Going green: the impact of integrated sustainability reporting within JSE companies
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of co-operatives in the socio-economic developmet of Dutywa villages
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Beyond greening: reflections on the business sustainability imperative
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Now that we have the land: analysing the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal District of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A conscious leadership model to achieve sustainable business practices
- Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Authors: Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5885 , vital:21008
- Description: Business sustainability is a fundamental concern amongst business leaders and it is imperative that business defines an environmentally and socially sustainable path to financial prosperity. This focus on sustainable business practices has been caused by the perceived contribution of businesses to undesirable conditions such as environmental and social degradation including global warming and the global financial crises. This study suggests that a leadership style that differs from leadership that is currently causing business unsustainability is needed in order to achieve the goal of sustainable business practices. This study therefore proposes a new kind of leadership, called conscious leadership. The main contribution of the study is to increase the achievement of sustainable business practices by investigating the importance of conscious leadership in achieving this objective. Convenience sampling was used to select senior managers and directors from mainly JSE listed companies. This resulted in a total of 371 usable questionnaires (317 from listed companies and 54 from unlisted companies) being received. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate whether conscious leadership would be related to increased sustainability competencies and more effective sustainability-related corporate governance and whether these in turn would increase sustainability behaviours which would generate sustainable business practices as measured by financial, social and environmental performance. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships among these variables. Pearson correlations and descriptive statistics were also calculated. The empirical results showed that respondents in this study regarded conscious leadership, not as a separate construct, but as a way they governed their businesses. The empirical results showed that corporate governance and systems thinking competency had a strong interactive relationship and should therefore be cultivated within business firms. Corporate governance (including conscious leadership) and systems-thinking competency were positive influencers of employee relations, equal opportunities and workforce diversity. The empirical results however showed that corporate governance (including conscious leadership) had a negative influence on profitability. The present study cannot argue for the discouragement of corporate governance (including conscious leadership), as measured in this study, because reduced corporate governance would decrease healthy employee relations and the latter would decrease the achievement of equal opportunities and workforce diversity in these firms. A decrease in healthy employee relations would decrease profitability. The most important finding of this study is that senior managers and directors of big business firms, mostly JSE-listed companies, regarded conscious leadership as an important part of corporate governance. Corporate governance that includes conscious leadership must be developed to higher levels in business firms, so that the negative and not-significant relationships to profitability as viewed by lower and high conscious leaders respectively can be changed to positive relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sukhdeo, Beverley Amanda Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5885 , vital:21008
- Description: Business sustainability is a fundamental concern amongst business leaders and it is imperative that business defines an environmentally and socially sustainable path to financial prosperity. This focus on sustainable business practices has been caused by the perceived contribution of businesses to undesirable conditions such as environmental and social degradation including global warming and the global financial crises. This study suggests that a leadership style that differs from leadership that is currently causing business unsustainability is needed in order to achieve the goal of sustainable business practices. This study therefore proposes a new kind of leadership, called conscious leadership. The main contribution of the study is to increase the achievement of sustainable business practices by investigating the importance of conscious leadership in achieving this objective. Convenience sampling was used to select senior managers and directors from mainly JSE listed companies. This resulted in a total of 371 usable questionnaires (317 from listed companies and 54 from unlisted companies) being received. A quantitative approach was adopted to investigate whether conscious leadership would be related to increased sustainability competencies and more effective sustainability-related corporate governance and whether these in turn would increase sustainability behaviours which would generate sustainable business practices as measured by financial, social and environmental performance. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the hypothesised relationships among these variables. Pearson correlations and descriptive statistics were also calculated. The empirical results showed that respondents in this study regarded conscious leadership, not as a separate construct, but as a way they governed their businesses. The empirical results showed that corporate governance and systems thinking competency had a strong interactive relationship and should therefore be cultivated within business firms. Corporate governance (including conscious leadership) and systems-thinking competency were positive influencers of employee relations, equal opportunities and workforce diversity. The empirical results however showed that corporate governance (including conscious leadership) had a negative influence on profitability. The present study cannot argue for the discouragement of corporate governance (including conscious leadership), as measured in this study, because reduced corporate governance would decrease healthy employee relations and the latter would decrease the achievement of equal opportunities and workforce diversity in these firms. A decrease in healthy employee relations would decrease profitability. The most important finding of this study is that senior managers and directors of big business firms, mostly JSE-listed companies, regarded conscious leadership as an important part of corporate governance. Corporate governance that includes conscious leadership must be developed to higher levels in business firms, so that the negative and not-significant relationships to profitability as viewed by lower and high conscious leaders respectively can be changed to positive relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A frame for improving employee commitment to a sustainability strategy
