A critical analysis of the tax concessions relating to medical expenses, with particular emphasis on persons with a physical impairment or disability
- Authors: Rogers, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4144 , vital:20623
- Description: This thesis provides a critical analysis of the tax concessions granted in respect of medical costs, with particular reference to persons with a physical impairment or “disability” in the South African context. The primary method of collecting information for this research was through an extensive analysis of the South African legislation that is specifically applicable to a person who has a physical impairment or a “disability”. The analysis placed particular emphasis on the qualifying diagnosis criteria for a “disability” as defined for tax purposes as well as on the qualifying expenditure incurred in consequence of a person’s physical impairment or “disability”. A further goal of the research was to analyse the specific provisions of the Income Tax Act that are applicable to a special trust created for the benefit of a person with a physical impairment or “disability”. This research also includes a brief evaluation of the extent to which medical schemes provide coverage for non-discretionary expenditure items incurred in consequence of a person’s “disability” and whether this differs from the qualifying expenditure in terms of the Income Tax Act. It is important to conduct research of this nature in order to identify areas where the legislation could be improved. Accordingly, the thesis also recommends possible amendments to the current provisions of the legislation that are specifically applicable to persons with a physical impairment or “disability”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Rogers, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4144 , vital:20623
- Description: This thesis provides a critical analysis of the tax concessions granted in respect of medical costs, with particular reference to persons with a physical impairment or “disability” in the South African context. The primary method of collecting information for this research was through an extensive analysis of the South African legislation that is specifically applicable to a person who has a physical impairment or a “disability”. The analysis placed particular emphasis on the qualifying diagnosis criteria for a “disability” as defined for tax purposes as well as on the qualifying expenditure incurred in consequence of a person’s physical impairment or “disability”. A further goal of the research was to analyse the specific provisions of the Income Tax Act that are applicable to a special trust created for the benefit of a person with a physical impairment or “disability”. This research also includes a brief evaluation of the extent to which medical schemes provide coverage for non-discretionary expenditure items incurred in consequence of a person’s “disability” and whether this differs from the qualifying expenditure in terms of the Income Tax Act. It is important to conduct research of this nature in order to identify areas where the legislation could be improved. Accordingly, the thesis also recommends possible amendments to the current provisions of the legislation that are specifically applicable to persons with a physical impairment or “disability”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A critical analysis of the tax consequences of debt reductons, in the context of insolvency, death and the liquidaton of a deceased estate
- Authors: Simango, Samuel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54464 , vital:26567
- Description: The present research was conducted in an effort to address certain problems and a legal anomaly that is specifically related to the tax treatment of reduced debts stemming from the death or insolvency of natural persons in South Africa. At the beginning of 2013 the National Treasury enacted certain amendments to the debt reduction provisions of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 with the intention of streamlining the tax treatment of reduced debts and granting debt relief to financially distressed debtors. In spite of these recent amendments to the provisions of the Income Tax Act, there are certain problems and a legal anomaly which still currently relate to the tax consequences of reduced debts in South Africa. These problems and the legal anomaly are based on the failure of the recent amendments to successfully address debt reduction which arises in the context of the death and/or insolvency of natural persons. The objective of this research was therefore to analyse the tax consequences of reduced debts arising in the context of the death and the insolvency of natural persons and to explain how the problems and legal anomaly associated with these tax consequences can be rectified. The research design was qualitative within the framework of an interpretive paradigm. A mixed methodology approach was followed as identified in the Arthurs Report (1983), namely the interdisciplinary and the doctrinal methodologies. This approach encompassed two legal research methods namely the expository and legal reform research methods. The research explained the underlying nature of the tax consequences of reduced debts arising in the context of the death and the insolvency of natural persons and formulated specific reform measures aimed at remedying the problems and the legal anomaly that currently exist. Two amendments were proposed. It was proposed that the tax liability which arises when debts are reduced through the wills of deceased persons and the reduction of debts stemming from the insolvency of natural persons should be expressly excluded from falling within the ambit of the provisions which give rise to tax consequences whenever debt reduction takes place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Simango, Samuel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54464 , vital:26567
- Description: The present research was conducted in an effort to address certain problems and a legal anomaly that is specifically related to the tax treatment of reduced debts stemming from the death or insolvency of natural persons in South Africa. At the beginning of 2013 the National Treasury enacted certain amendments to the debt reduction provisions of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 with the intention of streamlining the tax treatment of reduced debts and granting debt relief to financially distressed debtors. In spite of these recent amendments to the provisions of the Income Tax Act, there are certain problems and a legal anomaly which still currently relate to the tax consequences of reduced debts in South Africa. These problems and the legal anomaly are based on the failure of the recent amendments to successfully address debt reduction which arises in the context of the death and/or insolvency of natural persons. The objective of this research was therefore to analyse the tax consequences of reduced debts arising in the context of the death and the insolvency of natural persons and to explain how the problems and legal anomaly associated with these tax consequences can be rectified. The research design was qualitative within the framework of an interpretive paradigm. A mixed methodology approach was followed as identified in the Arthurs Report (1983), namely the interdisciplinary and the doctrinal methodologies. This approach encompassed two legal research methods namely the expository and legal reform research methods. The research explained the underlying nature of the tax consequences of reduced debts arising in the context of the death and the insolvency of natural persons and formulated specific reform measures aimed at remedying the problems and the legal anomaly that currently exist. Two amendments were proposed. It was proposed that the tax liability which arises when debts are reduced through the wills of deceased persons and the reduction of debts stemming from the insolvency of natural persons should be expressly excluded from falling within the ambit of the provisions which give rise to tax consequences whenever debt reduction takes place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of the taxation of financial assets and financial liabilities in terms of section 24JB of the South African Income Tax Act
- Authors: Snyman, S L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4178 , vital:20630
- Description: Section 24JB of the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 was introduced with effect from 1 January 2014 in order to govern the taxation of financial instruments of a covered person as defined. Section 24JB represents a significant departure from the standard tax principles for financial instruments and will therefore directly affect the timing of the imposition of tax on gains and losses on these financial instruments, resulting in a significant adverse cash flow effect for the taxpayer. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the meaning of the wording in section 24JB through a critical analysis of the domestic tax legislation in the context of practical examples of specific financial assets and liabilities. The research includes an analysis of the scope of section 24JB by examining the definition of a “covered person” as well as the specific financial instruments to which the section applies, with reference to the International Financial Reporting Standards classifications and terms. The interaction of section 24JB with the rest of the Act is examined and whether this section overrides all the other provisions, specifically with reference to the taxation of dividends and the general and specific anti-avoidance provisions contained elsewhere in the Act. The study aims to highlight anomalies and possible unintended tax consequences arising from the current drafting of section 24JB using practical examples, highlighting the major areas of concern and issues of interpretation of section 24JB. Recommendations are made for amendments to the Act or the provision of guidance in the form of an Explanatory Memorandum or Interpretation Note to be issued by SARS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Snyman, S L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4178 , vital:20630
- Description: Section 24JB of the Income Tax Act No. 58 of 1962 was introduced with effect from 1 January 2014 in order to govern the taxation of financial instruments of a covered person as defined. Section 24JB represents a significant departure from the standard tax principles for financial instruments and will therefore directly affect the timing of the imposition of tax on gains and losses on these financial instruments, resulting in a significant adverse cash flow effect for the taxpayer. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the meaning of the wording in section 24JB through a critical analysis of the domestic tax legislation in the context of practical examples of specific financial assets and liabilities. The research includes an analysis of the scope of section 24JB by examining the definition of a “covered person” as well as the specific financial instruments to which the section applies, with reference to the International Financial Reporting Standards classifications and terms. The interaction of section 24JB with the rest of the Act is examined and whether this section overrides all the other provisions, specifically with reference to the taxation of dividends and the general and specific anti-avoidance provisions contained elsewhere in the Act. The study aims to highlight anomalies and possible unintended tax consequences arising from the current drafting of section 24JB using practical examples, highlighting the major areas of concern and issues of interpretation of section 24JB. Recommendations are made for amendments to the Act or the provision of guidance in the form of an Explanatory Memorandum or Interpretation Note to be issued by SARS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A critical examination of the evidence regarding the size of manufacturing units in the footwear industry of South Africa, Great Britain, Canada and the U.S.A. with an assessment of the economic implications and consequences of these conditions in relation to the South African customs tariff
