The Health and Wellness programme in the Department of Roads and Public Works
- Authors: Mali, Thobela Charlotte
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40856 , vital:36244
- Description: After 20 years of political democracy, South Africa is still faced with a variety of organisational challenges. Such challenges include crime, poverty, increasing unemployment rate, discrimination of employees in the workplace, the steadily increasing spread of HIV/AIDS and inequalities in the workplace. All these and others not mentioned, coupled with the inherited vast inequalities contribute to the increasing social and economic imbalances in the country. The Health and Wellness Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works focuses on ensuring health and productivity within the employees of the department to help assist with the minimisation of absenteeism, diminished work performance and dissatisfaction of employees. The Health and Wellness Programme has identified, through its interventions, that there are tremendous factors that directly and indirectly plays a role on the productivity of employees within the workplace. This resulted in the formulation and implementation of various legislative frameworks after such challenges transpired. During the study, it has transpired that the majority of the employees within the Department of Roads and Public Works are not making use of the Health and Wellness Programmes due to lack of knowledge. This has resulted to absenteeism and insufficient productivity in the workplace. It is recommended that there should be coordination of the health education and promotion programmes. This includes health screenings, health promotion activities and medical surveillance. If these programmes are conducted promptly in the workplace, the chances of sick employees will be minimised and some sicknesses such as diabetes and high and low blood pressure can be detected early and treated before it becomes chronic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mali, Thobela Charlotte
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40856 , vital:36244
- Description: After 20 years of political democracy, South Africa is still faced with a variety of organisational challenges. Such challenges include crime, poverty, increasing unemployment rate, discrimination of employees in the workplace, the steadily increasing spread of HIV/AIDS and inequalities in the workplace. All these and others not mentioned, coupled with the inherited vast inequalities contribute to the increasing social and economic imbalances in the country. The Health and Wellness Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works focuses on ensuring health and productivity within the employees of the department to help assist with the minimisation of absenteeism, diminished work performance and dissatisfaction of employees. The Health and Wellness Programme has identified, through its interventions, that there are tremendous factors that directly and indirectly plays a role on the productivity of employees within the workplace. This resulted in the formulation and implementation of various legislative frameworks after such challenges transpired. During the study, it has transpired that the majority of the employees within the Department of Roads and Public Works are not making use of the Health and Wellness Programmes due to lack of knowledge. This has resulted to absenteeism and insufficient productivity in the workplace. It is recommended that there should be coordination of the health education and promotion programmes. This includes health screenings, health promotion activities and medical surveillance. If these programmes are conducted promptly in the workplace, the chances of sick employees will be minimised and some sicknesses such as diabetes and high and low blood pressure can be detected early and treated before it becomes chronic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of credible municipal budget planning and implementation on service delivery: a comparative study of two municipalities
- Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local budgets -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12725 , vital:27115
- Description: Poor service delivery in South Africa is a serious problem.The poor delivery of services by municipalities has left many communities dissatisfied and even led to service delivery protests. The delivery of services to municipalities is financed through municipal budgets and this study evaluated the quality of the municipal budgets of two municipalities with one budget being credible and the other not being credible. Selected municipal conditional grant spending as well as the findings of the Auditor General’s office against each municipality were assessed and compared with each other. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a municipality with a credible budget achieved more of its service delivery targets than one which had a budget which was not credible. The findings of this study were that the municipality with the credible budget performed better, in terms of conditional grant spending and against predetermined objectives, than the municipality with the budget which was not credible. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be made by all relevant spheres of government to improve the quality of municipal budgets as this will ultimately lead to improved service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local budgets -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12725 , vital:27115
- Description: Poor service delivery in South Africa is a serious problem.The poor delivery of services by municipalities has left many communities dissatisfied and even led to service delivery protests. The delivery of services to municipalities is financed through municipal budgets and this study evaluated the quality of the municipal budgets of two municipalities with one budget being credible and the other not being credible. Selected municipal conditional grant spending as well as the findings of the Auditor General’s office against each municipality were assessed and compared with each other. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a municipality with a credible budget achieved more of its service delivery targets than one which had a budget which was not credible. The findings of this study were that the municipality with the credible budget performed better, in terms of conditional grant spending and against predetermined objectives, than the municipality with the budget which was not credible. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be made by all relevant spheres of government to improve the quality of municipal budgets as this will ultimately lead to improved service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of gain-sharing on employee job satisfaction at a manufacturing company in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mbotshelwa, Sipo Victor
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gain sharing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11691 , vital:26955
- Description: In this economically challenging era, companies have got to find the best system that can help to enhance productivity. A very important method is by encouraging takeholders through various forms of incentives. The gain-sharing incentive has been adopted by many organisations today to enhance staff loyalty and productivity. A gain-sharing programme ensures that both the organisation and team members benefit from the expected performances, rather than an individual or group incentive which is given based on a specific finite goal which could be achieved at the cost of other key critical business need. A couple of years ago Autocast Aluminium decided to enhance employee performance by initiating the gain-sharing incentive programme. After the programme was rolled out, the organisation is yet to examine the extent to which it enhances job satisfaction in the organisation. The primary objective or aim of the study is to examine the extent to which gain-sharing at Autocast meets the purpose for which it was created. The sample of the study was 176 of the employees at Autocast Aluminium; however 130 questionnaires were distributed. A total of 88 questionnaires were returned, of which 80 were usable, whilst eight were scrapped due to more half of the questionnaire having missing data. This resulted in a 68 % response rate. A framework has been developed to measure to what extent does the programme enable employees to feel satisfied with their jobs. The empirical results revealed that out of six independent variables tested: fair payment, involvement, personal growth, communication, job security and leadership style, only three that plays significant role on employee job satisfaction. These are fair payment, communication and leadership style.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbotshelwa, Sipo Victor
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gain sharing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11691 , vital:26955
- Description: In this economically challenging era, companies have got to find the best system that can help to enhance productivity. A very important method is by encouraging takeholders through various forms of incentives. The gain-sharing incentive has been adopted by many organisations today to enhance staff loyalty and productivity. A gain-sharing programme ensures that both the organisation and team members benefit from the expected performances, rather than an individual or group incentive which is given based on a specific finite goal which could be achieved at the cost of other key critical business need. A couple of years ago Autocast Aluminium decided to enhance employee performance by initiating the gain-sharing incentive programme. After the programme was rolled out, the organisation is yet to examine the extent to which it enhances job satisfaction in the organisation. The primary objective or aim of the study is to examine the extent to which gain-sharing at Autocast meets the purpose for which it was created. The sample of the study was 176 of the employees at Autocast Aluminium; however 130 questionnaires were distributed. A total of 88 questionnaires were returned, of which 80 were usable, whilst eight were scrapped due to more half of the questionnaire having missing data. This resulted in a 68 % response rate. A framework has been developed to measure to what extent does the programme enable employees to feel satisfied with their jobs. The empirical results revealed that out of six independent variables tested: fair payment, involvement, personal growth, communication, job security and leadership style, only three that plays significant role on employee job satisfaction. These are fair payment, communication and leadership style.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of government expenditure on economic growth of the economic community of West African states (ECOWAS)
- Authors: Wanjuu, Lazarus Zungwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development -- Africa Africa -- Economic conditions Developing countries -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13261 , vital:27169
- Description: Available statistics on growth trends in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are wanting, particularly net per capita growth rates. The analysis of available data from 1970 to 2012 by this study, for instance, shows that the net real GDP growth rate for the ECOWAS is 0.52%. Only four countries had net growth rates above 1% per annum mean growth rate of ECOWAS region. At the estimated growth rate, the prospect of accelerated growth in ECOWAS is very weak. The Barro endogenous growth model states that government provision of services can generate externalities to the private productive activities. Government’s provision of productive services in ECOWAS can ensure long-run per capita output growth without the per capita growth rate running into steady state growth. However, there are divergent views as to whether government provision of services induces long run economic growth. These views are based on different schools of thought. For instance, the economic freedom school argues for minimum government involvement (small governments) to ensure economic and political freedom to induce private investors invest and encourage economic growth. The optimal government school of thought (medium size governments) argues that government spending enhances private productivity growth through the provision of infrastructure, spending on research and development, public education, sewage, other public goods and protection through functional law and order systems. The optimal school of thought also acknowledges that government expenditure can also reduce economic growth through increases in taxation. An increase in taxation reduces the returns on investment of physical and human capital and in research and development (R&D) of private firms. This thesis investigates the impact of government expenditure on the provision of public services on economic growth in ECOWAS. To assess the impact of government expenditure on the provision of services on economic growth of ECOWAS, this thesis assesses whether the size of government, government expenditure and economic institutions promoted economic growth in ECOWAS. The thesis also determines whether per capita government capital expenditure, per capita government consumption expenditure, per capita private capital stock, per capita manufacturing output, per capita services output and per capita agricultural output have any impact on per capita real GDP growth in ECOWAS. To carry out this study, data were collected from United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) database and Transparency International (TI) database. The data used covered the period of 1970 – 2013. The statistical research methods applied are the time-series methods of panel unit root test, panel co-integration test, and panel regression analysis, using both panel OLS regression models and estimation and inferences in co-integrated panel data regression methods. The panel OLS regression models applied are the panel OLS regression; panel fixed effect model (FEM) regression and the panel random effect model (REM) regression. The estimation and inferences in co-integrated panel data regression models applied are panel VEC regression model, panel DOLS regression and panel FMOLS regression. The panel DOLS regression and panel FMOLS regression models do not have an intercept, unlike their pure time-series models, which have intercepted. To ensure that the parameters estimated are reliable, this thesis conducted diagnostic tests to subject the regression result to scrutiny. The estimated panel data regression using panel OLS regression, panel FEM regression and panel REM regression indicate that the results of the estimated parameters were spurious having both autocorrelations and heteroscedasticity. High values of adjusted R-squares that were approaching one and high significant values of t statistics but very low values of Durbin-Watson Statistics demonstrated the existence of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation in residuals. The results of the diagnostic tests also show that the DOLS estimated regression model out-performed both VEC and FMOLS regression models based on both aggregate data and per capita data estimated parameters. The results of the parameter estimated using panel VEC and panel FMOLS regression models showed that both panel VEC and panel FMOLS regression models had the problems of their residuals having not only autocorrelations but heteroscedasticity. The panel DOLS regression results were satisfactory, having no multicollinearity, autocorrelations and heteroscedasticity. The estimated panel DOLS regression results were applied to test hypotheses formulated to guide this thesis. Results from panel DOLS estimated parameters show that the existing government size in ECOWAS stimulated economic growth. The results also showed that the government expenditure exhibited an inverted U-shape with respect to economic growth. The thesis also showed that existing government size in ECOWAS significantly stimulated economic growth in the region. The results of regression indicate that economic institutions contribute negatively to the economic growth of the ECOWAS. The results also established that government capital expenditure per capita has significantly engendered economic growth. Government consumption expenditure per capita stimulated economic growth. However, private capital stock per capita has not stimulated economic growth in ECOWAS. Service sector output per capita, agricultural output per capita and manufacturing output per capita stimulated significantly economic growth in the ECOWAS sub-region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Wanjuu, Lazarus Zungwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development -- Africa Africa -- Economic conditions Developing countries -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13261 , vital:27169
- Description: Available statistics on growth trends in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are wanting, particularly net per capita growth rates. The analysis of available data from 1970 to 2012 by this study, for instance, shows that the net real GDP growth rate for the ECOWAS is 0.52%. Only four countries had net growth rates above 1% per annum mean growth rate of ECOWAS region. At the estimated growth rate, the prospect of accelerated growth in ECOWAS is very weak. The Barro endogenous growth model states that government provision of services can generate externalities to the private productive activities. Government’s provision of productive services in ECOWAS can ensure long-run per capita output growth without the per capita growth rate running into steady state growth. However, there are divergent views as to whether government provision of services induces long run economic growth. These views are based on different schools of thought. For instance, the economic freedom school argues for minimum government involvement (small governments) to ensure economic and political freedom to induce private investors invest and encourage economic growth. The optimal government school of thought (medium size governments) argues that government spending enhances private productivity growth through the provision of infrastructure, spending on research and development, public education, sewage, other public goods and protection through functional law and order systems. The optimal school of thought also acknowledges that government expenditure can also reduce economic growth through increases in taxation. An increase in taxation reduces the returns on investment of physical and human capital and in research and development (R&D) of private firms. This thesis investigates the impact of government expenditure on the provision of public services on economic growth in ECOWAS. To assess the impact of government expenditure on the provision of services on economic growth of ECOWAS, this thesis assesses whether the size of government, government expenditure and economic institutions promoted economic growth in ECOWAS. The thesis also determines whether per capita government capital expenditure, per capita government consumption expenditure, per capita private capital stock, per capita manufacturing output, per capita services output and per capita agricultural output have any impact on per capita real GDP growth in ECOWAS. To carry out this study, data were collected from United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) database and Transparency International (TI) database. The data used covered the period of 1970 – 2013. The statistical research methods applied are the time-series methods of panel unit root test, panel co-integration test, and panel regression analysis, using both panel OLS regression models and estimation and inferences in co-integrated panel data regression methods. The panel OLS regression models applied are the panel OLS regression; panel fixed effect model (FEM) regression and the panel random effect model (REM) regression. The estimation and inferences in co-integrated panel data regression models applied are panel VEC regression model, panel DOLS regression and panel FMOLS regression. The panel DOLS regression and panel FMOLS regression models do not have an intercept, unlike their pure time-series models, which have intercepted. To ensure that the parameters estimated are reliable, this thesis conducted diagnostic tests to subject the regression result to scrutiny. The estimated panel data regression using panel OLS regression, panel FEM regression and panel REM regression indicate that the results of the estimated parameters were spurious having both autocorrelations and heteroscedasticity. High values of adjusted R-squares that were approaching one and high significant values of t statistics but very low values of Durbin-Watson Statistics demonstrated the existence of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation in residuals. The results of the diagnostic tests also show that the DOLS estimated regression model out-performed both VEC and FMOLS regression models based on both aggregate data and per capita data estimated parameters. The results of the parameter estimated using panel VEC and panel FMOLS regression models showed that both panel VEC and panel FMOLS regression models had the problems of their residuals having not only autocorrelations but heteroscedasticity. The panel DOLS regression results were satisfactory, having no multicollinearity, autocorrelations and heteroscedasticity. The estimated panel DOLS regression results were applied to test hypotheses formulated to guide this thesis. Results from panel DOLS estimated parameters show that the existing government size in ECOWAS stimulated economic growth. The results also showed that the government expenditure exhibited an inverted U-shape with respect to economic growth. The thesis also showed that existing government size in ECOWAS significantly stimulated economic growth in the region. The results of regression indicate that economic institutions contribute negatively to the economic growth of the ECOWAS. The results also established that government capital expenditure per capita has significantly engendered economic growth. Government consumption expenditure per capita stimulated economic growth. However, private capital stock per capita has not stimulated economic growth in ECOWAS. Service sector output per capita, agricultural output per capita and manufacturing output per capita stimulated significantly economic growth in the ECOWAS sub-region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of South Africa's economic diplomacy on Africa's development
- Authors: Mlaba, Lindokuhle Hendrick
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11531 , vital:26935
- Description: South Africa has become a significant role player in the international relations since being readmitted into the world community after the first democratic election in 1994. The primary focus of country’s international relations is the African continent. South Africa has played a pivotal role in bringing peace across the continent. There has also been an increase in South Africa’s engagement with the continent on economic and trade issues. South Africa’s economic diplomacy has been scrutinized from different angles. There has been perceptions of a South Africa with imperialists or hegemonic tendencies resembling those of the West. There are also those who view South Africa’s economic role in the continent in the positive light as a contributor to economic growth and development. The South African governments have always preached the notion of the “African agenda” and the interest in fair trade and engagement with the continent. This study assesses different debates regarding South Africa’s economic diplomacy in Africa and explores if this is benefiting the continent’s development. The study also considers if such economic diplomacy has positive spin off for the South African economy. Since economic diplomacy is operated at government level the study also considers how economic diplomacy is coordinated in South Africa. There are a number of recommendations presented for the improvement of economic diplomacy in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mlaba, Lindokuhle Hendrick
