The influence of individual employee performance metrics on a sub-culture in a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa
- Authors: Zvarevashe, Marshall
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Corporate culture -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness Leadership Management -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001868
- Description: In today’s fast paced and global economy, competitive advantage is increasingly focused more on organisational behaviours rather than on the traditional tenets of land, labour and capital. Going beyond the traditional, organisations that are best able to get the most and the best out of their people are the ones most likely to perform better. This study aims to build an understanding of how culture is influenced by individual employee performance metrics that are used in an organisation. Previous research has been done in the broad fields of organisational culture and employee performance metrics separately, but no studies were identified in literature that focused on the interaction of the two concepts specifically. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the following research question: How do individual employee performance metrics influence sub-culture in the context of a professional services firm in Durban? This study predominantly focused not on performance at the organisational level, but rather the more granular level of individual employee performance metrics and sub-culture in one of the divisions of a professional services firm. This qualitative study explores the multiple perspectives of reality of ten of the 32 managers in the Advisory division of a professional services organisation, regarding how individual employee performance metrics influence their world view of work, or the way they perceive, think, feel and interact in the world of work. The focus of the study was limited to one department, in one branch of a multinational organisation and focused only on the horizontal layer of the “manager group” within the staff levels. Semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these managers as a means of gathering and saturating data. Interviewees were identified using a stratified sampling from the group of managers in the Advisory division. Open coding and constant comparison was used to analyse data. Page ii of viii The results of the study show that managers had very varied and complex perceptions of how the individual performance metrics used to assess their performance influence the sub-culture of their world of work. The key findings manifested that misuse and abuse of performance metrics by leaders, leadership bias in respect to recognition, reward and remunerations, the predominant focus of the division on the bottom line and emphasis on success at all cost, and low employee morale were all aspects of performance that impacted on how employees behaved in the division. The effect of these factors on the managers operating in this division was that there were low levels of employee commitment which were experienced through low morale and reduced productivity; managers felt that there was a restriction in the development of their careers, all of which resulted in a disregard to values of the organisation. This study reflects how the reward and recognition system using the balanced scorecard has shifted the focus of the department away from the organisation’s espoused values. This has resulted in various leadership and management questions for the leadership of the division in this study. This research also adds to existing literature that links performance and culture within the organisational context that it goes beyond the prevalent themes in literature which focus on performance at the organisation level. This study focuses on performance at the employee level and in particular in a professional services firm in South Africa. The study has three interrelated sections which are however considered as standalone. The first section is an evaluation report based on the Advisory division of a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa, and consists of a literature review, the methodology followed in conducting the study, results and the discussion thereof. The report also highlights limitations of the study, recommendations and the perceived value of the study. The report ends with a summary in the form of a conclusion. Section 2 comprises a more comprehensive literature review while Section 3 documents the research methodology followed in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zvarevashe, Marshall
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Corporate culture -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness Leadership Management -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001868
- Description: In today’s fast paced and global economy, competitive advantage is increasingly focused more on organisational behaviours rather than on the traditional tenets of land, labour and capital. Going beyond the traditional, organisations that are best able to get the most and the best out of their people are the ones most likely to perform better. This study aims to build an understanding of how culture is influenced by individual employee performance metrics that are used in an organisation. Previous research has been done in the broad fields of organisational culture and employee performance metrics separately, but no studies were identified in literature that focused on the interaction of the two concepts specifically. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the following research question: How do individual employee performance metrics influence sub-culture in the context of a professional services firm in Durban? This study predominantly focused not on performance at the organisational level, but rather the more granular level of individual employee performance metrics and sub-culture in one of the divisions of a professional services firm. This qualitative study explores the multiple perspectives of reality of ten of the 32 managers in the Advisory division of a professional services organisation, regarding how individual employee performance metrics influence their world view of work, or the way they perceive, think, feel and interact in the world of work. The focus of the study was limited to one department, in one branch of a multinational organisation and focused only on the horizontal layer of the “manager group” within the staff levels. Semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these managers as a means of gathering and saturating data. Interviewees were identified using a stratified sampling from the group of managers in the Advisory division. Open coding and constant comparison was used to analyse data. Page ii of viii The results of the study show that managers had very varied and complex perceptions of how the individual performance metrics used to assess their performance influence the sub-culture of their world of work. The key findings manifested that misuse and abuse of performance metrics by leaders, leadership bias in respect to recognition, reward and remunerations, the predominant focus of the division on the bottom line and emphasis on success at all cost, and low employee morale were all aspects of performance that impacted on how employees behaved in the division. The effect of these factors on the managers operating in this division was that there were low levels of employee commitment which were experienced through low morale and reduced productivity; managers felt that there was a restriction in the development of their careers, all of which resulted in a disregard to values of the organisation. This study reflects how the reward and recognition system using the balanced scorecard has shifted the focus of the department away from the organisation’s espoused values. This has resulted in various leadership and management questions for the leadership of the division in this study. This research also adds to existing literature that links performance and culture within the organisational context that it goes beyond the prevalent themes in literature which focus on performance at the organisation level. This study focuses on performance at the employee level and in particular in a professional services firm in South Africa. The study has three interrelated sections which are however considered as standalone. The first section is an evaluation report based on the Advisory division of a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa, and consists of a literature review, the methodology followed in conducting the study, results and the discussion thereof. The report also highlights limitations of the study, recommendations and the perceived value of the study. The report ends with a summary in the form of a conclusion. Section 2 comprises a more comprehensive literature review while Section 3 documents the research methodology followed in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An appraisal of the South African government macroeconomic policies and strategies (1994-2012)
- Authors: Zuma, Siziwe Monica
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fiscal policy--South Africa Macroeconomics Monetary policy--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17360 , vital:40959
- Description: This study sought to do an overview and the role of Public Administration both as an academic discipline and as a discipline in practice. It sought to do a literature analysis of the macroeconomic policies and strategies that the democratic from 1994- 2012 particularly with regards to lowering unemployment and meeting public needs. The literature review on the Freedom Charter and the South African democratic government’s macroeconomic policies namely the RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, New Growth Plan, and the National Development Plan were studied in great detail in this study. Public Finance in terms of the tax revenues collected and public debt servicing costs have contributed to the capacity of the SA government to meet its public needs and social needs including poverty eradication. It identified that the NDP because of its longer term plan approach its goals could be realizable. It identified that the South African democratic government macroeconomic policy has been consistent since 1994 that of belt tightening or fiscal policy that is tight on fiscal spending and monetary policy also has remained the same although different names have been used over the period 1994-2012. The South African democratic government since 1994 has been pursuing austere fiscal policy. This is because it inherited a government that had high public debt and therefore had to prioritise of servicing that debt. That meant that there has been less funds available to spend on public needs as the aspirations of the people when they drafted and adopted in a congress of the ANC the freedom charter in 1955. The South African democratic government through its macroeconomic policy has created a number of positive changes in the country economically and socially that have benefited a lot of the previously marginalized people of South Africa however the macroeconomic objectives of reducing unemployment, growing the economy, increasing exports and lowering inflation still remain a huge challenge in this country. This study concludes that in order to increase revenues to meet public needs government needs to look at increasing its revenue base rather than borrowing the money as that will create the same challenge that it is currently facing hence it adopted the austere fiscal policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zuma, Siziwe Monica
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fiscal policy--South Africa Macroeconomics Monetary policy--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17360 , vital:40959
- Description: This study sought to do an overview and the role of Public Administration both as an academic discipline and as a discipline in practice. It sought to do a literature analysis of the macroeconomic policies and strategies that the democratic from 1994- 2012 particularly with regards to lowering unemployment and meeting public needs. The literature review on the Freedom Charter and the South African democratic government’s macroeconomic policies namely the RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, New Growth Plan, and the National Development Plan were studied in great detail in this study. Public Finance in terms of the tax revenues collected and public debt servicing costs have contributed to the capacity of the SA government to meet its public needs and social needs including poverty eradication. It identified that the NDP because of its longer term plan approach its goals could be realizable. It identified that the South African democratic government macroeconomic policy has been consistent since 1994 that of belt tightening or fiscal policy that is tight on fiscal spending and monetary policy also has remained the same although different names have been used over the period 1994-2012. The South African democratic government since 1994 has been pursuing austere fiscal policy. This is because it inherited a government that had high public debt and therefore had to prioritise of servicing that debt. That meant that there has been less funds available to spend on public needs as the aspirations of the people when they drafted and adopted in a congress of the ANC the freedom charter in 1955. The South African democratic government through its macroeconomic policy has created a number of positive changes in the country economically and socially that have benefited a lot of the previously marginalized people of South Africa however the macroeconomic objectives of reducing unemployment, growing the economy, increasing exports and lowering inflation still remain a huge challenge in this country. This study concludes that in order to increase revenues to meet public needs government needs to look at increasing its revenue base rather than borrowing the money as that will create the same challenge that it is currently facing hence it adopted the austere fiscal policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An appraisal of the South African Government Macroeconomic Policies and Strategies (1994-2012)
- Authors: Zuma, Siziwe Monica
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013582
