboratively with clients. Should future research confirm these findings, mindfulness meditation may be used as a tool to developed alliance formation abilities for therapists in training. Importantly, findings from this project called for a more comprehensive integration of theoretical positions on the construct of mindfulness meditation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gillitt, Tarryn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Meditation -- Therapeutic use Psychotherapy Counseling psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002491
- Description: The aim of this study was to present and understand therapists’ experiences of the impact of their mindfulness meditation practice on their role in the therapeutic alliance. The topic emerged in response to extant research recommendations and researcher observations of the compatibility between mindfulness meditation outcomes and the demands on therapists for establishing effective alliances with clients. The study adopted an interpretive phenomenological analysis strategy located within the qualitative paradigm, and thus a small sample of therapists practicing mindfulness meditation were selected and interviewed on their experiences using semi-structured interviewing. Data were analysed for meaning units, which were then interpreted inductively and hermeneutically and categorized into superordinate themes. Three superordinate themes within participants’ experiences of how their mindfulness meditation practice impacts upon their role in the alliance were determined, namely: ‘self-care’; ‘insight into the structure of selfhood’; and ‘immediate mindfulness meditation during therapy’. This study found these experiences capacitated participants with compassionate interpersonal affects used for creating secure bonds with clients; skills for accurate empathic understanding; and skills and attitudes for working collaboratively with clients. Should future research confirm these findings, mindfulness meditation may be used as a tool to developed alliance formation abilities for therapists in training. Importantly, findings from this project called for a more comprehensive integration of theoretical positions on the construct of mindfulness meditation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Investigation of learning in an environmental skills programme: a case study of workers' training in the Department of Environmental Affairs Expanded Public Works Project
- Authors: Giqwa, Nomfundiso Louisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Environmental Affairs Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa Environmental education -- Evaluation -- South Africa Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003518
- Description: This research project examines a case of environmental training for workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme, a poverty relief programme operating in South Africa (EPWP). It is constituted as an interpretive case study, and explores what workers learn and how they learn in an environmental skills programme. The study also examines the context of learning. In accordance with education and training policy, what learners are meant to learn is articulated in unit standards registered on the South African Qualifications Authority website. The unit standards are used to design curricula and learning programmes which are registered as environmental skills programmes by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). For the conservation sector the SETA is the Tourism and Hospitality Education and Training Authority (THETA). To develop an understanding of what learners learn, I considered the content, concepts, skills, values and attitudes contained in the unit standards, and then considered the actual learning taking place during the training programme focusing on three unit standards. Data was generated from semi-structured interviews with facilitators, focus group interviews with learners, observations of teaching and learning interventions and document analysis of EPWP, training and skills development policy documents, registered unit standards for the skills programme, and learning support materials produced by the provider implementing the training. The study notes that there is learning taking place within the training implemented through environmental skills programmes. The training is influenced by a number of diverse contextual factors namely policy factors, historical contextual factors, the economic context and diverse literacy levels. Learning interactions involve a variety of social interactions, activities and practices between learners and learners, and learners and facilitators. The main finding of the study is that the training programme’s major emphasis is on concepts and content, and social and learning skills, and values and attitudes. The prominence of social skills masks a neglect of practical workplace related skills which make up a strong focus of the unit standards. This, the study shows, is related to a lack of engagement with workplace learning, which in turn is linked to a disjuncture between policy and practice, where workers working in the EPWP programme are meant to benefit from training, but in this case it was found that community members, who were not working in the programme were being offered training. It was therefore not possible for them to develop the applied workplace skills, which were also meant to facilitate increased employability, as this is one of the key objectives of the EPWP programme. Based on the insights raised by the research findings the study made recommendations that the programme consider the following to recover the situation: to develop strategies that allow for longer term training frameworks so that learners can be trained on full qualifications so that they may qualify and benefit more substantively from the training in terms of employability skills. Facilitators in the programme need to be trained so that they can develop materials that address practical skills, values, attitudes, critical reflections and actions. Monitoring of training needs to be given preference both at materials development level and implementation level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Giqwa, Nomfundiso Louisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Environmental Affairs Environmental education -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa Environmental education -- Evaluation -- South Africa Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003518
- Description: This research project examines a case of environmental training for workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme, a poverty relief programme operating in South Africa (EPWP). It is constituted as an interpretive case study, and explores what workers learn and how they learn in an environmental skills programme. The study also examines the context of learning. In accordance with education and training policy, what learners are meant to learn is articulated in unit standards registered on the South African Qualifications Authority website. The unit standards are used to design curricula and learning programmes which are registered as environmental skills programmes by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). For the conservation sector the SETA is the Tourism and Hospitality Education and Training Authority (THETA). To develop an understanding of what learners learn, I considered the content, concepts, skills, values and attitudes contained in the unit standards, and then considered the actual learning taking place during the training programme focusing on three unit standards. Data was generated from semi-structured interviews with facilitators, focus group interviews with learners, observations of teaching and learning interventions and document analysis of EPWP, training and skills development policy documents, registered unit standards for the skills programme, and learning support materials produced by the provider implementing the training. The study notes that there is learning taking place within the training implemented through environmental skills programmes. The training is influenced by a number of diverse contextual factors namely policy factors, historical contextual factors, the economic context and diverse literacy levels. Learning interactions involve a variety of social interactions, activities and practices between learners and learners, and learners and facilitators. The main finding of the study is that the training programme’s major emphasis is on concepts and content, and social and learning skills, and values and attitudes. The prominence of social skills masks a neglect of practical workplace related skills which make up a strong focus of the unit standards. This, the study shows, is related to a lack of engagement with workplace learning, which in turn is linked to a disjuncture between policy and practice, where workers working in the EPWP programme are meant to benefit from training, but in this case it was found that community members, who were not working in the programme were being offered training. It was therefore not possible for them to develop the applied workplace skills, which were also meant to facilitate increased employability, as this is one of the key objectives of the EPWP programme. Based on the insights raised by the research findings the study made recommendations that the programme consider the following to recover the situation: to develop strategies that allow for longer term training frameworks so that learners can be trained on full qualifications so that they may qualify and benefit more substantively from the training in terms of employability skills. Facilitators in the programme need to be trained so that they can develop materials that address practical skills, values, attitudes, critical reflections and actions. Monitoring of training needs to be given preference both at materials development level and implementation level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The druggable antimalarial target 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase: purfication, kinetic characterization and inhibition studies
