Exploring the leadership agility in industry 4.0 for company x in Gqeberha
- Authors: Cairncross, Merle Vera
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Industry 4.0 , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65577 , vital:74193
- Description: In today’s dynamic business landscape, more organisations are progressively attempting to become agile by implementing agile corporate structures, processes and leadership frameworks. By effectively incorporating leadership agility into their processes, leadership can be better prepared to improve its decision-making agility, further able to deploy strategies for improved detection and response to failure as well as improve communication in the organisation. This treatise explores the critical role of leadership agility in enabling organisations to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving environment such as Industry 4.0 and capitalise on emerging opportunities. For this study, qualitative data was collected from functional level management by means of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The interviews aimed to identify behaviours and beliefs that contribute to an agile organisation, examine barriers impeding agile decision-making and explore strategies to cultivate an agile decision-making culture. By understanding the key factors that enable leadership agility and promote agility within decision-making processes, this research aimed to provide valuable insights for organisations seeking to thrive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0. Through literature analysis and interviews, the researcher concluded that agile leaders possess crucial competencies and behaviours that allow them to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0. These include effective communication, openness to change, innovative thinking, flexibility, self-management, developing others and organisational awareness. Agile leaders strategize and prepare their organisations in Industry 4.0 by adopting an adaptive leadership style, cultivating an agile decision-making culture, encouraging continuous improvement, promoting creativity and innovation and responding swiftly to changes, thus gaining a competitive edge in Industry 4.0. Embracing leadership agility enables organisations to capitalise on Industry 4.0’s opportunities and navigate its challenges, ultimately fostering a competitive business environment. By organising and synthesising the knowledge obtained in this study, a framework is proposed for agile leadership, which consolidates , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Cairncross, Merle Vera
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Industry 4.0 , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65577 , vital:74193
- Description: In today’s dynamic business landscape, more organisations are progressively attempting to become agile by implementing agile corporate structures, processes and leadership frameworks. By effectively incorporating leadership agility into their processes, leadership can be better prepared to improve its decision-making agility, further able to deploy strategies for improved detection and response to failure as well as improve communication in the organisation. This treatise explores the critical role of leadership agility in enabling organisations to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving environment such as Industry 4.0 and capitalise on emerging opportunities. For this study, qualitative data was collected from functional level management by means of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The interviews aimed to identify behaviours and beliefs that contribute to an agile organisation, examine barriers impeding agile decision-making and explore strategies to cultivate an agile decision-making culture. By understanding the key factors that enable leadership agility and promote agility within decision-making processes, this research aimed to provide valuable insights for organisations seeking to thrive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0. Through literature analysis and interviews, the researcher concluded that agile leaders possess crucial competencies and behaviours that allow them to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0. These include effective communication, openness to change, innovative thinking, flexibility, self-management, developing others and organisational awareness. Agile leaders strategize and prepare their organisations in Industry 4.0 by adopting an adaptive leadership style, cultivating an agile decision-making culture, encouraging continuous improvement, promoting creativity and innovation and responding swiftly to changes, thus gaining a competitive edge in Industry 4.0. Embracing leadership agility enables organisations to capitalise on Industry 4.0’s opportunities and navigate its challenges, ultimately fostering a competitive business environment. By organising and synthesising the knowledge obtained in this study, a framework is proposed for agile leadership, which consolidates , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Exploring the psychological and emotional understanding of Amagqirha within the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Ncapayi, Abongile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: traditional healers , Indigenous Knowledge , Cultural religion
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62947 , vital:73074
- Description: Indigenous knowledge systems influence mental health understanding and treatments. Amongst the Xhosa’s (amaXhosa), a person may receive a ‘calling’ from the ancestors, usually associated with symptoms that would be characterized as a mental illness. However, the symptoms experienced during the calling, usually dissipate once training has been received. One of the categories within traditional healers are amagqirha, also known as diviners. These are individuals who receive the ‘calling’. Thereafter, they undergo extensive training and become blessed with clairvoyant “powers” to divine and act as mediators between the living and the dead. This study aimed to explore the psychological and emotional understanding of amagqirha of the Xhosa culture, within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In doing so, the study centralizes the experiences of individuals within cultural spaces, allowing for commentary on the psychological and emotional understanding of the amagqirha. Furthermore, this study focused on the work that amagqirha do in communities and how this ultimately affects them. This study sought to understand the experiences and perceptions of the individuals who are affected by this ‘calling’. The researcher employed a qualitative method with an exploratory-descriptive research design. Ten participants were recruited by utilizing a purposive snowball sampling strategy. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview due to the sensitivity of the demographic of the study. Ethics were adhered to. Additionally, trustworthiness was guided by Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) four constructs: credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Thematic analysis was used as a means of data analysis, as presented by Braun and Clarke (2006). The themes identified were: The collateral damage/profuse repercussions cast upon by the ancestors due to inaction (either by them or those that case before them), the severity of the emotional and psychological effects is equally prevalent prior and during their journey of vi ubugqirha, methods that may assist in alleviating the emotional and psychological symptoms, understanding of mental health, awareness of their own mental health status, and help-seeking (psychological services). The main findings suggested that there is a general understanding of the term ‘mental health’ amongst amagqirha. Additionally, the findings revealed that amagqirha experienced emotional and psychological symptoms/effects, prior to and during the journey of ubugqirha - these were due to the lack of understanding and fear. Furthermore, the findings suggesting that amagqirha embarked on various help-seeking measures, i.e., seeking psychological services or leaning into seeking guidance from their ancestors. However, they were met with barriers as well, i.e., finding a mental health practitioner with awareness on African spirituality, and dealing with the stigma that comes with help-seeking. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Abongile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: traditional healers , Indigenous Knowledge , Cultural religion
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62947 , vital:73074
- Description: Indigenous knowledge systems influence mental health understanding and treatments. Amongst the Xhosa’s (amaXhosa), a person may receive a ‘calling’ from the ancestors, usually associated with symptoms that would be characterized as a mental illness. However, the symptoms experienced during the calling, usually dissipate once training has been received. One of the categories within traditional healers are amagqirha, also known as diviners. These are individuals who receive the ‘calling’. Thereafter, they undergo extensive training and become blessed with clairvoyant “powers” to divine and act as mediators between the living and the dead. This study aimed to explore the psychological and emotional understanding of amagqirha of the Xhosa culture, within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In doing so, the study centralizes the experiences of individuals within cultural spaces, allowing for commentary on the psychological and emotional understanding of the amagqirha. Furthermore, this study focused on the work that amagqirha do in communities and how this ultimately affects them. This study sought to understand the experiences and perceptions of the individuals who are affected by this ‘calling’. The researcher employed a qualitative method with an exploratory-descriptive research design. Ten participants were recruited by utilizing a purposive snowball sampling strategy. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview due to the sensitivity of the demographic of the study. Ethics were adhered to. Additionally, trustworthiness was guided by Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) four constructs: credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Thematic analysis was used as a means of data analysis, as presented by Braun and Clarke (2006). The themes identified were: The collateral damage/profuse repercussions cast upon by the ancestors due to inaction (either by them or those that case before them), the severity of the emotional and psychological effects is equally prevalent prior and during their journey of vi ubugqirha, methods that may assist in alleviating the emotional and psychological symptoms, understanding of mental health, awareness of their own mental health status, and help-seeking (psychological services). The main findings suggested that there is a general understanding of the term ‘mental health’ amongst amagqirha. Additionally, the findings revealed that amagqirha experienced emotional and psychological symptoms/effects, prior to and during the journey of ubugqirha - these were due to the lack of understanding and fear. Furthermore, the findings suggesting that amagqirha embarked on various help-seeking measures, i.e., seeking psychological services or leaning into seeking guidance from their ancestors. However, they were met with barriers as well, i.e., finding a mental health practitioner with awareness on African spirituality, and dealing with the stigma that comes with help-seeking. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Exploring the role of livelihood diversification of household food security in Umzimvubu Local Municipality
- Authors: Tikilili, Noluthando
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66054 , vital:74324
- Description: The study sought to explore the role of livelihood diversification for household food security in rural communities of Umzimvubu Local Municipality for sustainable development. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm as it gave the researcher appropriate information from a group of participants who better understand the livelihood assets. The qualitative research approach was adopted for the study due to its ability to appreciate the opinions, feelings and experiences of distinct individuals in order to give meaning to their behaviours. To gain better inferences and insights into this phenomenon, the researcher used semi-structured interviews with smallholder farmers who depend on practising farm activities for their livelihoods. The findings of the study revealed that due to retrenchment and the increase in unemployment rate, families are experiencing income inadequacy that has urged rural households to engage mostly in on-farm activities as a way of generating income and supplementing their livelihoods to sustain their families. Additionally, the findings unveiled that the efforts by government as well as non-government stakeholders to mitigate the effects of poverty by introducing the local entrepreneurs to the formal market, were evident. However, there are no consistent and stable programmes and policies to extend the market, or to encourage commercial farmers and smallholder farmers to work together to improve rural economies and transfer the much-needed skills to subsistence farmers. The study recommends that the government should play a leading role in capacitating rural communities and adequate funding should be made available to execute off-farm and non-farm activities to tackle the issues of food security and eliminating poverty. Also, with the emergence of a changing climate, there is a need for the Eastern Cape government to erect irrigation schemes, which can be done to sustain on-farm production and productivity for the rural communities. There is a need for the government to facilitate the introduction of stable and consistent programmes and efficient and effective policies which will enforce the commercial and small-holder farmers to work together and ensure that the much-needed skills and expertise are transferred to the marginalised group whilst improving the rural economy and meeting the market demands. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Tikilili, Noluthando
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66054 , vital:74324
- Description: The study sought to explore the role of livelihood diversification for household food security in rural communities of Umzimvubu Local Municipality for sustainable development. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm as it gave the researcher appropriate information from a group of participants who better understand the livelihood assets. The qualitative research approach was adopted for the study due to its ability to appreciate the opinions, feelings and experiences of distinct individuals in order to give meaning to their behaviours. To gain better inferences and insights into this phenomenon, the researcher used semi-structured interviews with smallholder farmers who depend on practising farm activities for their livelihoods. The findings of the study revealed that due to retrenchment and the increase in unemployment rate, families are experiencing income inadequacy that has urged rural households to engage mostly in on-farm activities as a way of generating income and supplementing their livelihoods to sustain their families. Additionally, the findings unveiled that the efforts by government as well as non-government stakeholders to mitigate the effects of poverty by introducing the local entrepreneurs to the formal market, were evident. However, there are no consistent and stable programmes and policies to extend the market, or to encourage commercial farmers and smallholder farmers to work together to improve rural economies and transfer the much-needed skills to subsistence farmers. The study recommends that the government should play a leading role in capacitating rural communities and adequate funding should be made available to execute off-farm and non-farm activities to tackle the issues of food security and eliminating poverty. Also, with the emergence of a changing climate, there is a need for the Eastern Cape government to erect irrigation schemes, which can be done to sustain on-farm production and productivity for the rural communities. There is a need for the government to facilitate the introduction of stable and consistent programmes and efficient and effective policies which will enforce the commercial and small-holder farmers to work together and ensure that the much-needed skills and expertise are transferred to the marginalised group whilst improving the rural economy and meeting the market demands. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Exploring university level admissions decision-making based on access testing and undergraduate admissions variables
- Authors: Oakes, Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: decision-making , Social-Judgement Theory , Cognitive-Continuum TheoryLens Model Equation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62969 , vital:73078
- Description: Decision-making is an essential everyday cognitive function. How people go about making judgements and decisions is difficult to pin down. The reason for this lies in the inherent nature of decision-making, which is uncertain and variable because decision-making is a human cognitive process that is context-dependent. However, the body of research on judgement and decision-making (JDM) is concerned with describing what people are 'actually' thinking, when they make decisions or judgements. This study applied the descriptive theories of the Social-Judgement Theory (SJT) and the Cognitive-Continuum Theory (CCT), in order to understand decision-making in an undergraduate, entry-level admission decision-making context, in which decision-makers used access testing and school results, to make admission decisions at Nelson Mandela University. The sample consisted of four consultants from the Centre for Access Assessment and Research (CAAR) who volunteered to participate in the study. While the sample was small, it was nonetheless deemed to be adequate as 57% of the consultants at CAAR were included in the sample. Using the SJT methodological approach, an experiment was conducted to mirror the real-life context of decision-making at CAAR. As CAAR consultants were used to test, and school results being presented on a profile when they made decisions, a sample of 120 of these was drawn from a repository, with 60 of them requiring decisions for degree admission (to B Com Accounting) and 60 for diploma admission (to the Diploma in Accountancy). Ten degree and 10 diploma profiles were duplicated to check for consistency in decision-making. As SJT suggests restricting the number of cues used, a process was instituted to identify the cues perceived to be used most frequently to make decisions at CAAR. This resulted in 5 cues being included on the cue profile. In Phase 1 of the experiment the CAAR consultants made admission decisions using a familiar cue profile in terms of how the information was presented visually and numerically. In phase 2 the information was presented using a different visual format, which was more closely aligned to the intuitive decision-making mode that most consultants used. A 2 x 2 within-subjects experimental design was thus employed with two independent variables, namely, profile type and program type. Descriptive statistics and correlational and regression analyses were used to describe the judgement policies of the consultants in terms of the time taken, the difficulty ratings, and the cue use and its importance). The indices of the Lens Model Equation (LME) of SJT were used to describe the decision-achievement levels, and the Task-Continuum Index (TCI) was computed to describe which cognitive modes were used. xvii The results revealed that decision-makers have unique, varied, and changeable judgement policies, with regard to the time taken, the perception of difficulty, and the decision outcomes and had a tendency to rely more on the school results, while the regression models derived indicated that test results made a stronger contribution to the decision outcome. The consultants found degree decisions easier than diploma decisions, and the consultants perceived the contribution and weighting of the cues somewhat differently, once the format of the cue profile had changed in Phase 2, although they made decisions more quickly in Phase 2. The decision-makers also displayed individualised patterns of decision achievement that differed for degree and diploma programs. Furthermore, in terms of the cognitive mode, decision-makers were thinking quasi-rationally and they largely used the cognitive modes of computer modelling or expert judgement. Thus, by synergistically using the two theories of JDM, the researcher was able to determine baseline information for understanding decision- making in an admission context. Furthermore, suggestions were made in terms of the nature of the feedback and training that could be provided to decision-makers to enhance their future decision-making. Suggestions were also made regarding how the methodology used and findings of this study could be applied in other contexts, such as when training students in psychological assessment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Oakes, Elizabeth
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: decision-making , Social-Judgement Theory , Cognitive-Continuum TheoryLens Model Equation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62969 , vital:73078
- Description: Decision-making is an essential everyday cognitive function. How people go about making judgements and decisions is difficult to pin down. The reason for this lies in the inherent nature of decision-making, which is uncertain and variable because decision-making is a human cognitive process that is context-dependent. However, the body of research on judgement and decision-making (JDM) is concerned with describing what people are 'actually' thinking, when they make decisions or judgements. This study applied the descriptive theories of the Social-Judgement Theory (SJT) and the Cognitive-Continuum Theory (CCT), in order to understand decision-making in an undergraduate, entry-level admission decision-making context, in which decision-makers used access testing and school results, to make admission decisions at Nelson Mandela University. The sample consisted of four consultants from the Centre for Access Assessment and Research (CAAR) who volunteered to participate in the study. While the sample was small, it was nonetheless deemed to be adequate as 57% of the consultants at CAAR were included in the sample. Using the SJT methodological approach, an experiment was conducted to mirror the real-life context of decision-making at CAAR. As CAAR consultants were used to test, and school results being presented on a profile when they made decisions, a sample of 120 of these was drawn from a repository, with 60 of them requiring decisions for degree admission (to B Com Accounting) and 60 for diploma admission (to the Diploma in Accountancy). Ten degree and 10 diploma profiles were duplicated to check for consistency in decision-making. As SJT suggests restricting the number of cues used, a process was instituted to identify the cues perceived to be used most frequently to make decisions at CAAR. This resulted in 5 cues being included on the cue profile. In Phase 1 of the experiment the CAAR consultants made admission decisions using a familiar cue profile in terms of how the information was presented visually and numerically. In phase 2 the information was presented using a different visual format, which was more closely aligned to the intuitive decision-making mode that most consultants used. A 2 x 2 within-subjects experimental design was thus employed with two independent variables, namely, profile type and program type. Descriptive statistics and correlational and regression analyses were used to describe the judgement policies of the consultants in terms of the time taken, the difficulty ratings, and the cue use and its importance). The indices of the Lens Model Equation (LME) of SJT were used to describe the decision-achievement levels, and the Task-Continuum Index (TCI) was computed to describe which cognitive modes were used. xvii The results revealed that decision-makers have unique, varied, and changeable judgement policies, with regard to the time taken, the perception of difficulty, and the decision outcomes and had a tendency to rely more on the school results, while the regression models derived indicated that test results made a stronger contribution to the decision outcome. The consultants found degree decisions easier than diploma decisions, and the consultants perceived the contribution and weighting of the cues somewhat differently, once the format of the cue profile had changed in Phase 2, although they made decisions more quickly in Phase 2. The decision-makers also displayed individualised patterns of decision achievement that differed for degree and diploma programs. Furthermore, in terms of the cognitive mode, decision-makers were thinking quasi-rationally and they largely used the cognitive modes of computer modelling or expert judgement. Thus, by synergistically using the two theories of JDM, the researcher was able to determine baseline information for understanding decision- making in an admission context. Furthermore, suggestions were made in terms of the nature of the feedback and training that could be provided to decision-makers to enhance their future decision-making. Suggestions were also made regarding how the methodology used and findings of this study could be applied in other contexts, such as when training students in psychological assessment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Factors contributing to operational excellence in a pharmaceutical manufacturer in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Monakali, Xolani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Performance , Production management , Industrial management Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65795 , vital:74268
- Description: To ensure that high quality, secure and effective pharmaceutical goods are consistently produced and supplied to the appropriate end user, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies operate in a highly regulated environment. The idea that quality is not assessed is incorrect; rather, it is built, is at the heart of this production environment. Since fulfilling deadlines on time in full is the benchmark for good customer service, to achieve this results in numerous quality limits that have an impact on the quick delivery of medicines. Companies are often competing for the same clients; thus, there is increasing competition, which is mostly due to the availability of reasonable and inexpensive generics. The most profitable company will be the one which operates and produces at low cost, with great efficiency and economies of scale. Furthermore, the generic pharmaceutical firm is not immune from the fundamental purpose of business, which is to make money for the shareholders and add value for the clients. In order to maintain competitiveness in a pharmaceutical company which operates in East London, South Africa, this study aims to identify the factors that lead to perceived operational excellence. Respondents were given a standardised questionnaire; thus the study employed a quantitative research methodology. The sample size for the study was determined by randomly selecting 100 employees, composed of Operators, General Assistants, Production Team Leaders, Production Pharmacists, Pharmacist Assistants and Artisans from Pharmaceutical Company X. With the aid of a research assistant, the questionnaire was distributed to and answered by respondents. The gathered data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 for Windows. The results of the study were then shown in cross tabulations, pie charts and bar graphs. The main outcomes of the study revealed that the majority of consumers believed pharmaceutical products were of a high calibre in terms of quality. Furthermore, the majority of participants agreed that operational excellence is important in companies that produce fast-moving consumer goods, like the pharmaceutical industry does. The survey also revealed the need for operational excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. Given that quality in the pharmaceutical industry has grown to be a crucial issue, the study suggests that the importance of pharmaceutical product quality needs to be more widely understood. Academics, pharmaceutical companies and legislators will all benefit from the study. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Monakali, Xolani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Performance , Production management , Industrial management Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65795 , vital:74268
- Description: To ensure that high quality, secure and effective pharmaceutical goods are consistently produced and supplied to the appropriate end user, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies operate in a highly regulated environment. The idea that quality is not assessed is incorrect; rather, it is built, is at the heart of this production environment. Since fulfilling deadlines on time in full is the benchmark for good customer service, to achieve this results in numerous quality limits that have an impact on the quick delivery of medicines. Companies are often competing for the same clients; thus, there is increasing competition, which is mostly due to the availability of reasonable and inexpensive generics. The most profitable company will be the one which operates and produces at low cost, with great efficiency and economies of scale. Furthermore, the generic pharmaceutical firm is not immune from the fundamental purpose of business, which is to make money for the shareholders and add value for the clients. In order to maintain competitiveness in a pharmaceutical company which operates in East London, South Africa, this study aims to identify the factors that lead to perceived operational excellence. Respondents were given a standardised questionnaire; thus the study employed a quantitative research methodology. The sample size for the study was determined by randomly selecting 100 employees, composed of Operators, General Assistants, Production Team Leaders, Production Pharmacists, Pharmacist Assistants and Artisans from Pharmaceutical Company X. With the aid of a research assistant, the questionnaire was distributed to and answered by respondents. The gathered data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 for Windows. The results of the study were then shown in cross tabulations, pie charts and bar graphs. The main outcomes of the study revealed that the majority of consumers believed pharmaceutical products were of a high calibre in terms of quality. Furthermore, the majority of participants agreed that operational excellence is important in companies that produce fast-moving consumer goods, like the pharmaceutical industry does. The survey also revealed the need for operational excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. Given that quality in the pharmaceutical industry has grown to be a crucial issue, the study suggests that the importance of pharmaceutical product quality needs to be more widely understood. Academics, pharmaceutical companies and legislators will all benefit from the study. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Factors contributing to the productivity of operations at the port of Ngqura, Gqeberha
- Authors: Mlonzi, Aluta Phathuxolo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Port Ngqura (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) , Harbors -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial productivity , Operations research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65773 , vital:74236
- Description: Ports are the gateway to economic trade and a huge contributor to South Africa’s economy. Productivity has become a critical component for ports in the port industry as a means of enhancing market potential and competitiveness (Kuo, Lu, and Le, 2020). Therefore ports must investigate their productivity factors to stay competitive. This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to productivity at the Port of Ngqura. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study where data was obtained by conducting interviews with a sample of ten employees from Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet National Port Authority. Out of the ten employees identified, only four participants took part in the study. According to the respondents, the key factors contributing to productivity at the Port of Ngqura include the staff, efficient staff training, equipment, technology, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the respondents highlighted the importance of technology, specifically the planning and operations systems such as NAVIS and SPARCS, in optimising productivity. Infrastructure was also emphasised as a significant factor affecting productivity. Only the views of employees working at the Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet Port Authority at the Port of Ngqura were considered. The study achieved a low response rate. Based on the empirical research, the study could conclude by making the following recommendations that the Port of Ngqura should prioritise enhancing its operations by making significant investments in equipment and infrastructure. Through the adoption of an efficient human resource strategy, the port should also handle workforce problems brought on by resignations, voluntary separation plans (VSPs), and contract terminations. Planning for succession effectively is crucial to maintaining institutional knowledge. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Mlonzi, Aluta Phathuxolo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Port Ngqura (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) , Harbors -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial productivity , Operations research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65773 , vital:74236