- Authors: Kanyi, Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee morale , Strategic planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3832 , vital:20467
- Description: The changing business environment has increasingly driven organisations to incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy for them to remain competitive. The economic, social and environmental goals and objectives of the organisation are now being factored into corporate strategy. This is as a result of the opportunities presented with the adoption of sustainability as a strategy and the threats caused by failure to adopt sustainability within their corporate strategy. For organisations to reap any benefits of incorporating sustainability, successful implementation of the strategy is needed. The role employees’ play in the implementation process of the sustainability strategy is critical. For successful implementation of the strategy, employee commitment is required as they have to adjust their actions and behaviours to be congruent with those required for the successful implementation of the sustainability strategy. However literature suggests that employees have received little attention in past research in regard to sustainability especially in emerging markets where research on sustainability has been limited. For this reason, the research problem for this study was how employee commitment can be improved towards the implementation of the sustainability strategy in their day-to-day operations. To achieve this objective, a conceptual framework was developed by investigating the organisational factors that impact on employee commitment to implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities. To develop the conceptual framework, a literature review was conducted. The conceptual framework served as a basis for the construction of the questionnaire, to determine the nature of employee commitment to sustainability, to what extent they were implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities and finally for the employees who were committed and were implementing sustainability what were the organisational factors that influenced their commitment to the sustainability strategy. The questionnaire was distributed to employees of different organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area who were MBA students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The findings of the empirical study indicate that the majority (75.5%) of the respondents were committed to all the tenets of sustainability, and were implementing the sustainability strategy. Though there were trade-offs in how the sustainability strategy was implemented, with the economic aspect having precedence where 84.5% of the respondents were implementing it, 70% of the respondents were implementing the social aspect of sustainability and 72.2% implementing the environmental tenet of sustainability. The organisational factors that influenced employee commitment to sustainability as was developed in the conceptual framework were all positively confirmed by the findings of the empirical study. Employee socialisation had the highest influence on commitment, followed by leadership, culture, communication, sustainability programmes and finally performance management. Formal and informal socialisation in the form of training and influence from experienced employees was the leading organisational factor that influenced commitment. The different roles top and middle management played in regard to sustainability followed. The organisational culture that existed in the organisation and the internal communication that was received all contributed to employee commitment to sustainability. The sustainability programmes in place and performance management systems in place were all organisational factors contributing to employee commitment to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kanyi, Juliet
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employee morale , Strategic planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3832 , vital:20467
- Description: The changing business environment has increasingly driven organisations to incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy for them to remain competitive. The economic, social and environmental goals and objectives of the organisation are now being factored into corporate strategy. This is as a result of the opportunities presented with the adoption of sustainability as a strategy and the threats caused by failure to adopt sustainability within their corporate strategy. For organisations to reap any benefits of incorporating sustainability, successful implementation of the strategy is needed. The role employees’ play in the implementation process of the sustainability strategy is critical. For successful implementation of the strategy, employee commitment is required as they have to adjust their actions and behaviours to be congruent with those required for the successful implementation of the sustainability strategy. However literature suggests that employees have received little attention in past research in regard to sustainability especially in emerging markets where research on sustainability has been limited. For this reason, the research problem for this study was how employee commitment can be improved towards the implementation of the sustainability strategy in their day-to-day operations. To achieve this objective, a conceptual framework was developed by investigating the organisational factors that impact on employee commitment to implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities. To develop the conceptual framework, a literature review was conducted. The conceptual framework served as a basis for the construction of the questionnaire, to determine the nature of employee commitment to sustainability, to what extent they were implementing sustainability in their day-to-day activities and finally for the employees who were committed and were implementing sustainability what were the organisational factors that influenced their commitment to the sustainability strategy. The questionnaire was distributed to employees of different organisations in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area who were MBA students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The findings of the empirical study indicate that the majority (75.5%) of the respondents were committed to all the tenets of sustainability, and were implementing the sustainability strategy. Though there were trade-offs in how the sustainability strategy was implemented, with the economic aspect having precedence where 84.5% of the respondents were implementing it, 70% of the respondents were implementing the social aspect of sustainability and 72.2% implementing the environmental tenet of sustainability. The organisational factors that influenced employee commitment to sustainability as was developed in the conceptual framework were all positively confirmed by the findings of the empirical study. Employee socialisation had the highest influence on commitment, followed by leadership, culture, communication, sustainability programmes and finally performance management. Formal and informal socialisation in the form of training and influence from experienced employees was the leading organisational factor that influenced commitment. The different roles top and middle management played in regard to sustainability followed. The organisational culture that existed in the organisation and the internal communication that was received all contributed to employee commitment to sustainability. The sustainability programmes in place and performance management systems in place were all organisational factors contributing to employee commitment to sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Constraints in attainment of sustainable human settlements at Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole district municipality
- Authors: Silinga, Nyaniso Sandisiwe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Small business -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5184 , vital:20819
- Description: The South African consulting engineering industry faces a challenge of relevance, particularly in the wake of government infrastructure investment through the planned National Development Plan and other current infrastructure plans. This challenge is even more so for small consulting engineering businesses within the industry who experienced a decline in earnings by ten percent in the first six months of 2013 as compared to the last six months of 2012 (Consulting Engineers South Africa, 2013:38). Government, as a job creator, has a duty to ensure that the conditions that these businesses operate in are favourable to them in order for the businesses to remain sustainable. Factors that contribute to the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses need to be identified. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) situated in the Eastern Cape Province and which is the second largest province in South Africa but the second poorest (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Council (ECSECC), 2011:15 cited in Mtshibe, 2013:1) is one of those job creators. According to the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) (2013:38), the district, which comprises of seven local municipalities, is the 3rd largest economy in the province after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, contributing twelve percent to the provincial economy. Figures published in the Division of Revenue Bill, 2014 (RSA, 2014:236) indicate infrastructure development allocations totalling R1.34 billion budgeted to the ADM for the next three years. This translates to job opportunities for the consulting engineering industry of this region. However, the latest ADM SMME procurement data reveals that in the past five years, only a small percentage of tenders awarded were to small consulting engineering businesses with a majority going to medium to large well-established enterprises (ADM, 2014). These results pose a serious challenge for policy makers who have a duty to ensure that work opportunities do not disadvantage emerging small businesses. The main objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the antecedents that impact on the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. This was done by identifying antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses through a detailed literature review. This literature review identified the competitive environment, regulatory environment and policy environment (independent variables) as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses (dependant variable). In testing the above research objective, the researcher used statistical analysis methods to reach a conclusion with regard to these antecedents. The positivistic research paradigm (quantitative method) was selected in testing this research objective through the use of hypothesis testing. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed to 100 small consulting engineering businesses using the databases of both the Amathole District Municipality and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA). Out of the selected sample of 100 small consulting engineering businesses, only 81 responses were received, thus representing an eighty-one percent response rate which is considered adequate. The collected data was then analysed using inferential and confirmatory statistical analysis methods. The analysis was presented in the form of graphs and tables. The results of the empirical survey identified rival competitor influence, the competitive environment and policy environment as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the management of the Amathole District Municipality in an endeavour to make the environment within which small consulting engineering businesses operate more favourable for the businesses to be sustainable. Suggestions for future research were also made as a way to help in addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the engineering industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Silinga, Nyaniso Sandisiwe
