The fitting problem in a lattice Universe
- Authors: Larena, Julien
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:6780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012405
- Description: We present a regular cubic lattice solution to Einstein field equations that is exact at second order in a small parameter. We show that this solution is kinematically equivalent to the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) solution with the same averaged energy density. This allows us to discuss the fitting problem in that framework: are observables along the past lightcone of observers equivalent to those in the analogue FLRW model obtained by smoothing spatially the distribution of matter? We find a criterion on the compacity of the objects that must be satisfied in order for the answer to this question to be positive and given by perturbative arguments. If this criterion is not met, the answer to this question must be addressed fully non perturbatively along the past lightcone, even though the spacetime geometry can be described perturbatively. , Prepared for the Proceedings of the conference 'Relativity and Gravitation: 100 years after Einstein in Prague', Prague, 25-29th June 2012.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Larena, Julien
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:6780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012405
- Description: We present a regular cubic lattice solution to Einstein field equations that is exact at second order in a small parameter. We show that this solution is kinematically equivalent to the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) solution with the same averaged energy density. This allows us to discuss the fitting problem in that framework: are observables along the past lightcone of observers equivalent to those in the analogue FLRW model obtained by smoothing spatially the distribution of matter? We find a criterion on the compacity of the objects that must be satisfied in order for the answer to this question to be positive and given by perturbative arguments. If this criterion is not met, the answer to this question must be addressed fully non perturbatively along the past lightcone, even though the spacetime geometry can be described perturbatively. , Prepared for the Proceedings of the conference 'Relativity and Gravitation: 100 years after Einstein in Prague', Prague, 25-29th June 2012.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The further development, optimisation and application of a Yarn Dismantler
- Authors: Fassihi, Ali Akbar
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Textile industry , Cotton yarn industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016066
- Description: The fibre properties of cotton, which vary widely according to genetic and environmental conditions, determine its price and textile processing performance and product quality. It is therefore hardly surprising that cotton fibre properties are routinely measured for trading and quality control purposes, with a great deal of research having been, and still being, devoted towards developing instruments which enable the various fibre properties to be measured rapidly and accurately. In many cases, it is also necessary to be able to measure properties of cotton fibres when they have already been converted into yarn and fabric form. To do so, the yarn has to be dismantled into its component fibres, preferably without significantly changing the fibre properties. This could only be done by manually untwisting the yarn and carefully extracting the fibres from the untwisted yarn, care being taken not to break or lose any fibres in the process. This is a time consuming, laborious and labour intensive process. In view of this, a „yarn dismantler‟ which could automatically, cost effectively and within acceptable time frames, dismantle a cotton yarn into its constituent fibres, without undue damage or changes to the fibres, was developed and patented. This thesis reports the results of research undertaken to further develop, evaluate and optimize the yarn dismantler into the final prototype, as well as those relating to its practical applications, including tracking changes in fibre properties during miniature and pilot scale processing, up to, and including the yarn stage. Initial research undertaken on the original bench and first prototype models indicated that, although they produced very promising results, certain improvements and modifications were necessary, if the dismantler was to perform in an efficient and operator friendly manner at the required speeds. These included changes in the axial position of the untwisting spindle and the perforated screen of the suction drum, increasing the air suction at the perforated drum, installing a new motor for the untwisting spindle drive, separating the drives to the different parts of the unit in order to control them independently, integrating a more effective steaming unit into the unit etc. It was found that the dismantling rate had to be set to equal about 95 percent of the original twist in the yarn, and that steaming of the dismantled (untwisted) yarn on the perforated drum was necessary in order to eliminate any twist liveliness (residual torque) in the dismantled yarn, and enable it to be handled and tested on the AFIS instrument. When the final prototype Yarn Dismantler was produced, incorporating all the above mentioned improvements, it functioned very well at dismantling speeds of at least 2m/min, enabling the length of yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility and repeatability of results, also under commercial conditions. It was found that the AFIS measured length characteristics of fibres from the instrument dismantled yarns compared very well with those of fibres from manually dismantled yarns, differences in fibre length generally being less than 1mm, and it was concluded from these and other evaluation tests, that the yarn dismantler produced fibres without any significant fibre breakage. Some limited tests, carried out on commercially produced carded and combed yarns, indicated that short fibre content and dust and trash levels, as measured by the AFIS on fibres from dismantled yarn, together with the corresponding Uster Statistics, could enable a carded cotton yarn to be distinguished from a combed cotton yarn. Statistical analysis of fibre test results obtained at the different stages during miniature and pilot plant scale processing of various cottons, clearly showed that very significant changes in fibre properties could be caused by certain of the processes. For example, significant fibre breakage occurred during the drafting on the spinning frame, prior to twist insertion. The thesis provides detailed results of changes in various fibre properties, including length, short fibre content, maturity, immature fibre content, seed coat neps and fibrous neps, which occurred from the lint to the final yarn, as well as on the relationship between the properties of the fibres from the dismantled yarn and those from the lint. The results obtained have clearly demonstrated the practical value of the yarn dismantler in enabling yarns to be automatically dismantled into their constituent fibres, which can then be tested by an instrument, such as the AFIS, and the test results related to those of the original lint fibres, thereby opening up many fields of research and practical applications, some of which are captured under „Recommended Further Work‟.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Fassihi, Ali Akbar
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Textile industry , Cotton yarn industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016066
- Description: The fibre properties of cotton, which vary widely according to genetic and environmental conditions, determine its price and textile processing performance and product quality. It is therefore hardly surprising that cotton fibre properties are routinely measured for trading and quality control purposes, with a great deal of research having been, and still being, devoted towards developing instruments which enable the various fibre properties to be measured rapidly and accurately. In many cases, it is also necessary to be able to measure properties of cotton fibres when they have already been converted into yarn and fabric form. To do so, the yarn has to be dismantled into its component fibres, preferably without significantly changing the fibre properties. This could only be done by manually untwisting the yarn and carefully extracting the fibres from the untwisted yarn, care being taken not to break or lose any fibres in the process. This is a time consuming, laborious and labour intensive process. In view of this, a „yarn dismantler‟ which could automatically, cost effectively and within acceptable time frames, dismantle a cotton yarn into its constituent fibres, without undue damage or changes to the fibres, was developed and patented. This thesis reports the results of research undertaken to further develop, evaluate and optimize the yarn dismantler into the final prototype, as well as those relating to its practical applications, including tracking changes in fibre properties during miniature and pilot scale processing, up to, and including the yarn stage. Initial research undertaken on the original bench and first prototype models indicated that, although they produced very promising results, certain improvements and modifications were necessary, if the dismantler was to perform in an efficient and operator friendly manner at the required speeds. These included changes in the axial position of the untwisting spindle and the perforated screen of the suction drum, increasing the air suction at the perforated drum, installing a new motor for the untwisting spindle drive, separating the drives to the different parts of the unit in order to control them independently, integrating a more effective steaming unit into the unit etc. It was found that the dismantling rate had to be set to equal about 95 percent of the original twist in the yarn, and that steaming of the dismantled (untwisted) yarn on the perforated drum was necessary in order to eliminate any twist liveliness (residual torque) in the dismantled yarn, and enable it to be handled and tested on the AFIS instrument. When the final prototype Yarn Dismantler was produced, incorporating all the above mentioned improvements, it functioned very well at dismantling speeds of at least 2m/min, enabling the length of yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility and repeatability of results, also under commercial conditions. It was found that the AFIS measured length characteristics of fibres from the instrument dismantled yarns compared very well with those of fibres from manually dismantled yarns, differences in fibre length generally being less than 1mm, and it was concluded from these and other evaluation tests, that the yarn dismantler produced fibres without any significant fibre breakage. Some limited tests, carried out on commercially produced carded and combed yarns, indicated that short fibre content and dust and trash levels, as measured by the AFIS on fibres from dismantled yarn, together with the corresponding Uster Statistics, could enable a carded cotton yarn to be distinguished from a combed cotton yarn. Statistical analysis of fibre test results obtained at the different stages during miniature and pilot plant scale processing of various cottons, clearly showed that very significant changes in fibre properties could be caused by certain of the processes. For example, significant fibre breakage occurred during the drafting on the spinning frame, prior to twist insertion. The thesis provides detailed results of changes in various fibre properties, including length, short fibre content, maturity, immature fibre content, seed coat neps and fibrous neps, which occurred from the lint to the final yarn, as well as on the relationship between the properties of the fibres from the dismantled yarn and those from the lint. The results obtained have clearly demonstrated the practical value of the yarn dismantler in enabling yarns to be automatically dismantled into their constituent fibres, which can then be tested by an instrument, such as the AFIS, and the test results related to those of the original lint fibres, thereby opening up many fields of research and practical applications, some of which are captured under „Recommended Further Work‟.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The growing South African municipal water service delivery problem