- Description: Ports are the gateway to economic trade and a huge contributor to South Africa’s economy. Productivity has become a critical component for ports in the port industry as a means of enhancing market potential and competitiveness (Kuo, Lu, and Le, 2020). Therefore ports must investigate their productivity factors to stay competitive. This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to productivity at the Port of Ngqura. A qualitative research approach was employed in the study where data was obtained by conducting interviews with a sample of ten employees from Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet National Port Authority. Out of the ten employees identified, only four participants took part in the study. According to the respondents, the key factors contributing to productivity at the Port of Ngqura include the staff, efficient staff training, equipment, technology, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the respondents highlighted the importance of technology, specifically the planning and operations systems such as NAVIS and SPARCS, in optimising productivity. Infrastructure was also emphasised as a significant factor affecting productivity. Only the views of employees working at the Transnet Port Terminals and Transnet Port Authority at the Port of Ngqura were considered. The study achieved a low response rate. Based on the empirical research, the study could conclude by making the following recommendations that the Port of Ngqura should prioritise enhancing its operations by making significant investments in equipment and infrastructure. Through the adoption of an efficient human resource strategy, the port should also handle workforce problems brought on by resignations, voluntary separation plans (VSPs), and contract terminations. Planning for succession effectively is crucial to maintaining institutional knowledge. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Factors influencing employee engagement in a flexible work environment: a study of the Road Accident Fund
- Authors: Goqo, Nondumiso Zama
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Employee motivation , Flexible work arrangements , Work-life balance Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65600 , vital:74200
- Description: Employee engagement is a critical aspect of organisational success, and with the increasing adoption of flexible working arrangements (FWAs), understanding its determinants becomes crucial. However, many organisations are struggling to keep employees engaged while offering them flexible working patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors that influence employee engagement among employees of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa after the introduction of flexible working arrangements. To achieve the main aim of this study, a literature study was undertaken on employee engagement and a flexible working environment. The main focus of the literature study was to determine the factors with the most potential to influence employee engagement in the context of a flexible working environment. These factors emerged as work-life balance, employee wellbeing, leadership, rewards and recognition, learning and development, employee involvement, effective communication and workplace flexibility. This led to conducting an empirical study utilising a self-administered online survey as the data collection instrument to determine the influence of these factors on the engagement of RAF employees. A scale was developed to determine these factors and the current engagement level of employees at the RAF was measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) (2002). A descriptive and correlational research design was employed, utilising a convenience sampling method with a final sample of 413 achieved. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential techniques, including Cronbach’s Alpha, frequency distributions, measure of central tendencies and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), product moment correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. This included the testing for potential relationships between the variables of interest.The results of the empirical study revealed some of factors that were identified in the literature review of this study were found to have a positive influence on the engagement of employees working in the flexible working environment offered by the RAF. These factors are employee well-being, leadership, reward and recognition, learning and development, employee involvement, effective communication and workplace flexibility (time). The factors that were excluded by the results were work-life balance and workplace flexibility (place). These exceptions imply that these factors have less influence on the overall employee engagement levels at the RAF. Moreover, the levels of engagement of RAF employees were found to be at a moderate level. Furthermore, the results indicated that regardless of whether employees utilised FWAs or not, their levels of engagement remained at a moderate level. In other words, the utilisation of FWAs did not appear to significantly impact on the overall engagement levels of employees, and both groups exhibited similar moderate engagement levels. The findings also suggest that the RAF should maintain and enhance the factors that have a positive influence on employee engagement. In addition, the organisation should work on addressing those factors that do not play as significant a role in influencing engagement as the other factors. By taking these steps, the RAF can effectively enhance the overall level of employee engagement among its workforce. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Goqo, Nondumiso Zama
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Employee motivation , Flexible work arrangements , Work-life balance Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65600 , vital:74200
- Description: Employee engagement is a critical aspect of organisational success, and with the increasing adoption of flexible working arrangements (FWAs), understanding its determinants becomes crucial. However, many organisations are struggling to keep employees engaged while offering them flexible working patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors that influence employee engagement among employees of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa after the introduction of flexible working arrangements. To achieve the main aim of this study, a literature study was undertaken on employee engagement and a flexible working environment. The main focus of the literature study was to determine the factors with the most potential to influence employee engagement in the context of a flexible working environment. These factors emerged as work-life balance, employee wellbeing, leadership, rewards and recognition, learning and development, employee involvement, effective communication and workplace flexibility. This led to conducting an empirical study utilising a self-administered online survey as the data collection instrument to determine the influence of these factors on the engagement of RAF employees. A scale was developed to determine these factors and the current engagement level of employees at the RAF was measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) (2002). A descriptive and correlational research design was employed, utilising a convenience sampling method with a final sample of 413 achieved. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential techniques, including Cronbach’s Alpha, frequency distributions, measure of central tendencies and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), product moment correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. This included the testing for potential relationships between the variables of interest.The results of the empirical study revealed some of factors that were identified in the literature review of this study were found to have a positive influence on the engagement of employees working in the flexible working environment offered by the RAF. These factors are employee well-being, leadership, reward and recognition, learning and development, employee involvement, effective communication and workplace flexibility (time). The factors that were excluded by the results were work-life balance and workplace flexibility (place). These exceptions imply that these factors have less influence on the overall employee engagement levels at the RAF. Moreover, the levels of engagement of RAF employees were found to be at a moderate level. Furthermore, the results indicated that regardless of whether employees utilised FWAs or not, their levels of engagement remained at a moderate level. In other words, the utilisation of FWAs did not appear to significantly impact on the overall engagement levels of employees, and both groups exhibited similar moderate engagement levels. The findings also suggest that the RAF should maintain and enhance the factors that have a positive influence on employee engagement. In addition, the organisation should work on addressing those factors that do not play as significant a role in influencing engagement as the other factors. By taking these steps, the RAF can effectively enhance the overall level of employee engagement among its workforce. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Field mapping and geochemistry of lower Jurassic sediments and volcanics of the upper Karoo supergroup near Ha Mosi, Lesotho mountains
- Authors: Valashiya, Khaya
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- karoo basin , Geochemistry , Geological mapping
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62687 , vital:72925
- Description: Geological mapping in the Lesotho-Drakensberg Mountains spans over 100 years with du Toit and Stockley being the major contributors to the published maps and to the understanding of emplacement of the Karoo Large Igneous Province (KLIP) in the countries of South Africa and Lesotho. Despite the detailed previous work, there remains limited data on paleoenvironmental changes at the contact between the sedimentary and volcanic sequences of the upper Karoo Supergroup. This study aims to map the lithostratigraphic boundaries, volcano-sedimentary facies and faults near Ha Mosi in southern Lesotho. A total 48 rock samples were collected for petrography, XRF and ICP-MS analyses. The new results were used to characterize the local chemostratigraphy and to propose new regional correlations across Lesotho and South Africa. In this thesis, eight lithostratigraphic units were defined with a total thickness of 550 m. The first two units (Units 1 and 2) comprise massive and bedded sandstones, interpreted as possible floodplain and ephemeral lacustrine deposits; these are ascribed to the upper Stormberg Group. These units are unconformably overlain by locally preserved thin basaltic (Unit 3) flows that are characterised by high Zr/Nb and Zr/Y ratios; and low Ti/Zr and P/Zr ratios similar to the Golden Gate Unit of the Drakensberg Group. The lava flows are overlain by bedded sandstone ascribed to Unit 4 and volcaniclastic breccia ascribed to Units 5 and 6. Unit 6 consists of a monolithic breccia that is composed of angular sandstone clasts similar to those of the underlying Stormberg Group. The monolithic breccia transitions upwards into a massive megaclastic clast-supported volcanic breccia, which consists of angular to sub-rounded basaltic and doleritic boulders. Petrified wood fragments are found within the megaclastic breccia, indicating the presence of vegetation during deposition and enhanced preservation. Unit 6 laterally grades into Unit 5, which is characterised by poorly bedded breccia composed of angular sandstone, mudstone clasts with minor basaltic and doleritic clasts and, breccia intraclasts. The breccia units are often associated with reworked sediments interpreted to be deposited by fluvial systems. The breccia is conformably overlain by basaltic lava flows (Unit 8) characterised by high Ti/Zr and P/Zr ratios and moderate to low Zr/Y and Zr/Nb ratios compared to the Unit 3 lavas and is similar to that of the Sani Pass Unit of the Drakensberg Group. The basaltic sequences in the Ha Mosi studied area preserve both pahoehoe textures and pillow lavas, indicating subaerial and subaqueous volcanism. The studied lithologies are intruded by gabbro and dolerites of the Karoo Dolerite Suite at 183 Ma. This stratigraphy records the transition from sedimentation in the Karoo Basin through to a dominantly volcanic succession, which has importance in terms of the Toarcian extinction at ca. 182 Ma. Mapped faults and associated fractures are orientated predominantly NW-SE with the hanging walls moved maximum 80 m to the south. The different dykes and fault structures possibly relate to the Weddel Triple Junction that developed during the Early Jurassic break up of Gondwana, between 200 and 180 Ma. The mapped lavas show that the magma source was a chemically heterogenous mantle that was subjected to different degrees of partial melting, with the introduction of small-scale chemical heterogeneities. The geodynamic setting is comparable to the Afar Triangle of north-east Africa where active tectonics created a large-scale NW-SE orientated fault system in response to crustal thinning and rifting. In both the Afar and Lesotho, vertical movements created lowlands that allow for the preservation of volcanic breccia and basalts with pillow lavas. These findings show that existing geological models in the Drakensberg-Lesotho Mountains can be improved upon detailed field mapping and geochemistry. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Valashiya, Khaya
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Sediments (Geology) -- South Africa -- karoo basin , Geochemistry , Geological mapping
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62687 , vital:72925
- Description: Geological mapping in the Lesotho-Drakensberg Mountains spans over 100 years with du Toit and Stockley being the major contributors to the published maps and to the understanding of emplacement of the Karoo Large Igneous Province (KLIP) in the countries of South Africa and Lesotho. Despite the detailed previous work, there remains limited data on paleoenvironmental changes at the contact between the sedimentary and volcanic sequences of the upper Karoo Supergroup. This study aims to map the lithostratigraphic boundaries, volcano-sedimentary facies and faults near Ha Mosi in southern Lesotho. A total 48 rock samples were collected for petrography, XRF and ICP-MS analyses. The new results were used to characterize the local chemostratigraphy and to propose new regional correlations across Lesotho and South Africa. In this thesis, eight lithostratigraphic units were defined with a total thickness of 550 m. The first two units (Units 1 and 2) comprise massive and bedded sandstones, interpreted as possible floodplain and ephemeral lacustrine deposits; these are ascribed to the upper Stormberg Group. These units are unconformably overlain by locally preserved thin basaltic (Unit 3) flows that are characterised by high Zr/Nb and Zr/Y ratios; and low Ti/Zr and P/Zr ratios similar to the Golden Gate Unit of the Drakensberg Group. The lava flows are overlain by bedded sandstone ascribed to Unit 4 and volcaniclastic breccia ascribed to Units 5 and 6. Unit 6 consists of a monolithic breccia that is composed of angular sandstone clasts similar to those of the underlying Stormberg Group. The monolithic breccia transitions upwards into a massive megaclastic clast-supported volcanic breccia, which consists of angular to sub-rounded basaltic and doleritic boulders. Petrified wood fragments are found within the megaclastic breccia, indicating the presence of vegetation during deposition and enhanced preservation. Unit 6 laterally grades into Unit 5, which is characterised by poorly bedded breccia composed of angular sandstone, mudstone clasts with minor basaltic and doleritic clasts and, breccia intraclasts. The breccia units are often associated with reworked sediments interpreted to be deposited by fluvial systems. The breccia is conformably overlain by basaltic lava flows (Unit 8) characterised by high Ti/Zr and P/Zr ratios and moderate to low Zr/Y and Zr/Nb ratios compared to the Unit 3 lavas and is similar to that of the Sani Pass Unit of the Drakensberg Group. The basaltic sequences in the Ha Mosi studied area preserve both pahoehoe textures and pillow lavas, indicating subaerial and subaqueous volcanism. The studied lithologies are intruded by gabbro and dolerites of the Karoo Dolerite Suite at 183 Ma. This stratigraphy records the transition from sedimentation in the Karoo Basin through to a dominantly volcanic succession, which has importance in terms of the Toarcian extinction at ca. 182 Ma. Mapped faults and associated fractures are orientated predominantly NW-SE with the hanging walls moved maximum 80 m to the south. The different dykes and fault structures possibly relate to the Weddel Triple Junction that developed during the Early Jurassic break up of Gondwana, between 200 and 180 Ma. The mapped lavas show that the magma source was a chemically heterogenous mantle that was subjected to different degrees of partial melting, with the introduction of small-scale chemical heterogeneities. The geodynamic setting is comparable to the Afar Triangle of north-east Africa where active tectonics created a large-scale NW-SE orientated fault system in response to crustal thinning and rifting. In both the Afar and Lesotho, vertical movements created lowlands that allow for the preservation of volcanic breccia and basalts with pillow lavas. These findings show that existing geological models in the Drakensberg-Lesotho Mountains can be improved upon detailed field mapping and geochemistry. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Financial deepening and economic performance in South African commercial banks
- Authors: Mpongoshe, Nomthandazo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Economic development , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Performance -- Measurement , Liquidity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65829 , vital:74271