- Authors: Goble, Jessica Leigh
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antimalarials -- Development Plasmodium falciparum Drug development Plasmodium falciparum -- Purification Plasmodium falciparum -- Inhibitors Enzyme kinetics Malaria -- Chemotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004008
- Description: Plasmodium falciparum 1–deoxy–D–xylulose–5 phosphatereductoisomerase (PfDXR) plays a role in isoprenoid biosynthesis in the malaria parasite and is absent in the human host, making this parasite enzyme an attractive target for antimalarial drug design. To characterize PfDXR, it is necessary to produce large quantities of the enzyme in a soluble and functional form. However, the over–production of malarial proteins in prokaryotic host systems often results in the formation of truncated proteins or insoluble protein aggregates. A heterologous expression system was developed for the production of active PfDXR using codon harmonization and tight control of expression in the presence of lac repressor. Yields of up to 2 mg/l of enzyme were reported using the optimised expression system, which is 8 to 10– fold greater than previously reported yields. The kinetic parameters Km, Vmax and kcat were determined for PfDXR; values reported in this study were consistent with those reported in the literature for other DXR enzymes. A three–dimensional model of the malarial drug target protein PfDXR was generated, and validated using structure–checking programs and protein docking studies. Structural and functional features unique to PfDXR were identified using the model and comparative sequence analyses with apicomplexan and non–apicomplexan DXR proteins. Residues Val44 and Asn45, essential for NADPH binding; and catalytic hatch residues Lys224 and Lys226, which are unique to the species of Plasmodium, were mutated to resemble those of E. coli DXR. Interestingly,these mutations resulted in significant reductions in substrate affinity, when compared to the unmutated PfDXR. Mutant enzymes PfDXR(VN43,44AG) and PfDXR(KK224,226NS) also demonstrated a decreased ability to turnover substrate by 4–fold and 2–fold respectively. This study indicates a difference in the role of the catalytic hatch of PfDXR with regards to the way in which it captures substrates. The study also highlights subtle differences in cofactor binding to PfDXR, compared with the well characterized EcDXR enzyme. The validated PfDXR model was also used to develop a novel efficient in silico screening method for potential tool compounds for use in the rational design of novel DXR inhibitors. Following in silico screening of 46 potential DXR inhibitors, a two–tiered in vitro screening approach was undertaken. DXR inhibition was assessed for the 46 novel compounds using an NADPH– ependant DXP enzyme inhibition assay and antimalarial potential was assessed using P.falciparum–infected erythrocyte growth assays. Select compounds were tested in human cells in order to determine whether they were toxic to the host. From the parallel in silico and in vitro drug screening, it was evident that only a single compound demonstrated reasonable potential binding to DXR (determined using in silico docking), inhibited DXR in vitro and inhibited P. falciparum growth, without being toxic to human cells. Its potential as a lead compound in antimalarial drug development is therefore feasible. Two outcomes were evident from this work. Firstly, analogues of known antimalarial natural products can be screened against malaria, which may then lead towards the rational design of novel compounds that are effective against a specific antimalarial drug target enzyme, such as PfDXR. Secondly, the rational design of novel compounds against a specific antimalarial drug target enzyme can be untaken by adopting a coupled in silico and in vitro approach to drug discovery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Goble, Jessica Leigh
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Antimalarials -- Development Plasmodium falciparum Drug development Plasmodium falciparum -- Purification Plasmodium falciparum -- Inhibitors Enzyme kinetics Malaria -- Chemotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004008
- Description: Plasmodium falciparum 1–deoxy–D–xylulose–5 phosphatereductoisomerase (PfDXR) plays a role in isoprenoid biosynthesis in the malaria parasite and is absent in the human host, making this parasite enzyme an attractive target for antimalarial drug design. To characterize PfDXR, it is necessary to produce large quantities of the enzyme in a soluble and functional form. However, the over–production of malarial proteins in prokaryotic host systems often results in the formation of truncated proteins or insoluble protein aggregates. A heterologous expression system was developed for the production of active PfDXR using codon harmonization and tight control of expression in the presence of lac repressor. Yields of up to 2 mg/l of enzyme were reported using the optimised expression system, which is 8 to 10– fold greater than previously reported yields. The kinetic parameters Km, Vmax and kcat were determined for PfDXR; values reported in this study were consistent with those reported in the literature for other DXR enzymes. A three–dimensional model of the malarial drug target protein PfDXR was generated, and validated using structure–checking programs and protein docking studies. Structural and functional features unique to PfDXR were identified using the model and comparative sequence analyses with apicomplexan and non–apicomplexan DXR proteins. Residues Val44 and Asn45, essential for NADPH binding; and catalytic hatch residues Lys224 and Lys226, which are unique to the species of Plasmodium, were mutated to resemble those of E. coli DXR. Interestingly,these mutations resulted in significant reductions in substrate affinity, when compared to the unmutated PfDXR. Mutant enzymes PfDXR(VN43,44AG) and PfDXR(KK224,226NS) also demonstrated a decreased ability to turnover substrate by 4–fold and 2–fold respectively. This study indicates a difference in the role of the catalytic hatch of PfDXR with regards to the way in which it captures substrates. The study also highlights subtle differences in cofactor binding to PfDXR, compared with the well characterized EcDXR enzyme. The validated PfDXR model was also used to develop a novel efficient in silico screening method for potential tool compounds for use in the rational design of novel DXR inhibitors. Following in silico screening of 46 potential DXR inhibitors, a two–tiered in vitro screening approach was undertaken. DXR inhibition was assessed for the 46 novel compounds using an NADPH– ependant DXP enzyme inhibition assay and antimalarial potential was assessed using P.falciparum–infected erythrocyte growth assays. Select compounds were tested in human cells in order to determine whether they were toxic to the host. From the parallel in silico and in vitro drug screening, it was evident that only a single compound demonstrated reasonable potential binding to DXR (determined using in silico docking), inhibited DXR in vitro and inhibited P. falciparum growth, without being toxic to human cells. Its potential as a lead compound in antimalarial drug development is therefore feasible. Two outcomes were evident from this work. Firstly, analogues of known antimalarial natural products can be screened against malaria, which may then lead towards the rational design of novel compounds that are effective against a specific antimalarial drug target enzyme, such as PfDXR. Secondly, the rational design of novel compounds against a specific antimalarial drug target enzyme can be untaken by adopting a coupled in silico and in vitro approach to drug discovery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation of the role of community development workers: Bitou municipality
- Authors: Gogi, Andile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , City council members -- South Africa , Community development -- Economic aspects , Community development -- Environmental aspects , Community development -- Social aspects , Economic development projects -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015689
- Description: This treatise investigates the role of Community DevelopmentWorkers, with reference to the Bitou Municipality. The treatise comprises five chapters. The concept of Community Development Programme is fairly new in South Africa; therefore, further research is needed on the subject. A literature review was done to establish the concept and the background of the CDWP. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. The data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The core findings from the analysed questionnaire indicated the following: (a) CDWs clearly understand their role and responsibility, but there is a need for roles and functions to be clearly defined, with detailed terms of reference, to ensure a common understanding with other stakeholders, e.g. Ward Committees, Councillors, Non-governmental organisations, Communitybased organisations, and members of the community. (b) living conditions in the wards improved following the introduction of the CDWP. (c) there is a good relationship between CDWs, Ward Committees and Ward Councillors, but there is also a perception that Ward Committees and Community Development Workers constantly clash or compete in the wards in which they serve. (d) CDWs should not be affiliated to the ruling or any political party. (e) CDWs are confused regarding who is responsible for their remuneration (the Municipality or the Provincial Department of Local Government).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gogi, Andile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , City council members -- South Africa , Community development -- Economic aspects , Community development -- Environmental aspects , Community development -- Social aspects , Economic development projects -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015689
- Description: This treatise investigates the role of Community DevelopmentWorkers, with reference to the Bitou Municipality. The treatise comprises five chapters. The concept of Community Development Programme is fairly new in South Africa; therefore, further research is needed on the subject. A literature review was done to establish the concept and the background of the CDWP. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. The data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The core findings from the analysed questionnaire indicated the following: (a) CDWs clearly understand their role and responsibility, but there is a need for roles and functions to be clearly defined, with detailed terms of reference, to ensure a common understanding with other stakeholders, e.g. Ward Committees, Councillors, Non-governmental organisations, Communitybased organisations, and members of the community. (b) living conditions in the wards improved following the introduction of the CDWP. (c) there is a good relationship between CDWs, Ward Committees and Ward Councillors, but there is also a perception that Ward Committees and Community Development Workers constantly clash or compete in the wards in which they serve. (d) CDWs should not be affiliated to the ruling or any political party. (e) CDWs are confused regarding who is responsible for their remuneration (the Municipality or the Provincial Department of Local Government).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Hydrogen economy : MEA manufacturing for PEM electrolysers
- Authors: Gojela, Ntombekaya
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water -- Electrolysis , Hydrogen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1483 , Water -- Electrolysis , Hydrogen
- Description: The electrolysis of water was evaluated as a potentially efficient, as a low cost means of hydrogen production. The theoretical energy, voltage, current, and energy efficiencies of water electrolysis were considered by using various catalyst materials used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies used in low temperature water electrolysis systems. Traditionally, iridium based catalysts have shown to be the most suitable material for its use on electrocatalysis of water to form hydrogen. This study showed that a combination of various elements as a binary and or ternary mixture in the base catalyst that was applied to the anode and cathode by using the Adam’s method had shown to give comparatively good results to that of using iridium oxide on its own. These catalysts were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, at different temperatures (30oC-80oC) with a range of catalyst loading of 0.2-0.5 mg.cm-2 noble metals. The study showed that the Ir40Co40 mixture as an anode catalyst was found to show highest hydrogen efficiency of 73 percent with a relatively low over potential of 0.925V at higher temperature of 80oC. The mixture also showed to give the best electrocatalytic activity with a low Tafel slope of 30.1mV.dec-1. Whereas the Ir50Pt50 showed a comparatively lower hydrogen efficiency of 65 percent with a lower over potential of 0.6V at 50oC. Ternary mixed oxide of Ir20Ru40Co40 showed an even lower over potential of 0.5- 0.6V over a large range of temperatures with a low hydrogen efficiency of 44 percent but gave good electrocatalytic activity in terms of the Tafel slope analysis. On the other hand, mixtures with relatively cheaper material such as Nickel in binary mixture systems such as Pt50Ni50 as cathode catalyst was found to show promising performance of a relatively low over potential that was less than 1.4 V with a low hydrogen efficiency of 62.1 percent Ternary cathode catalyst materials such as Pt33Ni33Co33 exhibited good performance with higher hydrogen efficiency of 65.2 percent at lower over potential of 1.2 V and a higher Tafel slope of 133.9 mV.dec-1 at 80 0C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gojela, Ntombekaya
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water -- Electrolysis , Hydrogen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10380 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1483 , Water -- Electrolysis , Hydrogen
- Description: The electrolysis of water was evaluated as a potentially efficient, as a low cost means of hydrogen production. The theoretical energy, voltage, current, and energy efficiencies of water electrolysis were considered by using various catalyst materials used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies used in low temperature water electrolysis systems. Traditionally, iridium based catalysts have shown to be the most suitable material for its use on electrocatalysis of water to form hydrogen. This study showed that a combination of various elements as a binary and or ternary mixture in the base catalyst that was applied to the anode and cathode by using the Adam’s method had shown to give comparatively good results to that of using iridium oxide on its own. These catalysts were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, at different temperatures (30oC-80oC) with a range of catalyst loading of 0.2-0.5 mg.cm-2 noble metals. The study showed that the Ir40Co40 mixture as an anode catalyst was found to show highest hydrogen efficiency of 73 percent with a relatively low over potential of 0.925V at higher temperature of 80oC. The mixture also showed to give the best electrocatalytic activity with a low Tafel slope of 30.1mV.dec-1. Whereas the Ir50Pt50 showed a comparatively lower hydrogen efficiency of 65 percent with a lower over potential of 0.6V at 50oC. Ternary mixed oxide of Ir20Ru40Co40 showed an even lower over potential of 0.5- 0.6V over a large range of temperatures with a low hydrogen efficiency of 44 percent but gave good electrocatalytic activity in terms of the Tafel slope analysis. On the other hand, mixtures with relatively cheaper material such as Nickel in binary mixture systems such as Pt50Ni50 as cathode catalyst was found to show promising performance of a relatively low over potential that was less than 1.4 V with a low hydrogen efficiency of 62.1 percent Ternary cathode catalyst materials such as Pt33Ni33Co33 exhibited good performance with higher hydrogen efficiency of 65.2 percent at lower over potential of 1.2 V and a higher Tafel slope of 133.9 mV.dec-1 at 80 0C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An econometric analysis of the impact of economic freedom on economic growth in the SADC
- Authors: Gorlach, Vsevolod Igorevich
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1539 , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development
- Description: The conventional approach to increasing economic growth - increasing inputs, such as labour and capital, is not always possible. The wider, fundamental sources of economic growth need to be considered too. Foreign aid is a temporary lifeline and does not spur economic growth. Conversely, financial assistance negatively affects growth and can hamper development prospects. Economic freedom and economically freer countries have been associated with higher growth rates, higher per capita incomes, greater volumes of trade, prosperity and overall wellbeing. By improving their economic freedom, deregulating the economy and allowing economic freedom to prosper, countries can experience sustained GDP growth. Previous studies have shown that economic freedom and economic growth are exponentially related - and that by initially becoming freer, countires can increase their growth rates at higher rates. The main objective of the SADC is to achieve development and economic growth, to alleviate poverty and enhance the standard and quality of life for the peoples of Southern Africa. The SADC is attempting to achieve economic integration through macroeconomic convergence. A number of macroeconomic variables have been set to act as primary indicators. These include inflation, fiscal balance, public debt and the current account balance. By introducing the concept that economic freedom can lead to higher growth rates and being able to identify economic freedom, it makes it possible to investigate how the SADC can achieve its set goals by becoming freer. By investigating individual components that constitute the overall freedom index, it becomes possible to establish the relationship that exists between this viriable and economic growth. This will illustrate where deregulation and freedom are most effective and where policy decisions need to be highlighted. The 2008 economic crisis revealed that countries that decreased their economic freedom have fared worse than countries allowing freedom to prosper. Government fiscal stimulus has had no positive impact on growth rates; the negative effects of reducing economic freedom will onlky be fully seen in future years. However, the majority of the SADC countries showed a relatively strong fiscal stance during the recession. This study established whether that a positive relationship between economic freedom and economic growth in the SADC. Secondly, the direction of causality that economic freedom leads to economic growth. The findings reveal that economic freedom fosters economic growth in general, and for the SADC in particular. Empirical evidence has been found for the SADC; and the implications of becoming freer are more fully explained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gorlach, Vsevolod Igorevich
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:8983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1539 , Economic development -- South Africa , Economic development
- Description: The conventional approach to increasing economic growth - increasing inputs, such as labour and capital, is not always possible. The wider, fundamental sources of economic growth need to be considered too. Foreign aid is a temporary lifeline and does not spur economic growth. Conversely, financial assistance negatively affects growth and can hamper development prospects. Economic freedom and economically freer countries have been associated with higher growth rates, higher per capita incomes, greater volumes of trade, prosperity and overall wellbeing. By improving their economic freedom, deregulating the economy and allowing economic freedom to prosper, countries can experience sustained GDP growth. Previous studies have shown that economic freedom and economic growth are exponentially related - and that by initially becoming freer, countires can increase their growth rates at higher rates. The main objective of the SADC is to achieve development and economic growth, to alleviate poverty and enhance the standard and quality of life for the peoples of Southern Africa. The SADC is attempting to achieve economic integration through macroeconomic convergence. A number of macroeconomic variables have been set to act as primary indicators. These include inflation, fiscal balance, public debt and the current account balance. By introducing the concept that economic freedom can lead to higher growth rates and being able to identify economic freedom, it makes it possible to investigate how the SADC can achieve its set goals by becoming freer. By investigating individual components that constitute the overall freedom index, it becomes possible to establish the relationship that exists between this viriable and economic growth. This will illustrate where deregulation and freedom are most effective and where policy decisions need to be highlighted. The 2008 economic crisis revealed that countries that decreased their economic freedom have fared worse than countries allowing freedom to prosper. Government fiscal stimulus has had no positive impact on growth rates; the negative effects of reducing economic freedom will onlky be fully seen in future years. However, the majority of the SADC countries showed a relatively strong fiscal stance during the recession. This study established whether that a positive relationship between economic freedom and economic growth in the SADC. Secondly, the direction of causality that economic freedom leads to economic growth. The findings reveal that economic freedom fosters economic growth in general, and for the SADC in particular. Empirical evidence has been found for the SADC; and the implications of becoming freer are more fully explained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The relationship between self-efficacy and ways of coping of first-year university students
- Authors: Goss, Joanne Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1555 , Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Description: This is a quantitative, exploratory study focusing on self-efficacy and ways of coping of male and female first-year psychology students at a university in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between The General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire of first-year university psychology students. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. The sample consisted of 34 males and 94 females between the ages of 18 and 21 years, who were registered for a first-year psychology module. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results showed moderate correlations between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. In addition, the results showed significant relationships between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused coping, seeking social support and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. Gender differences with regards to the constructs of coping and self-efficacy were also explored. Limitations of the present research were noted and recommendations for future research were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Goss, Joanne Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1555 , Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Description: This is a quantitative, exploratory study focusing on self-efficacy and ways of coping of male and female first-year psychology students at a university in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between The General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire of first-year university psychology students. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. The sample consisted of 34 males and 94 females between the ages of 18 and 21 years, who were registered for a first-year psychology module. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results showed moderate correlations between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. In addition, the results showed significant relationships between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused coping, seeking social support and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. Gender differences with regards to the constructs of coping and self-efficacy were also explored. Limitations of the present research were noted and recommendations for future research were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A study on the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gouws, Stephanie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540 , International business enterprises -- Management , International business enterprises -- Personnel management , International business enterprises -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies , International business enterprises -- Management -- Social aspects , Employment in foreign countries , Intercultural communication , Corporations, Foreign
- Description: This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Balancing the educator's rights to fair labour practices and to strike with the right to education
- Authors: Govender, Mahalingum
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1565 , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise investigates the potential for law (including courts and tribunals) to intervene and act as a lever for the protection and advancement of the rights of the child including the right to basic education. The dissertation critically explores the debate on the educator‟s right to strike and fair labour practices and the child‟s right to education, by assessing the rights and liberties, which accrue to educators and the child (learners) in terms of existing law. The South African Constitution has made specific provision for the protection of the rights of children and the rights of educators and these rights are fundamental to the development of a society in transition. The vexed question that arises is whether these rights can co-exist in a society that has inherited a legacy of discrimination and inequality. The consequences of this legacy have resulted in the rights of educators competing with those of learners. The normalisation of the balance of these opposite rights is the challenge that lies ahead and this process will require intervention of all stakeholders rather than purely legislative intervention. This dissertation recommends a consensus-based approach, which is the most appropriate solution to balance the rights of educators with this of the child‟s right to education, as opposed to a declaration of the education sector as an essential service. It further proposes the establishment of a more structured and organised forum / institution and its sole purpose would be to deal with the individual or collective rights of educators that compete with the rights of learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Govender, Mahalingum
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1565 , Right to education -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Children's rights -- South Africa , Educational law and legislation -- South Africa , Strikes and lockouts -- Teachers -- South Africa , Right to strike -- South Africa
- Description: This treatise investigates the potential for law (including courts and tribunals) to intervene and act as a lever for the protection and advancement of the rights of the child including the right to basic education. The dissertation critically explores the debate on the educator‟s right to strike and fair labour practices and the child‟s right to education, by assessing the rights and liberties, which accrue to educators and the child (learners) in terms of existing law. The South African Constitution has made specific provision for the protection of the rights of children and the rights of educators and these rights are fundamental to the development of a society in transition. The vexed question that arises is whether these rights can co-exist in a society that has inherited a legacy of discrimination and inequality. The consequences of this legacy have resulted in the rights of educators competing with those of learners. The normalisation of the balance of these opposite rights is the challenge that lies ahead and this process will require intervention of all stakeholders rather than purely legislative intervention. This dissertation recommends a consensus-based approach, which is the most appropriate solution to balance the rights of educators with this of the child‟s right to education, as opposed to a declaration of the education sector as an essential service. It further proposes the establishment of a more structured and organised forum / institution and its sole purpose would be to deal with the individual or collective rights of educators that compete with the rights of learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An examination of succession planning approaches in family owned businesses : a case study of two businesses in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation of the empowerment needs of councillors with reference to the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality, province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqamane, Zukiswa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8234 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010168 , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the empowerment needs of councillors in a municipality. The main focus was to assess the successes or inadequacies of the empowerment programmes previously offered to councillors by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. In order to achieve the research objectives an in-depth literature study was undertaken. A survey was also conducted to examine the level of empowerment being offered by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to its councillors and the data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The literature study proved the hypothesis to be correct, which stated that empowered councillors could enhance effective public participation, effective communication which could result in effective service delivery. The empirical study revealed that certain councillors require adequate training in areas such as communication skills, council’s rules of procedures and new developmental mandate assigned to local government. The empirical survey also revealed that there is limited mutual trust between councillors and the senior officials, immediate intervention is required to restore trust between councillors and officials. It has been recommended that King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should not only provide regular “in house” training, but also training conducted by outside agencies is required. In certain instances, one may find that municipalities may not have fully capacitated persons for “in house” training. Thus, outside agencies which possess the relevant expertise such as universities and SALGA should be encouraged to also facilitate capacity training for councillors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gqamane, Zukiswa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8234 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010168 , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the empowerment needs of councillors in a municipality. The main focus was to assess the successes or inadequacies of the empowerment programmes previously offered to councillors by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. In order to achieve the research objectives an in-depth literature study was undertaken. A survey was also conducted to examine the level of empowerment being offered by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to its councillors and the data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The literature study proved the hypothesis to be correct, which stated that empowered councillors could enhance effective public participation, effective communication which could result in effective service delivery. The empirical study revealed that certain councillors require adequate training in areas such as communication skills, council’s rules of procedures and new developmental mandate assigned to local government. The empirical survey also revealed that there is limited mutual trust between councillors and the senior officials, immediate intervention is required to restore trust between councillors and officials. It has been recommended that King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should not only provide regular “in house” training, but also training conducted by outside agencies is required. In certain instances, one may find that municipalities may not have fully capacitated persons for “in house” training. Thus, outside agencies which possess the relevant expertise such as universities and SALGA should be encouraged to also facilitate capacity training for councillors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation into the causes of lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District
- Authors: Gqoli, Neliswa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lack of parenting -- Rural schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18465 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009444
- Description: Parental involvement is one of the key requirements that are laid down by fundamental policies on schooling in South Africa. The policies include National Education Policy Act No 27 of 1996 and South African Schools Act No 84 of 1996. However, various schools in this country have generally not met this requirement effectively. The situation is more prevalent in the rural schools where parents either do not participate at all or their participation is minimal. The researcher investigated the factors that were behind the lack of parental involvement in rural schools. A specific focus was in rural schools of Mthatha District. The schools were chosen because of their proximity to the researcher and noted constant reports on the lack of parental involvement. The primary targeted population were the parents whose learners were schooling in the two selected rural schools of Mthatha District, which were Pazima J.S.S and Xonyeni J.S.S The researcher used stratified sampling to ensure better coverage of population and to achieve better precision or accuracy. This was done by dividing the parents into homogenous groups like, gender, age, sex and etc. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The designs that were used were survey and interviews. Questionnaires and interview schedule were developed and administered to parents of the two selected schools. These methods were judged to be appropriate as some of them might not be able to read and write. In addition to that, it was within acceptable procedures of collecting data in both qualitative and quantitative study. There were limitations and delineations and some of them included that the study was confined only to Mthatha District. The researcher selected only two schools and other schools were excluded. The study investigated only parents of the senior phase level and other phases were not involved. The researcher collected data from the parents of two selected schools i.e. Pazima J.S.S and Xonyeni J.S.S using questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were administered to parents who were able to read and write and for those parents who could not read and write interviews were conducted. The data was analysed using a pool- table method and out of 74 parents used as the sample for the study most parents were ranging between 32 and 39 years. The study was dominated mainly by female parents and most parents had learners in grade 8&9. Most of the parents in the study were married and they were unemployed with J.S.S. as their highest qualification. The six research questions asked were: (a) Is lack of relationship between the schools and the homes of learners one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (b) Is lack of co-operation by parents in the education of their children one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (c) Is illiteracy of parents one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (d) Is employment of parents one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (e) Is lack of parental participation in school governance and management one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (f) Is lack of communication between parents and the teachers one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? The findings showed that there was no relationship between the schools and the homes of learners and parents were co-operating at all. Most of the parents were illiterate, unemployed married females who have cultural activities to perform which made them not to be involved in their schools. Communication between the schools and homes of the learners was lacking and parents were not actively participating in school governance and management in their schools. The recommendations from this study were that, for lack of co-operation workshops for both parents and teachers on team building and teacher – parent relations were recommended. For illiteracy problem implementation of ABET classes was recommended. Circulars issued by the Department relating to parental involvement should be read and discussed by both parents and teachers. Communication skills needed to be improved so as to maintain good home-school relationship. Workshops on how to elect school governing bodies and on their roles and their responsibilities were recommended. In conclusion parents are very important stakeholders in education so they need to be highly involved in the education of their children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gqoli, Neliswa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lack of parenting -- Rural schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18465 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009444
- Description: Parental involvement is one of the key requirements that are laid down by fundamental policies on schooling in South Africa. The policies include National Education Policy Act No 27 of 1996 and South African Schools Act No 84 of 1996. However, various schools in this country have generally not met this requirement effectively. The situation is more prevalent in the rural schools where parents either do not participate at all or their participation is minimal. The researcher investigated the factors that were behind the lack of parental involvement in rural schools. A specific focus was in rural schools of Mthatha District. The schools were chosen because of their proximity to the researcher and noted constant reports on the lack of parental involvement. The primary targeted population were the parents whose learners were schooling in the two selected rural schools of Mthatha District, which were Pazima J.S.S and Xonyeni J.S.S The researcher used stratified sampling to ensure better coverage of population and to achieve better precision or accuracy. This was done by dividing the parents into homogenous groups like, gender, age, sex and etc. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The designs that were used were survey and interviews. Questionnaires and interview schedule were developed and administered to parents of the two selected schools. These methods were judged to be appropriate as some of them might not be able to read and write. In addition to that, it was within acceptable procedures of collecting data in both qualitative and quantitative study. There were limitations and delineations and some of them included that the study was confined only to Mthatha District. The researcher selected only two schools and other schools were excluded. The study investigated only parents of the senior phase level and other phases were not involved. The researcher collected data from the parents of two selected schools i.e. Pazima J.S.S and Xonyeni J.S.S using questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were administered to parents who were able to read and write and for those parents who could not read and write interviews were conducted. The data was analysed using a pool- table method and out of 74 parents used as the sample for the study most parents were ranging between 32 and 39 years. The study was dominated mainly by female parents and most parents had learners in grade 8&9. Most of the parents in the study were married and they were unemployed with J.S.S. as their highest qualification. The six research questions asked were: (a) Is lack of relationship between the schools and the homes of learners one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (b) Is lack of co-operation by parents in the education of their children one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (c) Is illiteracy of parents one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (d) Is employment of parents one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (e) Is lack of parental participation in school governance and management one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? (f) Is lack of communication between parents and the teachers one of the causes for lack of parental involvement in rural schools of Mthatha District? The findings showed that there was no relationship between the schools and the homes of learners and parents were co-operating at all. Most of the parents were illiterate, unemployed married females who have cultural activities to perform which made them not to be involved in their schools. Communication between the schools and homes of the learners was lacking and parents were not actively participating in school governance and management in their schools. The recommendations from this study were that, for lack of co-operation workshops for both parents and teachers on team building and teacher – parent relations were recommended. For illiteracy problem implementation of ABET classes was recommended. Circulars issued by the Department relating to parental involvement should be read and discussed by both parents and teachers. Communication skills needed to be improved so as to maintain good home-school relationship. Workshops on how to elect school governing bodies and on their roles and their responsibilities were recommended. In conclusion parents are very important stakeholders in education so they need to be highly involved in the education of their children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Putting the millenium development goal no 3- gender equality and women empowerment into practice: a case study of a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqomo, Nomaxabiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010079 , Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Description: Gender inequality and women empowerment constitute one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to, by United Nations in 2000. The South African 2010 country report on MDGs shows an increase in the share that women have in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector. It further states that in the Eastern Cape Province, women accounted for more than half of employees in the non-agricultural sector. This study conducted evaluated gender differences in terms of wage employment in a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape. Findings show that gender differences in wage employment still exist, in favour of males.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gqomo, Nomaxabiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9086 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010079 , Women's rights , Women -- Social conditions , Equality
- Description: Gender inequality and women empowerment constitute one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to, by United Nations in 2000. The South African 2010 country report on MDGs shows an increase in the share that women have in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector. It further states that in the Eastern Cape Province, women accounted for more than half of employees in the non-agricultural sector. This study conducted evaluated gender differences in terms of wage employment in a semi-urban village in the Eastern Cape. Findings show that gender differences in wage employment still exist, in favour of males.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Investigating the relationship between sustainability and farmer decision-making: a qualitative study of maize farmers in Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Authors: Grewar, Robert
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- Research -- South Africa Agriculture -- South Africa -- Decision making Corn -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003906
- Description: The goal of the research paper was to understand the complex relationship between the issue of sustainability and maize farmers’ decision-making processes. The aim is to shed light on the realities experienced by maize farmers in terms of how sustainability impacts on the decisions they make and how the decisions they make impact on sustainability. The importance of the research lies in the current state of affairs in the world in terms of the current economic recession, overpopulation, dire poverty and hunger, and the poor state of the environment. If humankind is to continue its existence on Earth in a happy, healthy world, something is going to have to give. In order for this to happen, people need to start grappling with the concept of sustainability. Focusing on sustainability as a whole is likely to end in despair. However, breaking the problem down into its component pieces will allow people to influence the particular sector in which they operate. It is therefore imperative for research into sustainability to be undertaken in all sectors of society and the economy. Agriculture presents an excellent research area due to its intrinsic link with the environment, society and the economy. Agriculture and its wellbeing is inextricably tied to environmental health. Healthy plants and animals will not grow in unhealthy conditions. Society is to a large degree dependent on agriculture for food, agriculture therefore has a significant impact on social order and function. Agriculture is one of the primary contributors to GDP, particularly in poor and developing nations. As a result, agriculture has an important role to play in ensuring economic sustainability. In order to engage with sustainability from an agricultural perspective it was decided to engage on the farmer-level. Gaining an understanding of their reality in terms of what motivates their decisions is key to understanding the relationship between agriculture and sustainability. Three maize farmers in Mpumalanga, South Africa, were interviewed with the aim of collecting qualitative data and then analysing the data using thematic analysis. The methodology employed enabled the researcher to uncover patterns in the data that constituted themes across the interviews. The following themes emerged: Theme 1: Economic factors are the primary decision driver. This is primarily due to the extent of the financial risk experienced by farmers as a result of market risk, production risk, finance risk, and rising input costs. This results in economic considerations superseding environmental or social concerns in farmers’ decisions. This has a negative impact on the overall sustainability of the farming operation. Theme 2: There has been a decrease in the number of family-run farms. This is attributable to a number of factors including economic failure, fear of loss of land due to land-reform policies, as well as crime. Family-run farms tend to have a greater focus on sustainability due to the vested interest in the next generation taking over the farm. The corporate farming operations that are taking over the farms tend to be more focussed on short-term gains in order to satisfy shareholders. Theme 3: Mechanisation is preferable to manual labour. There has been an alarming decrease in the number of labourers employed on farms. Farmers say this is due to two factors. Firstly, machines are more efficient than labour. Secondly, restrictive labour laws have made famers less keen to employ people. The net effect of these two factors is that unemployment is rising. This has negative consequences for society, the economy, and the environment. Theme 4: Farmers believe they do very little environmental damage. This results in decisions being made that do not consider environmental wellbeing other than soil health. This is because farmers see healthy soil as an integral input that optimises economic performance. Farmers tend to prioritise economic factors in their decisions more than environmental or social factors. This results in an unsustainable perspective. The only ways in which this is likely to change is if the financial risk associated with agriculture is decreased, or if farmers are given financial incentive to change their ways. In order to deal with this issue it is necessary for further research to be conducted. Research needs to be conducted to confirm the results of this study. It is important to know whether the results pertain only to maize farmers in Mpumalanga or whether most farmers in South Africa, and indeed the world, face similar problems. Research should also be conducted to propose policies or procedures to reduce financial risk in agriculture. Research should focus on reducing market risk and reducing input costs, possibly via subsidisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Grewar, Robert
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- Research -- South Africa Agriculture -- South Africa -- Decision making Corn -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003906