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Small business -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable development , Social responsibility of business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5184 , vital:20819
- Description: The South African consulting engineering industry faces a challenge of relevance, particularly in the wake of government infrastructure investment through the planned National Development Plan and other current infrastructure plans. This challenge is even more so for small consulting engineering businesses within the industry who experienced a decline in earnings by ten percent in the first six months of 2013 as compared to the last six months of 2012 (Consulting Engineers South Africa, 2013:38). Government, as a job creator, has a duty to ensure that the conditions that these businesses operate in are favourable to them in order for the businesses to remain sustainable. Factors that contribute to the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses need to be identified. Amathole District Municipality (ADM) situated in the Eastern Cape Province and which is the second largest province in South Africa but the second poorest (Eastern Cape Socio Economic Council (ECSECC), 2011:15 cited in Mtshibe, 2013:1) is one of those job creators. According to the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) (2013:38), the district, which comprises of seven local municipalities, is the 3rd largest economy in the province after the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, contributing twelve percent to the provincial economy. Figures published in the Division of Revenue Bill, 2014 (RSA, 2014:236) indicate infrastructure development allocations totalling R1.34 billion budgeted to the ADM for the next three years. This translates to job opportunities for the consulting engineering industry of this region. However, the latest ADM SMME procurement data reveals that in the past five years, only a small percentage of tenders awarded were to small consulting engineering businesses with a majority going to medium to large well-established enterprises (ADM, 2014). These results pose a serious challenge for policy makers who have a duty to ensure that work opportunities do not disadvantage emerging small businesses. The main objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the antecedents that impact on the sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. This was done by identifying antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses through a detailed literature review. This literature review identified the competitive environment, regulatory environment and policy environment (independent variables) as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses (dependant variable). In testing the above research objective, the researcher used statistical analysis methods to reach a conclusion with regard to these antecedents. The positivistic research paradigm (quantitative method) was selected in testing this research objective through the use of hypothesis testing. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed to 100 small consulting engineering businesses using the databases of both the Amathole District Municipality and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA). Out of the selected sample of 100 small consulting engineering businesses, only 81 responses were received, thus representing an eighty-one percent response rate which is considered adequate. The collected data was then analysed using inferential and confirmatory statistical analysis methods. The analysis was presented in the form of graphs and tables. The results of the empirical survey identified rival competitor influence, the competitive environment and policy environment as being antecedents to sustainability of small consulting engineering businesses within the Amathole District Municipality. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the management of the Amathole District Municipality in an endeavour to make the environment within which small consulting engineering businesses operate more favourable for the businesses to be sustainable. Suggestions for future research were also made as a way to help in addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the engineering industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Mercosur-SACU relations : an examination of the revised economic initiative for South-South Cooperation
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing assessment criteria for a sustainable energy sector development project: shale gas exploration in the Karoo
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The relationship between conflict cycles and sustainable development goals
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Would an asset-based community development approach counteract a community deficit mindset in Leliefontein?
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of urban expansion on coastal vegetation ecosystems conservation and functioning in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Authors: Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Sustainable development , City planning -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21556 , vital:48885
- Description: Coastal urban expansion is on an upward trajectory, which poses serious threats to ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and the general environment across the globe. It is on this premise that this study brings to the fore the growing complexity of environmental sustainability problems in a former apartheid space, as characterized by coastal urbanization and the intricacies of vegetation conservation. Consequently, literature utilized for this study reveals that urban expansion has led to an uncontrolled threat to the coastal ecosystem, culminating in soil erosion, environmental pollution through illegal dumping of solid waste, loss of coastal vegetation to other land use types, among others. Therefore, constant monitoring of these spaces is needed due to their fragility, as they are pivotal in the earth-atmosphere processes to the benefit of the entire humanity. To this end, the current study offers critical analysis and insights about the South African coastal ecological space. The essence of using BCMM in its consideration as an ecological space and former apartheid territory brings to the fore a scientific explanation of the spatial configuration and changes in the CVEs of the study area during the post-colonial era. In the course of investigating this study, the Urban Green Sustainability (UGS) theory was adopted in the course of selecting the review of literature, methodological approach and analysis of results. A mixed methodological approach (qualitative, quantitative and geospatial techniques) was explored in data collection and analysis. 254 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed for this research. Results generated revealed by the BCMM respondents confirms the occurrence of uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation and crop cultivation as major causes of coastal vegetation loss. In the same vein, the LULC classification results revealed that about 466 km2 of forest vegetation has been lost in BCMM from 1998-2018. Also, LULC classification results were validated by performing the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Kappa’s coefficient (k), coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (P) tests. The results also revealed that the built-up area had increased from 194 km2 in 1998 to 814 km2 in 2008. Further, all statistical tests revealed very good and highly correlated overall classification accuracies (of R2=0.89 and P=0.86) during the study period (1998 – 2018). This study makes a clarion call towards the rehabilitation of degraded coastal environments and proffers solutions towards the actualization of environmentally sustainable CVEs which offers optimal ecosystem services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Sustainable development , City planning -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21556 , vital:48885
- Description: Coastal urban expansion is on an upward trajectory, which poses serious threats to ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and the general environment across the globe. It is on this premise that this study brings to the fore the growing complexity of environmental sustainability problems in a former apartheid space, as characterized by coastal urbanization and the intricacies of vegetation conservation. Consequently, literature utilized for this study reveals that urban expansion has led to an uncontrolled threat to the coastal ecosystem, culminating in soil erosion, environmental pollution through illegal dumping of solid waste, loss of coastal vegetation to other land use types, among others. Therefore, constant monitoring of these spaces is needed due to their fragility, as they are pivotal in the earth-atmosphere processes to the benefit of the entire humanity. To this end, the current study offers critical analysis and insights about the South African coastal ecological space. The essence of using BCMM in its consideration as an ecological space and former apartheid territory brings to the fore a scientific explanation of the spatial configuration and changes in the CVEs of the study area during the post-colonial era. In the course of investigating this study, the Urban Green Sustainability (UGS) theory was adopted in the course of selecting the review of literature, methodological approach and analysis of results. A mixed methodological approach (qualitative, quantitative and geospatial techniques) was explored in data collection and analysis. 254 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed for this research. Results generated revealed by the BCMM respondents confirms the occurrence of uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation and crop cultivation as major causes of coastal vegetation loss. In the same vein, the LULC classification results revealed that about 466 km2 of forest vegetation has been lost in BCMM from 1998-2018. Also, LULC classification results were validated by performing the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Kappa’s coefficient (k), coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (P) tests. The results also revealed that the built-up area had increased from 194 km2 in 1998 to 814 km2 in 2008. Further, all statistical tests revealed very good and highly correlated overall classification accuracies (of R2=0.89 and P=0.86) during the study period (1998 – 2018). This study makes a clarion call towards the rehabilitation of degraded coastal environments and proffers solutions towards the actualization of environmentally sustainable CVEs which offers optimal ecosystem services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
Agricultural co-operative societies and challenges of sustainability: The case of vegetable cooperative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Sohuma, Anathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-6428
- Authors: Sohuma, Anathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-6428
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21422 , vital:48601
- Description: The government has initiated various support programmes to assist agricultural co-operative societies to remain viable; however, many cooperatives continue to flounder while some have collapsed. This dissertation assesses the challenges of sustainability facing agricultural co-operative societies gushing vegetable co-operative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province as a point of departure. The study used the corporate sustainability theory to investigate the extent to which co-operative societies are able to operate sustainably. The data for this study were collected through document reviews and non-scheduled structured interviews which were conducted through a questionnaire. The board of directors were sampled purposively. The research adopted stratified sampling to select co-operative members that participated in the study. This research made use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software to analyse data. The outcomes provide an understanding of the sustainability challenges that face vegetable co-operative societies. The results show that most of the co-operative societies rely on members for daily farm management. With regards to management, co-operative societies reveal that they keep sales, production and meeting record books. Furthermore, most co-operatives specified that they received training for financial and production record-keeping. It was found that some cooperatives have had training only once since their establishment. However, fewer co-operatives reported that keeping records is still challenging for them due to lack of training and little profit made from sales. The findings suggest that co-operative societies can function well and become sustainable when there is good management and cooperation amongst members. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that the government and co-operative stakeholders should play a greater part in ensuring co-operative societies are developed and managed in a way that will make them sustainable without relying solely on government support. For example, the government and stakeholders can establish and enforce policies that encourage co-operatives to invest in member capability programmes that would equip farmers understanding, adoption and use of co-operative values and principles. This would help in reducing challenges that occur within co-operatives and promote cohesion and commitment within co-operatives. The role of extension services towards the sustainability of the co-operatives is crucial. The majority of the co-operatives indicated that there is some level of interaction between the co-operatives and extension personnel albeit, there is a need to improve the frequency of extension visits, training and follow-up appointments. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
- Authors: Sohuma, Anathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6260-6428
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Agriculture, Cooperative , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21422 , vital:48601
- Description: The government has initiated various support programmes to assist agricultural co-operative societies to remain viable; however, many cooperatives continue to flounder while some have collapsed. This dissertation assesses the challenges of sustainability facing agricultural co-operative societies gushing vegetable co-operative societies in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province as a point of departure. The study used the corporate sustainability theory to investigate the extent to which co-operative societies are able to operate sustainably. The data for this study were collected through document reviews and non-scheduled structured interviews which were conducted through a questionnaire. The board of directors were sampled purposively. The research adopted stratified sampling to select co-operative members that participated in the study. This research made use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software to analyse data. The outcomes provide an understanding of the sustainability challenges that face vegetable co-operative societies. The results show that most of the co-operative societies rely on members for daily farm management. With regards to management, co-operative societies reveal that they keep sales, production and meeting record books. Furthermore, most co-operatives specified that they received training for financial and production record-keeping. It was found that some cooperatives have had training only once since their establishment. However, fewer co-operatives reported that keeping records is still challenging for them due to lack of training and little profit made from sales. The findings suggest that co-operative societies can function well and become sustainable when there is good management and cooperation amongst members. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that the government and co-operative stakeholders should play a greater part in ensuring co-operative societies are developed and managed in a way that will make them sustainable without relying solely on government support. For example, the government and stakeholders can establish and enforce policies that encourage co-operatives to invest in member capability programmes that would equip farmers understanding, adoption and use of co-operative values and principles. This would help in reducing challenges that occur within co-operatives and promote cohesion and commitment within co-operatives. The role of extension services towards the sustainability of the co-operatives is crucial. The majority of the co-operatives indicated that there is some level of interaction between the co-operatives and extension personnel albeit, there is a need to improve the frequency of extension visits, training and follow-up appointments. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
Evaluation of income generating projects in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Toward universal sustainability: strategies and guidelines
- Authors: Robertson, Struan Ross
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainability , Sustainable development , Economic development , Social planning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71591 , vital:29922
- Description: This research considers the notion of universal sustainability, which involves the three well-known pillars of sustainable development, namely, economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability. Critical to achieving this unity of purpose in the aligning of economic and social aspirations with the limits of the natural environment is the enhancing of human capability and the development of political institutions capable of representing the interests of all people by leveraging resources responsibly. Universal sustainability differs from the concept of sustainable development in that the emphasis is cast not on merely achieving economic development despite the challenges presented by social and environmental concerns, but on seeking to understand what a better society might look like that integrates outcomes in-line with these three factors. Universal sustainability is about re-thinking the purpose of material progress to realign this with the need for social cohesion and to reposition human values and expectations safely within ecological boundaries. In other words, strategies and guidelines that promote the realisation of universal sustainability would recommend a society that values economic and technological progress with equal measure to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as all the other factors that promote human wellbeing. Consequently, this research also considers the inter-linkages that are found between economic development (i.e. technological advancement) and social (i.e. normative progress) and societal (i.e. long-term institutional differentiation) development with respect to labour markets, the formation of skills, the scope of welfare regimes and hence, the trajectory of the social reproduction of society. The prospects of environmental sustainability, like that of societal development, are found to be influenced by the values that a society holds and the ability of economic and social factors to adapt in response to the environmental challenges that face societies in socially workable ways. This research concerns the great quest for meaning and purpose that humans have undertaken throughout history, and asks how human wellbeing – in its best, most expansive sense, can be improved and how societies can advance and prosper going forward while keeping the avenue of individual self-actualisation open as a possibility in the everyday lives of citizens? In achieving this end, this research looks at what economic development strategies suggest as tenable against these aspirations. Furthermore, this research looks at the experience of advanced democratic societies to better conceive of how material progress, social cohesion via education and welfare, and environmental sustainability can be attained. The selection of these countries ensures understanding for the kind of political arrangements that safeguard human wellbeing and give voice to freedom, material opportunities, and civic responsibilities. Critical to both these assessments is defining the mechanics that underlie the processes that achieve material and moral progress in human societies. The main goal of this research is to recommend strategies and guidelines for developing countries like South Africa that wish to develop and thrive. Therefore, this research presents an assessment framework for understanding both universal sustainability and how to achieve it. This research concludes that mindfulness about the natural environment and the services it supplies, as well as mindfulness about what drives economic development and what supports the conditions for human flourishing, are necessary for universal sustainability strategies and guidelines to work. Indeed, the ideologies that societies subscribe to and the values they hold are important 84 to creating the right conditions for economic tools to work to advance economic development, material improvement, socio-environmental justice, and ultimately for achieving universal sustainability. But central to both economic and environmental futures is an understanding that at the heart of the matter is a concern for apprehending what drives human behaviour and aspiration, and what creates social cohesion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Robertson, Struan Ross
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainability , Sustainable development , Economic development , Social planning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71591 , vital:29922
- Description: This research considers the notion of universal sustainability, which involves the three well-known pillars of sustainable development, namely, economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability. Critical to achieving this unity of purpose in the aligning of economic and social aspirations with the limits of the natural environment is the enhancing of human capability and the development of political institutions capable of representing the interests of all people by leveraging resources responsibly. Universal sustainability differs from the concept of sustainable development in that the emphasis is cast not on merely achieving economic development despite the challenges presented by social and environmental concerns, but on seeking to understand what a better society might look like that integrates outcomes in-line with these three factors. Universal sustainability is about re-thinking the purpose of material progress to realign this with the need for social cohesion and to reposition human values and expectations safely within ecological boundaries. In other words, strategies and guidelines that promote the realisation of universal sustainability would recommend a society that values economic and technological progress with equal measure to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as all the other factors that promote human wellbeing. Consequently, this research also considers the inter-linkages that are found between economic development (i.e. technological advancement) and social (i.e. normative progress) and societal (i.e. long-term institutional differentiation) development with respect to labour markets, the formation of skills, the scope of welfare regimes and hence, the trajectory of the social reproduction of society. The prospects of environmental sustainability, like that of societal development, are found to be influenced by the values that a society holds and the ability of economic and social factors to adapt in response to the environmental challenges that face societies in socially workable ways. This research concerns the great quest for meaning and purpose that humans have undertaken throughout history, and asks how human wellbeing – in its best, most expansive sense, can be improved and how societies can advance and prosper going forward while keeping the avenue of individual self-actualisation open as a possibility in the everyday lives of citizens? In achieving this end, this research looks at what economic development strategies suggest as tenable against these aspirations. Furthermore, this research looks at the experience of advanced democratic societies to better conceive of how material progress, social cohesion via education and welfare, and environmental sustainability can be attained. The selection of these countries ensures understanding for the kind of political arrangements that safeguard human wellbeing and give voice to freedom, material opportunities, and civic responsibilities. Critical to both these assessments is defining the mechanics that underlie the processes that achieve material and moral progress in human societies. The main goal of this research is to recommend strategies and guidelines for developing countries like South Africa that wish to develop and thrive. Therefore, this research presents an assessment framework for understanding both universal sustainability and how to achieve it. This research concludes that mindfulness about the natural environment and the services it supplies, as well as mindfulness about what drives economic development and what supports the conditions for human flourishing, are necessary for universal sustainability strategies and guidelines to work. Indeed, the ideologies that societies subscribe to and the values they hold are important 84 to creating the right conditions for economic tools to work to advance economic development, material improvement, socio-environmental justice, and ultimately for achieving universal sustainability. But central to both economic and environmental futures is an understanding that at the heart of the matter is a concern for apprehending what drives human behaviour and aspiration, and what creates social cohesion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental sustainability initiatives at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Quantification of water resources uncertainties in two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Nadia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Management , Sustainable development , Rain and rainfall -- Mathematical models , Runoff -- Mathematical models , Reservoirs -- Limpopo River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63267 , vital:28388