- Authors: Jacoby, Kevin Terence
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Municipal water supply -- South Africa , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016270
- Description: The sustainability of South Africa municipal water services provision is being challenged by the desire of government to extend high quality services from a relatively small portion of the population to the whole. Evidence of failures in delivery are mounting and many reasons for this have been identified, including a lack of political will at local government levels, low budget priority, insufficient capital, lack of capacity and skill and flawed tariff and accounting structures. This study generates new perspectives by surveying selected but representative, South African municipalities in their capacities as water service authorities (WSAs) on a range of financial sustainability issues – including cost burden on users, cross sub-subsidisation and cost calculations to set tariffs. The study is part of a wider investigation into the setting of tariffs that cover costs and satisfy demand, funded and advised by the Water Research Commission (WRC). The conclusions and recommendations of WRC Project K3/2087 (Hosking, 2011b) are to address: 1. The choice of water service provider, including the private utility option; 2. Market vulnerabilities in water service provision under alternate models of supply; 3. The determination and realisation of full cost recovery; 4. Demand responsiveness/sensitivity of local government supply; 5. The increasing block tariff (IBT) tariff structure; and 6. Abuse of dominance in the market process. Given the limited perspective (i.e. a focus on WSAs), some important national water sustainability issues are given less prominence, e.g. raw water availability and national government capacity to subsidise water service delivery. The key water service sustainability elements on which attention was focused in this study are: • Backlogs in the water service coverage and infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance. • Standard of water service indicators. • Relative importance of the provision of water services in water service authorities’ strategy and implementation (including budget and risk). • Adequacy of skills to provide a sustainable water service. • Budgeting and planning for the sustainability of the water service. • Adequacy of the costing and tariff setting nexus, with particular attention paid to method and principle. A survey was used to elicit information from selected municipalities (Chapter Four). The municipalities which formed part of the sample and were surveyed were: 1. Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality; 2. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality; 3. eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality; 4. Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality; 5. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; 6. George Municipality; 7. uMhlathuze (Richards Bay) Municipality; 8. Steve Tshwete (Middleburg) Municipality; 9. Kouga Municipality; 10. Sol Plaatjie (Kimberley) Municipality; 11. Polokwane Municipality; 12. Stellenbosch Municipality; 13. Overstrand Municipality; 14. Midvaal Municipality; and 15. Amathole District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Jacoby, Kevin Terence
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Municipal water supply -- South Africa , Municipal services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016270
- Description: The sustainability of South Africa municipal water services provision is being challenged by the desire of government to extend high quality services from a relatively small portion of the population to the whole. Evidence of failures in delivery are mounting and many reasons for this have been identified, including a lack of political will at local government levels, low budget priority, insufficient capital, lack of capacity and skill and flawed tariff and accounting structures. This study generates new perspectives by surveying selected but representative, South African municipalities in their capacities as water service authorities (WSAs) on a range of financial sustainability issues – including cost burden on users, cross sub-subsidisation and cost calculations to set tariffs. The study is part of a wider investigation into the setting of tariffs that cover costs and satisfy demand, funded and advised by the Water Research Commission (WRC). The conclusions and recommendations of WRC Project K3/2087 (Hosking, 2011b) are to address: 1. The choice of water service provider, including the private utility option; 2. Market vulnerabilities in water service provision under alternate models of supply; 3. The determination and realisation of full cost recovery; 4. Demand responsiveness/sensitivity of local government supply; 5. The increasing block tariff (IBT) tariff structure; and 6. Abuse of dominance in the market process. Given the limited perspective (i.e. a focus on WSAs), some important national water sustainability issues are given less prominence, e.g. raw water availability and national government capacity to subsidise water service delivery. The key water service sustainability elements on which attention was focused in this study are: • Backlogs in the water service coverage and infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance. • Standard of water service indicators. • Relative importance of the provision of water services in water service authorities’ strategy and implementation (including budget and risk). • Adequacy of skills to provide a sustainable water service. • Budgeting and planning for the sustainability of the water service. • Adequacy of the costing and tariff setting nexus, with particular attention paid to method and principle. A survey was used to elicit information from selected municipalities (Chapter Four). The municipalities which formed part of the sample and were surveyed were: 1. Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality; 2. Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality; 3. eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality; 4. Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality; 5. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; 6. George Municipality; 7. uMhlathuze (Richards Bay) Municipality; 8. Steve Tshwete (Middleburg) Municipality; 9. Kouga Municipality; 10. Sol Plaatjie (Kimberley) Municipality; 11. Polokwane Municipality; 12. Stellenbosch Municipality; 13. Overstrand Municipality; 14. Midvaal Municipality; and 15. Amathole District Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The heuristic significance of enacted visualisation
- Authors: Samson, Duncan Alistair
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Heuristic Visualization Problem solving Pattern perception Problem solving -- Ability testing Mathematics -- Study and teaching Education -- Research Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003434
- Description: This study is centred on an analysis of pupils' lived experience while engaged in the generalisation of linear sequences/progressions presented in a pictorial context. The study is oriented within the conceptual framework of qualitative research, and is anchored within an interpretive paradigm. A case study methodological strategy was adopted, the research participants being the members of a mixed gender, high ability Grade 9 class of 23 pupils at an independent school in South Africa. The analytical framework is structured around a combination of complementary multiple perspectives provided by three theoretical ideas, enactivism, figural apprehension, and knowledge objectification. An important aspect of this analytical framework is the sensitivity it shows to the visual, phenomenological and semiotic aspects of figural pattern generalisation. It is the central thesis of this study that the combined complementary multiple perspectives of enactivism, figural apprehension and knowledge objectification provide a powerful depth of analysis to the exploration of the inter-relationship between the embodied processes of pattern generalisation and the visualisation of pictorial cues. The richly textured tapestry of activity captured through a multi-systemic semiotic analysis of participants' generalisation activity stands testament to this central thesis. Insights gleaned from this study are presented as practical strategies which support and encourage a multiple representational approach to pattern generalisation in the pedagogical context of the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Samson, Duncan Alistair
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Heuristic Visualization Problem solving Pattern perception Problem solving -- Ability testing Mathematics -- Study and teaching Education -- Research Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003434
- Description: This study is centred on an analysis of pupils' lived experience while engaged in the generalisation of linear sequences/progressions presented in a pictorial context. The study is oriented within the conceptual framework of qualitative research, and is anchored within an interpretive paradigm. A case study methodological strategy was adopted, the research participants being the members of a mixed gender, high ability Grade 9 class of 23 pupils at an independent school in South Africa. The analytical framework is structured around a combination of complementary multiple perspectives provided by three theoretical ideas, enactivism, figural apprehension, and knowledge objectification. An important aspect of this analytical framework is the sensitivity it shows to the visual, phenomenological and semiotic aspects of figural pattern generalisation. It is the central thesis of this study that the combined complementary multiple perspectives of enactivism, figural apprehension and knowledge objectification provide a powerful depth of analysis to the exploration of the inter-relationship between the embodied processes of pattern generalisation and the visualisation of pictorial cues. The richly textured tapestry of activity captured through a multi-systemic semiotic analysis of participants' generalisation activity stands testament to this central thesis. Insights gleaned from this study are presented as practical strategies which support and encourage a multiple representational approach to pattern generalisation in the pedagogical context of the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The ichthyofauna of the Wilderness Lakes System, Western Cape, with particular emphasis on alien fish species and their establishment success
