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The perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected organisations in South Africa

  • Authors: Marazanye, Joram
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Personnel management Business -- Data processing Employees -- Recruiting
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4480 , vital:28341
  • Description: Regardless of the widespread application of analytics to a variety of business measurements, it is noteworthy that the use of people analytics is still no place close where it could be. The main aim of this study is to examine the perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected South African organisations. People analytics is a burning-fresh topic in HR field aiming at using data to make organisational decisions and little has been done in this area especially in the South African context. The study employed qualitative-exploratory design which comprised of 10 senior HR officers from selected organisations in South Africa. From the findings, it shows that the employment of people analytics in South African context is in its early stage and its conception and repercussions are little understood. In addition, there is an accord on its usefulness, however the workforce analytic skills have found to be the major difficulty to foster its successful implementation and adoption by organisations. Because of its qualitative nature, this study had a limitation that it lack representativeness hence the findings cannot be generalised. Research opportunities for future can be quantitative and longitudinal research to objectively ascertain the extent future employability of people analytics.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

An assessment of the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health to ensure effective and efficient health care service delivery

  • Authors: Mangwanya, Maonei Gladys
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Health services administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Health facilities -- Finance , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2061 , vital:27603
  • Description: The National Department of Health is the executive department of the South African government which is assigned to the national health issues of the country. This research was however aimed specifically on the budgeting process within the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health. This was provisioned by assessing the significance of the budgeting system and its correlation to efficient and effective healthcare service delivery. The aim of the research was to highlight on how policies have an effect on the budgeting system at the provincial level, considering the provincial health department is responsible for the provision of publicly funded health services. This research assessed the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health in an attempt to propagate effective and efficient health service delivery for the general citizenry. This was a qualitative study design which harnessed the merits of secondary data as the main code of the research design which enabled the comprehension of the budgeting system in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to examine the distinctive themes and sub-themes identified from within the reviewed literature. The Eastern Cape Province is succumbing to insufficient funding at provincial level and this has a clear-cut reflection on the administration of services within respective departments, particularly the Health Department. This is despite the fact that the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 promotes the objectives of good financial management aimed at maximizing service delivery through the effective use of the limited resources. Resultantly it was fundamental to comprehend on the issues underpinning the scope of budget reporting as well as budget accountability and the effect it has on service delivery in the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Recommendations were thus given based on the discussed and derived themes to ensure that there is an appropriate budgeting system to ensure efficient and effective provision of health care services in the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Assessment of government spending austerity measures in on-site school support for curriculum delivery: a case of Idutywa Education District

  • Authors: Lombo, Nomachule
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Financial crises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2038 , vital:27600
  • Description: The view of on-site school support for curriculum delivery is shared by most countries and its effects have been felt by schools. There is fear that the Austerity Measures will negate the outcomes of the action taken by the teams that visit the schools. The reviewed literature is more biased towards the Austerity Measures in the whole government sector rather than in a department or an institution like the Education District in Idutywa. Even though the effects of Austerity Measures have been researched all over the world based on a specific country, there is deficiency of such literature done in the institution like the department of Education Districts. The researcher intends contributing to the filling of this gap by this study. The researcher therefore carried out a focused study of the effect of Department’s Austerity Measures on on-site school curriculum support in Idutywa Education District. It is also imperative to know how the teachers are affected by these departmental Austerity Measures, hence the interviews were carried out with the school personnel in addition to the District Professional staff. The District is characterised by poor performance in both Annual National Assessment (ANA) and the final National Senior Certificate results. The findings revealed that the implementation of AM have contributed to, amongst other things, the following issues: The inadequate on-site school support for curriculum delivery; The shortage of resources that includes teachers and vehicles; and ultimately the learner underperformance The researcher expect that the recommendation made will be embraced and be factored through, during the planning process of the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education in order to improve learner performance.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The role of school governing bodies in promoting good-governance in schools: a case of circuit 9 in Qumbu District Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Mdudo, Mzuvukile
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4627 , vital:28468
  • Description: The main purpose of the study was to investigate on how a School Governing Body SGB can impact on the challenges of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, particularly in Circuit 9 schools of Qumbu district. That was done firstly by identifying and explaining the three main themes namely; (i) the role of SGB components, (ii) the effectiveness of a SGB and (iii) the competency of a SGB. The study used the qualitative approach, particularly a constructive interpretative paradigm to collect and analyse data. A desk top study was used as the main design and was implemented to identify information rich data for the study. Desk top research was employed as the main data collection technique and was confirmed, corroborated and augmented by and document analysis, particularly during data analysis. The researcher inductively segmented and coded the data into three main themes which served as the main empirical research findings. Such findings indicated that school governance is influenced by both the SGB and the stakeholders. It was recommended that setting up key strategies, but specific to school governance, will reduce the challenges schools face in terms of governance as there will be full personal responsibility from the SGB.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

A critical analysis of Public Administration policies and strategies towards assisting child headed household, at Amathole District

  • Authors: Gola, Nomathemba Leticia
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018523
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the impact of Public Policies towards assisting of child headed households with a special focus on those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS at Amathole District. The research was aimed at analyzing the impact, gaps and weaknesses of public Policies towards assisting these children and the challenges they experienced on surviving without an adult figure in their lives. The fieldwork exercise was extracted from desktop, documents, newspapers, publications, journals, public speeches departmental reports. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were the most appropriate research method in this research since it is a means of eliciting relevant and valuable details to be raised in order to understand the coping/survival strategies of child headed households (CHHs). Findings indicate that the governments departments should work together to ascertain government objectives. Older siblings become caregivers to the younger sibling, and shoulder the burden of adopting survival strategies which include doing part time jobs, begging only to mention a few. The social grants and the foster grant also act as a safety net to child headed households.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical analysis of service delivery system in the health institutions: a case study of Queenstown Private Hospital in Chris Hani District 2013

  • Authors: Zonke, Noncendo
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015240
  • Description: Service delivery challenges have been reported between from the health care industry more especially in the Eastern Cape Province this is due to a number of factors such as job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism and turnover among healthcare employees and as such it affects employees’ organizational commitment and the quality of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing job satisfaction among healthcare professionals at Queenstown Private Hospital in relation to the service delivery. The study was conducted among 30 participants. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Data was then analysed using statistical tools such as pie charts and graphs. The results showed a high level of job satisfaction result in optimum service delivery in the service industry, more especially in the Queenstown private hospital. Almost 90% of participants were satisfied with their jobs, and there was a high level association between job satisfaction and socio-demographic characteristics. Variables such as opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations were found to be significantly influencing job satisfaction and there was a significant positive medium association between job satisfaction and opportunity to develop,responsibility, patient care and staff relations for both clinical and clinical support staff and consequently the employee performance in their jobs, which resulted in the improved delivery of health care in the hospital at all the times. Satisfaction with one’s job can affect not only motivation at work but also career decisions, relationship with others and personal health. Job satisfaction is also an essential part of ensuring high quality care. Dissatisfied healthcare providers give poor quality, less efficient care.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical analysis of the implementation of essential service clause of labour relations act by unions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Administration

  • Authors: Nokele, Thobile Dumile
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015355
  • Description: Strikes are prohibited in essential services workplace yet they take place on a regular basis. There seems to be no way to curb strikes despite the fact that they should not be happening at all in the essential services as they are designated as such. The rationale behind the prohibition of strikes in essential services is that the communities are adversely affected as they are dependent on these services. Whilst the constitution of the land grants the right to strike, it also limits the right to strike to the designated workplaces which are essential to the communities. The reason to limit the right to strike in these work places is to ensure that the people do not experience hardship during the strike action. However the opposite happens as the people always suffer whenever a general strike takes place. They would be denied access to public hospitals and receive no medication as there would be no one attending them. The strikes in municipality would mean no clear water and electricity for the people. The Labour Relations Act is also clear on the essential services. The question then is why are the strikes allowed to take place in essential services. Why the law is not implemented to ensure that people have access to their constitutional right to service? The other question would be what is done to address the strike in essential services especially with labour organizations which should be aware of the implications in terms of legislation. The research therefore focuses on strikes in essential service and the hardship that caused especially to the poor who are dependent on these services. The literature shows that the constitution read with Labour Relations Act has laid down the framework to the deal with conflict in essential services as well as structures for engagement. Some findings from the research indicate that the workers do not understand the implications of strikes in essential services as well as for the communities. The recommendation would be to work-shop the workers on the implications of strikes in essential services as well as especial arrangements applicable.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical analysis of the policies and legislation governing learner discipline: a case study of Kei Road Combined School in King Williams Town (Eastern Cape)

  • Authors: Speelman, Luleka Miranda
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: School children -- Discipline
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015142 , School children -- Discipline
  • Description: So many efforts have been made, both at the legislative and policy-making level to ensure that learner discipline is handled more effectively and moves away from corporal punishment, which was the norm before the enactment of the current South African Schools Act. Some of the provisions of the Act stipulates that each school is responsible for setting up its own Disciplinary Code suited to its environment and developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders like parents and other community leaders. The Act also makes provision for the setting up of structures such as the School Governance Body (SGB) and the School Management Team (SMT). A number of scholars have provided some insights on the issue of school discipline. Several of them have reported that in their research, several schools cited the lack of learner discipline as one of the problems hampering effective teaching and learning. The study, using various literature further attempts to make the distinction between discipline and punishment, stressing that the former is a process that uses teaching, modelling, and other appropriate strategies to maintain behaviour necessary to ensure a safe, orderly and productive learning environment by changing unacceptable behaviour to acceptable behaviour. On the other hand, punishment is a facet of discipline that involves action taken in response to inappropriate behaviour in order to correct or modify it, and to restore harmonious relations. Therefore punishment is a penalty or corrective measure inflicted on a person who has transgressed at school and is guilty of misconduct. The literature also shows that there are many difficulties and problems associated with implementing the discipline policy in South African schools in respect of the code of conduct. As a result, incidences of violence, gangsterism, stabbings, assaults on teachers and the rape of girls are quite common. Other researchers like Harber (2001) shows that such cases are actually increasing. Some findings from the research include the fact that there is no universally understood and clear definition of discipline which means it is interpreted differently 5 page with both learners and educators. Consequently, they perceive problems differently and come up with different solutions. Generally, both parties are of the opinion of the fact that the whole disciplinary process is not working as effectively as it should. The primary recommendation therefore is to review the whole policy and the statutory instrument in which both learners and educators base on the policy so that it reflects the current situation and takes cognisance of the challenges faced.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical analysis on underutilization of Ante Natal Care services and identification of legislative implementation challenges. A case study in some health centers of Senqu Health sub-District in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Yekani-Mati, Nokonwaba
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015248
  • Description: Attention has recently focus on improved Ante Natal Care (ANC) Service utilization as one the Department of Health’s strategies in, promoting better health, ensuring safe mothers and babies, reducing HIV/Aids infection of unborn babies , their mothers and their partners, reaching out as many people, who are at the child bearing age as possible and reaching out to those people who are legible for ART during pregnancy so as to put them on ARV treatment if necessary and ensuring that the mothers, babies and partners enjoy support during the pregnancy of mothers and to prepare them for delivery . The idea is to ensure, by antenatal preparation, the best possible pregnancy outcome for women and their babies (Guidelines for MATERNITY CARE in South Africa NDOH 2007: 19).The departmental guidelines through ante natal care seek to ensure that the following take place timorously: Screening for pregnancy problems: women are done physical and examination and blood test are done to identify or exclude pregnancy problems. Assessment of pregnancy risks: Any pregnancy risks that whether physical, medical, psychological and psychosocial are identified and the mother is advised on better pregnancy management. Treatment of problems that may arise during the antenatal period: when there are existing problems that need treatment the mother get managed and is treated as according to the identified problem.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical assessment of developmental local government and its relevance to the democratic South Africa: A case study of Amathole District Municipality

  • Authors: Mbambo, W B
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1085 , vital:26525
  • Description: The notion of developmental local government has become part of the South African local government dispensation as from the year 2000. According to Smith and Vawda (2003:28) the idea of developmental local government (DLG) emerged from the fusion of the social interventionist goals of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and the market driven economic strategies of the Growth Employment and Redistribution policy (GEAR); the two main national policies of the post-apartheid era for addressing economic growth and poverty eradication. The RDP and GEAR represented different visions for how to bring about equity and redistribution in a deeply divided state and economy. In itself South Africa as a state has 283 municipalities which are wall to wall in terms of demarcation. However, despite the fact that local democracy is deeply entrenched in South African society and furthermore, a very futuristic local government policy framework has been introduced, there is no guarantee that the new local government system will be financially viable and capable of discharging its democratic and developmental mandate. There are major challenges that have to be addressed, namely promoting job-creation, local economic development, capacity development and civic education which, in the final analysis, will ensure that the concept of developmental local government becomes a reality for the majority of South Africans.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical assessment of the institutionalisation of Performance Management Systems in Local Government: a special focus on political office bearers and senior managers in O.R Tambo District Municipality

