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An assessment of the implementation of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 by the Eastern Cape Department of Education: the case of the provincial office in Zwelitsha

  • Authors: Sikhotha, Mvumelwano
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Employment equity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44743 , vital:38162
  • Description: Before 1994, South Africa was under colonialism and apartheid government. The South African work environment was characterised by many cases of injustices, unfair treatment, unfair discrimination in employment, which led to continuous industrial actions. With the advent of democracy in South Africa in the early 1990s, many labour laws were passed to address labour disputesand to make the labour environment governable and conducive for maximum performance.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An assessment of the implementation of the performance management and development system: the office of the premier in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Douglas, Bukelwa Maureen
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Office of the Premier Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Evaluation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39545 , vital:35289
  • Description: The Performance management and development system has been introduced in the South African Public Service with the intention of monitoring, reviewing, assessing performance, developing under performers, recognising and rewarding good performance of the public officials. It is also there to develop the public officials who fail to attain required expectations. This study focuses on investigating whether employees do understand Performance Management and development system for the effectiveness of employee performance in the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier and that this has with the motivation of the public sector in the Eastern Cape, and the correlation that this has with the motivation of the public officials to improve performance. A qualitative research design was used for this study to investigate whether employees do understand effectiveness of PMDS on employees performance. The research design consisted of a case study where seven interview questions were conducted with the first employees from level four to level eight (operational staff), middle managers from level nine to level twelve and senior managers in the Office of the Premier Eastern Cape. Data analysis led to thematic analysis two themes were developed from the objectives of the study. This study has made the following recommendations: The employees in the Office of the Premier should be regularly monitored and evaluated on how to implement performance management and developed system. As a result, the study will give more understanding in aligning with the OTP strategy and drive individual performance, but will also assist all levels of employees within the OTP: EC in understanding the day to day operational activities of performance management. It will also help employee support and talent management professionals in knowing and understanding the best practices to adopt, in managing their individual performance levels.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An assessment of the performance management and development system with reference to Nkqubela TB Hospital

  • Authors: Kune, Anele
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Performance management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44728 , vital:38156
  • Description: The aim of this study was to assess the performance management and development system, its implementation, practices, values and its relevance to the performance of the Nkqubela TB Hospital. The study explored how the institution implemented a performance management and development system and assessed the extent of policy compliance. An assessment was conducted into how the staff viewed, reacted and behaved with regard to the implementation through secondary data. This study also assessed whether or not the performance management and development system still was a viable tool to assess performance and/or if it was still relevant in attaining the objectives of the organisation. An assessment was also conducted into checking whether or not performance management motivated employees as its main purpose from a theoretical perspective versus current practices in the public sector, however, the focus of the study was the Nkqubela TB Hospital. The study also assessed the challenges encountered or experienced during the implementation of the performance management and development system at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. It adopted a qualitative approach and a desktop analysis was conducted. The study also assessed whether or not staff were being or had been trained in order to improve their development and the performance of services at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. As public administration is based on theories, this study also examined performance management from a theoretical perspective in relation to current practices at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. This research study significantly highlighted or discovered that training, communication, feedback and the proper implementation of performance without favouritism were important aspects and that it had to be noted for good governance. The research also revealed that a performance management and development system enabled employees to better understand the relationship and correlation between the strategic goals and objectives of the department, employees’ key performance areas and alignment with the vision of the organisation. Lastly, managers and supervisors should apply the performance management and development system to identify good and poor performance, and act appropriately through development, as well as recognising and rewarding good performance
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An assessment of the performance management and development system with reference to Nkqubela TB hospital