- Description: The goal of the research paper was to understand the complex relationship between the issue of sustainability and maize farmers’ decision-making processes. The aim is to shed light on the realities experienced by maize farmers in terms of how sustainability impacts on the decisions they make and how the decisions they make impact on sustainability. The importance of the research lies in the current state of affairs in the world in terms of the current economic recession, overpopulation, dire poverty and hunger, and the poor state of the environment. If humankind is to continue its existence on Earth in a happy, healthy world, something is going to have to give. In order for this to happen, people need to start grappling with the concept of sustainability. Focusing on sustainability as a whole is likely to end in despair. However, breaking the problem down into its component pieces will allow people to influence the particular sector in which they operate. It is therefore imperative for research into sustainability to be undertaken in all sectors of society and the economy. Agriculture presents an excellent research area due to its intrinsic link with the environment, society and the economy. Agriculture and its wellbeing is inextricably tied to environmental health. Healthy plants and animals will not grow in unhealthy conditions. Society is to a large degree dependent on agriculture for food, agriculture therefore has a significant impact on social order and function. Agriculture is one of the primary contributors to GDP, particularly in poor and developing nations. As a result, agriculture has an important role to play in ensuring economic sustainability. In order to engage with sustainability from an agricultural perspective it was decided to engage on the farmer-level. Gaining an understanding of their reality in terms of what motivates their decisions is key to understanding the relationship between agriculture and sustainability. Three maize farmers in Mpumalanga, South Africa, were interviewed with the aim of collecting qualitative data and then analysing the data using thematic analysis. The methodology employed enabled the researcher to uncover patterns in the data that constituted themes across the interviews. The following themes emerged: Theme 1: Economic factors are the primary decision driver. This is primarily due to the extent of the financial risk experienced by farmers as a result of market risk, production risk, finance risk, and rising input costs. This results in economic considerations superseding environmental or social concerns in farmers’ decisions. This has a negative impact on the overall sustainability of the farming operation. Theme 2: There has been a decrease in the number of family-run farms. This is attributable to a number of factors including economic failure, fear of loss of land due to land-reform policies, as well as crime. Family-run farms tend to have a greater focus on sustainability due to the vested interest in the next generation taking over the farm. The corporate farming operations that are taking over the farms tend to be more focussed on short-term gains in order to satisfy shareholders. Theme 3: Mechanisation is preferable to manual labour. There has been an alarming decrease in the number of labourers employed on farms. Farmers say this is due to two factors. Firstly, machines are more efficient than labour. Secondly, restrictive labour laws have made famers less keen to employ people. The net effect of these two factors is that unemployment is rising. This has negative consequences for society, the economy, and the environment. Theme 4: Farmers believe they do very little environmental damage. This results in decisions being made that do not consider environmental wellbeing other than soil health. This is because farmers see healthy soil as an integral input that optimises economic performance. Farmers tend to prioritise economic factors in their decisions more than environmental or social factors. This results in an unsustainable perspective. The only ways in which this is likely to change is if the financial risk associated with agriculture is decreased, or if farmers are given financial incentive to change their ways. In order to deal with this issue it is necessary for further research to be conducted. Research needs to be conducted to confirm the results of this study. It is important to know whether the results pertain only to maize farmers in Mpumalanga or whether most farmers in South Africa, and indeed the world, face similar problems. Research should also be conducted to propose policies or procedures to reduce financial risk in agriculture. Research should focus on reducing market risk and reducing input costs, possibly via subsidisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The influence of endorsed professional surfers on consumer attitude towards surf brands
- Authors: Greybe, Frikkie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Brand name products , Branding (Marketing) , Surfers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008470 , Brand name products , Branding (Marketing) , Surfers
- Description: Sport, with the help of the media, plays a huge role in today’s society. Sport fans are following their favourite athlete and teams religiously as they compete locally and internationally. Over a century ago, the first professional athlete was endorsed. Since then companies are investing millions of dollars in athlete endorsement to promote brand awareness under consumers. The surfing industry is no different. With the Association of Professional Surfers (ASP) world tour, the big surf companies are jumping at the opportunity to sponsor pro surfers to market their products. Previous studies have shown athletes can evoke both positive and negative attitudes towards their endorsing brand thus effecting company’s sales. The aim of this study was to research the influence these endorsed pro surfers have on consumer behaviour towards their brand in a local market. A qualitative study was done on local surfers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Results showed that favourite surfers evoke a positive attitude towards their sponsoring brand. However this influence does not seem to be as significant as in other sports. Surf companies within the industry should be aware of the big influence age has on the consumers behaviour and that different age groups follow different surfers. Companies should choose to sponsor professional surfers that fit the image of the company and the products, not necessarily the professional surfer who performs the best. Using professional surfers in advertising of products does create better brand awareness, but endorsed professional surfers are not likely to change consumer’s perceptions of the endorsing brand’s products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Greybe, Frikkie
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Brand name products , Branding (Marketing) , Surfers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008470 , Brand name products , Branding (Marketing) , Surfers
- Description: Sport, with the help of the media, plays a huge role in today’s society. Sport fans are following their favourite athlete and teams religiously as they compete locally and internationally. Over a century ago, the first professional athlete was endorsed. Since then companies are investing millions of dollars in athlete endorsement to promote brand awareness under consumers. The surfing industry is no different. With the Association of Professional Surfers (ASP) world tour, the big surf companies are jumping at the opportunity to sponsor pro surfers to market their products. Previous studies have shown athletes can evoke both positive and negative attitudes towards their endorsing brand thus effecting company’s sales. The aim of this study was to research the influence these endorsed pro surfers have on consumer behaviour towards their brand in a local market. A qualitative study was done on local surfers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Results showed that favourite surfers evoke a positive attitude towards their sponsoring brand. However this influence does not seem to be as significant as in other sports. Surf companies within the industry should be aware of the big influence age has on the consumers behaviour and that different age groups follow different surfers. Companies should choose to sponsor professional surfers that fit the image of the company and the products, not necessarily the professional surfer who performs the best. Using professional surfers in advertising of products does create better brand awareness, but endorsed professional surfers are not likely to change consumer’s perceptions of the endorsing brand’s products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The teaching of financial management principles to school leaders in disadvantaged schools
- Authors: Griesel, Issabella
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa , School budgets -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1538 , Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa , School budgets -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to find out how a course in School Financial Management should be designed and presented in order to bring about an improvement in the practice of school financial management in disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was conducted in the interpretive and critical theory paradigms, and employed a qualitative empirical approach. The focus of the research was two cohorts of school leaders taking part in the Advanced Certificate in Education: School Management and Leadership programme at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. The researcher presented a course in Financial Management to both of these cohorts, and employed an action research method in her research, introducing the insights and lessons learned from teaching the first cohort in the design and teaching of the second cohort. Data were collected in various ways, including written assignments of students, class discussions, personal interviews and document analyses. More data were collected during school visits at which the researcher observed the level of financial practice at schools, and could also, from the one-to-one interactions with the students, identify the issues that were still problematic to them. Another aspect of the data gathering process was the detailed analysis of the section on Financial Management in the ACE study material provided by the Department of Education. This enabled the researcher to compare her study material and teaching approach to that of the Department’s study material, so as to ascertain which content and methods of teaching were best suited to bringing about an improvement in practice. The study’s main findings were that designers of such programmes in Financial Management should focus on basic Accounting principles and avoid an overload of content of issues which are “good to know”, but do not contribute to the understanding of Accounting principles necessary for the drawing up of financial statements. The method of teaching should predominantly be an interactive approach based on adult learning principles, with enough time for students to complete certain assignments and activities with feedback by the lecturer. The role v of mentors and of the lecturer visiting schools was emphasised as one of the key ways to assist participants in implementing what they had learned. The most important recommendations emanating from the study were the suggestion that the Department of Education should play a bigger formational role in providing feedback to schools on the financial statements submitted to the Department by these schools, the rethinking of the Department of Education’s module on Financial Management in the ACE for School Principals, and the development of a follow-up course in which all the additional aspects of School Financial Management could be included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Griesel, Issabella