  • Authors: Ndabeni, Mziwonke
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Performance Management System
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015109 , Performance Management System
  • Description: Service delivery is at the centre of South Africa’s developmental local government. Thus with such a high calling to development, local municipalities play an important role in enhancing development in their areas of jurisdiction. In the area under this study, the Local Government Department has initiated Performance Management as a response to the service delivery hardships and as a bottom up approach to socio economic development of their communities. In the view of Performance Management being used as a tool for enhancing Service delivery, the study therefore sought to discover the role that the Performance Management System is playing in the Local Municipality Development of O.R District. It also sought to find out the extent of support that has been afforded by government and other stakeholders within the context of the cooperative governance. To establish this, the researcher employed the quantitative approach guided by a primary research design. The review of primary data allowed for a close assessment of the Performance Management System in detail. Available data on PMS gave an easier task of assessing the impact of PMS in the district and the constraints they have faced so far. The findings from the study revealed that PMS in the district show a great potential for better performance if performance management systems were to be understood by all staff members of the municipality. It has been also observed that they lack information on performance management, proper finance management, and diversification and value addition for their service delivery so as to increase their competitiveness. It is imperative therefore to recommend further training on good Performance management skills and sourcing for employees and understanding new PMS. This form of support will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of Performance Management System in the O.R. District Municipality. Keywords: Performance Management System, Political office bearers and Senior Manager O.R District.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A critical assessment of the public service commission in fighting corruption in South Africa

  • Authors: Gola, Ndumiso Helton
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1078 , vital:26524
  • Description: Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body create. Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body created by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.d by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A Diagnosis of School Governance in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
  • Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A framework for implementation of ICT4D initiatives in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa

  • Authors: Phingilili, Gcotyelwa
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Information and Communication Technologies , ICT4D -- Development -- Rural community , Implementation -- ICT initiatives
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017789 , Information and Communication Technologies , ICT4D -- Development -- Rural community , Implementation -- ICT initiatives
  • Description: South Africa’s rural communities have received Information and Communication Technologies services through initiatives such as tele-centres, living labs, Thusong service centres and donations of computer applications. There is need, with little plans in place to ensure that the rural communities will benefit from those initiatives. As a result of this, it is necessary to establish a framework for implementing Information and Communication Technologies for development initiatives in order to ensure successful implementation of these initiatives in rural communities. Literature shows that in order to successfully implement an ICT initiative for rural communities, there should be active engagement with ICT stakeholders, consultation of Information and Communication Technologies policies, presence of ICT infrastructure, ICT services, monitoring, evaluating, training and maintenance. Current literature on ICT developments shows that in order to successfully implement an ICT initiative for rural communities, there should be active engagement with ICT stakeholders, consultation of ICT policies, and presence of ICT infrastructure, ICT services, monitoring, evaluating, training and maintenance. Unstructured interviews were used as a research method to collect primary data that was used as a basis to develop the proposed framework. Findings from the studies carried out indicated that several ICT4D initiatives which were abandoned due to challenges such lack of proper resources, trainings, lack of local content, access, lack of ownership and lack of stakeholders’ involvement. This study presents a framework for implementing ICT for development initiatives in rural communities which has been developed in order to reduce the number of initiatives that are abandoned or which end up not serving their intended purpose in rural communities of South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A model for attaining extended e-commerce adoption and use by hospitality smmes in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Maoneke, Pardon Blessings
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017897
  • Description: There is a slow adoption and use of electronic commerce or e-Commerce by Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises based in the hospitality sector (hospitality SMMEs). Only a few hospitality SMMEs that have adopted e-Commerce show the migration of value adding activities to their e-Commerce platforms. As such, this study developed and proposed a model that shows how hospitality SMMEs in the Eastern Cape Province can attain extended e-Commerce adoption and use. Extended e-Commerce platforms are characterised by the institutionalization of e-Commerce that includes Search Engine Marketing activities and/or listing services on intermediary websites, and engaging through social media websites. Tourism and hospitality customers’ information needs and buying behaviour were used to guide the requirements of extended e-Commerce platforms for hospitality businesses. The proposed model outlined factors determining extended e-Commerce adoption, extended e-Commerce characteristics and the anticipated e-Commerce adoption outcomes. The model was evaluated in the Eastern Cape using a multiple-case study methodology. The study’s use of a multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and four cases were considered. Triangulation through document analysis, interviews and observation was used for collecting data regarding factors determining the transition to extended e-Commerce adoption. A questionnaire was used for evaluating extended e-Commerce use. Within and cross-case analysis with the aid of coding was used for data analysis. Data collection and analysis validated the proposed model as a model that shows how hospitality SMMEs can attain extended e-Commerce adoption and use. The proposed model concedes that, successful adoption and use of e-Commerce by hospitality SMMEs would result in e-Commerce adoption outcomes namely online sales, reservations and customer service. These e-Commerce adoption outcomes are the criteria against which the level of extended e-Commerce adoption is measured.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A public safety, participatory crowdsourcing smart city model for a developing country

