Towards an effective model for improving Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) by local authorities in Zimbabwe: a case of Runde Rural District Council (RRDC)
- Authors: Matunhu, Patience S
- Date: 2023-03
- Subjects: Sanitation, Rural -- Health and hygiene -- Zimbabwe , Water-supply, Rural -- Zimbabwe , Public health administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28617 , vital:74475
- Description: This study is concerned with public service provision with reference to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programming in Runde Rural District in Zimbabwe. This thesis is informed by the Stakeholder theory by Freeman and the Stewardship theory by Donaldson and Davis. The Stakeholder theory emphasises the importance of harnessing the comparative advantages of various stakeholders in rural WASH. Stewardship theorists believe that public administrators and stakeholders have no conflict of interest and that Government creates systems and processes that promote cooperation between them. An anti-positivist or interpretivist case study was conducted. In -depth interviews, observation and documentary analysis were the chief information collection instruments. Twenty (20) participants were purposively selected to participate. The thesis unearthed factors constraining improved WASH services. Local level opportunities for improving WASH programming were identified and used to build a model for effective service delivery in the community. The study recommended establishment of WASH champions at village level, to ensure provision of WASH at household level. The WASH committees at village, community and district level should be inclusive, constituted on the basis of merit and dedication. The thesis ends with the suggestion that further studies that focus on other rural districts in Zimbabwe be carried out. This thesis contributes greatly to this field of study in that it will ensure that the Runde Rural District Council will adopt a stakeholder inclusivity model to address the lack of Water Sanitation and hygiene in their area. The bottom-up approach ensures that all stakeholders have a say in Water Sanitation and Hygiene policy making processes so that the decisions made can be relevant to their challenges in accessing Water Sanitation and Hygiene. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03
- Authors: Matunhu, Patience S
- Date: 2023-03
- Subjects: Sanitation, Rural -- Health and hygiene -- Zimbabwe , Water-supply, Rural -- Zimbabwe , Public health administration
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28617 , vital:74475
- Description: This study is concerned with public service provision with reference to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programming in Runde Rural District in Zimbabwe. This thesis is informed by the Stakeholder theory by Freeman and the Stewardship theory by Donaldson and Davis. The Stakeholder theory emphasises the importance of harnessing the comparative advantages of various stakeholders in rural WASH. Stewardship theorists believe that public administrators and stakeholders have no conflict of interest and that Government creates systems and processes that promote cooperation between them. An anti-positivist or interpretivist case study was conducted. In -depth interviews, observation and documentary analysis were the chief information collection instruments. Twenty (20) participants were purposively selected to participate. The thesis unearthed factors constraining improved WASH services. Local level opportunities for improving WASH programming were identified and used to build a model for effective service delivery in the community. The study recommended establishment of WASH champions at village level, to ensure provision of WASH at household level. The WASH committees at village, community and district level should be inclusive, constituted on the basis of merit and dedication. The thesis ends with the suggestion that further studies that focus on other rural districts in Zimbabwe be carried out. This thesis contributes greatly to this field of study in that it will ensure that the Runde Rural District Council will adopt a stakeholder inclusivity model to address the lack of Water Sanitation and hygiene in their area. The bottom-up approach ensures that all stakeholders have a say in Water Sanitation and Hygiene policy making processes so that the decisions made can be relevant to their challenges in accessing Water Sanitation and Hygiene. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03
The impact of fiscal and monetary policies on manufacturing sector performance in South Africa
- Authors: Hunter, Desireѐ
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28549 , vital:74417
- Description: Regulatory authorities have to date utilised a strategic blend of fiscal and monetary policies in dealing with the unique set of macroeconomic conditions facing South Africa. Government policy intervention has significant implications for economic growth and output within the manufacturing environment. Heterogeneity has also been discerned in relation to the responsiveness of various industries within the manufacturing sector towards both fiscal and monetary policy variable variations. However, given weakened growth prospects, policy alignment issues have been observed. The purpose of this study was firstly, to examine the impact of fiscal and monetary variables on manufacturing sector output in South Africa and secondly, to analyse the manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The study made use of quarterly and monthly data to achieve these stated objectives, dated between 1998 and 2020. To achieve the first objective, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model given the order of integration of the variables. The empirical results revealed significant, positive relations between tax revenue, deficit financing, nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and money supply (M3) for total manufacturing (LTOTAL). Contrastingly, there were negative links between LTOTAL, government spending and the lending rate. At a disaggregated industry level, there were positive relations with tax revenue in food and wood industries, although tax revenue was significantly negative for metals. Likewise, to LTOTAL, linkages with spending were significantly negative for wood and metal industries but positive for chemicals. Negative spending signage could be a result of crowding-out. For deficit financing, positive associations within chemicals did not conform to expectations. Similarly, to LTOTAL, wood and metal industries conformed to expectations of negative relations with the lending rate. In respect of the NEER in food and wood production, significant, positive links were established. Contrastingly, a negative linkage existed for chemical activities at the 5% level. Concerning M3 and akin to LTOTAL, the relation with metal industries was positive. However, negative findings for food and chemicals contradicted expectations, suggesting money supply was not efficiently utilised in managing monetary variables in the long-term. The second objective of the study focused on analysing manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables. Impulse response and variance decomposition were also constructed to further trace which channel is more significant in influencing manufacturing output. The empirical results revealed that the interest rate channel occupied a relatively significant role in both LTOTAL and several selected manufacturing industries. Shocks accounted for 9.71%, 11.96% and 14.28% of the variance in LTOTAL, metal and chemical industries. The asset price channel also appeared relatively significant, with shocks to the FTSE/JSE all-share index explaining 18.21% and 21.13% of the variation in food and wood production, signifying the most relevant channel for these particular industries and representing the second most important channel for LTOTAL and the other remaining industries. The exchange rate channel also presented as being a more relevant channel for food and wood, but occupied little role in LTOTAL, whilst the credit channel was relatively ineffectual for both LTOTAL and all industries examined. The results obtained imply that government should exercise caution and demonstrate fiscal restraint and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) need to take greater consideration of output fluctuations in monetary policy setting. Research has dictated that an expansionary fiscal policy is generally required as a means to achieving increased growth. However, findings obtained at both the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa largely varied. This implies significant heterogeneity within the South African manufacturing sector in respect of fiscal policy responses. Expansionary fiscal stimulus packages need to be better targeted towards industries that will most benefit. Similarly, monetary policy responses at the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa were heterogeneous and furthermore, differed when examining combined policy impacts. There was also a heterogeneous response with respect to relevance of the channels, via which monetary policy operated, with the interest rate channel dominating. SARB do take into consideration output fluctuations in policy setting but this is not currently emphasised or legislated. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Hunter, Desireѐ
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28549 , vital:74417
- Description: Regulatory authorities have to date utilised a strategic blend of fiscal and monetary policies in dealing with the unique set of macroeconomic conditions facing South Africa. Government policy intervention has significant implications for economic growth and output within the manufacturing environment. Heterogeneity has also been discerned in relation to the responsiveness of various industries within the manufacturing sector towards both fiscal and monetary policy variable variations. However, given weakened growth prospects, policy alignment issues have been observed. The purpose of this study was firstly, to examine the impact of fiscal and monetary variables on manufacturing sector output in South Africa and secondly, to analyse the manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The study made use of quarterly and monthly data to achieve these stated objectives, dated between 1998 and 2020. To achieve the first objective, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model given the order of integration of the variables. The empirical results revealed significant, positive relations between tax revenue, deficit financing, nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and money supply (M3) for total manufacturing (LTOTAL). Contrastingly, there were negative links between LTOTAL, government spending and the lending rate. At a disaggregated industry level, there were positive relations with tax revenue in food and wood industries, although tax revenue was significantly negative for metals. Likewise, to LTOTAL, linkages with spending were significantly negative for wood and metal industries but positive for chemicals. Negative spending signage could be a result of crowding-out. For deficit financing, positive associations within chemicals did not conform to expectations. Similarly, to LTOTAL, wood and metal industries conformed to expectations of negative relations with the lending rate. In respect of the NEER in food and wood production, significant, positive links were established. Contrastingly, a negative linkage existed for chemical activities at the 5% level. Concerning M3 and akin to LTOTAL, the relation with metal industries was positive. However, negative findings for food and chemicals contradicted expectations, suggesting money supply was not efficiently utilised in managing monetary variables in the long-term. The second objective of the study focused on analysing manufacturing industry significance of the various monetary transmission mechanism channels. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were employed to analyse the relationship between the variables. Impulse response and variance decomposition were also constructed to further trace which channel is more significant in influencing manufacturing output. The empirical results revealed that the interest rate channel occupied a relatively significant role in both LTOTAL and several selected manufacturing industries. Shocks accounted for 9.71%, 11.96% and 14.28% of the variance in LTOTAL, metal and chemical industries. The asset price channel also appeared relatively significant, with shocks to the FTSE/JSE all-share index explaining 18.21% and 21.13% of the variation in food and wood production, signifying the most relevant channel for these particular industries and representing the second most important channel for LTOTAL and the other remaining industries. The exchange rate channel also presented as being a more relevant channel for food and wood, but occupied little role in LTOTAL, whilst the credit channel was relatively ineffectual for both LTOTAL and all industries examined. The results obtained imply that government should exercise caution and demonstrate fiscal restraint and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) need to take greater consideration of output fluctuations in monetary policy setting. Research has dictated that an expansionary fiscal policy is generally required as a means to achieving increased growth. However, findings obtained at both the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa largely varied. This implies significant heterogeneity within the South African manufacturing sector in respect of fiscal policy responses. Expansionary fiscal stimulus packages need to be better targeted towards industries that will most benefit. Similarly, monetary policy responses at the aggregate and disaggregated manufacturing level in South Africa were heterogeneous and furthermore, differed when examining combined policy impacts. There was also a heterogeneous response with respect to relevance of the channels, via which monetary policy operated, with the interest rate channel dominating. SARB do take into consideration output fluctuations in policy setting but this is not currently emphasised or legislated. , Thesis (DCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The mediation of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities on the relationship between small business human resource management practices and performance
- Authors: Goon, D M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29440 , vital:77967
- Description: Small businesses play an important role in the growth and success of local economies worldwide. Regrettably, the persistent issue of small business failure stems from external and internal challenges. One of the most important internal challenges is the lack of knowledge required to configure a small business to sustain performance in a dynamic environment. The business's dynamic capabilities and human resource management are vital aspects. This study investigated the mediating role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the relationship between human resource management practices in small businesses, using the AMO framework, and small business performance. The research employed a quantitative approach, utilising convenience and snowball sampling techniques. It yielded valid responses from 231 small businesses in the Eastern Cape region. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 22. The relationships were tested using the Person correlation coefficient, while simple regression models were used to test the influence of the variables within the study hypotheses. To examine the mediating effect, the Hayes Process Macro was utilised. The analysis unveiled positive and significant relationships between human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities with performance in small businesses. Knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and all its subcomponents also mediated the relationship between all dimensions of small business human resource management practices and performance. The implication of these findings highlights the urgent attention small businesses should give towards human resource management practices and building knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These findings also alert policymakers and small business managers to what aspects of human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities should be prioritised for optimal performance in small businesses. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Goon, D M
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Small business -- Personnel management , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29440 , vital:77967
- Description: Small businesses play an important role in the growth and success of local economies worldwide. Regrettably, the persistent issue of small business failure stems from external and internal challenges. One of the most important internal challenges is the lack of knowledge required to configure a small business to sustain performance in a dynamic environment. The business's dynamic capabilities and human resource management are vital aspects. This study investigated the mediating role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in the relationship between human resource management practices in small businesses, using the AMO framework, and small business performance. The research employed a quantitative approach, utilising convenience and snowball sampling techniques. It yielded valid responses from 231 small businesses in the Eastern Cape region. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 22. The relationships were tested using the Person correlation coefficient, while simple regression models were used to test the influence of the variables within the study hypotheses. To examine the mediating effect, the Hayes Process Macro was utilised. The analysis unveiled positive and significant relationships between human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities with performance in small businesses. Knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and all its subcomponents also mediated the relationship between all dimensions of small business human resource management practices and performance. The implication of these findings highlights the urgent attention small businesses should give towards human resource management practices and building knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These findings also alert policymakers and small business managers to what aspects of human resource management practices and knowledge-based dynamic capabilities should be prioritised for optimal performance in small businesses. , Thesis (MBM) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The nature of competition in the banking sector and its effect on financial inclusion in South Africa
- Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Authors: Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28661 , vital:74492
- Description: Competition and access to financial services are lauded as key ingredients in the fight against poverty. While competition enhances markets, fosters innovation, productivity and growth, financial inclusion allows the poor to save, access credit and insurance thereby allowing them to meaningfully contribute to economic growth and also smooth their consumption. Moreover, competition reduces the cost of finance, thereby further expanding the availability of financial services. This suggests an important relationship between competition in the banking sector and financial inclusion. Research in this area is still in its infancy and little consensus exists on both whether the relationship is a robust one or not. There is no unanimity on the direction of causality or whether competition in the financial sector is good or bad for markets. This study examines the nexus between banking competition and financial inclusion in Upper-middle income countries. It employed a panel data set over the period 2011-2017 and Generalized Methods of Moments technique was employed to answer this enquiry. The findings of this study suggest that market power is not bad for financial inclusion in upper-middle income countries. Moreover, the study found that bank competition does not matter in banking the unbanked population in Upper-middle income countries. The implication of the findings of this study is that the focus of the policy makers should not be on policies that reduces concentration and market power in the banking sector, but be on measures that encourages contestability. The threat of entry is sufficient to make banks behave in a competitive manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Ngonyama, Nomasomi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-9297
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28661 , vital:74492
- Description: Competition and access to financial services are lauded as key ingredients in the fight against poverty. While competition enhances markets, fosters innovation, productivity and growth, financial inclusion allows the poor to save, access credit and insurance thereby allowing them to meaningfully contribute to economic growth and also smooth their consumption. Moreover, competition reduces the cost of finance, thereby further expanding the availability of financial services. This suggests an important relationship between competition in the banking sector and financial inclusion. Research in this area is still in its infancy and little consensus exists on both whether the relationship is a robust one or not. There is no unanimity on the direction of causality or whether competition in the financial sector is good or bad for markets. This study examines the nexus between banking competition and financial inclusion in Upper-middle income countries. It employed a panel data set over the period 2011-2017 and Generalized Methods of Moments technique was employed to answer this enquiry. The findings of this study suggest that market power is not bad for financial inclusion in upper-middle income countries. Moreover, the study found that bank competition does not matter in banking the unbanked population in Upper-middle income countries. The implication of the findings of this study is that the focus of the policy makers should not be on policies that reduces concentration and market power in the banking sector, but be on measures that encourages contestability. The threat of entry is sufficient to make banks behave in a competitive manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The perceptions of teachers about the effectiveness and efficiency of e-learning in rural schools in the Eastern Cape during COVID-19
- September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Authors: September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Rural schools -- Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29540 , vital:77976
- Description: The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessions for data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: September, Khanyile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0354-3188
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Rural schools -- Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29540 , vital:77976
- Description: The digital gap has been hitting rural schools across the world. This has also been witnessed in South Africa. This digital gap is a result of inequality amongst households. Hence, learners and teachers from rural schools cannot access technologies as urban learners and teachers do. This situation has caused a lack of connectivity, lack of information about ICT, lack of resources, and lack of skilled teachers in rural schools. Globally, almost all countries have shifted to do things online. However, some countries struggled to shift successfully such as India. The introduction of elearning in South African government schools was done with the aim of improving results performance and to develop skills in learners and allow a flexible learning environment. In some urban and semi-urban areas, teachers are able to use new technologies to teach; however, rural teachers are bound to use traditional teaching only. The problem actually surfaced when the new pandemic known as COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and spread across the world. This also affected the South African education systems, where teachers and learners were ordered to stay away from school premises and institutions, as way of preventing the virus from spreading. Rural teachers could not perform any academic activities, like urban schools did, to reach out to their learners as they wished because of the challenges stated above. Using e-learning during the 2020 pandemic was an unending nightmare for these rural teachers as they faced more challenges than those that had existed prior to COVID-19. The identified challenges discussed in this paper are those that were experienced by Alfred Nzo district teachers. This paper also refers to how e-learning was used by these teachers. Challenges identified in the literature were addressed through guidance of the UTUAT model which was adopted for the study. Each problem was categorised in line with UTUAT model four construct. The two branches of philosophies were brought in which are ontology and epistemology. Ontology asks question about the reality or existence of something and epistemology asks question about proving he existence of something. This study adopted the qualitative approach and followed that approach in terms of research paradigm, data sampling, data collection and analysis and techniques. Interviews were conducted with 15 teachers (teachers, head of department, school principal and subject advisor) from high and primary school levels, after the consent forms had been issued to obtain permission to proceed with interviews. Notes and audio recordings were made use of during interview sessions for data analysis purposes, with NVivo being used to analyse the data. Form the issues identified, these are the themes that were created which are:poor understanding of the concept “e-learning” by rural educators, high levels of resistance from educators, pedagogy of educators, insufficient support of the concept “e-learning”, poor implementation of e-learning. Lastly, after the data had been collected and analysed, this study developed five new success factors that should be implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to address issues identified as themes after thorough analysis of the literature and interviews. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
The role of risky cyber-security behaviours on effective utilisation of high-performance computing systems in historically disadvantaged institutions
- Authors: Skritshi, Caron
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , High performance computing -- Evaluation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29555 , vital:77983
- Description: This research study explores the impact of risky cybersecurity behaviours on effectively utilising High-Performance Computing Systems within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. The investigation utilises the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Security Behaviour Intentions Scale to examine the attitudes, intentions, and actual usage patterns of High-Performance Computing Systems among students and staff members. Following the positivism paradigm, this study formulated hypotheses aimed at achieving the objectives. The research sample comprised of 306 users of High-Performance Computing systems selected through the convenience sampling. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used a crosssectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study's findings revealed a significant negative relationship between risky cybersecurity behaviours and attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems, highlighting the adverse impact of such behaviours on users' perceptions and acceptance of these systems. However, an insignificant relationship was found between attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems and the intention to use them. This suggests that attitudes alone may not substantially influence user behaviour in this context, contradicting the initially proposed relationship. Furthermore, the investigation identified an insignificant correlation between the intention to use High-Performance Computing Systems and the actual utilization of these systems, indicating a gap between intention and behaviour. This implies that the study's hypothesized relationship between these latent variables was not supported. Lastly, a noteworthy correlation emerged between social influence and the effective use of High- Performance Computing Systems, supporting the relationship between these variables. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges and repercussions associated with cybersecurity behaviour in adopting and utilising High- Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing risky behaviours, enhancing user education, and implementing secure systems. These actions are essential for fostering the effective utilisation of High-Performance Computing Systems and unlocking their potential benefits for economic growth and educational advancements in South Africa. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Skritshi, Caron
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , High performance computing -- Evaluation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/29555 , vital:77983
- Description: This research study explores the impact of risky cybersecurity behaviours on effectively utilising High-Performance Computing Systems within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in South Africa. The investigation utilises the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Security Behaviour Intentions Scale to examine the attitudes, intentions, and actual usage patterns of High-Performance Computing Systems among students and staff members. Following the positivism paradigm, this study formulated hypotheses aimed at achieving the objectives. The research sample comprised of 306 users of High-Performance Computing systems selected through the convenience sampling. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used a crosssectional survey research design to collect and analyse data to achieve the study's objectives. The study's findings revealed a significant negative relationship between risky cybersecurity behaviours and attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems, highlighting the adverse impact of such behaviours on users' perceptions and acceptance of these systems. However, an insignificant relationship was found between attitudes toward High-Performance Computing Systems and the intention to use them. This suggests that attitudes alone may not substantially influence user behaviour in this context, contradicting the initially proposed relationship. Furthermore, the investigation identified an insignificant correlation between the intention to use High-Performance Computing Systems and the actual utilization of these systems, indicating a gap between intention and behaviour. This implies that the study's hypothesized relationship between these latent variables was not supported. Lastly, a noteworthy correlation emerged between social influence and the effective use of High- Performance Computing Systems, supporting the relationship between these variables. In summary, this research significantly enhances comprehension of the challenges and repercussions associated with cybersecurity behaviour in adopting and utilising High- Performance Computing Systems across five South African Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing risky behaviours, enhancing user education, and implementing secure systems. These actions are essential for fostering the effective utilisation of High-Performance Computing Systems and unlocking their potential benefits for economic growth and educational advancements in South Africa. , Thesis (MIS) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
An assessment of youth empowerment programmes and job creation opportunities: a case of Mhlontlo Local Municipality
- Authors: Mabono, Tumeka Patricia
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment -- South Africa , Job creation -- Youth -- South Africa , Youth -- Services for -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26874 , vital:66038
- Description: Youth unemployment is a major policy concern in South Africa. This study aimed to assess youth programmes and job creation opportunities in Mhlontlo Local Municipality. This study intended to: 1. Examine the context, purpose, objectives, assumptions and claims of the national youth empowerment policy on job creation, 2. To assess the implementation of the youth empowerment programs in Mhlontlo Local Municipality for improved job creation, and lastly 3. To provide suitable recommendations on improving youth empowerment programmes and job creation in Mhlontlo Local Municipality. This study adopted a qualitative research design, that included and adapted the use of semi structured interviews and focus groups discussions in the context of COVID 19 regulations. The key findings from the analysis of data included the following – • The Mhlontlo Local Municipality has not developed its own local youth development and empowerment policy. • The design limitations in the theory of change of the National Youth Policy negatively affected the implementation of youth programmes in Mhlontlo Municipality • Mhlontlo Local Municipality’s implementation of youth programme failed to achieve its outcomes of creating a sustainable employment for youth. • There was distinct difference between the espoused views of municipal managers and actual experience of implementation of youth programmes the Mhlontlo Local Municipality that impacted negatively on the implementation of the youth development programme. • Their leadership buy-in and championship for youth development in Mhlontlo Local Municipality from selected managers in the municipality and but not from the political office. • There was lack of transparency and communication mechanisms by Mhlontlo Local Municipality the for-youth participation and engagement with of all stakeholders in decision making. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
- Authors: Mabono, Tumeka Patricia
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Youth -- Employment -- South Africa , Job creation -- Youth -- South Africa , Youth -- Services for -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26874 , vital:66038
- Description: Youth unemployment is a major policy concern in South Africa. This study aimed to assess youth programmes and job creation opportunities in Mhlontlo Local Municipality. This study intended to: 1. Examine the context, purpose, objectives, assumptions and claims of the national youth empowerment policy on job creation, 2. To assess the implementation of the youth empowerment programs in Mhlontlo Local Municipality for improved job creation, and lastly 3. To provide suitable recommendations on improving youth empowerment programmes and job creation in Mhlontlo Local Municipality. This study adopted a qualitative research design, that included and adapted the use of semi structured interviews and focus groups discussions in the context of COVID 19 regulations. The key findings from the analysis of data included the following – • The Mhlontlo Local Municipality has not developed its own local youth development and empowerment policy. • The design limitations in the theory of change of the National Youth Policy negatively affected the implementation of youth programmes in Mhlontlo Municipality • Mhlontlo Local Municipality’s implementation of youth programme failed to achieve its outcomes of creating a sustainable employment for youth. • There was distinct difference between the espoused views of municipal managers and actual experience of implementation of youth programmes the Mhlontlo Local Municipality that impacted negatively on the implementation of the youth development programme. • Their leadership buy-in and championship for youth development in Mhlontlo Local Municipality from selected managers in the municipality and but not from the political office. • There was lack of transparency and communication mechanisms by Mhlontlo Local Municipality the for-youth participation and engagement with of all stakeholders in decision making. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
The impact of domestic investment on economic growth in South Africa: a Sectoral Approach (1993 to 2020)
- Hobongwana, Khungile Goodwell https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0223-7370
- Authors: Hobongwana, Khungile Goodwell https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0223-7370
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa , Gross domestic product
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26753 , vital:65982