- Authors: Olds, Alexis Amy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005132 , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
- Description: Freshwater fish species have been introduced into freshwater systems around the world, primarily for aquaculture, ornamental fish trade and sport fishing. Their introduction into estuarine systems is uncommon however, instances do occur and their establishment success and impacts on these estuarine systems is not well documented. The extent of invasion by four freshwater fishes in a RAMSAR listed estuarine system, the Wilderness Lakes, Western Cape was investigated. This thesis determined the relative abundance and distribution of alien fishes in relation to the native fish biota, their establishment success in the system, what factors inhibited their establishment and whether the introduction of alien fishes negatively impacted the native fish biota. The distribution and abundance of fishes were assessed primarily using fyke nets, seine nets and gill nets in each of the lakes, interconnecting channels and the Touw Estuary. The fish fauna was made up of euryhaline marine species comprising 46%, native estuarine species comprising 18%, catadromous species comprising 7% and freshwater alien species comprising 29% of the total biomass sampled. A total of 26 species were sampled in the system, three of which were considered alien; Oreochromis mossambicus, Gambusia affinis and Cyprinus carpio, and Micropterus salmoides were not sampled but confirmed in the system. Establishment success was determined by evidence of: a sustainable breeding population, a wide distribution, abundant in the sampling area, and all size classes of fish sampled. Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis mossambicus have been recorded in the system for a minimum of 13 and 26 years respectively. They were widely distributed and highly abundant and are established in the system. Micropterus salmoides was first recorded in the system in 1985 but abundances have remained low with fish appearing to be limited to Island Lake and Langvlei. Reproduction appeared to be limited by higher salinity and these factors indicated that this was a casual species which relies on repeated introductions for population maintenance. Cyprinus carpio spawned successfully in 2010 and was widely distributed but abundances were still low with a total of 15 fish being sampled throughout the system, and was thus in the establishing phase. As these are considered freshwater alien species, the physico-chemical parameters in the estuarine environment inhibiting the establishment success of the alien fishes were investigated. Gambusia affinis and O. mossambicus were not limited by the physical environment, and while O. mossambicus cannot tolerate temperatures below 11⁰C, temperatures only dropped below its tolerance for a total of two days between February 2010 and February 2011. Cyprinus carpio and M. salmoides were restricted by salinity in Rondevlei and Langvlei but could tolerate salinity in Island Lake and the Touw Estuary during closed mouth phases. While adults appeared to tolerate the salinity in the system, egg and larval development could be affected thus reducing the viability of the population. The abundance of alien fishes did not negatively impact the abundance of native fish species. The interactions between the native and alien fish biota tended towards biotic acceptance where, as alien abundance increased so did native fish abundance. The impacts of the alien fishes on the native fish biota were assessed by comparing the fish community from a study completed in 1985 to the findings of this study. From these two studies there were no apparent negative impacts on the native fish biota and the fish community composition would most likely be structured by estuarine mouth opening events.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Olds, Alexis Amy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005132 , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Mozambique tilapia -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Western mosquitofish -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Carp -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Estuarine fishes -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Wilderness , Fish communities -- South Africa -- Wilderness
- Description: Freshwater fish species have been introduced into freshwater systems around the world, primarily for aquaculture, ornamental fish trade and sport fishing. Their introduction into estuarine systems is uncommon however, instances do occur and their establishment success and impacts on these estuarine systems is not well documented. The extent of invasion by four freshwater fishes in a RAMSAR listed estuarine system, the Wilderness Lakes, Western Cape was investigated. This thesis determined the relative abundance and distribution of alien fishes in relation to the native fish biota, their establishment success in the system, what factors inhibited their establishment and whether the introduction of alien fishes negatively impacted the native fish biota. The distribution and abundance of fishes were assessed primarily using fyke nets, seine nets and gill nets in each of the lakes, interconnecting channels and the Touw Estuary. The fish fauna was made up of euryhaline marine species comprising 46%, native estuarine species comprising 18%, catadromous species comprising 7% and freshwater alien species comprising 29% of the total biomass sampled. A total of 26 species were sampled in the system, three of which were considered alien; Oreochromis mossambicus, Gambusia affinis and Cyprinus carpio, and Micropterus salmoides were not sampled but confirmed in the system. Establishment success was determined by evidence of: a sustainable breeding population, a wide distribution, abundant in the sampling area, and all size classes of fish sampled. Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis mossambicus have been recorded in the system for a minimum of 13 and 26 years respectively. They were widely distributed and highly abundant and are established in the system. Micropterus salmoides was first recorded in the system in 1985 but abundances have remained low with fish appearing to be limited to Island Lake and Langvlei. Reproduction appeared to be limited by higher salinity and these factors indicated that this was a casual species which relies on repeated introductions for population maintenance. Cyprinus carpio spawned successfully in 2010 and was widely distributed but abundances were still low with a total of 15 fish being sampled throughout the system, and was thus in the establishing phase. As these are considered freshwater alien species, the physico-chemical parameters in the estuarine environment inhibiting the establishment success of the alien fishes were investigated. Gambusia affinis and O. mossambicus were not limited by the physical environment, and while O. mossambicus cannot tolerate temperatures below 11⁰C, temperatures only dropped below its tolerance for a total of two days between February 2010 and February 2011. Cyprinus carpio and M. salmoides were restricted by salinity in Rondevlei and Langvlei but could tolerate salinity in Island Lake and the Touw Estuary during closed mouth phases. While adults appeared to tolerate the salinity in the system, egg and larval development could be affected thus reducing the viability of the population. The abundance of alien fishes did not negatively impact the abundance of native fish species. The interactions between the native and alien fish biota tended towards biotic acceptance where, as alien abundance increased so did native fish abundance. The impacts of the alien fishes on the native fish biota were assessed by comparing the fish community from a study completed in 1985 to the findings of this study. From these two studies there were no apparent negative impacts on the native fish biota and the fish community composition would most likely be structured by estuarine mouth opening events.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of capital flows on real exchange rates in South Africa
- Authors: Mishi, Syden
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007089 , Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flows of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. South Africa has a very low savings rate, making it highly dependent on capital inflows which create instability and volatility in global markets. A policy dilemma is undoubtedly evident: capital inflows help to cater for the domestic low savings and at the same time the inflows pose instability, a threat on competitiveness and volatility challenges to the same economy due to their impact on exchange rates. The question is: are all forms of capital flows equally destabilizing? Since studies based on South Africa considered only the relationship between aggregate capital flows and real exchange rate, modelling individual components of capital flows could enlighten policy formulation even further. The composition of the flows and their effects on the composition of aggregate demand determine the evolution of real exchange rate response to surges in capital flows. Through co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques applied to South African data between 1990 and 2010, the study found out that foreign portfolio investment exerts the greatest appreciation effect on the South African real exchange rate, followed by other investment and finally foreign direct investment. Thus the impact of capital flows on real exchange rate in South Africa differs by type of capital. This presents varied policy implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mishi, Syden