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Economic development Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11531 , vital:26935
- Description: South Africa has become a significant role player in the international relations since being readmitted into the world community after the first democratic election in 1994. The primary focus of country’s international relations is the African continent. South Africa has played a pivotal role in bringing peace across the continent. There has also been an increase in South Africa’s engagement with the continent on economic and trade issues. South Africa’s economic diplomacy has been scrutinized from different angles. There has been perceptions of a South Africa with imperialists or hegemonic tendencies resembling those of the West. There are also those who view South Africa’s economic role in the continent in the positive light as a contributor to economic growth and development. The South African governments have always preached the notion of the “African agenda” and the interest in fair trade and engagement with the continent. This study assesses different debates regarding South Africa’s economic diplomacy in Africa and explores if this is benefiting the continent’s development. The study also considers if such economic diplomacy has positive spin off for the South African economy. Since economic diplomacy is operated at government level the study also considers how economic diplomacy is coordinated in South Africa. There are a number of recommendations presented for the improvement of economic diplomacy in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of the Mdantsane urban renewal programme on socio-economic development
- Authors: Ngxata, Thabile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Economic development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12593 , vital:27097
- Description: Urban Renewal which originates in the concept of Local Economic Development (LED) has in recent years gained much global acceptance as a strategy to improve certain areas that are poorly developed in order to improve the quality of lives of the local residents. South Africa have adopted the Urban Renewal approach and ever since, a number of national centres have been targeted for urban renewal activities. The Buffalo City Municipality (BCMM) implemented the Mdanstane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) which is essentially the case study of this research. Despite the government instituting the Integrated Development Planning (IDP), Buffalo City still remains one of South Africa’s poorest metropolitan areas, with a relatively high unemployment and crime rate compared to other metropolitan cities in the country (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality,2012). The study, therefore, sought to empirically analyse the effectiveness of the URP as an initiative of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) particularly on how it has addressed socio-economic pathologies such as poverty and inequality rampant in the area of study. The Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme was used to monitor and evaluate the impact it had on the communities and the municipality. The study used a mixed methods or triangulation approach as both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in determining the effect of the MURP on local development as well as in exploring the different perceptions and challenges facing the programme. The data that was gathered was analysed both quantitatively using frequency tables and graphs, and qualitatively based on the key themes that emerged. The research established that whilst the MURP has scored some gains in refurbishing the area of study, there are still various challenges inherent in the MURP such as its non-inclusiveness, lack of transparency, accountability and the lack of real benefits accruing in the local communities. Thus, this research recognised a need for a more inclusive and pro-poor urban development framework that promotes local citizen participation, accountability, sustainability and equity in resource distribution and allocation, in order to improve the livehoods of the local people in Mdantsane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ngxata, Thabile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Economic development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12593 , vital:27097
- Description: Urban Renewal which originates in the concept of Local Economic Development (LED) has in recent years gained much global acceptance as a strategy to improve certain areas that are poorly developed in order to improve the quality of lives of the local residents. South Africa have adopted the Urban Renewal approach and ever since, a number of national centres have been targeted for urban renewal activities. The Buffalo City Municipality (BCMM) implemented the Mdanstane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) which is essentially the case study of this research. Despite the government instituting the Integrated Development Planning (IDP), Buffalo City still remains one of South Africa’s poorest metropolitan areas, with a relatively high unemployment and crime rate compared to other metropolitan cities in the country (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality,2012). The study, therefore, sought to empirically analyse the effectiveness of the URP as an initiative of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) particularly on how it has addressed socio-economic pathologies such as poverty and inequality rampant in the area of study. The Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme was used to monitor and evaluate the impact it had on the communities and the municipality. The study used a mixed methods or triangulation approach as both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in determining the effect of the MURP on local development as well as in exploring the different perceptions and challenges facing the programme. The data that was gathered was analysed both quantitatively using frequency tables and graphs, and qualitatively based on the key themes that emerged. The research established that whilst the MURP has scored some gains in refurbishing the area of study, there are still various challenges inherent in the MURP such as its non-inclusiveness, lack of transparency, accountability and the lack of real benefits accruing in the local communities. Thus, this research recognised a need for a more inclusive and pro-poor urban development framework that promotes local citizen participation, accountability, sustainability and equity in resource distribution and allocation, in order to improve the livehoods of the local people in Mdantsane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The implementation of a performance management and development system at the Department of Local Government & Traditional Affairs (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Magqogqo, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8446 , vital:26359
- Description: Performance management and development is the continuous process of reflecting on, negotiating, developing, reviewing and making decisions about an individual’s performance in achieving organizational goals. The Public Service Regulations, 2001, requires departments to develop a performance management system in order to manage performance in a consultative, supportive and non- discriminatory manner. This should result in enhanced organizational efficiency and effectiveness, accountability for the use of resources and the achievement of results. The Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is also expected to implement the employees Performance Management and Development System. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the performance management and development system in the Department of Local Government & Traditional affairs. To achieve this Likert questionnaire were distributed to employees of Local Government & Traditional Affairs. After previous steps were completed, the finding and recommendations of the study were made. The recommendations were made to assist management as to what need to be done for effective implementation of PMDS. The findings indicate that managers and supervisors lacked the continuous feedback as no regular meeting during the course of the month or year. The employee and his or her supervisor would meet during the annual assessment period at the end of financial year to decide on the final performance. The main recommendation of the research was that there should be regular workshops or awareness of departmental staff about PMDS and how it influences on productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Magqogqo, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8446 , vital:26359
- Description: Performance management and development is the continuous process of reflecting on, negotiating, developing, reviewing and making decisions about an individual’s performance in achieving organizational goals. The Public Service Regulations, 2001, requires departments to develop a performance management system in order to manage performance in a consultative, supportive and non- discriminatory manner. This should result in enhanced organizational efficiency and effectiveness, accountability for the use of resources and the achievement of results. The Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is also expected to implement the employees Performance Management and Development System. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the performance management and development system in the Department of Local Government & Traditional affairs. To achieve this Likert questionnaire were distributed to employees of Local Government & Traditional Affairs. After previous steps were completed, the finding and recommendations of the study were made. The recommendations were made to assist management as to what need to be done for effective implementation of PMDS. The findings indicate that managers and supervisors lacked the continuous feedback as no regular meeting during the course of the month or year. The employee and his or her supervisor would meet during the annual assessment period at the end of financial year to decide on the final performance. The main recommendation of the research was that there should be regular workshops or awareness of departmental staff about PMDS and how it influences on productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The implications of the 2014 construction regulations for the Department of Public Works procurement system
- Authors: Matete, Kenevoe Rose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Industrial procurement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10309 , vital:26651
- Description: The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that regulations seek to make improvements by changing individual or organisational behaviour in ways that generate positive impacts in terms of solving societal and economic problems. At its most basic level, regulations are designed to work according to implementation, leading to changes in behaviours that, in turn, lead to changes in outcomes. Such outcomes can be satisfaction in terms of an underlying problem or other (hopefully positive) changes in conditions in the world. Following this premise, this research project investigates the implications of the 2014 Construction Regulations for the Department of Public Works’ procurement system. The study also examines the contents of the construction Regulations; the impact of the Construction Regulations 2014 – permit-to-work; client / contractor procurement issues; the enforcement of compliance to permit-to-work requirements, and education and training demands in relation to health and safety (H&S) competency. The study shows that even though industry role players are relatively familiar with the Construction Regulations 2014, there is a common concern regarding competency (education and training) levels required for the implementation of the permit-to-work requirement of the regulations. The concerns focus on the ability of the Department of Labour (DoL) to process the permits. Based on the study’s findings, the research concludes that there would be cost implications for project actors when implementing the permit-to-work requirement and this cost factor could delay project initiation and planning, as well as service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Matete, Kenevoe Rose