- Authors: Brits, R N
- Date: 1946
- Subjects: Footwear industry -- South Africa , Footwear industry , Tariff -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009755 , Footwear industry -- South Africa , Footwear industry , Tariff -- South Africa
- Description: Before the formation of Union in 1910 there were a few scattered boot and shoe factories in South Africa. Unfortunately, owing to lack of statistics, it is impossible to tell which of these establishments were actually manufacturing boots and shoes, and which were only engaged in repair work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1946
- Authors: Brits, R N
- Date: 1946
- Subjects: Footwear industry -- South Africa , Footwear industry , Tariff -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009755 , Footwear industry -- South Africa , Footwear industry , Tariff -- South Africa
- Description: Before the formation of Union in 1910 there were a few scattered boot and shoe factories in South Africa. Unfortunately, owing to lack of statistics, it is impossible to tell which of these establishments were actually manufacturing boots and shoes, and which were only engaged in repair work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1946
A discussion and comparison of company legislation and tax legislation in South Africa, in relation to amalgamations and mergers
- Authors: Sloane, Justin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corporation law -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Consolidation and merger of corporations -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013028
- Description: In his 2012 Budget Review, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan acknowledged that the introduction of the "new" Companies Act had given rise to certain anomalies in relation to tax and subsequently announced that the South African government would undertake to review the nature of company mergers, acquisitions and other restructurings with the view of possibly amending the Income Tax Act and/or the "new" Companies Act, to bring the two legislations in line with one another. These anomalies give rise to the present research. The literature reviewed in the present research revealed and identified the inconsistencies that exist between the "new" Companies Act, 71 of 2008 and the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, specifically the inconsistencies that exist in respect of the newly introduced amalgamation or merger provisions as set out in the "new" Companies Act. Moreover, this research was undertaken to identify the potential tax implications insofar as they relate to amalgamation transactions and, in particular, the potential tax implications where such transactions, because of the anomalies, fall outside the ambit section 44 of the Income Tax Act, which would in normal circumstances provide for tax "rollover relief". In this regard, the present research identified the possible income tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax, transfer duty tax and securities transfer tax affected by an amalgamation transaction, on the assumption that the "rollover relief" in section 44 of the Income Tax Act does not apply.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sloane, Justin
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Corporation law -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Consolidation and merger of corporations -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Capital gains tax -- South Africa , Value-added tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013028
- Description: In his 2012 Budget Review, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan acknowledged that the introduction of the "new" Companies Act had given rise to certain anomalies in relation to tax and subsequently announced that the South African government would undertake to review the nature of company mergers, acquisitions and other restructurings with the view of possibly amending the Income Tax Act and/or the "new" Companies Act, to bring the two legislations in line with one another. These anomalies give rise to the present research. The literature reviewed in the present research revealed and identified the inconsistencies that exist between the "new" Companies Act, 71 of 2008 and the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, specifically the inconsistencies that exist in respect of the newly introduced amalgamation or merger provisions as set out in the "new" Companies Act. Moreover, this research was undertaken to identify the potential tax implications insofar as they relate to amalgamation transactions and, in particular, the potential tax implications where such transactions, because of the anomalies, fall outside the ambit section 44 of the Income Tax Act, which would in normal circumstances provide for tax "rollover relief". In this regard, the present research identified the possible income tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax, transfer duty tax and securities transfer tax affected by an amalgamation transaction, on the assumption that the "rollover relief" in section 44 of the Income Tax Act does not apply.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A discussion of the concept, “place of effective management” and the proposed changes, in the context of South African tax law
- Authors: Singh, Nishika
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4166 , vital:20629
- Description: The concept, “place of effective management”, is used in South African tax legislation to determine the residency of companies and it is also used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and in many tax treaties as a tie-breaker clause to determine the residency of companies that may appear to be dual resident or to determine which country has the taxing rights to income that may be subject to double tax due to the income being from a source outside of the company’s country of residence. The concept is not defined in any tax legislation and there is no uniform interpretation of the concept globally. The former guidance provided by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) adopted a hierarchal approach and the focus was the implementation of the Board of Directors’ decisions. This interpretation was not aligned to the guidance of the OECD whose focus is the place where the key management and commercial decisions of the entity are made. The current SARS guidance has been aligned to the OECD guidance and, essentially, the core principle is to determine who makes the key commercial and management decisions of the company and the place where these individuals are making these decisions. The current SARS and OECD guidance have now been aligned. The current SARS and OECD interpretations have been found to be a more effective tie-breaker clause than the former interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Singh, Nishika
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4166 , vital:20629
- Description: The concept, “place of effective management”, is used in South African tax legislation to determine the residency of companies and it is also used by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and in many tax treaties as a tie-breaker clause to determine the residency of companies that may appear to be dual resident or to determine which country has the taxing rights to income that may be subject to double tax due to the income being from a source outside of the company’s country of residence. The concept is not defined in any tax legislation and there is no uniform interpretation of the concept globally. The former guidance provided by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) adopted a hierarchal approach and the focus was the implementation of the Board of Directors’ decisions. This interpretation was not aligned to the guidance of the OECD whose focus is the place where the key management and commercial decisions of the entity are made. The current SARS guidance has been aligned to the OECD guidance and, essentially, the core principle is to determine who makes the key commercial and management decisions of the company and the place where these individuals are making these decisions. The current SARS and OECD guidance have now been aligned. The current SARS and OECD interpretations have been found to be a more effective tie-breaker clause than the former interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A financial planning model for retirement, taking into account the impact of pre-retirement funding income, age and taxation
- Authors: Barnes, Andrew
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Retirement -- South Africa Retirement income -- Planning -- South Africa Pensions -- Planning -- South Africa Finance, Personal Investments Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004532
- Description: Individuals are often not aware of the required level of contributions needed to fund a retirement savings plan. This problem is compounded by the fact that the assistance provided to these individuals by way of commercially-available retirement planning models does not take into account the effect of income tax on the level of required retirement savings contributions and recent changes in the tax legislation to the income tax payable by individuals has had a significant effect on these required levels. As a preamble to the research process, an exploratory questionnaire was administrated to a sample of individuals, which was designed to measure the level of awareness of these individuals of the contributions to a retirement savings plan needed to fund their postretirement financial needs, and of the impact of age, the level of income and income tax on their contributions. Responses to the questionnaire indicated a low level of awareness of retirement planning amongst these individuals. A retirement planning model was then designed to test the effect of earnings, age and changes in tax legislation on the level of an individual's required monthly contributions to a retirement savings plan. Independent variables of age and income were processed using the model. These same variables were then processed using the Old Mutual and Liberty Life retirement planning models and a comparison was made between the model developed in the research and these commercially developed models, to assess their usefulness and limitations. Based on the above comparison, it appeared that the Old Mutual and Liberty Life retirement models both included the effects of the individual marginal tax rates in their calculations. However, they appeared to be using marginal tax rates which were higher than those reflected in the 2006 individual income tax tables. In addition these models did not include the effect of income tax exemptions and deductions and they therefore provided more conservative estimates than the retirement planning model designed in the research. Recent tax adjustments have had the effect of greatly increasing the after-tax income of individuals and therefore it is important to include the effects of changes in tax legislation in determining the monthly contributions to a retirement savings plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Barnes, Andrew
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Retirement -- South Africa Retirement income -- Planning -- South Africa Pensions -- Planning -- South Africa Finance, Personal Investments Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004532
- Description: Individuals are often not aware of the required level of contributions needed to fund a retirement savings plan. This problem is compounded by the fact that the assistance provided to these individuals by way of commercially-available retirement planning models does not take into account the effect of income tax on the level of required retirement savings contributions and recent changes in the tax legislation to the income tax payable by individuals has had a significant effect on these required levels. As a preamble to the research process, an exploratory questionnaire was administrated to a sample of individuals, which was designed to measure the level of awareness of these individuals of the contributions to a retirement savings plan needed to fund their postretirement financial needs, and of the impact of age, the level of income and income tax on their contributions. Responses to the questionnaire indicated a low level of awareness of retirement planning amongst these individuals. A retirement planning model was then designed to test the effect of earnings, age and changes in tax legislation on the level of an individual's required monthly contributions to a retirement savings plan. Independent variables of age and income were processed using the model. These same variables were then processed using the Old Mutual and Liberty Life retirement planning models and a comparison was made between the model developed in the research and these commercially developed models, to assess their usefulness and limitations. Based on the above comparison, it appeared that the Old Mutual and Liberty Life retirement models both included the effects of the individual marginal tax rates in their calculations. However, they appeared to be using marginal tax rates which were higher than those reflected in the 2006 individual income tax tables. In addition these models did not include the effect of income tax exemptions and deductions and they therefore provided more conservative estimates than the retirement planning model designed in the research. Recent tax adjustments have had the effect of greatly increasing the after-tax income of individuals and therefore it is important to include the effects of changes in tax legislation in determining the monthly contributions to a retirement savings plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A framework for the development and measurement of agile enterprise architecture
- Authors: Mthupha, Bokang
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management information systems -- Research Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Research Industrial organization -- Technological innovations -- Research System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002777
- Description: Enterprise architecture is the high-level design of the entire business, facilitated by enterprise architects. "Agile enterprise architecture" is the term used in enterprise architecture to describe an architecture that caters for future unknowns, enabling change to occur rapidly without undue resource utilization, yet in a controlled manner and with minimal adverse impact. Some enterprise architects still use outdated, rigid approaches to enterprise architecture which are incompatible with today‟s business environment. In addition, there is limited research into methods that can be applied to measure the agility of enterprise architecture. The current environment is such that there is a need for a more agile approach to developing and measuring enterprise architecture. This work will lead to the creation of a Framework for The Development and Measurement of Agile Enterprise Architecture. In support of the main goal of the development of the framework, a literature review will be conducted focusing on the necessary sub-goals of the research. The first sub-goal of the literature review is to develop a comprehensive definition for enterprise architecture (referred to as EA), as well as discover how it is currently practiced. Thereafter, the literature review will investigate a comprehensive definition for agility and research why it is emerging as a critical topic. The next chapter of the literature review will research how agility fits within the context of EA, uncovering a comprehensive definition for agile EA and the best practices in agile EA development. The final chapter of the literature review will investigate suitable measurement techniques that can be used to assess the level of agility of EA. On completion of the literature review, a preliminary framework will be created using the most important contributions from the literature. An empirical study will be conducted to explore the definitions for EA, agility, agile EA, the methods to measure the agility of EA and the concepts for the development of agile EA summarised in the preliminary framework. Data analysis follows an interpretive and qualitative approach based on four case studies through interviews with systems experts in four South African organizations in one province. Each interviewee was interviewed once. The initial interview with a Principal Consultant on Enterprise Strategy Consulting at organisation # 1 formed the basis of an exploratory study; the results of which were used to refine the research instrument and preliminary framework. Thereafter, a more rigorous empirical study focused on interviews with the Chief Architect, Senior Manager in Advisory Services and an Enterprise Architect at organizations 2, 3 and 4 respectively was conducted. The research follows an inductive approach to capture the interpretive experiences of participants and develop theoretical propositions from them. Following the exploratory pilot study it became necessary to make changes to the preliminary framework and initial survey instrument created. Thereafter, the empirical study consisting of the remaining three cases was conducted to test the important aspects of the framework and literature definitions. The analysis of the results of the empirical study prompted further changes to the theoretical framework and definitions created. The interviews conducted with each of the organizations confirmed the factors for agile EA development as well as the effectiveness of the definitions created in the literature review. The research uncovered that the need for a more agile approach to developing EA and a way to measure the level of agility of EA has become more and more significant in organizations. This begins with a better understanding of EA, agility, how agility fits within the context of EA, as well as appropriate methods to measure agility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mthupha, Bokang
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management information systems -- Research Industrial management -- Technological innovations -- Research Industrial organization -- Technological innovations -- Research System design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002777
- Description: Enterprise architecture is the high-level design of the entire business, facilitated by enterprise architects. "Agile enterprise architecture" is the term used in enterprise architecture to describe an architecture that caters for future unknowns, enabling change to occur rapidly without undue resource utilization, yet in a controlled manner and with minimal adverse impact. Some enterprise architects still use outdated, rigid approaches to enterprise architecture which are incompatible with today‟s business environment. In addition, there is limited research into methods that can be applied to measure the agility of enterprise architecture. The current environment is such that there is a need for a more agile approach to developing and measuring enterprise architecture. This work will lead to the creation of a Framework for The Development and Measurement of Agile Enterprise Architecture. In support of the main goal of the development of the framework, a literature review will be conducted focusing on the necessary sub-goals of the research. The first sub-goal of the literature review is to develop a comprehensive definition for enterprise architecture (referred to as EA), as well as discover how it is currently practiced. Thereafter, the literature review will investigate a comprehensive definition for agility and research why it is emerging as a critical topic. The next chapter of the literature review will research how agility fits within the context of EA, uncovering a comprehensive definition for agile EA and the best practices in agile EA development. The final chapter of the literature review will investigate suitable measurement techniques that can be used to assess the level of agility of EA. On completion of the literature review, a preliminary framework will be created using the most important contributions from the literature. An empirical study will be conducted to explore the definitions for EA, agility, agile EA, the methods to measure the agility of EA and the concepts for the development of agile EA summarised in the preliminary framework. Data analysis follows an interpretive and qualitative approach based on four case studies through interviews with systems experts in four South African organizations in one province. Each interviewee was interviewed once. The initial interview with a Principal Consultant on Enterprise Strategy Consulting at organisation # 1 formed the basis of an exploratory study; the results of which were used to refine the research instrument and preliminary framework. Thereafter, a more rigorous empirical study focused on interviews with the Chief Architect, Senior Manager in Advisory Services and an Enterprise Architect at organizations 2, 3 and 4 respectively was conducted. The research follows an inductive approach to capture the interpretive experiences of participants and develop theoretical propositions from them. Following the exploratory pilot study it became necessary to make changes to the preliminary framework and initial survey instrument created. Thereafter, the empirical study consisting of the remaining three cases was conducted to test the important aspects of the framework and literature definitions. The analysis of the results of the empirical study prompted further changes to the theoretical framework and definitions created. The interviews conducted with each of the organizations confirmed the factors for agile EA development as well as the effectiveness of the definitions created in the literature review. The research uncovered that the need for a more agile approach to developing EA and a way to measure the level of agility of EA has become more and more significant in organizations. This begins with a better understanding of EA, agility, how agility fits within the context of EA, as well as appropriate methods to measure agility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A holistic approach to consumption analysis in the popular music market