- Description: This study sought to do an overview and the role of Public Administration both as an academic discipline and as a discipline in practice. It sought to do a literature analysis of the macroeconomic policies and strategies that the democratic from 1994- 2012 particularly with regards to lowering unemployment and meeting public needs. The literature review on the Freedom Charter and the South African democratic government’s macroeconomic policies namely the RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, New Growth Plan, and the National Development Plan were studied in great detail in this study. Public Finance in terms of the tax revenues collected and public debt servicing costs have contributed to the capacity of the SA government to meet its public needs and social needs including poverty eradication. It identified that the NDP because of its longer term plan approach its goals could be realizable. It identified that the South African democratic government macroeconomic policy has been consistent since 1994 that of belt tightening or fiscal policy that is tight on fiscal spending and monetary policy also has remained the same although different names have been used over the period 1994-2012. The South African democratic government since 1994 has been pursuing austere fiscal policy. This is because it inherited a government that had high public debt and therefore had to prioritise of servicing that debt. That meant that there has been less funds available to spend on public needs as the aspirations of the people when they drafted and adopted in a congress of the ANC the freedom charter in 1955. The South African democratic government through its macroeconomic policy has created a number of positive changes in the country economically and socially that have benefited a lot of the previously marginalized people of South Africa however the macroeconomic objectives of reducing unemployment, growing the economy, increasing exports and lowering inflation still remain a huge challenge in this country. This study concludes that in order to increase revenues to meet public needs government needs to look at increasing its revenue base rather than borrowing the money as that will create the same challenge that it is currently facing hence it adopted the austere fiscal policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zuma, Siziwe Monica
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013582
- Description: This study sought to do an overview and the role of Public Administration both as an academic discipline and as a discipline in practice. It sought to do a literature analysis of the macroeconomic policies and strategies that the democratic from 1994- 2012 particularly with regards to lowering unemployment and meeting public needs. The literature review on the Freedom Charter and the South African democratic government’s macroeconomic policies namely the RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, New Growth Plan, and the National Development Plan were studied in great detail in this study. Public Finance in terms of the tax revenues collected and public debt servicing costs have contributed to the capacity of the SA government to meet its public needs and social needs including poverty eradication. It identified that the NDP because of its longer term plan approach its goals could be realizable. It identified that the South African democratic government macroeconomic policy has been consistent since 1994 that of belt tightening or fiscal policy that is tight on fiscal spending and monetary policy also has remained the same although different names have been used over the period 1994-2012. The South African democratic government since 1994 has been pursuing austere fiscal policy. This is because it inherited a government that had high public debt and therefore had to prioritise of servicing that debt. That meant that there has been less funds available to spend on public needs as the aspirations of the people when they drafted and adopted in a congress of the ANC the freedom charter in 1955. The South African democratic government through its macroeconomic policy has created a number of positive changes in the country economically and socially that have benefited a lot of the previously marginalized people of South Africa however the macroeconomic objectives of reducing unemployment, growing the economy, increasing exports and lowering inflation still remain a huge challenge in this country. This study concludes that in order to increase revenues to meet public needs government needs to look at increasing its revenue base rather than borrowing the money as that will create the same challenge that it is currently facing hence it adopted the austere fiscal policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Female education breaks the cycle of poverty : a case study of Chikomba rural district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Zulu, Lilly Tendai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women in development -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Education -- Zimbabwe , Rural women -- Employment -- Zimbabwe , Women in economic development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018691
- Description: The research which forms the basis of this thesis describes rural women’s perceptions of how Camfed education and skills development programmes have improved their lives in the Chikomba rural district in Chivhu, Zimbabwe. The researcher was motivated to carry out this study mainly due to the fact that in most rural societies in Zimbabwe, women are found suffering from social, cultural and political biases in the traditional male dominated society of Zimbabwe. Compared to their male counterparts, women have limited access to educational and employment opportunities and also have less social and political power than men. Being heads of households, women have to carry out the full traditional roles with the added responsibility of household and production management. The purpose of this study was to inform those investing and interested in women’s education about whether, how and the conditions under which women’s education directly improves women’s own lives and decreases poverty in the family and society. Camfed is an organization that advocates for female education particularly in the marginalized and poor parts of the country where poverty remains a barrier to girl’s education. It provides financial resources and establishes innovative education and training programs in order to break the poverty cycle in rural communities and empower women. A quantitative approach was employed in this study using a descriptive survey design, with the emphasis on collecting primary data from the research participants as well as consulting secondary data sources such as books, academic journals, completed and unpublished post-graduate research dissertations and theses. Findings of this study revealed that financial constraints, early marriage, proximity to school, death of parents as well as domestic chores were factors identified by the women that prevented them from completing school and pursuing further studies. The women also describe their perceptions of how education has led to better opportunities and an improved standard of living as they can now afford the basic goods and services. Moreover the participants mentioned how education has provided them with the basic skills to pursue a livelihood which will enable them to enjoy a decent standard of living. The research also found that education is an important determinant of women’s decision making in terms of finances and thereby improves their sense of empowerment. The women talked extensively about how education has raised their self-esteem and how it has enhanced their economic and social independence. At the end of the study and using the acquired information, several recommendations are made for the expansion and increase of programmes that offer incentives to keep girls in school, especially at secondary level where returns for girls are substantially greater in-terms of reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zulu, Lilly Tendai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women in development -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Education -- Zimbabwe , Rural women -- Employment -- Zimbabwe , Women in economic development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018691
- Description: The research which forms the basis of this thesis describes rural women’s perceptions of how Camfed education and skills development programmes have improved their lives in the Chikomba rural district in Chivhu, Zimbabwe. The researcher was motivated to carry out this study mainly due to the fact that in most rural societies in Zimbabwe, women are found suffering from social, cultural and political biases in the traditional male dominated society of Zimbabwe. Compared to their male counterparts, women have limited access to educational and employment opportunities and also have less social and political power than men. Being heads of households, women have to carry out the full traditional roles with the added responsibility of household and production management. The purpose of this study was to inform those investing and interested in women’s education about whether, how and the conditions under which women’s education directly improves women’s own lives and decreases poverty in the family and society. Camfed is an organization that advocates for female education particularly in the marginalized and poor parts of the country where poverty remains a barrier to girl’s education. It provides financial resources and establishes innovative education and training programs in order to break the poverty cycle in rural communities and empower women. A quantitative approach was employed in this study using a descriptive survey design, with the emphasis on collecting primary data from the research participants as well as consulting secondary data sources such as books, academic journals, completed and unpublished post-graduate research dissertations and theses. Findings of this study revealed that financial constraints, early marriage, proximity to school, death of parents as well as domestic chores were factors identified by the women that prevented them from completing school and pursuing further studies. The women also describe their perceptions of how education has led to better opportunities and an improved standard of living as they can now afford the basic goods and services. Moreover the participants mentioned how education has provided them with the basic skills to pursue a livelihood which will enable them to enjoy a decent standard of living. The research also found that education is an important determinant of women’s decision making in terms of finances and thereby improves their sense of empowerment. The women talked extensively about how education has raised their self-esteem and how it has enhanced their economic and social independence. At the end of the study and using the acquired information, several recommendations are made for the expansion and increase of programmes that offer incentives to keep girls in school, especially at secondary level where returns for girls are substantially greater in-terms of reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Comparative phototransformation of environmental pollutants using metallophthalocyanines supported on electrospun polymer fibers
- Zugle, Ruphino, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190509 , vital:45001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38381"
- Description: The fluorescence and photoactivity of a series of Zn and Lu phthalocyanine complexes incorporated in various polymer fibers were investigated for the phototransformation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange. The phthalocyanine complexes functionalized on polystyrene and polysulfone polymer fibers could be applied in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange with 4-chlorophenol being much more susceptible to degradation while methyl orange was the least. Also polymer fibers of polystyrene were found to be reusable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190509 , vital:45001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38381"
- Description: The fluorescence and photoactivity of a series of Zn and Lu phthalocyanine complexes incorporated in various polymer fibers were investigated for the phototransformation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange. The phthalocyanine complexes functionalized on polystyrene and polysulfone polymer fibers could be applied in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange with 4-chlorophenol being much more susceptible to degradation while methyl orange was the least. Also polymer fibers of polystyrene were found to be reusable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Zinc (II) 2, 9, 16, 23-tetrakis [4-(N-methylpyridyloxy)]-phthalocyanine anchored on an electrospun polysulfone polymer fiber: Application for photosensitized conversion of methyl orange
- Zugle, Ruphino, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232741 , vital:50020 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2012.10.001"
- Description: In this work, a comparative study of photodegradation of methyl orange, an azo dye, in homogeneous aqueous solution of a quarternized cationic zinc phthalocyanine and a heterogeneous catalytic system based on the same phthalocyanine anchored on polysulfone polymer fiber is presented. In both cases, conversion involved the azo bond of the dye with no detectable opening up of the aromatic benzene rings. The reaction kinetics in both cases were consistent with first order with the conversion occurring in the homogeneous system being faster than when the functionalized polymer fiber was used. The reaction products consisted of a coupling product as well as a series of oligopolymeric products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232741 , vital:50020 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2012.10.001"
- Description: In this work, a comparative study of photodegradation of methyl orange, an azo dye, in homogeneous aqueous solution of a quarternized cationic zinc phthalocyanine and a heterogeneous catalytic system based on the same phthalocyanine anchored on polysulfone polymer fiber is presented. In both cases, conversion involved the azo bond of the dye with no detectable opening up of the aromatic benzene rings. The reaction kinetics in both cases were consistent with first order with the conversion occurring in the homogeneous system being faster than when the functionalized polymer fiber was used. The reaction products consisted of a coupling product as well as a series of oligopolymeric products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Phototransformation of pollutants using lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines anchored on electrospun polymer fibers
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electrospinning Phthalocyanines Lutetium Zinc Polymers Dysprosium Pollutants Air Pollution Photochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002962
- Description: Novel lanthanide phthalocyanines containing dysprosium, erbium and lutetium as central metals were synthesized using phthalonitrile:metal salt ratio of 4:1 or lower phthalonitrile content as well as using unmetallated phthalocyanine. They were characterized using various spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine was obtained while monomers were obtained for erbium and lutetium phthalocyanines. Theopen-shelldysprosiumbis-phthalocyanine and the monomeric complex of the open-shell erbium were neither fluorescent nor showed the ability to generate singlet oxygen. The triplet states of all the lutetium phthalocyanines were found to be populated with high triplet quantum yields and corresponding high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The fluorescence quantum yields of the lutetium phthalocyanines were however found to be very low. The lutetium phthalocyanines together with unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine and its derivatives were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers either by covalent linkage or sorption forces. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun polymer fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines were bound and their integrity maintained within the fiber matrices. Most importantly the fluorescence and photoactivity of the phthalocyanines were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized electrospun polymer fibers especially those containing the zinc phthalocyanines could qualitatively detect nitrogen dioxide, a known environmental air pollutant. Also all the functionalized electrospun polystyrene and polysulfone fibers containing lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines could be applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange. Those of polystyrene could be re-used. Polyacrylic acid and polyurethane functionalized electrospun fibers were found not to be suitable for photocatalytic applications in aqueous medium. 4-Chlorophenol was found to be more susceptible to photodegradation while methyl orange very difficult to degrade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electrospinning Phthalocyanines Lutetium Zinc Polymers Dysprosium Pollutants Air Pollution Photochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002962
