Export diversification, export specialization and economic growth in G20 countries
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52951 , vital:44898
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52951 , vital:44898
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Financing of local economic development initiatives in South Africa
- Authors: Moses, Itumeleng James
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53035 , vital:44864
- Description: Post the 2008/09 global economic and financial crises, increased calls have been made for exploration and consideration of alternative sources of funding for economic development at a local level. To limit dependence on restricted and sometimes dwindling public finances from central government, many countries in the world have considered various alternative forms of financing. In South Africa, only four of the eight metropolitan municipalities (in short metros), have introduced municipal bonds primarily to finance their infrastructure development initiatives. Having noted the reluctance of metros and secondary cities in South Africa to explore alternative sources to finance their local economic development (LED) initiatives, this study advocates for the use of municipal bonds in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (henceforth Mangaung Metro), as an alternative source of finance for its LED initiatives, especially its infrastructure development programme. The study further presents evidence for the other metros in South Africa, where municipal bonds have worked as an additional and/or alternative source of finance. Using analysis of socio-economic conditions as well as selected financial ratios, the study compares Mangaung Metro to the other four metros that have issued municipal bonds in order to assess the state of readiness and the viability of a municipality bond for the metro. On the analysis of socio-economic conditions, this study found that on the one hand, the Mangaung Metro lags all the other metros under review on almost all the indicators, whilst the economic and labour market data highlights the development potential of the metro. On the financial analysis, the study found that Mangaung Metro’s financial situation seems to have been improving and could have been described as sound up to 2015/16, and that the deterioration in the metro’s finance coincided with the changes in the political and 6 administrative leadership and management of the metro. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Moses, Itumeleng James
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53035 , vital:44864
- Description: Post the 2008/09 global economic and financial crises, increased calls have been made for exploration and consideration of alternative sources of funding for economic development at a local level. To limit dependence on restricted and sometimes dwindling public finances from central government, many countries in the world have considered various alternative forms of financing. In South Africa, only four of the eight metropolitan municipalities (in short metros), have introduced municipal bonds primarily to finance their infrastructure development initiatives. Having noted the reluctance of metros and secondary cities in South Africa to explore alternative sources to finance their local economic development (LED) initiatives, this study advocates for the use of municipal bonds in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (henceforth Mangaung Metro), as an alternative source of finance for its LED initiatives, especially its infrastructure development programme. The study further presents evidence for the other metros in South Africa, where municipal bonds have worked as an additional and/or alternative source of finance. Using analysis of socio-economic conditions as well as selected financial ratios, the study compares Mangaung Metro to the other four metros that have issued municipal bonds in order to assess the state of readiness and the viability of a municipality bond for the metro. On the analysis of socio-economic conditions, this study found that on the one hand, the Mangaung Metro lags all the other metros under review on almost all the indicators, whilst the economic and labour market data highlights the development potential of the metro. On the financial analysis, the study found that Mangaung Metro’s financial situation seems to have been improving and could have been described as sound up to 2015/16, and that the deterioration in the metro’s finance coincided with the changes in the political and 6 administrative leadership and management of the metro. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fiscal consolidation framework: tax compliance and behavioural response in the South African context
- Authors: Tshabalala, Nomonde
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52993 , vital:44897
- Description: Recent unfavourable macroeconomic and socio-economic conditions have placed South Africa’s economy in a difficult fiscal situation with rapidly growing public debt and large government deficits. South Africa’s government expenditure cuts and tax hikes have not achieved the goal of Public debt reduction and economic growth has been shrinking, recorded to have shrunk by an annualised 0.6% in 2019. Fiscal policy is a mix of government spending and tax and this study reviewed the tax side of fiscal policy and its effectiveness in reducing government debt, the study further explored the behavioural factors that influence taxpayers’ decisions to comply with tax and the strategies that can be used to increase compliance and improve tax administration and collection by the South African Revenue Services (SARS). This study employed the ordered logistic model to compare the behaviour of South African citizens towards tax compliance and tax evasion. findings revealed that the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of South African citizens have generally shifted from a society that values tax compliance to a nation that justifies cheating on taxes. The main behavioural factors that shape perception and behaviour towards tax compliance and tax evasion were found to be amongst others demographic factors such as age, level of education, employment status, social class, income level, and ethnic group. In addition to demographic factors, the level of confidence and patriotism have proved to be important variables that shape taxpayers’ compliance decision. Regarding the aforementioned variables, the study found that the level of confidence in the government has significantly reduced as well as the degree of patriotism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fiscal consolidation framework: tax compliance and behavioural response in the South African context
- Authors: Tshabalala, Nomonde
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52993 , vital:44897
- Description: Recent unfavourable macroeconomic and socio-economic conditions have placed South Africa’s economy in a difficult fiscal situation with rapidly growing public debt and large government deficits. South Africa’s government expenditure cuts and tax hikes have not achieved the goal of Public debt reduction and economic growth has been shrinking, recorded to have shrunk by an annualised 0.6% in 2019. Fiscal policy is a mix of government spending and tax and this study reviewed the tax side of fiscal policy and its effectiveness in reducing government debt, the study further explored the behavioural factors that influence taxpayers’ decisions to comply with tax and the strategies that can be used to increase compliance and improve tax administration and collection by the South African Revenue Services (SARS). This study employed the ordered logistic model to compare the behaviour of South African citizens towards tax compliance and tax evasion. findings revealed that the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of South African citizens have generally shifted from a society that values tax compliance to a nation that justifies cheating on taxes. The main behavioural factors that shape perception and behaviour towards tax compliance and tax evasion were found to be amongst others demographic factors such as age, level of education, employment status, social class, income level, and ethnic group. In addition to demographic factors, the level of confidence and patriotism have proved to be important variables that shape taxpayers’ compliance decision. Regarding the aforementioned variables, the study found that the level of confidence in the government has significantly reduced as well as the degree of patriotism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fisher’s hypothesis from a disaggregated perspective for South Africa: an asymmetric approach
- Authors: Mbekeni, Lutho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52978 , vital:44863
- Description: In this study, we re-examine Fisher’s hypothesis for the South African economy during the post-inflation targeting era of 2002:Q1 to 2019:Q4, and in doing so, we present four noteworthy empirical contributions. Firstly, we employ two nonlinear frameworks to carry out our empirical analysis, i.e. i) Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) unit root tests, and ii) Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL). Secondly, we take the disaggregated approach in examining Fisher’s hypothesis by making use of survey-based inflation expectations data for financial analysts, the business sector, trade unions representatives, and household participants. Thirdly, we capture our inflation expectations using three different forecast horizons (i.e. current, 12-month ahead, and 24-month ahead). Lastly, we conduct a sensitivity analysis. After employing our FFF based tests, the empirical results highlighted the Reserve Bank’s success of stabilizing real interest rates for periods subsequent to the 2008 Subprime crisis, as compared to periods before the crisis. Furthermore, after employing the NARDL model, we observed that nominal interest rates are more responsive to the falling inflation expectations across all economic agents except for trade unions during the pre-crisis period. On the other hand, nominal interest rates were found to be more responsive to rising expectations of all economic agents in the post-crisis period. Essentially, our findings have important policy implications for monetary policy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mbekeni, Lutho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52978 , vital:44863
- Description: In this study, we re-examine Fisher’s hypothesis for the South African economy during the post-inflation targeting era of 2002:Q1 to 2019:Q4, and in doing so, we present four noteworthy empirical contributions. Firstly, we employ two nonlinear frameworks to carry out our empirical analysis, i.e. i) Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) unit root tests, and ii) Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL). Secondly, we take the disaggregated approach in examining Fisher’s hypothesis by making use of survey-based inflation expectations data for financial analysts, the business sector, trade unions representatives, and household participants. Thirdly, we capture our inflation expectations using three different forecast horizons (i.e. current, 12-month ahead, and 24-month ahead). Lastly, we conduct a sensitivity analysis. After employing our FFF based tests, the empirical results highlighted the Reserve Bank’s success of stabilizing real interest rates for periods subsequent to the 2008 Subprime crisis, as compared to periods before the crisis. Furthermore, after employing the NARDL model, we observed that nominal interest rates are more responsive to the falling inflation expectations across all economic agents except for trade unions during the pre-crisis period. On the other hand, nominal interest rates were found to be more responsive to rising expectations of all economic agents in the post-crisis period. Essentially, our findings have important policy implications for monetary policy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Happiness in manufacturing
- Authors: Prinsloo, Christopher John
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52992 , vital:44893
- Description: The study of happiness, originally with a basis in psychology and sociology, became more scientific when methods were found to measure the complex concept. Humanity believe that happiness is meaningful, important, and worth achieving because, it is one of the most significant dimensions of human experience and emotions. The rewards of being happy for individuals and society are many including health, positivity, and productivity. The debate rages on whether subjective wellbeing increases as gross domestic product increases in countries and cities. Research has affirmed that happy employees are more productive, thereby improving financial sustainable, financial results for organisations and society. The opposite perspective is that unhappy employees negatively affect the performance, moral of fellow employees leading to negative results for organisations and poor social conditions. The Steel Wire and Rope manufacturing plant serves many organisations worldwide, where large industries exist including mining, offshore, agriculture and general-purpose applications. The manufacturing industry in which the study is based is strategic to South African local manufacture with critical applications in mine winding, by hoisting materials and men to the surface from the deepest mines in the world. Achievements include the longest and heaviest rope in the world. Happiness in this industry has not yet been explored, making this study new in this particular industry. The Steel Wire and Rope factory are a manufacturing facility and manufacturing companies can benefit from improving employee happiness levels. This makes this study of a steel wire and rope manufacturing facility important, as it would provide insight into similar manufacturing industries. The purpose of the study is to understand the happiness levels of employees in the steel, wire and rope manufacturing facility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Prinsloo, Christopher John
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52992 , vital:44893
- Description: The study of happiness, originally with a basis in psychology and sociology, became more scientific when methods were found to measure the complex concept. Humanity believe that happiness is meaningful, important, and worth achieving because, it is one of the most significant dimensions of human experience and emotions. The rewards of being happy for individuals and society are many including health, positivity, and productivity. The debate rages on whether subjective wellbeing increases as gross domestic product increases in countries and cities. Research has affirmed that happy employees are more productive, thereby improving financial sustainable, financial results for organisations and society. The opposite perspective is that unhappy employees negatively affect the performance, moral of fellow employees leading to negative results for organisations and poor social conditions. The Steel Wire and Rope manufacturing plant serves many organisations worldwide, where large industries exist including mining, offshore, agriculture and general-purpose applications. The manufacturing industry in which the study is based is strategic to South African local manufacture with critical applications in mine winding, by hoisting materials and men to the surface from the deepest mines in the world. Achievements include the longest and heaviest rope in the world. Happiness in this industry has not yet been explored, making this study new in this particular industry. The Steel Wire and Rope factory are a manufacturing facility and manufacturing companies can benefit from improving employee happiness levels. This makes this study of a steel wire and rope manufacturing facility important, as it would provide insight into similar manufacturing industries. The purpose of the study is to understand the happiness levels of employees in the steel, wire and rope manufacturing facility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Impacts of food security programmes at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Improving customer service through the marketing-logistic interface for automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mkumatela, Yolisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52955 , vital:44865
- Description: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if the marketing-log-istics interface can improve customer service for automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape. The rationale was that the poor service delivery by automotive suppliers can negatively affect the customer service levels, which can lead to dissatisfied customers and thus decrease the firm's profits while improved customer service levels may benefit the supplier, as customers may seek the best service from the supplier in terms of the right price, good quality, on time delivery, correct order quantities, and the correct delivery location for orders. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mkumatela, Yolisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52955 , vital:44865
- Description: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if the marketing-log-istics interface can improve customer service for automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape. The rationale was that the poor service delivery by automotive suppliers can negatively affect the customer service levels, which can lead to dissatisfied customers and thus decrease the firm's profits while improved customer service levels may benefit the supplier, as customers may seek the best service from the supplier in terms of the right price, good quality, on time delivery, correct order quantities, and the correct delivery location for orders. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University Business School
- Authors: Sapepa, Ongeziwe Ndimentle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52946 , vital:44896