- Authors: Scheckter, Jonathan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Consumption (Economics) -- Moral and ethical aspects , Music trade -- South Africa , Popular music -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002715 , Consumption (Economics) -- Moral and ethical aspects , Music trade -- South Africa , Popular music -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis seeks to gain a holistic understanding of consumption issues in the popular music market, such that it needs to account for the influence of 1) technological factors, 2) institutional factors, 3) cultural factors, and 4) an ontological aspect; as these are identified to be the most prominent aspects in the literature on the market. While there is a bourgeoning literature on the market, there has been little formal attempt to link such issues in a comprehensive fashion. The methodology applied provides a critique of the literature on specific consumption theories which have apparent pertinence to the music market. Each of the sociological, psychological, and economic theories (neoclassical and radical) is found to be too generalized to provide such an understanding, in that many issues concerning the music market would need to be eschewed if these theories were to be applied in an orthodox fashion. Moreover, the theories tend to point towards each other for the possibility of a credible, holistic consumption analysis. The most useful and all-encompassing consumption theory reviewed is the systems of provision approach advanced by Fine and Leopold (1993), in that the approach aims to be sensitive to the difference between commodities in terms of the economic and social processes and structures by which they become commodities, and thus it can allow one to consider adequately the four requirements identified above for a holistic understanding of the market. This approach is then applied to the western music market with the aim of 1) testing the approach identified, and 2) making a specific comment of the market. The market is found to be characterized historically by three distinct periods, each with distinct systems of provision (i.e. each with the four factors identified above relating to each other in a certain manner). It is proposed that preference formations in the final period identified have been institutionalized to a large extent, and there is a low probability of change occurring. The systems of provision approach is argued to be beneficial in highlighting which aspects of the existing consumption theories are relevant to the market at a point in time, and to what extent. Thus the richness of the approach stems from its ability to gain a holistic understanding, and to identify theoretical discussion topics, such as those concerning political economy. The approach is then applied to the South African music market, using the same historical methodology, in conjunction with current empirical evidence from the market. Doing this allows one to test the generality of the systems of provision approach, and to attempt to make a comment on the South African market. The techniques for obtaining empirical evidence are argued to be sound, but resource constraints prevented the research from reflecting a holistic view of the market. Nonetheless, a rich perspective is provided from interviews with prominent agents in the market, and thus the chapter is argued to provide the beginning of an understanding of preference formations in the South African music market, in which little research has been conducted (Stella, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Scheckter, Jonathan
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Consumption (Economics) -- Moral and ethical aspects , Music trade -- South Africa , Popular music -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002715 , Consumption (Economics) -- Moral and ethical aspects , Music trade -- South Africa , Popular music -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis seeks to gain a holistic understanding of consumption issues in the popular music market, such that it needs to account for the influence of 1) technological factors, 2) institutional factors, 3) cultural factors, and 4) an ontological aspect; as these are identified to be the most prominent aspects in the literature on the market. While there is a bourgeoning literature on the market, there has been little formal attempt to link such issues in a comprehensive fashion. The methodology applied provides a critique of the literature on specific consumption theories which have apparent pertinence to the music market. Each of the sociological, psychological, and economic theories (neoclassical and radical) is found to be too generalized to provide such an understanding, in that many issues concerning the music market would need to be eschewed if these theories were to be applied in an orthodox fashion. Moreover, the theories tend to point towards each other for the possibility of a credible, holistic consumption analysis. The most useful and all-encompassing consumption theory reviewed is the systems of provision approach advanced by Fine and Leopold (1993), in that the approach aims to be sensitive to the difference between commodities in terms of the economic and social processes and structures by which they become commodities, and thus it can allow one to consider adequately the four requirements identified above for a holistic understanding of the market. This approach is then applied to the western music market with the aim of 1) testing the approach identified, and 2) making a specific comment of the market. The market is found to be characterized historically by three distinct periods, each with distinct systems of provision (i.e. each with the four factors identified above relating to each other in a certain manner). It is proposed that preference formations in the final period identified have been institutionalized to a large extent, and there is a low probability of change occurring. The systems of provision approach is argued to be beneficial in highlighting which aspects of the existing consumption theories are relevant to the market at a point in time, and to what extent. Thus the richness of the approach stems from its ability to gain a holistic understanding, and to identify theoretical discussion topics, such as those concerning political economy. The approach is then applied to the South African music market, using the same historical methodology, in conjunction with current empirical evidence from the market. Doing this allows one to test the generality of the systems of provision approach, and to attempt to make a comment on the South African market. The techniques for obtaining empirical evidence are argued to be sound, but resource constraints prevented the research from reflecting a holistic view of the market. Nonetheless, a rich perspective is provided from interviews with prominent agents in the market, and thus the chapter is argued to provide the beginning of an understanding of preference formations in the South African music market, in which little research has been conducted (Stella, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A model for the development of service agreements in the Information and Communication Technology sector
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Johnston, Robert
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002772 , Information technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Service industries -- Management , Service -- Level agreements
- Description: SAs are documents that specify the business relationship between stakeholders to an outsourcing agreement. SAs specify this relationship in a legally binding manner that assists in managing expectations of the stakeholders about the service provision. According to Verma (1999), an SA is a precise statement of the expectations and obligations that exist in a business relationship between two organisation: the service provider and the client. In order for organizations to have successful outsourcing partnerships, they need well crafted methods of developing Service Agreements (SAs). Successful methods will produce a conclusive contract that will act as a working document that details the spirit of cooperation between the service provider and the service recipient. This research investigates the development of SAs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and proposes a model for their development. A number of models for SA development have been analysed. Models are analysed from leading researchers in the area, from software houses such as Microsoft and from international standards organisations such as the BS15000 which stipulates the ITIL framework. Eight development principles are identified and explored. An investigation into SAs and their development is conducted. A model is proposed that is composed of the development principles. The development of SAs was explored in an empirical study by means of a survey administered to industry practitioners and a series of interviews with managers in the ICT industry. The results of the study indicate varying levels of support for the development principles and limited relationship between the development principles and the success of the SA, as defined by the number of changes made to the SA after it is completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A needs-ICTD strategy alignment framework foundation for the measurement of ICTD impact
- Authors: Baduza, Gugulethu Qhawekazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Siyakhula Living Lab SAP Research Needs assessment -- Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Case studies Information technology -- South Africa -- Management -- Case studies Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa Rural development -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa -- Sociological aspects Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011116
- Description: Many Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) projects are established with the overall aim of positively developing the communities they are implemented in. However, the solutions that are provided are often commonly developed without the needs of these communities being sufficiently investigated beforehand. As a result the ICTD strategy of the project ends up not well aligned with the aims and targets of the needs of the community. As a result of this, an appropriate programme theory for the project and relevant impact indicators fail to be adequately developed. Consequently, when an impact assessment is conducted it is often found that the intended effects are not directly linked to the needs of the community or what the community had hoped to gain from the ICTD initiative. The purpose of this research serves to develop a needs-ICTD strategy alignment foundation that supports the identification and formulation of impact assessment indicators. Through this research, a framework is developed to support the alignment of ICTD strategy, the development and the promotion of contextual needs of rural communities and other frequently marginalized areas. The Needs-ICTD strategy alignment framework is composed of eight main components that describe the process that can be used to align ICTD strategy with community needs. These components include: collaboration between the internal and external stakeholders, the development of the community, conducting baseline studies, the needs assessment, the ICTD strategy, linking of the needs-ICTD strategy, and lastly the identification of impact indicators. An interpretive research approach is used to explore and inform the framework through a multi-case study investigation of the Siyakhula Living Lab and two projects in the Systems Application Products (SAP) Living Lab. Two main case study questions drive the exploration of the framework, that being: 1) How are the needs of the community elicited and how is the ICTD strategy aligned to the needs of the community? 2) And, why were the selected approaches chosen for aligning the needs of the community and ICTD strategy? Data for this research was collected qualitatively through interviews, document analysis and participant observation. Key findings indicate that the involvement of internal (local) stakeholders in the development and alignment of ICTD strategy to the needs of the community is still lacking. As a consequence, many community members end up not fully understanding the project objectives and how these objectives aims are to be achieved. The research also finds that ‘solution specific’ projects also fail communities as they focus specifically on one target group and repeatedly fail to assist the community holistically in supporting their information and their community development needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Baduza, Gugulethu Qhawekazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Siyakhula Living Lab SAP Research Needs assessment -- Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Case studies Information technology -- South Africa -- Management -- Case studies Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa Rural development -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa -- Sociological aspects Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011116