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety regulations -- South Africa Construction industry -- Standards -- South Africa Industrial procurement -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10309 , vital:26651
- Description: The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) notes that regulations seek to make improvements by changing individual or organisational behaviour in ways that generate positive impacts in terms of solving societal and economic problems. At its most basic level, regulations are designed to work according to implementation, leading to changes in behaviours that, in turn, lead to changes in outcomes. Such outcomes can be satisfaction in terms of an underlying problem or other (hopefully positive) changes in conditions in the world. Following this premise, this research project investigates the implications of the 2014 Construction Regulations for the Department of Public Works’ procurement system. The study also examines the contents of the construction Regulations; the impact of the Construction Regulations 2014 – permit-to-work; client / contractor procurement issues; the enforcement of compliance to permit-to-work requirements, and education and training demands in relation to health and safety (H&S) competency. The study shows that even though industry role players are relatively familiar with the Construction Regulations 2014, there is a common concern regarding competency (education and training) levels required for the implementation of the permit-to-work requirement of the regulations. The concerns focus on the ability of the Department of Labour (DoL) to process the permits. Based on the study’s findings, the research concludes that there would be cost implications for project actors when implementing the permit-to-work requirement and this cost factor could delay project initiation and planning, as well as service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The income tax implications of becoming a republic resident
- Authors: Mabele, Katlego Oliva
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa Double taxation -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14521 , vital:27708
- Description: The aim of this treatise is to identify the income tax implications of the persons becoming South African tax residents. It will provide a clear understanding of the income tax implications for natural and non-natural persons wishing to take up residence in South Africa. The definition of “resident” in section 1 of the Income Tax Act, 1962, has a direct impact on the tax implications bearing down on any foreigner planning to reside within the Republic of South Africa, especially in relation to the prevention of the double taxation. The following issues or areas have been identified, these issues are summarised below. The persons receiving foreign pensions may be exempt from normal tax under section 10 (1)(gC) and in terms of the tax treaty, they may also escape taxation in their former country of residence. The treatise will look at various treaties that exist between the South Africa and other countries and to discuss the taxing rights. There is a case of double non-taxation and good reason for immigrants to come and avoid tax in South Africa. It is suggested that the legislation and the double tax agreements should be amended. A person who becomes a resident will receive a step-up in base cost for assets other than South African immovable property and assets of a permanent establishment in South Africa under paragraph 12(2)(a) of the Eighth Schedule. The main purpose of the legislation is to ensure that these assets are correctly valued, determining the base cost, when the person becomes a tax resident. The valuation of these assets carries with it the problem of securing sufficient evidence long after the valuation. Most of the tax planning for such for immigrants revolves around estate duty and donations tax. The person would donate his assets to an offshore discretionary trust before taking up residence in South Africa. The advantage is that donations tax will be avoided because there are exemptions in terms of section 56, for assets acquired before becoming a resident. The income and capital gains vested in nonbeneficiary can be taxed in the hands of the donor in terms of section 7 and paragraph 72 of the Eighth Schedule. The donor should be aware of the antiavoidance measures; section 7(2) to 7(8) and paragraph 72 of the Eighth Schedule will deem a different person other than the person who is entitled to the income to be taxable on that person. The income and gains received by the beneficiary of a trust can be taxable in the hands of the donor. The assets owned by the trust will be sheltered from South African estate duty. The foreign discretionary trust, as a non-resident, will not be liable for tax in South Africa. The beneficiaries of such a trust will be liable for income tax from the trust distributions, once they have acquired a vested right to the income. The liability of income tax is deferred to the year when the trustees decide to make distributions. The distribution by the trustees in a subsequent year creates a delay or postponement for taxes which should be paid by the beneficiaries. The trustees are most likely to make distributions in a tax year when the tax rates are low. There are tax opportunities for the immigrants who intend to take up residence. The tax resident might be subject to withholding taxes on foreign income from the previous country of residence, but might be subject to Double Tax Agreement between South Africa and other countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mabele, Katlego Oliva
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa Double taxation -- South Africa , Citizenship -- South Africa , Emigration and immigration law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14521 , vital:27708
- Description: The aim of this treatise is to identify the income tax implications of the persons becoming South African tax residents. It will provide a clear understanding of the income tax implications for natural and non-natural persons wishing to take up residence in South Africa. The definition of “resident” in section 1 of the Income Tax Act, 1962, has a direct impact on the tax implications bearing down on any foreigner planning to reside within the Republic of South Africa, especially in relation to the prevention of the double taxation. The following issues or areas have been identified, these issues are summarised below. The persons receiving foreign pensions may be exempt from normal tax under section 10 (1)(gC) and in terms of the tax treaty, they may also escape taxation in their former country of residence. The treatise will look at various treaties that exist between the South Africa and other countries and to discuss the taxing rights. There is a case of double non-taxation and good reason for immigrants to come and avoid tax in South Africa. It is suggested that the legislation and the double tax agreements should be amended. A person who becomes a resident will receive a step-up in base cost for assets other than South African immovable property and assets of a permanent establishment in South Africa under paragraph 12(2)(a) of the Eighth Schedule. The main purpose of the legislation is to ensure that these assets are correctly valued, determining the base cost, when the person becomes a tax resident. The valuation of these assets carries with it the problem of securing sufficient evidence long after the valuation. Most of the tax planning for such for immigrants revolves around estate duty and donations tax. The person would donate his assets to an offshore discretionary trust before taking up residence in South Africa. The advantage is that donations tax will be avoided because there are exemptions in terms of section 56, for assets acquired before becoming a resident. The income and capital gains vested in nonbeneficiary can be taxed in the hands of the donor in terms of section 7 and paragraph 72 of the Eighth Schedule. The donor should be aware of the antiavoidance measures; section 7(2) to 7(8) and paragraph 72 of the Eighth Schedule will deem a different person other than the person who is entitled to the income to be taxable on that person. The income and gains received by the beneficiary of a trust can be taxable in the hands of the donor. The assets owned by the trust will be sheltered from South African estate duty. The foreign discretionary trust, as a non-resident, will not be liable for tax in South Africa. The beneficiaries of such a trust will be liable for income tax from the trust distributions, once they have acquired a vested right to the income. The liability of income tax is deferred to the year when the trustees decide to make distributions. The distribution by the trustees in a subsequent year creates a delay or postponement for taxes which should be paid by the beneficiaries. The trustees are most likely to make distributions in a tax year when the tax rates are low. There are tax opportunities for the immigrants who intend to take up residence. The tax resident might be subject to withholding taxes on foreign income from the previous country of residence, but might be subject to Double Tax Agreement between South Africa and other countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of decentralisation on community development in Gasabo district of Rwanda
- Authors: Indoha, Janvier Kimenyi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Rwanda Community development -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14345 , vital:27572