- Description: Financial deepening and economic growth have received much attention in the literature. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the relationship between financial deepening, and bank performance especially within the context of South African commercial banks. This research aims to investigate the empirical relationship between financial deepening and the performance of all South African commercial banks from 1987 to 2019. The research adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes secondary data along with time series analysis techniques. The research empirically investigates the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance, using financial deepening indicators such as Market Capitalisation (MC), Credit to the private sector (CR), Money Stock (MS), and Bank liquidity (BL). Control variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Inflation rate (IF), and Lending interest rate (LR) are also considered. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance of South African commercial banks. The findings indicate that financial deepening has both short-term and long-term impacts on bank performance. Each component of the financial deepening indicators demonstrates a strong and statistically significant relationship with bank performance. This empirical evidence suggests that financial deepening has made a positive contribution to the profitability of South African commercial banks. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a long-run equilibrium relationship between financial deepening and the economic performance of the South African banking sector. This research addresses the gap between theoretical beliefs and empirical evidence by establishing a robust and positive contribution of financial deepening to the profitability of South African commercial banks. The findings highlight the significance of financial deepening in enhancing bank performance in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Mpongoshe, Nomthandazo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Economic development , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Performance -- Measurement , Liquidity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65829 , vital:74271
- Description: Financial deepening and economic growth have received much attention in the literature. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the relationship between financial deepening, and bank performance especially within the context of South African commercial banks. This research aims to investigate the empirical relationship between financial deepening and the performance of all South African commercial banks from 1987 to 2019. The research adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes secondary data along with time series analysis techniques. The research empirically investigates the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance, using financial deepening indicators such as Market Capitalisation (MC), Credit to the private sector (CR), Money Stock (MS), and Bank liquidity (BL). Control variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Inflation rate (IF), and Lending interest rate (LR) are also considered. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance of South African commercial banks. The findings indicate that financial deepening has both short-term and long-term impacts on bank performance. Each component of the financial deepening indicators demonstrates a strong and statistically significant relationship with bank performance. This empirical evidence suggests that financial deepening has made a positive contribution to the profitability of South African commercial banks. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a long-run equilibrium relationship between financial deepening and the economic performance of the South African banking sector. This research addresses the gap between theoretical beliefs and empirical evidence by establishing a robust and positive contribution of financial deepening to the profitability of South African commercial banks. The findings highlight the significance of financial deepening in enhancing bank performance in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Finite difference methods for Burgers-Huxley equation and biofilm formation
- Authors: Tijani, Yusuf Olatunji
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Burgers equation , Terrestrial heat flow , Applied mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorial theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62732 , vital:72934
- Description: In this thesis, we constructed some versions of finite difference scheme for the Burgers-Huxley equation and for a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in biofilm formation. The Burgers-Huxley equation serves as a fundamental model that describes the interaction between reaction mechanisms, convection effects, and diffusion transport. It has applications in the study of wave mechanics, population dynamics, physiology, fluid mechanics to list but a few. The study of biofilm formation is becoming increasingly important due to micro-organisms (i.e. bacteria) forming a protected mode from the host defense mechanism which may result in alteration in the host gene transcription and growth rate. Applications can be found useful in the treatment of bacterial infections, contamination of foods and water quality. We designed two nonstandard finite difference and two exponential finite difference schemes for the Burgers-Huxley equation. Numerical experiments with six cases and in three different regimes were studied. We show that the nonstandard scheme preserves the properties of the continuous equation which include positivity and boundedness. The stability region of the explicit exponential scheme was obtained and we outlined the algorithm for the implicit exponential scheme. The performance of the four schemes are compared in regard to absolute error, relative error, L1 and L∞ norms. For a singularly perturbed Burgers-Huxley equation, a novel nonstandard finite difference technique is constructed. It is demonstrated numerically that the NSFD scheme outperforms the classical scheme by comparing maximum pointwise errors and rate of convergence. We then solved the 2D Burgers-Huxley equation using four novel nonstandard finite difference schemes (NSFD1, NSFD2, NSFD3 and NSFD4). The numerical profiles from NSFD1 and NSFD2 exhibit some deviation from the exact profile. Our quest for a better performing scheme led to the modification of NSFD1 using the remainder effect technique. NSFD4 was designed by employing the time splitting approach. All the schemes preserve the properties of the continuous model (positivity and boundedness). The performance of all the schemes are analysed. We construct three nonstandard finite difference schemes for the equations modelling biomass equation and coupled substrate-biomass system of equations respectively. We checked the accuracy of our scheme by the conservation of physical properties (positivity, boundedness, biofilm formation and annihilation) since an analytical solution is not available. We show the instability, lack of conservation of physical properties by the classical scheme. Our proposed scheme shows good performance when compared with other results in the literature. The results here give more insight into the benefits of the nonstandard finite difference approximations. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Tijani, Yusuf Olatunji
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Burgers equation , Terrestrial heat flow , Applied mathematics
- Language: English
- Type: Doctorial theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62732 , vital:72934
- Description: In this thesis, we constructed some versions of finite difference scheme for the Burgers-Huxley equation and for a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in biofilm formation. The Burgers-Huxley equation serves as a fundamental model that describes the interaction between reaction mechanisms, convection effects, and diffusion transport. It has applications in the study of wave mechanics, population dynamics, physiology, fluid mechanics to list but a few. The study of biofilm formation is becoming increasingly important due to micro-organisms (i.e. bacteria) forming a protected mode from the host defense mechanism which may result in alteration in the host gene transcription and growth rate. Applications can be found useful in the treatment of bacterial infections, contamination of foods and water quality. We designed two nonstandard finite difference and two exponential finite difference schemes for the Burgers-Huxley equation. Numerical experiments with six cases and in three different regimes were studied. We show that the nonstandard scheme preserves the properties of the continuous equation which include positivity and boundedness. The stability region of the explicit exponential scheme was obtained and we outlined the algorithm for the implicit exponential scheme. The performance of the four schemes are compared in regard to absolute error, relative error, L1 and L∞ norms. For a singularly perturbed Burgers-Huxley equation, a novel nonstandard finite difference technique is constructed. It is demonstrated numerically that the NSFD scheme outperforms the classical scheme by comparing maximum pointwise errors and rate of convergence. We then solved the 2D Burgers-Huxley equation using four novel nonstandard finite difference schemes (NSFD1, NSFD2, NSFD3 and NSFD4). The numerical profiles from NSFD1 and NSFD2 exhibit some deviation from the exact profile. Our quest for a better performing scheme led to the modification of NSFD1 using the remainder effect technique. NSFD4 was designed by employing the time splitting approach. All the schemes preserve the properties of the continuous model (positivity and boundedness). The performance of all the schemes are analysed. We construct three nonstandard finite difference schemes for the equations modelling biomass equation and coupled substrate-biomass system of equations respectively. We checked the accuracy of our scheme by the conservation of physical properties (positivity, boundedness, biofilm formation and annihilation) since an analytical solution is not available. We show the instability, lack of conservation of physical properties by the classical scheme. Our proposed scheme shows good performance when compared with other results in the literature. The results here give more insight into the benefits of the nonstandard finite difference approximations. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Formulating an operational efficient strategy for the national health laboratory services in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sizila, Wandile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: National Health Laboratory Service (South Africa) , Public health laboratories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Lean manufacturing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65990 , vital:74295
- Description: This treatise presents the formulation of an operational efficient strategy for the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in the Eastern Cape. Operational inefficiency in the NHLS has the potential to delay laboratory results delivery for necessary health intervention, which may have a negative impact on individuals’ health or lead to death. The aim of the study is to highlight inadequacies that may cause poor service delivery and formulate an operational plan for the NHLS in the Eastern Cape. Strategic efficiency is derived from the resource-based and agent theories. Even though there is a difference between service and manufacturing industries, the operational strategic framework can be used in both. A strategic framework is implemented by assessing market requirements and using the top-down or bottom-up approach. To monitor and regulate these strategies, one can utilise, among others, scorecards, corporate social responsibility and risk management. This is a qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews to gather information from 11 participants. The study targeted managers in the NHLS Eastern Cape region, with a non-probability method, as the large number of managers in the entire region made it impossible to do a random study. Furthermore, the data were analysed by the thematic analysis method. The literature review identified six factors that influence public sector efficiency, namely, compliance issues, ethics, financial expense management, resource optimisation, accountability and service delivery. The primary study revealed several inadequacies in the NHLS Eastern Cape, namely, inefficient human resources practices, underutilising technology, ambiguous policies, delayed turnaround time, lack of financial training for management and lack of support from cross-functional departments. In addition, the results of the study warrant the following recommendations: Proper orientation of staff, with modules pertaining not only to their duties and reporting structure but also to the policies of the organisations and conduct; SWOT analyses and surveys could also be used to assess internal staff and external factors that may hinder efficiency; the installation of solar panels for laboratories, starting with the vulnerable labs in remote , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Sizila, Wandile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: National Health Laboratory Service (South Africa) , Public health laboratories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Lean manufacturing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65990 , vital:74295
- Description: This treatise presents the formulation of an operational efficient strategy for the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in the Eastern Cape. Operational inefficiency in the NHLS has the potential to delay laboratory results delivery for necessary health intervention, which may have a negative impact on individuals’ health or lead to death. The aim of the study is to highlight inadequacies that may cause poor service delivery and formulate an operational plan for the NHLS in the Eastern Cape. Strategic efficiency is derived from the resource-based and agent theories. Even though there is a difference between service and manufacturing industries, the operational strategic framework can be used in both. A strategic framework is implemented by assessing market requirements and using the top-down or bottom-up approach. To monitor and regulate these strategies, one can utilise, among others, scorecards, corporate social responsibility and risk management. This is a qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews to gather information from 11 participants. The study targeted managers in the NHLS Eastern Cape region, with a non-probability method, as the large number of managers in the entire region made it impossible to do a random study. Furthermore, the data were analysed by the thematic analysis method. The literature review identified six factors that influence public sector efficiency, namely, compliance issues, ethics, financial expense management, resource optimisation, accountability and service delivery. The primary study revealed several inadequacies in the NHLS Eastern Cape, namely, inefficient human resources practices, underutilising technology, ambiguous policies, delayed turnaround time, lack of financial training for management and lack of support from cross-functional departments. In addition, the results of the study warrant the following recommendations: Proper orientation of staff, with modules pertaining not only to their duties and reporting structure but also to the policies of the organisations and conduct; SWOT analyses and surveys could also be used to assess internal staff and external factors that may hinder efficiency; the installation of solar panels for laboratories, starting with the vulnerable labs in remote , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Formulating an operational efficient strategy for the national health laboratory services in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sizila, Wandile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Strategic planning , Organizational effectiveness , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65993 , vital:74294
