A privacy management framework for mobile personal electronic health records in South Africa
- Authors: Els, Floyd Nathaniel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing Medical records -- Access control Electronic records -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12733 , vital:39316
- Description: South Africa’s health status is in constant dismay, especially while under the strain of the quadruple burden of disease. The adoption of personal electronic health records (PEHRs) can be seen as a means to improve this status by empowering patients to manage their health and lifestyle better. While from the healthcare provider’s perspective, PEHRs has the ability to reduce medical errors; provide better communication channels and enhance the monitoring of patients. Despite these benefits for both healthcare providers and patients, there are three distinct information security threats relating to PEHRs. These threats refer to the individual, data in transit, and at rest. South Africa is still considered to be inexperienced with PEHRs, and consider it a relatively new concept to the healthcare system. The National e-Health Strategy and Protection of Personal Information Bill were discussed and compared to international standards in order to ascertain South Africa’s current standing on mobile healthcare privacy. However, there are no specific privacy and security controls in place to protect patients that access personal electronic health records through mobile devices. Therefore, the aim of this study is the development of a privacy management framework (PMF) to mitigate these privacy concerns. Following an interpretivistic approach to research, qualitative data was analysed from literature, and the privacy framework evaluated through expert reviews. The proposed PMF consists of 3 tiers, beginning with the top tier. The first tier relates to an organisations interpretation and understanding of data privacy laws and regulations, and in ensuring compliance with these laws. The second tier refers to two support pillars to maintain the first tier. These pillars are based on elements of operational privacy, as well as auditing and reviewing. The third tier serves as the basic foundation upon which the PMF was developed. It is mainly focused with creating privacy awareness amongst healthcare providers and patients by creating: training regimes on security and privacy threats, efficient communication standards, and constant ongoing support from top level management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Els, Floyd Nathaniel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing Medical records -- Access control Electronic records -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12733 , vital:39316
- Description: South Africa’s health status is in constant dismay, especially while under the strain of the quadruple burden of disease. The adoption of personal electronic health records (PEHRs) can be seen as a means to improve this status by empowering patients to manage their health and lifestyle better. While from the healthcare provider’s perspective, PEHRs has the ability to reduce medical errors; provide better communication channels and enhance the monitoring of patients. Despite these benefits for both healthcare providers and patients, there are three distinct information security threats relating to PEHRs. These threats refer to the individual, data in transit, and at rest. South Africa is still considered to be inexperienced with PEHRs, and consider it a relatively new concept to the healthcare system. The National e-Health Strategy and Protection of Personal Information Bill were discussed and compared to international standards in order to ascertain South Africa’s current standing on mobile healthcare privacy. However, there are no specific privacy and security controls in place to protect patients that access personal electronic health records through mobile devices. Therefore, the aim of this study is the development of a privacy management framework (PMF) to mitigate these privacy concerns. Following an interpretivistic approach to research, qualitative data was analysed from literature, and the privacy framework evaluated through expert reviews. The proposed PMF consists of 3 tiers, beginning with the top tier. The first tier relates to an organisations interpretation and understanding of data privacy laws and regulations, and in ensuring compliance with these laws. The second tier refers to two support pillars to maintain the first tier. These pillars are based on elements of operational privacy, as well as auditing and reviewing. The third tier serves as the basic foundation upon which the PMF was developed. It is mainly focused with creating privacy awareness amongst healthcare providers and patients by creating: training regimes on security and privacy threats, efficient communication standards, and constant ongoing support from top level management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Community engagement principles for implementation of information technology for development by higher education institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Critical success factors for the implementation of an electronic health record system in the public health care sector of South Africa
- Katurura, Munyaradzi Caurage
- Authors: Katurura, Munyaradzi Caurage
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical records -- South Africa -- Data processing Public health -- South Africa Medical records -- Access control -- South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13182 , vital:39472
- Description: South Africa intends to implement a National Health Insurance for its citizens, however, for this to be possible there is a need for registering and tracking all the patients who visit health care institutions. The use of EHRs was identified as the most suitable towards accomplishing the above-mentioned tasks. This study investigated other African countries’ EHR implementation efforts in order to identify the critical success factors for the implementation of EHR in South Africa’s public health system. The study conducted a structured literature review of articles written about EHR implementation in African countries and found that issues such as the high costs of implementation; resistance by health workers; a lack of suitable infrastructure; a lack of skills; political influence and poor government commitment were some of the challenges to the implementation of EHRs in African countries. The study then identified 6 critical factors that could address these challenges and ensure that EHR implementation is successful. Identified factors included Incentivising the health informatics career field to attract and retain ICT professionals; Encouraging participation of all stakeholders in the development process of EHR systems; Investigating and investing in alternative infrastructural facilities; Allocating separate budgets for E-health projects; Developing context relevant E-health implementation strategies and frameworks; and finally, Develop and implement Legislation specific to EHR implementation and continued use. Recommendations were also made on each factor regarding how it could be accomplished.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Katurura, Munyaradzi Caurage