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007089 , Capital movements -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flows of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. South Africa has a very low savings rate, making it highly dependent on capital inflows which create instability and volatility in global markets. A policy dilemma is undoubtedly evident: capital inflows help to cater for the domestic low savings and at the same time the inflows pose instability, a threat on competitiveness and volatility challenges to the same economy due to their impact on exchange rates. The question is: are all forms of capital flows equally destabilizing? Since studies based on South Africa considered only the relationship between aggregate capital flows and real exchange rate, modelling individual components of capital flows could enlighten policy formulation even further. The composition of the flows and their effects on the composition of aggregate demand determine the evolution of real exchange rate response to surges in capital flows. Through co-integration and vector error correction modelling techniques applied to South African data between 1990 and 2010, the study found out that foreign portfolio investment exerts the greatest appreciation effect on the South African real exchange rate, followed by other investment and finally foreign direct investment. Thus the impact of capital flows on real exchange rate in South Africa differs by type of capital. This presents varied policy implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of clothing and protective gear on biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses of rugby players during a simulated rugby protocol
- Authors: Cannon, Michael-John
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005202 , Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
- Description: Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Cannon, Michael-John
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005202 , Protective clothing -- Rugby football -- Health aspects -- Research , Rugby football injuries -- Prevention -- Research , Sports injuries -- Prevention -- Research
- Description: Background: Clothing and protective gear worn during intermittent exercise has shown to increase physiological and perceptual responses, and negatively impact performance capacities, due to increased heat strain, suggested to hasten the onset of fatigue. However, the mechanisms of fatigue experienced in rugby remain unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was establish whether clothing and protective gear worn during a simulated rugby protocol impacts players‘ biophysical, physiological, perceptual and performance responses. Methods: 15 registered university and school first XV rugby players with a mean (± SD) age of 20.9 years (± 1.9) volunteered to participate in the study. Testing was performed in a controlled laboratory setting, with temperatures having to be within the range of 16º C-22º C. The mean (± SD) ambient temperature was 17.6º C (± 1.6) for the control condition and 17.3º C (1.5) for the experimental condition. The mean (± SD) relative humidity was 65.2 % (± 9.5) for the control condition and 66.3 % (± 10.0) for the experimental condition. Player‘s performed two protocols of 80-minutes; a control condition (minimal clothing and protective gear) and an experimental condition (full clothing and protective gear). Physiological, perceptual and performance responses were measured at set intervals during the protocol, while biophysical responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol during a 3-minute EMG treadmill protocol. Results: Muscle activity significantly (p< 0.05) increased with increasing running speeds. There were no significant (p> 0.05) differences for muscle activity between conditions, except for the semitendinosus muscle, which was significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the control condition while running at high speeds. Players‘ heart rates, core temperatures and perceptual responses were significantly (p< 0.05) higher during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition. Performance responses were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during the experimental condition. Conclusion: The main driver of physiological and perceptual responses was the exercise itself. However, the additional clothing and protective gear exacerbated the responses, particularly towards the end stages of the protocol. This negatively impacted players‘ performance. Muscle activity appeared to be unaffected by increased body temperatures. However, core temperatures never reached critically high levels during either condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of crime on the South African economic growth
- Authors: Mtati, Nokuzola Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Crime -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Crime -- Sociological aspects , Economic development -- South Africa , Criminal behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018644
- Description: Crime in South Africa has been escalating over the past few years. Crime affects all societies in South Africa. It occurs amongst the rich and the poor, in the suburbs as well as in the townships. Serious and violent crimes are reported in most of the national newspapers almost on daily basis. There is no single satisfactory answer as to the causes of crimes and its impact on the economy of South Africa. The aim of this research report is to assess the impact of crime in the South African economy. In order to formulate a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study, growth theories, namely neoclassical growth theory, Harrod-Domar growth model classical growth theory and endogenous growth theory were presented. Although all these growth theories relate to this study as crime cuts-across all sectors of the economy the endogenous growth theory was chosen as a theoretical framework on which to base this study. Endogenous growth theory deals with domestic absorption. Crime interferes with this absorption as it constitutes a cost to the economy. Firms lose profits whilst the opportunity cost of running prisons using a tax payers’ money continues to grow. This study is based on a quantitative research technique, using a vector error correction model (VECM) on a quarterly time series data over a period 2003 to 2011. The variables used to explain variations in economic growth over this period are crime, real interest rates, real exchange rates, unemployment and poverty. The findings of this study suggest that crime exerts a negative impact on economic growth in a long run in South Africa. However, this relationship is not statistically significant both in a short run and a long run. . However, no evidence of short run adjustments between crime and economic growth were found. There is a long run negative relationship between real interest rates and economic growth. This relationship is also statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. However, the relationship between real interest rates and economic growth is positive in a short run. This can be explained by the fact that high interest rates attract foreign investments causing a rise in economic growth but in a long run high interest rates dampen domestic investments thereby aggravating the unemployment problem. Rising unemployment is likely to lead to increase levels of crime in South Africa. The results also show that unemployment has a negative relationship with economic growth both in the short run and a long run. However this relationship is not statistically significant in a short run but in a long run. Poverty has a negative relationship with economic growth in a short run but a positive relationship in a long run. However, in both instances the relationship between poverty and economic growth is not statistically significant. Real exchange rate has a positive relationship with economic growth in a long run but a negative relationship in a short run. This relationship is statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. This means that the benefits of a weak currency in South Africa are realised in a long run. The implications of this study with regard to the variable of interest namely crime, is that crime constitutes a cost to the economy of South Africa. The econometric modelling used in this study suggests a negative relationship between crime and economic growth. This means that the problem of crime in South Africa goes beyond just simple counts on a number of offenses. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that crime prevention is better than cure. Crime prevention should use a wide range of ideas and abilities found throughout the society. Community planning, neighbourhood action, juvenile advocacy, security planning, education and training are some of the ways in which crime actions can be mitigated in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mtati, Nokuzola Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Crime -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Crime -- Sociological aspects , Economic development -- South Africa , Criminal behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018644
- Description: Crime in South Africa has been escalating over the past few years. Crime affects all societies in South Africa. It occurs amongst the rich and the poor, in the suburbs as well as in the townships. Serious and violent crimes are reported in most of the national newspapers almost on daily basis. There is no single satisfactory answer as to the causes of crimes and its impact on the economy of South Africa. The aim of this research report is to assess the impact of crime in the South African economy. In order to formulate a conceptual and theoretical framework of the study, growth theories, namely neoclassical growth theory, Harrod-Domar growth model classical growth theory and endogenous growth theory were presented. Although all these growth theories relate to this study as crime cuts-across all sectors of the economy the endogenous growth theory was chosen as a theoretical framework on which to base this study. Endogenous growth theory deals with domestic absorption. Crime interferes with this absorption as it constitutes a cost to the economy. Firms lose profits whilst the opportunity cost of running prisons using a tax payers’ money continues to grow. This study is based on a quantitative research technique, using a vector error correction model (VECM) on a quarterly time series data over a period 2003 to 2011. The variables used to explain variations in economic growth over this period are crime, real interest rates, real exchange rates, unemployment and poverty. The findings of this study suggest that crime exerts a negative impact on economic growth in a long run in South Africa. However, this relationship is not statistically significant both in a short run and a long run. . However, no evidence of short run adjustments between crime and economic growth were found. There is a long run negative relationship between real interest rates and economic growth. This relationship is also statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. However, the relationship between real interest rates and economic growth is positive in a short run. This can be explained by the fact that high interest rates attract foreign investments causing a rise in economic growth but in a long run high interest rates dampen domestic investments thereby aggravating the unemployment problem. Rising unemployment is likely to lead to increase levels of crime in South Africa. The results also show that unemployment has a negative relationship with economic growth both in the short run and a long run. However this relationship is not statistically significant in a short run but in a long run. Poverty has a negative relationship with economic growth in a short run but a positive relationship in a long run. However, in both instances the relationship between poverty and economic growth is not statistically significant. Real exchange rate has a positive relationship with economic growth in a long run but a negative relationship in a short run. This relationship is statistically significant in a long run but not in a short run. This means that the benefits of a weak currency in South Africa are realised in a long run. The implications of this study with regard to the variable of interest namely crime, is that crime constitutes a cost to the economy of South Africa. The econometric modelling used in this study suggests a negative relationship between crime and economic growth. This means that the problem of crime in South Africa goes beyond just simple counts on a number of offenses. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that crime prevention is better than cure. Crime prevention should use a wide range of ideas and abilities found throughout the society. Community planning, neighbourhood action, juvenile advocacy, security planning, education and training are some of the ways in which crime actions can be mitigated in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of customer relationship management on retail banking using self-service channels
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bothma, Tracy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Service industries -- Technological innovations , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9346 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013654
- Description: If you do not own the latest technology today it is thought that you are left behind in this technology driven age. More businesses use Self- Service channels to accommodate the increasing demands of customers. It has been said that the use of self-service channels can reduce input costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Unfortunately, many customers are left unsatisfied because retail banks are moving away from the human interaction when visiting a branch or advise customers to use their self-service channels, sometimes without any assistance. This causes customers to move banks, complain and in so doing reduce profits and customer relationships with their banks.This research’s main objective was to determine the impact of customer relationship management on retail banks that make use of self-service channels. A theoretical overview of self-service channels and customer relationship management was given. Advantages and disadvantages of each option were explored. The researcher wanted to explore the relation between customers using self-service channels and the assistance and protection provided by retail banks. The customer experience questionnaire used in this research asked retail banking customers from the South African population to determine how customers perceive and experience their banks’ self-service channels and customer service. Many questions relating to their needs and wants with regards to banking have been explored. The results show that most customers are satisfied with their banks in general but do feel that the banks can improve their customer service and assistance with regards to using self-service channels like ATM’s, online and telephone banking and E-Wallet. It has concluded that most customers choose their banks based on advertisements and other media, not customer service, product range or word-of-mouth. The general perception is that customers say that their bank charges do justify the customer service received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of divorce on work performance of professional nurses in the tertiary hospitals of the Buffalo City municipality
- Authors: Murray, Daphne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/424 , Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Divorce is a phenomenon that affects the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of the divorcees and those close to them. The situation becomes complicated if the affected person has a responsibility of providing caring and nurturing services to the sick, either as a manager or as a practitioner. The extent of how the impact of divorce affects the performance of professional nurses in their roles as carers and as managers was unknown. The nature and quality of services that they render to their patients, their coping strategies and the support systems were unknown. The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the impact of divorce on work performance of professional nurses at the East London Hospital Complex with the aim of ensuring high quality patient care. The objectives of the study were to: explore and describe the lived experiences of female divorced professional nurses with regard to the impact of divorce on their work performance; identify their coping strategies and their support systems. An exploratory descriptive and contextual qualitative research design was used. A phenomenological approach was used. The participants were twelve (12) divorced female professional nurses. The purposive and snowball sampling as non-probability sampling techniques were used. An interview guide was used to conduct the interviews. Audiotape was used for recording the data. Tesch’s steps (1990) of analyzing qualitative data guided the data analysis process. According to the lived experiences of the participants, divorce is traumatic and painful with emotional, physical, financial and social impact. It had a negative impact on the professional nurses’ work performance. The coping strategies included acceptance of the reality, studying, involvement with club and church activities. Support was available from the families, church, friends, and colleagues. Recommendations are that: the employee assistance program be marketed more effectively by hospital management and be included in the hospital, departmental and unit orientation programmes; that a dedicated psychologist, as well as preventive intervention programs, be made available to employees dealing with divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Murray, Daphne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/424 , Nurses -- Attitudes , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Social aspects , Divorce -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Divorce counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Divorce is a phenomenon that affects the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of the divorcees and those close to them. The situation becomes complicated if the affected person has a responsibility of providing caring and nurturing services to the sick, either as a manager or as a practitioner. The extent of how the impact of divorce affects the performance of professional nurses in their roles as carers and as managers was unknown. The nature and quality of services that they render to their patients, their coping strategies and the support systems were unknown. The purpose of the study was to describe and explore the impact of divorce on work performance of professional nurses at the East London Hospital Complex with the aim of ensuring high quality patient care. The objectives of the study were to: explore and describe the lived experiences of female divorced professional nurses with regard to the impact of divorce on their work performance; identify their coping strategies and their support systems. An exploratory descriptive and contextual qualitative research design was used. A phenomenological approach was used. The participants were twelve (12) divorced female professional nurses. The purposive and snowball sampling as non-probability sampling techniques were used. An interview guide was used to conduct the interviews. Audiotape was used for recording the data. Tesch’s steps (1990) of analyzing qualitative data guided the data analysis process. According to the lived experiences of the participants, divorce is traumatic and painful with emotional, physical, financial and social impact. It had a negative impact on the professional nurses’ work performance. The coping strategies included acceptance of the reality, studying, involvement with club and church activities. Support was available from the families, church, friends, and colleagues. Recommendations are that: the employee assistance program be marketed more effectively by hospital management and be included in the hospital, departmental and unit orientation programmes; that a dedicated psychologist, as well as preventive intervention programs, be made available to employees dealing with divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of entrepreneurship education on the performance of small, micro and medium enterprises in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Chimucheka, Tendai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11321 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007107 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in contributing to economic development of many countries around the world, including South Africa. Despite the importance of SMMEs an unacceptable and disappointingly high number of these ventures fail during the first few years of operation. It is in light of the importance and challenges faced by SMMEs that the performance of SMMEs is of interest to all countries. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the performance of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives of the study were to investigate the role of entrepreneurship education in improving entrepreneurship skills and knowledge of owner/managers of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to determine the role of entrepreneurship education on the establishment and survival of SMMEs and to identify strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. A quantitative research design was used in conducting this research. Simple random sampling, a probability sampling technique was used to select a sample of 201 from the sample frame of 420 registered SMMEs. The survey method, by way of a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is the statistical software that was used to analyse data. The Chi-square test, the T-test, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings was assured. The results for this study are useful for the development of the SMME sector, which is very important to South Africa for they contribute to the solving of socio-economic challenges. The findings of this research showed that entrepreneurship education has a positive impact on the performance of SMMEs and it plays a critical role in improving entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of SMME owners and managers. It was also found that entrepreneurial education is very important for the establishment and survival of SMMEs. Strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs in South Africa were suggested to the government, government agencies, educational institutions, other organisations, and SMME owners and managers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Chimucheka, Tendai