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa , School budgets -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1538 , Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa , School budgets -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to find out how a course in School Financial Management should be designed and presented in order to bring about an improvement in the practice of school financial management in disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was conducted in the interpretive and critical theory paradigms, and employed a qualitative empirical approach. The focus of the research was two cohorts of school leaders taking part in the Advanced Certificate in Education: School Management and Leadership programme at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. The researcher presented a course in Financial Management to both of these cohorts, and employed an action research method in her research, introducing the insights and lessons learned from teaching the first cohort in the design and teaching of the second cohort. Data were collected in various ways, including written assignments of students, class discussions, personal interviews and document analyses. More data were collected during school visits at which the researcher observed the level of financial practice at schools, and could also, from the one-to-one interactions with the students, identify the issues that were still problematic to them. Another aspect of the data gathering process was the detailed analysis of the section on Financial Management in the ACE study material provided by the Department of Education. This enabled the researcher to compare her study material and teaching approach to that of the Department’s study material, so as to ascertain which content and methods of teaching were best suited to bringing about an improvement in practice. The study’s main findings were that designers of such programmes in Financial Management should focus on basic Accounting principles and avoid an overload of content of issues which are “good to know”, but do not contribute to the understanding of Accounting principles necessary for the drawing up of financial statements. The method of teaching should predominantly be an interactive approach based on adult learning principles, with enough time for students to complete certain assignments and activities with feedback by the lecturer. The role v of mentors and of the lecturer visiting schools was emphasised as one of the key ways to assist participants in implementing what they had learned. The most important recommendations emanating from the study were the suggestion that the Department of Education should play a bigger formational role in providing feedback to schools on the financial statements submitted to the Department by these schools, the rethinking of the Department of Education’s module on Financial Management in the ACE for School Principals, and the development of a follow-up course in which all the additional aspects of School Financial Management could be included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Organisational factors impacting on employee retention
- Authors: Guma, Pendulwa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1530 , Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Description: Organisations must have a constant influx of candidates for potential employment. New employee positions are required as market areas are expanded. Recruitment occurs even in the face of limited growth or decline in service capacity, because individuals with specialised skills or training who leave the organisation must be replaced, and because services or technologies that have been revised or modified must be staffed. The recruitment of personnel plays an important role in assisting the organisation to adapt and remain competitive. The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) employs a wide variety of workers. Thus, the sources of applicants and types of methods used to expand the applicant pool vary depending on the occupational classification being considered. It, therefore, becomes self-defeating to invest significant resources in a recruitment effort if such effort is offset by high turnover rates. Retention of employees is as essential as their recruitment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organisational factors impacting on employee retention at DEDEA. The population for the study included 781 DEDEA employees. The response rate for the emailed questionnaire was 54 percent or 425 respondents. The Likert-type scale instrument consisted of forty questions divided into two sections: Section one looked at the demographic profile of the respondents and section two focused on getting responses on the five organisational impacting on v employee retention, namely: career development; compensation; positive recognition; staff engagement and management. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, the following research design was adopted: Step 1 A literature review was conducted to determine the various organizational factors impacting on employee retention. Step 2 From the literature review, a process model was adopted to assist the researcher in structuring the research questionnaire. Step 3 A questionnaire was constructed according to the principles and guidelines in steps 2 and step 3. Step 4 Empirical data was obtained by means of an email survey. Step 5 The results of the survey were analysed and interpreted. Step 6 The empirical results were integrated with Step 3. Step 7 Conclusions and recommendations were done. The main findings from the study were: - The study revealed a significant relationship between the selected organisational factors and employee retention. - The study also produced a model suitable for use by DEDEA as a guide in determining what initiatives the organisation should embark on to improve employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Guma, Pendulwa Vuyokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1530 , Employee retention , Organizational change , Employee motivation
- Description: Organisations must have a constant influx of candidates for potential employment. New employee positions are required as market areas are expanded. Recruitment occurs even in the face of limited growth or decline in service capacity, because individuals with specialised skills or training who leave the organisation must be replaced, and because services or technologies that have been revised or modified must be staffed. The recruitment of personnel plays an important role in assisting the organisation to adapt and remain competitive. The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) employs a wide variety of workers. Thus, the sources of applicants and types of methods used to expand the applicant pool vary depending on the occupational classification being considered. It, therefore, becomes self-defeating to invest significant resources in a recruitment effort if such effort is offset by high turnover rates. Retention of employees is as essential as their recruitment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organisational factors impacting on employee retention at DEDEA. The population for the study included 781 DEDEA employees. The response rate for the emailed questionnaire was 54 percent or 425 respondents. The Likert-type scale instrument consisted of forty questions divided into two sections: Section one looked at the demographic profile of the respondents and section two focused on getting responses on the five organisational impacting on v employee retention, namely: career development; compensation; positive recognition; staff engagement and management. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, the following research design was adopted: Step 1 A literature review was conducted to determine the various organizational factors impacting on employee retention. Step 2 From the literature review, a process model was adopted to assist the researcher in structuring the research questionnaire. Step 3 A questionnaire was constructed according to the principles and guidelines in steps 2 and step 3. Step 4 Empirical data was obtained by means of an email survey. Step 5 The results of the survey were analysed and interpreted. Step 6 The empirical results were integrated with Step 3. Step 7 Conclusions and recommendations were done. The main findings from the study were: - The study revealed a significant relationship between the selected organisational factors and employee retention. - The study also produced a model suitable for use by DEDEA as a guide in determining what initiatives the organisation should embark on to improve employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011