- Description: This study examined the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in South Africa: a sectoral approach from 1993 to 2020. The overall results as discussed by panel data ARDL revealed that domestic investment has an impact on at least one sectoral economic growth in South Africa in the long run. The panel data ARDL test reveals that domestic investment, employment, imports and exports have a significant correlation to influence GDP in the long run in at least one of the sectors. A pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality tests determine that domestic investment (DI) does not homogeneously cause gross domestic product (GDP). This is because in South Africa the sectoral or structural change development relies much on foreign direct investment (FDI) rather than domestic investment, hence the negative homogeneous results. Therefore, we need to attract DI as the result shows, because a positive relationship can be expected between domestic investment and economic growth in line with the Keynesian theory where investment is expected to promote economic growth. The new-endogenous growth theory of investment that can be applied in detecting the effect of aggregate and disaggregate domestic investment on sectoral economic growth and aggregate economic growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
- Authors: Hobongwana, Khungile Goodwell https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0223-7370
- Date: 2023-01
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Investments -- South Africa , Gross domestic product
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26753 , vital:65982
- Description: This study examined the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in South Africa: a sectoral approach from 1993 to 2020. The overall results as discussed by panel data ARDL revealed that domestic investment has an impact on at least one sectoral economic growth in South Africa in the long run. The panel data ARDL test reveals that domestic investment, employment, imports and exports have a significant correlation to influence GDP in the long run in at least one of the sectors. A pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality tests determine that domestic investment (DI) does not homogeneously cause gross domestic product (GDP). This is because in South Africa the sectoral or structural change development relies much on foreign direct investment (FDI) rather than domestic investment, hence the negative homogeneous results. Therefore, we need to attract DI as the result shows, because a positive relationship can be expected between domestic investment and economic growth in line with the Keynesian theory where investment is expected to promote economic growth. The new-endogenous growth theory of investment that can be applied in detecting the effect of aggregate and disaggregate domestic investment on sectoral economic growth and aggregate economic growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-01
An assessment of the role of the Speaker in the management of the National Assembly: the case of a democratic South Africa
- Authors: Lunyawo, Sipho
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Legislative bodies -- South Africa -- Presiding officers , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26742 , vital:65976
- Description: This study interrogates the role of the Speaker in the management of the National Assembly in post-apartheid South Africa. The major focus is on the tenure of the fifth Speaker which was marked with widespread parliament disruptions largely orchestrated by opposition parties. The research employed a qualitative secondary data methodology in which data was collected from secondary sources such as government documents and newspapers. Content analysis and critical discourse analysis were used to analyze data. The Study found that the Speaker plays a fundamental role in the management of the National Assembly. Nevertheless, the study also established that there are numerous challenges faced by the Speaker in the management of the National Assembly. The challenges include mediating the chaos and conflicts among members. The study also established the nature and causes of chaos in the House as well as the efforts put in place by the Speaker to encourage fair debate among MPs. The study concludes that the role of the Speaker in monitoring and regulating the House is crucial in ensuring that there is order in the House at any given time. This is also because the Speaker plays a fundamental role as the Peacekeeper of the House and this emanates from the Speaker’s role in the management of the House. Based on the findings and conclusions of the Study, three recommendations were put forward and these are; embracing a system where the Speaker is independent, introducing hefty penalties against deliberate misconduct, and the use of previous unfavorable incidents to amend the rules of the House. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Lunyawo, Sipho
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Legislative bodies -- South Africa -- Presiding officers , Mediation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26742 , vital:65976
- Description: This study interrogates the role of the Speaker in the management of the National Assembly in post-apartheid South Africa. The major focus is on the tenure of the fifth Speaker which was marked with widespread parliament disruptions largely orchestrated by opposition parties. The research employed a qualitative secondary data methodology in which data was collected from secondary sources such as government documents and newspapers. Content analysis and critical discourse analysis were used to analyze data. The Study found that the Speaker plays a fundamental role in the management of the National Assembly. Nevertheless, the study also established that there are numerous challenges faced by the Speaker in the management of the National Assembly. The challenges include mediating the chaos and conflicts among members. The study also established the nature and causes of chaos in the House as well as the efforts put in place by the Speaker to encourage fair debate among MPs. The study concludes that the role of the Speaker in monitoring and regulating the House is crucial in ensuring that there is order in the House at any given time. This is also because the Speaker plays a fundamental role as the Peacekeeper of the House and this emanates from the Speaker’s role in the management of the House. Based on the findings and conclusions of the Study, three recommendations were put forward and these are; embracing a system where the Speaker is independent, introducing hefty penalties against deliberate misconduct, and the use of previous unfavorable incidents to amend the rules of the House. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism: the case of selected SADC countries
- Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Tengwa, Anakho https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0700-8668
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Southern , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Africa, Southern , Economic development -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26863 , vital:66037
- Description: Monetary policy plays a significant role in countries economic development. The variability in inflation in the SADC region provides room to question the Effectiveness of the transmission of monetary policy as these countries experience inflation in different ways. The study analyses the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanism on the selected 5 SADC countries, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia. The selection of the countries was mainly based on data availability. To answer the study hypothesis, the study used secondary data from different data sources, employing the Vector Autoregression Regression. The different channels analysed include the exchange rate, interest rates as well as credit channel to measure monetary policy tools. The main variables are, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI)cpi and money supply. Panel unit root was tested to test the stationarity of the variables and the appropriate lag length was determined. Panel VAR model was estimated where the focus was mainly on variance decomposition and impulse response. Then lastly the stability of the model was tested using diagnostic test. The results revealed that interest rates channel and exchange rate channel have a more significant effect in explaining the transmission of macroeconomic shock to the rest of the economy through gpd and cpi. While the credit channel mostly transmits to the rest of the economy through money supply and cpi, its effects from GDP are rather insignificant. It is also noted that interest rates serve as the dominant channel in transmitting monetary policy shocks to the rest of the economy. When central banks decrease prime lending rates for commercial banks, this is passed to consumers making it less expensive to borrow. In the long run, attracts foreign investors which harms the domestic currency. The author has noted that future research could focus on how asset price channel affects the economy. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A critical assessment of the inter-governmental relations clusters system in the south African local government context: the case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality by infrastructure
- Authors: Mkosana, Luvo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26841 , vital:66035
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that intergovernmental relations cluster system can be a precondition for improving the state of infrastructure in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. It follows, logically, that engaging stakeholders in all the three spheres of government and allowing them to fully participate in IGR processes has the potential to play a central role in improving infrastructure sector. Without effective and efficient implementation of IGR in the South African public sector, the transformation of the infrastructure sector will continue to menace many local government departments. Given the critics levelled against the processes involved in IGR, the qualitative and method was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of IGR cluster systems and its general contribution on infrastructural development. The findings showed a general consensus on the importance of the concept of IGR and its potential in ensuring that stakeholders come up with efficient ways to improve the infrastructure sector. Evidence also showed that the main components of infrastructure such as electricity, housing, water and sanitation and roads are still facing challenges and there are backlogs despite the efforts by all the three spheres of government to ensure that the collaborate in improving the sector. This knowledge allows the adoption of a bottom-up approach to IGR cluster system in the South African local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
- Authors: Mkosana, Luvo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26841 , vital:66035
- Description: This research is focused on the premise that intergovernmental relations cluster system can be a precondition for improving the state of infrastructure in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. It follows, logically, that engaging stakeholders in all the three spheres of government and allowing them to fully participate in IGR processes has the potential to play a central role in improving infrastructure sector. Without effective and efficient implementation of IGR in the South African public sector, the transformation of the infrastructure sector will continue to menace many local government departments. Given the critics levelled against the processes involved in IGR, the qualitative and method was used as an investigative method to gain a deeper understanding of IGR cluster systems and its general contribution on infrastructural development. The findings showed a general consensus on the importance of the concept of IGR and its potential in ensuring that stakeholders come up with efficient ways to improve the infrastructure sector. Evidence also showed that the main components of infrastructure such as electricity, housing, water and sanitation and roads are still facing challenges and there are backlogs despite the efforts by all the three spheres of government to ensure that the collaborate in improving the sector. This knowledge allows the adoption of a bottom-up approach to IGR cluster system in the South African local government sector. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
The correlation between automobile insurance and road traffic accidents in Eastern Cape, South Africa: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan
- Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Authors: Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Automobile insurance -- South Africa , Traffic accident investigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28773 , vital:74916