- Description: Novel lanthanide phthalocyanines containing dysprosium, erbium and lutetium as central metals were synthesized using phthalonitrile:metal salt ratio of 4:1 or lower phthalonitrile content as well as using unmetallated phthalocyanine. They were characterized using various spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine was obtained while monomers were obtained for erbium and lutetium phthalocyanines. Theopen-shelldysprosiumbis-phthalocyanine and the monomeric complex of the open-shell erbium were neither fluorescent nor showed the ability to generate singlet oxygen. The triplet states of all the lutetium phthalocyanines were found to be populated with high triplet quantum yields and corresponding high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The fluorescence quantum yields of the lutetium phthalocyanines were however found to be very low. The lutetium phthalocyanines together with unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine and its derivatives were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers either by covalent linkage or sorption forces. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun polymer fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines were bound and their integrity maintained within the fiber matrices. Most importantly the fluorescence and photoactivity of the phthalocyanines were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized electrospun polymer fibers especially those containing the zinc phthalocyanines could qualitatively detect nitrogen dioxide, a known environmental air pollutant. Also all the functionalized electrospun polystyrene and polysulfone fibers containing lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines could be applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange. Those of polystyrene could be re-used. Polyacrylic acid and polyurethane functionalized electrospun fibers were found not to be suitable for photocatalytic applications in aqueous medium. 4-Chlorophenol was found to be more susceptible to photodegradation while methyl orange very difficult to degrade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The experiences of employees utilizing an employee assistance programme in a psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Zonke, Phindiwe Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Health services administration , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018571
- Description: Employer’s assistance to employees experiencing personal problems originated in the 19th century. The term Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was however formulated in the 1970’s in the United States and, initially, only focused on alcohol dependence rehabilitation. EAPs have since seen a paradigm shift in their focus as they now deal with the full range of problems experienced by employees such as family life or relationship issues, work related stresses, financial pressures, depression or anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse. The researcher observed that some employees in the psychiatric institution, where they are employed as both professionals and non-professionals, were experiencing personal problems and very little if anything was done to provide assistance to them. It also seemed as if very few of them made use of the voluntary EAP service made available by the institution. The fact that a number of employees have problems can have serious negative consequences in that it causes a high rate of absenteeism and the institution’s core business, which is to provide care to its users, is compromised. The researcher undertook this study because EAP services fall within the realm of institutional development. This study could therefore make an invaluable contribution to the transformation discourse which has been taking place in the South African health systems in general and psychiatric institutions in particular. The purpose of this research is to determine employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP in a psychiatric hospital. The researcher is personally interested in employees’ experiences of utilizing the EAP in order to provide recommendations that will assist and strengthen the policy/guidelines for the Eastern Cape Department of Health on the use of EAPs. The workplace has an obligation to provide EAP services to employees so as to help them meet their contractual obligations in a holistic and healthy manner. The research goals are to explore the experiences of employees who have utilized an EAP. The findings will be used to make recommendations regarding the utilization of the EAP policy/guidelines that are currently used to assist the employees. The research methodology will be qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual. The research population and sampling for this study will consist of the employees who have made use of an EAP. Participants will be selected using a purposive sampling approach. Data gathering will be done using semi-structured interviews, at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions will be asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The data will be analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. The identified themes will be used to describe employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP. Trustworthiness will be ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles of beneficence, self-determination and justice will be ensured by asking for each participant’s consent, by not coercing individuals to participate in the study and by ensuring permission from the Department of Health and from the University’s research committee to conduct the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zonke, Phindiwe Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Health services administration , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10054 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018571
- Description: Employer’s assistance to employees experiencing personal problems originated in the 19th century. The term Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was however formulated in the 1970’s in the United States and, initially, only focused on alcohol dependence rehabilitation. EAPs have since seen a paradigm shift in their focus as they now deal with the full range of problems experienced by employees such as family life or relationship issues, work related stresses, financial pressures, depression or anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse. The researcher observed that some employees in the psychiatric institution, where they are employed as both professionals and non-professionals, were experiencing personal problems and very little if anything was done to provide assistance to them. It also seemed as if very few of them made use of the voluntary EAP service made available by the institution. The fact that a number of employees have problems can have serious negative consequences in that it causes a high rate of absenteeism and the institution’s core business, which is to provide care to its users, is compromised. The researcher undertook this study because EAP services fall within the realm of institutional development. This study could therefore make an invaluable contribution to the transformation discourse which has been taking place in the South African health systems in general and psychiatric institutions in particular. The purpose of this research is to determine employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP in a psychiatric hospital. The researcher is personally interested in employees’ experiences of utilizing the EAP in order to provide recommendations that will assist and strengthen the policy/guidelines for the Eastern Cape Department of Health on the use of EAPs. The workplace has an obligation to provide EAP services to employees so as to help them meet their contractual obligations in a holistic and healthy manner. The research goals are to explore the experiences of employees who have utilized an EAP. The findings will be used to make recommendations regarding the utilization of the EAP policy/guidelines that are currently used to assist the employees. The research methodology will be qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual. The research population and sampling for this study will consist of the employees who have made use of an EAP. Participants will be selected using a purposive sampling approach. Data gathering will be done using semi-structured interviews, at a venue convenient to the participants. Open-ended questions will be asked to enable participants to express their perceptions on the topic. The data will be analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. The identified themes will be used to describe employees’ experience of utilizing an EAP. Trustworthiness will be ensured by using Guba’s model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles of beneficence, self-determination and justice will be ensured by asking for each participant’s consent, by not coercing individuals to participate in the study and by ensuring permission from the Department of Health and from the University’s research committee to conduct the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The role of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the upkeep and management of open spaces in Zwide Township
- Authors: Zonke, Gcobani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018657
- Description: This paper is an investigation into the role of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) in the up-keep and management of open spaces, in Zwide Township. The study examines the manner in which the legislative framework for waste management is being implemented as prescribed in legislative directives. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisions the transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, policy frameworks and principles have been developed to support the new vision of local government. The Batho Pele Principles and the white paper were passed in March 1998. Both documents spelt out the implementation of the principle and the framework in which the local government system should operate as set out in the developmental local government concept. The developmental local government system’s core ethos lies in working with local citizenry to find ways of meeting their needs, thereby improving their quality of life. It also makes provision for public participation. Ward councillors and ward committees are an indispensable backbone of community participation. It is assumed in this study that a number of environmental, social, economic and health challenges are associated with waste disposal in open spaces. Such hazards range from health risks to the abuse of open spaces by antisocial individuals and groups. The situation is exacerbated by poor implementation of constitutional and legislative directives regarding waste management and disposal to ensure a humane and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The research assumes that the problem cannot be overcome by the NMBMM alone. Well-orchestrated community awareness education programmes such as projects like “trash is cash “and innovative ways of managing waste, including waste recycling, need to be drawn upon. The strategic placement of waste stations and the timeous collection of waste could improve the situation. The observation is that the level of service delivery varies within residential areas and in socioeconomic strata. The previously disadvantaged areas seem to have borne the brunt in terms of poor waste management services until now. The municipality has been accustomed to a situation whereby it removes the waste on an ad hoc basis in selected areas in the townships. The situation is exacerbated by little foresight into the ever growing population, specifically amongst the lower socioeconomic sector of the population. As a result, the ecology and environment is impacted in a negative way. Amidst the challenges of dumping in open spaces, a sense of determination appears within the community to want to prevent the situation; to illustrate: There is an organized group of youths who have cleaned up open spaces at along Qeqe Street in Zwide. They developed a car wash bay as a venture to generate an income. The Green Township Movement is another scheme which is mobilising the community, street by street, to keep their neighbourhood environmentally clean and green. Potentially, the Waste Management Directorate could collaborate with these groupings to halt waste dumping in open spaces. In so doing they could contribute to establishing an environmentally friendly neighbourhood. The NMBMM needs therefore to take advantage of the situation and reengineer its waste management strategy, policies and directives and augment the initiatives that the community have taken upon themselves. The study will endeavour to ultimately advise on viable strategies in an attempt to unravel barriers that have been identified, while simultaneously addressing the challenges to improving the quality of life in the township. This will be done by analysing a legislative framework and thereafter replicating the best practice used locally, nationally and internationally.. It also seeks to associate with individuals within local government in addition to groups that are like minded in combating the concern. The existing environmental regulations and the present economic situation are sound starting points. Together they present an opportunity to change the prevailing attitudes towards recycling. Finally, a number of conclusions that were arrived at during the study will be followed by recommendations. These will be based on the literature review and observations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zonke, Gcobani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Waste minimization -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018657
- Description: This paper is an investigation into the role of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) in the up-keep and management of open spaces, in Zwide Township. The study examines the manner in which the legislative framework for waste management is being implemented as prescribed in legislative directives. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisions the transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, policy frameworks and principles have been developed to support the new vision of local government. The Batho Pele Principles and the white paper were passed in March 1998. Both documents spelt out the implementation of the principle and the framework in which the local government system should operate as set out in the developmental local government concept. The developmental local government system’s core ethos lies in working with local citizenry to find ways of meeting their needs, thereby improving their quality of life. It also makes provision for public participation. Ward councillors and ward committees are an indispensable backbone of community participation. It is assumed in this study that a number of environmental, social, economic and health challenges are associated with waste disposal in open spaces. Such hazards range from health risks to the abuse of open spaces by antisocial individuals and groups. The situation is exacerbated by poor implementation of constitutional and legislative directives regarding waste management and disposal to ensure a humane and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The research assumes that the problem cannot be overcome by the NMBMM alone. Well-orchestrated community awareness education programmes such as projects like “trash is cash “and innovative ways of managing waste, including waste recycling, need to be drawn upon. The strategic placement of waste stations and the timeous collection of waste could improve the situation. The observation is that the level of service delivery varies within residential areas and in socioeconomic strata. The previously disadvantaged areas seem to have borne the brunt in terms of poor waste management services until now. The municipality has been accustomed to a situation whereby it removes the waste on an ad hoc basis in selected areas in the townships. The situation is exacerbated by little foresight into the ever growing population, specifically amongst the lower socioeconomic sector of the population. As a result, the ecology and environment is impacted in a negative way. Amidst the challenges of dumping in open spaces, a sense of determination appears within the community to want to prevent the situation; to illustrate: There is an organized group of youths who have cleaned up open spaces at along Qeqe Street in Zwide. They developed a car wash bay as a venture to generate an income. The Green Township Movement is another scheme which is mobilising the community, street by street, to keep their neighbourhood environmentally clean and green. Potentially, the Waste Management Directorate could collaborate with these groupings to halt waste dumping in open spaces. In so doing they could contribute to establishing an environmentally friendly neighbourhood. The NMBMM needs therefore to take advantage of the situation and reengineer its waste management strategy, policies and directives and augment the initiatives that the community have taken upon themselves. The study will endeavour to ultimately advise on viable strategies in an attempt to unravel barriers that have been identified, while simultaneously addressing the challenges to improving the quality of life in the township. This will be done by analysing a legislative framework and thereafter replicating the best practice used locally, nationally and internationally.. It also seeks to associate with individuals within local government in addition to groups that are like minded in combating the concern. The existing environmental regulations and the present economic situation are sound starting points. Together they present an opportunity to change the prevailing attitudes towards recycling. Finally, a number of conclusions that were arrived at during the study will be followed by recommendations. These will be based on the literature review and observations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of the Blue Crane development agency on tourism development: a comparative analysis
- Authors: Zokoza, Makhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018602
- Description: This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zokoza, Makhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Travel agents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018602
- Description: This research investigates the impact of the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) on tourism development by comparing the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) with the Responsible Tourism Sector Plan of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM). In the latter instance, there is no development agency involved. A qualitative approach to research is applied with a specific focus on in-depth interviews. The literature review focuses on responsible tourism, local economic development (LED) and development agencies. The research is grounded in the Endogenous Growth Theory. The research notes the phenomenal success of the development agency model for delivery of LED projects. There is a notable growth in the tourism sector within the BCRM. With 45 permanent jobs created, the BCRM is a better place as compared to what it was in the era prior to the establishment of the BCDA. This surpasses by far the number of jobs created in the SRVM where the development agency model does not exist. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) prefers a district-wide development agency as opposed to a local development agency. The establishment of Cacadu Development Agency (CDA) follows this suggestion. The findings of this research are thus very significant for the SALGA in their pursuit for best practices in LED. Both the BCRM and the SRVM are under-marketed, a negative factor on their tourism growth and development. Placing of billboards at the Ncanara interchange to advertise them would ideally enhance their tourism marketing campaigns. The research also finds that both local municipalities have inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems for projects. In this respect, the research suggests that the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) should consider conducting a provincial research covering all the districts, on the contribution of tourism to the local economies. As a provincial entity, the ECPTA would be better placed to undertake that task. They would have less legal restrictions imposed by jurisdictional issues than would a local municipality. The research recommends the relocation of the CDA and the CDM from the metropolitan city of Port Elizabeth to one of the local municipalities. That would most likely increase business tourism, thereby boosting the local economy in the relevant small municipality. In conclusion, this research proposes that the presence of a development agency enhances tourism growth and development in the BCRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An exploration of teacher leadership : a case study in a Namibian urban primary school
- Authors: Zokka, Thomas Kayele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies Teacher participation in administration -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies Education, Elementary -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001809
- Description: After independence in 1990, Namibian schools were required by the new government to shift from a hierarchical organisational structure with authoritarian leadership to a more democratic type of leadership that offers teachers the opportunity to participate in school leadership and in decision-making processes. This shift is suggested in a number of national policies in Namibia that highlight the sharing of leadership within the organization and, in particular, the sharing of leadership with teachers. As such, teacher leadership is a manifestation of distributed leadership which emphasizes that leadership can be located in the position of the principal but can spread over many people who work in a school at various levels. While teacher leadership is well researched in developed countries, it is under researched in Namibia. Against this backdrop, the purpose of my study was to explore the concept and practice of teacher leadership as an organizational phenomenon in a case study school in the Ncuncuni circuit of the Kavango region in Namibia. It also examined the factors that enabled and inhibited the practice of teacher leadership. My study was conducted within a qualitative interpretive paradigm and it adopted a case study approach in one school. The study used the following instruments to collect data: a closed questionnaire, document analysis, observations and individual interviews. The primary participants were the principal and three teachers, while the entire school teaching staff constituted my secondary participants. Quantitative data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically using a model of teacher leadership (Grant, 2008). The findings of my study indicated that while the concept of teacher leadership was new to all participants, they had a common sense understanding of it. Although teachers in the study understood teacher leadership in a range of different ways, the overarching idea of the whole school was that teachers lead both in and outside the classroom. My study also found that teachers in the school practiced teacher leadership across the entire four zones. These included how teacher leadership was practiced inside the classroom and how teachers worked as leaders with colleagues and learners beyond their classroom in curricular and extra-curricular activities. It also included how teachers led outside their classroom in whole school development as well as how teachers led beyond their schools in the community. Teacher leadership was strong in the first three zones and weaker in the fourth zone, which constituted an example of 'successful teacher leadership' (Harris and Muijs, 2005). There were factors that promoted teacher leadership in the case study school such as a supportive culture and ongoing professional development. Factors that constrained the practice of teacher leadership were also evident like the SMT who used its power at times to control teachers' decisions and a lack of time also emerged as a barrier that impeded teachers from taking leadership roles because they already had full teaching programmes. Even though there were some barriers to teacher leadership, a dispersed distributed leadership context prevailed at the case study school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zokka, Thomas Kayele
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies Teacher participation in administration -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Kavango -- Case studies Education, Elementary -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001809
- Description: After independence in 1990, Namibian schools were required by the new government to shift from a hierarchical organisational structure with authoritarian leadership to a more democratic type of leadership that offers teachers the opportunity to participate in school leadership and in decision-making processes. This shift is suggested in a number of national policies in Namibia that highlight the sharing of leadership within the organization and, in particular, the sharing of leadership with teachers. As such, teacher leadership is a manifestation of distributed leadership which emphasizes that leadership can be located in the position of the principal but can spread over many people who work in a school at various levels. While teacher leadership is well researched in developed countries, it is under researched in Namibia. Against this backdrop, the purpose of my study was to explore the concept and practice of teacher leadership as an organizational phenomenon in a case study school in the Ncuncuni circuit of the Kavango region in Namibia. It also examined the factors that enabled and inhibited the practice of teacher leadership. My study was conducted within a qualitative interpretive paradigm and it adopted a case study approach in one school. The study used the following instruments to collect data: a closed questionnaire, document analysis, observations and individual interviews. The primary participants were the principal and three teachers, while the entire school teaching staff constituted my secondary participants. Quantitative data was analysed manually using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically using a model of teacher leadership (Grant, 2008). The findings of my study indicated that while the concept of teacher leadership was new to all participants, they had a common sense understanding of it. Although teachers in the study understood teacher leadership in a range of different ways, the overarching idea of the whole school was that teachers lead both in and outside the classroom. My study also found that teachers in the school practiced teacher leadership across the entire four zones. These included how teacher leadership was practiced inside the classroom and how teachers worked as leaders with colleagues and learners beyond their classroom in curricular and extra-curricular activities. It also included how teachers led outside their classroom in whole school development as well as how teachers led beyond their schools in the community. Teacher leadership was strong in the first three zones and weaker in the fourth zone, which constituted an example of 'successful teacher leadership' (Harris and Muijs, 2005). There were factors that promoted teacher leadership in the case study school such as a supportive culture and ongoing professional development. Factors that constrained the practice of teacher leadership were also evident like the SMT who used its power at times to control teachers' decisions and a lack of time also emerged as a barrier that impeded teachers from taking leadership roles because they already had full teaching programmes. Even though there were some barriers to teacher leadership, a dispersed distributed leadership context prevailed at the case study school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A history of the German settlers in the Eastern Cape, 1857-1919
- Authors: Zipp, Gisela Lesley
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Colonists -- Eastern Cape -- 19th Century Immigrants -- Germany -- History Immigrants -- Germany -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004215
- Description: This thesis came into being as the result of a question innocently posed to me three years ago: Why do some towns in the Eastern Cape have German names? This thesis is not so much an answer to that question (which is answered in the following paragraphs) as an attempt to answer the questions that followed: Were the Germans really as benevolent and hard-working as much of the most readily available literature implies? Why did the military settlers leave and the peasant farmer settlers remain? What was the nature of relationships between the German settlers and other groups in the area? How did the German settlers see themselves? The existing literature provides the historic details, more or less, but not the context and explanations I sought. As such, I set out to find them and document them myself, addressing three main questions: 1. What was the (changing) nature of the German settlers' day-to-day lives between 1857 and 1919? 2. How was a German identity maintained/constructed within the German communities of the Eastern Cape between 1857 and 1919? 3. How did the Germans interact with other groups in the area? In answering these questions, I have also provided the necessary background as to why these settlers chose to come to South Africa, and why some of them left. I have limited this study to the period between 1857 and 1919 so as to include the First World War and its immediate aftermath, a time when enmity between Great Britain and Germany would have made life difficult for German descendants in the Union of South Africa. Introduction, p. 7.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zipp, Gisela Lesley