- Description: The concept of internationalisation of higher education is a dynamic process, continuously shaped and reshaped by the international context in which it occurs. While the topic of internationalisation has been explored, internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University Business School has not been investigated. This study will attempt to determine the Nelson Mandela University Business School’s internationalisation. This study used literature reviews to investigate the definition and elements of internationalisation. The literature review facilitated the creation of a conceptual model for internationalisation. The network theory and the social exchange theory informed the theoretical basis of this study. This research pursues a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the conceptual model was tested using Likert scale data and statistical analysis. This study surveyed current and former Nelson Mandela University Business School students This study established that the independent factors of International Affiliation, African Collaboration, Research, Curriculum, Field trips, Benefits, Risks and COVID-19 were all found to exert a significant positive effect on Internationalisation. An Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among factors and to identify any possible patterns in the factor relationships. All these factors (except for African Collaboration and Field trips) demonstrated positive correlations with Internationalisation. In this study, the statistical data, relating to these factors helped to establish the hypothesised model for Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University Business School. The data are established as a baseline, which allows for comparisons to be made between surveys at similar higher education institutions. Internationalisation requires additional research to refine and test its suitability and validity to test internationalisation. This study further makes contribution to the network theory as well as to the social exchange theory as the findings support these theories. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Sapepa, Ongeziwe Ndimentle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52946 , vital:44896
- Description: The concept of internationalisation of higher education is a dynamic process, continuously shaped and reshaped by the international context in which it occurs. While the topic of internationalisation has been explored, internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University Business School has not been investigated. This study will attempt to determine the Nelson Mandela University Business School’s internationalisation. This study used literature reviews to investigate the definition and elements of internationalisation. The literature review facilitated the creation of a conceptual model for internationalisation. The network theory and the social exchange theory informed the theoretical basis of this study. This research pursues a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the conceptual model was tested using Likert scale data and statistical analysis. This study surveyed current and former Nelson Mandela University Business School students This study established that the independent factors of International Affiliation, African Collaboration, Research, Curriculum, Field trips, Benefits, Risks and COVID-19 were all found to exert a significant positive effect on Internationalisation. An Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among factors and to identify any possible patterns in the factor relationships. All these factors (except for African Collaboration and Field trips) demonstrated positive correlations with Internationalisation. In this study, the statistical data, relating to these factors helped to establish the hypothesised model for Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University Business School. The data are established as a baseline, which allows for comparisons to be made between surveys at similar higher education institutions. Internationalisation requires additional research to refine and test its suitability and validity to test internationalisation. This study further makes contribution to the network theory as well as to the social exchange theory as the findings support these theories. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Investigating financing options for business success
- Authors: Vena, Sindile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53002 , vital:44908
- Description: The study sought to examine the extent to which the financing options chosen by entrepreneurs will have an impact on business success. The investigator adopted the progression of the ventures along the business life cycle stages as a benchmark for assessing success. The study focused primarily on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. An empirical study, using an online survey was conducted amongst 50 small business owners/ business representative within the ICT sector in the Eastern Cape Province. Key results revealed that the financial support of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and personal savings have played a key role in the success of ICT SMMEs throughout the business life cycle phases. This occurs after an ICT SMME has advanced successfully over the startup stage and aims for success in the development phase. The empirical finding revealed that for these SMMEs to attain success at this stage, they should finance their business investment projects utilising financing and credit trade in the form of bank loans, families, relatives and friends. According to the empirical finding in chapter five, the abovementioned financing options are only substantially linked to good advancement from the development phase onto the expansion phase. In addition, suggestions have been made to the ICT SMME management to include BBBEE finance, personal savings, bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit as suitable funding choices for the ICT SMME's life cycle. The recommendations made included that proponents of the BBBEE legislation underpinning the enterprise development and supplier development, should intentionally pressure the private sector to comply with this legislation, as compliance will increase the pool of capital available to SMMEs.The chances of receiving these forms of support would therefore improve the probabilites of sucess for ICT SMMEs. Moreover, personal financing is crucial to successful progress for ICT SMMEs along the business life cycle. It is recommended that startup owners should always exercise iv saving in their personal capacity. In the early stages, the owner's capital will still be valuable as "seed financing" for start-up businesses., when all the other options of external funding are not available. Moreover, SMMEs should continuously explore the other financing options, such as bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit only when their business goals are achieving success at the development stage. The study calls upon academia to consider performing descriptive studies to look at these findings. Through setting a concise financing approach for SMMEs in the ICT sector, SMMEs may help to close the distance between themselves and access to various financing options and supportive organisations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Vena, Sindile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53002 , vital:44908
- Description: The study sought to examine the extent to which the financing options chosen by entrepreneurs will have an impact on business success. The investigator adopted the progression of the ventures along the business life cycle stages as a benchmark for assessing success. The study focused primarily on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. An empirical study, using an online survey was conducted amongst 50 small business owners/ business representative within the ICT sector in the Eastern Cape Province. Key results revealed that the financial support of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and personal savings have played a key role in the success of ICT SMMEs throughout the business life cycle phases. This occurs after an ICT SMME has advanced successfully over the startup stage and aims for success in the development phase. The empirical finding revealed that for these SMMEs to attain success at this stage, they should finance their business investment projects utilising financing and credit trade in the form of bank loans, families, relatives and friends. According to the empirical finding in chapter five, the abovementioned financing options are only substantially linked to good advancement from the development phase onto the expansion phase. In addition, suggestions have been made to the ICT SMME management to include BBBEE finance, personal savings, bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit as suitable funding choices for the ICT SMME's life cycle. The recommendations made included that proponents of the BBBEE legislation underpinning the enterprise development and supplier development, should intentionally pressure the private sector to comply with this legislation, as compliance will increase the pool of capital available to SMMEs.The chances of receiving these forms of support would therefore improve the probabilites of sucess for ICT SMMEs. Moreover, personal financing is crucial to successful progress for ICT SMMEs along the business life cycle. It is recommended that startup owners should always exercise iv saving in their personal capacity. In the early stages, the owner's capital will still be valuable as "seed financing" for start-up businesses., when all the other options of external funding are not available. Moreover, SMMEs should continuously explore the other financing options, such as bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit only when their business goals are achieving success at the development stage. The study calls upon academia to consider performing descriptive studies to look at these findings. Through setting a concise financing approach for SMMEs in the ICT sector, SMMEs may help to close the distance between themselves and access to various financing options and supportive organisations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Main thesis title 2021: A framework for a waterfront development in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Sethosa, Thandisizwe Theophilus
- Authors: Sethosa, Thandisizwe Theophilus
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master' theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52957 , vital:44902
- Description: Internationally, waterfront developments have become major tourist attractions and added to a city's infrastructure. This study seeks to traverse available literature to develop a conceptual framework for Waterfront Development in Nelson Mandela Bay. A framework is a systematic arrangement of ideas that are used to establish an understanding of ideas and principles that are relevant to a research study. Following the comprehensive analysis of literature that has been carried out globally, a conceptual framework was adopted as a blueprint for successful Waterfront Developments from the Port of Adelaide in South Australia. The framework essentially comprises one dependent factor, namely A successful Waterfront Development. This factor was expected to be influenced positively by the following independent factors, namely Functionality, Accessibility, Natural Environment and Culture, History and Memory. This research pursued a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the researcher tested a conceptual model through the use of an online survey and statistical analysis. The hypothesised Waterfront Development Model for Nelson Mandela Bay was evaluated statistically. This includes a detailed process of the assessment of the factors via Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The EFA produced new factors and rearranged the items allocated to different factors in accordance to best statistical fit. The study's questionnaire was distributed to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay and was completed by a sample of 202 residents. The study sought to identify relevant factors to inform management on how to drive a successful waterfront development imperative in the city. The factor ‘Critical Success Factor’ in the hypothesised model, through the EFA process produced four additional factors namely, ‘Unique NMB Identity’, ‘Public-Private Partnership’, ‘Development Time frames’ and ‘Ownership Structure’. The factor ‘Functionality ‘in the hypothesised model, through the EFA process produced three additional factors namely, ‘Leisure Activities’, ‘Port Activities’ and ‘Residential Potential. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Sethosa, Thandisizwe Theophilus
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master' theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52957 , vital:44902
- Description: Internationally, waterfront developments have become major tourist attractions and added to a city's infrastructure. This study seeks to traverse available literature to develop a conceptual framework for Waterfront Development in Nelson Mandela Bay. A framework is a systematic arrangement of ideas that are used to establish an understanding of ideas and principles that are relevant to a research study. Following the comprehensive analysis of literature that has been carried out globally, a conceptual framework was adopted as a blueprint for successful Waterfront Developments from the Port of Adelaide in South Australia. The framework essentially comprises one dependent factor, namely A successful Waterfront Development. This factor was expected to be influenced positively by the following independent factors, namely Functionality, Accessibility, Natural Environment and Culture, History and Memory. This research pursued a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the researcher tested a conceptual model through the use of an online survey and statistical analysis. The hypothesised Waterfront Development Model for Nelson Mandela Bay was evaluated statistically. This includes a detailed process of the assessment of the factors via Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The EFA produced new factors and rearranged the items allocated to different factors in accordance to best statistical fit. The study's questionnaire was distributed to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay and was completed by a sample of 202 residents. The study sought to identify relevant factors to inform management on how to drive a successful waterfront development imperative in the city. The factor ‘Critical Success Factor’ in the hypothesised model, through the EFA process produced four additional factors namely, ‘Unique NMB Identity’, ‘Public-Private Partnership’, ‘Development Time frames’ and ‘Ownership Structure’. The factor ‘Functionality ‘in the hypothesised model, through the EFA process produced three additional factors namely, ‘Leisure Activities’, ‘Port Activities’ and ‘Residential Potential. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Main thesis title 2021: Evaluating the incentive to move freight distribution from road to rail
- Authors: Williams, John Steven
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52953 , vital:44909
- Description: South Africa’s uncompetitive freight logistics system is severely hampering the country’s competitiveness and the current disproportionate reliance on the road freight sector is a main contributing factor. The need for a modal shift from road to rail has long been advocated as a necessity to correct this freight logistics imbalance. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the incentives needed to move freight distribution from road to rail within shorter distance corridors and specifically the Port Elizabeth- Gauteng corridor. Specifically, it evaluates the incentives needed, the importance of cost, distance and whether special capabilities are required to achieve such a move. Empirical data were collected with an online survey and distributed via the Road freight Association (RFA) to transport operators and micro operators within South Africa. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the main research and sub-questions through descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The results showed that a mostly strong positive correlation exists between the measured variables in this study while also indicating a significant relationship between the independent variables and moving freight distribution from road to rail. These results proved that all the factors are related to each other and that implementing a move of freight from road to rail would need to include the consideration of all these factors. The study concludes that moving freight distribution from road to rail will be possible if incentives regarding cost rebates or subsidies amongst others are taken into account and included in additional future legislation or more practical implementation plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciencence, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Williams, John Steven
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52953 , vital:44909
- Description: South Africa’s uncompetitive freight logistics system is severely hampering the country’s competitiveness and the current disproportionate reliance on the road freight sector is a main contributing factor. The need for a modal shift from road to rail has long been advocated as a necessity to correct this freight logistics imbalance. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the incentives needed to move freight distribution from road to rail within shorter distance corridors and specifically the Port Elizabeth- Gauteng corridor. Specifically, it evaluates the incentives needed, the importance of cost, distance and whether special capabilities are required to achieve such a move. Empirical data were collected with an online survey and distributed via the Road freight Association (RFA) to transport operators and micro operators within South Africa. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the main research and sub-questions through descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The results showed that a mostly strong positive correlation exists between the measured variables in this study while also indicating a significant relationship between the independent variables and moving freight distribution from road to rail. These results proved that all the factors are related to each other and that implementing a move of freight from road to rail would need to include the consideration of all these factors. The study concludes that moving freight distribution from road to rail will be possible if incentives regarding cost rebates or subsidies amongst others are taken into account and included in additional future legislation or more practical implementation plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciencence, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Main thesis title 2021: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52791 , vital:44031