- Description: Road traffic injuries are currently the 8th leading cause of death worldwide and are expected to rise to 6th position if no action is taken. Approximately 1.3 million lives are lost to road accidents, while around twenty to fifty million people remain injured or disabled every year, worldwide. Factors such as vehicle and road conditions, human factors such as behaviour, abilities, and capabilities are among the major contributors to road accidents. Human factors are the main contributors to road accidents in South Africa, accounting for about 77% of total road accidents (Deme, 2019). According to the report by Road Traffic Management Cooperation, in 2018 the provincial number of road fatalities recorded was lower compared to the previous year with the exception of the Eastern Cape province, which recorded an increase of 2.8%. This study used data from 120 respondents from Buffalo City municipality to examine the effect of automobile insurance and road traffic accidents. The aim was to find out if drivers behave carelessly when their vehicles are covered by insurance. The study used the logit model, and the results showed that drivers with comprehensive or high insurance coverage have higher chances of being in accidents than drivers with lower insurance coverages. Drivers who have vehicle insurance are more likely to break the road rules than those who do not have insurance. The study recommends strengthening traffic rules, investing in public transportation such as trains, buses to minimise use of private transport, promoting road safety education and awareness. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
- Authors: Maxam, Thandokazi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8852-0603
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Automobile insurance -- South Africa , Traffic accident investigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28773 , vital:74916
- Description: Road traffic injuries are currently the 8th leading cause of death worldwide and are expected to rise to 6th position if no action is taken. Approximately 1.3 million lives are lost to road accidents, while around twenty to fifty million people remain injured or disabled every year, worldwide. Factors such as vehicle and road conditions, human factors such as behaviour, abilities, and capabilities are among the major contributors to road accidents. Human factors are the main contributors to road accidents in South Africa, accounting for about 77% of total road accidents (Deme, 2019). According to the report by Road Traffic Management Cooperation, in 2018 the provincial number of road fatalities recorded was lower compared to the previous year with the exception of the Eastern Cape province, which recorded an increase of 2.8%. This study used data from 120 respondents from Buffalo City municipality to examine the effect of automobile insurance and road traffic accidents. The aim was to find out if drivers behave carelessly when their vehicles are covered by insurance. The study used the logit model, and the results showed that drivers with comprehensive or high insurance coverage have higher chances of being in accidents than drivers with lower insurance coverages. Drivers who have vehicle insurance are more likely to break the road rules than those who do not have insurance. The study recommends strengthening traffic rules, investing in public transportation such as trains, buses to minimise use of private transport, promoting road safety education and awareness. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
The effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province
- Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Authors: Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28739 , vital:74907
- Description: Organisation’s success is dependent on employees’ feelings regarding their jobs and employees’ willingness to undertake voluntary behaviours beyond their expected service level. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Secondary objectives of the research included to investigate the effect of job insecurity on organisational citizenship behaviour, to investigate the effect of turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province, and to investigate the effect of job insecurity on the turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. The study discussed and applied the social exchange theory as well as the psychological contract theory. Using a positivist paradigm, the study was descriptive in nature. The study followed a cross sectional research design. The study followed a quantitative research approach which emphasises on the quantification of constructs. The population was 2050 administrative and academic staff who were employed by the university under study in 2021. Raosoft was used to calculate the sample size and the recommended sample size was 324. Although the researcher had access to staff mailing list, the researcher had limited access to the actual population list, hence the study employed non-probability sampling method. Thus, purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents, with the characteristic required to participate being either an academic or an administrative employee at the University of Fort Hare. This study employed survey method where data was collected using an electronic questionnaire. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v.25 to analyse data. Both inferential and descriptive tests were used for the analysis of data. Inferential statistical tests used include the Multiple Regression analysis, Pearson correlation and Simple Linear Regression. The study concludes that job insecurity and turnover intention have a negative effect on OCB of employees at the university under study. It was also concluded that job insecurity has a negative effect on OCB of employees, turnover intention has a t negative effect on OCB of employees, and job insecurity has a positive effect on turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. Recommendations provided to managers and practitioners are based on the conclusion of the study. Theoretical implications of this study were also discussed. The researcher suggested areas of further research that can be pursued by others. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
- Authors: Chimucheka, Nyasha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0663-8887
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Job security -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28739 , vital:74907
- Description: Organisation’s success is dependent on employees’ feelings regarding their jobs and employees’ willingness to undertake voluntary behaviours beyond their expected service level. The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of job insecurity and turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Secondary objectives of the research included to investigate the effect of job insecurity on organisational citizenship behaviour, to investigate the effect of turnover intention on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province, and to investigate the effect of job insecurity on the turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. The study discussed and applied the social exchange theory as well as the psychological contract theory. Using a positivist paradigm, the study was descriptive in nature. The study followed a cross sectional research design. The study followed a quantitative research approach which emphasises on the quantification of constructs. The population was 2050 administrative and academic staff who were employed by the university under study in 2021. Raosoft was used to calculate the sample size and the recommended sample size was 324. Although the researcher had access to staff mailing list, the researcher had limited access to the actual population list, hence the study employed non-probability sampling method. Thus, purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents, with the characteristic required to participate being either an academic or an administrative employee at the University of Fort Hare. This study employed survey method where data was collected using an electronic questionnaire. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v.25 to analyse data. Both inferential and descriptive tests were used for the analysis of data. Inferential statistical tests used include the Multiple Regression analysis, Pearson correlation and Simple Linear Regression. The study concludes that job insecurity and turnover intention have a negative effect on OCB of employees at the university under study. It was also concluded that job insecurity has a negative effect on OCB of employees, turnover intention has a t negative effect on OCB of employees, and job insecurity has a positive effect on turnover intention of employees at a university in the Eastern Cape Province. Recommendations provided to managers and practitioners are based on the conclusion of the study. Theoretical implications of this study were also discussed. The researcher suggested areas of further research that can be pursued by others. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
Digital finance and poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries
- Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
- Authors: Dube, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-5346
- Date: 2022-10
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23347 , vital:57616
- Description: Since the 21st century, digital finance has emerged as a critical enabler and an excellent tool for meeting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing financial inclusion and poverty reduction. The objective of achieving universal financial access by 2030 has led to recognising that financial inclusion has a significant role in economic growth and poverty eradication. The literature demonstrates that access to finance can affect poverty through access to credit, enabling savings, thereby facilitating intertemporal consumption smoothing. Digital finance is key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in digital payments is one of the best ways to ensure a faster, better, and more cost-effective way to access financial services. The gender gap in developing countries states that (59% of men were reported to have a bank account in 2014, while 50% of women only had a bank account). Some groups, including women and the rural poor, are financially excluded compared to others. This study applied panel data regression analysis and structural equation modelling to investigate the nature of digital finance, its relationship with poverty and the transmission mechanism from digital finance to poverty in selected Sub-Saharan Countries. The results indicate that remittance is one of the most significant determinants of the use of digital finance in the Sub-Saharan region compared to other determinants of use for digital finance. Regarding the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty, the path analysis results suggest that the channel for remittance in the transmission mechanism has a more substantial impact on reducing poverty than savings in the Sub-Saharan region. The study recommends that remittance is essential, but savings are not critical in this digital age. This study contributed to literature by identifying the transmission mechanism between digital finance and poverty. This is beneficial to researchers and policymakers . It provides policy practitioners with a reference point on a model to build upon towards providing solutions to the problem, Sub-Saharan Countries encounter on delivering sustainable and broad-based economic growth. The study concludes by proposing that digital finance, particularly mobile money presents an excellent opportunity to increase access to finance and reduce poverty. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10
An investigation in waste management in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality: a case study in Whittlesea
- Mngese, Bongani Elvis https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3222-0764
- Authors: Mngese, Bongani Elvis https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3222-0764
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Local government -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28784 , vital:74921