- Description: This treatise presents the formulation of an operational efficient strategy for the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in the Eastern Cape. Operational inefficiency in the NHLS has the potential to delay laboratory results delivery for necessary health intervention, which may have a negative impact on individuals’ health or lead to death. The aim of the study is to highlight inadequacies that may cause poor service delivery and formulate an operational plan for the NHLS in the Eastern Cape. Strategic efficiency is derived from the resource-based and agent theories. Even though there is a difference between service and manufacturing industries, the operational strategic framework can be used in both. A strategic framework is implemented by assessing market requirements and using the top-down or bottom-up approach. To monitor and regulate these strategies, one can utilise, among others, scorecards, corporate social responsibility and risk management. This is a qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews to gather information from 11 participants. The study targeted managers in the NHLS Eastern Cape region, with a non-probability method, as the large number of managers in the entire region made it impossible to do a random study. Furthermore, the data were analysed by the thematic analysis method. The literature review identified six factors that influence public sector efficiency, namely, compliance issues, ethics, financial expense management, resource optimisation, accountability and service delivery. The primary study revealed several inadequacies in the NHLS Eastern Cape, namely, inefficient human resources practices, underutilising technology, ambiguous policies, delayed turnaround time, lack of financial training for management and lack of support from cross-functional departments. In addition, the results of the study warrant the following recommendations: Proper orientation of staff, with modules pertaining not only to their duties and reporting structure but also to the policies of the organisations and conduct; SWOT analyses and surveys could also be used to assess internal staff and external factors that may hinder efficiency; the installation of solar panels for laboratories, starting with the vulnerable labs in remote areas, wireless internet technology, mobile applications and software. The region also needs to practice good corporate governance, update its policies regularly and budget for all operations, including quasi fiscal activities. Lastly, support departments need to comply with an ISO certification. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023 , Abstract.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Sizila, Wandile
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Strategic planning , Organizational effectiveness , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65993 , vital:74294
- Description: This treatise presents the formulation of an operational efficient strategy for the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in the Eastern Cape. Operational inefficiency in the NHLS has the potential to delay laboratory results delivery for necessary health intervention, which may have a negative impact on individuals’ health or lead to death. The aim of the study is to highlight inadequacies that may cause poor service delivery and formulate an operational plan for the NHLS in the Eastern Cape. Strategic efficiency is derived from the resource-based and agent theories. Even though there is a difference between service and manufacturing industries, the operational strategic framework can be used in both. A strategic framework is implemented by assessing market requirements and using the top-down or bottom-up approach. To monitor and regulate these strategies, one can utilise, among others, scorecards, corporate social responsibility and risk management. This is a qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews to gather information from 11 participants. The study targeted managers in the NHLS Eastern Cape region, with a non-probability method, as the large number of managers in the entire region made it impossible to do a random study. Furthermore, the data were analysed by the thematic analysis method. The literature review identified six factors that influence public sector efficiency, namely, compliance issues, ethics, financial expense management, resource optimisation, accountability and service delivery. The primary study revealed several inadequacies in the NHLS Eastern Cape, namely, inefficient human resources practices, underutilising technology, ambiguous policies, delayed turnaround time, lack of financial training for management and lack of support from cross-functional departments. In addition, the results of the study warrant the following recommendations: Proper orientation of staff, with modules pertaining not only to their duties and reporting structure but also to the policies of the organisations and conduct; SWOT analyses and surveys could also be used to assess internal staff and external factors that may hinder efficiency; the installation of solar panels for laboratories, starting with the vulnerable labs in remote areas, wireless internet technology, mobile applications and software. The region also needs to practice good corporate governance, update its policies regularly and budget for all operations, including quasi fiscal activities. Lastly, support departments need to comply with an ISO certification. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023 , Abstract.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Functional traits and potential physical drivers of offshore benthic epifauna on the west and south coast of South Africa
- Van Stavel, Jordan, Morris, Tamaryn
- Authors: Van Stavel, Jordan , Morris, Tamaryn
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Marine ecology , Marine biology -- South Africa , Oceanography -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62698 , vital:72931
- Description: Offshore benthic ecosystems (> 200 m depth) are challenging to access and remain poorly studied globally. Epifaunal invertebrates comprise a critical trophic level in benthic ecosystems and can serve as indicators of the overall health and functioning. There is limited knowledge of South Africa’s offshore marine environment and benthic ecosystem functioning due to limitations in funding, resources, and the lack of suitable science-based monitoring tools which are vital for sustainable management into the future. The aim of this research was to improve the understanding of epifaunal functioning as well as their potential physical drivers in 13 South African offshore biogeographic ecotypes. The objectives of this study were threefold: 1) to investigate the functional composition of benthic epifauna from 13 biogeographic ecotypes, 2) to quantify the Functional Diversity (FD) associated with epifaunal traits between the different assemblages (i.e. biogeographic ecotypes), and 3) to evaluate the relationship between physical variables and epifaunal functional traits at the biogeographic ecotype level. Biological trait-based approaches were applied to a subset of 80 benthic epifaunal species collected from 909 offshore stations along the west and south coasts of South Africa. Nine biological traits (associated with life history, morphology and behavioural characteristics exhibited by each species) were classified into 39 modalities and weighted with biomass. Community Weighted Means (CWMs) were used to evaluate the benthic epifaunal functional trait composition of the 13 biogeographic ecotypes. Functional composition across the 13 ecotype assemblages on the west and south coast appeared to be dominated by species with similar trait compositions, such as large, long-lived, surface crawling/burrowing/filter-feeding epifauna with medium to no mobility, however, their percentage of contribution to trait expression (CWMs) was higher on the west coast. Functional diversity indices (alpha and beta) showed higher overall FD for west coast ecotypes, with most ecotypes on the continental shelf (except slopes and canyons) being significantly different (p<0.05) from ecotypes on the south coast. The global RLQ (three-table co-inertia) test did not reveal a significant relationship between biomass and physical variables or between biomass and traits (p>0.05). The fourth-corner method was used to test the significance of individual traitenvironment relationships. The fourth-corner results were similar overall to the RLQ analysis, revealing that three physical variables (temperature, depth, and fluorescence) were significantly correlated to two trait modalities belonging to the feeding mode filter-feeders (FM1) and scavengers (FM5). Scavengers were positively correlated with depth and negatively with temperature, while filter-feeders were positively correlated with fluorescence levels. This indicated that the presence of scavenging epifauna increased with a decrease in temperature and an increase in depth. While a positive significant correlation between filter-feeders and fluorescence suggested their potential tolerance or preference for environmental conditions with high levels of fluorescence. This research was the first such study to explore the functional composition and diversity of benthic epifauna and their relationship with potential physical drivers in offshore west and south coast benthic biogeographic ecotypes of South Africa. The application of new tools to quantify the functional diversity of epifauna as indicators of ecosystem health, and their potential physical drivers. This provided a platform on which to advance our understanding of benthic communities and the roles they play in ecosystem functioning under changing environments. Functional trait-based approaches such as those applied in this study can provide us with vital information on the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and physical drivers. Environmental stressors and changing climate patterns threaten to impact marine ecosystems and their functioning. Benthic epifauna are especially sensitive to changes in their environment and these fluctuations could potentially lead to the loss of certain benthic functionality, altering the thresholds these ecosystems have to response to disturbances. This undermines the stability of these ecosystems which can have ripple effects on the health of these ecosystems and their ability to provide the ecosystem services humans dependent on. Having suitable tools to track current and predict future changes will therefore be vital to inform management and conservation strategies for sustainable ocean utilisation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Van Stavel, Jordan , Morris, Tamaryn
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Marine ecology , Marine biology -- South Africa , Oceanography -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62698 , vital:72931
- Description: Offshore benthic ecosystems (> 200 m depth) are challenging to access and remain poorly studied globally. Epifaunal invertebrates comprise a critical trophic level in benthic ecosystems and can serve as indicators of the overall health and functioning. There is limited knowledge of South Africa’s offshore marine environment and benthic ecosystem functioning due to limitations in funding, resources, and the lack of suitable science-based monitoring tools which are vital for sustainable management into the future. The aim of this research was to improve the understanding of epifaunal functioning as well as their potential physical drivers in 13 South African offshore biogeographic ecotypes. The objectives of this study were threefold: 1) to investigate the functional composition of benthic epifauna from 13 biogeographic ecotypes, 2) to quantify the Functional Diversity (FD) associated with epifaunal traits between the different assemblages (i.e. biogeographic ecotypes), and 3) to evaluate the relationship between physical variables and epifaunal functional traits at the biogeographic ecotype level. Biological trait-based approaches were applied to a subset of 80 benthic epifaunal species collected from 909 offshore stations along the west and south coasts of South Africa. Nine biological traits (associated with life history, morphology and behavioural characteristics exhibited by each species) were classified into 39 modalities and weighted with biomass. Community Weighted Means (CWMs) were used to evaluate the benthic epifaunal functional trait composition of the 13 biogeographic ecotypes. Functional composition across the 13 ecotype assemblages on the west and south coast appeared to be dominated by species with similar trait compositions, such as large, long-lived, surface crawling/burrowing/filter-feeding epifauna with medium to no mobility, however, their percentage of contribution to trait expression (CWMs) was higher on the west coast. Functional diversity indices (alpha and beta) showed higher overall FD for west coast ecotypes, with most ecotypes on the continental shelf (except slopes and canyons) being significantly different (p<0.05) from ecotypes on the south coast. The global RLQ (three-table co-inertia) test did not reveal a significant relationship between biomass and physical variables or between biomass and traits (p>0.05). The fourth-corner method was used to test the significance of individual traitenvironment relationships. The fourth-corner results were similar overall to the RLQ analysis, revealing that three physical variables (temperature, depth, and fluorescence) were significantly correlated to two trait modalities belonging to the feeding mode filter-feeders (FM1) and scavengers (FM5). Scavengers were positively correlated with depth and negatively with temperature, while filter-feeders were positively correlated with fluorescence levels. This indicated that the presence of scavenging epifauna increased with a decrease in temperature and an increase in depth. While a positive significant correlation between filter-feeders and fluorescence suggested their potential tolerance or preference for environmental conditions with high levels of fluorescence. This research was the first such study to explore the functional composition and diversity of benthic epifauna and their relationship with potential physical drivers in offshore west and south coast benthic biogeographic ecotypes of South Africa. The application of new tools to quantify the functional diversity of epifauna as indicators of ecosystem health, and their potential physical drivers. This provided a platform on which to advance our understanding of benthic communities and the roles they play in ecosystem functioning under changing environments. Functional trait-based approaches such as those applied in this study can provide us with vital information on the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and physical drivers. Environmental stressors and changing climate patterns threaten to impact marine ecosystems and their functioning. Benthic epifauna are especially sensitive to changes in their environment and these fluctuations could potentially lead to the loss of certain benthic functionality, altering the thresholds these ecosystems have to response to disturbances. This undermines the stability of these ecosystems which can have ripple effects on the health of these ecosystems and their ability to provide the ecosystem services humans dependent on. Having suitable tools to track current and predict future changes will therefore be vital to inform management and conservation strategies for sustainable ocean utilisation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Honouring the Dead: The Psychological Consequences of the COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Burial Practices and Rituals, amongst AmaXhosa from the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Sibam-Twalo, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Death and burial , COVID-19 Lockdown
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63005 , vital:73081
- Description: Honouring the dead is upheld in religions and cultures across the world and embedded in rituals and rites of passage that must be adhered to. In many instances, religio-cultural beliefs synthesise or overlap, creating a mutual influence on the person. These religio-cultural rituals are symbolic and important for the living, but they are also equally important for the dead in order to ensure that their souls are returned to the source of their belief system. The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in South Africa altered death ceremonies and rituals by limiting social gatherings to 50 people to ensure safety protocols like mask wearing and physical distancing. Additionally, family members were prohibited from interacting with the deceased’s body, including performing rituals like washing and dressing, to prevent virus spread. The resultant psychological consequences of these changes to burial practices have not been fully explored in the South African context, and given the importance rituals play, it becomes important to understand them. Studying the psychological consequences of the changes provided insights into individuals’ grief and loss coping in the absence of traditional burial rituals and practices. This is aimed at assisting with the development of interventions for mental health and well-being in future crises. The study explored the psychological consequences of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on AmaXhosa burial practices and rituals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. AmaXhosa have a rich cultural heritage that places great significance on death and burial rituals. These rituals serve as a way to honour and remember the deceased, provide closure for the bereaved, and maintain social cohesion within the community. The absence of these rituals during the COVID-19 lockdown had consequences for the AmaXhosa’s psychological and religio-cultural well-being. The exploration of their experiences was thus important because it shed light on the importance of these rituals and will help devise innovative ways to address their psychological needs during times of loss. The study utilised a qualitative method, conducting interviews with AmaXhosa aged 18 and older. Participants , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Sibam-Twalo, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Death and burial , COVID-19 Lockdown
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63005 , vital:73081