  • Authors: Cilliers, Liezel
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015305
  • Description: Worldwide the population in cities is increasing. It is the responsibility of local government to provide public safety services in order to ensure the safety of their citizens and, yet, the local government often have inadequate resources to do this. ‘Smart Cities’ is a new and innovative concept that has emerged during the past few years and which involves using current infrastructure and resources more effectively and efficiently. One of the methods used to collect data in a smart city is participatory crowdsourcing but, in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency, it is essential that a large amount of data be collected from the participants in such a project, who are generally citizens residing in the city. This study was conducted in the city of East London, which is part of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The study made use of a Design Science approach with a mixed method data collection method. The quantitative data collection comprised a questionnaire that was completed by 394 participants, while the qualitative data collection included a detailed literature review, conversational analysis and observations arising from the building of the crowdsourcing system prototype. The design artefact produced by this research is a model based on the literature, conversational analysis and the principles and concepts learnt from the prototype. Thus, this model represents what must be incorporated in the prototype to assist with the implementation of a public safety, participatory crowdsourcing smart city in a developing country. The model includes three areas ‒ the crowdsourcing system, the city (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality) and the citizens of East London. The crowdsourcing system incorporates factors of information security, specifically the CIA triad, and the usability of the crowdsourcing system. Usability includes characteristics such as the quality of the system and interface, as well as the usefulness of the public safety, participatory crowdsourcing system which was used to measure the confidence of the East London citizens in the system. Three steps were identified in the literature as being necessary for the implementation of a smart city project by a city. These steps include the planning, development and delivery of the smart city project. Finally, the trustworthiness of the public safety participatory crowdsourcing system is determined by the ability, reliability and benevolence of the system. These three characteristics were included in the citizen factor of the model.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A resource management framework for sustainability of rural ICT4D projects in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mugoni, Hope
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/689 , vital:26488
  • Description: Developing countries are embracing Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a tool for alleviating poverty. There are, however, still challenges that developing countries face in trying to establish Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). Among the major challenges is the lack of proper resource management which results in poor sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. If these ICT4D initiatives are to be sustainable for the benefit of current and future generations, proper resource management methods are to be developed and applied. This study proposes a resource management framework that can be applied to the management of ICT4D resources with the aim of achieving sustainability. The framework is informed by theory, and validated through enquiry in the field. Qualitative research methodology was used as a research approach for this study where three rural ICT4D initiatives were used as case studies. The case studies were conducted in rural Zimbabwe to investigate how proper resource management can influence the sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. It was identified from the study that the lack of proper resource management methods adversely affects the initiatives’ sustainability. The proposed resource management framework will guide ICT4D resource management to enhance the initiatives’ sustainability.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An analysis of the relationship between bank efficiency and access to banking services in South Africa

  • Authors: Maredza, Andrew
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
  • Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012

  • Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
  • Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An assessment of local economic development as a mechanism for poverty alleviation: a case study of Blue Crane Route Municipality in Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
  • Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
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  • Date Issued: 2014
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