- Description: The study investigates the state of rendering waste service to Whittlesea within the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The study assesses into local municipality waste management policy and how the everyday attitude on waste handling has impacted on waste management. The study responds to the contextual gap in EMLM waste service delivery to Whittlesea community. The study addresses the following key research questions: What is the waste management policy in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality? How was the waste management policy implemented by municipal mangers in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to Whittlesea? How did the community of Whittlesea respond to the waste management service delivery of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality? The study used a qualitative approach, the data collection instruments included document review of policy and other official document, and in-depth interviews of respondents from the municipality and the community. The key findings of this research study were as follows- firstly, the national policy framework was clear on the role and responsibility of the municipality in waste management; secondly, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality had clearly articulated waste management policy and operational procedure; thirdly, in spite of robust municipal policy and procedures, the inadequate inputs and resources for waste management programme in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality impacted negatively on service delivery in Whittlesea; fourthly, the challenges experienced by municipal managers in EMLM made it difficult for them to provide efficient waste management services to the Whittlesea community; and, finally the irresponsible attitude of the community in dumping waste worsened the provision of waste management in the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
An investigation in waste management in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality: a case study in Whittlesea
- Authors: Mngese, Bongani Elvis https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3222-0764
- Date: 2022-09
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Local government -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28784 , vital:74921
- Description: The study investigates the state of rendering waste service to Whittlesea within the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM). The study assesses into local municipality waste management policy and how the everyday attitude on waste handling has impacted on waste management. The study responds to the contextual gap in EMLM waste service delivery to Whittlesea community. The study addresses the following key research questions: What is the waste management policy in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality? How was the waste management policy implemented by municipal mangers in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to Whittlesea? How did the community of Whittlesea respond to the waste management service delivery of Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality? The study used a qualitative approach, the data collection instruments included document review of policy and other official document, and in-depth interviews of respondents from the municipality and the community. The key findings of this research study were as follows- firstly, the national policy framework was clear on the role and responsibility of the municipality in waste management; secondly, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality had clearly articulated waste management policy and operational procedure; thirdly, in spite of robust municipal policy and procedures, the inadequate inputs and resources for waste management programme in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality impacted negatively on service delivery in Whittlesea; fourthly, the challenges experienced by municipal managers in EMLM made it difficult for them to provide efficient waste management services to the Whittlesea community; and, finally the irresponsible attitude of the community in dumping waste worsened the provision of waste management in the municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-09
A model for linking innovation and sustainable growth of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, South Africa
- Authors: Mzamo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Immigrant business enterprises -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Business Management -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28828 , vital:75130
- Description: South Africa experienced hard times during the apartheid era. This led to some of the South African nationals seeking solace and hiding in neighbouring African countries. Post 1994, this situation has largely changed. Other African countries have not been as privileged to recover from the political turmoil nations have experienced and have left civilians stranded with no comfort or job security. It is for this reason that immigrants from other African countries track to South Africa for the hope and promise of a better future. While this is the case and hope, South Africa is dealing with its own issues of high unemployment rate, violence and crime, poverty, lack of quality education, drug and substance abuse, unstable political issues and influx of immigrants who have no plans or ways of survival. This makes things even harder for the government to accommodate everyone as the focus and priority is seen to be given to its citizens. Entrepreneurship becomes the most feasible and practical way of survival for the immigrants. Some of these businesses have stood the test of time, are making strides and thriving. Their growth journeys may even be better than those of citizens due to these businesses primarily being characterized by survival tactics. This study was hence conducted to predominantly formulate a model for linking the innovation and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs. The secondary objective was to gauge if there is a significant relationship between innovation (incremental, radical, and technological) and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. A mixed approach was used to achieve these objectives. The population of the study targeted immigrant entrepreneurs from the African continent who are running small and medium (SME) businesses in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area. The data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a survey. Seventeen (17) interviews were held, and one hundred and two (102) surveys were collected, totalling one hundred and nineteen (119) research study participants. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and snowballing due to the population of immigrant entrepreneurs being unknown in Johannesburg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed that innovation played a major role in sustainable business growth of the immigrant entrepreneurs. The research study showed the typical measures of innovation (incremental, radical and technological) as well as business growth may not be reflective and applicable to the SME space due to the businesses being survival businesses. The research study recommends that development of immigrant entrepreneurship focused programs for coaching, support, funding, and handholding be of absolute government focus. Internal collaborative innovation agendas are key for businesses to balance incremental and radical innovation. This will minimise the reliance on business owners or leadership to drive innovation, but rather, for innovation to be a way of working for all in the business. Growth and sustainability rides on shared innovation as opposed to individually led or an isolated agenda. Education, change management and training of citizens and safety officials is recommended to understand the benefits of immigrant owned businesses as an economic driver and as a point of embracing fellow Africans. This will eliminate the stereotypes that make immigrant entrepreneurs exposed and uncomfortable in their business journeys. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Mzamo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Immigrant business enterprises -- Technological innovations -- South Africa , Business Management -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28828 , vital:75130
- Description: South Africa experienced hard times during the apartheid era. This led to some of the South African nationals seeking solace and hiding in neighbouring African countries. Post 1994, this situation has largely changed. Other African countries have not been as privileged to recover from the political turmoil nations have experienced and have left civilians stranded with no comfort or job security. It is for this reason that immigrants from other African countries track to South Africa for the hope and promise of a better future. While this is the case and hope, South Africa is dealing with its own issues of high unemployment rate, violence and crime, poverty, lack of quality education, drug and substance abuse, unstable political issues and influx of immigrants who have no plans or ways of survival. This makes things even harder for the government to accommodate everyone as the focus and priority is seen to be given to its citizens. Entrepreneurship becomes the most feasible and practical way of survival for the immigrants. Some of these businesses have stood the test of time, are making strides and thriving. Their growth journeys may even be better than those of citizens due to these businesses primarily being characterized by survival tactics. This study was hence conducted to predominantly formulate a model for linking the innovation and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs. The secondary objective was to gauge if there is a significant relationship between innovation (incremental, radical, and technological) and sustainable business growth of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. A mixed approach was used to achieve these objectives. The population of the study targeted immigrant entrepreneurs from the African continent who are running small and medium (SME) businesses in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area. The data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a survey. Seventeen (17) interviews were held, and one hundred and two (102) surveys were collected, totalling one hundred and nineteen (119) research study participants. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and snowballing due to the population of immigrant entrepreneurs being unknown in Johannesburg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyse the data. The findings revealed that innovation played a major role in sustainable business growth of the immigrant entrepreneurs. The research study showed the typical measures of innovation (incremental, radical and technological) as well as business growth may not be reflective and applicable to the SME space due to the businesses being survival businesses. The research study recommends that development of immigrant entrepreneurship focused programs for coaching, support, funding, and handholding be of absolute government focus. Internal collaborative innovation agendas are key for businesses to balance incremental and radical innovation. This will minimise the reliance on business owners or leadership to drive innovation, but rather, for innovation to be a way of working for all in the business. Growth and sustainability rides on shared innovation as opposed to individually led or an isolated agenda. Education, change management and training of citizens and safety officials is recommended to understand the benefits of immigrant owned businesses as an economic driver and as a point of embracing fellow Africans. This will eliminate the stereotypes that make immigrant entrepreneurs exposed and uncomfortable in their business journeys. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
A structural equation model on small business performance: the mediating role of effectuation & entrepreneur identity
- Muchineripi, Justice Ngonidzashe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8058-731X
- Authors: Muchineripi, Justice Ngonidzashe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8058-731X
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28806 , vital:75099