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Colonists -- Eastern Cape -- 19th Century Immigrants -- Germany -- History Immigrants -- Germany -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004215
- Description: This thesis came into being as the result of a question innocently posed to me three years ago: Why do some towns in the Eastern Cape have German names? This thesis is not so much an answer to that question (which is answered in the following paragraphs) as an attempt to answer the questions that followed: Were the Germans really as benevolent and hard-working as much of the most readily available literature implies? Why did the military settlers leave and the peasant farmer settlers remain? What was the nature of relationships between the German settlers and other groups in the area? How did the German settlers see themselves? The existing literature provides the historic details, more or less, but not the context and explanations I sought. As such, I set out to find them and document them myself, addressing three main questions: 1. What was the (changing) nature of the German settlers' day-to-day lives between 1857 and 1919? 2. How was a German identity maintained/constructed within the German communities of the Eastern Cape between 1857 and 1919? 3. How did the Germans interact with other groups in the area? In answering these questions, I have also provided the necessary background as to why these settlers chose to come to South Africa, and why some of them left. I have limited this study to the period between 1857 and 1919 so as to include the First World War and its immediate aftermath, a time when enmity between Great Britain and Germany would have made life difficult for German descendants in the Union of South Africa. Introduction, p. 7.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effects of management and leadership styles of school managers on teaching and learning in Fort Beaufort basic education district Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Zinto, Sinekhaya Homeboy
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016106
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the management and leadership styles of school managers and how it affects quality teaching and learning in Debe Nek schools at Fort Beaufort District. It was a mixed study that used both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. It adopted a correlation survey research design that helped in establishing the relationship of management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. In this regard, data for this study was collected on the independent variables, which was management and leadership styles, and that of the dependent variables, which was quality teaching and learning. The relationship between the two variables was investigated in order to determine the strength of the relationship that exists between them. The literature reviewed identify many factors affecting quality teaching and learning in schools. To achieve the aim of the study, the researcher administrated a number of questionnaires, conducted interviews and observed what is happening in schools during school visits. The findings of the assessment showed that there is relationship between management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. The researcher analysed democratic and autocratic management and leadership styles in relation to quality teaching and learning. The study established a positive relationship from the use of democratic management and leadership style and quality teaching and learning. The study also established that autocratic management and leadership style has a negative effect in quality teaching and learning in schools. The key recommendation of the study was the need for the programmes that must focus at development of management and leadership skills among school managers with the help from Districts in partnership with the Universities so as to help in the overall improvement of the schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zinto, Sinekhaya Homeboy
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016106
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the management and leadership styles of school managers and how it affects quality teaching and learning in Debe Nek schools at Fort Beaufort District. It was a mixed study that used both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. It adopted a correlation survey research design that helped in establishing the relationship of management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. In this regard, data for this study was collected on the independent variables, which was management and leadership styles, and that of the dependent variables, which was quality teaching and learning. The relationship between the two variables was investigated in order to determine the strength of the relationship that exists between them. The literature reviewed identify many factors affecting quality teaching and learning in schools. To achieve the aim of the study, the researcher administrated a number of questionnaires, conducted interviews and observed what is happening in schools during school visits. The findings of the assessment showed that there is relationship between management and leadership styles and quality teaching and learning. The researcher analysed democratic and autocratic management and leadership styles in relation to quality teaching and learning. The study established a positive relationship from the use of democratic management and leadership style and quality teaching and learning. The study also established that autocratic management and leadership style has a negative effect in quality teaching and learning in schools. The key recommendation of the study was the need for the programmes that must focus at development of management and leadership skills among school managers with the help from Districts in partnership with the Universities so as to help in the overall improvement of the schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of needle ice, snowfall and the zero-curtain effect and its relationship with soil frost dynamics on sub-Antartic Marion Island
- Authors: Zilindile, Mphumzi Brooklyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Snow -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Frost -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Ice -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) -- Description and travel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006908 , Snow -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Frost -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Ice -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) -- Description and travel
- Description: This study aims to uncover the synoptic weather circulation pattern which is associated with the occurrence of needle ice, snowfall and the zero-curtain effect. The method of study was done through an intensive ground climate measurement campaign from April 2008 to May 2009 with a temperature logger installed throughout the recording period. Results from data analyses indicate that the complex changes in climate parameters may lead to an equally complex response in terms of spatial soil frost dynamics and its direct and indirect effects on soil sediment displacement and ecosystem dynamics. Field evidence in the study suggests that on Marion Island needle ice developed in temperatures as high as -0.2 ºC in strong winds. This confirms that the wet environment of Marion Island, which is dominated by diurnal soil frost is fundamentally different from seasonal frost and permafrost environments. The scoria material is susceptible to needle ice growth and the compacted soil alters the micro-climatology of the affected area making it more susceptible to the formation of needle ice. Soil moisture for needle ice formation and growth is provided by the misty conditions associated with the advent of the cold front (pre-cyclonic). Furthermore, observations of needle ice on Marion show that needles are mostly clear with no sediment inclusion. This is indicative of needle ice formation that has not been interrupted by a shortage of moisture. The zero-curtain effect on Marion Island can occur either as a response to the thawing of the soil after the seasonal freeze. The synoptic assessment of snowfall on Marion Island indicates that; snowfall is associated with the passage of a cold front linked to a strong meridional system of low pressure just south of the island.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zilindile, Mphumzi Brooklyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Snow -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Frost -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Ice -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) -- Description and travel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006908 , Snow -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Frost -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Ice -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion Island , Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) -- Description and travel
- Description: This study aims to uncover the synoptic weather circulation pattern which is associated with the occurrence of needle ice, snowfall and the zero-curtain effect. The method of study was done through an intensive ground climate measurement campaign from April 2008 to May 2009 with a temperature logger installed throughout the recording period. Results from data analyses indicate that the complex changes in climate parameters may lead to an equally complex response in terms of spatial soil frost dynamics and its direct and indirect effects on soil sediment displacement and ecosystem dynamics. Field evidence in the study suggests that on Marion Island needle ice developed in temperatures as high as -0.2 ºC in strong winds. This confirms that the wet environment of Marion Island, which is dominated by diurnal soil frost is fundamentally different from seasonal frost and permafrost environments. The scoria material is susceptible to needle ice growth and the compacted soil alters the micro-climatology of the affected area making it more susceptible to the formation of needle ice. Soil moisture for needle ice formation and growth is provided by the misty conditions associated with the advent of the cold front (pre-cyclonic). Furthermore, observations of needle ice on Marion show that needles are mostly clear with no sediment inclusion. This is indicative of needle ice formation that has not been interrupted by a shortage of moisture. The zero-curtain effect on Marion Island can occur either as a response to the thawing of the soil after the seasonal freeze. The synoptic assessment of snowfall on Marion Island indicates that; snowfall is associated with the passage of a cold front linked to a strong meridional system of low pressure just south of the island.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Pedagogical practices of teachers in under resourced school: a case study of two rural schools in Mqanduli District of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Zide, Lulama
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006245 , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The South African schooling system is faced with a number of crisis situations. Of these is the high under resourcing in rural public schools. Macfarlane (2005:5) deduces that despite rapid recent urbanization, half of South Africa’s learners still attend schools in theses rural under resourced areas. The Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that have saturated the media with a discrepancy of having a lot of under resourced schools especially in rural areas. This study, therefore, investigated pedagogical strategies used by teachers in under resourced schools - how teachers teach to ensure that teaching and learning occurs under such dire circumstances. The study followed a qualitative approach under an interpretive paradigm with a case study research design. Furthermore, the data collection techniques involved semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. This study revealed that all the respondents from both schools seemed to have a common understanding of what a school resource means though put in different statements. The findings also revealed that all the respondents were silent in mentioning parents as school resources. From the documents analysed, it however, came to view that it is expected of the teachers to use a learner centred approach kind of teaching, where learners are mostly used. Responding on parents the teachers alleged a lack of involvement of parents in their children’s learning and other activities run in their school. The study recommends that the Department of Education officials need to make regular visits on schools for the betterment of teaching and learning standard, regular improvement on school facilities and handling of finances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zide, Lulama
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006245 , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The South African schooling system is faced with a number of crisis situations. Of these is the high under resourcing in rural public schools. Macfarlane (2005:5) deduces that despite rapid recent urbanization, half of South Africa’s learners still attend schools in theses rural under resourced areas. The Eastern Cape is one of the provinces that have saturated the media with a discrepancy of having a lot of under resourced schools especially in rural areas. This study, therefore, investigated pedagogical strategies used by teachers in under resourced schools - how teachers teach to ensure that teaching and learning occurs under such dire circumstances. The study followed a qualitative approach under an interpretive paradigm with a case study research design. Furthermore, the data collection techniques involved semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and documentary analysis. This study revealed that all the respondents from both schools seemed to have a common understanding of what a school resource means though put in different statements. The findings also revealed that all the respondents were silent in mentioning parents as school resources. From the documents analysed, it however, came to view that it is expected of the teachers to use a learner centred approach kind of teaching, where learners are mostly used. Responding on parents the teachers alleged a lack of involvement of parents in their children’s learning and other activities run in their school. The study recommends that the Department of Education officials need to make regular visits on schools for the betterment of teaching and learning standard, regular improvement on school facilities and handling of finances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
13C pulse-chase labeling comparative assessment of the active methanogenic archaeal community composition in the transgenic and nontransgenic parental rice rhizospheres