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medical records -- South Africa -- Data processing Public health -- South Africa Medical records -- Access control -- South Africa.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13182 , vital:39472
- Description: South Africa intends to implement a National Health Insurance for its citizens, however, for this to be possible there is a need for registering and tracking all the patients who visit health care institutions. The use of EHRs was identified as the most suitable towards accomplishing the above-mentioned tasks. This study investigated other African countries’ EHR implementation efforts in order to identify the critical success factors for the implementation of EHR in South Africa’s public health system. The study conducted a structured literature review of articles written about EHR implementation in African countries and found that issues such as the high costs of implementation; resistance by health workers; a lack of suitable infrastructure; a lack of skills; political influence and poor government commitment were some of the challenges to the implementation of EHRs in African countries. The study then identified 6 critical factors that could address these challenges and ensure that EHR implementation is successful. Identified factors included Incentivising the health informatics career field to attract and retain ICT professionals; Encouraging participation of all stakeholders in the development process of EHR systems; Investigating and investing in alternative infrastructural facilities; Allocating separate budgets for E-health projects; Developing context relevant E-health implementation strategies and frameworks; and finally, Develop and implement Legislation specific to EHR implementation and continued use. Recommendations were also made on each factor regarding how it could be accomplished.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determinants of household debt in South Africa
- Authors: Zimucha, Tinashe M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer credit -- South Africa Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7967 , vital:31325
- Description: Significant changes have occurred in South Africa during the past decades in household saving and borrowing behaviour. The rapid increase in South Africa’s household debt over the last twenty years has been an international phenomenon. In most countries, household debt increased from the 1990s until the crisis of 2007–2008 before stabilising due to a recession and deleveraging. The study used an ARDL model to investigate the determinants of household debt in South Africa. Pairwise regression is used to select the most relevant variables affecting household regression in the country. The results of the study showed that consumer confidence, the bond market index and the vulnerability index have a positive effect on household debt. As consumers' faith in the performance of the economy increases, household debt also increases as expected, reflecting consumers' belief in increased future wealth. The positive influence of the vulnerability index suggests that households tend to resort to borrowing to smooth consumption when incomes and other related factors decline. It is recommended that national policy should tighten regulations around access to unsecured credit to minimise the stress on already vulnerable households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zimucha, Tinashe M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer credit -- South Africa Finance, Personal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7967 , vital:31325
- Description: Significant changes have occurred in South Africa during the past decades in household saving and borrowing behaviour. The rapid increase in South Africa’s household debt over the last twenty years has been an international phenomenon. In most countries, household debt increased from the 1990s until the crisis of 2007–2008 before stabilising due to a recession and deleveraging. The study used an ARDL model to investigate the determinants of household debt in South Africa. Pairwise regression is used to select the most relevant variables affecting household regression in the country. The results of the study showed that consumer confidence, the bond market index and the vulnerability index have a positive effect on household debt. As consumers' faith in the performance of the economy increases, household debt also increases as expected, reflecting consumers' belief in increased future wealth. The positive influence of the vulnerability index suggests that households tend to resort to borrowing to smooth consumption when incomes and other related factors decline. It is recommended that national policy should tighten regulations around access to unsecured credit to minimise the stress on already vulnerable households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Determinants of rail passenger transport usage : a case of Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Ntlatywa, Kholosa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Railroads -- South Africa -- Statistical services Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Railroads -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8780 , vital:33580
- Description: The transport sector is an important contributor to South Africa’s economy. This sector have positive effects on South African citizens and the nation as a whole through mobility and accessibility. Rail transport is a suitable mode of transport for both long distance travel and short distances. This study investigated the determinants of rail passengers transport usage. The main objective of the study were to investigate the factors that influence the rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. The second objective was to determine the incidence of rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. Descriptive analysis in the form of Pearson-chi square and inferential analysis using Probit regression were used for data analysis in this study. The study used closed-ended questionnaires and the questionnaires were distributed to 100 people. The results of the study revealed that level of income, occupation, level of education, safety, and affordability are the common factors that influence the usage of trains for transport. The frequency of usage based on income was about 44 percent, with about 55 percent of people indicating they make use of trains because they find it a safe mode transport. The income level, safety, occupation and affordability were statistically insignificant. The level of education had a high frequency at 74 percent and it was statistically signifacant.004. The second part of the study assessed the incidence of train usage and results revealed that most of people (about 74 percent) travel by train daily.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntlatywa, Kholosa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Railroads -- South Africa -- Statistical services Transportation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Railroads -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8780 , vital:33580
- Description: The transport sector is an important contributor to South Africa’s economy. This sector have positive effects on South African citizens and the nation as a whole through mobility and accessibility. Rail transport is a suitable mode of transport for both long distance travel and short distances. This study investigated the determinants of rail passengers transport usage. The main objective of the study were to investigate the factors that influence the rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. The second objective was to determine the incidence of rail transport usage among passengers in Buffalo City Municipality. Descriptive analysis in the form of Pearson-chi square and inferential analysis using Probit regression were used for data analysis in this study. The study used closed-ended questionnaires and the questionnaires were distributed to 100 people. The results of the study revealed that level of income, occupation, level of education, safety, and affordability are the common factors that influence the usage of trains for transport. The frequency of usage based on income was about 44 percent, with about 55 percent of people indicating they make use of trains because they find it a safe mode transport. The income level, safety, occupation and affordability were statistically insignificant. The level of education had a high frequency at 74 percent and it was statistically signifacant.004. The second part of the study assessed the incidence of train usage and results revealed that most of people (about 74 percent) travel by train daily.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the role of education, income and standard of living in determining food security amongst Mhlontlo Local Municipality citizens in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Halam, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Income -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4802 , vital:28521
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship that exists between education, income, standard of living and food security amongst Mhlontlo local municipality citizens. For this purpose, data was collected from citizens of the Mhlontlo municipality in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 101municipality citizens was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly negatively correlated with one another. The findings of this study are helpful in providing support to policy makers and social security agencies to have a better understanding of food security and indicate one important avenue to reduce food insecurity in Mhlontlo municipality and the Eastern Cape at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Halam, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Income -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4802 , vital:28521
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship that exists between education, income, standard of living and food security amongst Mhlontlo local municipality citizens. For this purpose, data was collected from citizens of the Mhlontlo municipality in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 101municipality citizens was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly negatively correlated with one another. The findings of this study are helpful in providing support to policy makers and social security agencies to have a better understanding of food security and indicate one important avenue to reduce food insecurity in Mhlontlo municipality and the Eastern Cape at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Impact of business confidence on private investments in South Africa
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madzivire, Venna Wadzanayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Success in business Confidence Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8910 , vital:33955
- Description: A wide range of theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on various determinants of private investments in different economies. This dissertation specifically focuses on the impact business confidence on private investments with regards to the South African economy for the period between 1990 and 2014. The private investment sector in South Africa has, to a greater extent contributed to the overall GDP of the economy. Even though business confidence has a considerable impact on private investments, this study also took into consideration other variables that affect the private investment sector such as interest rates, exchange range and GDP To determine short-run and long-run relationships of business confidence on private Investments in South Africa, a vector error correction model was employed. In order to avoid spurious regression, the ADF test and the PP test were used to test for stationarity. Results of the study indicate that private investments are subject to permanent changes because of changes in business confidence. In addition to that, not all variables have a long-term relationship with private investments but business confidence has a significant long run relationship with private investment. After conducting an econometric analysis, results revealed that Business Confidence and Gross Domestic Product have a positive impact on private investments. On the other hand, interest rates and exchange rates have a negative impact on private investments in South Africa. Various policy recommendations were established on both Private Investments and Business Confidence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Job satisfaction, organisational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at a university in South Africa
- Authors: Landu, Mzimkulu Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4784 , vital:28520
- Description: The aim of this study explore the role of job satisfaction , organizational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at Walter Sisulu University at Ibika campus in Butterworth , in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of 70 administrative staff was drawn for the population of 170. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly and positively correlated with one another. Job satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively correlated with employee turnover. Organizational justice was also found to be significantly positively correlated with employee turnover. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational justice was found. The findings of this study will assist Ibika campus management in reducing employee turnover and increase the retention of administrative staff at Ibika campus and the entire Walter Sisulu administrative staff at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Landu, Mzimkulu Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4784 , vital:28520