- Description: Honouring the dead is upheld in religions and cultures across the world and embedded in rituals and rites of passage that must be adhered to. In many instances, religio-cultural beliefs synthesise or overlap, creating a mutual influence on the person. These religio-cultural rituals are symbolic and important for the living, but they are also equally important for the dead in order to ensure that their souls are returned to the source of their belief system. The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in South Africa altered death ceremonies and rituals by limiting social gatherings to 50 people to ensure safety protocols like mask wearing and physical distancing. Additionally, family members were prohibited from interacting with the deceased’s body, including performing rituals like washing and dressing, to prevent virus spread. The resultant psychological consequences of these changes to burial practices have not been fully explored in the South African context, and given the importance rituals play, it becomes important to understand them. Studying the psychological consequences of the changes provided insights into individuals’ grief and loss coping in the absence of traditional burial rituals and practices. This is aimed at assisting with the development of interventions for mental health and well-being in future crises. The study explored the psychological consequences of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on AmaXhosa burial practices and rituals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. AmaXhosa have a rich cultural heritage that places great significance on death and burial rituals. These rituals serve as a way to honour and remember the deceased, provide closure for the bereaved, and maintain social cohesion within the community. The absence of these rituals during the COVID-19 lockdown had consequences for the AmaXhosa’s psychological and religio-cultural well-being. The exploration of their experiences was thus important because it shed light on the importance of these rituals and will help devise innovative ways to address their psychological needs during times of loss. The study utilised a qualitative method, conducting interviews with AmaXhosa aged 18 and older. Participants , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
How procurement industry trends can lessen the impact of procurement delays at Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH)
- Authors: Mgijima, Celelwa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public contracts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65749 , vital:74234
- Description: This research study came about as a result of healthcare failures and underperformance at the Eastern Cape Department of Health, causing procurement delays. Procurement is central to the government service delivery system as it promotes goals that are secondary to the primary aim of procurement, such as using procurement to promote social, industrial, or environmental policies. The ultimate goal of the study was to research the root cause for procurement delays and how improvements can be brought about through studying procurement industry trends. The critical step to resolve bottlenecks in the procurement system is to investigate the root cause. Six causes of procurement delays emerged from the literature due to: (1) procurement staff, (2) procurement irregularities, (3) poor budget planning and demand forecasting, (4) poor communication, (5) procurement structure, and, (6) manual systems used for procurement transactions. Guided by these causes of procurement delays, the researcher developed a questionnaire to understand the cause of delays at the Eastern Cape Department of Health. An interpretivism research paradigm (quantitative) was selected to analyze research on best practices. The researcher distributed questionnaires as a method for collecting data from the identified sample size of 90. The purpose of the questionnaire was to validate the data collected during the literature review. Out of the distributed sample, 69 responses were received and used for analysis, thus representing a 74% response rate, which is considered acceptable. The researcher used descriptive analysis to interpret data. The study's key findings indicated that ECDOH employees had been fairly trained on the SCM policies within the department. However, there is a concerning representation of 40,6% of employees who have not been provided with training, which could impact responsiveness to the procurement process. The study further revealed that 85,5% of employees understood the impact of procurement delays due to irregular expenditure (an Auditor General repeat finding for the ECDOH). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Mgijima, Celelwa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public contracts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Purchasing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65749 , vital:74234
- Description: This research study came about as a result of healthcare failures and underperformance at the Eastern Cape Department of Health, causing procurement delays. Procurement is central to the government service delivery system as it promotes goals that are secondary to the primary aim of procurement, such as using procurement to promote social, industrial, or environmental policies. The ultimate goal of the study was to research the root cause for procurement delays and how improvements can be brought about through studying procurement industry trends. The critical step to resolve bottlenecks in the procurement system is to investigate the root cause. Six causes of procurement delays emerged from the literature due to: (1) procurement staff, (2) procurement irregularities, (3) poor budget planning and demand forecasting, (4) poor communication, (5) procurement structure, and, (6) manual systems used for procurement transactions. Guided by these causes of procurement delays, the researcher developed a questionnaire to understand the cause of delays at the Eastern Cape Department of Health. An interpretivism research paradigm (quantitative) was selected to analyze research on best practices. The researcher distributed questionnaires as a method for collecting data from the identified sample size of 90. The purpose of the questionnaire was to validate the data collected during the literature review. Out of the distributed sample, 69 responses were received and used for analysis, thus representing a 74% response rate, which is considered acceptable. The researcher used descriptive analysis to interpret data. The study's key findings indicated that ECDOH employees had been fairly trained on the SCM policies within the department. However, there is a concerning representation of 40,6% of employees who have not been provided with training, which could impact responsiveness to the procurement process. The study further revealed that 85,5% of employees understood the impact of procurement delays due to irregular expenditure (an Auditor General repeat finding for the ECDOH). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Immigration and human development outcomes in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Nyagweta, David Tinashe
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects , South Africa -- Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects , Emigration and immigration -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65912 , vital:74283
- Description: Immigration remains an issue of constant and recuring debate which in many instances has reached extreme limits of violent confrontation. South Africa has been at the forefront of this debate given the history of migration that has led to the creation of the modern state. In this context, the current era has presented contestations on the implications of immigration to the country and how that relates to human development. With this backdrop, this thesis sought to investigate international immigration and its relation to human development outcomes within context of the democratic era in South Africa. Thus, the study focused on evaluating the differences between immigrants and non-immigrants in terms of physical and mental health, subjective wellbeing, and education. Furthermore, the study evaluated the relationship between immigration concentration across provinces and human development outcomes in aggregate. The comprehensive results focusing on both the full and racial specific sample identified that there are no significant differences between immigrants and non-immigrants in terms of health pinned to self-reported health. This finding supports small scale studies in South Africa and other countries which divert from the immigrant-paradox paradigm although this could be accounted for by convergence adjustments to the healthy immigrant effect. In terms of mental health and subjective wellbeing, the results showed that immigrants are significantly less likely to report depressive level scores on the CEDS-10 scale. Thus, the study demonstrated that the healthy immigrant effect holds in relation to depression. Contrarily, in terms of satisfaction with life, no significant differences are found between immigrants and non-immigrants, thus pointing to possible sudden convergence upwards in satisfaction with life, particularly considering most immigrants are from countries with lower levels of satisfaction with life. In relation to education findings, it was demonstrated that there are no significant differences between immigrant and non-immigrant students in terms of progression. Thus, neither the straight-line nor immigrant-paradox argument prevails as found mostly in the Global North. Lastly, regional analysis which accounted for human development across provinces showed that a significant positive relationship exists between immigration concentration and human development overall coupled with the component accounting for education diverting from panel studies. Furthermore, insignificant relationship is found in terms of health and income supporting findings by the study of no differences between immigrants and non-immigrants. Thus, this thesis proved that the pessimistic view on immigrants significantly diverting from the overall health and education levels coupled with negative relationship with human development are not supported empirically within the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Results of this study provide evidence that is critical to formulate policy, both in terms of immigration and further factors identified as important markers, on issues of education and physical and mental health such as race, gender, and wealth. In this regard, the differences in findings from those in countries especially in Global North challenge policies based on theoretical and empirical formulations that lack account for countries especially in the Global South which have increased levels of both inequality and poverty. Thus, it is critical that policies reflect the socioeconomic issues a country faces and informed by research that takes regional factors within a country to account. The study prescribes policies which aim to reduce discrimination due to unproved assumptions and those that aim to ensure that racial and income inequality are tackled within the country. In terms of immigration, rollout of awareness projects and campaigns, coupled with regional policies and projects rooted in communities to ensure participation of both sending and receiving countries will create platforms for better structuring of policies to tackle immigration especially given the integration goals of the African Union. Moreover, critical revaluation of policies and implementation thereof is critical given results identify inequality with those that are African, Coloured, and from poorer households facing lower levels of health, education and high levels of depression scores coupled with life dissatisfaction. Policies should thus, focus on ensuring that redistributive investments are enabled and implemented efficiently for better outcomes in terms of access to education, health, and economic opportunities for the disadvantaged. In enabling such projects with considerations of societal needs and immigration policies, strides could be made given that most contestations arise out of increased inequalities and socioeconomic destitution. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Nyagweta, David Tinashe
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects , South Africa -- Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects , Emigration and immigration -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65912 , vital:74283
- Description: Immigration remains an issue of constant and recuring debate which in many instances has reached extreme limits of violent confrontation. South Africa has been at the forefront of this debate given the history of migration that has led to the creation of the modern state. In this context, the current era has presented contestations on the implications of immigration to the country and how that relates to human development. With this backdrop, this thesis sought to investigate international immigration and its relation to human development outcomes within context of the democratic era in South Africa. Thus, the study focused on evaluating the differences between immigrants and non-immigrants in terms of physical and mental health, subjective wellbeing, and education. Furthermore, the study evaluated the relationship between immigration concentration across provinces and human development outcomes in aggregate. The comprehensive results focusing on both the full and racial specific sample identified that there are no significant differences between immigrants and non-immigrants in terms of health pinned to self-reported health. This finding supports small scale studies in South Africa and other countries which divert from the immigrant-paradox paradigm although this could be accounted for by convergence adjustments to the healthy immigrant effect. In terms of mental health and subjective wellbeing, the results showed that immigrants are significantly less likely to report depressive level scores on the CEDS-10 scale. Thus, the study demonstrated that the healthy immigrant effect holds in relation to depression. Contrarily, in terms of satisfaction with life, no significant differences are found between immigrants and non-immigrants, thus pointing to possible sudden convergence upwards in satisfaction with life, particularly considering most immigrants are from countries with lower levels of satisfaction with life. In relation to education findings, it was demonstrated that there are no significant differences between immigrant and non-immigrant students in terms of progression. Thus, neither the straight-line nor immigrant-paradox argument prevails as found mostly in the Global North. Lastly, regional analysis which accounted for human development across provinces showed that a significant positive relationship exists between immigration concentration and human development overall coupled with the component accounting for education diverting from panel studies. Furthermore, insignificant relationship is found in terms of health and income supporting findings by the study of no differences between immigrants and non-immigrants. Thus, this thesis proved that the pessimistic view on immigrants significantly diverting from the overall health and education levels coupled with negative relationship with human development are not supported empirically within the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Results of this study provide evidence that is critical to formulate policy, both in terms of immigration and further factors identified as important markers, on issues of education and physical and mental health such as race, gender, and wealth. In this regard, the differences in findings from those in countries especially in Global North challenge policies based on theoretical and empirical formulations that lack account for countries especially in the Global South which have increased levels of both inequality and poverty. Thus, it is critical that policies reflect the socioeconomic issues a country faces and informed by research that takes regional factors within a country to account. The study prescribes policies which aim to reduce discrimination due to unproved assumptions and those that aim to ensure that racial and income inequality are tackled within the country. In terms of immigration, rollout of awareness projects and campaigns, coupled with regional policies and projects rooted in communities to ensure participation of both sending and receiving countries will create platforms for better structuring of policies to tackle immigration especially given the integration goals of the African Union. Moreover, critical revaluation of policies and implementation thereof is critical given results identify inequality with those that are African, Coloured, and from poorer households facing lower levels of health, education and high levels of depression scores coupled with life dissatisfaction. Policies should thus, focus on ensuring that redistributive investments are enabled and implemented efficiently for better outcomes in terms of access to education, health, and economic opportunities for the disadvantaged. In enabling such projects with considerations of societal needs and immigration policies, strides could be made given that most contestations arise out of increased inequalities and socioeconomic destitution. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Improved service delivery through financial management mechanisms: a case of O. R Tambo District Municipality
