List of Titles

The impact of motivations, personal values, management skills of managers on the perfomance of SME`s in selected towns (Port Elizabeth and Port Alfred) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

- Tangwo, Asah Francis

Authors: Tangwo, Asah Francis
Date: 2012
Subjects: Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
Identifier: vital:11320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007046 , Executives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee morale -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personalism , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management
Description: This study investigates the impact of motivations, personal values and managerial skills of managers on the performance of Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The failure rate of SMEs in South Africa is very high and it is of great importance to investigate the factors that can impact on the performance of SMEs. Financial and non-financial methods were used to measure SMEs performance. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis was used to improve the research problems and enhance the validity of the research. Data analysis for this study includes descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Reliability was tested using the Cronbach‟s Alpha while validity was ensured by using a statistician and by pre-testing the research instrument in a pilot study.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The impact of networking on access to finance and performance of SMES in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

- Machirori, Tafadzwa Leroy

Authors: Machirori, Tafadzwa Leroy
Date: 2012
Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
Identifier: vital:11313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/521 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Business networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: This study investigates the impact of networking on access to finance and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of this study are to examine (1) whether entrepreneurial characteristics of the SME owner and the firm characteristics of the SME are related to networking by SMEs, (2) whether networking is related to access to bank loans and trade credit by SMEs, (3) whether networking is related to the performance of SMEs and (4) whether access to debt finance by SMEs mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. The results reveal that the gender and education of SME owners and the age, size and legal status of SMEs are the entrepreneurial and firm characteristics that are positively related to networking by SMEs. In addition, the results indicate that there is a positive relationship between networking and access to finance and performance of SMEs. The results of this study further reveal that access to debt finance partially mediates the relationship between networking and performance of SMEs. Lastly, the study recommended that SMEs should network more to gain access to information, resources and contact sharing. This will increase the likelihood of SMEs obtaining finance, and will also improve the performance of SMEs.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The impact of private capital flows on economic growth in South Africa

- Dzangare, Gillian

Authors: Dzangare, Gillian
Date: 2012
Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
Identifier: vital:11472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007134 , Economic development -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Development economics -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commercial policy
Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between economic growth measured as real GDP growth and private capital inflows is explored. The link between private capital inflows and economic growth is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegrating relationship between private capital inflows and economic growth particularly for South Africa. It is widely claimed that private capital inflows foster economic growth by closing the savings/investment gap. However, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. The exact form of this relationship as well as the nature of capital flows that could impact on real growth requires further investigation. Moreover, what exactly happens to this relationship in an economic crisis such as recently recorded in the global financial crisis is not clear. The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1989q4-2009q4. This study employs the Johansen (1998) cointegration test. This technique distinguishes itself since it establishes the long run relationship between variables. Thereafter, residual diagnostic checks are performed on the variables. Our results show among others, that private capital inflows have impacted positively on the growth of the South African economy. The areas for further research that emerge from this study include the effect of some government policies on economic growth that should also receive more attention in the future since political instability slows down investment.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The impact of real exchange rates on economic growth: a case study of South Africa

- Sibanda, Kin

Authors: Sibanda, Kin
Date: 2012
Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Devaluation of currency -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
Identifier: vital:11469 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007129 , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Devaluation of currency -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
Description: This study examined the impact of real exchange rates on economic growth in South Africa. The study used quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2010. The Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model was used to determine the impact of real exchange on economic growth in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this study were real exchange rates, real interest rates, money supply, trade openness and gross fixed capital formation. Results from this study revealed that real exchange rates, gross fixed capital formation and real interest rates have a positive long run impact on economic growth, while money supply and trade openness have a negative long run impact on economic growth in South Africa. From the regression results, it was noted that undervaluation of the currency significantly hampers growth in the long run, whilst it significantly enhances economic growth in the short run. As such, the policy of depreciating the exchange rates to achieve higher growth rates is only effective in the short run and is not sustainable in the long run. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended that misalignment (overvaluation and undervaluation) of the currency should be avoided at all costs. In addition, the results of the study showed that interest rates also have a significant impact on growth and since interest rates have a bearing on the exchange rate, it was recommended that the current monetary policy in South Africa should be maintained.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The impact of technological marketing on Porter's competitive forces model and SMEs' performance

- Hove, Progress

Authors: Hove, Progress
Date: 2012
Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marketing -- Mathematical models , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Technique , Telemarketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
Identifier: vital:11323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007120 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marketing -- Mathematical models , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Technique , Telemarketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: It is commonly understood that the adoption and development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, so as to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. Nevertheless, little attention has, thus far, been given to the empirical investigation of the impact of adopting and developing the technological marketing on Porter‟s five competitive forces and firm performance of SMEs. The principal objective of this study was to fill this void by investigating the influence of the technological marketing on Porter‟s five competitive forces model (industry structure) of SMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Secondarily, the study sought to determine the influence of technological marketing capability on firm performance of SMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; in order to ascertain whether or not the competitiveness of SMEs impacts on their firm performance; to determine whether or not SMEs adopt new and advanced technological capabilities when marketing their products/services and to examine whether or not SMEs adopt new and advanced technological capabilities in order to enhance their performance. The study employs a quantitative method in data collection. Sample data from 211 SME owners/managers in the retail and manufacturing sectors of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality was collected for the final data analysis of this project. The sample data was analysed by performing a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 7 Statistical Analysis software. The principal finding of this study reveals that technological marketing has no significant impact on Porter‟s five forces. In addition, the results showed that technological marketing capability has a positive and significant influence on firm performance. The findings also revealed that SMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The conclusions and implications of the research findings are provided and recommendations are suggested. The researcher recommended non technological strategies for improving SMEs‟ competitiveness and the following technological strategies to boost performance: creating a customer-centric e-commerce strategy, embracing outsourcing, joining e-business community and integrating information management into new marketing technologies. Strategies were also recommended to the government as the policy maker. These include introducing e-business finance arrangement, marketing hubs for SMEs and promoting synergies between technology vendor companies and the small enterprises. The study tried to address marketing technologies‟ policy deficiencies on the side of both SMEs and the government.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The impact of transport costs on household income: the case of Nkonkobe Municipality Alice in the Easten Cape Province

- Dlwangushe, Sizwe

Authors: Dlwangushe, Sizwe
Date: 2012
Subjects: Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- Cost effectiveness , Automobiles -- Fuel consumption , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
Identifier: vital:11470 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007130 , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- Cost effectiveness , Automobiles -- Fuel consumption , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: The study investigated the impact of transport costs on household income the case of Nkonkobe Local Municipality. The objective of the study was to establish the impact of transport costs on household income. To achieve the objective, the study hypothesized that transport costs have a negative impact of household income. The research design of the study that was used include research instrument, research technique, sample size, population and data analysis procedure. However the research instrument that was followed was the questionnaire which contains a set of questions whilst the research technique used to collect primary data was the self-administered questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that households in Nkonkobe Local Municipality were spending more of their income on transport. Finally, the study recommended that subsidies for poor households must be provided by the government.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The mediating role of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty

- Chihombori, Rumbidzai Anna

Authors: Chihombori, Rumbidzai Anna
Date: 2012
Subjects: Mobile commerce , Mobile communication systems , Customer services -- Management , Customer relations , Customer loyalty , Customer services -- Evaluation
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
Identifier: vital:11324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013388 , Mobile commerce , Mobile communication systems , Customer services -- Management , Customer relations , Customer loyalty , Customer services -- Evaluation
Description: The main objective of this study was to critically investigate the mediating role that the use of mobile technology plays in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a semi-urban environment. The research problem focused on the application of mobile technology in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the clothing industry in King Williams Town. In accomplishing this objective, this research study hypothesised that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty of customers of clothing retailers in South Africa. Multiple regression was conducted to test for the first hypothesis. The first secondary objective aimed at establishing if there is disconfirmation between customer expectations and the performance of clothing retail outlets in King Williams Town. In exploring this objective, it was hypothesised that there is negative disconfirmation between customer expectations and performance. A paired sample test was conducted to test for this hypothesis. In addition, the influence of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty was explored. To accomplish these, it was hypothesised that both service quality and customer satisfaction have an influence on customer loyalty. Pearson’s Correlation and the Chi-Square Test were applied to test the influence of service quality and Customer satisfaction on Customer loyalty. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software. Regression analysis, chi-square tests, Paired sample tests and correlation reports were used to analyse data inferentially. Reliability and validity of the research was also tested using Cronchbach’s alpha test. The results show that mobile phones have become a basic necessity for customers and that mobile technology plays a mediating role in the linkage between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty; however, the mediation is partial. The results also show that there is positive disconfirmation between customer expectations and retailer performance; that both service quality and customer satisfaction have a positive correlation with customer loyalty and that mobile technology enhances customer loyalty. Finally, the results show that the total service experience of customers is favourable vii because the five components of service quality were rendered at a high level of service quality. The study offers several managerial recommendations. Firstly, retail managers should make strategic investments in mobile technology and use this technology to the full to reap the benefits of technologically advanced mobile communication. Secondly, managers should be creative in their use of this mobile technology to enhance customer satisfaction and, hence, customer loyalty. Thirdly, managers should prioritise the improvement of all five components of service quality in order to enhance customer loyalty. Finally, managers should provide a customer-centred service experience that exceeds customer expectations for service quality and mobile communication, one that maximises customer satisfaction and loyalty. The implementation of these recommendations could result in clothing retailers providing a customer-focused service experience in all five aspects of service quality. To successfully implement these recommendations, clothing retailers should: ensure that expectations created, could be accomplished or exceeded to build and enhance customer satisfaction; create expectations that are realistic to avoid negative disconfirmation and hence customer dissatisfaction; implement innovative and creative mobile communication strategies to build and enhance customer loyalty; and finally, improve loyalty programmes to enlarge the customer base.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The relationship between conscientiousness, extraversion and leadership effectiveness among local government managers in Bisho and East London

- Bell, Clement

Authors: Bell, Clement
Date: 2012
Subjects: Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Public officers , Role conflict , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
Identifier: vital:11556 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007116 , Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Public officers , Role conflict , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: This study investigated the relationship between conscientiousness, extraversion, and leadership effectiveness among the local government managers in Bisho and East London. Conscientiousness and extraversion were used as independent variables in the study while leadership effectiveness was used as the dependent variable. The data was collected from a sample of 222 local government managers using a self-designed biographical and occupational questionnaire. To measure conscientiousness and extraversion, a 24-item 5-point rating scale adopted from Finchan & Rhodes (2005) was used. To measure leadership effectiveness, a 6-item 5-point derailment rating scale adopted from Lombardo & McCauley (1994) was used. Data analysis was done using various statistical techniques, including t-tests, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results indicated that both conscientiousness and extraversion are strongly associated with leadership effectiveness. Conscientiousness was also strongly associated with the individual components of leadership effectiveness, interpersonal relationships; molding a staff; making strategic transitions; follow-through and ability to work independently. Extraversion was also strongly associated with the individual components of leadership effectiveness, molding a staff; making strategic transitions; strategic similarities with management; follow-through and ability to work independently. Although conscientiousness and extraversion combined were found to have an additive effect on leadership effectiveness, conscientiousness accounts for a higher proportion of variance in leadership effectiveness than extraversion. Finally, the results also indicated that age was strongly associated with leadership effectiveness. The study therefore recommends that organisations should use conscientiousness and extraversion when selecting individuals for leadership positions.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The relationship between emotional stability, stress and work family conflict, among Standard Bank female employees in the Border region

- Zingwe, Tawanda

Authors: Zingwe, Tawanda
Date: 2012
Subjects: Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
Identifier: vital:11558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007133 , Standard Bank Limited , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Role conflict , Women employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sexual division of labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work-family conflict , Stress , Emotional stability , Neuroticism , Banks , Females
Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship that exists between emotional stability, stress and work-family conflict among Standard Bank female employees. For this purpose data was collected from the female employees of Standard Banks in Alice, Fort Beaufort, King Williams and East London Town’s in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 72 female bank employees was drawn from the population. Neuroticism is the opposite of emotional stability and it was mostly often used in place of emotional stability in the study. Results of the study indicated that all study variables are significantly positively correlated with one another. The findings of this study is helpful in the banking industry in order to design human resources policies which will reduce the work-family conflict and decrease stress for female bank employees and for future research in respective topics. The implications of this study are discussed along with recommendations for future research and professional managerial practice.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The role of co-oporate government and intergovernmental relations in promoting effective service delivery, a case of the Amathole District Municipality

- Haurovi, Maxwell

Authors: Haurovi, Maxwell
Date: 2012
Subjects: Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Politics and government , Amathole District Municipality , Cooperative Government , Effectiveness , Intergovernmental Relations , National Government , Provincial Government , Service delivery , Sustainability
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
Identifier: vital:11668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007112 , Intergovernmental cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Politics and government , Amathole District Municipality , Cooperative Government , Effectiveness , Intergovernmental Relations , National Government , Provincial Government , Service delivery , Sustainability
Description: The historic year of 1994 marked the demise of the apartheid government and its replacement with a new era of participative democracy in South Africa. Government in the new South Africa adopted a decentralised structure underpinned by chapter three of the Constitution (1996). Consequently, there are three spheres of government, which are, national, provincial and local levels. These spheres are obliged and mandated to mutually cooperate and support each other through peaceful interactions termed intergovernmental relations (IGR) which are aimed at achieving a cooperative system of government. IGR is institutionalised through forums which cut-across all spheres of government and such structures are established by the Intergovernmental Relations framework Act (No. 13 of 2005). Sustained intergovernmental cooperation can lead to an integrated and coordinated system of government, which can, deliver services effectively while meeting the needs of the citizens and ultimately promoting sustainable socio-economic development in South Africa.The aim of this empirical study was to assess the role played by cooperativegovernment and intergovernmental relations in promoting effective delivery of services in the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). Local government is the ‘grassroots’ government and it is where the actual rendering of services is situated which was reason behind the choice of the study area by the researcher. The study adopted amixed-method research paradigm in which both the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were triangulated to ensure that the validity and reliability of the research findings is improved. Data in the study was gathered from a representative sample of seventy (70) respondents carefully selected using non-random sampling designs, viz, judgmental and snowball sampling. The study used both primary (questionnaires and interviews) and secondary (documentary analysis) sources of data to achieve the research objectives as validly as possible. Respondents in the study comprised of municipal officials, IGR practitioners, representatives from Community Based Organisations and the residents of ADM. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software and the mains findings of the study were that; ADM has got IGR forums in existence although some of these are dormant and dysfunctional, only three out of the seven local municipalities in ADM are cooperative in IGR, there is general lack of political will on the side of politicians in terms of support of IGR initiatives, political factionism and interferences is crippling IGR and cooperation, the legal framework for IGR needs revision and revamping, there are still communities without access to basic services in ADM, public sector planning cycles are fragmented and need synergisation and IGR is not being monitored and evaluated. The study therefore recommended that; the relevant stakeholders in IGR should be fully dedicated towards cooperation, planning cycles for public entities need to be synergised, the National Planning Commission (NPC) should take an oversight role in the entire planning process, the legislation should be enacted which has a clause for punitive action being taken against those who fail to cooperate in IGR and the national, provincial and local governments should prioritise access to basic services in communities cooperatively.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The role of export diversification on economic growth in South Africa: 1980 - 2010

- Mudenda, Caroline

Authors: Mudenda, Caroline
Date: 2012
Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International trade , Exports -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
Identifier: vital:11463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007044 , Economic development -- South Africa , International trade , Exports -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
Description: This study examined the role of export diversification on economic growth in South Africa. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1980 to 2010 and employed a Vector Error Correction Model to determine the effects of export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. Possible factors that affect export diversification considered as independent variables in this study include gross capital formation, human capital, real effective exchange rate and trade openness. Results of the study reveal that export diversification and trade openness are positively related to economic growth while real effective exchange rate, capital formation and human capital have negative long run relationships with economic growth. The study recommended the continual implementation of trade liberalisation by the South African government. The South African government is also encouraged to promote the production of a diversified export basket through subsidisation, promotion of innovation and production of new products.
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Date Issued: 2012

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