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11321 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007107 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play an important role in contributing to economic development of many countries around the world, including South Africa. Despite the importance of SMMEs an unacceptable and disappointingly high number of these ventures fail during the first few years of operation. It is in light of the importance and challenges faced by SMMEs that the performance of SMMEs is of interest to all countries. This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the performance of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The objectives of the study were to investigate the role of entrepreneurship education in improving entrepreneurship skills and knowledge of owner/managers of SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to determine the role of entrepreneurship education on the establishment and survival of SMMEs and to identify strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. A quantitative research design was used in conducting this research. Simple random sampling, a probability sampling technique was used to select a sample of 201 from the sample frame of 420 registered SMMEs. The survey method, by way of a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is the statistical software that was used to analyse data. The Chi-square test, the T-test, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings was assured. The results for this study are useful for the development of the SMME sector, which is very important to South Africa for they contribute to the solving of socio-economic challenges. The findings of this research showed that entrepreneurship education has a positive impact on the performance of SMMEs and it plays a critical role in improving entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of SMME owners and managers. It was also found that entrepreneurial education is very important for the establishment and survival of SMMEs. Strategies that can be implemented to improve the performance of SMMEs in South Africa were suggested to the government, government agencies, educational institutions, other organisations, and SMME owners and managers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on rural livelihoods: the case of smallholder farming in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mago, Shamiso
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007185 , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
- Description: This study seeks to determine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the fact that benefits of ICT development still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. ICTs have been upheld as catalysts for the promotion of rural livelihoods the world over. The question that remains is whether ICTs in Zimbabwe promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although the Government formulated the ICT policy in 2005, the benefits still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The challenges faced by smallholder farmers include limited access to ICTs, high costs in ICT services and lack of ICT infrastructural development in the country. The challenges hindered ICT benefits that are expected to accrue to smallholder farmers. This study is significant in the view that most studies on ICT have focused on the general roles of ICT on rural development without giving particular attention to smallholder farming that has a potential of reducing poverty and promoting food security. For a theoretical lens, the Sustainable Livelihood Approach was used with special attention to Chapman et al (2001)’s information wheel. Regarding methodological issues, the study followed a qualitative research methodology guided by a secondary analysis research design. Data were collected from published reports of government, reports from the Ministry of ICT, internet, journals, newspapers and periodicals. The study established that ICTs promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the dissemination of vital information for improvement of agricultural productivity. From the research findings, the study proposes four main recommendations. Firstly, strengthening of ICT policy for effective smallholder farmers. Secondly, the government to organise ICT awareness campaigns directed towards rural people especially smallholder farmers. Thirdly, up scaling ICT Infrastructural development .Finally, a large-scale ICTs and livelihoods research must be commissioned in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mago, Shamiso
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007185 , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Family farms -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Food security -- Zimbabwe , Information technology -- Management , Technological innovations -- Management , Management information systems
- Description: This study seeks to determine the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the fact that benefits of ICT development still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. ICTs have been upheld as catalysts for the promotion of rural livelihoods the world over. The question that remains is whether ICTs in Zimbabwe promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Although the Government formulated the ICT policy in 2005, the benefits still need to be known among rural smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. The challenges faced by smallholder farmers include limited access to ICTs, high costs in ICT services and lack of ICT infrastructural development in the country. The challenges hindered ICT benefits that are expected to accrue to smallholder farmers. This study is significant in the view that most studies on ICT have focused on the general roles of ICT on rural development without giving particular attention to smallholder farming that has a potential of reducing poverty and promoting food security. For a theoretical lens, the Sustainable Livelihood Approach was used with special attention to Chapman et al (2001)’s information wheel. Regarding methodological issues, the study followed a qualitative research methodology guided by a secondary analysis research design. Data were collected from published reports of government, reports from the Ministry of ICT, internet, journals, newspapers and periodicals. The study established that ICTs promote livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the dissemination of vital information for improvement of agricultural productivity. From the research findings, the study proposes four main recommendations. Firstly, strengthening of ICT policy for effective smallholder farmers. Secondly, the government to organise ICT awareness campaigns directed towards rural people especially smallholder farmers. Thirdly, up scaling ICT Infrastructural development .Finally, a large-scale ICTs and livelihoods research must be commissioned in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of job satisfaction and organisational commitment on turnover intentions amongst high school teachers: a case of Fort Beaufort district in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Magocoba, Noncedo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013589 , Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Description: This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Magocoba, Noncedo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013589 , Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Description: This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of missionary activities and the establishment of Victoria East, 1824-1860
- Maxengana, Nomalungisa Sylvia
- Authors: Maxengana, Nomalungisa Sylvia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Missionaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , Christianity and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Christianity and other religions -- African -- Eastern Cape -- History , Xhosa (African people) -- Religious life , Eastern Cape -- Politics and Government -- Alice (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (History)
- Identifier: vital:11539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006292 , Missionaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , Christianity and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Christianity and other religions -- African -- Eastern Cape -- History , Xhosa (African people) -- Religious life , Eastern Cape -- Politics and Government -- Alice (South Africa)
- Description: This thesis covers a period of drastic change in that part of Xhosaland later known as Victoria East. Chapters one and two deal with the clash between the Glasgow missionaries at Lovedale and the amaXhosa who were expected to simply discard their way of life in favour of the new dispensation. Chapter three explains the arrival in the Eastern Cape of the amaMfengu, formerly called abaMbo, and their role in the divisive policies of the colonial government. Chapter four recounts the brief interlude (1836-1846) during which the colonial government tried but ultimately rejected a more equitable model of cross-border relations known as the Treaty System. The final chapter deals with the introduction of direct rule over the newly-created district of Victoria East, and with the policies of Henry Calderwood, its first magistrate, which were artfully constructed to perpetuate ‘Divide and Rule’ so as to maintain a comfortable life for the white settlers in the border area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Maxengana, Nomalungisa Sylvia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Missionaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , Christianity and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Christianity and other religions -- African -- Eastern Cape -- History , Xhosa (African people) -- Religious life , Eastern Cape -- Politics and Government -- Alice (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (History)
- Identifier: vital:11539 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006292 , Missionaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , Christianity and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Christianity and other religions -- African -- Eastern Cape -- History , Xhosa (African people) -- Religious life , Eastern Cape -- Politics and Government -- Alice (South Africa)
- Description: This thesis covers a period of drastic change in that part of Xhosaland later known as Victoria East. Chapters one and two deal with the clash between the Glasgow missionaries at Lovedale and the amaXhosa who were expected to simply discard their way of life in favour of the new dispensation. Chapter three explains the arrival in the Eastern Cape of the amaMfengu, formerly called abaMbo, and their role in the divisive policies of the colonial government. Chapter four recounts the brief interlude (1836-1846) during which the colonial government tried but ultimately rejected a more equitable model of cross-border relations known as the Treaty System. The final chapter deals with the introduction of direct rule over the newly-created district of Victoria East, and with the policies of Henry Calderwood, its first magistrate, which were artfully constructed to perpetuate ‘Divide and Rule’ so as to maintain a comfortable life for the white settlers in the border area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of motivations, personal values, management skills of managers on the perfomance of SME`s in selected towns (Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Tangwo, Asah Francis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007046 , Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Description: This study investigates the impact of motivations, personal values and managerial skills of managers on the performance of Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The failure rate of SMEs in South Africa is very high and it is of great importance to investigate the factors that can impact on the performance of SMEs. Financial and non-financial methods were used to measure SMEs performance. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis was used to improve the research problems and enhance the validity of the research. Data analysis for this study includes descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach‟s Alpha while validity was ensured by using a statistician and by pre-testing the research instrument in a pilot study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tangwo, Asah Francis
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007046 , Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
- Description: This study investigates the impact of motivations, personal values and managerial skills of managers on the performance of Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The failure rate of SMEs in South Africa is very high and it is of great importance to investigate the factors that can impact on the performance of SMEs. Financial and non-financial methods were used to measure SMEs performance. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis was used to improve the research problems and enhance the validity of the research. Data analysis for this study includes descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach‟s Alpha while validity was ensured by using a statistician and by pre-testing the research instrument in a pilot study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of multimodal forms of transport on a cargo carrier's liability
- Authors: Etape, Nnane Roland
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Containerization , Unitized cargo systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020176
- Description: International multimodal transport continues to grow exponentially, while the relevant international legal framework becomes increasingly fragmented and complex. The establishment of a widely acceptable uniform international legal framework for multimodal transport contracts has proven to be extremely difficult, in spite of the various attempts initiated by some international organizations. Owing to the increasing use of containers to consolidate cargo, multimodal transport practice has become inevitable in the field of international trade based on its numerous advantages over the traditional unimodal carriage practices. Therefore, the urgent need of an internationally legal instrument to govern liability issues arising from multimodal carriage transactions is highly requested by trading parties. This research, however, present the difficulties involve when trying to establish liability issues arising from multimodal carriage claims and the impact it has on contracting parties who are never certain on which regime their contracts are based, instead depends on already existing unimodal liability regimes to sort out their disputes. The strengths and weaknesses of the two most recent attempts at producing a uniform legal regime for multimodal transport namely: The United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods 1980 (The UN Convention of 1980) and The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (The Rotterdam Rules) are also examined in this research as none of these attempts appears to be a tenable solution. However, in the absence of a truly accepted international uniform legal regime for multimodal transport contracts, some nations, regional and sub-regional laws and regulations on multimodal transport contracts have been initiated. Despite the recognition of the Rotterdam Rules in certain jurisdictions, it will probably fail to achieve the aim of uniformity as intended because it’s merely a “maritime-plus” Convention. With the continuous development of containerization, there is an imperative need to have a multimodal transport convention which is broad enough in scope to govern the rights and liabilities of all parties in a multimodal carriage contracts, including inland carriers and their contractors or sub-carriers (referred to as performing parties) in the new Convention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Etape, Nnane Roland
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Containerization , Unitized cargo systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020176
- Description: International multimodal transport continues to grow exponentially, while the relevant international legal framework becomes increasingly fragmented and complex. The establishment of a widely acceptable uniform international legal framework for multimodal transport contracts has proven to be extremely difficult, in spite of the various attempts initiated by some international organizations. Owing to the increasing use of containers to consolidate cargo, multimodal transport practice has become inevitable in the field of international trade based on its numerous advantages over the traditional unimodal carriage practices. Therefore, the urgent need of an internationally legal instrument to govern liability issues arising from multimodal carriage transactions is highly requested by trading parties. This research, however, present the difficulties involve when trying to establish liability issues arising from multimodal carriage claims and the impact it has on contracting parties who are never certain on which regime their contracts are based, instead depends on already existing unimodal liability regimes to sort out their disputes. The strengths and weaknesses of the two most recent attempts at producing a uniform legal regime for multimodal transport namely: The United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods 1980 (The UN Convention of 1980) and The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (The Rotterdam Rules) are also examined in this research as none of these attempts appears to be a tenable solution. However, in the absence of a truly accepted international uniform legal regime for multimodal transport contracts, some nations, regional and sub-regional laws and regulations on multimodal transport contracts have been initiated. Despite the recognition of the Rotterdam Rules in certain jurisdictions, it will probably fail to achieve the aim of uniformity as intended because it’s merely a “maritime-plus” Convention. With the continuous development of containerization, there is an imperative need to have a multimodal transport convention which is broad enough in scope to govern the rights and liabilities of all parties in a multimodal carriage contracts, including inland carriers and their contractors or sub-carriers (referred to as performing parties) in the new Convention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of networking on access to finance and performance of SMES in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Machirori, Tafadzwa Leroy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/521 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigates the impact of networking on access to finance and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this study are to examine (1) whether entrepreneurial characteristics of the SME owner and the firm characteristics of the SME are related to networking by SMEs, (2) whether networking is related to access to bank loans and trade credit by SMEs, (3) whether networking is related to the performance of SMEs and (4) whether access to debt finance by SMEs mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. The results reveal that the gender and education of SME owners and the age, size and legal status of SMEs are the entrepreneurial and firm characteristics that are positively related to networking by SMEs. In addition, the results indicate that there is a positive relationship between networking and access to finance and performance of SMEs. The results of this study further reveal that access to debt finance partially mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. Lastly, the study recommended that SMEs should network more to gain access to information, resources and contact sharing. This will increase the likelihood of SMEs obtaining finance, and will also improve the performance of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Machirori, Tafadzwa Leroy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/521 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigates the impact of networking on access to finance and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this study are to examine (1) whether entrepreneurial characteristics of the SME owner and the firm characteristics of the SME are related to networking by SMEs, (2) whether networking is related to access to bank loans and trade credit by SMEs, (3) whether networking is related to the performance of SMEs and (4) whether access to debt finance by SMEs mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. The results reveal that the gender and education of SME owners and the age, size and legal status of SMEs are the entrepreneurial and firm characteristics that are positively related to networking by SMEs. In addition, the results indicate that there is a positive relationship between networking and access to finance and performance of SMEs. The results of this study further reveal that access to debt finance partially mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. Lastly, the study recommended that SMEs should network more to gain access to information, resources and contact sharing. This will increase the likelihood of SMEs obtaining finance, and will also improve the performance of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of pension fund investments on economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Olaifa, Ayodeji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Pension trusts -- Investments , Retirement income -- South Africa -- Planning , Pension trusts -- South Africa -- Management , Retirees -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015971