- Dunywa, Petronella Andiswa Xoliswa
- Authors: Dunywa, Petronella Andiswa Xoliswa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Financial management , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporations -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65589 , vital:74199
- Description: The study investigated how effective and efficient financial management mechanisms can lead to improved service delivery in the O. R Tambo District Municipality. The study targeted the political leadership, senior and middle management, and key Budget and Treasury Office (BTO) personnel. The non-probability sampling method was used in the study with semi structured interviews conducted on a seventy-one sample size. The results of the interviews were analysed and pointed to the importance of sound financial management systems being critical to enhancing service delivery in the O. R Tambo District. The levels of understanding the role of financial management systems in municipalities differed across levels of authority but there was a general consensus of how effective and efficient financial management mechanisms affect service delivery. In conclusions municipalities need to continuously strive to skill and reskill personnel to maximize on efficiency and improved service delivery. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Dunywa, Petronella Andiswa Xoliswa
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Financial management , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporations -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65589 , vital:74199
- Description: The study investigated how effective and efficient financial management mechanisms can lead to improved service delivery in the O. R Tambo District Municipality. The study targeted the political leadership, senior and middle management, and key Budget and Treasury Office (BTO) personnel. The non-probability sampling method was used in the study with semi structured interviews conducted on a seventy-one sample size. The results of the interviews were analysed and pointed to the importance of sound financial management systems being critical to enhancing service delivery in the O. R Tambo District. The levels of understanding the role of financial management systems in municipalities differed across levels of authority but there was a general consensus of how effective and efficient financial management mechanisms affect service delivery. In conclusions municipalities need to continuously strive to skill and reskill personnel to maximize on efficiency and improved service delivery. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Influence of digital marketing activities on brand awareness in Zimbabwean polytechnics
- Authors: Bhebe, Bekimpilo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Industrial marketing , Digital media , Brand name products Brand choice
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65545 , vital:74186
- Description: The heightened competition for skilled students, capable staff, and government funding has spurred Zimbabwean higher education institutions to engage in competitive efforts. Due to the intense competition in the higher education sector, higher education institutions have become more market-oriented than before. Furthermore, the increased offering of online programmes by higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic period has increased the bargaining power of students. Higher education institutions have therefore taken initiatives to promote their institutions through various interactive digital marketing activities. Digital marketing activities have brought about innovative changes and opportunities for higher education marketers. Higher education marketers, specifically university marketers, are taking advantage of the opportunity to market their institutions through digital marketing activities, thereby gaining a competitive advantage over other institutions of higher education such as polytechnics. There is, therefore, a need for polytechnics to effectively utilise digital marketing activities such as websites, text messaging, social media marketing and email marketing for brand awareness purposes so that they gain a competitive advantage over other institutions of higher learning. The study aimed to empirically evaluate the influence of digital marketing activities on brand awareness of Zimbabwe polytechnics and to propose a model that can be adopted by Zimbabwean polytechnics in an attempt to enhance their brand awareness. As such, a conceptual model was constructed from the literature review to investigate the relationship between digital marketing activities (independent variable) and brand awareness (dependent variable). Based on the comprehensive literature review, four digital marketing activities (website, text messaging, social media marketing and email marketing) were identified in the Zimbabwean polytechnic context. The study further identified the digital marketing activities sub-factors that were adopted in the development of a customised measuring instrument that was used to evaluate the influence of digital marketing activities on brand awareness of Zimbabwean polytechnics. These sub-factors included web design, navigation, interactivity and relevance for website; personalisation, interactivity, timeliness and reliability for text messaging; interactivity, sharing of content, advocacy and credibility for social media marketing and personalisation, interest, informativeness, interactivity and efficiency for email marketing. Furthermore, five hypotheses were formulated and three hypotheses were supported while two hypotheses were rejected. The positivist paradigm, the descriptive research design and the quantitative approach were used in the current study. The study‟s target population consisted of the registered student population of the two Zimbabwean polytechnics in the Midlands province, in the Applied Sciences, Commerce and Engineering divisions. The respondents were selected using non-probability sampling, specifically convenience sampling. Data was collected through an email survey, whereby a web-based self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the Applied Sciences, Commerce and Engineering students with assistance from the Information Technology Departments of the two polytechnics. The measuring instrument consisted of three sections with section A having nominal scales to gather demographic data from respondents. Section B consisted of scaled items that measured the influence of digital marketing activities, while section C measured brand awareness focussing on the three levels of brand awareness. A total of 500 completed questionnaires were received from the two polytechnics. Out of the 500 completed questionnaires, a total of 492 questionnaires had usable responses. Therefore, the current study had a response rate of 98.4%. The study further used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to interpret the data. The descriptive statistics utilised included frequency measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion or variation. Regarding inferential statistics, the study utilised the CFA, Pearson‟s correlation coefficient, regression analysis, p-value independent sample t-test, ANOVAs and the Welch Robust test, Tukey HSD test, the Games-Howell test and the Cohen‟s d tests. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship and a strong correlation between digital marketing activities and brand awareness. Regarding website use and brand awareness, a significant relationship and a moderate correlation were determined. The results further revealed an insignificant relationship but a moderate correlation between text messaging and brand awareness. The empirical results also revealed a significant relationship and a strong correlation between social media marketing and brand awareness. Finally, an insignificant relationship and a moderate correlation were revealed between email marketing and brand awareness in the current study. Based on the empirical results, this study gave recommendations to polytechnic marketers. Under the website use items, the study revealed that the respondents had a less positive experience with the web design of the polytechnics' websites. It was recommended that polytechnic marketers should take pragmatic steps to enhance their polytechnic web designs so that students can take note of the college information on well-organised polytechnic websites. The study also found that the respondents felt the need to experience more personalisation and timeliness of the polytechnics' text messaging. Therefore the polytechnic marketers were advised to personalise their text messages each time that they send them to students enabling them to build long-lasting relationships with students. Regarding the timeliness of text messaging, the polytechnic marketers were advised to send text messages to students at the right time when they need the information so that the disseminated information is readily accepted by the students. The polytechnic marketers were also advised to provide up-to-date polytechnic information on their social media pages after the respondents indicated the need to experience more sharing of content on the colleges' social media pages through the provision of up-to-date information. Lastly, the empirical results revealed that the respondents felt the need to experience more personalisation and the provision of interesting content through polytechnic email marketing. Therefore the Zimbabwean polytechnic marketers were strongly recommended to personalise the students' emails to motivate students to engage with them personally. The polytechnic marketers were further recommended to include interesting content in students' emails so that they draw the students' attention to polytechnic information in their emails. The study made the following important contributions. Firstly, the study made contributions to theory, literature, knowledge, society and marketing practitioners within the context of digital marketing activities and brand awareness in Zimbabwean polytechnics. Secondly, the current study provided the measuring instrument and a model that adds to scholarly work and provides a basis for future research in the marketing of Zimbabwean polytechnics. Thirdly, the study will assist in the enhancement of brand awareness of Zimbabwean polytechnics, enabling them to attract academically gifted students who will become productive workers, self-reliant entrepreneurs and responsible citizens. Lastly, the model will also provide a basis for future reference for polytechnic marketers in their marketing efforts for competitive advantage purposes. The current study had limitations that comprised uneven sample distribution, the adoption of limited social media variables and the exclusion of external stakeholders from the current study. Finally, the study made recommendations for future areas of study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Bhebe, Bekimpilo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Industrial marketing , Digital media , Brand name products Brand choice
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65545 , vital:74186
- Description: The heightened competition for skilled students, capable staff, and government funding has spurred Zimbabwean higher education institutions to engage in competitive efforts. Due to the intense competition in the higher education sector, higher education institutions have become more market-oriented than before. Furthermore, the increased offering of online programmes by higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic period has increased the bargaining power of students. Higher education institutions have therefore taken initiatives to promote their institutions through various interactive digital marketing activities. Digital marketing activities have brought about innovative changes and opportunities for higher education marketers. Higher education marketers, specifically university marketers, are taking advantage of the opportunity to market their institutions through digital marketing activities, thereby gaining a competitive advantage over other institutions of higher education such as polytechnics. There is, therefore, a need for polytechnics to effectively utilise digital marketing activities such as websites, text messaging, social media marketing and email marketing for brand awareness purposes so that they gain a competitive advantage over other institutions of higher learning. The study aimed to empirically evaluate the influence of digital marketing activities on brand awareness of Zimbabwe polytechnics and to propose a model that can be adopted by Zimbabwean polytechnics in an attempt to enhance their brand awareness. As such, a conceptual model was constructed from the literature review to investigate the relationship between digital marketing activities (independent variable) and brand awareness (dependent variable). Based on the comprehensive literature review, four digital marketing activities (website, text messaging, social media marketing and email marketing) were identified in the Zimbabwean polytechnic context. The study further identified the digital marketing activities sub-factors that were adopted in the development of a customised measuring instrument that was used to evaluate the influence of digital marketing activities on brand awareness of Zimbabwean polytechnics. These sub-factors included web design, navigation, interactivity and relevance for website; personalisation, interactivity, timeliness and reliability for text messaging; interactivity, sharing of content, advocacy and credibility for social media marketing and personalisation, interest, informativeness, interactivity and efficiency for email marketing. Furthermore, five hypotheses were formulated and three hypotheses were supported while two hypotheses were rejected. The positivist paradigm, the descriptive research design and the quantitative approach were used in the current study. The study‟s target population consisted of the registered student population of the two Zimbabwean polytechnics in the Midlands province, in the Applied Sciences, Commerce and Engineering divisions. The respondents were selected using non-probability sampling, specifically convenience sampling. Data was collected through an email survey, whereby a web-based self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the Applied Sciences, Commerce and Engineering students with assistance from the Information Technology Departments of the two polytechnics. The measuring instrument consisted of three sections with section A having nominal scales to gather demographic data from respondents. Section B consisted of scaled items that measured the influence of digital marketing activities, while section C measured brand awareness focussing on the three levels of brand awareness. A total of 500 completed questionnaires were received from the two polytechnics. Out of the 500 completed questionnaires, a total of 492 questionnaires had usable responses. Therefore, the current study had a response rate of 98.4%. The study further used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to interpret the data. The descriptive statistics utilised included frequency measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion or variation. Regarding inferential statistics, the study utilised the CFA, Pearson‟s correlation coefficient, regression analysis, p-value independent sample t-test, ANOVAs and the Welch Robust test, Tukey HSD test, the Games-Howell test and the Cohen‟s d tests. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship and a strong correlation between digital marketing activities and brand awareness. Regarding website use and brand awareness, a significant relationship and a moderate correlation were determined. The results further revealed an insignificant relationship but a moderate correlation between text messaging and brand awareness. The empirical results also revealed a significant relationship and a strong correlation between social media marketing and brand awareness. Finally, an insignificant relationship and a moderate correlation were revealed between email marketing and brand awareness in the current study. Based on the empirical results, this study gave recommendations to polytechnic marketers. Under the website use items, the study revealed that the respondents had a less positive experience with the web design of the polytechnics' websites. It was recommended that polytechnic marketers should take pragmatic steps to enhance their polytechnic web designs so that students can take note of the college information on well-organised polytechnic websites. The study also found that the respondents felt the need to experience more personalisation and timeliness of the polytechnics' text messaging. Therefore the polytechnic marketers were advised to personalise their text messages each time that they send them to students enabling them to build long-lasting relationships with students. Regarding the timeliness of text messaging, the polytechnic marketers were advised to send text messages to students at the right time when they need the information so that the disseminated information is readily accepted by the students. The polytechnic marketers were also advised to provide up-to-date polytechnic information on their social media pages after the respondents indicated the need to experience more sharing of content on the colleges' social media pages through the provision of up-to-date information. Lastly, the empirical results revealed that the respondents felt the need to experience more personalisation and the provision of interesting content through polytechnic email marketing. Therefore the Zimbabwean polytechnic marketers were strongly recommended to personalise the students' emails to motivate students to engage with them personally. The polytechnic marketers were further recommended to include interesting content in students' emails so that they draw the students' attention to polytechnic information in their emails. The study made the following important contributions. Firstly, the study made contributions to theory, literature, knowledge, society and marketing practitioners within the context of digital marketing activities and brand awareness in Zimbabwean polytechnics. Secondly, the current study provided the measuring instrument and a model that adds to scholarly work and provides a basis for future research in the marketing of Zimbabwean polytechnics. Thirdly, the study will assist in the enhancement of brand awareness of Zimbabwean polytechnics, enabling them to attract academically gifted students who will become productive workers, self-reliant entrepreneurs and responsible citizens. Lastly, the model will also provide a basis for future reference for polytechnic marketers in their marketing efforts for competitive advantage purposes. The current study had limitations that comprised uneven sample distribution, the adoption of limited social media variables and the exclusion of external stakeholders from the current study. Finally, the study made recommendations for future areas of study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Insights into the relative abundance, demographics and behaviour of sea turtles along the east coast of South Africa