- Zhu, Weijing, Lu, Haohao, Hill, Jaclyn M, Wang, Hailong, Wu, Weixiang
- Authors: Zhu, Weijing , Lu, Haohao , Hill, Jaclyn M , Wang, Hailong , Wu, Weixiang
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122993 , vital:35389 , https://doi.org/10.1111/1574-6941.12261
- Description: Rhabdosargus holubi (Steindachner, 1881) is a small (maximum size = 450 mm total length; Heemstra and Heemstra 2004) sparid that is distributed along the south-east coast of Africa from St Helena Bay, South Africa, to Maputo, Mozambique (Götz and Cowley 2013). Spawning occurs in the nearshore marine environment primarily during winter, specifically May–August in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (Wallace 1975) and July–February in the South-Eastern Cape (Whitfield 1998). Individuals reach 50% sexual maturity at approximately 150 mm standard length (SL) in the Eastern Cape (Whitfield 1998). The early life stages are transported by the south-westward-flowing Agulhas Current, and recruit as post-flexion larvae and early juveniles into estuaries during late winter and early summer (Blaber 1974). The warm temperatures and high nutrient levels in estuaries favour fast growth (Blaber 1973a), and fish spend their first year of life in these environments, migrating back out to sea after reaching approximately 120 mm SL. Some individuals remain trapped in closed estuaries, where they may reach sizes greater than 200 mm SL (James et al. 2007a). Rhabdosargus holubi is the dominant estuarine-dependent marine teleost species recorded in permanently open and temporarily open/closed estuaries in the warm-temperate region, which spans the south, south-east and east coast of South Africa (Harrison 2005). The species is also an important component of the linefishery in many SouthAfrican estuaries (10–15.6% by number) (Pradervand and Baird 2002), particularly in Eastern Cape estuaries (Cowley et al. 2003). These figures underestimate the presence of R. holubi, as most individuals making use of estuaries are young, feeding predominately on filamentous macroalgae and diatom flora, and are generally too small to be caught with hook and line (De Wet and Marais 1990). James et al. (2007b) showed that R. holubi made up 34–92% of the annual seine-net catch in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. Rhabdosargus holubi is also important in the KZN shorebased linefishery, representing 4.6% of the total landed catch (Dunlop and Mann 2012)More and more investigations indicate that genetic modification has no significant or persistent effects on microbial community composition in the rice rhizosphere. Very few studies, however, have focused on its impact on functional microorganisms. This study completed a 13C-CO2 pulse-chase labeling experiment comparing the potential effects of cry1Ab gene transformation on 13C tissue distribution and rhizosphere methanogenic archaeal community composition with its parental rice variety (Ck) and a distant parental rice variety (Dp). Results showed that 13C partitioning in aboveground biomass (mainly in stems) and roots of Dp was significantly lower than that of Ck. However, there were no significant differences in 13C partitioning between the Bt transgenic rice line (Bt) and Ck. RNA-stable isotope probing combined with clone library analyses inferred that the group Methanosaetaceae was the predominant methanogenic Archaea in all three rice rhizospheres. The active methanogenic archaeal community in the Bt rhizosphere was dominated by Methanosarcinaceae, Methanosaetaceae, and Methanomicrobiaceae, while there were only two main methanogenic clusters (Methanosaetaceae and Methanomicrobiaceae) in the Ck and Dp rhizospheres. These results indicate that the insertion of cry1Ab gene into the rice genome has the potential to result in the modification of methanogenic community composition in its rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zhu, Weijing , Lu, Haohao , Hill, Jaclyn M , Wang, Hailong , Wu, Weixiang
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/122993 , vital:35389 , https://doi.org/10.1111/1574-6941.12261
- Description: Rhabdosargus holubi (Steindachner, 1881) is a small (maximum size = 450 mm total length; Heemstra and Heemstra 2004) sparid that is distributed along the south-east coast of Africa from St Helena Bay, South Africa, to Maputo, Mozambique (Götz and Cowley 2013). Spawning occurs in the nearshore marine environment primarily during winter, specifically May–August in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (Wallace 1975) and July–February in the South-Eastern Cape (Whitfield 1998). Individuals reach 50% sexual maturity at approximately 150 mm standard length (SL) in the Eastern Cape (Whitfield 1998). The early life stages are transported by the south-westward-flowing Agulhas Current, and recruit as post-flexion larvae and early juveniles into estuaries during late winter and early summer (Blaber 1974). The warm temperatures and high nutrient levels in estuaries favour fast growth (Blaber 1973a), and fish spend their first year of life in these environments, migrating back out to sea after reaching approximately 120 mm SL. Some individuals remain trapped in closed estuaries, where they may reach sizes greater than 200 mm SL (James et al. 2007a). Rhabdosargus holubi is the dominant estuarine-dependent marine teleost species recorded in permanently open and temporarily open/closed estuaries in the warm-temperate region, which spans the south, south-east and east coast of South Africa (Harrison 2005). The species is also an important component of the linefishery in many SouthAfrican estuaries (10–15.6% by number) (Pradervand and Baird 2002), particularly in Eastern Cape estuaries (Cowley et al. 2003). These figures underestimate the presence of R. holubi, as most individuals making use of estuaries are young, feeding predominately on filamentous macroalgae and diatom flora, and are generally too small to be caught with hook and line (De Wet and Marais 1990). James et al. (2007b) showed that R. holubi made up 34–92% of the annual seine-net catch in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. Rhabdosargus holubi is also important in the KZN shorebased linefishery, representing 4.6% of the total landed catch (Dunlop and Mann 2012)More and more investigations indicate that genetic modification has no significant or persistent effects on microbial community composition in the rice rhizosphere. Very few studies, however, have focused on its impact on functional microorganisms. This study completed a 13C-CO2 pulse-chase labeling experiment comparing the potential effects of cry1Ab gene transformation on 13C tissue distribution and rhizosphere methanogenic archaeal community composition with its parental rice variety (Ck) and a distant parental rice variety (Dp). Results showed that 13C partitioning in aboveground biomass (mainly in stems) and roots of Dp was significantly lower than that of Ck. However, there were no significant differences in 13C partitioning between the Bt transgenic rice line (Bt) and Ck. RNA-stable isotope probing combined with clone library analyses inferred that the group Methanosaetaceae was the predominant methanogenic Archaea in all three rice rhizospheres. The active methanogenic archaeal community in the Bt rhizosphere was dominated by Methanosarcinaceae, Methanosaetaceae, and Methanomicrobiaceae, while there were only two main methanogenic clusters (Methanosaetaceae and Methanomicrobiaceae) in the Ck and Dp rhizospheres. These results indicate that the insertion of cry1Ab gene into the rice genome has the potential to result in the modification of methanogenic community composition in its rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A qualitative ecological risk assessment of the invasive Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus in a sub-tropical African river system (Limpopo River, South Africa)
- Zengeya, Tsungai A, Robertson, Mark P, Booth, Anthony J, Chimimba, Christian T
- Authors: Zengeya, Tsungai A , Robertson, Mark P , Booth, Anthony J , Chimimba, Christian T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123575 , vital:35457 , https://doi.10.1002/aqc.2258
- Description: 1. This study outlines the development of a qualitative risk assessment method and its application as a screening tool for determining the risk of establishment and spread of the invasive Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), within the central sub-catchment of the Limpopo River basin in northern South Africa. 2. The assessment used known physiological tolerance limits of O. niloticus in relation to minimum water temperature, presence or absence of dams, seasonality of river flows, and the presence of indigenous fish species of concern to identify river systems that would be suitable for O. niloticus establishment. 3. River sections along the Limpopo main river channel and the immediate reaches of its associated tributaries east of the Limpopo/Lephalala river confluence along the Botswana–South Africa–Zimbabwe border were identified as being highly vulnerable to O. niloticus invasion. Rivers in the upper Bushveld catchment (Upper Limpopo, Mogalakwena, Lephalala, Mokolo, Matlabas and Crocodile rivers) were categorized as of medium ecological risk, while headwater streams were considered to be of low ecological risk. The decrease in vulnerability between lowveld and highveld river sections was mainly a function of low water temperatures (8–12˚C) associated with increasing altitude. 4. Oreochromis niloticus is already established in the lower catchment of the Limpopo River basin where indigenous congenerics are at an extinction risk through hybridization and competition exclusion. Oreochromis niloticus, therefore, poses an ecologically unacceptable risk to river systems in the upper catchment where it is yet to establish. The current risk assessment model provides a useful preliminary framework for the identification of river systems that are vulnerable to an O. niloticus invasion where conservation measures should be directed and implemented to prevent its introduction and spread within the Limpopo river system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zengeya, Tsungai A , Robertson, Mark P , Booth, Anthony J , Chimimba, Christian T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123575 , vital:35457 , https://doi.10.1002/aqc.2258
- Description: 1. This study outlines the development of a qualitative risk assessment method and its application as a screening tool for determining the risk of establishment and spread of the invasive Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), within the central sub-catchment of the Limpopo River basin in northern South Africa. 2. The assessment used known physiological tolerance limits of O. niloticus in relation to minimum water temperature, presence or absence of dams, seasonality of river flows, and the presence of indigenous fish species of concern to identify river systems that would be suitable for O. niloticus establishment. 3. River sections along the Limpopo main river channel and the immediate reaches of its associated tributaries east of the Limpopo/Lephalala river confluence along the Botswana–South Africa–Zimbabwe border were identified as being highly vulnerable to O. niloticus invasion. Rivers in the upper Bushveld catchment (Upper Limpopo, Mogalakwena, Lephalala, Mokolo, Matlabas and Crocodile rivers) were categorized as of medium ecological risk, while headwater streams were considered to be of low ecological risk. The decrease in vulnerability between lowveld and highveld river sections was mainly a function of low water temperatures (8–12˚C) associated with increasing altitude. 4. Oreochromis niloticus is already established in the lower catchment of the Limpopo River basin where indigenous congenerics are at an extinction risk through hybridization and competition exclusion. Oreochromis niloticus, therefore, poses an ecologically unacceptable risk to river systems in the upper catchment where it is yet to establish. The current risk assessment model provides a useful preliminary framework for the identification of river systems that are vulnerable to an O. niloticus invasion where conservation measures should be directed and implemented to prevent its introduction and spread within the Limpopo river system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Ecological niche modeling of the invasive potential of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in African river systems: concerns and implications for the conservation of indigenous congenerics
- Zengeya, Tsungai A, Robertson, Mark P, Booth, Anthony J, Chimimba, Christian T
- Authors: Zengeya, Tsungai A , Robertson, Mark P , Booth, Anthony J , Chimimba, Christian T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124341 , vital:35596 , https://doi.10.1007/s10530-012-0386-7
- Description: This study applied ecological niche models to determine the potential invasive range of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, with a particular focus on river systems in southern Africa where it is now established and spreading. Computational tools such as niche models are useful in predicting the potential range of invasive species, but there are limitations to their application. In particular, models trained on native records may fail to predict the full extent of an invasion. This failure is often attributed to changes in either the niche of the invading species or the variables used to develop the models. In this study, we therefore evaluated the differences in the predictive power of models trained with different environmental variables, the effect of species range (native vs. introduced) on model performance and assessed whether or not there is evidence suggestive of a niche shift in Nile tilapia following its introduction. Niche models were constructed using Maxent and the degree of niche similarity was assessed using Schoener‘s index. Null models were used to test for significance. Model performance and niche conservatism varied significantly with variable selection and species range. This indicates that the environmental conditions available to Nile tilapia in its native and introduced ranges are not congruent. Nile tilapia exhibited broad invasive potential over most of southern Africa that overlaps the natural range of endemic congenerics. Of particular concern are areas which are free of exotic species but are now vulnerable due to the promotion of fish introductions mainly for aquaculture and sport fishing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zengeya, Tsungai A , Robertson, Mark P , Booth, Anthony J , Chimimba, Christian T
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124341 , vital:35596 , https://doi.10.1007/s10530-012-0386-7