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Last name, First name (remember to update the ORCID)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52791 , vital:44031
- Description: Abstract text. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalsim and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
On the ideals and semimodules of commutative semirings
- Authors: Olivier, Ruan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52782 , vital:44026
- Description: Semirings are a generalisation of rings where additive inverses need not exist. In this dissertation, we focus on results of commutative semirings with non-zero identity. Many results that we study are analogous to results from commutative rings with non-zero identity. Properties which are unique to semirings are also investigated, such as semirings where all elements are additively idempotent. The notion of ideals is examined in the context of a semiring. Specifically, prime ideals, maximal ideals, k-ideals and partitioning ideals of semirings are considered. Additionally, the module over a ring is generalised to a semimodule over a semiring. The emphasis is on prime subsemimodules and multiplication semimodules. Lastly, invertible ideals of semirings are examined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Olivier, Ruan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52782 , vital:44026
- Description: Semirings are a generalisation of rings where additive inverses need not exist. In this dissertation, we focus on results of commutative semirings with non-zero identity. Many results that we study are analogous to results from commutative rings with non-zero identity. Properties which are unique to semirings are also investigated, such as semirings where all elements are additively idempotent. The notion of ideals is examined in the context of a semiring. Specifically, prime ideals, maximal ideals, k-ideals and partitioning ideals of semirings are considered. Additionally, the module over a ring is generalised to a semimodule over a semiring. The emphasis is on prime subsemimodules and multiplication semimodules. Lastly, invertible ideals of semirings are examined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Optimising the uptake of [𝐈𝐫𝐂𝐥𝟔]𝟐− by a diammonium resin: HCl effect and resin performance
- Authors: Ngayeka, Mbokazi Zizipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54089 , vital:46284
- Description: The separation of [IrCl6]2- from [RhCl5(H2O)]2- by silica microparticles functionalized with 1,10-diamindecane (C10) and quaternized with 4-nitrobenzylchloride (NO2Benz) in various hydrochloric acid mediums was investigated by continuous column studies. The sorbent materials were synthesized using three different routes: Synthesis route 1 (NaI catalyzed synthesis of diammonium functionalized silica microparticles), Synthesis Route 2 (via silylazation of silica followed by functionalization) and Synthesis Route 3 (silane-based sorbent material). The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized by NMR, Microanalysis, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, TGA and BET surface area. The separation efficiency of the quaternary diammonium cations was investigated under dynamic flow adsorption conditions. Preliminary ICP-OES runs were done, at 6 M HCl, to assess which synthesis route gave the best performing sorbent material. [IrCl6]2- selectivity of the sorbent materials was achieved by washing with an HCl solution to remove unadsorbed metal species, then stripping off the [RhCl5(H2O)]2- with 0.05 M of sodium chlorate and the iridium species was eluted with a 20% HCl solution. From the preliminary ICP-OES, loading capacities were calculated, and it was observed that the three sorbent materials from synthesis route 2 (13.89 mg/g for (4) SSC10NO2Benz-A, 1.44 mg/g for (5) SSC10NO2Benz-HoA, and 1.0859 mg/g for (6) SSC10NO2Benz-DoA) showed the highest uptake of [IrCl6]2- and route 1 (1.89 mg/g for (1) SSC10NO2Benz-A, 1.25 mg/g for (2) SSC10NO2Benz-HoA and 0.99 mg/g for (3) SSC10NO2Benz-DoA ) and Route 3 (0.55 mg/g for (7) SC10-AI and 0.755 mg/g for (8) SC10-ACl) materials did not perform efficiently enough, thus were not used further for the HCl study. Within synthesis route 2, three sorbent materials were evaluated, which had varying quantities of the cation: SSC10NO2Benz-A (having a quantity previously used in our research and denoted A), SSC10NO2Benz-HoA (having a quantity Half of A) and SSC10NO2Benz-DoA (having a quantity double of A). SSC10NO2Benz-A showed the highest loading capacity than SSC10NO2Benz-HoA and SSC10NO2Benz-DoA; HCl studies were carried out using SSC10NO2Benz-A. HCl solution having different concentrations (5, 5.5 , 6 , 6.6 and 6.8 M) were used to prepare the metal solutions. This was done to assess which HCl concentration gave the best metal solution containing high amounts of [IrCl6]2- and [RhCl5(H2O)]2-, which would result in a more efficient separation. An auto titrator was used to standardize the HCl concentrations, and the metal ion chloride species solutions were determined by UV-Vis, and their concentrations were confirmed with ICP-OES. Column sorption of iridium and rhodium on SSC10NO2Benz-A using these HCl solutions was carried out, and loading capacities of [IrCl6]2- were obtained. The loading capacities of the 5 M, 5.5 M, 6 M, 6,6 M and 6.8 M HCl solutions for [IrCl6]2- were 2.64, 4.01, 13.89, 18.15 and 7.23 mg/g, respectively. The optimum separation conditions were thus determined by investigating effective parameters such as the method of synthesis, silica to cation ratio, HCl concentration and flow rate. This thesis presents quaternary diammonium sorbent materials that could be applied in feed solutions from ore processing for iridium recovery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngayeka, Mbokazi Zizipho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54089 , vital:46284
- Description: The separation of [IrCl6]2- from [RhCl5(H2O)]2- by silica microparticles functionalized with 1,10-diamindecane (C10) and quaternized with 4-nitrobenzylchloride (NO2Benz) in various hydrochloric acid mediums was investigated by continuous column studies. The sorbent materials were synthesized using three different routes: Synthesis route 1 (NaI catalyzed synthesis of diammonium functionalized silica microparticles), Synthesis Route 2 (via silylazation of silica followed by functionalization) and Synthesis Route 3 (silane-based sorbent material). The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized by NMR, Microanalysis, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, TGA and BET surface area. The separation efficiency of the quaternary diammonium cations was investigated under dynamic flow adsorption conditions. Preliminary ICP-OES runs were done, at 6 M HCl, to assess which synthesis route gave the best performing sorbent material. [IrCl6]2- selectivity of the sorbent materials was achieved by washing with an HCl solution to remove unadsorbed metal species, then stripping off the [RhCl5(H2O)]2- with 0.05 M of sodium chlorate and the iridium species was eluted with a 20% HCl solution. From the preliminary ICP-OES, loading capacities were calculated, and it was observed that the three sorbent materials from synthesis route 2 (13.89 mg/g for (4) SSC10NO2Benz-A, 1.44 mg/g for (5) SSC10NO2Benz-HoA, and 1.0859 mg/g for (6) SSC10NO2Benz-DoA) showed the highest uptake of [IrCl6]2- and route 1 (1.89 mg/g for (1) SSC10NO2Benz-A, 1.25 mg/g for (2) SSC10NO2Benz-HoA and 0.99 mg/g for (3) SSC10NO2Benz-DoA ) and Route 3 (0.55 mg/g for (7) SC10-AI and 0.755 mg/g for (8) SC10-ACl) materials did not perform efficiently enough, thus were not used further for the HCl study. Within synthesis route 2, three sorbent materials were evaluated, which had varying quantities of the cation: SSC10NO2Benz-A (having a quantity previously used in our research and denoted A), SSC10NO2Benz-HoA (having a quantity Half of A) and SSC10NO2Benz-DoA (having a quantity double of A). SSC10NO2Benz-A showed the highest loading capacity than SSC10NO2Benz-HoA and SSC10NO2Benz-DoA; HCl studies were carried out using SSC10NO2Benz-A. HCl solution having different concentrations (5, 5.5 , 6 , 6.6 and 6.8 M) were used to prepare the metal solutions. This was done to assess which HCl concentration gave the best metal solution containing high amounts of [IrCl6]2- and [RhCl5(H2O)]2-, which would result in a more efficient separation. An auto titrator was used to standardize the HCl concentrations, and the metal ion chloride species solutions were determined by UV-Vis, and their concentrations were confirmed with ICP-OES. Column sorption of iridium and rhodium on SSC10NO2Benz-A using these HCl solutions was carried out, and loading capacities of [IrCl6]2- were obtained. The loading capacities of the 5 M, 5.5 M, 6 M, 6,6 M and 6.8 M HCl solutions for [IrCl6]2- were 2.64, 4.01, 13.89, 18.15 and 7.23 mg/g, respectively. The optimum separation conditions were thus determined by investigating effective parameters such as the method of synthesis, silica to cation ratio, HCl concentration and flow rate. This thesis presents quaternary diammonium sorbent materials that could be applied in feed solutions from ore processing for iridium recovery. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Performance management system at a public development corporation: success factors and challenges
- Authors: Saki, David Siphosethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52935 , vital:44733
- Description: Public sector organisations often lack effectiveness in the implementation of an organisational strategy and seek out means of utilising a performance management system to ensure the productive implementation of its strategy (Auditor General South Africa, 2017). Therefore, it is important for organisations to utilise tools and techniques to ensure that the performance management system is efficiently implemented. Performance management is defined as a strategic and integrated approach aimed at delivering sustained success by using tools and techniques to improve the performance of people by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors (Armstrong, 2006). The main purpose of the study was to identify success factors that contributed to the effective implementation of a performance management system and then determine the extent to which these factors have been successfully incorporated in the performance management system at the CDC. The literature review was conducted, highlighting the process of performance management, tools and techniques, success factors and challenges in order to effectively implement a performance management system. In this study, a positive correlation between the PM purpose, success factors and tools revealed that the various success factors in relation to systems, resources, staff and measurement linked with the PM purpose. In addition, it was also revealed that the human resources component was considered as very important in driving an effective performance management system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Human Resources Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Saki, David Siphosethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52935 , vital:44733
- Description: Public sector organisations often lack effectiveness in the implementation of an organisational strategy and seek out means of utilising a performance management system to ensure the productive implementation of its strategy (Auditor General South Africa, 2017). Therefore, it is important for organisations to utilise tools and techniques to ensure that the performance management system is efficiently implemented. Performance management is defined as a strategic and integrated approach aimed at delivering sustained success by using tools and techniques to improve the performance of people by developing the capabilities of teams and individual contributors (Armstrong, 2006). The main purpose of the study was to identify success factors that contributed to the effective implementation of a performance management system and then determine the extent to which these factors have been successfully incorporated in the performance management system at the CDC. The literature review was conducted, highlighting the process of performance management, tools and techniques, success factors and challenges in order to effectively implement a performance management system. In this study, a positive correlation between the PM purpose, success factors and tools revealed that the various success factors in relation to systems, resources, staff and measurement linked with the PM purpose. In addition, it was also revealed that the human resources component was considered as very important in driving an effective performance management system. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Human Resources Management, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Psychological capital and burnout in the financial service sector
- Authors: Muller, Nadia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52990 , vital:44872
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to determine the relationship between PsyCap and burnout in a service-related working environment that is somewhat unexplored, including the non-banking financial services sector. To achieve this purpose, a correlational research design was employed and the convenience, non-probability sampling method was utilised as the technique for sourcing participants. Data was collected by way of an online survey comprising of the PCQ-24, OLBI and a Biographical Section, which was distributed among 380 non-banking employees in the sample company, and a final sample size of N=88 was achieved. The two psychometric instruments utilised were both proven to be valid and reliable, thus increasing the credibility of the data obtained. The raw data was processed and analysed through statistical calculations, performed by a qualified Statistician, and included descriptive and inferential statistics in the form of cronbach’s alpha coefficients, pearsons correlations, t-tests, ANOVA’s, and linear regression for the data interpretation. The results revealed that there was a negative, statistically significant relationship between PsyCap and burnout, and that PsyCap explained 18% of the variance in burnout scores amongst the sample. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between burnout, disengagement, and position, as well as between PsyCap and some of its dimensions with gender, educational level, position, and department in terms of the demographic variables. The researcher has considered the ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, anonymity, and ownership of the data throughout the research process, and the research paper was submitted for assessment and ethical approval before commencement of this study. The primary aim of this research study was achieved in that a significant and negative correlation between PsyCap and burnout was revealed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Muller, Nadia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52990 , vital:44872
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to determine the relationship between PsyCap and burnout in a service-related working environment that is somewhat unexplored, including the non-banking financial services sector. To achieve this purpose, a correlational research design was employed and the convenience, non-probability sampling method was utilised as the technique for sourcing participants. Data was collected by way of an online survey comprising of the PCQ-24, OLBI and a Biographical Section, which was distributed among 380 non-banking employees in the sample company, and a final sample size of N=88 was achieved. The two psychometric instruments utilised were both proven to be valid and reliable, thus increasing the credibility of the data obtained. The raw data was processed and analysed through statistical calculations, performed by a qualified Statistician, and included descriptive and inferential statistics in the form of cronbach’s alpha coefficients, pearsons correlations, t-tests, ANOVA’s, and linear regression for the data interpretation. The results revealed that there was a negative, statistically significant relationship between PsyCap and burnout, and that PsyCap explained 18% of the variance in burnout scores amongst the sample. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between burnout, disengagement, and position, as well as between PsyCap and some of its dimensions with gender, educational level, position, and department in terms of the demographic variables. The researcher has considered the ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, anonymity, and ownership of the data throughout the research process, and the research paper was submitted for assessment and ethical approval before commencement of this study. The primary aim of this research study was achieved in that a significant and negative correlation between PsyCap and burnout was revealed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Recreating a wetland at an abandoned saltworks : towards a rehabilitation plan
- Authors: Wasserman, Johan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52146 , vital:43450
- Description: A saltworks at Swartkops Estuary was abandoned in 2018. While operational, the saltworks hosted some of the largest breeding colonies of several shorebird species in southern Africa and hosted thousands of Palearctic migrant waterbirds annually. The abandonment of the saltworks has resulted in the loss of the artificially managed hydrological regime and therefore the wetland function and habitat value of the site, and the rich and diverse avifauna that once occurred at the site have not returned. The rehabilitation of the saltworks as a wetland that functions as a waterbird sanctuary is currently being organised, and this research aimed to create a plan for implementing and monitoring the rehabilitation. In order to do so, the baseline environmental condition of the abandoned saltworks was established, the possible rehabilitation interventions necessary for rehabilitating the site were assessed, and the potential ecological implications of any interventions were investigated. The assessment of the saltworks’ baseline condition revealed that the site is now characterised by vast expanses of dry hypersaline sediment with sparse patches of monospecific vegetation and depauperate avifauna. The once rich and diverse waterbird communities have all but disappeared since the site was abandoned and are unlikely to return unless a managed hydrological regime is reinstated. Furthermore, it is improbable that salt marsh vegetation will cover the abandoned saltworks primarily due to the high sediment salinity that will persist unless the saltpans are flooded. The area will likely remain barren with little ecological value if no rehabilitation action is taken. Two potential rehabilitation options for reinstating a hydrological regime at the saltworks were identified: (1) pumping estuary water into all of the saltpans; or (2) pumping estuary water into some of the saltpans, while allowing the largest one to be filled with stormwater. Both options were deemed to be feasible; however, the second option will likely have lower running costs. The use of stormwater to fill the one saltpan is expected to result in brackish conditions initially, while the saltpans filled with estuary water would have salinity levels ranging from euhaline to slightly hypersaline. Both the stormwater and estuary water are rich in inorganic nutrients – the estuary water is rich in both dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), while the stormwater has an exceptionally high DIN content. This raised concerns of creating eutrophic wetlands with detrimental conditions such as algal blooms and a hypoxic water column. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Wasserman, Johan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52146 , vital:43450
- Description: A saltworks at Swartkops Estuary was abandoned in 2018. While operational, the saltworks hosted some of the largest breeding colonies of several shorebird species in southern Africa and hosted thousands of Palearctic migrant waterbirds annually. The abandonment of the saltworks has resulted in the loss of the artificially managed hydrological regime and therefore the wetland function and habitat value of the site, and the rich and diverse avifauna that once occurred at the site have not returned. The rehabilitation of the saltworks as a wetland that functions as a waterbird sanctuary is currently being organised, and this research aimed to create a plan for implementing and monitoring the rehabilitation. In order to do so, the baseline environmental condition of the abandoned saltworks was established, the possible rehabilitation interventions necessary for rehabilitating the site were assessed, and the potential ecological implications of any interventions were investigated. The assessment of the saltworks’ baseline condition revealed that the site is now characterised by vast expanses of dry hypersaline sediment with sparse patches of monospecific vegetation and depauperate avifauna. The once rich and diverse waterbird communities have all but disappeared since the site was abandoned and are unlikely to return unless a managed hydrological regime is reinstated. Furthermore, it is improbable that salt marsh vegetation will cover the abandoned saltworks primarily due to the high sediment salinity that will persist unless the saltpans are flooded. The area will likely remain barren with little ecological value if no rehabilitation action is taken. Two potential rehabilitation options for reinstating a hydrological regime at the saltworks were identified: (1) pumping estuary water into all of the saltpans; or (2) pumping estuary water into some of the saltpans, while allowing the largest one to be filled with stormwater. Both options were deemed to be feasible; however, the second option will likely have lower running costs. The use of stormwater to fill the one saltpan is expected to result in brackish conditions initially, while the saltpans filled with estuary water would have salinity levels ranging from euhaline to slightly hypersaline. Both the stormwater and estuary water are rich in inorganic nutrients – the estuary water is rich in both dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), while the stormwater has an exceptionally high DIN content. This raised concerns of creating eutrophic wetlands with detrimental conditions such as algal blooms and a hypoxic water column. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Rheology behaviour of slurries as a function of particle size and ion concentration
- Authors: Kondlo, Princess Kholiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53333 , vital:45141
- Description: In this work, the rheological properties of alumina slurries milled to different particle sizes were investigated. Viscosity increases as the particle size decreases. When increasing amounts of calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide or barium hydroxide are added, the viscosity first goes down and then goes up. This can be explained in terms of changes in pH and changes in ionic strength impacting on the surface potential of the particles in suspension. Adding the same concentration of different cations results in different viscosities, with the order being (from high to low viscosity) Ba>Sr>Ca. Effects of partial dissolution of and structural changes to the alumina particles at high pH cannot be excluded. In order to better understanding the different effects, it was attempted to measure the zeta potential of the slurries at different pH values. This resulted in highly positive zeta potential values over the complete pH range, without the observationof an iso-electric point. This does not fit to the observed changes in rheology and contrasts withliterature data. One explanation would be that the measurement system used is unsuitable to yield correct zeta potential values for the materials under investigation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Kondlo, Princess Kholiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53333 , vital:45141
- Description: In this work, the rheological properties of alumina slurries milled to different particle sizes were investigated. Viscosity increases as the particle size decreases. When increasing amounts of calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide or barium hydroxide are added, the viscosity first goes down and then goes up. This can be explained in terms of changes in pH and changes in ionic strength impacting on the surface potential of the particles in suspension. Adding the same concentration of different cations results in different viscosities, with the order being (from high to low viscosity) Ba>Sr>Ca. Effects of partial dissolution of and structural changes to the alumina particles at high pH cannot be excluded. In order to better understanding the different effects, it was attempted to measure the zeta potential of the slurries at different pH values. This resulted in highly positive zeta potential values over the complete pH range, without the observationof an iso-electric point. This does not fit to the observed changes in rheology and contrasts withliterature data. One explanation would be that the measurement system used is unsuitable to yield correct zeta potential values for the materials under investigation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Smart factory adoption for a dairy factory in South Africa
- Authors: Rudman, Richard
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52963 , vital:44895
- Description: Smart Factories are a key component of Industry 4.0 and have over the last few years become a relevant topic in manufacturing across all industries. The dairy industry is no different and many of the leading dairy manufacturers have adopted many Smart Factory components and technologies. These Smart Factory components and technologies have led to change in the workplace compared to the traditional way of manufacturing. With any organisational change, it is important to consider the impact that it has on the employees of the organisations and what their attitudes and perceptions towards these changes are. When understanding employees’ attitude and perceptions of changes or factors with regard to technological changes in the workplace, organisations can manage and improve the adoption of Smart Factory Adoption. There is limited research on Smart Factory adoption in the dairy manufacturing industry in South Africa. A conceptual model was proposed based on a literature study, identifying the main factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory. A hypothesised model was tested by conducting a research study with a sample of employees from different hierarchical levels in a dairy factory. The questionnaire was distributed to employees and management in the organisation. The results and insights obtained, determined the factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory in South Africa. This study identified that the independent factors of Individual Factors, Job Security, Perceived Benefits, Trust, Company Culture towards new innovations/technologies, Company Culture with employee involvement towards new innovation/technologies, Cost and Resources, Employee perceived value of Skills and Training and Organisational Skills and Training development all have a significant positive effect on Smart Dairy Adoption. The study further identified that the Job Level of employees have a significant effect on all of the factors influencing the Smart Dairy Adoption. This is a significant finding due to the fact that management, in general, is responsible for implementing Smart Factory technologies, whereas the general workforce are the ones accepting and being affected most by the change. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Rudman, Richard
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52963 , vital:44895
- Description: Smart Factories are a key component of Industry 4.0 and have over the last few years become a relevant topic in manufacturing across all industries. The dairy industry is no different and many of the leading dairy manufacturers have adopted many Smart Factory components and technologies. These Smart Factory components and technologies have led to change in the workplace compared to the traditional way of manufacturing. With any organisational change, it is important to consider the impact that it has on the employees of the organisations and what their attitudes and perceptions towards these changes are. When understanding employees’ attitude and perceptions of changes or factors with regard to technological changes in the workplace, organisations can manage and improve the adoption of Smart Factory Adoption. There is limited research on Smart Factory adoption in the dairy manufacturing industry in South Africa. A conceptual model was proposed based on a literature study, identifying the main factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory. A hypothesised model was tested by conducting a research study with a sample of employees from different hierarchical levels in a dairy factory. The questionnaire was distributed to employees and management in the organisation. The results and insights obtained, determined the factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory in South Africa. This study identified that the independent factors of Individual Factors, Job Security, Perceived Benefits, Trust, Company Culture towards new innovations/technologies, Company Culture with employee involvement towards new innovation/technologies, Cost and Resources, Employee perceived value of Skills and Training and Organisational Skills and Training development all have a significant positive effect on Smart Dairy Adoption. The study further identified that the Job Level of employees have a significant effect on all of the factors influencing the Smart Dairy Adoption. This is a significant finding due to the fact that management, in general, is responsible for implementing Smart Factory technologies, whereas the general workforce are the ones accepting and being affected most by the change. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
South Africa’s auto industry trade elasticity to economic performance in BRICS countries
- Authors: Siswana, Babalwa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52980 , vital:44901
- Description: South Africa’s automotive industry is a vital element in the country’s economy. This sector has been a strategically important sector in South Africa, and it is imperative to ensure not only the sustainability of the automotive sector in the country, but also the continued growth of the industry. This study addressed the determinants of South Africa’s automotive exports to BRICS countries. The main aim of the study is to examine South Africa’s automotive industry trade elasticity to economic performance in BRICS countries. An econometric assessment was done using different estimation techniques, namely Dynamic Panel Data General Method of Moments (GMM) on annual data from 2000 to 2016, quantile regression for the same period, and ANOVA analysis. This study used eight endogenous variables in explaining determinants of South African automotive export to BRICS countries. The results from the GMM technique suggested that only four variables out of eight variables were statistically significant, namely, automotive exports lagged once, corporate tax, research and development (R&D), and real exchange rates. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, and R&D all reduced automotive exports in South Africa. Quantile regression provided difference compared to the GMM dynamic panel data analysis. In the panel data analysis, corporate tax was positive, while in the quantile regression only Brazil’s corporate tax had a positive effect on South African automotive exports. FDI results in panel data GMM results were the same as quantile, while other variables results were not consistence with the dynamic panel data GMM results. The ANOVA results suggested that significant differences between BRICS countries impact on South Africa’s automotive exports. The findings indicate that South African automotive exports to BRICS have been proven to be elastic in four variables., namely, automotive exports lagged once, corporate tax, research and development (R&D), and real exchange rates. The South African automotive industry implemented policies such as the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP); however, these policies failed to realise the targets set by the v industry. On the policies regarding automotive exports in South Africa, it is equally important to pay attention to corporate tax in South Africa as well as in other BRICS countries. BRICS economies lack policy synchronisation, hence the adverse impact on South African automotive exports. South Africa’s BRICS counterparts are knowledge-driven economies. Developing a strong human base is required in the sector. In addition, there is a need for BRICS countries to have a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance trade amongst member states. Having free trade could help to make BRICS economic integration more meaningful to BRICS countries and the region. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Siswana, Babalwa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52980 , vital:44901
- Description: South Africa’s automotive industry is a vital element in the country’s economy. This sector has been a strategically important sector in South Africa, and it is imperative to ensure not only the sustainability of the automotive sector in the country, but also the continued growth of the industry. This study addressed the determinants of South Africa’s automotive exports to BRICS countries. The main aim of the study is to examine South Africa’s automotive industry trade elasticity to economic performance in BRICS countries. An econometric assessment was done using different estimation techniques, namely Dynamic Panel Data General Method of Moments (GMM) on annual data from 2000 to 2016, quantile regression for the same period, and ANOVA analysis. This study used eight endogenous variables in explaining determinants of South African automotive export to BRICS countries. The results from the GMM technique suggested that only four variables out of eight variables were statistically significant, namely, automotive exports lagged once, corporate tax, research and development (R&D), and real exchange rates. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, and R&D all reduced automotive exports in South Africa. Quantile regression provided difference compared to the GMM dynamic panel data analysis. In the panel data analysis, corporate tax was positive, while in the quantile regression only Brazil’s corporate tax had a positive effect on South African automotive exports. FDI results in panel data GMM results were the same as quantile, while other variables results were not consistence with the dynamic panel data GMM results. The ANOVA results suggested that significant differences between BRICS countries impact on South Africa’s automotive exports. The findings indicate that South African automotive exports to BRICS have been proven to be elastic in four variables., namely, automotive exports lagged once, corporate tax, research and development (R&D), and real exchange rates. The South African automotive industry implemented policies such as the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) and the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP); however, these policies failed to realise the targets set by the v industry. On the policies regarding automotive exports in South Africa, it is equally important to pay attention to corporate tax in South Africa as well as in other BRICS countries. BRICS economies lack policy synchronisation, hence the adverse impact on South African automotive exports. South Africa’s BRICS counterparts are knowledge-driven economies. Developing a strong human base is required in the sector. In addition, there is a need for BRICS countries to have a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance trade amongst member states. Having free trade could help to make BRICS economic integration more meaningful to BRICS countries and the region. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04