  • Authors: Kune, Anele
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Performance technology , Performance -- Management Performance -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45205 , vital:38332
  • Description: The aim of this study was to assess the performance management and development system, its implementation, practices, values and its relevance to the performance of the Nkqubela TB Hospital. The study explored how the institution implemented a performance management and development system and assessed the extent of policy compliance. An assessment was conducted into how the staff viewed, reacted and behaved with regard to the implementation through secondary data. This study also assessed whether or not the performance management and development system still was a viable tool to assess performance and/or if it was still relevant in attaining the objectives of the organisation. An assessment was also conducted into checking whether or not performance management motivated employees as its main purpose from a theoretical perspective versus current practices in the public sector, however, the focus of the study was the Nkqubela TB Hospital. The study also assessed the challenges encountered or experienced during the implementation of the performance management and development system at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. It adopted a qualitative approach and a desktop analysis was conducted. The study also assessed whether or not staff were being or had been trained in order to improve their development and the performance of services at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. As public administration is based on theories, this study also examined performance management from a theoretical perspective in relation to current practices at the Nkqubela TB Hospital. This research study significantly highlighted or discovered that training, communication, feedback and the proper implementation of performance without favouritism were important aspects and that it had to be noted for good governance. The research also revealed that a performance management and development system enabled employees to better understand the relationship and correlation between the strategic goals and objectives of the department, employees’ key performance areas and alignment with the vision of the organisation. Lastly, managers and supervisors should apply the performance management and development system to identify good and poor performance, and act appropriately through development, as well as recognising and rewarding good performance.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An assessment of the social ecological system of Mabira forest and environs: implications for vulnerability to climate variability

  • Authors: Jjagwe, Aisha
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Climate hazards
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44726 , vital:38163
  • Description: Tropical forests are attracting attention in climate change debates considering the fundamental role they play as carbon sinks. Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR) found in the Lake Victoria basin region and of significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It has however undergone drastic degradation since the 1970s and its social economic ecological and environmental functions are at risk. The present study assessed the Social Ecological System (SES) of Mabira CFR and environs as well as the implications for vulnerability to climate variability. It focused on; i) assessment of the spatial temporal changes of Mabira CFR; to which Landsat images of 1975, 1986, 2000 and 2015 were used in combination with ground truthing for a successful classification of land use/cover types. ii) Determine the implications of land use/cover types and forest management options for above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC); here Velle, (1995) allometric equation was adopted for the AGB while the Walkley and Black (1934) was used to determine soil organic carbon iii) Determine the implications of land use cover change for livelihood and vulnerability to climate change impacts; to this the Social Ecological systems framework by Ostrom (2009) was adopted to understand the vulnerability implications for land use cover change (LUCC) and Climate variability in a forest based community. The study reveals that heavy deforestation and degradation continue to pose threats to Mabira CFR and environs. Major drivers of LUCC are: population expansion, loss of soil fertility, poor agricultural practices, establishment of roadside markets, industrialization and unclear forestry boundary. Findings indicate that although forest comprised the biggest coverage between 1975 and 2000, it has faced massive reduction between 2000 and 2015. Major forest conversions have been to subsistence farming (5.94%). The implications of LUCC are reflected in; the exposure of soils to degradation as seen from deforestation; soil erosion; carbon sequestration and climate variability constraining livelihoods. AGB and carbon was found highest in the strict nature reserve where on average the parameters noted above were found to be bigger. The recreation buffer had less carbon compared to the strict nature reserve; however the production zone, which had scattered trees with smaller parameters, registered the lowest average total AGB and carbon. Results indicate a perfectly strong relationship between the AGB and carbon variables. Results also indicate that approximately 6,771092.344 tonnes are sunk in the strict nature reserve. SOC analyzed based on the soil carbon percentage content. In terms of soil depth, the 0-10cm and 10-20cm soil layers had relatively similar variations of least square means for carbon than at 20-30cm soil layer. The highest SOC was observed in the soil surface of 0-10 cm depth, with the highest mean of 2.78 % across all the management zones. The amount of soil organic matter also varied with land use /cover types. Study findings reveal that LUCC and land management have a direct influence on soil organic carbon accumulation. Results indicate that LUCC implications for AGB and SOC as well as climate variability lead to livelihood vulnerability. Climate hazards experienced have affected SES, temperature variation range between 1oC -2oC. These variations are likely to increase vulnerability. This study recommends mapping of LUCC to identify priority areas for intervention. Priority should be given to reducing deforestation and restore degraded areas. Future research should focus on building adaptive capacity for forest based communities to mitigate climate change, improving forest tenure as a strategy for climate change impacts, integrating climate change into forest policy reviews.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An economic evaluation of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program in Uganda

  • Authors: Leornard, Walusimbi
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- Uganda , Agriculture -- Economic Aspects -- Uganda
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45624 , vital:38920
  • Description: The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme was formed in Uganda in 2001 as a response to previously poor performance of extension services in Uganda. NAADS was formed as a demand-driven extension programme designed to improve farmers’ incomes through increased farm output in agriculture and to solve food insecurity in the country. Given the enormous resources injected into the programme intended to improve the welfare of farmers, the main objective of this study was to determine the economic viability of NAADS throughout the period 2001-2017. The study was conducted in four districts: Mpigi, Mubende, Luwero, and Mukono. Using a non-probability random sampling technique based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques, a sample of 384 participants took part in this study. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was used to assess the merits of this public investment project. The study also used descriptive methods of analysis such as a 5-point Likert-type scale so as to derive means. In addition, the study practiced the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique, and the cronbach alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability of factors in explaining the concerned five dimensions of this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An educational intervention on sepsis related to mechanical ventilation in adult public critical care units in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Hlungwane, Emmanuel Zamokwakhe
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units Septicemia -- Treatment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40139 , vital:35759
  • Description: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and local adult public critical care units continue to experience incidences of sepsis. Professional nurses (PNs) need to base their nursing care on sepsis guidelines in order to properly manage sepsis on a mechanically ventilated adult patient in the critical care units. Adequate knowledge on sepsis guidelines remains crucially indicative to PNs as they endeavour to maintain asepsis on a critically ill patient. The aim was to develop, review and implement an educational intervention and investigate the effect of this intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge and practices of sepsis in mechanically ventilated patients in adult public critical care units in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study followed a positivistic, quantitative research paradigm, using a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design, with an intervention research approach conducted in three phases. A pre-test questionnaire was administered to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of professional nurses related to sepsis in the mechanically ventilated patients in the adult public critical care units (Phase One). An educational intervention was developed, reviewed, and used to implement the sepsis guideline (Phase Two). The effect of the guideline on the knowledge and practices of the professional nurses in public adult critical care units were assessed through a post-test questionnaire (Phase Three). The questionnaires (pre-and post-) were developed by the researcher to collect the relevant data and were pilot tested to ascertain validity and reliability. The educational intervention to be implemented was developed based on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, reviewed by experts, implemented, and evaluated based on the sepsis guideline. A non-probability purposive sampling method was implemented. The intervention was implemented amongst three groups of PNs, namely experimental group one (EG1) (Powerpoint, Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines and two monitoring visits), experimental group two (EG2) (Powerpoint and Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines) and the control group (CG) (no exposure to intervention). Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The target population was professional nurses working in selected adult public CCUs in the Eastern Cape. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, mode and median and inferential data analysis such as ANOVA and Chi square, have been conducted with the assistance of a statistician. The pre- and post-test questionnaire results on the knowledge related to SSC guidelines revealed a means of 57.72 and 54.61, as well as standard deviations of 13.99 and 12.15 with a difference of 3.11 for EG1. For EG2, the results revealed means of 53.28 and 62.18, standard deviations of 14.39 and 13.60 with a difference of -8.89 indicating a medium difference around 0.63 standard deviation. EG2 indicated more difference of above 0.5 standard deviation as compared to EG1. The control group on the other hand had produce large effect of mean difference above 0.8 standard deviation. Although there was no statistical significance found between the knowledge score between the three groups (EG1, EG2, CG), implementing the SSC guidelines (full intervention) in EG1 had medium effect on the knowledge of PNs on MV adult patient in the CCU. For EG2, there were positive relationships between the knowledge related to SCC Guidelines and practices related to SSC Guidelines. Ethical principles such as respect for person/informed consent, beneficence, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as rigour were maintained throughout the research study.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An educational intervention on the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units

  • Authors: Oamen, Benedict Raphael , ten Ham-Baloyi, Wilma
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurse and patient
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42968 , vital:36715
  • Description: Professional nurses perform liberation of ventilated patients in the critical care units to ensure that ventilated patients can breathe on their own to maintain adequate oxygenation after the removal of an artificial airway and prevent liberation failure. The study aimed to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units. The research study described how an educational intervention increased the knowledge of professional nurses working in five public adult critical care units with a total of 54 beds for medical and surgical adult patients who are mechanically ventilated across the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives were first; to investigate the knowledge of professional nurses, concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Secondly, to implement the evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention. Thirdly, to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in five public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher conducted an intervention research study using a quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test with a control group design. The researcher recruited 150 participants who were professional nurses working in the five adult critical care units in academic hospitals. The five public adult critical care units were purposively divided into three sample groups, which consisted of two experimental groups and a control group. While considering the geographical location and proximity of the academic hospitals the groups were divided into Experimental Group 1 (comprised of 57 professional nurses from two critical care units) and Experimental Group 2 (comprised of 59 professional nurses from two critical care units), plus a Control Group (comprised of 34 professional nurses from one critical care unit). To achieve a large sample, all the professional nurses working in the five academic hospitals across the Eastern Cape Province were included in this study. The research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One of the study, a pre-test questionnaire was administered to the professional nurses to investigate their current knowledge of the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Subsequently, in Phase Two, an educational intervention that was based on the liberation of ventilated adult patients used a PowerPoint in-service presentation in the form of a formal lecture, printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation and colour printed posters attached to the notice boards and strategic places such as the tea room and corridor of the critical care units in Experimental Group 1. Equally, Experimental Group 2 received only printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines. In the Control Group, the researcher did not implement the evidence-based guidelines. Three months after the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines, Phase Three was conducted, and a post-test questionnaire was administered to describe the effect of the educational intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge. With the assistance of the statistician, data were analysed through descriptive analysis using the measure of frequency, central tendency, dispersion/variation and position. In addition to that, an inferential analysis used Analysis of Variance, Chi-square test, t-statistic (t-test), Cohen’s d, Cramér’s V, and Scheffe’s post-hoc test. Since there was no existing questionnaire, the researcher developed the questionnaires that were used in this study. The researcher ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The ethical clearance reference number, H17-HEA-NUR-019 was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University. A letter of permission was granted by the Provincial’s Department of Health, Bhisho, the Eastern Cape Province, with reference number, EC_201712_017. Other ethical principles were taking into consideration. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention in the form of PowerPoint presentation, complemented with printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines and coloured posters as reminders showed an increase (Mean = 65,22; S.D = 12,08) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 1. Contrary, the use of printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation showed a significant decrease (Mean = 53,41; S.D = 15,44; p = 0.033; Cohen's d = 0.49 small effect) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 2. A single educational intervention method did not affect knowledge increase compared to a combined educational intervention method. Imparting knowledge in the public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province is still very important. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were provided.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An emancipatory approach for innovative access to education in farm schools of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Robinson, Craig Grant
  • Date: 2019
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72462 , vital:30055
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2020
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation and comparison of the plasticiser effects of p -Menthane-3,8-diol-citronellal acetal plasticiser with triethyl citrate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate on ethylcellulose films.

  • Authors: Marx, Johannes Scheepers
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Plasticisers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44629 , vital:38164
  • Description: In recent years, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleumbased commodity plastics, in a cost-effective manner, with biodegradable materials offering competitive mechanical properties. The use of natural and/or biodegradable plasticisers, with low toxicity and good compatibility with several plastics, resins, rubber and elastomers in substitution of conventional plasticisers, such as phthalates and other synthetic plasticisers attract the market along with the increasing worldwide trend towards the use of bio-polymers. The main research objective entailed the behaviour of the novel bio-plasticiser PMDcitronellal acetal (PMD-CA) and its comparison with other commercial bio-plasticiser, triethyl citrate (TEC) and a non-phthalate plasticiser bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP), on ethylcellulose (EC) films to evaluate whether it would be feasible to replace them with PMD-CA. The films were produced by a casting technique and were characterised by mechanical properties, thermoanalysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, disintegration and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The addition of any of the three plasticisers to EC film increased the flexibility of the films. The plasticisers PMD-CA and DOTP added to EC formed tougher films as compared to EC films containing TEC shown by the high % elongation at break, strain and displacement. Statistically, it was proved that PMD-CA and DOTP had a more significant effect on % elongation of EC films than TEC, postulated to be due to their similar molecular size and structure. Thermoanalytical studies conducted revealed that the thermal degradation process of EC films proceeded in three basic stages, namely dehydration, depolymerisation and pyrolytic decomposition. Thermoanalytical analysis showed that unplasticised EC films had a higher glass transition value compared to the films containing any of the plasticisers and that PMD-CA and DOTP are more effective plasticisers compared to TEC due to their lower glass transition temperatures. The presence of plasticisers in the polymer matrix did change the surface morphology of polymer films. The addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP films caused more significant globule-like bubbles which were not uniform in size on the surface of these films. Observations were made that the type of plasticiser coating with or without pore former influenced the disintegration properties of films. HPMC, as pore former, played a significant role in the drug release system matrix. EC PMD-CA and EC DOTP polymeric films controlled the disintegration of the films in the acidic and weakly acidic medium. EC and EC TEC films had less significant control on the disintegration rate of the acidic and weakly acidic disintegration media. FT-IR characterisation of the films revealed comparable peaks observed in all the polymer-plasticiser combinations and therefore it was concluded that chemical interactions did not exist between the polymers and plasticisers. Added excipients (plasticisers and pore formers) were found to be compatible with EC films. It was concluded within the scope of this research that EC films plasticised with PMDCA, DOTP or TEC outperformed film properties of those compared to unplasticised EC film. The plasticising properties of the novel bio-plasticiser PMD-CA are similar compared to DOTP, and superior to triethyl citrate and could therefore be considered as an effective bioplasticiser for enteric coating formulations in the pharmaceutical industry.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry

  • Authors: Puchert, Juliet Ingrid
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Artisans -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa Occupational training -- South Africa Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43314 , vital:36791
  • Description: The South African automotive industry is the biggest manufacturing sector and the largest contributor to the domestic economy. Within the national manufacturing sector, the artisan job family has been identified as a scarce and critical skill. Artisans are a number one area of concern with regard to filling vacancies in the country. The domestic economy as well as the effectiveness and success of the automotive industry could be negatively affected if this artisanal crisis is not adequately addressed. This study aimed to evaluate a profiling and selection process for apprentices in the South African automotive industry. A multiple-stage selection method was used to screen the applicants. The selection process included the following phases: application review, rating of the application documentation, aptitude testing, skills-based teamwork assessment and interviews. The researcher obtained access to the documentation generated through an annual apprentice selection process at a large multi-national automotive firm. The final sample consisted of 3 412 individuals that had applied for two types of apprenticeship programmes, namely, automotive electrician and millwright, across three intake years. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and medians were used. Inferential statistical analysis, using survival analysis, was used to assess whether the survival curves were statistically different across the groups. The findings of this study are relevant to the South African automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing sector. The findings are also of value to human resource practitioners, educators, social scientists and other researchers. The 13 constructs investigated in the study showed a high association with longer survival time in the selection process. The positive evaluation of this selection process provides evidence to support its confirmation as the national selection tool. Four recommendations are proposed to the HRM field and four to the automotive industry. The multiple-hurdle selection process employed in this study should be replicated by the automotive industry in their selection of apprenticeship applicants. Standardisation practices, the use of on-line technology and the marketing of the apprenticeship position are also recommended. Furthermore, it is recommended that educational providers provide job preparation workshops to assist applicants to improve their survival opportunity within the selection processes.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of business support services for women-owned businesses

  • Authors: Mabongo, Nozuko Priscilla
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Businesswomen -- South Africa Support services (Management) Small business -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40679 , vital:36213
  • Description: The emergence of women into the entrepreneurial sector has been a phenomenal wonder to view. This trend is considered one of the most transformative economic and social developments. Thus, the measures to enhance their penetration into the market need to be explored in order to see what is still lacking. Historically, women ventured into business as a means of alleviating social issues, as the years went by the necessity-driven element evolved into an integral need for women to participate in the growth of value-adding sectors. Women around the world have faced many barriers to their participation in the development of the economy. The purpose of this study was to fill the gap by providing relevant information about the formal business environment, as well as the various support structures available to South African women in business. Over the past two decades, the view of development has always been criticised. Women entrepreneurs dominate the informal sector and have remained at the edge of the economy irrespective of their potential in development. There is a lack of participation in value-adding sectors by women entrepreneurs. Women in business are plagued with the absence of effective management skills, network linkages and mentorship. This in turn results in limited access to local and global markets, therefore, growth prospects are severely at risk. Furthermore, this limitation concludes issues leading these businesses into survivalist mode. The study assessed the business support services offered to women-owned businesses and further demonstrate whether any growth prospects could be achieved. Insight was given on the current situation of women-owned businesses with specific reference to evaluating the type of business support services provided to women-owned businesses. Lastly, the study described how the support services could result in improved business practices.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of loyalty programmes

  • Authors: Thaver, Aneshree Terrilla
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- Evaluation Customer relations -- Evaluation Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43856 , vital:37062
  • Description: A Loyalty Programme, is the term most commonly used to summarise various Customer Relationship Management programmes instituted by companies, to endear and encourage loyalty from customers. In order to better understand the component of loyalty within the context of Loyalty Programmes, a dimensional approach has been suggested. The dimensional approach is based firstly, on behavioural loyalty theories, which focus on purchase patterns to qualify/quantify loyalty. Secondly, it included attitudinal loyalty measures to account for customer’s actions and feelings to aid in both the conceptualisation and measurement of loyalty. The need to understand and evaluate the effects of programmes specifically designed to promote loyalty from customers has prompted a surge in academic research, which has led to great debate over the effectiveness of these programmes. Previous empirical research has provided divergent findings and many polarised views abound. This is due in part to the lack of consistent research methodologies, concepts and measurements of previous studies, which has made the comparison of Loyalty Programmes increasingly difficult. However, despite these challenges, there remains substantial evidence in support of the overall effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The aim of this research has been to focus on developing a model to evaluate the components of Loyalty Programmes based on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty dimensions, with the view of recommending components that should be included in the design of Loyalty Programmes. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural) were examined. Additionally, the following Theories were explored Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to examine the interchange between participants of Loyalty Programmes. The review of literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and methods of participation as components which influenced Loyalty Programmes. A multi-method study, with 1090 respondents, was conducted and a proposed conceptual model was compiled. An analysis was conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the study identified the following factors Attitudinal loyalty (Attitudinal – Communication, Attitudinal – Flexibility, Attitudinal – General, Attitudinal – Rewards (Personal and Monetary) and Attitudinal – Trust) and Behavioural loyalty (Behavioural – Communication, Behavioural – Flexibility, Behavioural – General, Behavioural – Personalisation, Behavioural – Purchasing Behaviour, Behavioural – Rewards and Behavioural – Trust) to be of influence with regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The study concludes with managerial recommendations for the improvement in the design of Loyalty Programmes to enhance Attitudinal and Behavioural loyalty from participants. The recommendations from this study are based on the three strongest factor relationships identified through Pearson Product Moment Correlations. They are (a) Attitude – General and Behavioural – General (0.723), (b) Attitude – Communication and Behavioural – Communication (0.691) and (c) Attitude – Trust and Behavioural – Trust (0.595). Hence it is suggested that communication surrounding Loyalty Programmes needs to embrace new technologies and adopt a multichannel and multi-directional strategy to be more responsive to customers. Furthermore, trust was found to be influential in Loyalty Programme participation and how managers used the shared personal data, impacted customer willingness to participate in Loyalty Programmes. This study found that overall purchasing behaviour is poorly influenced by Loyalty Card/Programmes, as discounts and promotions did not sway shopper purchasing behaviour and that the most preferred rewards were monetary, free shipping and brand partnerships. In summary, consideration should be given to the type, flexibility and expiration of rewards offered. Further, a regular review of personalisation strategies, customer expectations and participation methods are recommended to bridge the mismatch between idle membership and active participation in Loyalty Programmes.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of performance and management development systems: a case study of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Bokwana, Bulelani
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36498 , vital:33953
  • Description: The primary aim of this study was to establish whether the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) in public institutions, has an effect on service delivery, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). This is pertinent because municipalities have become the focal points of service delivery and they tend to focus mainly on complying with the legislative frameworks of having an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) rather than implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) to enhance service delivery to communities. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGta), introduces the Performance Management framework to municipalities with the aim of empowering the communities to demand better services and to hold municipalities accountable. This study provides an in-depth theoretical review on PMDS and service delivery. It is evident that one of the biggest challenges that are being faced by most municipalities in South Africa, is the lack of universal access to services such as water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. This study employed the qualitative research approach to validate the research questions as well as to address the research objectives and data was collected through documentary sources of annual reports, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP), articles, journals text books and legislation. Further findings in this study indicate that Performance Management and Development Systems (PDMS) in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), has not led to positive changes in service delivery and this is identified by violent service delivery protests. This study also identified that the system is currently flawed because, amongst other things, there is minimal employee involvement in the planning of performance management, including a lack of training opportunities to address identified weaknesses and the non-payment of performance bonuses to good performing employees, similarly majority of employees do not know their performance targets as reflected in the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP). Recommendations emanating from the literature review are presented to enhance service delivery for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) through Performance Management and Development Systems (PMDS) and they include cascading PMDS to all employees, furthering issues of alignment and integration of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes, budget, PMDS, monitoring, evaluation and training on the formulation of Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). If these recommendations are adopted, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) will be able to deal with the current developmental obstacles that are being faced, in a more effective and efficient manner.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of performance management and development system: South African social security agency, Eastern Cape regional office

  • Authors: Ndamase, Nkuthalo
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41763 , vital:36579
  • Description: The main aim and objective of the study was to conduct an evaluation of Performance Management and Development System with reference to South African Social Security Agency Eastern Cape Regional Office. In order to achieve the objective, the study applied stratified random sampling to draw a sample of 44 participants and 4 key informants representing the four PMDS Moderation Branch Committees. The study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in terms of frequencies and percentages of occurrences. Data was also analyzed using thematic content analysis and a number of themes were identified. The main findings of the study, were that there was alignment of individual key performance areas to their unit’s Operational Plan and ultimately to goals and objectives of the Agency. There was lack of performance feedback sessions between supervisor and supervisee, which resulted in training of employees not being conducted. PMDS Moderation Committee members were not equipped in terms of how to assess employee performance. The main recommendation of the study is for the Human Capital Development unit as custodians of the implementation of PMDS, to conduct regular workshops on the application of the PMDS Policy for the employees as well as training of the PMDS Moderation Committee members. This would be done in an effort to ensure that the implementation of PMDS leads to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Agency. The implementation of the PMDS Policy at SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office has the potential to contribute to improved service delivery and by implication, the improvement of the quality of life of the millions of the recipients of social grant.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of social team building intervention on MBA group formation

  • Authors: Westraadt, Johan Ewald
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Team learning approach in education , Business Administration -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45679 , vital:38926
  • Description: Teamwork and the ability to work effectively in a team is a critical skill in a technologically complex workplace where no individual can possess all the knowledge and skills. MBA programmes, therefore, require students to work in collaborative learning groups in order to not only share their knowledge and skills, but also to develop the needed team-based competencies. However, collaborative learning groups are prone to many pitfalls that could result in intra-group conflict and inefficiencies such as social loafing, where the group performance is less than the sum of the output of the individual members when working alone. Team development interventions (TDI) aim to improve team-based competencies of a team. One type of TDI that is often employed is social team building. It typically consists of a one-day extra-mural excursion involving some non-work-related tasks performed by teams to improve interpersonal relationships. The MBA groups are pre-allocated at the start of the academic programme and team building interventions are therefore needed to facilitate group formation. The main research question in this study deals with the effectiveness of these social team building TDI’s to promote group formation. The literature of teams and the factors that influence team effectivity were reviewed. Input-Process-Output models relate the factors that drive team performance. Three team viability measures critical to a teams’ performance were identified namely, group cohesion, group communication and goal-setting. There is strong empirical evidence that these factors contribute positively to the performance of the team. The influence of team building interventions on each of these factors were discussed. There is empirical evidence for the impact of team building interventions on these affective outcomes. However, empirical evidence for the link to objective performance measures is still lacking
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  • Date Issued: 2019

An Evaluation of Text Mining Techniques in Sampling of Network Ports from IBR Traffic

  • Authors: Chindipha, Stones D , Irwin, Barry V W , Herbert, Alan
  • Date: 2019
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427630 , vital:72452 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stones-Chindi-pha/publication/335910179_An_Evaluation_of_Text_Mining_Techniques_in_Sampling_of_Network_Ports_from_IBR_Traffic/links/5d833084458515cbd1985a38/An-Evaluation-of-Text-Mining-Techniques-in-Sampling-of-Network-Ports-from-IBR-Traffic.pdf
  • Description: Information retrieval (IR) has had techniques that have been used to gauge the extent to which certain keywords can be retrieved from a document. These techniques have been used to measure similarities in duplicated images, native language identification, optimize algorithms, among others. With this notion, this study proposes the use of four of the Information Retrieval Techniques (IRT/IR) to gauge the implications of sampling a/24 IPv4 ports into smaller subnet equivalents. Using IR, this paper shows how the ports found in a/24 IPv4 net-block relate to those found in the smaller subnet equivalents. Using Internet Background Radiation (IBR) data that was collected from Rhodes University, the study found compelling evidence of the viability of using such techniques in sampling datasets. Essentially, being able to identify the variation that comes with sampling the baseline dataset. It shows how the various samples are similar to the baseline dataset. The correlation observed in the scores proves how viable these techniques are to quantifying variations in the sampling of IBR data. In this way, one can identify which subnet equivalent best represents the unique ports found in the baseline dataset (IPv4 net-block dataset).
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

An Evaluation of Text Mining Techniques in Sampling of Network Ports from IBR Traffic

  • Authors: Chindipha, Stones D , Irwin, Barry V W , Herbert, Alan
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473740 , vital:77677 , xlink:href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stones-Chindi-pha/publication/335910179_An_Evaluation_of_Text_Mining_Techniques_in_Sampling_of_Network_Ports_from_IBR_Traffic/links/5d833084458515cbd1985a38/An-Evaluation-of-Text-Mining-Techniques-in-Sampling-of-Network-Ports-from-IBR-Traffic.pdf"
  • Description: Information retrieval (IR) has had techniques that have been used to gauge the extent to which certain keywords can be retrieved from a document. These techniques have been used to measure similarities in duplicated images, native language identification, optimize algorithms, among others. With this notion, this study proposes the use of four of the Information Retrieval Techniques (IRT/IR) to gauge the implications of sampling a/24 IPv4 ports into smaller subnet equivalents. Using IR, this paper shows how the ports found in a/24 IPv4 net-block relate to those found in the smaller subnet equivalents. Using Internet Background Radiation (IBR) data that was collected from Rhodes University, the study found compelling evidence of the viability of using such techniques in sampling datasets. Essentially, being able to identify the variation that comes with sampling the baseline dataset. It shows how the various samples are similar to the baseline dataset. The correlation observed in the scores proves how viable these techniques are to quantifying variations in the sampling of IBR data. In this way, one can identify which subnet equivalent best represents the unique ports found in the baseline dataset (IPv4 net-block dataset).
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of the current extent and potential spread of Black Bass invasions in South Africa

  • Authors: Khosa, Dumisani , Marr, Sean M , Wasserman, Ryan J , Zengeya, Tsungai A , Weyl, Olaf L F
  • Date: 2019
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103867 , vital:32317 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-01930-0
  • Description: Black Bass, a collective name for members of the centrarchid genus Micropterus, are native to North America, but have been introduced globally to enhance recreational angling. This study assessed the distribution of Micropterus salmoides, M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus in South Africa using both formal (survey-based) and informal (tournament data and social media) information sources. Analysis of the distribution data showed habitat bias between the data sources. Survey data from formal information sources were dominated by locality records in riverine environments while those derived from informal information sources focused more on lacustrine habitats. Presence data were used to develop niche models to identify suitable areas for their establishment. The predicted distribution range of M. salmoides revealed a broad suitability over most of South Africa, however, the Cape Fold Ecoregion and all coastal regions were most suitable for the establishment for both M. dolomieu and M. punctulatus. Flow accumulation and precipitation of coldest quarter were the most important environmental variables associated with the presence of all Black Bass species in South Africa. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance such as agricultural activities were associated with the presence of both Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass. An extensive area-based invasion debt was observed for all Micropterus spp. The potential for further spread of Black Bass in South Africa is of ecological concern because of their impact on native biota.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019

An evaluation of the harmonised social cash transfer programme on livelihoods in Zimbabwe: the case of Mangwe District

  • Authors: Poseni ,Pedzisai
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Economic development -- Social aspects Social integration Social systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13943 , vital:39730
  • Description: Poverty and limited livelihood options remains a huge challenge in Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe. The study investigated the effectiveness of the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme in improving household economy and strengthening livelihood options in Zimbabwe with a particular focus on Mangwe District. In order to come up with a comprehensive investigation, the researcher grounded the study in sustainable livelihood approach and the capabaility approach. Due to persistent poverty and people adopting precarious coping strategies in Zimbawe, the government and NGOs collectively came up with a comprehensive cash based poverty alleviation strategy to alleviate poverty and build on peoples livelihood options which is the cash transfer programme. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, based on its ability to provide a contextualized description of people’s perspectives, feelings and opinions in terms of how a programme affected them. The evaluation sought to find out whether the cash transfer programme achieved its objective of strengthening household economy. The study established that the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer programme made some positive inroad towards strengthening household economy, however, lack of stakeholders coordination, collapsed economy, pollitically motivated moves from the ruling party caused the programme to fail. As such, the poor Mangwe people are still continuing engaging in precarious coping strategies, such as, selling assets, eating less than one meal per day and venturing into prostitution. The study therefore, calls for the government to review the household size vs cash scale and regularly review the amount of money received to be in line with current prices of commodities
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2019
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