- Description: This study applied ecological niche models to determine the potential invasive range of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, with a particular focus on river systems in southern Africa where it is now established and spreading. Computational tools such as niche models are useful in predicting the potential range of invasive species, but there are limitations to their application. In particular, models trained on native records may fail to predict the full extent of an invasion. This failure is often attributed to changes in either the niche of the invading species or the variables used to develop the models. In this study, we therefore evaluated the differences in the predictive power of models trained with different environmental variables, the effect of species range (native vs. introduced) on model performance and assessed whether or not there is evidence suggestive of a niche shift in Nile tilapia following its introduction. Niche models were constructed using Maxent and the degree of niche similarity was assessed using Schoener‘s index. Null models were used to test for significance. Model performance and niche conservatism varied significantly with variable selection and species range. This indicates that the environmental conditions available to Nile tilapia in its native and introduced ranges are not congruent. Nile tilapia exhibited broad invasive potential over most of southern Africa that overlaps the natural range of endemic congenerics. Of particular concern are areas which are free of exotic species but are now vulnerable due to the promotion of fish introductions mainly for aquaculture and sport fishing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Assessing soil carbon and carbon dioxide effluxes under different vegetation cover conditions in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Zengeni, Rebecca
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Soils -- Carbon content -- Measurement , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018676
- Description: Albany thicket is prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Its spread has diminished through overgrazing and heavy browsing by animals, land clearance and urban expansion. The result is highly degraded land characterized by invasion of alien species. There is a wealth of documented evidence on the high carbon sequestration ability of thicket biome, but not much has been done to assess its effect on carbon dioxide emissions from the soil. Given that the concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases has been constantly rising since the industrial era, it is imperative to assess the influence of thicket biome as a source or sink of these gases. There is evidence of shifts in the climate in southern Africa as reflected by changes in rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, recurrent droughts and fires. As such, the historical rainfall variability in an Albany thicket region and its interaction with the temporal land use / cover changes was studied. This served to give some background information about the study area for more detailed study on C and carbon dioxide effluxes in thicket vegetation under different levels of degradation. This study thus aimed to determine the influence of thicket vegetation at various levels of degradation on soil carbon and carbon dioxide fluxes. The impact of plant photosynthetic pathway on soil C residence time and gas effluxes were analysed to elucidate on the land-use and cover patterns occurring in the area. All this was done to shed some light on the role of soil and thicket vegetation on carbon dioxide emissions and C storage in the spectrum of a shifting climate. The main area of research was Amakhala reserve in an Albany thicket in Eastern Cape Province; and it concentrated on three land cover types namely intact thicket, degraded thicket and grassland. The objectives mentioned above were achieved by assessing historical rainfall variability from 1970 to 2010 through trend and time series analysis at nine rainfall stations located at Amakhala reserve, Grahamstown, Bathurst, Port Alfred, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. The land use changes that have occurred in the Albany thicket region covering Amakhala reserve, Grahamstown, Bathurst and Port Alfred were also assessed for 1989, 1999 and 2009 through satellite image analysis with Idrisi Andes GIS software; then their interaction with rainfall variability were determined. To elucidate on the vegetation species composition and land use / cover changes that have occurred in the study area, plant biomass as well carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope measurements were done. Plant biomass was assessed for the dominant species through use of pre-existing allometric equations that required data on plant basal diameter, canopy area, stem numbers and height. The plant carbon was then estimated through use of a conversion factor of 0.48 on above-ground biomass, while soil organic C was determined through the modified Walkely - Black method. Carbon and N isotope ratios were determined from the foliar material of three replicate samples of dominant plant species then analyzed through mass spectrometry. Soil carbon dioxide effluxes were then monitored in each of the intact thicket (IT), degraded thicket (DT) and grassland (G) over a 10 month period; by measuring the net carbon dioxide exchange rate (NCER) through the dynamic chamber method. An automated carbon dioxide exchange analyzer, coupled to a soil temperature probe and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) sensor was used; with NCER measurements taken every 20-30 days. Soil temperature, moisture, penetration resistance and PAR readings were taken during each assay and later used to interpret the NCER. Results showed that long term variability in annual rainfall had a declining trend at Grahamstown (r = -0.59), Uitenhage and Bathurst stations (r = -0.32 at both stations), but was not significant at Amakhala, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth stations. Most reductions in rainfall occurred in the 1980s and 1990s with the autumn, winter and summer rainfalls, the daily rainfall index and the daily rainfall subclasses of 10 mm and above showing a similar trend. The land use change detection gave a significant increase in proportion of degraded and transformed (moderately degraded) land between 1989 and 2009 with most of the increases occurring from 1989 to 1999, while farmland area decreased by 1.8 percent over the years. Thus the Albany region had over 30 percent of its land occupied by transformed vegetation, with heavy browsing and uncontrolled grazing being attributed to the destruction of pristine vegetation. Land-use change to game ranching and goat pastoralism was attributed to the reduction in farmland. Rainfall variability – land use change linkages were most significant in 1999 that recorded the least rainfall and had the lowest mean, maximum and sum of the NDVI. Grahamstown had the most significant rainfall-NDVI trends as it had the lowest NDVIs in 1999 when rainfall was lowest, the highest NDVI in 1989 when rainfall was highest and moderate NDVIs in 2009 when rainfall was moderate. Vegetation at the IT was characterized by a dense thicket with diverse growth forms of canopy trees, woody shrubs, succulent shrubs and ephemerals which mostly had the C3 type of pathway. This was in contrast with the IT soil isotopy that showed more positive C isotope ratios, indicating a switch between C3 and CAM photosynthesis in original vegetation. Most of the canopy trees had disappeared in the DT to be replaced by herbs, shrubs and grasses. As such, there was a huge difference in isotope ratios between DT plants and soils with the plants having mostly C3 metabolism while the soil showed a predominance of CAM plants in previous vegetation, indicating significant changes in land cover. The G site mostly comprised the grasses Themeda triandra and Panicum maximum and a few herbs. It maintained a dominance of C4 metabolism in both plants and soils showing very little change in species composition over the years. Because of the higher species diversity at IT, its soil organic C was quite high reaching levels of 3.4 percent (i.e. 3.4 t C / ha) in the top 10 cm then decreasing with depth (p < 0.001); but was moderate at DT (1.1-1.3 percent) and very low at G ( 0.5 percent C) (p < 0.001). In the same manner above-ground biomass was highest at IT i.e. 330 000 kg/ha; but was only 22 000 kg/ha in DT and as low as 6 700 kg/ha in G vegetation. High biomass at IT was mostly attributed to the succulent shrub Portulacaria afra and the canopy trees Euclea undulate, Rhus longispina and Schotia afra. This above-ground biomass translated to biomass C amounts of 158 000 kg/ha at IT, 10 600 kg/ha at DT and 3 200 kg/ha at G. Thus the IT had the highest while G the least and DT moderate plant and soil C sequestration ability. In all, the conversion of IT to DT led to a net loss of 147 000 Kg of biomass C / ha and 12 000kg less organic C / ha of land. Soil carbon dioxide effluxes were however variable between seasons as they were affected by differences in soil properties and seasonal weather patterns. High soil moisture levels (up to 16 percent gravimetric moisture) resulted in reduced soil penetration resistance (1 to 4 Kg/cm2) which raised effluxes at G and DT sites (up to 1.2 μmols m-2 sec-1) in winter, while low moisture (2 percent) resulted in hard dry soil (14 Kgm-2 penetration resistance) with suppressed CO2 effluxes in spring (0.2 μmols m-2 sec-1) especially in DT and G soils. Rising temperature generally caused accelerated gas emissions but only when moisture was not limiting (as was the case in IT). Thus the high summer temperatures (up to 40oC) gave lower effluxes especially in DT and G (< 1 μm-2sec-1) due to limited moisture supply (< 10 percent); while the Autumn period that had very high temperature (up to 48 oC) and good moisture (up to 16 percent) saw accelerated soil CO2 emissions (averaging 2 μmols m-2 sec-1) from all cover types. The high biomass and litter fall at IT served as ready substrate for soil respiration as long as moisture was not limiting and temperatures were favourable, while reduced cover at DT resulted in poor moisture conservation and creation of hard dry soils in spring and summer with reduced respiration. It was concluded that the DT had high CO2 effluxes in winter and reduced emissions in summer; while the opposite was true for the IT. All the cover types had minimal CO2 effluxes in spring and accelerated emissions in autumn. The grassland on the other hand was a fairly moderate source or sink of CO2 in most seasons compared with the other two covers. It was observed that an environment of good moisture and low-moderate temperatures (such as that in the winter) minimises effluxes while maintaining good plant productivity. It was concluded that thicket vegetation is a good sink of carbon that should be preserved in its natural condition to optimize its carbon sequestration potential. All three land covers served as sources or sinks of CO2 depending on soil and seasonal conditions. Thus high moisture and low penetration resistance generally increased effluxes of thicket ecosystems. The effect of increasing temperature on effluxes was only significant when moisture was not limiting. Conditions of good moisture and low-moderate temperatures gave reasonable amounts of effluxes while maintaining good plant productivity. Though the dry soil conditions significantly reduced effluxes in all land covers; they were not desirable since they decreased plant productivity and ultimately its C sequestration potential. Moreover, prolonged dry conditions only serve to exacerbate recovery of thicket plants as they increase mortality of canopy species in degraded and transformed areas in comparison with intact thicket.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zengeni, Rebecca
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Soils -- Carbon content -- Measurement , Carbon dioxide mitigation -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018676
- Description: Albany thicket is prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Its spread has diminished through overgrazing and heavy browsing by animals, land clearance and urban expansion. The result is highly degraded land characterized by invasion of alien species. There is a wealth of documented evidence on the high carbon sequestration ability of thicket biome, but not much has been done to assess its effect on carbon dioxide emissions from the soil. Given that the concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases has been constantly rising since the industrial era, it is imperative to assess the influence of thicket biome as a source or sink of these gases. There is evidence of shifts in the climate in southern Africa as reflected by changes in rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, recurrent droughts and fires. As such, the historical rainfall variability in an Albany thicket region and its interaction with the temporal land use / cover changes was studied. This served to give some background information about the study area for more detailed study on C and carbon dioxide effluxes in thicket vegetation under different levels of degradation. This study thus aimed to determine the influence of thicket vegetation at various levels of degradation on soil carbon and carbon dioxide fluxes. The impact of plant photosynthetic pathway on soil C residence time and gas effluxes were analysed to elucidate on the land-use and cover patterns occurring in the area. All this was done to shed some light on the role of soil and thicket vegetation on carbon dioxide emissions and C storage in the spectrum of a shifting climate. The main area of research was Amakhala reserve in an Albany thicket in Eastern Cape Province; and it concentrated on three land cover types namely intact thicket, degraded thicket and grassland. The objectives mentioned above were achieved by assessing historical rainfall variability from 1970 to 2010 through trend and time series analysis at nine rainfall stations located at Amakhala reserve, Grahamstown, Bathurst, Port Alfred, Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth. The land use changes that have occurred in the Albany thicket region covering Amakhala reserve, Grahamstown, Bathurst and Port Alfred were also assessed for 1989, 1999 and 2009 through satellite image analysis with Idrisi Andes GIS software; then their interaction with rainfall variability were determined. To elucidate on the vegetation species composition and land use / cover changes that have occurred in the study area, plant biomass as well carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope measurements were done. Plant biomass was assessed for the dominant species through use of pre-existing allometric equations that required data on plant basal diameter, canopy area, stem numbers and height. The plant carbon was then estimated through use of a conversion factor of 0.48 on above-ground biomass, while soil organic C was determined through the modified Walkely - Black method. Carbon and N isotope ratios were determined from the foliar material of three replicate samples of dominant plant species then analyzed through mass spectrometry. Soil carbon dioxide effluxes were then monitored in each of the intact thicket (IT), degraded thicket (DT) and grassland (G) over a 10 month period; by measuring the net carbon dioxide exchange rate (NCER) through the dynamic chamber method. An automated carbon dioxide exchange analyzer, coupled to a soil temperature probe and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) sensor was used; with NCER measurements taken every 20-30 days. Soil temperature, moisture, penetration resistance and PAR readings were taken during each assay and later used to interpret the NCER. Results showed that long term variability in annual rainfall had a declining trend at Grahamstown (r = -0.59), Uitenhage and Bathurst stations (r = -0.32 at both stations), but was not significant at Amakhala, Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth stations. Most reductions in rainfall occurred in the 1980s and 1990s with the autumn, winter and summer rainfalls, the daily rainfall index and the daily rainfall subclasses of 10 mm and above showing a similar trend. The land use change detection gave a significant increase in proportion of degraded and transformed (moderately degraded) land between 1989 and 2009 with most of the increases occurring from 1989 to 1999, while farmland area decreased by 1.8 percent over the years. Thus the Albany region had over 30 percent of its land occupied by transformed vegetation, with heavy browsing and uncontrolled grazing being attributed to the destruction of pristine vegetation. Land-use change to game ranching and goat pastoralism was attributed to the reduction in farmland. Rainfall variability – land use change linkages were most significant in 1999 that recorded the least rainfall and had the lowest mean, maximum and sum of the NDVI. Grahamstown had the most significant rainfall-NDVI trends as it had the lowest NDVIs in 1999 when rainfall was lowest, the highest NDVI in 1989 when rainfall was highest and moderate NDVIs in 2009 when rainfall was moderate. Vegetation at the IT was characterized by a dense thicket with diverse growth forms of canopy trees, woody shrubs, succulent shrubs and ephemerals which mostly had the C3 type of pathway. This was in contrast with the IT soil isotopy that showed more positive C isotope ratios, indicating a switch between C3 and CAM photosynthesis in original vegetation. Most of the canopy trees had disappeared in the DT to be replaced by herbs, shrubs and grasses. As such, there was a huge difference in isotope ratios between DT plants and soils with the plants having mostly C3 metabolism while the soil showed a predominance of CAM plants in previous vegetation, indicating significant changes in land cover. The G site mostly comprised the grasses Themeda triandra and Panicum maximum and a few herbs. It maintained a dominance of C4 metabolism in both plants and soils showing very little change in species composition over the years. Because of the higher species diversity at IT, its soil organic C was quite high reaching levels of 3.4 percent (i.e. 3.4 t C / ha) in the top 10 cm then decreasing with depth (p < 0.001); but was moderate at DT (1.1-1.3 percent) and very low at G ( 0.5 percent C) (p < 0.001). In the same manner above-ground biomass was highest at IT i.e. 330 000 kg/ha; but was only 22 000 kg/ha in DT and as low as 6 700 kg/ha in G vegetation. High biomass at IT was mostly attributed to the succulent shrub Portulacaria afra and the canopy trees Euclea undulate, Rhus longispina and Schotia afra. This above-ground biomass translated to biomass C amounts of 158 000 kg/ha at IT, 10 600 kg/ha at DT and 3 200 kg/ha at G. Thus the IT had the highest while G the least and DT moderate plant and soil C sequestration ability. In all, the conversion of IT to DT led to a net loss of 147 000 Kg of biomass C / ha and 12 000kg less organic C / ha of land. Soil carbon dioxide effluxes were however variable between seasons as they were affected by differences in soil properties and seasonal weather patterns. High soil moisture levels (up to 16 percent gravimetric moisture) resulted in reduced soil penetration resistance (1 to 4 Kg/cm2) which raised effluxes at G and DT sites (up to 1.2 μmols m-2 sec-1) in winter, while low moisture (2 percent) resulted in hard dry soil (14 Kgm-2 penetration resistance) with suppressed CO2 effluxes in spring (0.2 μmols m-2 sec-1) especially in DT and G soils. Rising temperature generally caused accelerated gas emissions but only when moisture was not limiting (as was the case in IT). Thus the high summer temperatures (up to 40oC) gave lower effluxes especially in DT and G (< 1 μm-2sec-1) due to limited moisture supply (< 10 percent); while the Autumn period that had very high temperature (up to 48 oC) and good moisture (up to 16 percent) saw accelerated soil CO2 emissions (averaging 2 μmols m-2 sec-1) from all cover types. The high biomass and litter fall at IT served as ready substrate for soil respiration as long as moisture was not limiting and temperatures were favourable, while reduced cover at DT resulted in poor moisture conservation and creation of hard dry soils in spring and summer with reduced respiration. It was concluded that the DT had high CO2 effluxes in winter and reduced emissions in summer; while the opposite was true for the IT. All the cover types had minimal CO2 effluxes in spring and accelerated emissions in autumn. The grassland on the other hand was a fairly moderate source or sink of CO2 in most seasons compared with the other two covers. It was observed that an environment of good moisture and low-moderate temperatures (such as that in the winter) minimises effluxes while maintaining good plant productivity. It was concluded that thicket vegetation is a good sink of carbon that should be preserved in its natural condition to optimize its carbon sequestration potential. All three land covers served as sources or sinks of CO2 depending on soil and seasonal conditions. Thus high moisture and low penetration resistance generally increased effluxes of thicket ecosystems. The effect of increasing temperature on effluxes was only significant when moisture was not limiting. Conditions of good moisture and low-moderate temperatures gave reasonable amounts of effluxes while maintaining good plant productivity. Though the dry soil conditions significantly reduced effluxes in all land covers; they were not desirable since they decreased plant productivity and ultimately its C sequestration potential. Moreover, prolonged dry conditions only serve to exacerbate recovery of thicket plants as they increase mortality of canopy species in degraded and transformed areas in comparison with intact thicket.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The influence of business social responsibility on the brand image and business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business names
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007753 , Business names
- Description: Given the importance of the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national and international economies, there is a lack of research attention given to the role that social responsibility can play in the success of SMEs. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how social responsibility can be beneficial to larger and more established enterprises; however, the benefits that can accrue to SMEs and their different stakeholder groups is less evident. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of business social responsibility (BSR) on the brand image and business performance of SMEs. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on SMEs in South Africa, as well as the concept BSR and its various dimensions, the following independent variables were identified as possibly influencing the intervening variable (Brand Image) and the dependent variable (Business Performance) in this study: • Diversity • Environmental Awareness • Community Development • Stakeholder Relations These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothetical model and research hypotheses, as they are the four most commonly recognised BSR initiatives in which SMEs can engage. These independent variables were used in determining whether BSR could possible lead to a positive brand image and ultimately, an increased business performance for SMEs. In order to establish the influence of BSR on the brand image and business performance of SMEs, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified through the convenience sampling technique and the 200 usable questionnaires gathered from the respondents, were subjected to statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients. As a result of conducting EFAs, some definitions of the variables were adapted. However, none of the variables used in the study were eliminated, nor did additional variables occur following the EFAs. Consequently, the hypothetical model and its research hypotheses remained the same. During the data analyses, descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the sample data and Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between the variables used in this study. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent, intervening and dependent variables in this study, was the multiple linear regression analysis. To conclude the empirical investigation, a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess the influence of demographic variables on respondents‟ perceptions regarding the independent, intervening and dependent variables used in the study. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Sheffé tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen‟s d values. The main empirical findings showed that there is a significant relationship found between the independent variables, Environmental Awareness, Community Development and Stakeholder Relations, with the intervening variable Brand Image and the dependent variable Business Performance. The empirical investigation showed that younger respondents had a more positive perception of Brand Image than older respondents, along with respondents who held the position of manager in the enterprise. The study also revealed that the more work experience the respondent had, the less optimistic they were about Brand Image. Furthermore, enterprises that have been in existence for a fewer amount of years than their older counterparts, considered Brand Image to be more important. Therefore, there is a distinction that can be made that younger respondents and younger enterprises had a more positive perception of brand image than older respondents and enterprises that have been in existence for a longer period of time. This study has added to the limited amount of literature on BSR in the field of SMEs. Through the hypothetical model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the BSR factors influencing the success of SMEs. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist SME owners/managers who engage in social responsibility to continue to make positive contributions for the welfare of their stakeholders and the community at large and also to encourage SME owners/managers who do not engage in BSR to consider the various benefits that can accrue to their stakeholders and the enterprise itself, as this may ultimately enhance the business performance of their SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zeka, Bomikazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business names
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007753 , Business names
- Description: Given the importance of the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national and international economies, there is a lack of research attention given to the role that social responsibility can play in the success of SMEs. A vast amount of research has been conducted on how social responsibility can be beneficial to larger and more established enterprises; however, the benefits that can accrue to SMEs and their different stakeholder groups is less evident. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of business social responsibility (BSR) on the brand image and business performance of SMEs. After a comprehensive literature review was undertaken on SMEs in South Africa, as well as the concept BSR and its various dimensions, the following independent variables were identified as possibly influencing the intervening variable (Brand Image) and the dependent variable (Business Performance) in this study: • Diversity • Environmental Awareness • Community Development • Stakeholder Relations These independent variables were selected to construct a hypothetical model and research hypotheses, as they are the four most commonly recognised BSR initiatives in which SMEs can engage. These independent variables were used in determining whether BSR could possible lead to a positive brand image and ultimately, an increased business performance for SMEs. In order to establish the influence of BSR on the brand image and business performance of SMEs, an empirical investigation was undertaken. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was compiled from secondary literature sources. The respondents were identified through the convenience sampling technique and the 200 usable questionnaires gathered from the respondents, were subjected to statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the calculation of Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients. As a result of conducting EFAs, some definitions of the variables were adapted. However, none of the variables used in the study were eliminated, nor did additional variables occur following the EFAs. Consequently, the hypothetical model and its research hypotheses remained the same. During the data analyses, descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the sample data and Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlations were calculated to establish the correlations between the variables used in this study. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent, intervening and dependent variables in this study, was the multiple linear regression analysis. To conclude the empirical investigation, a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to assess the influence of demographic variables on respondents‟ perceptions regarding the independent, intervening and dependent variables used in the study. Furthermore, to establish significant differences between individual mean scores, post-hoc Sheffé tests were calculated, and practical significance was assessed by calculating Cohen‟s d values. The main empirical findings showed that there is a significant relationship found between the independent variables, Environmental Awareness, Community Development and Stakeholder Relations, with the intervening variable Brand Image and the dependent variable Business Performance. The empirical investigation showed that younger respondents had a more positive perception of Brand Image than older respondents, along with respondents who held the position of manager in the enterprise. The study also revealed that the more work experience the respondent had, the less optimistic they were about Brand Image. Furthermore, enterprises that have been in existence for a fewer amount of years than their older counterparts, considered Brand Image to be more important. Therefore, there is a distinction that can be made that younger respondents and younger enterprises had a more positive perception of brand image than older respondents and enterprises that have been in existence for a longer period of time. This study has added to the limited amount of literature on BSR in the field of SMEs. Through the hypothetical model developed in this study, a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the BSR factors influencing the success of SMEs. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist SME owners/managers who engage in social responsibility to continue to make positive contributions for the welfare of their stakeholders and the community at large and also to encourage SME owners/managers who do not engage in BSR to consider the various benefits that can accrue to their stakeholders and the enterprise itself, as this may ultimately enhance the business performance of their SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013