- Description: The demand for water is rapidly growing, placing more strain on access to the resources and subsequently its management. For sustainable management, there is a need to accurately quantify the available water resources. Unfortunately, the data required for such assessments are frequently far from sufficient in terms of availability and quality, especially in southern Africa. In the absence of historical observed data, models are generally used to describe the different hydrological processes and generate data and information that will inform management and policy decision making. Ideally, any hydrological model should be based on a sound conceptual understanding of the processes in the basin and be backed by quantitative information for the parameterization of the model. Such data is however, often inadequate in many sub-basins necessitating the incorporation of the uncertainty related to the estimation process. Model parameter estimation and input data are significant sources of uncertainty that should be quantified. Also, in southern Africa water use data are unreliable because available databases consist of licensed information and actual use is generally unknown. In this study, the water resources of two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin – the Mogalakwena in South Africa and the Shashe shared between Botswana and Zimbabwe – are estimated. The study assessed how uncertainties in the Pitman model parameterisation and input water use data affect the estimation of surface water resources of the selected sub-basins. Farm reservoirs and irrigated areas data from various sources were collected and used to run the Pitman model. Results indicate that the total model output uncertainty is higher for the Shashe sub-basin which is more data scarce than the Mogalakwena sub-basin. The study illustrates the importance of including uncertainty in the water resources assessment process to provide baseline data for decision making in resource management and planning. The study reviews existing information sources associated with the quantification of water balance components and gives an update of water resources of the sub-basin. The flows generated by the model at the outlet of the basin were between 22.6 Mm3 and 24.7 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The total predictive uncertainty of the model increased to between 22.2 Mm3 and 25.0 Mm3 when anthropogenic water use data such as small farm and large reservoirs and irrigation were included. The flows generated for Shashe was between 11.7 Mm3 and 14.5 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The predictive uncertainty of the model changed to 11.7 Mm3 and 17.7 Mm3 after the water use uncertainty was added. However, it is expected that the uncertainty could be reduced by using higher resolution remote sensing imagery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Nadia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Management , Sustainable development , Rain and rainfall -- Mathematical models , Runoff -- Mathematical models , Reservoirs -- Limpopo River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63267 , vital:28388
- Description: The demand for water is rapidly growing, placing more strain on access to the resources and subsequently its management. For sustainable management, there is a need to accurately quantify the available water resources. Unfortunately, the data required for such assessments are frequently far from sufficient in terms of availability and quality, especially in southern Africa. In the absence of historical observed data, models are generally used to describe the different hydrological processes and generate data and information that will inform management and policy decision making. Ideally, any hydrological model should be based on a sound conceptual understanding of the processes in the basin and be backed by quantitative information for the parameterization of the model. Such data is however, often inadequate in many sub-basins necessitating the incorporation of the uncertainty related to the estimation process. Model parameter estimation and input data are significant sources of uncertainty that should be quantified. Also, in southern Africa water use data are unreliable because available databases consist of licensed information and actual use is generally unknown. In this study, the water resources of two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin – the Mogalakwena in South Africa and the Shashe shared between Botswana and Zimbabwe – are estimated. The study assessed how uncertainties in the Pitman model parameterisation and input water use data affect the estimation of surface water resources of the selected sub-basins. Farm reservoirs and irrigated areas data from various sources were collected and used to run the Pitman model. Results indicate that the total model output uncertainty is higher for the Shashe sub-basin which is more data scarce than the Mogalakwena sub-basin. The study illustrates the importance of including uncertainty in the water resources assessment process to provide baseline data for decision making in resource management and planning. The study reviews existing information sources associated with the quantification of water balance components and gives an update of water resources of the sub-basin. The flows generated by the model at the outlet of the basin were between 22.6 Mm3 and 24.7 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The total predictive uncertainty of the model increased to between 22.2 Mm3 and 25.0 Mm3 when anthropogenic water use data such as small farm and large reservoirs and irrigation were included. The flows generated for Shashe was between 11.7 Mm3 and 14.5 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The predictive uncertainty of the model changed to 11.7 Mm3 and 17.7 Mm3 after the water use uncertainty was added. However, it is expected that the uncertainty could be reduced by using higher resolution remote sensing imagery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018