- Description: Many Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) projects are established with the overall aim of positively developing the communities they are implemented in. However, the solutions that are provided are often commonly developed without the needs of these communities being sufficiently investigated beforehand. As a result the ICTD strategy of the project ends up not well aligned with the aims and targets of the needs of the community. As a result of this, an appropriate programme theory for the project and relevant impact indicators fail to be adequately developed. Consequently, when an impact assessment is conducted it is often found that the intended effects are not directly linked to the needs of the community or what the community had hoped to gain from the ICTD initiative. The purpose of this research serves to develop a needs-ICTD strategy alignment foundation that supports the identification and formulation of impact assessment indicators. Through this research, a framework is developed to support the alignment of ICTD strategy, the development and the promotion of contextual needs of rural communities and other frequently marginalized areas. The Needs-ICTD strategy alignment framework is composed of eight main components that describe the process that can be used to align ICTD strategy with community needs. These components include: collaboration between the internal and external stakeholders, the development of the community, conducting baseline studies, the needs assessment, the ICTD strategy, linking of the needs-ICTD strategy, and lastly the identification of impact indicators. An interpretive research approach is used to explore and inform the framework through a multi-case study investigation of the Siyakhula Living Lab and two projects in the Systems Application Products (SAP) Living Lab. Two main case study questions drive the exploration of the framework, that being: 1) How are the needs of the community elicited and how is the ICTD strategy aligned to the needs of the community? 2) And, why were the selected approaches chosen for aligning the needs of the community and ICTD strategy? Data for this research was collected qualitatively through interviews, document analysis and participant observation. Key findings indicate that the involvement of internal (local) stakeholders in the development and alignment of ICTD strategy to the needs of the community is still lacking. As a consequence, many community members end up not fully understanding the project objectives and how these objectives aims are to be achieved. The research also finds that ‘solution specific’ projects also fail communities as they focus specifically on one target group and repeatedly fail to assist the community holistically in supporting their information and their community development needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A price analysis of vegetables on the East London municipal market
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin Cecil Gilbert
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006970 , Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Description: [Introduction] Much of the information available on the prices of vegetables marketed through the fresh produce markets is of limited use to producers. This information contains the actual prices for individual years. This can obviously be taken as a guide to future prices but it does not necessarily mean that those prices are a true reflection of the general pattern. In this study an attempt will be made, firstly, to establish whether a general pattern exists in the prices of selected vegetables on the East London municipal market. This will be attempted by studying the prices obtained over the 1964-1979 period. Information of this nature can be used as a basis for the planning of future crops. Secondly, to determine the months which obtain the "best" prices for the selected vegetables taking into account the quantities supplied to the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin Cecil Gilbert
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1055 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006970 , Agricultural prices -- South Africa
- Description: [Introduction] Much of the information available on the prices of vegetables marketed through the fresh produce markets is of limited use to producers. This information contains the actual prices for individual years. This can obviously be taken as a guide to future prices but it does not necessarily mean that those prices are a true reflection of the general pattern. In this study an attempt will be made, firstly, to establish whether a general pattern exists in the prices of selected vegetables on the East London municipal market. This will be attempted by studying the prices obtained over the 1964-1979 period. Information of this nature can be used as a basis for the planning of future crops. Secondly, to determine the months which obtain the "best" prices for the selected vegetables taking into account the quantities supplied to the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
A regulationist approach to South Africa and a critique of inflation targeting
- Authors: Bax, Ryan Michael Jonathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa International finance Economic development -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Inflation targeting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004533
- Description: Since the 1970s, the international economic system has become prone to the volatility and undue effects associated with booms and busts. This forty year period spanning the present has exhibited restrained growth and repressive economic development. Critical changes to the system are presented by the transition from "Fordism" to the post 1970s neoliberal regime and the globalization of world markets. Underpinning this transformation is an ideological shift towards free market capitalism and the adoption of "reduced form" market models. These "reduced form" models appear to hinder economic sustainability as their grounding in economics fails to account for real economic activity. This thesis aims to provide a more holistic perception of sustainability, one that provides a sound basis on which to develop sustainable economic policy. The Regulationist Approach presents the requisite understanding of economic sustainability required within this research. The inclusion of economic, historical and socio-political fields of research proposes a wider understanding of the political economy and sustainability. The application of the Regulation Approach to the South African economy illustrates many problem areas that require attention. The examination found that firstly, aggregate demand in the South African economy was unsustainable due to the debt driven nature of demand under the asset price bubble of the mid to late 2000s. Secondly, aggregate supply also proved unsustainable as government is failing to provide any substantive growth within important sectors of the economy such as education and the provision of general services. Furthermore, the adoption of inflation targeting in South Africa poses a barrier to sustained economic growth as it focuses singularly on price inflation. The "reduced form" model of inflation targeting fails to account for market failures and a number of vital indicators of sustainability most notably, debt levels and asset prices. The inclusion of these indicators, and financial stability more generally, are found to provide a more holistic and sustainable approach to macroeconomic policymaking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bax, Ryan Michael Jonathan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa International finance Economic development -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Inflation targeting -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004533
- Description: Since the 1970s, the international economic system has become prone to the volatility and undue effects associated with booms and busts. This forty year period spanning the present has exhibited restrained growth and repressive economic development. Critical changes to the system are presented by the transition from "Fordism" to the post 1970s neoliberal regime and the globalization of world markets. Underpinning this transformation is an ideological shift towards free market capitalism and the adoption of "reduced form" market models. These "reduced form" models appear to hinder economic sustainability as their grounding in economics fails to account for real economic activity. This thesis aims to provide a more holistic perception of sustainability, one that provides a sound basis on which to develop sustainable economic policy. The Regulationist Approach presents the requisite understanding of economic sustainability required within this research. The inclusion of economic, historical and socio-political fields of research proposes a wider understanding of the political economy and sustainability. The application of the Regulation Approach to the South African economy illustrates many problem areas that require attention. The examination found that firstly, aggregate demand in the South African economy was unsustainable due to the debt driven nature of demand under the asset price bubble of the mid to late 2000s. Secondly, aggregate supply also proved unsustainable as government is failing to provide any substantive growth within important sectors of the economy such as education and the provision of general services. Furthermore, the adoption of inflation targeting in South Africa poses a barrier to sustained economic growth as it focuses singularly on price inflation. The "reduced form" model of inflation targeting fails to account for market failures and a number of vital indicators of sustainability most notably, debt levels and asset prices. The inclusion of these indicators, and financial stability more generally, are found to provide a more holistic and sustainable approach to macroeconomic policymaking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A review of generalized linear models for count data with emphasis on current geospatial procedures
- Authors: Michell, Justin Walter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Spatial analysis (Statistics) , Bayesian statistical decision theory , Geospatial data , Malaria -- Botswana -- Statistics , Malaria -- Botswana -- Research -- Statistical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019989
- Description: Analytical problems caused by over-fitting, confounding and non-independence in the data is a major challenge for variable selection. As more variables are tested against a certain data set, there is a greater risk that some will explain the data merely by chance, but will fail to explain new data. The main aim of this study is to employ a systematic and practicable variable selection process for the spatial analysis and mapping of historical malaria risk in Botswana using data collected from the MARA (Mapping Malaria Risk in Africa) project and environmental and climatic datasets from various sources. Details of how a spatial database is compiled for a statistical analysis to proceed is provided. The automation of the entire process is also explored. The final bayesian spatial model derived from the non-spatial variable selection procedure using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation was fitted to the data. Winter temperature had the greatest effect of malaria prevalence in Botswana. Summer rainfall, maximum temperature of the warmest month, annual range of temperature, altitude and distance to closest water source were also significantly associated with malaria prevalence in the final spatial model after accounting for spatial correlation. Using this spatial model malaria prevalence at unobserved locations was predicted, producing a smooth risk map covering Botswana. The automation of both compiling the spatial database and the variable selection procedure proved challenging and could only be achieved in parts of the process. The non-spatial selection procedure proved practical and was able to identify stable explanatory variables and provide an objective means for selecting one variable over another, however ultimately it was not entirely successful due to the fact that a unique set of spatial variables could not be selected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Michell, Justin Walter
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Spatial analysis (Statistics) , Bayesian statistical decision theory , Geospatial data , Malaria -- Botswana -- Statistics , Malaria -- Botswana -- Research -- Statistical methods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:5582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019989
- Description: Analytical problems caused by over-fitting, confounding and non-independence in the data is a major challenge for variable selection. As more variables are tested against a certain data set, there is a greater risk that some will explain the data merely by chance, but will fail to explain new data. The main aim of this study is to employ a systematic and practicable variable selection process for the spatial analysis and mapping of historical malaria risk in Botswana using data collected from the MARA (Mapping Malaria Risk in Africa) project and environmental and climatic datasets from various sources. Details of how a spatial database is compiled for a statistical analysis to proceed is provided. The automation of the entire process is also explored. The final bayesian spatial model derived from the non-spatial variable selection procedure using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation was fitted to the data. Winter temperature had the greatest effect of malaria prevalence in Botswana. Summer rainfall, maximum temperature of the warmest month, annual range of temperature, altitude and distance to closest water source were also significantly associated with malaria prevalence in the final spatial model after accounting for spatial correlation. Using this spatial model malaria prevalence at unobserved locations was predicted, producing a smooth risk map covering Botswana. The automation of both compiling the spatial database and the variable selection procedure proved challenging and could only be achieved in parts of the process. The non-spatial selection procedure proved practical and was able to identify stable explanatory variables and provide an objective means for selecting one variable over another, however ultimately it was not entirely successful due to the fact that a unique set of spatial variables could not be selected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A review of the actuaries' capitalisation rate from an economic perspective
- Authors: Turner, Jason
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002727 , Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if the macroeconomic change that has occurred in the South African economy since the 1980s has been significant enough to justify a re-examination of the actuaries’ capitalisation rate, due to its formulation processes dependence on the macroeconomic situation. The need for the reexamination arises from the use of the capitalisation in the calculation of lump sum awards where even a small change in the rate can have a significant impact on the value of the final award. In order to address the issue an examination of how Keynesian expectations are formulated and an examination of the Government’s macroeconomic policy was conducted to provide the foundation. On this foundation, a trend analysis of the major groups of financial instruments, as well as the current outlooks for the South African economy, was conducted to determine if there was any indication of a significant change in the macroeconomic conditions. The results of the analysis provided a compelling case for the urgent need for the actuaries’ capitalisation rate to be recalculated to account for the changed economic situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Turner, Jason
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002727 , Macroeconomics , Keynesian economics , Insurance -- Mathematics , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 1961-1991 , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if the macroeconomic change that has occurred in the South African economy since the 1980s has been significant enough to justify a re-examination of the actuaries’ capitalisation rate, due to its formulation processes dependence on the macroeconomic situation. The need for the reexamination arises from the use of the capitalisation in the calculation of lump sum awards where even a small change in the rate can have a significant impact on the value of the final award. In order to address the issue an examination of how Keynesian expectations are formulated and an examination of the Government’s macroeconomic policy was conducted to provide the foundation. On this foundation, a trend analysis of the major groups of financial instruments, as well as the current outlooks for the South African economy, was conducted to determine if there was any indication of a significant change in the macroeconomic conditions. The results of the analysis provided a compelling case for the urgent need for the actuaries’ capitalisation rate to be recalculated to account for the changed economic situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A South African perspective on the tax implications of virtual asset accumulation and transactions stemming from persistent virtual worlds
- Authors: Haupt, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001638
- Description: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are growing in popularity with millions of people participating in these persistent online environments on a daily basis. Accompanying the ever-increasing subscription numbers is an increase in real money trade transactions stemming from these game worlds. The research question to be addressed in this thesis is whether transactions stemming from virtual worlds have real-world taxation consequences. The goal of this research is to determine the taxability of virtual assets obtained in structured as well as unstructured virtual environments and to attempt to establish the differences between capital and revenue receipts in these virtual realms, taking into account the nature of a receipt. The general deduction formula is applied to establish the deductibility of expenditure incurred whilst participating in these virtual environments. Sundry matters such as Value-Added Tax, donations tax, the withholding tax on gambling gains and tax avoidance will also be addressed. The methodology adopted for the research could best be described as interpretative, aimed at analysing and interpreting the relationship between real world taxes and persistent virtual worlds and the transactions that stem from participation therein. The research is based purely on documentary evidence. After applying relevant tax legislation to virtual economies it became evident that merely because virtual assets only exist in virtual reality does not necessarily preclude them real world tax consequences. It was concluded, however, that it is not practical for the South African Revenue Service to monitor all virtual world transactions or for participant taxpayers to calculate the real world value of each and every asset acquired in-world. As a result, it was concluded that real world tax consequences should only be applied in situations where participants actually convert their virtual assets into real world currency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Haupt, Alexander
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001638
- Description: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games are growing in popularity with millions of people participating in these persistent online environments on a daily basis. Accompanying the ever-increasing subscription numbers is an increase in real money trade transactions stemming from these game worlds. The research question to be addressed in this thesis is whether transactions stemming from virtual worlds have real-world taxation consequences. The goal of this research is to determine the taxability of virtual assets obtained in structured as well as unstructured virtual environments and to attempt to establish the differences between capital and revenue receipts in these virtual realms, taking into account the nature of a receipt. The general deduction formula is applied to establish the deductibility of expenditure incurred whilst participating in these virtual environments. Sundry matters such as Value-Added Tax, donations tax, the withholding tax on gambling gains and tax avoidance will also be addressed. The methodology adopted for the research could best be described as interpretative, aimed at analysing and interpreting the relationship between real world taxes and persistent virtual worlds and the transactions that stem from participation therein. The research is based purely on documentary evidence. After applying relevant tax legislation to virtual economies it became evident that merely because virtual assets only exist in virtual reality does not necessarily preclude them real world tax consequences. It was concluded, however, that it is not practical for the South African Revenue Service to monitor all virtual world transactions or for participant taxpayers to calculate the real world value of each and every asset acquired in-world. As a result, it was concluded that real world tax consequences should only be applied in situations where participants actually convert their virtual assets into real world currency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A study of bantu retail traders in certain areas of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Savage, R B