- Description: The aim of this study explore the role of job satisfaction , organizational justice in determining employee turnover among administrative staff at Walter Sisulu University at Ibika campus in Butterworth , in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of 70 administrative staff was drawn for the population of 170. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly and positively correlated with one another. Job satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively correlated with employee turnover. Organizational justice was also found to be significantly positively correlated with employee turnover. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational justice was found. The findings of this study will assist Ibika campus management in reducing employee turnover and increase the retention of administrative staff at Ibika campus and the entire Walter Sisulu administrative staff at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions and experiences of small and medium enterprise owners towards the implementation of broad-based-black-economic-empowerment
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Personality and self-esteem as predictors of employability among final year students at a previously disadvantaged South African University
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Psychological capital as a moderator on the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions amongst selected bank employees in the Amathole district, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The effect of strategic leadership on competitive advantage & innovation performance : a case of small business in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Maziti, Lindah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- Technological innovations Small business -- Management Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8619 , vital:33200
- Description: Orientation: The manner in which Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) perform is important for the sustainability of the enterprise. The role of strategic leadership on competitive advantage and innovation performance are investigated within this. Research purpose: To determine whether strategic leadership has an effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Secondly, to determine if innovation performance has an effect on competitive advantage. Motivation for the study: Contradictory views still exist on the concept of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance and the effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. This study contributes to these views within the South African SMME context. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used and a questionnaire self-administered to a sample of 275 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality drawn through simple random sampling from a population 950 SMMEs available from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) database. Main findings: The result showed that strategic leadership have a positive effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. Practical implications: More is needed to develop strategic leadership. This can be done through leadership training and development, support from government of leaders of SMMEs and finally, a leader can take personal efforts to acquire competencies that allow them to make better decisions in managing the small business. Contribution: The study advances theory on leadership by showing its role on competitive advantage and innovation performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Maziti, Lindah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business -- Technological innovations Small business -- Management Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8619 , vital:33200
- Description: Orientation: The manner in which Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) perform is important for the sustainability of the enterprise. The role of strategic leadership on competitive advantage and innovation performance are investigated within this. Research purpose: To determine whether strategic leadership has an effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Secondly, to determine if innovation performance has an effect on competitive advantage. Motivation for the study: Contradictory views still exist on the concept of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance and the effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. This study contributes to these views within the South African SMME context. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used and a questionnaire self-administered to a sample of 275 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality drawn through simple random sampling from a population 950 SMMEs available from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) database. Main findings: The result showed that strategic leadership have a positive effect on competitive advantage and innovation performance in SMMEs. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a positive effect of innovation performance on competitive advantage in SMMEs. Practical implications: More is needed to develop strategic leadership. This can be done through leadership training and development, support from government of leaders of SMMEs and finally, a leader can take personal efforts to acquire competencies that allow them to make better decisions in managing the small business. Contribution: The study advances theory on leadership by showing its role on competitive advantage and innovation performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of oil prices on the trade balance of South Africa
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mili, Akhona
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
- Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of road construction on the livelihoods of rural communities : a case of Nyandeni Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ndesi, Zabambo Nale
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Roads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8769 , vital:33542
- Description: All over the world many rural households are engaged in different economic activities to sustain their livelihoods. To a large extent, a household’s ability to do this depends on access to basic assets such as infrastructure, social, human, finance or physical. Access to these assets can be affected by large projects such as road construction which can either enhance or hinder access to key assets. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Highway in the Eastern Cape Province on the livelihoods of rural households in the Nyandeni local municipality. The study also seeks to investigate the dominant household economic activities within the municipality, factors affecting the choice of these activities and the probable impact of the construction of the N2 highway on these economic activities and livelihood strategies. The road construction is translated as a ‘shock’ in the livelihood context, hence the study further seeks to document how households respond to road construction ‘shock’ to their livelihoods, based on the findings of the study. The study applied a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative and quantitative data. Two sources of data are used; a survey of 40 households in the Nyandeni local municipality which provided the qualitative data and survey data from the PSPPD-II quantitative data from project conducted by the Economics department at the University of Fort Hare, which provided the quantitative data. The multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the livelihood strategies used as well as the related determinants. The results showed that financial, social and physical capitals are key assets that support livelihoods in Nyandeni municipality, which were highly determined by the deprivation score, social grants and community networks. To get a clearer understanding of the underlying effects of the road construction, focus prompts interviews were also conducted. These were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the road construction had both the negative and positive effects. The positive effects included better links to social facilities such as hospitals and schools as well as neighbouring municipalities. The construction also created employment for construction workers. In addition, the construction company helped households whose houses were destroyed near the road to build better houses. Although the households complained of danger from high speed vehicles because of better roads, they also indicated that the speed bumps in some areas led to an improvement in well-being especially for school children. The negative effects included destruction of burial grounds as well as the weakening of housing structures due to blasting. Further, some vegetation which was used by households as a source of livelihood was destroyed during road construction. In some cases, social capital assets were also disturbed as a result of the displacement that occurred in the process. Responses by households have been mixed, with some households taking advantage of increased access to markets as well as finances to find alternative sources of livelihoods. Households that responded negatively constantly seek out reimbursement from the government and construction company without much success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ndesi, Zabambo Nale
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Roads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8769 , vital:33542
- Description: All over the world many rural households are engaged in different economic activities to sustain their livelihoods. To a large extent, a household’s ability to do this depends on access to basic assets such as infrastructure, social, human, finance or physical. Access to these assets can be affected by large projects such as road construction which can either enhance or hinder access to key assets. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Highway in the Eastern Cape Province on the livelihoods of rural households in the Nyandeni local municipality. The study also seeks to investigate the dominant household economic activities within the municipality, factors affecting the choice of these activities and the probable impact of the construction of the N2 highway on these economic activities and livelihood strategies. The road construction is translated as a ‘shock’ in the livelihood context, hence the study further seeks to document how households respond to road construction ‘shock’ to their livelihoods, based on the findings of the study. The study applied a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative and quantitative data. Two sources of data are used; a survey of 40 households in the Nyandeni local municipality which provided the qualitative data and survey data from the PSPPD-II quantitative data from project conducted by the Economics department at the University of Fort Hare, which provided the quantitative data. The multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the livelihood strategies used as well as the related determinants. The results showed that financial, social and physical capitals are key assets that support livelihoods in Nyandeni municipality, which were highly determined by the deprivation score, social grants and community networks. To get a clearer understanding of the underlying effects of the road construction, focus prompts interviews were also conducted. These were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the road construction had both the negative and positive effects. The positive effects included better links to social facilities such as hospitals and schools as well as neighbouring municipalities. The construction also created employment for construction workers. In addition, the construction company helped households whose houses were destroyed near the road to build better houses. Although the households complained of danger from high speed vehicles because of better roads, they also indicated that the speed bumps in some areas led to an improvement in well-being especially for school children. The negative effects included destruction of burial grounds as well as the weakening of housing structures due to blasting. Further, some vegetation which was used by households as a source of livelihood was destroyed during road construction. In some cases, social capital assets were also disturbed as a result of the displacement that occurred in the process. Responses by households have been mixed, with some households taking advantage of increased access to markets as well as finances to find alternative sources of livelihoods. Households that responded negatively constantly seek out reimbursement from the government and construction company without much success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media on the intention to vote for student political organisations in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Chininga, Tapiwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Students -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11506 , vital:39078
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of social media on the intention to vote for students political organizations in the Eastern Cape. The main objectives included measuring the influence of predictor variables such as medium credibility, message credibility, tie strength with peers, identification with the peers, peer communication, user trust, information credibilit on the intention to vote. To measure these hypothesised relationships a conceptual model was developed for the study. Data collection was conducted in the Eastern Cape in which 381 participants were surveyed. To analyse the data the two stage structural equation modeling approach was adopted in which confimatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing was adopted. This was conducted ulitising Structural equation modelling. The main findings of the study were that all the proposed hypotheses were supported with the exception of that of peer commnication and tie strength with peers on the intention to vote. It was also important to note that identification with peers had the strongest impact on the intention to vote while the message credibility had the weakest. The implication was that users feel that the ability to identify with each other influenced their voting intentions however the message itself was irrelevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry
- Authors: Gavaza, Bramwell Kundishora
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa Customer loyalty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12903 , vital:39389
- Description: The advent of the Internet during the past two decades has changed the way in which businesses operate. Social media networks such as Facebook have become an essential communication element for businesses to interact with clients. The impact and growth rates of Facebook and other forms of social media have made it imperative for all businesses to ensure they have social media strategies in place. Following social media business trends, banks across the world have included social media to market their services. Banks are now emphasising the offering of high client service quality in order to retain clients in this highly competitive environment. Thus, South African banks, as is the case with global banks, need to continuously assess the quality of the services offered to their clients in order to sustainably maintain or grow their market share or to fully utilise its commercial opportunities. This study determined the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The primary objective was to examine the extent to which social media service quality influence client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The study also determined if social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, and privacy has influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, the study examined the relationship between overall service quality and client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study used a quantitative research approach to collect and analyse the data, and a descriptive research design was utilised for the purpose of this study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources of data. An online survey was conducted through Survey Monkey, via a Facebook page titled: Social media service quality in the South African banking industry. An online questionnaire was administered via the Facebook page. The study used a sample of 377 respondents who are Facebook users of the five major banks in South Africa. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The electronic social media service quality (E-S-SERVQUAL) scale which consist of five constructs, namely; social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, privacy and overall service quality; and client loyalty intentions were the scales that were adopted for this study. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. Findings of the research study proved that social media system availability, fulfilment, and privacy has a significant influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, findings of the research revealed that social media efficiency does not significantly influence overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. Furthermore, findings of the research also proved that the overall service quality of social media positively influences client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study recommended that managers and marketers should constantly evaluate, monitor, and improve the overall service quality of social media offered to their clients, as it leads to a corresponding increase in overall client satisfaction, which in turn leads to client loyalty in the South African banking industry. However, further research studies may be conducted in other developing countries to gain a wider understanding on the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the banking industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gavaza, Bramwell Kundishora
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa Social media -- South Africa Customer loyalty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12903 , vital:39389
- Description: The advent of the Internet during the past two decades has changed the way in which businesses operate. Social media networks such as Facebook have become an essential communication element for businesses to interact with clients. The impact and growth rates of Facebook and other forms of social media have made it imperative for all businesses to ensure they have social media strategies in place. Following social media business trends, banks across the world have included social media to market their services. Banks are now emphasising the offering of high client service quality in order to retain clients in this highly competitive environment. Thus, South African banks, as is the case with global banks, need to continuously assess the quality of the services offered to their clients in order to sustainably maintain or grow their market share or to fully utilise its commercial opportunities. This study determined the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The primary objective was to examine the extent to which social media service quality influence client loyalty in the South African banking industry. The study also determined if social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, and privacy has influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, the study examined the relationship between overall service quality and client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study used a quantitative research approach to collect and analyse the data, and a descriptive research design was utilised for the purpose of this study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources of data. An online survey was conducted through Survey Monkey, via a Facebook page titled: Social media service quality in the South African banking industry. An online questionnaire was administered via the Facebook page. The study used a sample of 377 respondents who are Facebook users of the five major banks in South Africa. Analysis and interpretation of findings was done using both the descriptive and inferential statistical measures, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) 24 and Lisrel (version 9). The electronic social media service quality (E-S-SERVQUAL) scale which consist of five constructs, namely; social media system availability, efficiency, fulfilment, privacy and overall service quality; and client loyalty intentions were the scales that were adopted for this study. All the scales used in this study were found to be reliable and valid. Findings of the research study proved that social media system availability, fulfilment, and privacy has a significant influence on the overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. In addition, findings of the research revealed that social media efficiency does not significantly influence overall service quality of social media in the South African banking industry. Furthermore, findings of the research also proved that the overall service quality of social media positively influences client loyalty intention in the South African banking industry. The study recommended that managers and marketers should constantly evaluate, monitor, and improve the overall service quality of social media offered to their clients, as it leads to a corresponding increase in overall client satisfaction, which in turn leads to client loyalty in the South African banking industry. However, further research studies may be conducted in other developing countries to gain a wider understanding on the influence of social media service quality on client loyalty in the banking industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected organisations in South Africa
- Authors: Marazanye, Joram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management Business -- Data processing Employees -- Recruiting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4480 , vital:28341
- Description: Regardless of the widespread application of analytics to a variety of business measurements, it is noteworthy that the use of people analytics is still no place close where it could be. The main aim of this study is to examine the perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected South African organisations. People analytics is a burning-fresh topic in HR field aiming at using data to make organisational decisions and little has been done in this area especially in the South African context. The study employed qualitative-exploratory design which comprised of 10 senior HR officers from selected organisations in South Africa. From the findings, it shows that the employment of people analytics in South African context is in its early stage and its conception and repercussions are little understood. In addition, there is an accord on its usefulness, however the workforce analytic skills have found to be the major difficulty to foster its successful implementation and adoption by organisations. Because of its qualitative nature, this study had a limitation that it lack representativeness hence the findings cannot be generalised. Research opportunities for future can be quantitative and longitudinal research to objectively ascertain the extent future employability of people analytics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Marazanye, Joram
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management Business -- Data processing Employees -- Recruiting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4480 , vital:28341
- Description: Regardless of the widespread application of analytics to a variety of business measurements, it is noteworthy that the use of people analytics is still no place close where it could be. The main aim of this study is to examine the perceived meaning and benefits of people analytics in selected South African organisations. People analytics is a burning-fresh topic in HR field aiming at using data to make organisational decisions and little has been done in this area especially in the South African context. The study employed qualitative-exploratory design which comprised of 10 senior HR officers from selected organisations in South Africa. From the findings, it shows that the employment of people analytics in South African context is in its early stage and its conception and repercussions are little understood. In addition, there is an accord on its usefulness, however the workforce analytic skills have found to be the major difficulty to foster its successful implementation and adoption by organisations. Because of its qualitative nature, this study had a limitation that it lack representativeness hence the findings cannot be generalised. Research opportunities for future can be quantitative and longitudinal research to objectively ascertain the extent future employability of people analytics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of transport infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mjacu, Lwando
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Transportation Investments, Foreign -- South Africa Infrastructure (Economics) -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8609 , vital:33181
- Description: This study examined the role of transport infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment in South Africa. The study used quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2014. The Johansen cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were used to determine the impact of transport infrastructure on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this study were market size, transport infrastructure, labour cost, exchange rate and corporate tax. Results from this study showed that market size, transport infrastructure and corporate tax have a positive and significant impact on foreign direct investment, while exchange rate is positive but insignificant, and labour cost has a negative and insignificant impact on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The policy recommendation that comes from this study is that efforts should be made to improve the standard of transport infrastructure in order to enhance and attract more of foreign direct investment. The government should follow policies that will attract foreign direct investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mjacu, Lwando
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Transportation Investments, Foreign -- South Africa Infrastructure (Economics) -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8609 , vital:33181
- Description: This study examined the role of transport infrastructure in attracting foreign direct investment in South Africa. The study used quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2014. The Johansen cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were used to determine the impact of transport infrastructure on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this study were market size, transport infrastructure, labour cost, exchange rate and corporate tax. Results from this study showed that market size, transport infrastructure and corporate tax have a positive and significant impact on foreign direct investment, while exchange rate is positive but insignificant, and labour cost has a negative and insignificant impact on foreign direct investment in South Africa. The policy recommendation that comes from this study is that efforts should be made to improve the standard of transport infrastructure in order to enhance and attract more of foreign direct investment. The government should follow policies that will attract foreign direct investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »