Determinants of performance in non-profit organisations in KwaZulu Natal: the role of sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities
- Authors: Mbhele, Thandekile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Hypothesis Model , non-profit organisations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61670 , vital:71824
- Description: Determinants of performance in KZN Nonprofit organisations operating in the health sector is explored by this research paper. The focus is on the role played by sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities on the organisational perfomance. Sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities have received little empirical attention within the NPO sector. Most, of the research done has focused on for-profit organisations. Local NPOs in the health sector are facing many challenges. These are fueled by the high demand for services and scarcity of resources to deliver on their social mission. This study aims to examine the stated constructs. Furthermore, the study aims to help NPOs build sustainable organisations and adopt strategies that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. The study employed a quantitative methodology. An online survey and experiental analysis were conducted on a sample of 156 respondents. All of the participants belong to local NPOs in the health sector in KZN. The hypotheses were tested by applying multiple linear regression. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the established variables and constructs. The results of the analysis show a significant and positive relationship between sustainability orientation and organisational performance. The study also found that the ability to sense, seize, and reconfigure mediate the relationship and positively influence the performance. These results provide important insight for local NPOs, policy makers, and current practices concerned about developing sustainable organisations. This implies that there is a chance for local NPOs to grow, attract funders and remain sustainable. In addition the results could help to build a reputable brand in their respective fields. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mbhele, Thandekile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Hypothesis Model , non-profit organisations
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61670 , vital:71824
- Description: Determinants of performance in KZN Nonprofit organisations operating in the health sector is explored by this research paper. The focus is on the role played by sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities on the organisational perfomance. Sustainability orientation and dynamic capabilities have received little empirical attention within the NPO sector. Most, of the research done has focused on for-profit organisations. Local NPOs in the health sector are facing many challenges. These are fueled by the high demand for services and scarcity of resources to deliver on their social mission. This study aims to examine the stated constructs. Furthermore, the study aims to help NPOs build sustainable organisations and adopt strategies that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. The study employed a quantitative methodology. An online survey and experiental analysis were conducted on a sample of 156 respondents. All of the participants belong to local NPOs in the health sector in KZN. The hypotheses were tested by applying multiple linear regression. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the established variables and constructs. The results of the analysis show a significant and positive relationship between sustainability orientation and organisational performance. The study also found that the ability to sense, seize, and reconfigure mediate the relationship and positively influence the performance. These results provide important insight for local NPOs, policy makers, and current practices concerned about developing sustainable organisations. This implies that there is a chance for local NPOs to grow, attract funders and remain sustainable. In addition the results could help to build a reputable brand in their respective fields. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Distinguishing elephant induced thicket degradation and climate related factors in Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mapheto, Tlhologelo James
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Elephant – Behaviour -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Wildlife conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60753 , vital:66741
- Description: The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is an ecologically sensitive environment where the increase in elephant population, especially in a changing climate is a recipe for landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. The Park is situated in the drought prone Eastern Cape Province, however, the effects of drought on thicket vegetation is less understood. This study aimed to distinguish elephant-induced thicket degradation from the effects of climatic factors, using remote sensing, GIS, and statistical techniques. To characterise and map vegetation conditions of the reserve temporal series Landsat imagery (n = 22) from 1998 to 2018 were analysed. Vegetation states were determined using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the growing season of the study period. Using supervised per-pixel image classification technique, the NDVI values characterized into distinct land cover classes viz (1) Intact Thicket, (2) Transformed Thicket, (3) Degraded Thicket, (4) Bare Ground and (6) Water Bodies. Post-classification change detection and landscape fragmentation analysis was performed. Climatic data were obtained from existing weather stations and raster surface of accumulated rainfall and mean maximum temperature were developed using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Time series analysis was implemented on the NDVI and climatic condition data by plotting annual measures to indicate variable trends. Temporal trend analysis was performed on the NDVI data using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall trend analysis test to indicate thicket vegetation condition improvement and general degradation. The Residual Trend (RESTREND) approach was employed to remove the effect of rainfall on vegetation productivity. This involved using the Ordinary Least Square regression functionality in ArcMap to compute the relationship between ∑NDVI and accumulated rainfall for every pixel for the study period. The products of the regression were assessed using Pearson’s Correlation (r) at a significance level of 90% (p-value ≤ 0.1) to distinguish strong relationships. Overlay analysis was performed, using the NDVI trend slope and the correlation coefficient (r) raster surfaces, to model vegetation dynamics influenced by elephant activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mapheto, Tlhologelo James
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Elephant – Behaviour -- South Africa -- Addo Elephant National Park , Wildlife conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60753 , vital:66741
- Description: The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) is an ecologically sensitive environment where the increase in elephant population, especially in a changing climate is a recipe for landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. The Park is situated in the drought prone Eastern Cape Province, however, the effects of drought on thicket vegetation is less understood. This study aimed to distinguish elephant-induced thicket degradation from the effects of climatic factors, using remote sensing, GIS, and statistical techniques. To characterise and map vegetation conditions of the reserve temporal series Landsat imagery (n = 22) from 1998 to 2018 were analysed. Vegetation states were determined using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the growing season of the study period. Using supervised per-pixel image classification technique, the NDVI values characterized into distinct land cover classes viz (1) Intact Thicket, (2) Transformed Thicket, (3) Degraded Thicket, (4) Bare Ground and (6) Water Bodies. Post-classification change detection and landscape fragmentation analysis was performed. Climatic data were obtained from existing weather stations and raster surface of accumulated rainfall and mean maximum temperature were developed using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Time series analysis was implemented on the NDVI and climatic condition data by plotting annual measures to indicate variable trends. Temporal trend analysis was performed on the NDVI data using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall trend analysis test to indicate thicket vegetation condition improvement and general degradation. The Residual Trend (RESTREND) approach was employed to remove the effect of rainfall on vegetation productivity. This involved using the Ordinary Least Square regression functionality in ArcMap to compute the relationship between ∑NDVI and accumulated rainfall for every pixel for the study period. The products of the regression were assessed using Pearson’s Correlation (r) at a significance level of 90% (p-value ≤ 0.1) to distinguish strong relationships. Overlay analysis was performed, using the NDVI trend slope and the correlation coefficient (r) raster surfaces, to model vegetation dynamics influenced by elephant activities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Effect of livestock management and services to ecosystems on rangeland health and resilience in the NamaKaroo
- Authors: Boshoff, Mishak
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Livestock – Management --South Africa—Karoo , Range ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60611 , vital:66017
- Description: Rangelands offer great opportunities for mutualisms between nature conservation and economic productivity if positive feedback loops can be identified and described. The effects of different livestock management practices are controversial. This research examined the effect of different grazing intensities on soil health using springtails (Collembola) and ants (Formicidae) as bioindicators, combined with soil and vegetation variables. The relationship between rangeland managers and rangeland ecosystems, particularly with regard to feedback loops between land care and economic production, was also investigated. Bioindicator samples were collected at different treatments of livestock grazing intensity and a questionnaire was submitted to 65 rangeland managers in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo biome of South Africa. In most cases we found no significant relationship between grazing intensity and Collembola and ant community composition, vegetation variables, and soil variables. The few significant relationships we found were contradictory in their implications for the effect of high intensity grazing on soil health. The results suggested that differences in livestock management are relatively unimportant for soil health, at least in semi-arid systems under conditions immediately following a drought. The questionnaire yielded results on outline of management practices, basis of management decisions, consequences of monitoring veld to inform management decisions, and indicators of successful management. Respondents characterized by higher ecological fluency focused on livestock production when making management decisions, stocked at higher densities, and monitored the rangeland ecosystem to inform their decisions. For monitoring the ecosystem, they used bioindicators such as diversity of biota, successional stage, and ecologically important functional groups. We concluded that the development of ecological knowledge in rangeland managers enables the establishment of feedback loops between ecosystem services and services to ecosystems, which are desirable for economic productivity and nature conservation. Development of relevant ecological knowledge and management techniques should be based on forums and dialogue among rangeland managers, developing distributed cognition and resilience in the community of rangeland managers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Boshoff, Mishak
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Livestock – Management --South Africa—Karoo , Range ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60611 , vital:66017
- Description: Rangelands offer great opportunities for mutualisms between nature conservation and economic productivity if positive feedback loops can be identified and described. The effects of different livestock management practices are controversial. This research examined the effect of different grazing intensities on soil health using springtails (Collembola) and ants (Formicidae) as bioindicators, combined with soil and vegetation variables. The relationship between rangeland managers and rangeland ecosystems, particularly with regard to feedback loops between land care and economic production, was also investigated. Bioindicator samples were collected at different treatments of livestock grazing intensity and a questionnaire was submitted to 65 rangeland managers in the semi-arid Nama-Karoo biome of South Africa. In most cases we found no significant relationship between grazing intensity and Collembola and ant community composition, vegetation variables, and soil variables. The few significant relationships we found were contradictory in their implications for the effect of high intensity grazing on soil health. The results suggested that differences in livestock management are relatively unimportant for soil health, at least in semi-arid systems under conditions immediately following a drought. The questionnaire yielded results on outline of management practices, basis of management decisions, consequences of monitoring veld to inform management decisions, and indicators of successful management. Respondents characterized by higher ecological fluency focused on livestock production when making management decisions, stocked at higher densities, and monitored the rangeland ecosystem to inform their decisions. For monitoring the ecosystem, they used bioindicators such as diversity of biota, successional stage, and ecologically important functional groups. We concluded that the development of ecological knowledge in rangeland managers enables the establishment of feedback loops between ecosystem services and services to ecosystems, which are desirable for economic productivity and nature conservation. Development of relevant ecological knowledge and management techniques should be based on forums and dialogue among rangeland managers, developing distributed cognition and resilience in the community of rangeland managers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Efficacy of recapitalisation and development programme: A comparative study of the citrus farms in Amathole district
- Authors: Ndema, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Land reform , Development policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62227 , vital:72019
- Description: The majority of the land reform beneficiaries have remained poor, with some being worse off than before. Despite the various government initiatives to address issues of food insecurity and poverty alleviation, there has been slow progress in terms of producing enough food to ensure local and national food security. In South Africa, the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RECAP) was initiated to alleviate the challenges faced by land redistribution and restitution recipient farmers such as inadequate post-settlement support to increase farms production output in order for them to become successful commercial farms. Several farmers have benefitted from this programme and the have been able to increase production output while others are still struggling, or worse showing zero output. These mixed outcomes call into question the efficacy of RECAP and the need to understand why some farmers are successful while others are not. This study adopted a qualitative comparative case study approach of six RECAP beneficiary citrus farms located in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape as well as their respective strategic partner and mentors. The findings of the study were analysed with the employ of reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that RECAP recipient citrus producers in Amathole have experienced varying degrees of success with access to finance being the key obstacle to success. Significantly, the study found that the challenges around finance do not relate primarily to the purchase of inputs to production, as was the previous understanding, but rather relate to the securing of title deeds and having a history of receiving finance which combined allow farmers to access additional finance when needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers as land reform and food security remain key Development challenges in South Africa that have been exacerbated by climate change. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ndema, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Land reform , Development policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62227 , vital:72019
- Description: The majority of the land reform beneficiaries have remained poor, with some being worse off than before. Despite the various government initiatives to address issues of food insecurity and poverty alleviation, there has been slow progress in terms of producing enough food to ensure local and national food security. In South Africa, the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RECAP) was initiated to alleviate the challenges faced by land redistribution and restitution recipient farmers such as inadequate post-settlement support to increase farms production output in order for them to become successful commercial farms. Several farmers have benefitted from this programme and the have been able to increase production output while others are still struggling, or worse showing zero output. These mixed outcomes call into question the efficacy of RECAP and the need to understand why some farmers are successful while others are not. This study adopted a qualitative comparative case study approach of six RECAP beneficiary citrus farms located in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape as well as their respective strategic partner and mentors. The findings of the study were analysed with the employ of reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that RECAP recipient citrus producers in Amathole have experienced varying degrees of success with access to finance being the key obstacle to success. Significantly, the study found that the challenges around finance do not relate primarily to the purchase of inputs to production, as was the previous understanding, but rather relate to the securing of title deeds and having a history of receiving finance which combined allow farmers to access additional finance when needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers as land reform and food security remain key Development challenges in South Africa that have been exacerbated by climate change. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing whilst implementing remote working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: Pienaar, Johan Edward
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Remote working , Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62344 , vital:72386
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way in which companies conduct their operations. Companies that were characterised by centralised brick and mortar offices had to quickly adapt to a remote work setting to ensure the continuation of operations. This has created difficulties in ensuring that operations continue as per normal without impacting productivity and profitability. Employees are key to organisations in ensuring that a competitive advantage is maintained and achieved. Competitors will be able to copy products, service and processes but they will find it difficult in duplicating the manner in which their employees conduct their daily work activities. Employee engagement and well-being were key for successful organisations pre-COVID-19 in differentiating themselves from competitors. The aim of this study is to assist companies in identifying the drivers of employee engagement and their impact on well-being whilst implementing a remote work setting. The study will more specifically investigate a proposed theoretical model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being. The model proposed that employee engagement and well-being will be impacted by conciliation, cultivation, confidence, compensation and communication. The empirical component of the study was conducted by administering an electronic survey to 110 employees. The survey was administered to a private company that has a national footprint in South Africa. The main findings of this study confirmed that the factors proposed in the model will have a significant impact on employee engagement and that employee engagement will impact well-being. The study found additional variables such as communication personal, communication infrastructure, employer care and intrusion of work into private life that will impact employee engagement. Furthermore, it was found that all the drivers will influence employee well-being. The findings found that employee engagement and well-being will be interdependent on each other. The study concluded by proposing a new model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being in a remote work setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pienaar, Johan Edward
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Remote working , Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62344 , vital:72386
- Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way in which companies conduct their operations. Companies that were characterised by centralised brick and mortar offices had to quickly adapt to a remote work setting to ensure the continuation of operations. This has created difficulties in ensuring that operations continue as per normal without impacting productivity and profitability. Employees are key to organisations in ensuring that a competitive advantage is maintained and achieved. Competitors will be able to copy products, service and processes but they will find it difficult in duplicating the manner in which their employees conduct their daily work activities. Employee engagement and well-being were key for successful organisations pre-COVID-19 in differentiating themselves from competitors. The aim of this study is to assist companies in identifying the drivers of employee engagement and their impact on well-being whilst implementing a remote work setting. The study will more specifically investigate a proposed theoretical model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being. The model proposed that employee engagement and well-being will be impacted by conciliation, cultivation, confidence, compensation and communication. The empirical component of the study was conducted by administering an electronic survey to 110 employees. The survey was administered to a private company that has a national footprint in South Africa. The main findings of this study confirmed that the factors proposed in the model will have a significant impact on employee engagement and that employee engagement will impact well-being. The study found additional variables such as communication personal, communication infrastructure, employer care and intrusion of work into private life that will impact employee engagement. Furthermore, it was found that all the drivers will influence employee well-being. The findings found that employee engagement and well-being will be interdependent on each other. The study concluded by proposing a new model towards increasing employee engagement and well-being in a remote work setting. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Evaluating provisioning and cultural ecosystem services in two contracting estuaries in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Booi Siphesihle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: estuaries -- Gqeberha , ecosystem services , Economic value added
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60982 , vital:69585
- Description: Estuaries are notable for their biodiversity, productive and invertible fisheries, and significant capacities. This study assesses the economic value of the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in Algoa Bay, Gqeberha, to estuary users and local communities1 . The data was collected from December 2021 to April 2022, during the summer and autumn seasons. The seasons are considered peak times; however, international travel was restricted during Covid-19 level one lockdown. The study employs both the Travel Cost method and the Choice experiment method. Based on the findings, anglers and bait collectors in Swartkops Estuary sell their catches for an average of R77.41. The majority of these anglers and bait collectors earn between R0 and R1 583 per month and rely on catch and bait for a living, with the majority of participants benefiting from provisioning ecosystem service. Sundays estuary users, on the other hand, primarily use the estuary for recreational purposes. Anglers visiting Swartkops and Sundays estuaries spend R4 709 128 and R2 203 158 annually on food and beverages, fuel/transport costs, bait. This contributes R7 534 572.67 and R3 525 052.18 to the local economy in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality based on the multiplier. The study emphasizes the importance of estuary management and monitoring to preserve and protect them for future generations. The primary issue is to extract resources from the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in a sustainable manner while also protecting them. Estuaries can help grow the economy if managed well and used in a sustainable way. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Booi Siphesihle
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: estuaries -- Gqeberha , ecosystem services , Economic value added
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60982 , vital:69585
- Description: Estuaries are notable for their biodiversity, productive and invertible fisheries, and significant capacities. This study assesses the economic value of the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in Algoa Bay, Gqeberha, to estuary users and local communities1 . The data was collected from December 2021 to April 2022, during the summer and autumn seasons. The seasons are considered peak times; however, international travel was restricted during Covid-19 level one lockdown. The study employs both the Travel Cost method and the Choice experiment method. Based on the findings, anglers and bait collectors in Swartkops Estuary sell their catches for an average of R77.41. The majority of these anglers and bait collectors earn between R0 and R1 583 per month and rely on catch and bait for a living, with the majority of participants benefiting from provisioning ecosystem service. Sundays estuary users, on the other hand, primarily use the estuary for recreational purposes. Anglers visiting Swartkops and Sundays estuaries spend R4 709 128 and R2 203 158 annually on food and beverages, fuel/transport costs, bait. This contributes R7 534 572.67 and R3 525 052.18 to the local economy in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality based on the multiplier. The study emphasizes the importance of estuary management and monitoring to preserve and protect them for future generations. The primary issue is to extract resources from the Swartkops and Sundays estuaries in a sustainable manner while also protecting them. Estuaries can help grow the economy if managed well and used in a sustainable way. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Exploring African vs Western values: A Case Study of Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Sector
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumelo Luvuyo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Public works , Conflict of interest
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62275 , vital:72369
- Description: This study explored African versus (vs) Western values on managing conflict of interest in the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (ECPDWI). This research was evoked by the ethical challenges of gift giving, procurement and recruitment processes, which give rise to conflicts of interest. These challenges are caused by difficulties in applying public sector policy instruments to manage such conflicts of interest. These policies were developed on foundations of Western values, whereas most public servants subscribe to an African value system, hence there is conflict. This study explored the implications of these values in the management of conflicts of interest. The study was conducted using qualitative research and purposive sampling was used. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and a 60% participation rate was attained. This research enhances policy instruments to manage conflicts of interest within ECDPWI. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse, interpret and report on the data. Findings were reported under thematic headings of gift giving and receiving, conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment, including relevance of the code of conduct and policies. The study found dichotomous views on gift giving from African and Western values perspectives. African perspectives believe that conflict of interest policies do not reflect the values of Ubuntu, which drives Africans’ human behaviour. The study observed that the mechanisms of managing conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment are inadequate and ineffective from both an African and Western perspective. The study established that a code of conduct was irrelevant in managing conflicts of interest from African perspectives. Recommendations included amongst others, a review of the gift policy to consider observations identified on African gift giving, structured awareness programmes, strengthened accountability on managing conflicts of interest within procurement and recruitment respectively. Additionally, the development of a framework to manage conflict of interest within ECDPWI taking into consideration both African and Western values perspectives, was recommended. This study enhances scholarly debate on exploring African ethics within a business context, by suggesting a synthesis of African and Western values towards managing conflicts of interest in the South African public sector. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nkohla, Tumelo Luvuyo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Public works , Conflict of interest
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62275 , vital:72369
- Description: This study explored African versus (vs) Western values on managing conflict of interest in the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (ECPDWI). This research was evoked by the ethical challenges of gift giving, procurement and recruitment processes, which give rise to conflicts of interest. These challenges are caused by difficulties in applying public sector policy instruments to manage such conflicts of interest. These policies were developed on foundations of Western values, whereas most public servants subscribe to an African value system, hence there is conflict. This study explored the implications of these values in the management of conflicts of interest. The study was conducted using qualitative research and purposive sampling was used. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and a 60% participation rate was attained. This research enhances policy instruments to manage conflicts of interest within ECDPWI. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse, interpret and report on the data. Findings were reported under thematic headings of gift giving and receiving, conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment, including relevance of the code of conduct and policies. The study found dichotomous views on gift giving from African and Western values perspectives. African perspectives believe that conflict of interest policies do not reflect the values of Ubuntu, which drives Africans’ human behaviour. The study observed that the mechanisms of managing conflicts of interest in procurement and recruitment are inadequate and ineffective from both an African and Western perspective. The study established that a code of conduct was irrelevant in managing conflicts of interest from African perspectives. Recommendations included amongst others, a review of the gift policy to consider observations identified on African gift giving, structured awareness programmes, strengthened accountability on managing conflicts of interest within procurement and recruitment respectively. Additionally, the development of a framework to manage conflict of interest within ECDPWI taking into consideration both African and Western values perspectives, was recommended. This study enhances scholarly debate on exploring African ethics within a business context, by suggesting a synthesis of African and Western values towards managing conflicts of interest in the South African public sector. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Exploring strategies that enhance a safety culture in mitigating the number of safety incidents at Eskom.
- Authors: Ngeva, Unathi Felix
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: safety culture , Electrical injuries , Safety incidents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62260 , vital:72368
- Description: Ever since its emergence during the 1980’s, safety culture has become a topical subject in high-risk industries such as electricity generation, construction, mining, and many others. Eskom in particular has paid a considerable amount of attention on the issue of safety in general. Although the company has made safety one of its focal points through its SHEQ Policy and various interventions in an endeavour to promote safety culture in the organisation, its safety statistics are showing that safety incidents are continuing to happen. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources which highlighted various causes of employee injury-related incidents at Eskom which range from fall on same level, motor vehicle accidents, struck by, and others. In an endeavour to assist the company to enhance a safety culture so that it can achieve its value of ‘Zero Harm’, this study focuses on different modalities that can be developed to improve the status quo. It examines ways that can be followed towards improving the safety relationship between management and employees which in turn will result in an improved overall safety culture of the organisation. In so doing, managements’ perceptions regarding the safety culture that is currently in place as well as the employee’s attitudes towards safety standards were used to gain insights into the organisation’s safety climate on safety behaviour while examining the existing safety culture. To realise the empirical objectives of the study, a pragmatic research paradigm was adopted. This approach involved the use of both a qualitative research method, namely, a focus group, and a quantitative research method, namely, a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Meanwhile, data collected during interviews was analysed using a thematic analysis. Key findings from this study point mainly to the level of mistrust between employees and the safety leadership, which, if left unattended will have a knock-on-effect not only to the safety culture but to the entire organisational culture. Based on the meaningful results uncovered by this study, various recommendations that are aimed at enhancing a safety culture in the organisation were made. Among these recommendations, it was suggested that coaching and mentorship programmes be introduced and allow employees to champion some of the safety programmes to enhance morale and safety accountability. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngeva, Unathi Felix
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: safety culture , Electrical injuries , Safety incidents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62260 , vital:72368
- Description: Ever since its emergence during the 1980’s, safety culture has become a topical subject in high-risk industries such as electricity generation, construction, mining, and many others. Eskom in particular has paid a considerable amount of attention on the issue of safety in general. Although the company has made safety one of its focal points through its SHEQ Policy and various interventions in an endeavour to promote safety culture in the organisation, its safety statistics are showing that safety incidents are continuing to happen. To commence the inquiry, a literature review was conducted on secondary sources which highlighted various causes of employee injury-related incidents at Eskom which range from fall on same level, motor vehicle accidents, struck by, and others. In an endeavour to assist the company to enhance a safety culture so that it can achieve its value of ‘Zero Harm’, this study focuses on different modalities that can be developed to improve the status quo. It examines ways that can be followed towards improving the safety relationship between management and employees which in turn will result in an improved overall safety culture of the organisation. In so doing, managements’ perceptions regarding the safety culture that is currently in place as well as the employee’s attitudes towards safety standards were used to gain insights into the organisation’s safety climate on safety behaviour while examining the existing safety culture. To realise the empirical objectives of the study, a pragmatic research paradigm was adopted. This approach involved the use of both a qualitative research method, namely, a focus group, and a quantitative research method, namely, a questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 26. Meanwhile, data collected during interviews was analysed using a thematic analysis. Key findings from this study point mainly to the level of mistrust between employees and the safety leadership, which, if left unattended will have a knock-on-effect not only to the safety culture but to the entire organisational culture. Based on the meaningful results uncovered by this study, various recommendations that are aimed at enhancing a safety culture in the organisation were made. Among these recommendations, it was suggested that coaching and mentorship programmes be introduced and allow employees to champion some of the safety programmes to enhance morale and safety accountability. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors affecting pinniped skull morphology
- Authors: Penaluna, Julia Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: hybridisation -- South Africa , Sexual dimorphism (Animals) , Craniology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61306 , vital:70077
- Description: Morphologies have evolved due to trade-offs between competing selective pressures. This is especially true for the skull. Not only does it contain the brain and the organs that are responsible for sensory function, but it is also contains components that play important roles in feeding, breathing, balance, defence, aggression and communication. The pinnipeds, a group of species that has evolved from terrestrial origins and became adapted to the marine environment, are under numerous selective pressures within the marine environment. These species have had to evolve in order to capture and process food underwater, and to dive. In addition, they are also characterised by substantial sexual size dimorphism in some species. Pinnipeds also make use of numerous marine and haul-out habitats with varying characteristics and complexity. Hybridisation has been recorded among pinnipeds, resulting in the production of hybrid offspring with characteristics that are different to their parent species. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of these life history characteristics on skull and mandible morphology of pinniped species using three dimensional geometric morphometrics. To achieve this, 43 skull and 15 mandible 3D landmarks were collected using a Microscribe G2X digitizer with 0.2mm accuracy, on the skull and mandibles of 17 species of pinnipeds across three families, and one hybrid species. In total, 96 specimens across these species were examined. Data on the different life history characteristics of each species were collected from the literature. These data were plotted onto the PCA results in order to create and visually compare minimum convex polygons for each life history category. The results found that phylogeny, feeding strategy and sexual dimorphism were the most important factors in explaining differences in pinniped skull and mandible shape and size. may have resulted in these changes. Similarly, the inclusion of more species, covering a broader range of life histories may be beneficial. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Penaluna, Julia Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: hybridisation -- South Africa , Sexual dimorphism (Animals) , Craniology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61306 , vital:70077
- Description: Morphologies have evolved due to trade-offs between competing selective pressures. This is especially true for the skull. Not only does it contain the brain and the organs that are responsible for sensory function, but it is also contains components that play important roles in feeding, breathing, balance, defence, aggression and communication. The pinnipeds, a group of species that has evolved from terrestrial origins and became adapted to the marine environment, are under numerous selective pressures within the marine environment. These species have had to evolve in order to capture and process food underwater, and to dive. In addition, they are also characterised by substantial sexual size dimorphism in some species. Pinnipeds also make use of numerous marine and haul-out habitats with varying characteristics and complexity. Hybridisation has been recorded among pinnipeds, resulting in the production of hybrid offspring with characteristics that are different to their parent species. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of these life history characteristics on skull and mandible morphology of pinniped species using three dimensional geometric morphometrics. To achieve this, 43 skull and 15 mandible 3D landmarks were collected using a Microscribe G2X digitizer with 0.2mm accuracy, on the skull and mandibles of 17 species of pinnipeds across three families, and one hybrid species. In total, 96 specimens across these species were examined. Data on the different life history characteristics of each species were collected from the literature. These data were plotted onto the PCA results in order to create and visually compare minimum convex polygons for each life history category. The results found that phylogeny, feeding strategy and sexual dimorphism were the most important factors in explaining differences in pinniped skull and mandible shape and size. may have resulted in these changes. Similarly, the inclusion of more species, covering a broader range of life histories may be beneficial. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors influencing consumers’ adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Rusike, Christabel
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Consumer movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62380 , vital:72643
- Description: In a world where technology is evolving at an alarming rate there have been so many advancements and developments in the marketing field and how consumers engage in accessing products and services. In general, a great body of literature on information technology shows evidence that areas such as mobile banking and organisational technology adoption have been explored. However, limited attention has been dedicated to consumer adoption or acceptance stages of technology, particularly chatbots in the South African context. Apart from that, during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, consumers had to adjust to mainly doing transactions online as there was a restriction in accessing banking halls. Given this backdrop, the aim of this study is to address this particular research gap through investigating factors influencing consumers’ adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities in the South African banking industry. The research was inspired and constructed upon three research theories, namely Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), The Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoIT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Based on these theories, a hypothesised model was formulated with eight independent variables, namely Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Facilitating Conditions, Price Value, Hedonic Motivation, Social Influence, Perceived Compatibility and Relative Advantage. The dependent variable was put forward as Chatbot Adoption. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were selected for this study, utilising a quantitative research methodology. In addressing the objectives of the study, secondary data was collected through the internet, magazines, newspapers, articles, journals and books to aid in completing the literature chapters and construction of the measuring instrument. Primary data was also collected through a self-administered questionnaire which was created on QuestionPro and the link was distributed to the respondents. The population under study were consumers of the banking industry products and services in South Africa. The target respondents consisted of consumers who hold valid bank account and have used or experienced online activities within the banking sector. A non-probability vii sampling method through convenience and snowball sampling was adopted to recruit the respondents. Data were obtained from 151 usable survey questionnaires. The data collected from the respondents was coded and captured on a Microsoft excel spreadsheet which was then followed by analysing of data using IBM SPSS version 16. From the analysed results, all the suggested independent variables were retained as the respondents confirm in varying degrees the influence on behaviour that the factors have. The study found that the eight independent factors have practical and statistically significant correlation with consumer adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities within the South African banking industry. In addition, the inferential ranking of the factors indicates that Relative Advantage, Perceived Usefulness and Price Value fall under one group of significant factors perceived by consumers in their decision to adopt chatbot assisted marketing activities. It can therefore be concluded that it is useful for the banking industry to implement the identified factors and recommendations offered to enhance the use of chatbots in consumers’ online banking activities as the responses obtained are in general favourable. The study thus contributes theoretically and practically to the body of knowledge particularly digital marketing through chatbots in the banking sector. Therefore, the findings can be useful for financial marketing, digital banking and the suggested model can help the marketing and artificial intelligence departments in the banking industry in the decision-making process. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Rusike, Christabel
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Consumer movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62380 , vital:72643
- Description: In a world where technology is evolving at an alarming rate there have been so many advancements and developments in the marketing field and how consumers engage in accessing products and services. In general, a great body of literature on information technology shows evidence that areas such as mobile banking and organisational technology adoption have been explored. However, limited attention has been dedicated to consumer adoption or acceptance stages of technology, particularly chatbots in the South African context. Apart from that, during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic, consumers had to adjust to mainly doing transactions online as there was a restriction in accessing banking halls. Given this backdrop, the aim of this study is to address this particular research gap through investigating factors influencing consumers’ adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities in the South African banking industry. The research was inspired and constructed upon three research theories, namely Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), The Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoIT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). Based on these theories, a hypothesised model was formulated with eight independent variables, namely Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Facilitating Conditions, Price Value, Hedonic Motivation, Social Influence, Perceived Compatibility and Relative Advantage. The dependent variable was put forward as Chatbot Adoption. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were selected for this study, utilising a quantitative research methodology. In addressing the objectives of the study, secondary data was collected through the internet, magazines, newspapers, articles, journals and books to aid in completing the literature chapters and construction of the measuring instrument. Primary data was also collected through a self-administered questionnaire which was created on QuestionPro and the link was distributed to the respondents. The population under study were consumers of the banking industry products and services in South Africa. The target respondents consisted of consumers who hold valid bank account and have used or experienced online activities within the banking sector. A non-probability vii sampling method through convenience and snowball sampling was adopted to recruit the respondents. Data were obtained from 151 usable survey questionnaires. The data collected from the respondents was coded and captured on a Microsoft excel spreadsheet which was then followed by analysing of data using IBM SPSS version 16. From the analysed results, all the suggested independent variables were retained as the respondents confirm in varying degrees the influence on behaviour that the factors have. The study found that the eight independent factors have practical and statistically significant correlation with consumer adoption of chatbot assisted marketing activities within the South African banking industry. In addition, the inferential ranking of the factors indicates that Relative Advantage, Perceived Usefulness and Price Value fall under one group of significant factors perceived by consumers in their decision to adopt chatbot assisted marketing activities. It can therefore be concluded that it is useful for the banking industry to implement the identified factors and recommendations offered to enhance the use of chatbots in consumers’ online banking activities as the responses obtained are in general favourable. The study thus contributes theoretically and practically to the body of knowledge particularly digital marketing through chatbots in the banking sector. Therefore, the findings can be useful for financial marketing, digital banking and the suggested model can help the marketing and artificial intelligence departments in the banking industry in the decision-making process. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors that contribute to an optimal omnichannel retail experience: A South African perspective
- Authors: Hopa, Tandazile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Business planning , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61339 , vital:70374
- Description: The increase in the number of channels driven by technology trajectory over the years have led to a change in customer behaviour. Customers move around different retailer platforms during a single purchase; even so customers still expect a superior and seamless customer experience while navigating these channels. The present study built on studies conducted in countries such as China, Spain, India, United Kingdom amongst others to determine if the learnings from these countries can be applied in the South African context. This study used an interpretivist phenomenological approach and interviewed a qualitative sample of participants to gain insights on their experiences while shopping in these retailers. This study will assist Information Technology managers with prioritisation of their technology roadmaps. This study will also contribute to computer science studies because programmers will have a context of a customer’s perspective when developing omnichannel solutions. Lastly, the study can be used by governments and policy makers in developing national strategic plans relating to shared economy because the study highlights the need to omnichannel retailing in remote areas. The findings from the research were summarised into five themes customer experience, convenience, product, support, and security. The optimal South African omnichannel retail experience is one that allows the customer to seamlessly move across channels by integrating the retailing mix elements of product, place, promotion, price. To achieve this experience, retailers must integrate the customer’s profile information and ensure that the customer’s payment details are secure and are able to seamlessly login in all the retailer platforms. Contrary to the researcher’s expectations, South African customers do not expect an omnichannel support. They expect to keep online support separate from in-store support. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Hopa, Tandazile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Business planning , Consumer satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61339 , vital:70374
- Description: The increase in the number of channels driven by technology trajectory over the years have led to a change in customer behaviour. Customers move around different retailer platforms during a single purchase; even so customers still expect a superior and seamless customer experience while navigating these channels. The present study built on studies conducted in countries such as China, Spain, India, United Kingdom amongst others to determine if the learnings from these countries can be applied in the South African context. This study used an interpretivist phenomenological approach and interviewed a qualitative sample of participants to gain insights on their experiences while shopping in these retailers. This study will assist Information Technology managers with prioritisation of their technology roadmaps. This study will also contribute to computer science studies because programmers will have a context of a customer’s perspective when developing omnichannel solutions. Lastly, the study can be used by governments and policy makers in developing national strategic plans relating to shared economy because the study highlights the need to omnichannel retailing in remote areas. The findings from the research were summarised into five themes customer experience, convenience, product, support, and security. The optimal South African omnichannel retail experience is one that allows the customer to seamlessly move across channels by integrating the retailing mix elements of product, place, promotion, price. To achieve this experience, retailers must integrate the customer’s profile information and ensure that the customer’s payment details are secure and are able to seamlessly login in all the retailer platforms. Contrary to the researcher’s expectations, South African customers do not expect an omnichannel support. They expect to keep online support separate from in-store support. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors that influence the success of total quality management (TGM) practices in a South African (SA) automotive organisation
- Authors: Makone, Tlangelani Sandra
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Automotive Industry , Total Quality Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62113 , vital:71996
- Description: The South African automotive industry is a key driver of the economy and industrialisation of the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on many industries globally. In the automotive industry, Covid-19 affected the supply chain resulting in a shortage of semi-conductors, which are essential in the microchips used in the vehicle assembly process. The delays in supply resulted in decreased production volumes and thus a decline in sales which has had an adverse effect on the economic growth of the industry. Therefore, the automotive industry must be sustainable and agile to be competitive globally. This study aimed to focus on total quality management (TQM) practices as a tool for competitive advantage. TQM is significant for sustainability, business continuity and competitive advantage. The study highlights the relevance of TQM practices in the global automotive industry and in South Africa where the study was performed. The organisations at the base of the study are multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that manufacture passenger vehicles for both local and export markets. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between leadership support, quality culture, education and training, structure and resources, and strategic quality plan as the independent variables and TQM practices as the dependent variable. A closed-ended online survey with 70 respondents was employed to collect the data from the OEMs. The findings are that there is a positive and significant correlation between the variables. Leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning have more influence on the success of TQM practices. Education and training, and structure and resources have a moderate influence on TQM practices. Managers in quality assurance and production in automotive organisations need to prioritise leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning for TQM practices to succeed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Makone, Tlangelani Sandra
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Automotive Industry , Total Quality Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62113 , vital:71996
- Description: The South African automotive industry is a key driver of the economy and industrialisation of the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on many industries globally. In the automotive industry, Covid-19 affected the supply chain resulting in a shortage of semi-conductors, which are essential in the microchips used in the vehicle assembly process. The delays in supply resulted in decreased production volumes and thus a decline in sales which has had an adverse effect on the economic growth of the industry. Therefore, the automotive industry must be sustainable and agile to be competitive globally. This study aimed to focus on total quality management (TQM) practices as a tool for competitive advantage. TQM is significant for sustainability, business continuity and competitive advantage. The study highlights the relevance of TQM practices in the global automotive industry and in South Africa where the study was performed. The organisations at the base of the study are multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that manufacture passenger vehicles for both local and export markets. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between leadership support, quality culture, education and training, structure and resources, and strategic quality plan as the independent variables and TQM practices as the dependent variable. A closed-ended online survey with 70 respondents was employed to collect the data from the OEMs. The findings are that there is a positive and significant correlation between the variables. Leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning have more influence on the success of TQM practices. Education and training, and structure and resources have a moderate influence on TQM practices. Managers in quality assurance and production in automotive organisations need to prioritise leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning for TQM practices to succeed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Financial sector development, financial innovation and economic growth: case of a selected SADC countries
- Mpukumpa, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7342-8751
- Authors: Mpukumpa, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7342-8751
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- Africa, Southern , Investments -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26852 , vital:66036
- Description: The financial sector plays a pivotal role in an economy of a country; hence the importance of financial sector development cannot be underestimated. Financial sector development is widely regarded as another conduit through which financial innovation and economic growth can be alleviated. The study firstly empirically examines the effect of financial sector development on financial innovation and also the impact of financial sector development and financial innovation on economic growth in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, employing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1990 to 2020. Empirical results revealed that financial sector development overall does have an impact on financial innovation in the selected SADC countries. And also, financial sector development together with financial innovation does have an impact on economic growth in the selected SADC countries. However, on the relationship between financial system stability, financial innovation and economic growth, results reveal that a stable financial system is beneficial to new technological advancement and improved economic growth. Therefore, the overall findings from the study indicate that financial access or financial inclusion and financial stability is what increases financial innovation and boosts economic growth instead of mere financial sector development at a broader level. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mpukumpa, Siphosethu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7342-8751
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Financial services industry -- Africa, Southern , Investments -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26852 , vital:66036
- Description: The financial sector plays a pivotal role in an economy of a country; hence the importance of financial sector development cannot be underestimated. Financial sector development is widely regarded as another conduit through which financial innovation and economic growth can be alleviated. The study firstly empirically examines the effect of financial sector development on financial innovation and also the impact of financial sector development and financial innovation on economic growth in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, employing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1990 to 2020. Empirical results revealed that financial sector development overall does have an impact on financial innovation in the selected SADC countries. And also, financial sector development together with financial innovation does have an impact on economic growth in the selected SADC countries. However, on the relationship between financial system stability, financial innovation and economic growth, results reveal that a stable financial system is beneficial to new technological advancement and improved economic growth. Therefore, the overall findings from the study indicate that financial access or financial inclusion and financial stability is what increases financial innovation and boosts economic growth instead of mere financial sector development at a broader level. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Fiscal consolidation and economic growth: a comparison of South Africa and selected three OECD countries
- Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Authors: Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fiscal consolidation , Economic growth -- South Africa , OECD countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62142 , vital:72001
- Description: The study examined the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa (SA) in comparison with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The study emphasizes the use of fiscal consolidation as a tool to stimulate economic growth and reduce the budget deficit, focusing on the reforms of public revenues and expenditures. Moreover, the study employed the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model to explore the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in SA and three OECD countries from the period 1990 - 2018. The cointegration analysis confirmed the existence of cointegration between the variables which suggested that there is a long-run relationship among the variables. As a result, both long and short run dynamic models were evaluated. The result of the study shows that fiscal consolidation positively affects economic growth in South Africa in the long run, whilst in OECD countries fiscal consolidation negatively affects economic growth, both in the short and long run. Low government debt in South Africa due to lower deficit translated to a higher economic growth whilst higher debt level in OECD countries due to higher government spending translated to higher economic growth, one of the main differences in the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa and OECD countries is their spending pattern. Majority of South Africa’s budget is spent on inefficient state-owned enterprises, which have accounted for the bulk of government contingent liabilities, resulting in high borrowing costs, which consequently lead to high borrowing cost, thus the rising central government debt as a percentage of GDP. Unlike in SA, OECD countries spend towards capital expenditure specifically in priority areas such as infrastructure, Technology, and transport hence their high debt levels result in higher economic growth. In attempt to stimulate South Africa's economic growth, it is recommended that South Africa implement effective fiscal consolidations based on expenditure adjustments rather than revenue adjustments, as expenditure adjustments are more likely to reduce deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios and are more effective. In addition, the South African fiscal stimulus package can be used to invest more in infrastructure to increase private capital accumulation and stimulate economic growth. However, South Africa must exercise caution when reducing expenditures to avoid a reduction in development spending, which could lead to a decline in unemployment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fiscal consolidation , Economic growth -- South Africa , OECD countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62142 , vital:72001
- Description: The study examined the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa (SA) in comparison with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The study emphasizes the use of fiscal consolidation as a tool to stimulate economic growth and reduce the budget deficit, focusing on the reforms of public revenues and expenditures. Moreover, the study employed the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model to explore the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in SA and three OECD countries from the period 1990 - 2018. The cointegration analysis confirmed the existence of cointegration between the variables which suggested that there is a long-run relationship among the variables. As a result, both long and short run dynamic models were evaluated. The result of the study shows that fiscal consolidation positively affects economic growth in South Africa in the long run, whilst in OECD countries fiscal consolidation negatively affects economic growth, both in the short and long run. Low government debt in South Africa due to lower deficit translated to a higher economic growth whilst higher debt level in OECD countries due to higher government spending translated to higher economic growth, one of the main differences in the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa and OECD countries is their spending pattern. Majority of South Africa’s budget is spent on inefficient state-owned enterprises, which have accounted for the bulk of government contingent liabilities, resulting in high borrowing costs, which consequently lead to high borrowing cost, thus the rising central government debt as a percentage of GDP. Unlike in SA, OECD countries spend towards capital expenditure specifically in priority areas such as infrastructure, Technology, and transport hence their high debt levels result in higher economic growth. In attempt to stimulate South Africa's economic growth, it is recommended that South Africa implement effective fiscal consolidations based on expenditure adjustments rather than revenue adjustments, as expenditure adjustments are more likely to reduce deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios and are more effective. In addition, the South African fiscal stimulus package can be used to invest more in infrastructure to increase private capital accumulation and stimulate economic growth. However, South Africa must exercise caution when reducing expenditures to avoid a reduction in development spending, which could lead to a decline in unemployment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Foreign aid and Human Development Indicators: Evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Interactive visualisation of electricity usage in smart environments
- Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Investigating Funding Challenges Experienced by SMMEs in Komani, South Africa
- Authors: Doku, Daniel Korku
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development projects--Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61165 , vital:69790
- Description: All around the world there are small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) that help by creating jobs and contributing to gross domestic product. However, funding is a major problem that limits the growth and development of SMMEs. Funding challenges have increased, hence the need for research to be conducted in Komani, in South Africa‟s Eastern Cape Province, to see how the challenge can be overcome. This research aims at investigating the funding challenges experienced by SMMEs in Komani. The objectives of the research were to: evaluate the effect of funding challenges on the number of people employed in SMMEs; establish reasons why SMMEs fail to obtain funding from major financial institutions; to examine the avenues available for funding SMMEs; and to recommend to policymakers and SMMEs how to solve the problem of funding. However, previous research in Komani has not managed to investigate this problem with regard to the research process and the method used. This research is based on the positivistic paradigm and used the quantitative method to investigate the funding challenges. The research population was 441 SMMEs; of them 82 SMMEs were sampled using questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using Excel and Stata. Pearson Chi-square test of association from Stata and Excel Analysis ToolPak were used. The study found that most SMMEs use retained earnings and informal funding to finance their operations. It also found that most SMMEs were unaware of government support agencies like SEFA. The research recommends that more must be done to raise awareness on a regular basis to make sure that all SMMEs are aware of the financial support system that the government has for the SMMEs. Financial institutions will need to lower their requirements when SMMEs apply for finance. Finally, SMMEs are supported financially by both the government and the private sector to employ more people. However, the government could also create a guarantee scheme for SMMEs to ensure successful credit applications , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Doku, Daniel Korku
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development projects--Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61165 , vital:69790
- Description: All around the world there are small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) that help by creating jobs and contributing to gross domestic product. However, funding is a major problem that limits the growth and development of SMMEs. Funding challenges have increased, hence the need for research to be conducted in Komani, in South Africa‟s Eastern Cape Province, to see how the challenge can be overcome. This research aims at investigating the funding challenges experienced by SMMEs in Komani. The objectives of the research were to: evaluate the effect of funding challenges on the number of people employed in SMMEs; establish reasons why SMMEs fail to obtain funding from major financial institutions; to examine the avenues available for funding SMMEs; and to recommend to policymakers and SMMEs how to solve the problem of funding. However, previous research in Komani has not managed to investigate this problem with regard to the research process and the method used. This research is based on the positivistic paradigm and used the quantitative method to investigate the funding challenges. The research population was 441 SMMEs; of them 82 SMMEs were sampled using questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using Excel and Stata. Pearson Chi-square test of association from Stata and Excel Analysis ToolPak were used. The study found that most SMMEs use retained earnings and informal funding to finance their operations. It also found that most SMMEs were unaware of government support agencies like SEFA. The research recommends that more must be done to raise awareness on a regular basis to make sure that all SMMEs are aware of the financial support system that the government has for the SMMEs. Financial institutions will need to lower their requirements when SMMEs apply for finance. Finally, SMMEs are supported financially by both the government and the private sector to employ more people. However, the government could also create a guarantee scheme for SMMEs to ensure successful credit applications , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Investigating the role of UAVs and convolutional neural networks in the identification of invasive plant species in the Albany Thicket
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Wesson, Frank Cameron
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Drone aircraft -- Control systems , Drone -- South Africa , Albany Thicket -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61097 , vital:69755
- Description: The study aimed to determine whether plant species could be classified by using high resolution aerial imagery and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The full capabilities of a CNN were examined including testing whether the platform could be used for land cover and the evaluation of land change over time. A drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the aerial data of the study area, and 45 subplots were used for the image analysis. The CNN was coded and operated in RStudio, and digitised data from the input imagery were used as training and validation data by the programme to learn features. Four classifications were performed using various quantities of input data to access the performance of the neural network. In addition, tests were performed to understand whether the CNN could be used as a land cover and land change detection tool. Accuracy assessments were done on the results to test reliability and accuracy. The best-performing classification achieved an average user and producer accuracy of above 90%, while the overall accuracy was 93%, and the kappa coefficient score was 0.86. The CNN was also able to predict the land coverage area of Opuntia to be within 4% of the ground truthing data area. A change in land cover over time was detected by the programme after the manual clearing of the invasive plant had been undertaken. This research has determined that the use of a CNN in remote sensing is a very powerful tool for supervised image classifications and that it can be used for monitoring land cover by accurately estimating the spatial distribution of plant species and by monitoring the species' growth or decline over time. A CNN could also be used as a tool for landowners to prove that they are making efforts to clear invasive species from their land. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Investigating thermoregulatory responses of rhabdomys pumilio at high wet-bulb temperatures
- Authors: Hartley, Oliver
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Heat stress physiology , Small mammal thermoregulation -- South Africa , Climate change - Wet-bulb temperature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60873 , vital:68916
- Description: As the Anthropocene continues to be characterised by ever rising temperature highs, increasingly sporadic and extreme climatic events, and their accompanying mass mortality events, climate scientists now warn that the continued climate destabilisation may for the first time in recorded history prevent terrestrial homeothermic endotherms from being able to thermoregulate. Having evolved to maintain body temperatures (Tbs) well above their ambient (Ta) conditions, these endotherms have evolved a suite of adaptations to a colder environment to allow for homeothermic thermoregulation to occur. However, by the same vein, having evolved in a colder climate to stay warm also has led to a reduced capacity to prevent heat stress when temperature conditions are elevated. In absence of behavioural counter measures, the only physiological means available to thermoregulation to prevent such heat stress is that of evaporative water loss (EWL). If still inefficient, the endotherm will risk becoming hyperthermic. Literature has established that excessive heat exposure or reduced evaporative cooling capacities strain or retard thermoregulatory processes. If an endotherm experiences severe heat exposure, the rate at which passive heating is experienced will increase. Should an endotherm be in a humid environment, evaporative cooling efficiency is reduced. As a result, these two abiotic factors are therefore known to contribute towards heat storage, and therefore thermal stress. However, should both factors occur in the same environment, the heat stress effects are compounded, creating an environment dangerous for thermoregulating endotherms. For this reason, authors have emphasised that future wet-bulb (Tw) conditions may pose a penultimate threat to thermoregulating endotherms. Being a measure of coldest temperature attainable as a result of evaporative cooling, Tw has been proposed to represent a lower temperature thermal limit to endothermic thermoregulation. Once reaching a 2°C differential below an endotherms Tb (Tb – Tw = 2˚C), Tw is believed to impede the evaporative cooling process and, consequentially, commit endotherms to becoming hyperthermic. Considering that most mammals defend constant Tbs within the range of predicted Tw maxima increases that future Tw conditions may pose a significant threat to mammalian thermoregulation. However, to date, despite being well supported in the literature, ii empirical investigations into how extreme Tw conditions will affect endothermic thermoregulation are scant. Therefore, understanding of the proposed inhibitory nature of extreme Tw conditions is lacking. Considering that such conditions are to have a profound effect of endothermic survival, this dearth in understanding could prove fatal. As such, this thesis sought to provide evidence on how extreme Tw conditions may affect thermoregulatory processes in homeothermic endotherms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Hartley, Oliver
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Heat stress physiology , Small mammal thermoregulation -- South Africa , Climate change - Wet-bulb temperature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60873 , vital:68916
- Description: As the Anthropocene continues to be characterised by ever rising temperature highs, increasingly sporadic and extreme climatic events, and their accompanying mass mortality events, climate scientists now warn that the continued climate destabilisation may for the first time in recorded history prevent terrestrial homeothermic endotherms from being able to thermoregulate. Having evolved to maintain body temperatures (Tbs) well above their ambient (Ta) conditions, these endotherms have evolved a suite of adaptations to a colder environment to allow for homeothermic thermoregulation to occur. However, by the same vein, having evolved in a colder climate to stay warm also has led to a reduced capacity to prevent heat stress when temperature conditions are elevated. In absence of behavioural counter measures, the only physiological means available to thermoregulation to prevent such heat stress is that of evaporative water loss (EWL). If still inefficient, the endotherm will risk becoming hyperthermic. Literature has established that excessive heat exposure or reduced evaporative cooling capacities strain or retard thermoregulatory processes. If an endotherm experiences severe heat exposure, the rate at which passive heating is experienced will increase. Should an endotherm be in a humid environment, evaporative cooling efficiency is reduced. As a result, these two abiotic factors are therefore known to contribute towards heat storage, and therefore thermal stress. However, should both factors occur in the same environment, the heat stress effects are compounded, creating an environment dangerous for thermoregulating endotherms. For this reason, authors have emphasised that future wet-bulb (Tw) conditions may pose a penultimate threat to thermoregulating endotherms. Being a measure of coldest temperature attainable as a result of evaporative cooling, Tw has been proposed to represent a lower temperature thermal limit to endothermic thermoregulation. Once reaching a 2°C differential below an endotherms Tb (Tb – Tw = 2˚C), Tw is believed to impede the evaporative cooling process and, consequentially, commit endotherms to becoming hyperthermic. Considering that most mammals defend constant Tbs within the range of predicted Tw maxima increases that future Tw conditions may pose a significant threat to mammalian thermoregulation. However, to date, despite being well supported in the literature, ii empirical investigations into how extreme Tw conditions will affect endothermic thermoregulation are scant. Therefore, understanding of the proposed inhibitory nature of extreme Tw conditions is lacking. Considering that such conditions are to have a profound effect of endothermic survival, this dearth in understanding could prove fatal. As such, this thesis sought to provide evidence on how extreme Tw conditions may affect thermoregulatory processes in homeothermic endotherms. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Isolation, characterization and functionalization of cellulose fibres derived from the waste pineapple leaf fibres by hydrolysis to produce cellulose acetate
- Authors: Seyisi, Thulethu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Nonwoven fabrics -- Technological innovations , Pineapple fiber -- South Africa , Fibrous composites
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61248 , vital:69844
- Description: This thesis forms part of the Nelson Mandela University biomass and nanotechnology project, which aims at using agricultural waste for many applications, including biomedical applications, water treatment, and agricultural films. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is one of the natural fibers with the highest cellulose content (about 80%), and they produce about 2.5–3.3% of the weight of green leaves. However, the other parts of the pineapple fruit, such as the leaves and crown, are still treated as waste due to a lack of understanding of the benefits and risks of these parts of the pineapple fruit. The transformation of PALF as a renewable and abundantly available natural residue into cellulose fibers (CFs) will reduce the waste accumulated in the atmosphere, and it will add value to the cultivation of pineapple. In the biomedical industry, CF is very promising in terms of drug delivery. Cellulose acetate is a remarkable biomaterial extensively used in biomedical applications due to its properties such as being non-toxic, non-irritant, biodegradable, heat resistant, and less hygroscopic. In this research, the isolation, functionalization, and characterization of cellulose from PALFs were conducted. The PALFs were dried and ground into small particles before being alkali treated with sodium hydroxide to remove the non-cellulosic components. Moreover, the remaining lignin in the residue was removed using sodium chlorite and acetic acid; this process is known as the bleaching process. The bleaching process resulted in white CFs, which was an indication of the successful removal of the non-cellulosic material. The obtained CFs were further functionalized using acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and sulfuric acid, and this reaction is known as the acetylation reaction. Subsequently, both treated, untreated, and functionalized CFs were characterised using the following instruments: FTIR, SEM, SPM, TGA, XRD, and XPS. In the FTIR data of raw PALFs, the following functional groups were more pronounced: C-O, C=C-O, and C=O, whereas peak C-O-C disappeared and peak CH2, C-O, were less pronounced. These FTIR results confirmed the successful removal of non-cellulosic components. The SEM and SPM images visually suggested the partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin from the raw PALFs after the chemical treatment, which are the cementing materials around the fiber bundles. The TGA studies revealed good thermal stability for the isolated CFs from PALFs. The XRD diffractograms of the PALFs showed a cellulose I crystal pattern where the peaks were located at angular positions (2θ) of around 18°, 26°, and 41°. Lastly, after the functionalization of CFs, the cellulose structure remained intact (not damaged); instead, the newly ix introduced functional groups (the acetyl group) were attached at the ends of the cellulose structure. These results are therefore confirmation of the successful removal of non-cellulose material from the PALFs after the chemical treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Seyisi, Thulethu
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Nonwoven fabrics -- Technological innovations , Pineapple fiber -- South Africa , Fibrous composites
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61248 , vital:69844
- Description: This thesis forms part of the Nelson Mandela University biomass and nanotechnology project, which aims at using agricultural waste for many applications, including biomedical applications, water treatment, and agricultural films. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is one of the natural fibers with the highest cellulose content (about 80%), and they produce about 2.5–3.3% of the weight of green leaves. However, the other parts of the pineapple fruit, such as the leaves and crown, are still treated as waste due to a lack of understanding of the benefits and risks of these parts of the pineapple fruit. The transformation of PALF as a renewable and abundantly available natural residue into cellulose fibers (CFs) will reduce the waste accumulated in the atmosphere, and it will add value to the cultivation of pineapple. In the biomedical industry, CF is very promising in terms of drug delivery. Cellulose acetate is a remarkable biomaterial extensively used in biomedical applications due to its properties such as being non-toxic, non-irritant, biodegradable, heat resistant, and less hygroscopic. In this research, the isolation, functionalization, and characterization of cellulose from PALFs were conducted. The PALFs were dried and ground into small particles before being alkali treated with sodium hydroxide to remove the non-cellulosic components. Moreover, the remaining lignin in the residue was removed using sodium chlorite and acetic acid; this process is known as the bleaching process. The bleaching process resulted in white CFs, which was an indication of the successful removal of the non-cellulosic material. The obtained CFs were further functionalized using acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and sulfuric acid, and this reaction is known as the acetylation reaction. Subsequently, both treated, untreated, and functionalized CFs were characterised using the following instruments: FTIR, SEM, SPM, TGA, XRD, and XPS. In the FTIR data of raw PALFs, the following functional groups were more pronounced: C-O, C=C-O, and C=O, whereas peak C-O-C disappeared and peak CH2, C-O, were less pronounced. These FTIR results confirmed the successful removal of non-cellulosic components. The SEM and SPM images visually suggested the partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin from the raw PALFs after the chemical treatment, which are the cementing materials around the fiber bundles. The TGA studies revealed good thermal stability for the isolated CFs from PALFs. The XRD diffractograms of the PALFs showed a cellulose I crystal pattern where the peaks were located at angular positions (2θ) of around 18°, 26°, and 41°. Lastly, after the functionalization of CFs, the cellulose structure remained intact (not damaged); instead, the newly ix introduced functional groups (the acetyl group) were attached at the ends of the cellulose structure. These results are therefore confirmation of the successful removal of non-cellulose material from the PALFs after the chemical treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04