- Description: The role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity in the performance of small business has not received much attention in the African small business context. Effectuation plays a critical role in determining the success of a business. All businesses need to have inherent strategies within the business on how to deal with financial and operational challenges. Despite the impact of entrepreneur identity on performance, there is a noted gap in literature on the possible role that effectuation can play. Research purpose: The research aim is to test the structural model on small business performance in the South African small business context. The research thus investigates the mediating role of effectuation on entrepreneur identity and performance amongst small businesses in South Africa. Research approach/design and method: The study was undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative research approach was utilised and primary data was collected from 380 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises through structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling was used for testing the hypotheses. Main findings: The findings revealed that spiritual identity and business identity exert a positive effect on subjective performance in Small Medium Micro Enterprises. Findings further revealed that spiritual identity and effectuation significantly predict objective performance. Spiritual identity, social identity and business identity significantly predict effectuation in SMMEs. Contribution: The study makes a major contribution in the body of knowledge for small business practitioners, policymakers and researchers who would like to explore the role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity on small business performance. The study findings encourage effectual decision making by small businesses as it reveals that facing challenges is inevitable, but what is important is that the business should be able to resolve various challenges using available resources. Originality/value: The empirical evidence provided in the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the theory of effectuation in the South African context. The study also provides policy guidelines for policymakers to entrepeneurs who would like to venture into business. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Muchineripi, Justice Ngonidzashe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8058-731X
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28806 , vital:75099
- Description: The role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity in the performance of small business has not received much attention in the African small business context. Effectuation plays a critical role in determining the success of a business. All businesses need to have inherent strategies within the business on how to deal with financial and operational challenges. Despite the impact of entrepreneur identity on performance, there is a noted gap in literature on the possible role that effectuation can play. Research purpose: The research aim is to test the structural model on small business performance in the South African small business context. The research thus investigates the mediating role of effectuation on entrepreneur identity and performance amongst small businesses in South Africa. Research approach/design and method: The study was undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative research approach was utilised and primary data was collected from 380 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises through structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling was used for testing the hypotheses. Main findings: The findings revealed that spiritual identity and business identity exert a positive effect on subjective performance in Small Medium Micro Enterprises. Findings further revealed that spiritual identity and effectuation significantly predict objective performance. Spiritual identity, social identity and business identity significantly predict effectuation in SMMEs. Contribution: The study makes a major contribution in the body of knowledge for small business practitioners, policymakers and researchers who would like to explore the role of effectuation and entrepreneur identity on small business performance. The study findings encourage effectual decision making by small businesses as it reveals that facing challenges is inevitable, but what is important is that the business should be able to resolve various challenges using available resources. Originality/value: The empirical evidence provided in the study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the theory of effectuation in the South African context. The study also provides policy guidelines for policymakers to entrepeneurs who would like to venture into business. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
Determinants of inclusive growth in South Africa: a macroeconomic approach
- Makala, Zizo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-6531
- Authors: Makala, Zizo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-6531
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28761 , vital:74913
- Description: Available literature substantiates that economic growth is imperative but not sufficient to improve the living standards of a substantial percentage of South Africa’s population. The benefits of growth are also barely equitably distributed among the different groups of society in South Africa. Based on this background, the study empirically examines the factors that determine inclusive growth in South Africa. The study utilised annual data from 1991 to 2020, employing the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration to evaluate the long-run and short-run linkage among the variables of interest. Based on the Social Opportunity Function, a model linking inclusive growth and its determinants was specified. The empirical results suggest a positive relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and inclusive growth (LGDPPPE), in both the short run and the long run, implying that, FDI inflows significantly drive inclusive growth. Therefore, there is a need for South Africa to open economic borders to benefit from the opportunities for inclusive growth through external capital. In contrast, Inflation (INFL) portrays a negative influence on LGDPPPE, both in the short and long run alike, suggesting that the rate of inclusive growth is higher when inflation rate is lower, leading to the implication that, to significantly help accelerate inclusive growth in South Africa, the control of inflation must be a major object of economic policy. In the short run, the Level of Income (LGDPPC), Government Consumption (GGFCE), Population Growth (POPG), Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), and Trade Openness (TOP) indicate no noticeable influence on LGDPPPE. However, in the long run, LGDPPC, POPG and TOP turned out positive and statistically significant. This finding suggests that policies that make the South African economy open to trade with the rest of the world are essential for inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the finding implies that population growth is not detrimental to growth inclusiveness in South Africa and policy measures that enhance the population’s productivity to reap demographic dividends should be encouraged. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Makala, Zizo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-6531
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Macroeconomics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28761 , vital:74913
- Description: Available literature substantiates that economic growth is imperative but not sufficient to improve the living standards of a substantial percentage of South Africa’s population. The benefits of growth are also barely equitably distributed among the different groups of society in South Africa. Based on this background, the study empirically examines the factors that determine inclusive growth in South Africa. The study utilised annual data from 1991 to 2020, employing the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration to evaluate the long-run and short-run linkage among the variables of interest. Based on the Social Opportunity Function, a model linking inclusive growth and its determinants was specified. The empirical results suggest a positive relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and inclusive growth (LGDPPPE), in both the short run and the long run, implying that, FDI inflows significantly drive inclusive growth. Therefore, there is a need for South Africa to open economic borders to benefit from the opportunities for inclusive growth through external capital. In contrast, Inflation (INFL) portrays a negative influence on LGDPPPE, both in the short and long run alike, suggesting that the rate of inclusive growth is higher when inflation rate is lower, leading to the implication that, to significantly help accelerate inclusive growth in South Africa, the control of inflation must be a major object of economic policy. In the short run, the Level of Income (LGDPPC), Government Consumption (GGFCE), Population Growth (POPG), Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), and Trade Openness (TOP) indicate no noticeable influence on LGDPPPE. However, in the long run, LGDPPC, POPG and TOP turned out positive and statistically significant. This finding suggests that policies that make the South African economy open to trade with the rest of the world are essential for inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the finding implies that population growth is not detrimental to growth inclusiveness in South Africa and policy measures that enhance the population’s productivity to reap demographic dividends should be encouraged. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
Human Resource Development model for cultivating a culture of innovation in local government: the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Mutangabende, Shepherd https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3231-7400
- Authors: Mutangabende, Shepherd https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3231-7400
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa , Local government -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28817 , vital:75128
- Description: Local government in South Africa is grappling with transforming democratic, accountable, and sustainable service provision to communities. Human Resource Management (HRM) plays an instrumental role in cultivating an innovative public service culture. It enables such a culture through workforce planning, recruitment, selection, induction, rewarding, budget allocation, training, and development. A culture of innovation provides an opportunity for local government to respond to pressing local needs within legislative and financial constraints. This study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy, and an exploratory sequential mixed methods research strategy and case study research design, to investigate human resources development strategies for cultivating a culture of innovation in local government, using a case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in South Africa. Qualitative data was collected from twenty (n=20) purposefully sampled information-rich participants through indepth interviews and quantitative data from eighty (n=80) line officials using a structured questionnaire. Research findings indicate that HRM in BCMM is not optimally utilising HRM strategies to cultivate a culture of innovation. Study results show insufficiency of qualified human capital, which therefore, impose constraints on the capacity of the municipality to optimally cultivate a culture of innovation. Findings show that participants in leadership positions often lacked requisite knowledge and capacity on workforce planning, which is necessary for human capital needs analysis and for identifying skills gaps, which would subsequently inform recruitment and selection, induction, and human resources development of municipal human capital. Recruitment and selection processes as well as induction programmes are also often devoid of innovation human resources development practices and strategies. There were often not much rewards for employees who come up with innovative ideas or methods of executing their key performance areas. Lack of rewards was a barrier to innovation as the question of “what is in it for me?” remain unanswered. This could be the reason why there were few innovative activities taking place in local government and the case study municipality. Results further suggest that the organisational culture of the case study municipality was mostly conservative, as employees did not have fecund opportunities for trial and error of new methods of executing performance tasks, often strictly adhering to standard operating procedures. The organisational culture in the case study municipality was thus risk aversive, and a significant barrier to innovation. There was often poor communication on the availability of budget allocation for innovation. The study, therefore, recommended more effective and innovative workforce planning and using that information during recruitment and selection. It also recommended using rewards to motivate employees to be innovative, allowing trial and error, to test new ideas and methods as ways of cultivating a culture of innovation. There is thus a significant need and demand for transformation and innovation in local governance, heightened by increasing municipal dysfunction and citizen expectation. As such, providing human capital with requisite knowledge and skills, retaining talent, and inducing human resources to be immobile, build up high performance work systems (HPWS), essential for achieving sustainable local government functionality and municipal performance. Human Resource Development thus play a significant role, as it essentially provides training and development programmes to equip workers with innovative skills needed in local government. The study thus developed and recommended a human resource development model which could be contextually adapted by municipalities to cultivate and foster a culture of innovation for optimum municipal functionality. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Mutangabende, Shepherd https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3231-7400
