The impact of South African monetary policy on output and price stability in Namibia
- William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Authors: William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Common Monetary Area (Organization) , Monetary unions -- Africa, Southern , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- Namibia , Repurchase agreements -- South Africa , Repurchase agreements -- Namibia , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- Namibia , Namibia -- Economic conditions , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167709 , vital:41505
- Description: Namibia is a member country of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. South Africa is the anchor country to which the smaller member states have surrendered monetary policy authority. This thesis therefore examines the empirical relationship between the South Africa repo rate (SArepo) on the one hand and Namibia’s repo rate (Namrepo), Prime Lending Rate (PLR), Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE), Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand. The credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism informs the theoretical foundation of the thesis. Vector Autoregression modelling, variance decomposition and impulse response functions were used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between the SArepo and said variables in Namibia. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 2003 to 2017. The variation in the Namrepo was predominantly explained by the SArepo, which confirmed that the Namrepo strongly followed the SArepo. The impulse response function results found that the impact of a contractionary monetary policy shock (an increase in the SArepo) lasted for up to six quarters before the effect started to fade. The Namrepo exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo, although the magnitude of the response started to fade after the third quarter. The PLR, as a representative of market rates in Namibia, also exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo. The results were similar for the Namrepo and the PLR because changes to the NamRepo are passed through immediately to the market interest rates. On the real variables, the study found that a contractionary monetary policy shock initiated in South Africa resulted in an increase in inflation in Namibia of less than 0.4 percent, whereas output declined by less than 1.0 percent. Interestingly, a Namibia (domestic) contractionary monetary policy shock resulted in a decline in prices of less than 0.4 percent. GDP, on the other hand, exhibited a positive response to a contractionary monetary shock, with an increase of less than 2.0 percent in the first four quarters of the period observed. The results reflected that a contractionary monetary policy shock from South Africa was more effective with regard to its impact on GDP; however, a domestic monetary policy shock was more effective at impacting on domestic inflation compared to the impact from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: William, Anna Martha Tandakos
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Common Monetary Area (Organization) , Monetary unions -- Africa, Southern , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- Namibia , Repurchase agreements -- South Africa , Repurchase agreements -- Namibia , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- Namibia , Namibia -- Economic conditions , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167709 , vital:41505
- Description: Namibia is a member country of the Common Monetary Area (CMA) with Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa. South Africa is the anchor country to which the smaller member states have surrendered monetary policy authority. This thesis therefore examines the empirical relationship between the South Africa repo rate (SArepo) on the one hand and Namibia’s repo rate (Namrepo), Prime Lending Rate (PLR), Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE), Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the other hand. The credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism informs the theoretical foundation of the thesis. Vector Autoregression modelling, variance decomposition and impulse response functions were used to explore the nature and strength of the relationship between the SArepo and said variables in Namibia. This thesis used quarterly data for the period 2003 to 2017. The variation in the Namrepo was predominantly explained by the SArepo, which confirmed that the Namrepo strongly followed the SArepo. The impulse response function results found that the impact of a contractionary monetary policy shock (an increase in the SArepo) lasted for up to six quarters before the effect started to fade. The Namrepo exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo, although the magnitude of the response started to fade after the third quarter. The PLR, as a representative of market rates in Namibia, also exhibited a positive response to an increase in the SArepo. The results were similar for the Namrepo and the PLR because changes to the NamRepo are passed through immediately to the market interest rates. On the real variables, the study found that a contractionary monetary policy shock initiated in South Africa resulted in an increase in inflation in Namibia of less than 0.4 percent, whereas output declined by less than 1.0 percent. Interestingly, a Namibia (domestic) contractionary monetary policy shock resulted in a decline in prices of less than 0.4 percent. GDP, on the other hand, exhibited a positive response to a contractionary monetary shock, with an increase of less than 2.0 percent in the first four quarters of the period observed. The results reflected that a contractionary monetary policy shock from South Africa was more effective with regard to its impact on GDP; however, a domestic monetary policy shock was more effective at impacting on domestic inflation compared to the impact from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of the Dieselgate vehicle emmissions scandal on customer equity in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of the minimum wage on poverty and industrial relations in the hospitality industry in Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maqubela, Zikisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Minimum wage -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Poverty -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Wages -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Service industries workers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/118685 , vital:34658
- Description: This dissertation endeavours to unpack and understand the impact of the minimum wage on the hospitality industry with a specific focus on Grahamstown. The areas of impact that are of immediate interest were the impact on poverty and industrial relations. In operationalising this research, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The overall design of the study was a case study in a bid to ensure deeper insights may be extracted from semi-structured interviews that were then thematically analysed. Theoretically, the study was guided by the understanding of citizenship as articulated by Mamdani as well as Keynesian theory. The central theme when exploring the minimum wage in relation to poverty is that the minimum wage that is currently paid is enough to aid workers and their families in escaping abject poverty, however, it does not go far enough to further ensure that they totally escape poverty as measured by the Upper Bound Poverty Line. The inadequacy of the minimum wage in ensuring that people are pushed out of poverty would then mean that their claims to citizenship are compromised and the quality of life they can access is often below what would be readily accepted of a citizen of South Africa. Lifestyle entrepreneurs offer an alternative approach to doing business that can see higher pay as further entrench claims to citizenship. The central case around industrial relations is that the impact of the minimum wage is indeterminate for two reasons. Broadly speaking, the impact would need to be reviewed at a macro-level and not simply within the impacted sectors. This is the various interconnected value chains that could feel indirect impacts at the initiation of a minimum wage. Further, the impact such changes has to individual firms is also indeterminate as employers have a range of choices that they can adopt in absorbing the impact of a minimum wage, which may include simply increasing the price the end consumer pays or retrenching some staff members. However, the choice that employers would make in this context is not predetermined but rather would vary between firms due to the very specifics of each firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The implementation of grade R admission policy: a case study of four primary schools in Mopani District Limpopo Province
- Authors: Lebea, Paulina Matsatsi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Admission policy (Schools) -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- Admission
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11310 , vital:39055
- Description: This study investigated the implementation of Grade R admission policy in Mopani District in Limpopo Province and focussed on four primary schools in Makhutswe circuit which has got Grade R classes. The interpretive paradigm was applied as the chosen methodology for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. A review of secondary sources to corroborate the gathered information was also used. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis through emerging themes from the transcribed data from the interviews. The participants were purposively selected for the sample of this study. These included 1 principal per school, 1 Grade R educator per school, 5 SGB members per school, and 2 admission committee members per school. Through the participant’s responses from the schools under study, a transcript was formulated, coded, and categorized in view of the implementation of the Grade R Admission Policy in primary schools. The study found out that the admission policy for Grade R learners was not properly implemented in most of the primary schools due to lack of understanding how the policy must be implemented. It was also revealed that, most of the principals together with their admission committee members tend to use their own discretion concerning the admission of Grade R learners in schools. It further emerged that some of the learners denied admission despite the existing legislation that proscribes that every child has the right to education. Furthermore, the study found out that the district office did not involve the primary teachers before formulating the policy. Hence, the participants showed that they did not have good and proper understanding of the implementation process neither were they well versed about what entailed monitoring the admission policy. As a result, Department of Education resorted to coming up with ways of continuously training and conducting workshops for the educators before they can admit learners to Grade R.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lebea, Paulina Matsatsi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Admission policy (Schools) -- South Africa , Education, Primary -- Admission
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11310 , vital:39055
- Description: This study investigated the implementation of Grade R admission policy in Mopani District in Limpopo Province and focussed on four primary schools in Makhutswe circuit which has got Grade R classes. The interpretive paradigm was applied as the chosen methodology for the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. A review of secondary sources to corroborate the gathered information was also used. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis through emerging themes from the transcribed data from the interviews. The participants were purposively selected for the sample of this study. These included 1 principal per school, 1 Grade R educator per school, 5 SGB members per school, and 2 admission committee members per school. Through the participant’s responses from the schools under study, a transcript was formulated, coded, and categorized in view of the implementation of the Grade R Admission Policy in primary schools. The study found out that the admission policy for Grade R learners was not properly implemented in most of the primary schools due to lack of understanding how the policy must be implemented. It was also revealed that, most of the principals together with their admission committee members tend to use their own discretion concerning the admission of Grade R learners in schools. It further emerged that some of the learners denied admission despite the existing legislation that proscribes that every child has the right to education. Furthermore, the study found out that the district office did not involve the primary teachers before formulating the policy. Hence, the participants showed that they did not have good and proper understanding of the implementation process neither were they well versed about what entailed monitoring the admission policy. As a result, Department of Education resorted to coming up with ways of continuously training and conducting workshops for the educators before they can admit learners to Grade R.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The implementation of the back to basics programme by municipalities: a case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality
- Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Authors: Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18941 , vital:43001
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Back-to-Basics (B2B) programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study used qualitative research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews. The finding of the study revealed that the municipality was able to sufficiently implement the appropriate B2B programme in the community areas. Moreover, the findings identified corruption and mismanagement of funds, improper understanding of the municipality’s IDP and the roles of different government departments, poor communication skills between the municipality ward councillors and the community members, as well as poor service delivery as some of the challenges faced by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in implementing the Back-To-Basics programmes. Importantly, in respective community areas, the findings revealed that water crises, empty promises and unrealistic/fake promises are some of the negative impacts the community members experienced during the implementation of the B2B programme, which brought little growth and development to the communities. Besides, the findings revealed that the implementation of this programme created employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities. The study, however, concluded that the municipality is not doing enough in the implementation of B2B programme as many communities still complain of poor service delivery. Hence, for effectiveness in the implementation of B2B programme, it is important that the municipality delegates powers to the ward councillors. Furthermore, municipality management needs to refrain from making empty promises to the communities, they must be honest and deliver qualitative services to communities. However, community members should show signs of appreciation to all municipal activities, as well be supportive and ii show lots of interest and willingness attending the municipality’s manifestoes. Finally, the municipality management should ensure transparency, effective communication with the community members, provision of good service delivery, fulfilment of promises, honesty, proper budgetary allocation and spending, effective monitoring and evaluation of the municipal officials, as well as avoiding of nepotism in awarding tenders for the purpose of achieving a smooth running of the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18941 , vital:43001
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Back-to-Basics (B2B) programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study used qualitative research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews. The finding of the study revealed that the municipality was able to sufficiently implement the appropriate B2B programme in the community areas. Moreover, the findings identified corruption and mismanagement of funds, improper understanding of the municipality’s IDP and the roles of different government departments, poor communication skills between the municipality ward councillors and the community members, as well as poor service delivery as some of the challenges faced by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in implementing the Back-To-Basics programmes. Importantly, in respective community areas, the findings revealed that water crises, empty promises and unrealistic/fake promises are some of the negative impacts the community members experienced during the implementation of the B2B programme, which brought little growth and development to the communities. Besides, the findings revealed that the implementation of this programme created employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities. The study, however, concluded that the municipality is not doing enough in the implementation of B2B programme as many communities still complain of poor service delivery. Hence, for effectiveness in the implementation of B2B programme, it is important that the municipality delegates powers to the ward councillors. Furthermore, municipality management needs to refrain from making empty promises to the communities, they must be honest and deliver qualitative services to communities. However, community members should show signs of appreciation to all municipal activities, as well be supportive and ii show lots of interest and willingness attending the municipality’s manifestoes. Finally, the municipality management should ensure transparency, effective communication with the community members, provision of good service delivery, fulfilment of promises, honesty, proper budgetary allocation and spending, effective monitoring and evaluation of the municipal officials, as well as avoiding of nepotism in awarding tenders for the purpose of achieving a smooth running of the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The implications of indigenisation policy on women empowerment in Zimbabwe : a case study of Mhondoro-Ngezi District
- Authors: Makosa, Precious Tariro
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic policy , Women in development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12406 , vital:39261
- Description: The study sought to establish how the indigenisation policy solves women discrimination by empowering them through the Community Share Ownership Trust revenue. Literature reveals that Zimbabwe was not the first country to implement the indigenization policy as it was implemented in neighbouring countries. The aim of the policy was to disempower foreign investors and empower local people with the aim of lifting up the standards of the discriminated and less privileged, such as women. Based on the results, the study establishes and concludes that discrimination of women was poorly addressed by the indigenization policy due to some factors such as poor presentation of women in the law-making bodies, patriarchal dominance as well as cultural beliefs that supress women, and lack of clarity on policy objectives. Therefore, a top-down approach was used to address the problem of discrimination faced by women at market place. As a result the approach yielded a negative outcome because empowerment of women without women ideas is impossible. Basic Need Approach (BNA) and Capability Approach (CA) are the two approaches discussed in relation to women and Indigenization, Economic and Empowerment policy in Zimbabwe, with a case reference to Mhondoro-Ngezi district. More preference was given to the capability approach. This was so because it helps to explain the abilities and potential in women as entrepreneurs who produce outcomes to development of society and the nation at large. The study was qualitative in nature of which descriptive research design was employed where semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used as research tools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Makosa, Precious Tariro
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Zimbabwe -- Economic policy , Women in development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12406 , vital:39261