- Description: This study investigated the influence of decentralisation on community development in the Gasabo district of Rwanda. It was based on the assumption that the participation of citizens in decision-making, planning based on local needs and priorities and the implementation of development programmes associated with the decentralisation policy can improve service delivery and result in community development. It is vital that the decentralization policy be well understood so that appropriate strategies may be adopted and implemented with the aim of maximising advantages associated with it. This study provides, in addition to a literature review, a brief historical background of the evolution and transformation of governance in Rwanda. The country‟s system of governance as well as the challenges it has encountered along the way through different régimes are briefly addressed. Also, the legal and regulatory framework of the decentralization policy and strategies adopted and mechanisms of resource transfer are explained. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary and secondary data were used in analysing the influence of decentralisation on community development in the Gasabo district of Rwanda. Primary data was collected through survey questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data were gathered through a literature survey of relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, reports and legislation. The research findings indicated that in the Gasabo district, decentralisation has contributed significantly towards improving governance aspects such as accountability, and citizen participation in development programmes, which are prerequisite factors of development. Concerning the planning process, the research found that the district development plan (DDP) was crafted through drawing its priorities from the national development plans embedded in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategies (EDPRS) and Rwanda‟s Vision 2020. However, despite the existence of the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF), created to join the development plans of development partners to the DDP, testimonies from development partners revealed that their relationship with the district is characterised by the lack of frank collaboration, leading to their not being fully associated in the planning process. This research also found that the decentralisation policy has contributed only to a limited extent to the improvement of service delivery in Gasabo district. It was observed that effective service delivery is still hampered by the lack of skilled employees, especially in the areas of education, health and engineering, a budget insufficient for the effective implementation of development projects in such a way as to satisfy the expectations of beneficiaries. In view of the aforementioned findings, the study recommends that the central government intervene in training district tax officers regarding mechanisms and strategies of maximising tax collection to draw sufficient funds to carry out development plans. Through building their capacity, the imbalance between the responsibilities and means allocated for carrying out their achievement can be progressively reduced. Furthermore, to prevent development from taking place in a random manner, district authorities should receive technical support from the central government through linking the local planning process to national poverty reduction efforts. The annual performance contract system needs to be strengthened and monitored to evaluate the implementation of district development plans so as to prevent any kind of poor leadership performance, with the aim of optimising available resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Indoha, Janvier Kimenyi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Rwanda Community development -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14345 , vital:27572
- Description: This study investigated the influence of decentralisation on community development in the Gasabo district of Rwanda. It was based on the assumption that the participation of citizens in decision-making, planning based on local needs and priorities and the implementation of development programmes associated with the decentralisation policy can improve service delivery and result in community development. It is vital that the decentralization policy be well understood so that appropriate strategies may be adopted and implemented with the aim of maximising advantages associated with it. This study provides, in addition to a literature review, a brief historical background of the evolution and transformation of governance in Rwanda. The country‟s system of governance as well as the challenges it has encountered along the way through different régimes are briefly addressed. Also, the legal and regulatory framework of the decentralization policy and strategies adopted and mechanisms of resource transfer are explained. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary and secondary data were used in analysing the influence of decentralisation on community development in the Gasabo district of Rwanda. Primary data was collected through survey questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data were gathered through a literature survey of relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, reports and legislation. The research findings indicated that in the Gasabo district, decentralisation has contributed significantly towards improving governance aspects such as accountability, and citizen participation in development programmes, which are prerequisite factors of development. Concerning the planning process, the research found that the district development plan (DDP) was crafted through drawing its priorities from the national development plans embedded in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategies (EDPRS) and Rwanda‟s Vision 2020. However, despite the existence of the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF), created to join the development plans of development partners to the DDP, testimonies from development partners revealed that their relationship with the district is characterised by the lack of frank collaboration, leading to their not being fully associated in the planning process. This research also found that the decentralisation policy has contributed only to a limited extent to the improvement of service delivery in Gasabo district. It was observed that effective service delivery is still hampered by the lack of skilled employees, especially in the areas of education, health and engineering, a budget insufficient for the effective implementation of development projects in such a way as to satisfy the expectations of beneficiaries. In view of the aforementioned findings, the study recommends that the central government intervene in training district tax officers regarding mechanisms and strategies of maximising tax collection to draw sufficient funds to carry out development plans. Through building their capacity, the imbalance between the responsibilities and means allocated for carrying out their achievement can be progressively reduced. Furthermore, to prevent development from taking place in a random manner, district authorities should receive technical support from the central government through linking the local planning process to national poverty reduction efforts. The annual performance contract system needs to be strengthened and monitored to evaluate the implementation of district development plans so as to prevent any kind of poor leadership performance, with the aim of optimising available resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of power distance relationships on the success of lean manufacturing implementations
- Authors: De Beer, Lourens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6919 , vital:21166
- Description: The research project measured the influence of lean culture elements as well as power distance elements on the success of lean manufacturing implementations. The literature review revealed that lean transformations are not always successful and sustainable since organisation see these as quick win opportunities to improve short term profits. Lean, however, is a long term philosophy that entails not just quick changes but a fundamental change in the way that business is done. The elements that were measured in the study were organisational awareness, employee engagement, managerial consistency, accountability, mutual respect and autocratic behaviour. The study revealed a strong relationship between these factors and the success of lean implementations. The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between lean culture and the other lean elements. The study also indicated that autocratic behaviour has a positive relationship to lean implementation. The study showed that tools that were developed in the past are valid across various industries and that power distance does play a role in lean implementations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: De Beer, Lourens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6919 , vital:21166
- Description: The research project measured the influence of lean culture elements as well as power distance elements on the success of lean manufacturing implementations. The literature review revealed that lean transformations are not always successful and sustainable since organisation see these as quick win opportunities to improve short term profits. Lean, however, is a long term philosophy that entails not just quick changes but a fundamental change in the way that business is done. The elements that were measured in the study were organisational awareness, employee engagement, managerial consistency, accountability, mutual respect and autocratic behaviour. The study revealed a strong relationship between these factors and the success of lean implementations. The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between lean culture and the other lean elements. The study also indicated that autocratic behaviour has a positive relationship to lean implementation. The study showed that tools that were developed in the past are valid across various industries and that power distance does play a role in lean implementations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of the environment on nature-based adventure tourism
- Authors: Giddy, Julia K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human ecology , Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Adventure travel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9296 , vital:26561
- Description: Adventure tourism (AT) is a rapidly growing subsector of the tourism industry. With the recent increase in AT, the nature of the industry is undergoing major changes. Originally a small and relatively specialized sector of tourism, AT is now expanding to include ommercialized and larger scale operations. This creates a need to re-evaluate the AT industry in the context of these new, highly commercialized and often “manufactured” adventure experiences. Although there are many definitions and conceptualizations of what onstitutes AT, it is most often referred to as tourism experiences that involve some element of risk and typically take place in outdoor natural environments. Inherent in the definition of AT is the natural environment, however very little research has focused on the role of the environment in AT. The interaction between humans and the environment is one of the most fundamental relationships of human existence. Within this context, existing research largely focuses on the influence of humans on the environment. However, it is important to also understand how the environment influences human behaviour. This thesis, therefore, seeks to examine the influence of the environment on humans in the AT context. It does so by analyzing three primary aspects of human-environment interaction in AT participation. The first is participants’ ‘value system’including their general perspectives of the environment and previous experience with AT. The second focuses on the relative strength and nature of environmental influences on AT motivations. The final aspect delves into the role of the environment in enhancing AT experiences and satisfaction. These assessments were done by analyzing questionnaires collected from participants in eight commercial AT operations along the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Data was primarily based on responses to statements using a 5 point Likert Scale. The responses were analyzed and discussions utilized results based on descriptive statistics, significance levels based on onesample t-tests, frequency distributions and analysis of variance (ANOVAs) which divided the data based on activity type. In addition Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations were conducted to assess linkages between different components of the thesis. The results that emerged from this thesis show that the environment plays an important role in AT participation. The value system of commercial AT participants demonstrated a level of general experience with AT as well as moderate environmental values. The strength of the environment in the motivations to participate in AT emerged quite substantially. Reflective interactions with nature (i.e. learning about the environment, and appreciating nature’s beauty) were found to be amongst the most significant internal motivation factors for participation. Interestingly, although the vast majority of research focuses on the Risk/Thrill element of AT motivations, it was not found to be an important motivation factor amongst the vast majority of AT participants. The environmental aspects of the destination were found to be, by far, the most significant external motivation factor, implying that the selection of destination for AT participation is largely based on the environment in which the activity takes place. Participants were also found to have strong, positive emotional experiences as a result of AT participation,which were significantly enhanced by the environment in which the activities took place. In addition, as a result of these positive experiences, emotionally and with the environment, participants were highly satisfied with the AT experiences. The culmination of the results discussed above was the development of a modified, empirically-tested framework for human-environment interaction in the AT context. The final framework demonstrated links between various components of human-environment interaction. Strong links were found between motivations, experiences and satisfaction while relatively weak links were found between the value system of participants and their subsequent motivations. The framework was developed for the possibility of applying it to other contexts. The findings in this thesis demonstrate that the environment does, in fact, play an important role in the interaction between humans and the environment in AT. They emphasize the relatively significant influence that the environment has on the motivations and experiences of AT participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Giddy, Julia K