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa , Local government -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28817 , vital:75128
- Description: Local government in South Africa is grappling with transforming democratic, accountable, and sustainable service provision to communities. Human Resource Management (HRM) plays an instrumental role in cultivating an innovative public service culture. It enables such a culture through workforce planning, recruitment, selection, induction, rewarding, budget allocation, training, and development. A culture of innovation provides an opportunity for local government to respond to pressing local needs within legislative and financial constraints. This study adopted a pragmatic research philosophy, and an exploratory sequential mixed methods research strategy and case study research design, to investigate human resources development strategies for cultivating a culture of innovation in local government, using a case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in South Africa. Qualitative data was collected from twenty (n=20) purposefully sampled information-rich participants through indepth interviews and quantitative data from eighty (n=80) line officials using a structured questionnaire. Research findings indicate that HRM in BCMM is not optimally utilising HRM strategies to cultivate a culture of innovation. Study results show insufficiency of qualified human capital, which therefore, impose constraints on the capacity of the municipality to optimally cultivate a culture of innovation. Findings show that participants in leadership positions often lacked requisite knowledge and capacity on workforce planning, which is necessary for human capital needs analysis and for identifying skills gaps, which would subsequently inform recruitment and selection, induction, and human resources development of municipal human capital. Recruitment and selection processes as well as induction programmes are also often devoid of innovation human resources development practices and strategies. There were often not much rewards for employees who come up with innovative ideas or methods of executing their key performance areas. Lack of rewards was a barrier to innovation as the question of “what is in it for me?” remain unanswered. This could be the reason why there were few innovative activities taking place in local government and the case study municipality. Results further suggest that the organisational culture of the case study municipality was mostly conservative, as employees did not have fecund opportunities for trial and error of new methods of executing performance tasks, often strictly adhering to standard operating procedures. The organisational culture in the case study municipality was thus risk aversive, and a significant barrier to innovation. There was often poor communication on the availability of budget allocation for innovation. The study, therefore, recommended more effective and innovative workforce planning and using that information during recruitment and selection. It also recommended using rewards to motivate employees to be innovative, allowing trial and error, to test new ideas and methods as ways of cultivating a culture of innovation. There is thus a significant need and demand for transformation and innovation in local governance, heightened by increasing municipal dysfunction and citizen expectation. As such, providing human capital with requisite knowledge and skills, retaining talent, and inducing human resources to be immobile, build up high performance work systems (HPWS), essential for achieving sustainable local government functionality and municipal performance. Human Resource Development thus play a significant role, as it essentially provides training and development programmes to equip workers with innovative skills needed in local government. The study thus developed and recommended a human resource development model which could be contextually adapted by municipalities to cultivate and foster a culture of innovation for optimum municipal functionality. , Thesis (DPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
A framework of the situational precursors for electronic medical records adoption in private medical practices in South Africa: the case of private medical practices in Qonce
- Gungqisa, Asiphe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5333-3058
- Authors: Gungqisa, Asiphe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5333-3058
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing -- South Africa , Medical technology -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28750 , vital:74909
- Description: The status of the South African healthcare sector appears in perpetual disarray and lacks significant migration to technological adoption. The impetus to migrate to electronic medical records (EMRs) has become a necessity to prepare for the intended delivery of universal healthcare solutions to the South African population via private medical practices. But situational precursors need to be identified and considered when adopting an EMR solution at a private medical practice. This means that healthcare providers must have a thorough understanding and awareness of the various factors that influence the successful adoption of EMRs. There is limited research on the effects of EMR adoption in resourcerestricted regions in developing countries. To this end, the aim of this study was to explore the organisational, technological and environmental factors influencing the adoption of EMRs at private medical practices in a resource-restricted area of South Africa. The area identified for the study was Qonce in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Methods: The interpretivist perspective guided the study and included the qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with carefully chosen medical and administrative personnel. Seven virtual interviews were conducted with nurses and administrative clerks. The thematic analysis method was used to prompt codes and themes within the dataset, and then conclusions were drawn. Findings: The consequence of the findings resulted in the development of an artefact in the form of a proposed framework of situational precursors for EMR adoption in private medical practices derived from the integration of themes and recommendations of this study. The proposed framework may be considered in the decision to adopt EMRs and could be utilised as one of the key drivers in promoting technology adoption in resource-restricted regions. The framework is divided into seven situational precursors, which include patient records management, information sharing, change management, ICT infrastructure support, privacy and security needs, policy and regulatory considerations, and economic implications. Each situational precursor in the framework includes some topical areas of consideration, which can be expanded on dependent on the dynamics of the given private medical practice. Conclusion/implications: Arguably, the benefits of EMRs supersede those of paper-based records systems. Migration to EMRs could therefore be favourable to both the practice and its patients. By taking into consideration the organisational, technological and environmental factors that influence EMR adoption, healthcare providers could reap benefits, such as increased productivity, less waiting times, elimination of paper files, reduced costs, and improved clinical decision-making. Failure to consider these factors could lead to financial losses, threats to the confidentiality of information and lack of acceptance by the community. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Gungqisa, Asiphe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5333-3058
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing -- South Africa , Medical technology -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28750 , vital:74909
- Description: The status of the South African healthcare sector appears in perpetual disarray and lacks significant migration to technological adoption. The impetus to migrate to electronic medical records (EMRs) has become a necessity to prepare for the intended delivery of universal healthcare solutions to the South African population via private medical practices. But situational precursors need to be identified and considered when adopting an EMR solution at a private medical practice. This means that healthcare providers must have a thorough understanding and awareness of the various factors that influence the successful adoption of EMRs. There is limited research on the effects of EMR adoption in resourcerestricted regions in developing countries. To this end, the aim of this study was to explore the organisational, technological and environmental factors influencing the adoption of EMRs at private medical practices in a resource-restricted area of South Africa. The area identified for the study was Qonce in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Methods: The interpretivist perspective guided the study and included the qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with carefully chosen medical and administrative personnel. Seven virtual interviews were conducted with nurses and administrative clerks. The thematic analysis method was used to prompt codes and themes within the dataset, and then conclusions were drawn. Findings: The consequence of the findings resulted in the development of an artefact in the form of a proposed framework of situational precursors for EMR adoption in private medical practices derived from the integration of themes and recommendations of this study. The proposed framework may be considered in the decision to adopt EMRs and could be utilised as one of the key drivers in promoting technology adoption in resource-restricted regions. The framework is divided into seven situational precursors, which include patient records management, information sharing, change management, ICT infrastructure support, privacy and security needs, policy and regulatory considerations, and economic implications. Each situational precursor in the framework includes some topical areas of consideration, which can be expanded on dependent on the dynamics of the given private medical practice. Conclusion/implications: Arguably, the benefits of EMRs supersede those of paper-based records systems. Migration to EMRs could therefore be favourable to both the practice and its patients. By taking into consideration the organisational, technological and environmental factors that influence EMR adoption, healthcare providers could reap benefits, such as increased productivity, less waiting times, elimination of paper files, reduced costs, and improved clinical decision-making. Failure to consider these factors could lead to financial losses, threats to the confidentiality of information and lack of acceptance by the community. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07