- Description: Pension fund investments have been under the spotlight lately, particularly on the back of the recent global financial and economic crisis that resulted in a significant reduction in pension fund assets across economies. Increased poverty levels and high financial indebtedness abound, as workers grapple with retrenchments, reduction in retirement benefits and reduced wages. This is causing a re-assessment of investment strategies of pension funds across the globe, and increasing support for the argument that, the traditional equity/government bond asset allocation is out - fashioned in a world of lower returns and wider choices. Pension funds by virtue of their size, can impact the society directly and/or indirectly through investments in companies that incorporate environmental, social and governance issues in their corporate behaviours, or in dedicated socially responsible investment funds or other forms of alternative investments. This study sought to provide a link between the investment patterns of pension funds and national economic development. An in-depth literature review was undertaken, and investments impacts were assessed by looking at published reports of select funds and corporations. Pension funds are an integral part of a nation‟s economy. This research work established the various dimensions in which pension fund investments can impact the socio economic development of a country, especially in developing countries, where there exists a huge infrastructural and economic gap among different sectors of the economy. Pension funds are workers capital, and therefore should be invested in a manner that will benefit workers, and these benefits cannot be restricted to mere financial benefits, it should be able to generate social, financial and environmental benefits, and in a sustainable way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Olaifa, Ayodeji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Pension trusts -- Investments , Retirement income -- South Africa -- Planning , Pension trusts -- South Africa -- Management , Retirees -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015971
- Description: Pension fund investments have been under the spotlight lately, particularly on the back of the recent global financial and economic crisis that resulted in a significant reduction in pension fund assets across economies. Increased poverty levels and high financial indebtedness abound, as workers grapple with retrenchments, reduction in retirement benefits and reduced wages. This is causing a re-assessment of investment strategies of pension funds across the globe, and increasing support for the argument that, the traditional equity/government bond asset allocation is out - fashioned in a world of lower returns and wider choices. Pension funds by virtue of their size, can impact the society directly and/or indirectly through investments in companies that incorporate environmental, social and governance issues in their corporate behaviours, or in dedicated socially responsible investment funds or other forms of alternative investments. This study sought to provide a link between the investment patterns of pension funds and national economic development. An in-depth literature review was undertaken, and investments impacts were assessed by looking at published reports of select funds and corporations. Pension funds are an integral part of a nation‟s economy. This research work established the various dimensions in which pension fund investments can impact the socio economic development of a country, especially in developing countries, where there exists a huge infrastructural and economic gap among different sectors of the economy. Pension funds are workers capital, and therefore should be invested in a manner that will benefit workers, and these benefits cannot be restricted to mere financial benefits, it should be able to generate social, financial and environmental benefits, and in a sustainable way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of poverty reduction programmes in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Lujabe, Busisiwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019721
- Description: This study focuses on investigating the impact of poverty reduction programmes in improving the quality of lives of the people in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, in relation to interventions that have been implemented by the South African government to address poverty. The purpose of the study is to understand the situation in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and come up with recommendations that will assist government to enhance delivery of poverty reduction programmes in order to improve the quality of life of the rural poor in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The research methodology for this study is descriptive, sourced from available literature. Due to the restricted extent of the research, no empirical survey is conducted. A number of normative criteria that deal with the research problem are identified from the available literature from which findings are drawn and recommendations made. The findings of the study show that; whilst significant progress has been made to address poverty through policy and legal frameworks and through implementation of poverty reduction strategies and programmes, there is a general consensus in literature that poverty is still widespread in South Africa and that activities put in place to reduce and eradicate it are not sufficiently translating into required outputs necessary for desired outcomes which ultimately impact on poverty. The study has identified the gaps that exist in service delivery as well as the challenges faced by government in effectively impacting on poverty through its poverty reduction programmes. Based on the findings the study has made recommendations that will assist government to enhance service delivery so that poverty reduction programmes are conducted in an effective and efficient, integrated and coordinated manner which will cause government to achieve its desired outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Lujabe, Busisiwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Mthatha
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019721
- Description: This study focuses on investigating the impact of poverty reduction programmes in improving the quality of lives of the people in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, in relation to interventions that have been implemented by the South African government to address poverty. The purpose of the study is to understand the situation in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and come up with recommendations that will assist government to enhance delivery of poverty reduction programmes in order to improve the quality of life of the rural poor in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The research methodology for this study is descriptive, sourced from available literature. Due to the restricted extent of the research, no empirical survey is conducted. A number of normative criteria that deal with the research problem are identified from the available literature from which findings are drawn and recommendations made. The findings of the study show that; whilst significant progress has been made to address poverty through policy and legal frameworks and through implementation of poverty reduction strategies and programmes, there is a general consensus in literature that poverty is still widespread in South Africa and that activities put in place to reduce and eradicate it are not sufficiently translating into required outputs necessary for desired outcomes which ultimately impact on poverty. The study has identified the gaps that exist in service delivery as well as the challenges faced by government in effectively impacting on poverty through its poverty reduction programmes. Based on the findings the study has made recommendations that will assist government to enhance service delivery so that poverty reduction programmes are conducted in an effective and efficient, integrated and coordinated manner which will cause government to achieve its desired outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of private capital flows on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Dzangare, Gillian
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007134 , Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between economic growth measured as real GDP growth and private capital inflows is explored. The link between private capital inflows and economic growth is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegrating relationship between private capital inflows and economic growth particularly for South Africa. It is widely claimed that private capital inflows foster economic growth by closing the savings/investment gap. However, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. The exact form of this relationship as well as the nature of capital flows that could impact on real growth requires further investigation. Moreover, what exactly happens to this relationship in an economic crisis such as recently recorded in the global financial crisis is not clear. The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1989q4-2009q4. This study employs the Johansen (1998) cointegration test. This technique distinguishes itself since it establishes the long run relationship between variables. Thereafter, residual diagnostic checks are performed on the variables. Our results show among others, that private capital inflows have impacted positively on the growth of the South African economy. The areas for further research that emerge from this study include the effect of some government policies on economic growth that should also receive more attention in the future since political instability slows down investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dzangare, Gillian
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007134 , Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between economic growth measured as real GDP growth and private capital inflows is explored. The link between private capital inflows and economic growth is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegrating relationship between private capital inflows and economic growth particularly for South Africa. It is widely claimed that private capital inflows foster economic growth by closing the savings/investment gap. However, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. The exact form of this relationship as well as the nature of capital flows that could impact on real growth requires further investigation. Moreover, what exactly happens to this relationship in an economic crisis such as recently recorded in the global financial crisis is not clear. The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1989q4-2009q4. This study employs the Johansen (1998) cointegration test. This technique distinguishes itself since it establishes the long run relationship between variables. Thereafter, residual diagnostic checks are performed on the variables. Our results show among others, that private capital inflows have impacted positively on the growth of the South African economy. The areas for further research that emerge from this study include the effect of some government policies on economic growth that should also receive more attention in the future since political instability slows down investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012