- Authors: dos Santos, Natalie Aida
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Sea turtles -- Conservation -- South Africa , Sea turtles -- South Africa , Photogrammetry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62495 , vital:72778
- Description: Sea turtles are ecologically important species that have endured a history of overexploitation. Combined with their long, complex life cycles and ongoing anthropogenic pressures, they remain conservation-dependent. Conservation efforts worldwide focus on sea turtle nesting beach protection, however, comprehensive management strategies require an understanding of their lives at sea which are often spent in distant waters. This understanding is hindered by the relative challenges of in-water studies. South Africa has also focused research and conservation efforts on nesting adult female loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), largely overlooking the species or age classes remaining at sea. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) and non-breeding loggerheads are frequently stranded and rehabilitated by aquaria, and observed by recreational divers on reefs, suggesting year-round residency along the country’s entire seaboard. Recent technological advancements in photo-identification methods for sea turtles, underwater photography and internet connectivity allowing even recreational divers to become citizen scientists now place us on the verge of an exciting opportunity to unravel the cryptic in-water ecology of these species. The overall aim of this study was to conduct the first assessment of relative abundance, demographics, distribution, and behaviour of sea turtles on reefs within the iSimangaliso and Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the east coast of South Africa. A robust photo-identification database was established from research dives, voluntourism and citizen science contributions over a two-year period. From 1057 sightings in the two MPAs, a total of 227 individual sea turtles were identified constituting three species (green turtles: n = 120; hawksbills: n = 46; loggerheads: n = 61). Their relative abundance was proportional to the overall sizes of the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) populations (green turtles > hawksbills > loggerheads > leatherbacks). However, sightings per unit effort (SPUE) showed that loggerheads were more prevalent than hawksbills in iSimangaliso, likely due to its proximity to this loggerhead rookery. Reefs supported mixed size aggregations with juvenile to adult-sized green turtles (straight carapace lengths, SCLs of 44.9–99.2 cm), whilst hawksbills were mostly juveniles or subadults (SCL range: 37.4–73.4 cm) and loggerheads were mostly adult-sized (SCL range: 66.9–81 cm). Adult sex ratios were slightly female-biased but not significantly different from 1:1. The longest minimum residence periods recorded for individual subadult green and hawksbill turtles (676 and 675 days respectively) and adult-sized loggerheads (621 days) were suggestive of residency. Resident sea turtle activities were typical; they wereobserved foraging, resting, cleaning and interacting year-round, whilst only loggerheads and leatherbacks were observed in breeding behaviour (e.g., patrolling and mating) just after the seasonal arrival of transient individuals. This study thus reveals that the east coast of South Africa hosts regionally important resident and transient sea turtle aggregations with some of the highest SPUE results recorded for the region. This first attempt at monitoring foraging grounds using a variety of techniques and stakeholder groups can serve as the baseline assessment for future work and the foundation for a long-term in-water monitoring programme, allowing for expansion along the entire coastline. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: dos Santos, Natalie Aida
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Sea turtles -- Conservation -- South Africa , Sea turtles -- South Africa , Photogrammetry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62495 , vital:72778
- Description: Sea turtles are ecologically important species that have endured a history of overexploitation. Combined with their long, complex life cycles and ongoing anthropogenic pressures, they remain conservation-dependent. Conservation efforts worldwide focus on sea turtle nesting beach protection, however, comprehensive management strategies require an understanding of their lives at sea which are often spent in distant waters. This understanding is hindered by the relative challenges of in-water studies. South Africa has also focused research and conservation efforts on nesting adult female loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), largely overlooking the species or age classes remaining at sea. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) and non-breeding loggerheads are frequently stranded and rehabilitated by aquaria, and observed by recreational divers on reefs, suggesting year-round residency along the country’s entire seaboard. Recent technological advancements in photo-identification methods for sea turtles, underwater photography and internet connectivity allowing even recreational divers to become citizen scientists now place us on the verge of an exciting opportunity to unravel the cryptic in-water ecology of these species. The overall aim of this study was to conduct the first assessment of relative abundance, demographics, distribution, and behaviour of sea turtles on reefs within the iSimangaliso and Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) on the east coast of South Africa. A robust photo-identification database was established from research dives, voluntourism and citizen science contributions over a two-year period. From 1057 sightings in the two MPAs, a total of 227 individual sea turtles were identified constituting three species (green turtles: n = 120; hawksbills: n = 46; loggerheads: n = 61). Their relative abundance was proportional to the overall sizes of the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) populations (green turtles > hawksbills > loggerheads > leatherbacks). However, sightings per unit effort (SPUE) showed that loggerheads were more prevalent than hawksbills in iSimangaliso, likely due to its proximity to this loggerhead rookery. Reefs supported mixed size aggregations with juvenile to adult-sized green turtles (straight carapace lengths, SCLs of 44.9–99.2 cm), whilst hawksbills were mostly juveniles or subadults (SCL range: 37.4–73.4 cm) and loggerheads were mostly adult-sized (SCL range: 66.9–81 cm). Adult sex ratios were slightly female-biased but not significantly different from 1:1. The longest minimum residence periods recorded for individual subadult green and hawksbill turtles (676 and 675 days respectively) and adult-sized loggerheads (621 days) were suggestive of residency. Resident sea turtle activities were typical; they wereobserved foraging, resting, cleaning and interacting year-round, whilst only loggerheads and leatherbacks were observed in breeding behaviour (e.g., patrolling and mating) just after the seasonal arrival of transient individuals. This study thus reveals that the east coast of South Africa hosts regionally important resident and transient sea turtle aggregations with some of the highest SPUE results recorded for the region. This first attempt at monitoring foraging grounds using a variety of techniques and stakeholder groups can serve as the baseline assessment for future work and the foundation for a long-term in-water monitoring programme, allowing for expansion along the entire coastline. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Integrating state-space modelling and systematic conservation planning to recommend penguin-fishery management zones in Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Stockdale, Victoria, Goodall, Victoria, Clifford-Holmes, Jia
- Authors: Stockdale, Victoria , Goodall, Victoria , Clifford-Holmes, Jia
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Natural resource conservation , Marine ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62611 , vital:72828
- Description: Direct anthropogenic impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems are growing and require effective conservation measures. Integrating the cost impacts of conservation interventions and optimising the spatiotemporal scale of management interventions may improve cohesion between opposing marine users. This study aimed to integrate spatial and temporal models to advise dynamic penguin-fishery management plans in Algoa Bay, off Gqeberha, South Africa, that would maximise penguin foraging success while minimising the impact on the fishing industry. Determining the foraging locations important to breeding penguins is fundamental when understanding the relationship between fisheries and prey availability. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) data gathered from feeding trips of breeding African penguins between 2012 and 2017, and a hidden Markov model, three behavioural states (foraging, commuting, transitioning) were inferred and used as conservation targets in spatial prioritisation using the prioritizr package in R. The cost to the fishery was estimated using the catch of pelagic fish by the fishing industry between 2012 and 2015 as the proxy. The energetic cost to penguins was the distance they travelled from their breeding colony. Nine prioritisation scenarios, varying in levels of conservation for penguins, spatial cohesion and costs to fisheries, were developed using all year’s combined data to explore an ‘optimal’ closure configuration. The optimal closure was determined as an area which met the targets for penguin conservation, with a low cost to the fishery, close to the breeding colony and spatially clumped. The best solution from each scenario was isolated and the solution for the conservation target of 20% foraging habitat, 10% commuting habitat and 10% transitioning habitat and a boundary penalty of 0.01 (a dimensionless value that is used to reduce spatial fragmentation – increasing the value of the parameter signals that it is important to minimise the total exposed boundary of the prioritisation by favouring solutions where units are clumped together) was chosen as the optimal closure. This configuration was used as a static closure and applied to individual fishing seasons to estimate how the cost of a static closure design to the fishery would vary between seasons. Subsequently, a dynamic closure was designed using the same optimal configuration criteria every year, and the cost to the fishing industry was compared seasonally with the cost of a static closure. The cost to fisheries of dynamic closures was consistently lower than that of a static closure and the area required to meet the penguin feeding targets was drastically reduced. While dynamic closure scenarios show promise to minimise costs to the industry while meeting penguin conservation targets, these configurations were designed retrospectively with data collected after the end of the fishery seasons. For efficient management, the closures need to be designed by using data collected at an appropriate temporal scale. For that, the critical missing dimension to this study is the addition of real-time data on pelagic fish positions, areas of fishing intensity and sites of penguin foraging to create appropriate recommendations for up-to-date fishery exclusion zones. Therefore, the priority now is to explore methods of collecting real-time data on pelagic fish abundance, feeding behaviour of penguins at sea, site and mass of pelagic fishery catch, and using these data to delineate real-time, dynamic closures, coupled with a governance and management strategy that can implement dynamic closures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Stockdale, Victoria , Goodall, Victoria , Clifford-Holmes, Jia
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Natural resource conservation , Marine ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62611 , vital:72828
- Description: Direct anthropogenic impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems are growing and require effective conservation measures. Integrating the cost impacts of conservation interventions and optimising the spatiotemporal scale of management interventions may improve cohesion between opposing marine users. This study aimed to integrate spatial and temporal models to advise dynamic penguin-fishery management plans in Algoa Bay, off Gqeberha, South Africa, that would maximise penguin foraging success while minimising the impact on the fishing industry. Determining the foraging locations important to breeding penguins is fundamental when understanding the relationship between fisheries and prey availability. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) data gathered from feeding trips of breeding African penguins between 2012 and 2017, and a hidden Markov model, three behavioural states (foraging, commuting, transitioning) were inferred and used as conservation targets in spatial prioritisation using the prioritizr package in R. The cost to the fishery was estimated using the catch of pelagic fish by the fishing industry between 2012 and 2015 as the proxy. The energetic cost to penguins was the distance they travelled from their breeding colony. Nine prioritisation scenarios, varying in levels of conservation for penguins, spatial cohesion and costs to fisheries, were developed using all year’s combined data to explore an ‘optimal’ closure configuration. The optimal closure was determined as an area which met the targets for penguin conservation, with a low cost to the fishery, close to the breeding colony and spatially clumped. The best solution from each scenario was isolated and the solution for the conservation target of 20% foraging habitat, 10% commuting habitat and 10% transitioning habitat and a boundary penalty of 0.01 (a dimensionless value that is used to reduce spatial fragmentation – increasing the value of the parameter signals that it is important to minimise the total exposed boundary of the prioritisation by favouring solutions where units are clumped together) was chosen as the optimal closure. This configuration was used as a static closure and applied to individual fishing seasons to estimate how the cost of a static closure design to the fishery would vary between seasons. Subsequently, a dynamic closure was designed using the same optimal configuration criteria every year, and the cost to the fishing industry was compared seasonally with the cost of a static closure. The cost to fisheries of dynamic closures was consistently lower than that of a static closure and the area required to meet the penguin feeding targets was drastically reduced. While dynamic closure scenarios show promise to minimise costs to the industry while meeting penguin conservation targets, these configurations were designed retrospectively with data collected after the end of the fishery seasons. For efficient management, the closures need to be designed by using data collected at an appropriate temporal scale. For that, the critical missing dimension to this study is the addition of real-time data on pelagic fish positions, areas of fishing intensity and sites of penguin foraging to create appropriate recommendations for up-to-date fishery exclusion zones. Therefore, the priority now is to explore methods of collecting real-time data on pelagic fish abundance, feeding behaviour of penguins at sea, site and mass of pelagic fishery catch, and using these data to delineate real-time, dynamic closures, coupled with a governance and management strategy that can implement dynamic closures. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12