A Critical analysis of trade facilitation practices of Zimbabwe customs administration
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntuli, Ferdinand Everest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Trade blocs International economic integration Border stations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD(Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10636 , vital:35648
- Description: Trade facilitation practices are an attempt to eradicate non-tariff barriers. Barriers to trade may be encountered before goods reach the border, at the border or after goods reach the border. This study is concerned with processes that occur at the border. This suggests that trade facilitation is viewed within the context of customs procedures and operations at the border posts that have been identified. This study undertakes an analysis of trade facilitation practices in the Zimbabwe customs administration. The study endeavours to identify bottlenecks in the movement of goods across borders. The study tries to establish the extent to which trade facilitation practices in Zimbabwe conform to international best practice. The study also attempts to establish opportunities and threats for trade facilitation in the current arrangements. The researcher establishes that the following areas require improvement through further study; simplicity of procedures, transparency of processes, cooperation of stakeholders, standardisation of processes harmonisation of processes and predictability of processes .The research problem lies in the delays and increased trade transaction costs that have been reported by traders. This ultimately leads to traders who are not competitive on the international scene. It also makes it difficult for small to medium enterprises since they are affected more by high trade transaction costs due to lower profits and turnover. The Zimbabwean economy is dominated by small to medium enterprises which contribute significantly to the economy. The assumption of the study is that if trade facilitation practices are implemented trade volumes will increase leading to a vibrant national economy. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the perception of traders, clearing agents and customs officials on the effectiveness of trade facilitation practices that are currently in place. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methodologies was used. The major tool used was a self-administered questionnaire issued to traders. Focus group discussions and secondary data from documents were important, especially for qualitative data. The conclusions of the research are premised on the responses by the respondents. The study takes a particular interest in trade facilitation measures prescribed by regional, multilateral and plurilateral organisations. The study examines the extent of conformity to trade facilitation measures prescribed by international organisations. The recommendations presented in the study are derived from the input and responses provided by the participants. Recommendations presented are aimed at bringing about solutions to the shortcomings in trade facilitation practices. The study has identified areas that need to be addressed so as to ensure facilitation of trade. However there are still some areas that require further studies.
- Full Text:
A framework for enhancing the effectiveness of strategic leadership in the Eastern Cape Education Department
- Authors: Govender, Surendran Perumal
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Educational leadership Strategic planning Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8598 , vital:33180
- Description: In this study the analysis of the organisational practices in the South African public sector revealed that there is a practical limitation, anchored on the absence of a suitable framework for enhancing the effectiveness of strategic leadership. The research engaged with studies and theories that confirmed that the application of effective strategic leadership enhances the performance of public sector organisations. However, such an analysis revealed no well-defined strategic leadership framework that may be used for improving the successful implementation of programmes in the public sector as a whole and more especially, the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). The study therefore interpreted that a significant improvement in the performance of the ECDoE may be effected through the prioritisation of strategic leadership and thereby enhancing its effectiveness. Hence, the primary research objective for this study was to examine strategic leadership and to consider the variables impacting the application of strategic leadership in the ECDoE, so that a framework may be formulated to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in the ECDoE. The data analysis, research observations, findings and interpretations as well as the literature review enabled the researcher to determine the strategic leadership framework that may be postulated for application in the ECDoE. The research data in essence supports the indications in the literature that strategic leadership has a positive effect on enhancing organisational performance and success. The key findings and significant conclusions drawn from the study indicated a definite need to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in the ECDoE and that the associated leadership challenges in the sector have to be addressed to enable more efficient and effective service delivery, increase learner performance and improve organisational success. The researcher has therefore postulated the framework in figure 10 to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in ECDoE and presents it for consideration by the political and administrative leadership for adoption in the ECDoE. The development of this strategic leadership framework by the researcher was informed by the various leadership models, leadership theories, leadership styles and change management strategies examined in the literature review of this study and further directed by the research findings and conclusions that illuminated the challenges that confront ECDoE in the application of strategic leadership in the sector. The framework postulated has three distinct but inter-related steps and this study theorises that the effectiveness of strategic leadership is influenced by the extent to which the managers or leaders determine the specific context and apply the appropriate leadership style (Step 1), implement the selected leadership style in conjunction with the application of appropriate accompanying management strategies (Step 2), and monitor the resulting effects on enhancing the performance of the public sector organisations (Step 3). The researcher also adopted a systems-thinking approach and identified four pillars that transcend organisational service delivery and integrated them to constitute a proposed model for enhancing service delivery, improving implementation of plans and promoting organisational success in ECDoE. The model postulated by the researcher is based on “policies, procedures, systems and structures”, as illustrated in figure 11. The pillars of this proposed model for service delivery are inter-related, inter-locking and at times overlapping. Arising from the literature review and the case study of ECDoE, areas for further research have been identified such as: a more in-depth probing of the significance, role and impact of strategic leadership in all public sector institutions in South Africa; an examination of the Senior Management Services (SMS) mandates given by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) with regard to strategic leadership; an exploration of the implementation constraints of the National Development Plan (NDP) linked to the positioning of strategic leadership; and, an examination of the role and impact of the training and development programmes in strategic leadership, co-ordinated by the National School of Government (NSG) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Govender, Surendran Perumal
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Educational leadership Strategic planning Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8598 , vital:33180
- Description: In this study the analysis of the organisational practices in the South African public sector revealed that there is a practical limitation, anchored on the absence of a suitable framework for enhancing the effectiveness of strategic leadership. The research engaged with studies and theories that confirmed that the application of effective strategic leadership enhances the performance of public sector organisations. However, such an analysis revealed no well-defined strategic leadership framework that may be used for improving the successful implementation of programmes in the public sector as a whole and more especially, the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). The study therefore interpreted that a significant improvement in the performance of the ECDoE may be effected through the prioritisation of strategic leadership and thereby enhancing its effectiveness. Hence, the primary research objective for this study was to examine strategic leadership and to consider the variables impacting the application of strategic leadership in the ECDoE, so that a framework may be formulated to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in the ECDoE. The data analysis, research observations, findings and interpretations as well as the literature review enabled the researcher to determine the strategic leadership framework that may be postulated for application in the ECDoE. The research data in essence supports the indications in the literature that strategic leadership has a positive effect on enhancing organisational performance and success. The key findings and significant conclusions drawn from the study indicated a definite need to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in the ECDoE and that the associated leadership challenges in the sector have to be addressed to enable more efficient and effective service delivery, increase learner performance and improve organisational success. The researcher has therefore postulated the framework in figure 10 to enhance the effectiveness of strategic leadership in ECDoE and presents it for consideration by the political and administrative leadership for adoption in the ECDoE. The development of this strategic leadership framework by the researcher was informed by the various leadership models, leadership theories, leadership styles and change management strategies examined in the literature review of this study and further directed by the research findings and conclusions that illuminated the challenges that confront ECDoE in the application of strategic leadership in the sector. The framework postulated has three distinct but inter-related steps and this study theorises that the effectiveness of strategic leadership is influenced by the extent to which the managers or leaders determine the specific context and apply the appropriate leadership style (Step 1), implement the selected leadership style in conjunction with the application of appropriate accompanying management strategies (Step 2), and monitor the resulting effects on enhancing the performance of the public sector organisations (Step 3). The researcher also adopted a systems-thinking approach and identified four pillars that transcend organisational service delivery and integrated them to constitute a proposed model for enhancing service delivery, improving implementation of plans and promoting organisational success in ECDoE. The model postulated by the researcher is based on “policies, procedures, systems and structures”, as illustrated in figure 11. The pillars of this proposed model for service delivery are inter-related, inter-locking and at times overlapping. Arising from the literature review and the case study of ECDoE, areas for further research have been identified such as: a more in-depth probing of the significance, role and impact of strategic leadership in all public sector institutions in South Africa; an examination of the Senior Management Services (SMS) mandates given by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) with regard to strategic leadership; an exploration of the implementation constraints of the National Development Plan (NDP) linked to the positioning of strategic leadership; and, an examination of the role and impact of the training and development programmes in strategic leadership, co-ordinated by the National School of Government (NSG) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