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human ecology , Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Adventure travel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9296 , vital:26561
- Description: Adventure tourism (AT) is a rapidly growing subsector of the tourism industry. With the recent increase in AT, the nature of the industry is undergoing major changes. Originally a small and relatively specialized sector of tourism, AT is now expanding to include ommercialized and larger scale operations. This creates a need to re-evaluate the AT industry in the context of these new, highly commercialized and often “manufactured” adventure experiences. Although there are many definitions and conceptualizations of what onstitutes AT, it is most often referred to as tourism experiences that involve some element of risk and typically take place in outdoor natural environments. Inherent in the definition of AT is the natural environment, however very little research has focused on the role of the environment in AT. The interaction between humans and the environment is one of the most fundamental relationships of human existence. Within this context, existing research largely focuses on the influence of humans on the environment. However, it is important to also understand how the environment influences human behaviour. This thesis, therefore, seeks to examine the influence of the environment on humans in the AT context. It does so by analyzing three primary aspects of human-environment interaction in AT participation. The first is participants’ ‘value system’including their general perspectives of the environment and previous experience with AT. The second focuses on the relative strength and nature of environmental influences on AT motivations. The final aspect delves into the role of the environment in enhancing AT experiences and satisfaction. These assessments were done by analyzing questionnaires collected from participants in eight commercial AT operations along the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Data was primarily based on responses to statements using a 5 point Likert Scale. The responses were analyzed and discussions utilized results based on descriptive statistics, significance levels based on onesample t-tests, frequency distributions and analysis of variance (ANOVAs) which divided the data based on activity type. In addition Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations were conducted to assess linkages between different components of the thesis. The results that emerged from this thesis show that the environment plays an important role in AT participation. The value system of commercial AT participants demonstrated a level of general experience with AT as well as moderate environmental values. The strength of the environment in the motivations to participate in AT emerged quite substantially. Reflective interactions with nature (i.e. learning about the environment, and appreciating nature’s beauty) were found to be amongst the most significant internal motivation factors for participation. Interestingly, although the vast majority of research focuses on the Risk/Thrill element of AT motivations, it was not found to be an important motivation factor amongst the vast majority of AT participants. The environmental aspects of the destination were found to be, by far, the most significant external motivation factor, implying that the selection of destination for AT participation is largely based on the environment in which the activity takes place. Participants were also found to have strong, positive emotional experiences as a result of AT participation,which were significantly enhanced by the environment in which the activities took place. In addition, as a result of these positive experiences, emotionally and with the environment, participants were highly satisfied with the AT experiences. The culmination of the results discussed above was the development of a modified, empirically-tested framework for human-environment interaction in the AT context. The final framework demonstrated links between various components of human-environment interaction. Strong links were found between motivations, experiences and satisfaction while relatively weak links were found between the value system of participants and their subsequent motivations. The framework was developed for the possibility of applying it to other contexts. The findings in this thesis demonstrate that the environment does, in fact, play an important role in the interaction between humans and the environment in AT. They emphasize the relatively significant influence that the environment has on the motivations and experiences of AT participants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The interplay of social semiotics in selected examples of experiential brand marketing
- Authors: Rennie, Tarryn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in marketing , Semiotics , Branding (Marketing) , Social marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3695 , vital:20454
- Description: As with the traditional form of print advertising, advertisements were, and still are designed in a particular way to attract the viewer’s attention and direct the attention towards a specific area within the framework of the advertisement. However, besides print advertising, today’s markets require further interaction with consumers and the public at large. This has given rise to the use of experiential brand marketing whereby consumers interact with the brand in out-of-context situations. The advancement of technology has enabled user experiences to go beyond the traditional forms of branding such as television, print, radio and even on-line advertising, websites and so forth and users are able to upload experiential brand experiences instantly on social networking sites. This, in turn, has indicated that marketers need to take full advantage of social networking, PR and audience interaction with brands. Theo Van Leeuwen & Gunther Kress (2005:7) investigated the context of ‘framing’ in visual communication where elements either have some kind of ‘connectedness’ or ‘disconnectedness’. This study focuses on the context of Van Leeuwen’s (2005:7) ‘framing’ of traditional print magazine designs to the environments or brandscapes in which experiential brand activations are taking place. According to Lenderman (2006:52), experiential marketing requires person-to-person networking with consumers who use sophisticated networking tools for respectful conversations between the consumer and the brand. Not only is this a cost effective solution to making a relatively unknown brand reach the masses, but it also allows an opportunity of immediate audience participation and instant recording of data that can spread across a global network. The theoretical base of social semiotics, underpinned by Van Leeuwen’s theory of ‘framing’, forms the theoretical basis of this study, with case studies of various experiential brand activations being analysed. An analysis of the environment in which the brand experience takes place, along with consumer reactions and their reactions to the overall brand experience in terms of experiential branding is studied. The aim of this research is to identify how the interplay of social semiotics could be used to interpret the current trend of user brand experiences in terms of experiential, interactive marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Rennie, Tarryn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in marketing , Semiotics , Branding (Marketing) , Social marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3695 , vital:20454
- Description: As with the traditional form of print advertising, advertisements were, and still are designed in a particular way to attract the viewer’s attention and direct the attention towards a specific area within the framework of the advertisement. However, besides print advertising, today’s markets require further interaction with consumers and the public at large. This has given rise to the use of experiential brand marketing whereby consumers interact with the brand in out-of-context situations. The advancement of technology has enabled user experiences to go beyond the traditional forms of branding such as television, print, radio and even on-line advertising, websites and so forth and users are able to upload experiential brand experiences instantly on social networking sites. This, in turn, has indicated that marketers need to take full advantage of social networking, PR and audience interaction with brands. Theo Van Leeuwen & Gunther Kress (2005:7) investigated the context of ‘framing’ in visual communication where elements either have some kind of ‘connectedness’ or ‘disconnectedness’. This study focuses on the context of Van Leeuwen’s (2005:7) ‘framing’ of traditional print magazine designs to the environments or brandscapes in which experiential brand activations are taking place. According to Lenderman (2006:52), experiential marketing requires person-to-person networking with consumers who use sophisticated networking tools for respectful conversations between the consumer and the brand. Not only is this a cost effective solution to making a relatively unknown brand reach the masses, but it also allows an opportunity of immediate audience participation and instant recording of data that can spread across a global network. The theoretical base of social semiotics, underpinned by Van Leeuwen’s theory of ‘framing’, forms the theoretical basis of this study, with case studies of various experiential brand activations being analysed. An analysis of the environment in which the brand experience takes place, along with consumer reactions and their reactions to the overall brand experience in terms of experiential branding is studied. The aim of this research is to identify how the interplay of social semiotics could be used to interpret the current trend of user brand experiences in terms of experiential, interactive marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The legal consequences of migration of public Further Education and Training college employees to the Department of Higher Education and Training
- Coetzer, Louwrens Stefanus Daniel
- Authors: Coetzer, Louwrens Stefanus Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College personnel management -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Administration , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6983 , vital:21189
- Description: Staff, previously employed by Public Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, migrated (transferred) to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in terms of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act. This treatise investigates the legal consequences of the migration of the staff from the fifty (50) TVET Colleges to DHET and focuses on the different categories of staff. The conditions of service of all the categories of staff before migration are compared with that after the migration. Meaningful recommendations are made about negotiations that should take place in the respective bargaining chambers in order to ensure a smooth transition that will prevent unnecessary legal consequences in future. The treatise furthermore analyses the legal consequences of staff, employed by temporary employment services to perform outsourced functions at TVET Colleges, who did not migrate to DHET. The legal implications of these members of staff is debated and evaluated. The treatise also discusses the performance management system and the changes from the integrated quality management system of lecturers to the performance management development system of public servants. TVET Colleges absorb the employment costs (as a separate employer) to ensure that there is growth in the Full Time Equivalents of Ministerial programmes, funded by DHET. The treatise makes meaningful recommendations to the new employer (DHET) with regard to the appointment of staff to conduct ministerial programmes and the overtime remuneration of current staff that willingly agree to work overtime but are not fairly remunerated by DHET. The treatise also considers the second phase of the migration process, namely the development of a blueprint organogram and the development of job descriptions for the different functions identified on the organogram. The process should ideally be followed by a restructuring process where staff are placed in identified functions and must be capacitated to perform the functions adequately. This process will ensure alignment of functions in the fifty TVET Colleges. Finally, the treatise notes the issue of workplace discipline at the TVET College and the definition of the workplace. It offers a proposal to the DHET to negotiate with the unions about defining the workplace as this has a legal consequence for attaining the objective of sound labour relations. It make meaningful recommendations about the overlapping regulatory requirements applicable to the TVET College as a legal person and DHET as an employer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coetzer, Louwrens Stefanus Daniel
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College personnel management -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Administration , Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6983 , vital:21189
- Description: Staff, previously employed by Public Technical and Vocation Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, migrated (transferred) to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in terms of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act. This treatise investigates the legal consequences of the migration of the staff from the fifty (50) TVET Colleges to DHET and focuses on the different categories of staff. The conditions of service of all the categories of staff before migration are compared with that after the migration. Meaningful recommendations are made about negotiations that should take place in the respective bargaining chambers in order to ensure a smooth transition that will prevent unnecessary legal consequences in future. The treatise furthermore analyses the legal consequences of staff, employed by temporary employment services to perform outsourced functions at TVET Colleges, who did not migrate to DHET. The legal implications of these members of staff is debated and evaluated. The treatise also discusses the performance management system and the changes from the integrated quality management system of lecturers to the performance management development system of public servants. TVET Colleges absorb the employment costs (as a separate employer) to ensure that there is growth in the Full Time Equivalents of Ministerial programmes, funded by DHET. The treatise makes meaningful recommendations to the new employer (DHET) with regard to the appointment of staff to conduct ministerial programmes and the overtime remuneration of current staff that willingly agree to work overtime but are not fairly remunerated by DHET. The treatise also considers the second phase of the migration process, namely the development of a blueprint organogram and the development of job descriptions for the different functions identified on the organogram. The process should ideally be followed by a restructuring process where staff are placed in identified functions and must be capacitated to perform the functions adequately. This process will ensure alignment of functions in the fifty TVET Colleges. Finally, the treatise notes the issue of workplace discipline at the TVET College and the definition of the workplace. It offers a proposal to the DHET to negotiate with the unions about defining the workplace as this has a legal consequence for attaining the objective of sound labour relations. It make meaningful recommendations about the overlapping regulatory requirements applicable to the TVET College as a legal person and DHET as an employer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The Livestock Improvement Scheme in the Eastern Cape: experiences of small farmers in Elliot
- Authors: Nompekela, Zikhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Livestock farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12350 , vital:27057
- Description: This study was motivated by the realisation that the Eastern Cape Province is a leading producer of cattle, but few to none of those cattle makes it to auction markets. The study was conducted in the Elliot area, selected as an area with a high number of Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development farms, as well as private farms and communal farmers. Most of these farmers battled to sell their cattle to the auctions or abattoirs. The objective of the study was therefore to investigate challenges facing smallholder beef cattle famers and those factors which prevented them to access auction markets to sell their cattle in the Elliot area. The second was to assess the effectiveness of the Livestock Improvement Scheme in support of smallholder beef cattle farmers in terms of the outcome and achievements of training these individuals to become successful farmers. The last was to find out how beef cattle farmers benefited from the scheme. Both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. A sample size of 10 farmers (eight farmers from LRAD/private and two from communal farmers) was selected, and observation was done on the auctions and abattoirs available in Elliot. The study found that smallholder cattle farmers struggle to sell their stock through formal and informal markets, as they are faced with marketing constraints.Such marketing constrainst are lack of marketing information, drought, poor condition of cattle, lack of infrastructure, shortage of land for grazing, price takers, stock theft, transaction costs, problems with cattle identification, and lack of physical access to markets. The study has also made recommendations on how smallholder cattle farmers of Elliot can be developed to procure markets to sell their stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nompekela, Zikhona
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Livestock farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12350 , vital:27057
- Description: This study was motivated by the realisation that the Eastern Cape Province is a leading producer of cattle, but few to none of those cattle makes it to auction markets. The study was conducted in the Elliot area, selected as an area with a high number of Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development farms, as well as private farms and communal farmers. Most of these farmers battled to sell their cattle to the auctions or abattoirs. The objective of the study was therefore to investigate challenges facing smallholder beef cattle famers and those factors which prevented them to access auction markets to sell their cattle in the Elliot area. The second was to assess the effectiveness of the Livestock Improvement Scheme in support of smallholder beef cattle farmers in terms of the outcome and achievements of training these individuals to become successful farmers. The last was to find out how beef cattle farmers benefited from the scheme. Both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. A sample size of 10 farmers (eight farmers from LRAD/private and two from communal farmers) was selected, and observation was done on the auctions and abattoirs available in Elliot. The study found that smallholder cattle farmers struggle to sell their stock through formal and informal markets, as they are faced with marketing constraints.Such marketing constrainst are lack of marketing information, drought, poor condition of cattle, lack of infrastructure, shortage of land for grazing, price takers, stock theft, transaction costs, problems with cattle identification, and lack of physical access to markets. The study has also made recommendations on how smallholder cattle farmers of Elliot can be developed to procure markets to sell their stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The management of chacma baboons and humans in a peri-urban environment: a case study from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's George Campus
- Authors: Botes, Peet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships , Animal behavior , Human beings , Bestiality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5135 , vital:20812
- Description: Conflicts between humans and baboons (Papio ursinus) have become a significant management challenge on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMUs) George Campus, which is located in peri-urban George in the Garden Route, of the Western Cape of South Africa. Current management policy, although required to be ‘scientifically’ based, largely relies on studies done outside the Garden Route. This study addresses the question of how the management of human-baboon relations could be improved on the campus. A case study was undertaken which aimed at addressing the cohabitation of baboons and humans on the NMMU campus, specifically human-baboon resource selection and interaction. The research methodology and the related analytical tools were primarily quantitative but were supplemented by some qualitative data drawn from interviews. Data collected was used to determine landscape features acting as Keystone Resource Areas (KRAs) for both humans and baboons on the campus. Relationships between the frequency and location of negative interactions, and resident-baboon distribution on the campus were also determined. Two key findings emerged from the research. First, residences, non-residence buildings and waste disposal stations act as KRAs for both humans and baboons. Second, the frequency of negative interaction correlates with the time spent by residents and baboons at residences, where common negative interactions between baboons and humans are known to occur. It is postulated that cohabitation on the NMMU George Campus is causing the habituation of baboons, a loss of fear of humans and association of humans with high energy foods. As a result, present cohabitation contributes to negative human-baboon relations in the George area. To ensure sustainable co-existence between humans and baboons on the George Campus, management should implement zonation and wildlife monitoring to reverse the loss of baboon fear of humans and better limit the availability of human-derived foods. In addition, management should consider giving stakeholders co-management roles to foster and facilitate knowledge and responsibility partnerships, and subsequently correct any misunderstandings related to human-baboon relations on the campus. Recommendations for further research include sampling beyond campus boundaries to compensate for regional variations in baboon behaviour and the biophysical environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Botes, Peet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Human-animal relationships , Animal behavior , Human beings , Bestiality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5135 , vital:20812
- Description: Conflicts between humans and baboons (Papio ursinus) have become a significant management challenge on Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMUs) George Campus, which is located in peri-urban George in the Garden Route, of the Western Cape of South Africa. Current management policy, although required to be ‘scientifically’ based, largely relies on studies done outside the Garden Route. This study addresses the question of how the management of human-baboon relations could be improved on the campus. A case study was undertaken which aimed at addressing the cohabitation of baboons and humans on the NMMU campus, specifically human-baboon resource selection and interaction. The research methodology and the related analytical tools were primarily quantitative but were supplemented by some qualitative data drawn from interviews. Data collected was used to determine landscape features acting as Keystone Resource Areas (KRAs) for both humans and baboons on the campus. Relationships between the frequency and location of negative interactions, and resident-baboon distribution on the campus were also determined. Two key findings emerged from the research. First, residences, non-residence buildings and waste disposal stations act as KRAs for both humans and baboons. Second, the frequency of negative interaction correlates with the time spent by residents and baboons at residences, where common negative interactions between baboons and humans are known to occur. It is postulated that cohabitation on the NMMU George Campus is causing the habituation of baboons, a loss of fear of humans and association of humans with high energy foods. As a result, present cohabitation contributes to negative human-baboon relations in the George area. To ensure sustainable co-existence between humans and baboons on the George Campus, management should implement zonation and wildlife monitoring to reverse the loss of baboon fear of humans and better limit the availability of human-derived foods. In addition, management should consider giving stakeholders co-management roles to foster and facilitate knowledge and responsibility partnerships, and subsequently correct any misunderstandings related to human-baboon relations on the campus. Recommendations for further research include sampling beyond campus boundaries to compensate for regional variations in baboon behaviour and the biophysical environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The maturity of project management in engineering consulting firms
- Authors: Machite, Kennedy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management Consulting engineers -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18409 , vital:28634
- Description: With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Machite, Kennedy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management Consulting engineers -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18409 , vital:28634
- Description: With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The National School Nutrition Programme in selected schools in Peddie
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The need for conflict management in organisations (a health insurance company, Port Elizabeth)
- Authors: Ajam, Razaana
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3852 , vital:20469
- Description: Conflict is evident in many spheres of life, however this study concentrated more specifically on conflict relating to organisations. Organisational conflict is seen “as any social collectivity, organisations such as private sector companies, government departments, schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, and political parties all experience internal conflict in varying degrees” (Bradshaw, 2008: 22). Each individual coming into a workplace has created his or her own set of challenges especially in the brutal arena of business. Conflict has destructive and productive qualities that can diminish or elevate processes within an organization (Stone, 1999). If it is not harnessed properly or dealt with in the correct manner, it can damage the reputation of a business; resulting in its downfall and this in turn contaminates and affects peripheral businesses associated with the organisation downstream. This study explored the following key aspects: Background of organisational conflict and its management; Background of the organization; Whether these two areas mentioned above can work together to create a cost effective and efficient outcome when dealing with conflict. The research adopted a mixed method approach with predominant focus on qualitative research methodology. The main focus of this study was conflict management within organisations and to probe and determine whether companies see the need to employ the field of conflict management as a strategy in times of fluctuating dispositions. It is evident that the organisation may not be fully aware or make use of alternative conflict resolution strategies and that the main causes of conflict can be eliminated such as poor communication, ill-defined job descriptions and objectives and differing of opinions. The need to employ alternative methods of conflict management may be emphasised by looking at the costs that conflict produces and the use of limited vital resources and the loss of human capital.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ajam, Razaana
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3852 , vital:20469
- Description: Conflict is evident in many spheres of life, however this study concentrated more specifically on conflict relating to organisations. Organisational conflict is seen “as any social collectivity, organisations such as private sector companies, government departments, schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, and political parties all experience internal conflict in varying degrees” (Bradshaw, 2008: 22). Each individual coming into a workplace has created his or her own set of challenges especially in the brutal arena of business. Conflict has destructive and productive qualities that can diminish or elevate processes within an organization (Stone, 1999). If it is not harnessed properly or dealt with in the correct manner, it can damage the reputation of a business; resulting in its downfall and this in turn contaminates and affects peripheral businesses associated with the organisation downstream. This study explored the following key aspects: Background of organisational conflict and its management; Background of the organization; Whether these two areas mentioned above can work together to create a cost effective and efficient outcome when dealing with conflict. The research adopted a mixed method approach with predominant focus on qualitative research methodology. The main focus of this study was conflict management within organisations and to probe and determine whether companies see the need to employ the field of conflict management as a strategy in times of fluctuating dispositions. It is evident that the organisation may not be fully aware or make use of alternative conflict resolution strategies and that the main causes of conflict can be eliminated such as poor communication, ill-defined job descriptions and objectives and differing of opinions. The need to employ alternative methods of conflict management may be emphasised by looking at the costs that conflict produces and the use of limited vital resources and the loss of human capital.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The perfomance of South African pilots on cognitive ability assessment
- Authors: Simpson, Sinombongo Mazulu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Airplanes -- Piloting -- Ability testing -- South Africa , Air pilots -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12813 , vital:27123
- Description: In South Africa, the issue of lack of black pilot skills is a most talked about topic in commercial airlines. Airlines need to find the right set of skills and attitude to operate safely and successfully. Airline safety remains a topic of discussion, therefore airlines need ensure robustness of their selection processes. There are many requirements that a person has to meet before s/he can be offered a first officer job at an airline. The majority of the pilots in South Africa are white males. The study aimed to determine if there are statistically significant differences in cognitive ability test results between Black and White applicants for pilot positions with a South Africa airline. The test battery included a verbal reasoning test, numerical reasoning test, visual thinking, abstract reasoning test, spatial reasoning test, short term memory test, monitoring ability test, hand-eye coordination, sense of orientation test, reactivity test, and a multi-tasking test. The data were extracted with permission from a database maintained on behalf of the airline by an online test provider and subjected to a statistical analysis using measures of central tendency, and spread, in order to report on the significance of the differences between the groups. There is strong evidence that the White group performed better than the Black group on the majority of the tests. It is recommended that further research is done in order to determine the causes of these differences. A comparative study of results on other airlines’ recruitment selection tests and an exploratory study of the impact of socio-economic factors, education quality and language on cognitive ability tests are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Simpson, Sinombongo Mazulu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Airplanes -- Piloting -- Ability testing -- South Africa , Air pilots -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12813 , vital:27123
- Description: In South Africa, the issue of lack of black pilot skills is a most talked about topic in commercial airlines. Airlines need to find the right set of skills and attitude to operate safely and successfully. Airline safety remains a topic of discussion, therefore airlines need ensure robustness of their selection processes. There are many requirements that a person has to meet before s/he can be offered a first officer job at an airline. The majority of the pilots in South Africa are white males. The study aimed to determine if there are statistically significant differences in cognitive ability test results between Black and White applicants for pilot positions with a South Africa airline. The test battery included a verbal reasoning test, numerical reasoning test, visual thinking, abstract reasoning test, spatial reasoning test, short term memory test, monitoring ability test, hand-eye coordination, sense of orientation test, reactivity test, and a multi-tasking test. The data were extracted with permission from a database maintained on behalf of the airline by an online test provider and subjected to a statistical analysis using measures of central tendency, and spread, in order to report on the significance of the differences between the groups. There is strong evidence that the White group performed better than the Black group on the majority of the tests. It is recommended that further research is done in order to determine the causes of these differences. A comparative study of results on other airlines’ recruitment selection tests and an exploratory study of the impact of socio-economic factors, education quality and language on cognitive ability tests are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016