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Retail trade -- Bantu-speaking peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007703 , Retail trade -- Bantu-speaking peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The beginning of the eighteenth century marks the start of economic relations between the colonists of the Cape and the Bantu. As early as 1702 a quarrel about the bartering of cattle had broken out between parties of Whites and Bantu, each of which had made their way, from opposite directions, into the area between the Gamtoos and the Kei Rivers. The Bantu, who were encountered in the Eastern Cape, belonged to the Xhosa-speaking tribes. They were cattle farmers who also practised some agriculture, but this was considered a subsidiary activity which was left to the women. Their economy was a self-sufficient subsistence one with each family an almost entirely self-supporting unit. Each relied on its own cattle and crops and built its own dwellings. To serve its own requirements, each family made domestic utensils out of wood, grass and clay. Iron implements were, however, made by special smiths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1967
- Authors: Savage, R B
- Date: 1967
- Subjects: Retail trade -- Bantu-speaking peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007703 , Retail trade -- Bantu-speaking peoples -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black people -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The beginning of the eighteenth century marks the start of economic relations between the colonists of the Cape and the Bantu. As early as 1702 a quarrel about the bartering of cattle had broken out between parties of Whites and Bantu, each of which had made their way, from opposite directions, into the area between the Gamtoos and the Kei Rivers. The Bantu, who were encountered in the Eastern Cape, belonged to the Xhosa-speaking tribes. They were cattle farmers who also practised some agriculture, but this was considered a subsidiary activity which was left to the women. Their economy was a self-sufficient subsistence one with each family an almost entirely self-supporting unit. Each relied on its own cattle and crops and built its own dwellings. To serve its own requirements, each family made domestic utensils out of wood, grass and clay. Iron implements were, however, made by special smiths.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1967
A study of production and consumption of certain foodstuffs in South Africa during the period 1929-49, in relation to the increase in population and national income
- Authors: Baker, G C
- Date: 1936
- Subjects: Food consumption -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013445
- Description: From Introduction: South Africa has experienced an almost revolutionary change in her food position in the last 10 years, what was previously a "farm problem" of assisting the primary producer has now become a "food problem" and this is a study of the development of those factors leading up to such a change. It is an empirical study attempting to measure the production and consumption of certain selected foodstuffs and to compare them with changes observed in the population and the National Income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1936
- Authors: Baker, G C
- Date: 1936
- Subjects: Food consumption -- South Africa , Food supply -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013445
- Description: From Introduction: South Africa has experienced an almost revolutionary change in her food position in the last 10 years, what was previously a "farm problem" of assisting the primary producer has now become a "food problem" and this is a study of the development of those factors leading up to such a change. It is an empirical study attempting to measure the production and consumption of certain selected foodstuffs and to compare them with changes observed in the population and the National Income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1936
A study of the Consumption Capital Asset Pricing Model's appilcability across four countries
- Spurway, Kayleigh Fay Nanette
- Authors: Spurway, Kayleigh Fay Nanette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Econometric models , Capital assets pricing model , Investments , Econometric models -- Germany , Econometric models -- South Africa , Econometric models -- Great Britain , Econometric models -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013016
- Description: Historically, the Consumption Capital Asset Pricing Method (C-CAPM) has performed poorly in that estimated parameters are implausible, model restrictions are often rejected and inferences appear to be very sensitive to the choice of economic agents' preferences. In this study, we estimate and test the C-CAPM with Constant Relative Risk Aversion (CRRA) using time series data from Germany, South Africa, Britain and America during relatively short time periods with the latest available data sets. Hansen's GMM approach is applied to estimate the parameters arising from this model. In general, estimated parameters fall outside the bounds specified by Lund & Engsted (1996) and Cuthbertson & Nitzsche (2004), even though the models are not rejected by the J-test and are associated with relatively small minimum distances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Spurway, Kayleigh Fay Nanette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Econometric models , Capital assets pricing model , Investments , Econometric models -- Germany , Econometric models -- South Africa , Econometric models -- Great Britain , Econometric models -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013016
- Description: Historically, the Consumption Capital Asset Pricing Method (C-CAPM) has performed poorly in that estimated parameters are implausible, model restrictions are often rejected and inferences appear to be very sensitive to the choice of economic agents' preferences. In this study, we estimate and test the C-CAPM with Constant Relative Risk Aversion (CRRA) using time series data from Germany, South Africa, Britain and America during relatively short time periods with the latest available data sets. Hansen's GMM approach is applied to estimate the parameters arising from this model. In general, estimated parameters fall outside the bounds specified by Lund & Engsted (1996) and Cuthbertson & Nitzsche (2004), even though the models are not rejected by the J-test and are associated with relatively small minimum distances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A Veblenian Dichotomy re-examination of labour brokerage and South African labour market functionality
- Authors: Haaketa, Bernadatte Tina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Veblen, Thorstein, 1857-1929 , Contracting out -- South Africa , Temporary employment -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168446 , vital:41583
- Description: Labour markets ar ound the world have witnessed a great change in labour relations. The introduction of globa lisation, increased competition and technological advancements has caused business organisations to change their employment methods. While trying to survive and remain profitable, employers have adopted a new form of triangular employment relationship. Thi s form of employment relationship known as labour broking and which forms part of the Temporary Employment Services (TES) involves a relationship between the worker, labour agent (broker) and a client c ompany. Although it may seem like a good strategy for business organisations, the change in employment relationships has had negative effects and contributed to labour market dysfunctionalities . This has resulted in critics of labour broking calling or an end in labour broking and supporters of labour broking asking for better regulation of the industry. Labour markets are me When it comes to analysing labour broking and its impact on labour market functionality in South Africa. Scholars and analysts such as Budlender ( 2013 ) and Bhorat, Lil enstein, Oosthuizen , and Thornton ( 2016 ) have used the Neoclassical , New Institutional Economics and Marxist approach es. The current views on labour broking and the current schools of thought fail to look at the underlying behavioural aspect of labour brokers and the client c ompanies. Hence making it easy for labour brokers and their client companies to continue with their unscrupulous activities. However, this t hesis adapted the Veblenian Dichotomy framework which focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary proce ss and the role of institutions in shaping economic behaviour. The Veblenian dichotomy shows that power plays an important role in how labour markets are run. Similarly, behaviour also influences the manner in which labour brokers and client companies trea t workers. And lastly the Veblenian dichotomy shows that in order for the industry to be run better there has to be change in the behaviour and cultu re of the labour brokers and client companies . This view allows for deeper analysis of the reasons for the flour ishing nature of labour broking and the rationale behind the behaviour of economic players and attempts to provide solutions on how labour brok ing can be correctly administered in South Africa. The Veblenian Dichotomy categorises institutions into t wo sets, namely the ceremonial institutions and instrumental institutions. Where Ceremonial institutions are said to be institutions that foster the interests of business such as profitability and earning of free income, even if there is no corresponding i ncrease in production. While Instrumental institutions, usually working through the influence of technology, address the interests of the common pers on and the labourer as well as business (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). These two systems of va lues and institutions are antagonistic and the relative strength of one to the other determines economic outcomes and in whose interests the outcomes would be (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). The Veblenian Dichotomy further looks at ceremonial encapsulation which occurs when ceremonial systems prevail over instrumental systems. Ceremonial encapsulation presents the hypothesis that the insti tutional structure will absorb new technology only to the extent that it can do so without disrupting the e xisting value structure (Waller, 1987; Bush, 1979.) The thesis use d various sources , such as working papers, public hearings, court cases, trade union submissions, integrated reports from companies, employee submissions and media publications on the debate about labour broking whether labour broking and applied the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysi s (IPA) research approach, in the process of data collection and analysis . The thesis further applied thematic analysis to derive themes that would be used to analyse the impact of labour broking on labour market functionality in South Africa. The emergent themes and subthemes were Exploitative lab our relations subthemes; job Insecurity, increased financial burden and no skills development. The second theme was; Competitive advantage and the subthemes were; i ncreased profits and organisational efficiency. The third theme was l abour market efficiency and the subthemes were. E mployment creation and labour market flexibility. And, the last theme was a mbiguous l abour regulation s with subthemes; n o freedom of association and a tool for circumventing labour regulations . Lastly, Tool’s (1994) criteria of j udgement for institutional adjustments was used to evaluate the emergent themes and to evaluate the impact of l abour broking on the overall welfare of individuals, which includes determining whether employees in the TES sector gain skills and improved stan dards of living. The findings of the research the TES sector is characterised by ceremonial values. Ceremonial values (as mentioned in section 3.3) are those values that are warranted by the ways of life that prescribe status and hierarchies and unpleasant distinctions to apply value and status on other people (Bush, 1987, 1988; Ayres, 1967). Thus changing the way in which labour brokers conduct themselves or handle labour broking activities would prove to be difficult . T he power that is mostly used in TES employment sectors is condign power. Condign power is explained as the form of power that is predominantly used in ceremonially encapsulated markets. And it involves making use of punishment or fear in order to get people to do something. This is because w orkers in the TES sector are forced to submit to conditions that they would not normally have submitted to if t hey did not have a fear of losing their jobs. This supports existing literature which shows that in the TES sector, TES employers use force and p ower in order to get the workers to do something, and this results in a master - servant relationship between the employer and the employee. Furthermore, the protests that erupt in the TES sector agree with Marxist theory which notes that the frustrations in the way workers are treated would result in a revolution of the working class against the employers. However, now, workers have not been able to overcome the employers and take over the industry. In addition to what current literature says, the research found that some managers make use of labour broking as a way of manifesting their exploitative characteristics on the labour market, thus creating information asymmetries in order to advance their own personal needs. Situations such as these reve al characteristics of opportunistic behaviour, which is perpetuated by the imperfect flow of information. This means th at the market is imperfect, and imperfect markets are characteristics of dysfunctional labour markets. The research also found that it i s the South African Constitution that protects labour brokers and client companies from accounting for the unfair treatm ent of workers. Labour brokers and client companies rely on the South African Constitution to defend them when it comes to banning labou r broking. This is because section 22 of the Constitution talks about the right of every individual to trade freely in S outh Africa (Kutumela, 2015). When institutional adjustments do not meet the requirements of the progressive criteria, it means they are regressive. Based on the data that was collected and the responses and remarks of the workers, trade unions, and trade union federations, it can be said that TES employment and labour broking hinders labour market functionality. Hence, it can be concluded that, due to the characteristics mentioned, labour broking does indeed have a regressive element which hinders labour m arket functionality. An area for further research for TES employment would be to look at the impact of the amendments to the Labour Rela tions Act. Specifically focusing on the Constitutional Court ruling, which forces labour brokers to treat employees who have been employed for longer than three months as permanent employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Haaketa, Bernadatte Tina
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Veblen, Thorstein, 1857-1929 , Contracting out -- South Africa , Temporary employment -- South Africa , Industrial relations -- South Africa , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168446 , vital:41583
- Description: Labour markets ar ound the world have witnessed a great change in labour relations. The introduction of globa lisation, increased competition and technological advancements has caused business organisations to change their employment methods. While trying to survive and remain profitable, employers have adopted a new form of triangular employment relationship. Thi s form of employment relationship known as labour broking and which forms part of the Temporary Employment Services (TES) involves a relationship between the worker, labour agent (broker) and a client c ompany. Although it may seem like a good strategy for business organisations, the change in employment relationships has had negative effects and contributed to labour market dysfunctionalities . This has resulted in critics of labour broking calling or an end in labour broking and supporters of labour broking asking for better regulation of the industry. Labour markets are me When it comes to analysing labour broking and its impact on labour market functionality in South Africa. Scholars and analysts such as Budlender ( 2013 ) and Bhorat, Lil enstein, Oosthuizen , and Thornton ( 2016 ) have used the Neoclassical , New Institutional Economics and Marxist approach es. The current views on labour broking and the current schools of thought fail to look at the underlying behavioural aspect of labour brokers and the client c ompanies. Hence making it easy for labour brokers and their client companies to continue with their unscrupulous activities. However, this t hesis adapted the Veblenian Dichotomy framework which focuses on understanding the role of the evolutionary proce ss and the role of institutions in shaping economic behaviour. The Veblenian dichotomy shows that power plays an important role in how labour markets are run. Similarly, behaviour also influences the manner in which labour brokers and client companies trea t workers. And lastly the Veblenian dichotomy shows that in order for the industry to be run better there has to be change in the behaviour and cultu re of the labour brokers and client companies . This view allows for deeper analysis of the reasons for the flour ishing nature of labour broking and the rationale behind the behaviour of economic players and attempts to provide solutions on how labour brok ing can be correctly administered in South Africa. The Veblenian Dichotomy categorises institutions into t wo sets, namely the ceremonial institutions and instrumental institutions. Where Ceremonial institutions are said to be institutions that foster the interests of business such as profitability and earning of free income, even if there is no corresponding i ncrease in production. While Instrumental institutions, usually working through the influence of technology, address the interests of the common pers on and the labourer as well as business (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). These two systems of va lues and institutions are antagonistic and the relative strength of one to the other determines economic outcomes and in whose interests the outcomes would be (Waller, 1982; Foster, 1981; Veblen, 1919). The Veblenian Dichotomy further looks at ceremonial encapsulation which occurs when ceremonial systems prevail over instrumental systems. Ceremonial encapsulation presents the hypothesis that the insti tutional structure will absorb new technology only to the extent that it can do so without disrupting the e xisting value structure (Waller, 1987; Bush, 1979.) The thesis use d various sources , such as working papers, public hearings, court cases, trade union submissions, integrated reports from companies, employee submissions and media publications on the debate about labour broking whether labour broking and applied the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysi s (IPA) research approach, in the process of data collection and analysis . The thesis further applied thematic analysis to derive themes that would be used to analyse the impact of labour broking on labour market functionality in South Africa. The emergent themes and subthemes were Exploitative lab our relations subthemes; job Insecurity, increased financial burden and no skills development. The second theme was; Competitive advantage and the subthemes were; i ncreased profits and organisational efficiency. The third theme was l abour market efficiency and the subthemes were. E mployment creation and labour market flexibility. And, the last theme was a mbiguous l abour regulation s with subthemes; n o freedom of association and a tool for circumventing labour regulations . Lastly, Tool’s (1994) criteria of j udgement for institutional adjustments was used to evaluate the emergent themes and to evaluate the impact of l abour broking on the overall welfare of individuals, which includes determining whether employees in the TES sector gain skills and improved stan dards of living. The findings of the research the TES sector is characterised by ceremonial values. Ceremonial values (as mentioned in section 3.3) are those values that are warranted by the ways of life that prescribe status and hierarchies and unpleasant distinctions to apply value and status on other people (Bush, 1987, 1988; Ayres, 1967). Thus changing the way in which labour brokers conduct themselves or handle labour broking activities would prove to be difficult . T he power that is mostly used in TES employment sectors is condign power. Condign power is explained as the form of power that is predominantly used in ceremonially encapsulated markets. And it involves making use of punishment or fear in order to get people to do something. This is because w orkers in the TES sector are forced to submit to conditions that they would not normally have submitted to if t hey did not have a fear of losing their jobs. This supports existing literature which shows that in the TES sector, TES employers use force and p ower in order to get the workers to do something, and this results in a master - servant relationship between the employer and the employee. Furthermore, the protests that erupt in the TES sector agree with Marxist theory which notes that the frustrations in the way workers are treated would result in a revolution of the working class against the employers. However, now, workers have not been able to overcome the employers and take over the industry. In addition to what current literature says, the research found that some managers make use of labour broking as a way of manifesting their exploitative characteristics on the labour market, thus creating information asymmetries in order to advance their own personal needs. Situations such as these reve al characteristics of opportunistic behaviour, which is perpetuated by the imperfect flow of information. This means th at the market is imperfect, and imperfect markets are characteristics of dysfunctional labour markets. The research also found that it i s the South African Constitution that protects labour brokers and client companies from accounting for the unfair treatm ent of workers. Labour brokers and client companies rely on the South African Constitution to defend them when it comes to banning labou r broking. This is because section 22 of the Constitution talks about the right of every individual to trade freely in S outh Africa (Kutumela, 2015). When institutional adjustments do not meet the requirements of the progressive criteria, it means they are regressive. Based on the data that was collected and the responses and remarks of the workers, trade unions, and trade union federations, it can be said that TES employment and labour broking hinders labour market functionality. Hence, it can be concluded that, due to the characteristics mentioned, labour broking does indeed have a regressive element which hinders labour m arket functionality. An area for further research for TES employment would be to look at the impact of the amendments to the Labour Rela tions Act. Specifically focusing on the Constitutional Court ruling, which forces labour brokers to treat employees who have been employed for longer than three months as permanent employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020