- Description: The study sought to establish how the indigenisation policy solves women discrimination by empowering them through the Community Share Ownership Trust revenue. Literature reveals that Zimbabwe was not the first country to implement the indigenization policy as it was implemented in neighbouring countries. The aim of the policy was to disempower foreign investors and empower local people with the aim of lifting up the standards of the discriminated and less privileged, such as women. Based on the results, the study establishes and concludes that discrimination of women was poorly addressed by the indigenization policy due to some factors such as poor presentation of women in the law-making bodies, patriarchal dominance as well as cultural beliefs that supress women, and lack of clarity on policy objectives. Therefore, a top-down approach was used to address the problem of discrimination faced by women at market place. As a result the approach yielded a negative outcome because empowerment of women without women ideas is impossible. Basic Need Approach (BNA) and Capability Approach (CA) are the two approaches discussed in relation to women and Indigenization, Economic and Empowerment policy in Zimbabwe, with a case reference to Mhondoro-Ngezi district. More preference was given to the capability approach. This was so because it helps to explain the abilities and potential in women as entrepreneurs who produce outcomes to development of society and the nation at large. The study was qualitative in nature of which descriptive research design was employed where semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used as research tools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The importance of employee job satisfaction in the public sector
- Authors: Kedama, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job Satisfaction -- South Africa , Employee Retention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46933 , vital:39735
- Description: The success of service delivery heavily relies on how satisfied employees are with their jobs, and how they are treated within the South African public sector. A number of deliberations can be described and linked to the importance of job satisfaction. Firstly, job satisfaction contributes to the mental health and general life satisfaction of employees. This may happen through acquiring self-esteem, which is a person's overall sense of self-worth and/or personal values. Organisations depend on the health, skills, knowledge, and ability of their human resources in order to stay abreast with technological developments and remain competent on the global stage as they pursue organisational goals and objectives. This dependence has given rise to the need to assess the importance of employee job satisfaction in the South African public sector. To that end, this study employed a desktop research method by reviewing journal articles, government gazettes, conference papers, and relevant books to gather data and conduct content analysis in order to establish facts about employee job satisfaction in the public sector. The study found that emotional, cognitive, and behavioural components make up job satisfaction. The feelings that an employee has regarding his or her job form the emotional component of job satisfaction n. In addition, boredom, anxiety, and excitement are the most common feelings experienced by employees when they perform their jobs. Actions such as coming late to work and pretending to be ill form the behavioural components and types of actions that employees display in relation to their levels of job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kedama, Nombuyiselo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job Satisfaction -- South Africa , Employee Retention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46933 , vital:39735
- Description: The success of service delivery heavily relies on how satisfied employees are with their jobs, and how they are treated within the South African public sector. A number of deliberations can be described and linked to the importance of job satisfaction. Firstly, job satisfaction contributes to the mental health and general life satisfaction of employees. This may happen through acquiring self-esteem, which is a person's overall sense of self-worth and/or personal values. Organisations depend on the health, skills, knowledge, and ability of their human resources in order to stay abreast with technological developments and remain competent on the global stage as they pursue organisational goals and objectives. This dependence has given rise to the need to assess the importance of employee job satisfaction in the South African public sector. To that end, this study employed a desktop research method by reviewing journal articles, government gazettes, conference papers, and relevant books to gather data and conduct content analysis in order to establish facts about employee job satisfaction in the public sector. The study found that emotional, cognitive, and behavioural components make up job satisfaction. The feelings that an employee has regarding his or her job form the emotional component of job satisfaction n. In addition, boredom, anxiety, and excitement are the most common feelings experienced by employees when they perform their jobs. Actions such as coming late to work and pretending to be ill form the behavioural components and types of actions that employees display in relation to their levels of job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The indigenous I/Eye: transgressive performativities of blackness within the South African Visual Arts
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of anthropogenic and environmental covariates on the habitat use and density of sympatric carnivores, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Authors: Faure, J Philip B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48302 , vital:40840
- Description: Carnivores are declining and undergoing substantial range contractions which have largely been attributed to anthropogenic related. Globally, there has been an increase in establishing protected areas for species conservation. However, protected areas may not always effectively conserve all biodiversity, where some areas are too small for viable populations of wide-ranging species, such as leopards Panthera pardus, spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta, and brown hyaenas Parahyaena brunnea. The importance of privately-owned areas are gaining increasing recognition for their role in conserving species, and ecosystems. Though such areas may provide key opportunities for the conservation and persistence of biodiversity, little attention (with regards to species conservation planning) is given to these areas. Furthermore, large carnivore populations increasingly have to share the landscapes with humans as the global human population increase. Though anthropogenic impacts can be limited within protected areas, human activities on privately-owned farmlands are mostly dictated by economic activity to sustain human presence (often leading to humancarnivore conflicts). Platjan (South Africa) is one such area. It comprise a matrix of agricultural practices and land-use types, dominated by humans. Consequently, it presented an ideal landscape to investigate how humans and carnivores coexist. Spatial capture-recapture modelling suggest stable populations manifested through low densities for leopards, spotted hyaenas, brown hyaenas, and Africa civet Civettictis civetta within the study area. Densities of the focal species were more similar to what has been found in more arid environments. Though it should be noted, that population fluctuations are common in nature, and this study only provide a brief snapshot of the population. Nonetheless, it provides baseline carnivore density estimates for the area. Single-season, single-species occupancy modelling was used to determine the influence of anthropogenic variables on species probability of site use. Results suggested that leopards and spotted hyaenas avoided crop fields (possibly due to higher human activity in these areas). Whereas black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas were positively influenced by the proportion of survey sites containing human infrastructure (possibly due to additional food sources provided by human presence). The covariates did not suggest any effect on brown hyaena and African civet probability of site use, which may be explained by temporal niche partitioning between the species and humans. Kernel density estimation and selectivity ratios revealed that all carnivores were predominantly crepuscular-nocturnal, with the exception of brown hyaenas which were strictly nocturnal. Among the focal species, brown hyaenas and African civets had the lowest temporal overlap with humans, which may explain why they weren’t affected by any of the anthropogenic variables. Whereas, jackal had the highest overlap, supporting a notion that they may be more tolerant of human presence than the other study animals. Overall, it seems that carnivores are able to coexist with humans on privately-owned farmlands through temporal niche partitioning, but manifest at rather low densities. Nonetheless, this study adds to the current understanding of human-carnivore coadaptation, and provides the first carnivore density estimates for the Platjan region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Faure, J Philip B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Carnivorous animals -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48302 , vital:40840
- Description: Carnivores are declining and undergoing substantial range contractions which have largely been attributed to anthropogenic related. Globally, there has been an increase in establishing protected areas for species conservation. However, protected areas may not always effectively conserve all biodiversity, where some areas are too small for viable populations of wide-ranging species, such as leopards Panthera pardus, spotted hyaenas Crocuta crocuta, and brown hyaenas Parahyaena brunnea. The importance of privately-owned areas are gaining increasing recognition for their role in conserving species, and ecosystems. Though such areas may provide key opportunities for the conservation and persistence of biodiversity, little attention (with regards to species conservation planning) is given to these areas. Furthermore, large carnivore populations increasingly have to share the landscapes with humans as the global human population increase. Though anthropogenic impacts can be limited within protected areas, human activities on privately-owned farmlands are mostly dictated by economic activity to sustain human presence (often leading to humancarnivore conflicts). Platjan (South Africa) is one such area. It comprise a matrix of agricultural practices and land-use types, dominated by humans. Consequently, it presented an ideal landscape to investigate how humans and carnivores coexist. Spatial capture-recapture modelling suggest stable populations manifested through low densities for leopards, spotted hyaenas, brown hyaenas, and Africa civet Civettictis civetta within the study area. Densities of the focal species were more similar to what has been found in more arid environments. Though it should be noted, that population fluctuations are common in nature, and this study only provide a brief snapshot of the population. Nonetheless, it provides baseline carnivore density estimates for the area. Single-season, single-species occupancy modelling was used to determine the influence of anthropogenic variables on species probability of site use. Results suggested that leopards and spotted hyaenas avoided crop fields (possibly due to higher human activity in these areas). Whereas black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas were positively influenced by the proportion of survey sites containing human infrastructure (possibly due to additional food sources provided by human presence). The covariates did not suggest any effect on brown hyaena and African civet probability of site use, which may be explained by temporal niche partitioning between the species and humans. Kernel density estimation and selectivity ratios revealed that all carnivores were predominantly crepuscular-nocturnal, with the exception of brown hyaenas which were strictly nocturnal. Among the focal species, brown hyaenas and African civets had the lowest temporal overlap with humans, which may explain why they weren’t affected by any of the anthropogenic variables. Whereas, jackal had the highest overlap, supporting a notion that they may be more tolerant of human presence than the other study animals. Overall, it seems that carnivores are able to coexist with humans on privately-owned farmlands through temporal niche partitioning, but manifest at rather low densities. Nonetheless, this study adds to the current understanding of human-carnivore coadaptation, and provides the first carnivore density estimates for the Platjan region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of online service quality on future purchasing intent
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of project management maturity on project success – A case of private organization’s infrastructure projects
- Authors: Manunga, Felicia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Project Management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49909 , vital:41816
- Description: The construction industry is characterised by the high rate of project failures. Industry professionals consider inconsistent project management practices to be a major cause of these failures. A leading contributor to these inconsistent project management practices is that there is no one project management standard followed in the industry, thereby resulting in different interpretations and applications by project managers. Given the intricate nature of construction projects, correct project management practices and project management maturity are paramount in achieving the overall envisaged project benefits,project success and business profit by organisations. As such, this study arose from the desire to improve the prevailing practices in construction projects, particularly in the Private Healthcare Industry. Against this background, the purpose of this study was to develop a framework that aims to improve the prevailing project management practices in infrastructure projects within the Private Healthcare Industry. This was done through evaluating the appropriate frameworks and theories in construction project management practices, project management maturity, and project success concepts. This then led to determining the correct construction project management practices required for the successful execution of infrastructure projects. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of literature was conducted that covered a review of project management practices, benefits, and theories The review of literature concluded with the main study proposition: Project management maturity has an influence on project success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manunga, Felicia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Project Management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49909 , vital:41816
- Description: The construction industry is characterised by the high rate of project failures. Industry professionals consider inconsistent project management practices to be a major cause of these failures. A leading contributor to these inconsistent project management practices is that there is no one project management standard followed in the industry, thereby resulting in different interpretations and applications by project managers. Given the intricate nature of construction projects, correct project management practices and project management maturity are paramount in achieving the overall envisaged project benefits,project success and business profit by organisations. As such, this study arose from the desire to improve the prevailing practices in construction projects, particularly in the Private Healthcare Industry. Against this background, the purpose of this study was to develop a framework that aims to improve the prevailing project management practices in infrastructure projects within the Private Healthcare Industry. This was done through evaluating the appropriate frameworks and theories in construction project management practices, project management maturity, and project success concepts. This then led to determining the correct construction project management practices required for the successful execution of infrastructure projects. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of literature was conducted that covered a review of project management practices, benefits, and theories The review of literature concluded with the main study proposition: Project management maturity has an influence on project success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of the integration of local knowledge during chemistry hands-on practical activities on grade 8/9 learners’ attitude towards science
- Authors: Ngqinambi, Akhona
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Science teachers -- South Africa , High school students -- Attitudes , Communities of practice -- South Africa , Science clubs -- South Africa , Science projects -- South Africa , Constructivism (Education) -- South Africa , Educational counseling -- South Africa , Local knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144724 , vital:38373
- Description: With every passing year, there is a decrease in the number of learners pursuing science degrees after completion of grade 12. One of the main reasons for this is the negative attitude that high school learners have towards science learning and science as an entity. The Natural Sciences curriculum suggests the use of local knowledge to introduce the usefulness and the relatability of science to learners. This study is an intervention that seeks to ascertain the influence that local knowledge has on the attitudes of grade 8/9 learners when integrated into their chemistry hands-on practical activities. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory and Wenger’s community of practice theory. Grade 8/9 learners from four high school science clubs did three local knowledge integrated experiments based on acids and bases. The learners completed pre- and post- surveys and were interviewed about their experiences. Volunteers at the science clubs were also interviewed. Excel was used to deductively analyse quantitative data. On the other hand, an inductive-deductive thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of the study showed a divergence of qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative data showed that there was a slight decrease (but not statistically significant) in the attitude of the learners after engaging in chemistry hands-on practical activities into which local knowledge had been integrated. On the other hand, the qualitative data showed that there was a positive shift in the learners’ attitudes after they had been engaged in the chemistry hands-on practical activities. Additionally, the findings of the study revealed that the integration of local knowledge promotes conceptual understanding and improves the performance of the learners. This study thus recommends that local knowledge should be integrated into the grade 8 and 9 learners’ curriculum to enrich and promote contextualized science for learners. Additionally, the integration of local knowledge would promote conceptual understanding and spark interest and motivation in learners to pursue science-related careers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngqinambi, Akhona
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa , Science teachers -- South Africa , High school students -- Attitudes , Communities of practice -- South Africa , Science clubs -- South Africa , Science projects -- South Africa , Constructivism (Education) -- South Africa , Educational counseling -- South Africa , Local knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144724 , vital:38373
- Description: With every passing year, there is a decrease in the number of learners pursuing science degrees after completion of grade 12. One of the main reasons for this is the negative attitude that high school learners have towards science learning and science as an entity. The Natural Sciences curriculum suggests the use of local knowledge to introduce the usefulness and the relatability of science to learners. This study is an intervention that seeks to ascertain the influence that local knowledge has on the attitudes of grade 8/9 learners when integrated into their chemistry hands-on practical activities. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory and Wenger’s community of practice theory. Grade 8/9 learners from four high school science clubs did three local knowledge integrated experiments based on acids and bases. The learners completed pre- and post- surveys and were interviewed about their experiences. Volunteers at the science clubs were also interviewed. Excel was used to deductively analyse quantitative data. On the other hand, an inductive-deductive thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings of the study showed a divergence of qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative data showed that there was a slight decrease (but not statistically significant) in the attitude of the learners after engaging in chemistry hands-on practical activities into which local knowledge had been integrated. On the other hand, the qualitative data showed that there was a positive shift in the learners’ attitudes after they had been engaged in the chemistry hands-on practical activities. Additionally, the findings of the study revealed that the integration of local knowledge promotes conceptual understanding and improves the performance of the learners. This study thus recommends that local knowledge should be integrated into the grade 8 and 9 learners’ curriculum to enrich and promote contextualized science for learners. Additionally, the integration of local knowledge would promote conceptual understanding and spark interest and motivation in learners to pursue science-related careers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The international arbitration act and dispute resolution
- Authors: Mkorongo, Michelle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- Africa , International commercial arbitration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49005 , vital:41592
- Description: Worldwide, states that had incorporated international standards of arbitration or drew influence from them, thrived in providing effective and efficient resolution of international commercial disputes. However, since 1965, there had been little to no increase in resolving international commercial disputes between private parties in South Africa, either through the court or arbitration. As a result, private parties were drawn to arbitrating in states that had incorporated these international standards and conformed to the aim of unifying arbitral regulation. This study aims to determine what South Africa’s response was in dealing with international commercial disputes and the development of arbitration as an appropriate dispute resolution mechanism. Based on the premise that arbitration is regarded as a popular dispute resolution mechanism when it comes to international trade transactions globally, this study will unpack why arbitration in South Africa did not reflect this premise. A thorough analysis of how international arbitration and its regulation developed globally will be conducted to show at what point uniform regulation came about. The results will indicate in what ways South Africa’s regulatory framework was insufficient to deal with international arbitration and will show how it took a considerable amount of time to regulate arbitration appropriately. Upon regulating international arbitration in 2017, the study will show other ways that South Africa can enhance itself in terms of providing a comprehensive regulatory framework and position itself as an ideal seat of arbitration in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mkorongo, Michelle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- Africa , International commercial arbitration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49005 , vital:41592
- Description: Worldwide, states that had incorporated international standards of arbitration or drew influence from them, thrived in providing effective and efficient resolution of international commercial disputes. However, since 1965, there had been little to no increase in resolving international commercial disputes between private parties in South Africa, either through the court or arbitration. As a result, private parties were drawn to arbitrating in states that had incorporated these international standards and conformed to the aim of unifying arbitral regulation. This study aims to determine what South Africa’s response was in dealing with international commercial disputes and the development of arbitration as an appropriate dispute resolution mechanism. Based on the premise that arbitration is regarded as a popular dispute resolution mechanism when it comes to international trade transactions globally, this study will unpack why arbitration in South Africa did not reflect this premise. A thorough analysis of how international arbitration and its regulation developed globally will be conducted to show at what point uniform regulation came about. The results will indicate in what ways South Africa’s regulatory framework was insufficient to deal with international arbitration and will show how it took a considerable amount of time to regulate arbitration appropriately. Upon regulating international arbitration in 2017, the study will show other ways that South Africa can enhance itself in terms of providing a comprehensive regulatory framework and position itself as an ideal seat of arbitration in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Islamic Bloc at the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Authors: Rist, Duncan Graham
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: United Nations Human Rights Council , Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , International relations , International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects , Political leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Power (Social sciences) -- United States , Human rights -- International cooperation , Liberalism -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142759 , vital:38114
- Description: Uncertainty as to the future of the liberal international order and the position of the United States within an international system in which it is not the hegemon remains a topic of debate amongst scholars of International Relations (Acharya: 2017; Duncombe and Dunne: 2018; Ikenberry: 2009, 2011, 2014; Nye: 2012 and Monteiro: 2011/2012). Fukuyama’s (1989: 4) “end of history” has not happened and a resurgence of populist leaders within established liberal democratic countries has contributed to a rapid decline of moral and ethical leadership and has further compromised the future of the liberal international order (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 27). As the relative power of the United States declines and the future of the liberal international order becomes increasingly uncertain, support for its future must be sought from outside the West (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 25 and Ikenberry: 2009). This thesis seeks to locate where potential non-Western support for the future liberal international order may be found. It does so through an analysis of how Islamic states who are part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation vote on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The OIC has a significant presence at the UNHRC and can influence the direction of the liberal international human rights regime. The evidence examined in this research project suggests that the future liberal international order and human rights regime can indeed expect some form of cooperation from the OIC. However, the OIC, and by extension Islamic states, would likely offer more support at least for human rights, if a more common understanding were to be found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Rist, Duncan Graham
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: United Nations Human Rights Council , Organisation of Islamic Cooperation , International relations , International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects , Political leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Power (Social sciences) -- United States , Human rights -- International cooperation , Liberalism -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142759 , vital:38114
- Description: Uncertainty as to the future of the liberal international order and the position of the United States within an international system in which it is not the hegemon remains a topic of debate amongst scholars of International Relations (Acharya: 2017; Duncombe and Dunne: 2018; Ikenberry: 2009, 2011, 2014; Nye: 2012 and Monteiro: 2011/2012). Fukuyama’s (1989: 4) “end of history” has not happened and a resurgence of populist leaders within established liberal democratic countries has contributed to a rapid decline of moral and ethical leadership and has further compromised the future of the liberal international order (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 27). As the relative power of the United States declines and the future of the liberal international order becomes increasingly uncertain, support for its future must be sought from outside the West (Duncombe and Dunne, 2018: 25 and Ikenberry: 2009). This thesis seeks to locate where potential non-Western support for the future liberal international order may be found. It does so through an analysis of how Islamic states who are part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation vote on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The OIC has a significant presence at the UNHRC and can influence the direction of the liberal international human rights regime. The evidence examined in this research project suggests that the future liberal international order and human rights regime can indeed expect some form of cooperation from the OIC. However, the OIC, and by extension Islamic states, would likely offer more support at least for human rights, if a more common understanding were to be found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The jackal as a mesopredator : dietary response to an apex predator and role as an endozoochore
- Authors: Favaretto, Bianca Sashika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jackal buzzard
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48313 , vital:40841
- Description: Interactions between apex predators, mesopredators and their impacts on trophic dynamics have been well documented. However, the influence of apex predators, through the provision of carrion, on the foraging ecology of African mesopredators is poorly understood. To investigate such resource supplementation by apex predators for mesopredators, the black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas, a generalist mesopredator, was used as a model species to improve our understanding of this topic in South African ecosystems. To do this, I compared the diet of jackal at replicated sites with and without cheetah in the eastern Karoo, South Africa. Scat samples were macroscopically categorized into six broad dietary categories: mammal, reptile, bird, fruit, forage and insect. Mammalian prey was further identified to species and grouped into six functional dietary categories: carnivore, large ungulate, small ungulate, small mammal, and unknown mammal. Jackal diets were dominated by mammal prey, with significant differences in the biomass and frequency of occurrence of mammals by jackal at sites with cheetah and without cheetah. Mammal consumption, showed limited variation amongst seasons. Resource supplementation provided by predator derived carrion is an important factor influencing jackal foraging ecology. The emergent hypothesis that jackal may show demographic responses (increased fecundity, survival, density) to this supplementation needs to be tested. This study also provided an opportunity to investigate the potential role of jackal as an endozoochore. Jackal consume fruits and their seeds, yet to our knowledge, an investigation into their seed dispersing abilities is yet to be investigated. This study assessed the viability and germination capacity of ingested seeds extracted from jackal scat samples using the tetrazolium tests and germination trials. Seed viability and germination of all three species (Grewia occidentalis, Pappea capensis and Diospyros lycioides) were significantly lower than uningested seeds. These results suggest that jackal gut passage is acting severely on ingested seeds. This study represents a novel investigation into differences in jackal diet in sites with and without cheetah as well as the role jackal play in endozoochory, contributing to improved understanding of the ecological role of jackal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Favaretto, Bianca Sashika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Jackal buzzard
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48313 , vital:40841
- Description: Interactions between apex predators, mesopredators and their impacts on trophic dynamics have been well documented. However, the influence of apex predators, through the provision of carrion, on the foraging ecology of African mesopredators is poorly understood. To investigate such resource supplementation by apex predators for mesopredators, the black-backed jackal Canis mesomelas, a generalist mesopredator, was used as a model species to improve our understanding of this topic in South African ecosystems. To do this, I compared the diet of jackal at replicated sites with and without cheetah in the eastern Karoo, South Africa. Scat samples were macroscopically categorized into six broad dietary categories: mammal, reptile, bird, fruit, forage and insect. Mammalian prey was further identified to species and grouped into six functional dietary categories: carnivore, large ungulate, small ungulate, small mammal, and unknown mammal. Jackal diets were dominated by mammal prey, with significant differences in the biomass and frequency of occurrence of mammals by jackal at sites with cheetah and without cheetah. Mammal consumption, showed limited variation amongst seasons. Resource supplementation provided by predator derived carrion is an important factor influencing jackal foraging ecology. The emergent hypothesis that jackal may show demographic responses (increased fecundity, survival, density) to this supplementation needs to be tested. This study also provided an opportunity to investigate the potential role of jackal as an endozoochore. Jackal consume fruits and their seeds, yet to our knowledge, an investigation into their seed dispersing abilities is yet to be investigated. This study assessed the viability and germination capacity of ingested seeds extracted from jackal scat samples using the tetrazolium tests and germination trials. Seed viability and germination of all three species (Grewia occidentalis, Pappea capensis and Diospyros lycioides) were significantly lower than uningested seeds. These results suggest that jackal gut passage is acting severely on ingested seeds. This study represents a novel investigation into differences in jackal diet in sites with and without cheetah as well as the role jackal play in endozoochory, contributing to improved understanding of the ecological role of jackal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020