A strategic framework for managing and implementation of the intergovernmental relations policy in selected Eastern Cape municipalities
- Authors: Shasha, Zamuxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Intergovernmental fiscal relations -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8353 , vital:32310
- Description: It is of paramount importance to highlight that the South African government is established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. Whilst the government of South Africa is one, it consists of three spheres namely; national, provincial and local. These spheres of government are naturally distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This is expressed in terms of section 41(1) of the Constitution, which requires that there should be co-operation, mutual trust and good faith amongst these three spheres of government. This form of a relationship compels different spheres to inform and consult one another on matters of common interest, co-ordinate their legislation, and adhere to agreed procedures in accordance with the provisions of the constitution which is the supreme law of the Republic. The study sort to find a strategic framework for managing and implementation of the Intergovernmental Relations Policy in Selected Eastern Cape Municipalities. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify the sample elements. The sample was composed of 160 participants and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to gather information pertaining the research problem. A mixed research method was used to analyse the data gathered. The sampled respondents were municipal and government employees from various departments who have knowledge of the IGR policy. The study findings pointed out that the current framework on intergovernmental relations was ineffective in the Eastern Cape municipalities that were surveyed. Respondents pointed to a number of shortfalls in the implementation of the intergovernmental relations, which made it ineffective in improving how these municipalities operated and rendered service delivery. A number of factors inhibiting the effectiveness of the intergovernmental relations included lack of communication, poor coordination, lack of clear strategy, poor budgets amongst other factors. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher developed a strategic framework that could be adopted by municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The functionality of this framework would be influenced by the corrective measures taken by the municipalities in addressing the underlying problems of the current intergovernmental relations, as identified by the respondents.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Shasha, Zamuxolo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Intergovernmental fiscal relations -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8353 , vital:32310
- Description: It is of paramount importance to highlight that the South African government is established in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. Whilst the government of South Africa is one, it consists of three spheres namely; national, provincial and local. These spheres of government are naturally distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. This is expressed in terms of section 41(1) of the Constitution, which requires that there should be co-operation, mutual trust and good faith amongst these three spheres of government. This form of a relationship compels different spheres to inform and consult one another on matters of common interest, co-ordinate their legislation, and adhere to agreed procedures in accordance with the provisions of the constitution which is the supreme law of the Republic. The study sort to find a strategic framework for managing and implementation of the Intergovernmental Relations Policy in Selected Eastern Cape Municipalities. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify the sample elements. The sample was composed of 160 participants and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to gather information pertaining the research problem. A mixed research method was used to analyse the data gathered. The sampled respondents were municipal and government employees from various departments who have knowledge of the IGR policy. The study findings pointed out that the current framework on intergovernmental relations was ineffective in the Eastern Cape municipalities that were surveyed. Respondents pointed to a number of shortfalls in the implementation of the intergovernmental relations, which made it ineffective in improving how these municipalities operated and rendered service delivery. A number of factors inhibiting the effectiveness of the intergovernmental relations included lack of communication, poor coordination, lack of clear strategy, poor budgets amongst other factors. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher developed a strategic framework that could be adopted by municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The functionality of this framework would be influenced by the corrective measures taken by the municipalities in addressing the underlying problems of the current intergovernmental relations, as identified by the respondents.
- Full Text: false
An evaluation of the expanded public works programme in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ntwasa, Andisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8802 , vital:33599
- Description: The evaluation of the EPWP within the BCMM will assist the municipality in enhancing the metropolitan’s capacity to deliver the services of the EPWP by ensuring that challenges are addressed, an integrated approach is adopted and that the programme implementation receives the necessary support in order to develop communities. Cabinet has adopted the EPWP as its main tool for creating job opportunities. It has been approved as a conceptual framework with a specific role and targets for each municipality programme. The EPWP also engages the creation of job opportunities for unemployed people which enables them to participate in the economy; eventually they will make a contribution to their communities’ development and to the country as a whole. (National EPWP Guidelines, 2003:4). The EPWP is significant because it aims to expand the creation of temporary job opportunities which will give unemployed and poor people some income. The BCMM has focused on strengthening and expanding its EPWP, predominantly in the infrastructure sector. The emphasis has been on job creation through intensive methods in housing and infrastructure projects, as well as on improving reporting, monitoring and evaluation. Thus, the decision was taken to house the EPWP unit within the Directorate of Infrastructure Services for efficient administration, as most infrastructure projects are implemented within the directorate. To improve the implementation of the EPWP, and to be effective within the metropolitan, the programme should incorporate all activities within the municipality. Therefore, every project implemented, as per the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), should be required to promote all possible EPWP opportunities. All existing projects should be restructured in order to promote greater employment opportunities. The municipality needs to increase emphasis on labour intensive construction methods, the rollout of the EPWP in the social and environmental and culture sectors, and the municipality should evince a greater level of EPWP participation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntwasa, Andisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8802 , vital:33599
- Description: The evaluation of the EPWP within the BCMM will assist the municipality in enhancing the metropolitan’s capacity to deliver the services of the EPWP by ensuring that challenges are addressed, an integrated approach is adopted and that the programme implementation receives the necessary support in order to develop communities. Cabinet has adopted the EPWP as its main tool for creating job opportunities. It has been approved as a conceptual framework with a specific role and targets for each municipality programme. The EPWP also engages the creation of job opportunities for unemployed people which enables them to participate in the economy; eventually they will make a contribution to their communities’ development and to the country as a whole. (National EPWP Guidelines, 2003:4). The EPWP is significant because it aims to expand the creation of temporary job opportunities which will give unemployed and poor people some income. The BCMM has focused on strengthening and expanding its EPWP, predominantly in the infrastructure sector. The emphasis has been on job creation through intensive methods in housing and infrastructure projects, as well as on improving reporting, monitoring and evaluation. Thus, the decision was taken to house the EPWP unit within the Directorate of Infrastructure Services for efficient administration, as most infrastructure projects are implemented within the directorate. To improve the implementation of the EPWP, and to be effective within the metropolitan, the programme should incorporate all activities within the municipality. Therefore, every project implemented, as per the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), should be required to promote all possible EPWP opportunities. All existing projects should be restructured in order to promote greater employment opportunities. The municipality needs to increase emphasis on labour intensive construction methods, the rollout of the EPWP in the social and environmental and culture sectors, and the municipality should evince a greater level of EPWP participation.
- Full Text:
Utilisation of the Auditor-General's reports in improving the audit outcomes at selected municipalities within Amathole District Municipality (2006- 2015)
- Kwaza, Makhosandile Hercules
- Authors: Kwaza, Makhosandile Hercules
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1664 , vital:27540
- Description: Amathole District Municipality has for the past five consecutive years been receiving an unqualified audit opinion from the AGSA. This has been the trend, despite the commitment made by the Executive Mayor in April 2012 to the then Auditor-General, Mr Nombembe, that the leadership of the municipality would deliver a clean audit outcome by 30 June 2013. This scenario is replicated in the local municipalities within the district. Two of the district municipalities have for the past three consecutive years been receiving a disclaimer audit opinion. In one of the municipalities, this trend changed; and this municipality received an unqualified audit opinion for two consecutive years; while in the third year, it received a qualified audit opinion. The stagnation and regression in the audit outcomes of these municipalities may be as a result of either the non-implementation of audit-action plans to address the previous year’s audit findings; or there could be other factors resulting in the above scenario. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the utilisation of the Auditor-General’s reports improve the audit outcomes in selected municipalities within Amathole District Municipality for the period 01 July 2006 to 30 June 2015.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kwaza, Makhosandile Hercules
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Auditing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1664 , vital:27540
- Description: Amathole District Municipality has for the past five consecutive years been receiving an unqualified audit opinion from the AGSA. This has been the trend, despite the commitment made by the Executive Mayor in April 2012 to the then Auditor-General, Mr Nombembe, that the leadership of the municipality would deliver a clean audit outcome by 30 June 2013. This scenario is replicated in the local municipalities within the district. Two of the district municipalities have for the past three consecutive years been receiving a disclaimer audit opinion. In one of the municipalities, this trend changed; and this municipality received an unqualified audit opinion for two consecutive years; while in the third year, it received a qualified audit opinion. The stagnation and regression in the audit outcomes of these municipalities may be as a result of either the non-implementation of audit-action plans to address the previous year’s audit findings; or there could be other factors resulting in the above scenario. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the utilisation of the Auditor-General’s reports improve the audit outcomes in selected municipalities within Amathole District Municipality for the period 01 July 2006 to 30 June 2015.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »