A study of the development of partner relationships associated with the chinese travel trade to South Africa
- Lin, Bin
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of the effectiveness of the VCT service at the NMMU
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A survey of customer satisfaction, expectations and perceptions as a measure of service quality in SANBS
- Authors: Mququ, Mpumzi H
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African National Blood Service Consumer satisfaction Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of Blood banks -- Quality control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003888
- Description: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the service quality that the SANBS provides to its customers, by measuring customers’ perceptions and their expectations of service quality provided by the supplier of blood transfusion services. The organization that is used for this study is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Specifically the study seeks to: 1. Determine the extent to which customers are satisfied or not satisfied with the service they receive from the SANBS using the ten-dimensional format of SERVQUAL model, modified to the specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. 2. Establish customers’ perceptions of the service they receive using a multiple-item scale (SERVQUAL) for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. 3. Establish customers’ expectations of the service, and compare them to their perceptions of the service they currently receive. The comparison is made along each service quality dimension, across different parts of same service on a geographical basis, and across different customer groups on a customer category (or type) basis. 4. Recommend implementation of appropriate service quality performance improvement procedures where necessary. Study design and methods: The data for the study came from the SANBS’ customer perception and expectation survey conducted in 2005. Questionnaires were sent out to hospitals that use products and services provided by the SANBS in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa. The questionnaire was based on the multiple-item SERVQUAL model for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality, modified and tailored to specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. Questionnaires were sent out to 113 (69.3%) hospitals out of a total of 163 blood-utilizing hospitals in the two provinces. Of the 113 hospitals, 92 (81.4%) responded, with questionnaires rendered unusable. The final sample size is 88 and is included in the final study database. The data is analyzed by comparing different parts of the service on a geographical basis namely KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape zones. The data is also analyzed by comparing different customer groups namely the Rural State Hospitals, the Urban State Hospitals and Private Hospitals. Results: The result confirms the research (alternative) hypothesis (H1 : μ1 ≠ μ2), and rejects Ho. The overall expectations ratings are higher than the perceptions ratings, and the KwaZulu-Natal expectations ratings are higher than the Eastern Cape ratings. The expectations of private hospitals and rural state hospitals have a higher rating than that of urban state hospitals and the perceptions of private and urban state hospitals have a higher rating than that of rural state hospitals. The largest service quality gap is the accessibility dimension which relates specifically to approachability and ease with which customers can access staff at different levels of the organization by e-mail, and includes accessing of knowledgeable blood bank personnel and medical staff of SANBS, but may also relate to the distance of hospitals from the nearest blood bank, all of which are situated in urban state hospitals. The mean difference for accessibility is the highest followed by the understanding customer mean difference. The mean differences for the other dimension categories are significantly less than that of the largest two dimensions, but not significantly different amongst themselves. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is the largest followed by private hospitals and urban state hospitals. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is greater than that for urban state hospitals in both zones, but the mean difference for private hospitals is greater in KwaZulu-Natal than in the Eastern Cape. The dimension means of differences for rural state hospitals are greater than that for urban state hospitals. According to the correlations between expectations and perceptions for different dimensions, there is a weak or no linear relationship between expectations and perceptions. Conclusion: This empirical study supports the literature on the provision of service quality, and concludes that there is a statistically significant difference or gap between the services offered by the SANBS as perceived by its customers, and the expectations of its customers. The study substantiates the need for management of blood transfusion services to take into account customer perceptions of service quality and their expectations, and upon identification of gaps, to implement appropriate service quality improvement processes, rather than take a one sided view of their (SANBS’) own perception of service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mququ, Mpumzi H
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African National Blood Service Consumer satisfaction Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of Blood banks -- Quality control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003888
- Description: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the service quality that the SANBS provides to its customers, by measuring customers’ perceptions and their expectations of service quality provided by the supplier of blood transfusion services. The organization that is used for this study is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Specifically the study seeks to: 1. Determine the extent to which customers are satisfied or not satisfied with the service they receive from the SANBS using the ten-dimensional format of SERVQUAL model, modified to the specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. 2. Establish customers’ perceptions of the service they receive using a multiple-item scale (SERVQUAL) for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. 3. Establish customers’ expectations of the service, and compare them to their perceptions of the service they currently receive. The comparison is made along each service quality dimension, across different parts of same service on a geographical basis, and across different customer groups on a customer category (or type) basis. 4. Recommend implementation of appropriate service quality performance improvement procedures where necessary. Study design and methods: The data for the study came from the SANBS’ customer perception and expectation survey conducted in 2005. Questionnaires were sent out to hospitals that use products and services provided by the SANBS in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa. The questionnaire was based on the multiple-item SERVQUAL model for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality, modified and tailored to specific service quality requirements of the blood transfusion service industry. Questionnaires were sent out to 113 (69.3%) hospitals out of a total of 163 blood-utilizing hospitals in the two provinces. Of the 113 hospitals, 92 (81.4%) responded, with questionnaires rendered unusable. The final sample size is 88 and is included in the final study database. The data is analyzed by comparing different parts of the service on a geographical basis namely KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape zones. The data is also analyzed by comparing different customer groups namely the Rural State Hospitals, the Urban State Hospitals and Private Hospitals. Results: The result confirms the research (alternative) hypothesis (H1 : μ1 ≠ μ2), and rejects Ho. The overall expectations ratings are higher than the perceptions ratings, and the KwaZulu-Natal expectations ratings are higher than the Eastern Cape ratings. The expectations of private hospitals and rural state hospitals have a higher rating than that of urban state hospitals and the perceptions of private and urban state hospitals have a higher rating than that of rural state hospitals. The largest service quality gap is the accessibility dimension which relates specifically to approachability and ease with which customers can access staff at different levels of the organization by e-mail, and includes accessing of knowledgeable blood bank personnel and medical staff of SANBS, but may also relate to the distance of hospitals from the nearest blood bank, all of which are situated in urban state hospitals. The mean difference for accessibility is the highest followed by the understanding customer mean difference. The mean differences for the other dimension categories are significantly less than that of the largest two dimensions, but not significantly different amongst themselves. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is the largest followed by private hospitals and urban state hospitals. The mean difference for rural state hospitals is greater than that for urban state hospitals in both zones, but the mean difference for private hospitals is greater in KwaZulu-Natal than in the Eastern Cape. The dimension means of differences for rural state hospitals are greater than that for urban state hospitals. According to the correlations between expectations and perceptions for different dimensions, there is a weak or no linear relationship between expectations and perceptions. Conclusion: This empirical study supports the literature on the provision of service quality, and concludes that there is a statistically significant difference or gap between the services offered by the SANBS as perceived by its customers, and the expectations of its customers. The study substantiates the need for management of blood transfusion services to take into account customer perceptions of service quality and their expectations, and upon identification of gaps, to implement appropriate service quality improvement processes, rather than take a one sided view of their (SANBS’) own perception of service quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A survival strategy for an existing municipal caravan park in Gordon's Bay, Cape Town
- Authors: Snyders, Heinrich Werner
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/607 , Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Description: Camping and caravanning is practiced by a segment of the population in South Africa. Various articles in the caravan and outdoor life magazine published in South Africa have indicated that municipal caravan parks are not providing the same facilities and service as was provided in the past .With this background the hypothesis was established as being, the facilities at municipal caravan parks such as Hendon Park are deteriorating due to lack of government commitment and funds. The objectives of this research was determined as being whether (1) it is economically viable for the municipality to continue to utilise the existing land as a caravan park or, (2) it is more beneficial to the taxpayer for the municipality to sell the prime land to a developer or, (3) it is in the best interest of the municipality and /or the community to sell the property to a private company for upgrading the facilities to meet campers requirements The scope of the investigation was determined and includes questionnaires to campers, as well as interview’s with various stakeholders. The researcher also considered various management strategies suggested by strategist David, Fry, Lambert and Stock and Massey that could be used by Hendon Park management to enhance the operation of the Caravan Park under their control and thus a suggested management strategy was compiled. A specific window period to gather the information was decided as being the Easter Holiday period as this was the period that all caravan parks in Cape Town are at full capacity and thus this was the best opportunity to gather the information as the target (campers) would be camping in great numbers. Finally the results was analysed and a conclusion was drawn. Specific recommendations were then proposed by the researcher to be implemented by the staff of Hendon caravan park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Snyders, Heinrich Werner
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/607 , Camp sites, facilities, etc. -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Trailer camps -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town -- Management
- Description: Camping and caravanning is practiced by a segment of the population in South Africa. Various articles in the caravan and outdoor life magazine published in South Africa have indicated that municipal caravan parks are not providing the same facilities and service as was provided in the past .With this background the hypothesis was established as being, the facilities at municipal caravan parks such as Hendon Park are deteriorating due to lack of government commitment and funds. The objectives of this research was determined as being whether (1) it is economically viable for the municipality to continue to utilise the existing land as a caravan park or, (2) it is more beneficial to the taxpayer for the municipality to sell the prime land to a developer or, (3) it is in the best interest of the municipality and /or the community to sell the property to a private company for upgrading the facilities to meet campers requirements The scope of the investigation was determined and includes questionnaires to campers, as well as interview’s with various stakeholders. The researcher also considered various management strategies suggested by strategist David, Fry, Lambert and Stock and Massey that could be used by Hendon Park management to enhance the operation of the Caravan Park under their control and thus a suggested management strategy was compiled. A specific window period to gather the information was decided as being the Easter Holiday period as this was the period that all caravan parks in Cape Town are at full capacity and thus this was the best opportunity to gather the information as the target (campers) would be camping in great numbers. Finally the results was analysed and a conclusion was drawn. Specific recommendations were then proposed by the researcher to be implemented by the staff of Hendon caravan park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A taxonomic revision of the genera of the subtribe Dracophilinae (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae)
- Authors: Mannheimer, Coleen Anne
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Aizoaceae , Plants -- Classification , Cladistic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007461 , Aizoaceae , Plants -- Classification , Cladistic analysis
- Description: Namibia, Juttadinteria and Dracophilus, the three genera belonging to the subtribe Dracophilinae Schwantes (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae) were revised. Macro-morphology, leaf anatomy and micromorphology of leaf epidermides, pollen, tapetal orbicules and seed were studied in order to test taxon limits, to determine relationships between taxa, and to improve knowledge of their characteristics as well as the taxonomy of the subtribe. The investigation was based on herbarium specimens, field observations and cultivated, living plants. Phenetic cluster analyses were used to confirm species while intergeneric and interspecific relationships of the taxa so indicated were later tested by means of a phylogenetic analysis. The existence of the three genera was provisionally upheld by this study although phylogenetic analysis showed Namibia nested as a strongly supported monophyletic group within a poorly supported luttadinteria. Further work is needed to clarify whether Namibia should be sunk into Juttadinteria. The latest treatments of Juttadinteria and Dracophilus by Hartmann (2001) were supprted. However, in contrast to her latest treatment of Namibia, N. pomonae was sunk into N. cinerea and N. ponderosa was reinstated and typified. Juttadinteria was found to be a poorly resolved genus with many intergrading and overlapping characters, possible due to recent speciation. Possible subspecific groups within J. deserticola and J. simpsonii were indicated by the phenetic study but further work is needed before any formal infraspecific taxonomic rank can be assigned to them. Detailed descriptions of the nine elucidated species and the three genera as well as new keys for their identification are provided in order to facilitate further work in this group. Distribution maps are provided for the genera and species, and the subtribe. Variation of character states within the subtribe, distribution area, ecology and biology are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mannheimer, Coleen Anne
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Aizoaceae , Plants -- Classification , Cladistic analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007461 , Aizoaceae , Plants -- Classification , Cladistic analysis
- Description: Namibia, Juttadinteria and Dracophilus, the three genera belonging to the subtribe Dracophilinae Schwantes (Aizoaceae: Ruschioideae) were revised. Macro-morphology, leaf anatomy and micromorphology of leaf epidermides, pollen, tapetal orbicules and seed were studied in order to test taxon limits, to determine relationships between taxa, and to improve knowledge of their characteristics as well as the taxonomy of the subtribe. The investigation was based on herbarium specimens, field observations and cultivated, living plants. Phenetic cluster analyses were used to confirm species while intergeneric and interspecific relationships of the taxa so indicated were later tested by means of a phylogenetic analysis. The existence of the three genera was provisionally upheld by this study although phylogenetic analysis showed Namibia nested as a strongly supported monophyletic group within a poorly supported luttadinteria. Further work is needed to clarify whether Namibia should be sunk into Juttadinteria. The latest treatments of Juttadinteria and Dracophilus by Hartmann (2001) were supprted. However, in contrast to her latest treatment of Namibia, N. pomonae was sunk into N. cinerea and N. ponderosa was reinstated and typified. Juttadinteria was found to be a poorly resolved genus with many intergrading and overlapping characters, possible due to recent speciation. Possible subspecific groups within J. deserticola and J. simpsonii were indicated by the phenetic study but further work is needed before any formal infraspecific taxonomic rank can be assigned to them. Detailed descriptions of the nine elucidated species and the three genera as well as new keys for their identification are provided in order to facilitate further work in this group. Distribution maps are provided for the genera and species, and the subtribe. Variation of character states within the subtribe, distribution area, ecology and biology are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A VLBI polarisation study of 43 GHZ SiO masers towards VY CMA
- Authors: Richter, Laura
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Very long baseline interferometry , Polarization (Light) , Masers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005284
- Description: This thesis reports the calibration, imaging and analysis of one epoch of VLBI observations of the v (italics) = J (italics) = 1-0 transition of SiO towards VY CMa. Full polarisation information was recorded, allowing high resolution synthesis maps of each of the four Stokes parameters to be produced. A total of 81 maser components were extracted from the total intensity map, each approximately 1 mas in size. The emission spans approximately 100 x 80 mas in right ascension and declination and is concentrated to the east. The maser component positions were fitted to a ring of radius ~ 3.2R₊ (italics), or 7.2 x 1O¹⁴ cm for a stellar distance of 1.5 kpc. If the stellar position is assumed to be the centre of this ring then almost all of the maser components fall within the inner dust shell radius, which is at ~ 5R (italics)ϰ All of the maser components fall between 1.5R (italics)ϰ and 6R (italics)ϰ. A velocity gradient with position angle was observed in the sparsely filled western region of the maser ring. If interpreted as evidence of shell rotation, this gradient implies a rotational velocity of v (italics) rot (subscirpt) sin i (italics) = 18 km.s⁻¹. The fractional circular and linear polarisations of the maser spots were derived from the Stokes parameter maps. The mean fractional circular polarisation of the masers components was ~ 2 percent and the median fractional linear polarisation was ~ 6 percent, with many spots displaying over ~ 30 percent linear polarisation. The mean circular polarisation implies a magnetic field of ~ 4 G in the SiO maser region if the polarisation is due to Zeeman splitting. Two maser components display a rotation of linear polarisation position angle with velocity, possibly implying a connection between the magnetic field and the velocity field variations in the region of these components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Richter, Laura
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Very long baseline interferometry , Polarization (Light) , Masers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5498 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005284
- Description: This thesis reports the calibration, imaging and analysis of one epoch of VLBI observations of the v (italics) = J (italics) = 1-0 transition of SiO towards VY CMa. Full polarisation information was recorded, allowing high resolution synthesis maps of each of the four Stokes parameters to be produced. A total of 81 maser components were extracted from the total intensity map, each approximately 1 mas in size. The emission spans approximately 100 x 80 mas in right ascension and declination and is concentrated to the east. The maser component positions were fitted to a ring of radius ~ 3.2R₊ (italics), or 7.2 x 1O¹⁴ cm for a stellar distance of 1.5 kpc. If the stellar position is assumed to be the centre of this ring then almost all of the maser components fall within the inner dust shell radius, which is at ~ 5R (italics)ϰ All of the maser components fall between 1.5R (italics)ϰ and 6R (italics)ϰ. A velocity gradient with position angle was observed in the sparsely filled western region of the maser ring. If interpreted as evidence of shell rotation, this gradient implies a rotational velocity of v (italics) rot (subscirpt) sin i (italics) = 18 km.s⁻¹. The fractional circular and linear polarisations of the maser spots were derived from the Stokes parameter maps. The mean fractional circular polarisation of the masers components was ~ 2 percent and the median fractional linear polarisation was ~ 6 percent, with many spots displaying over ~ 30 percent linear polarisation. The mean circular polarisation implies a magnetic field of ~ 4 G in the SiO maser region if the polarisation is due to Zeeman splitting. Two maser components display a rotation of linear polarisation position angle with velocity, possibly implying a connection between the magnetic field and the velocity field variations in the region of these components.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Adaptive livelihood strategies of the Basarwa: a case of Khwai and Xaxaba, Ngamiland district, Botswana
- Authors: Madzwamuse, Masego S
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005286 , San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Description: This thesis looks into the land use and natural resource management systems of Basarwa communities in Ngamiland in the northwest of Botswana. The study specifically focuses on Basarwa communities living in and on the edges of the Okavango Delta. The link between these communities and their natural resources is explored using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework and the Adaptive Renewal Cycle. The core assumption in this thesis is that livelihood strategies are constantly renewed and adapted to promote resilience in ecological and social systems. Fieldwork data collected between May 2000 and July 2001 and secondary data is used to deliberate on this point. The thesis confirms that the Basarwa’s livelihood strategies were adaptive only in as far as traditional livelihoods are concerned. The thesis traces the changes that the Basarwa have experienced as a result of policy restrictions through the different phases of the adaptive renewal cycle. The period following Independence in Botswana saw a policy shift which resulted in the Basarwa becoming landless. With mainly land-based livelihood strategies, the Basarwa were faced with new forms of crises and vulnerability which their traditional adaptive strategies were not designed for. It comes to the conclusion that the Basarwa are currently stuck in a reorganisation phase; however, the CBNRM Draft Policy of Botswana offers a glimpse of hope as it provides an opportunity for the Basarwa to progress through the full cycle of reorganisation, renewal, conservation and release.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Madzwamuse, Masego S
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005286 , San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Description: This thesis looks into the land use and natural resource management systems of Basarwa communities in Ngamiland in the northwest of Botswana. The study specifically focuses on Basarwa communities living in and on the edges of the Okavango Delta. The link between these communities and their natural resources is explored using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework and the Adaptive Renewal Cycle. The core assumption in this thesis is that livelihood strategies are constantly renewed and adapted to promote resilience in ecological and social systems. Fieldwork data collected between May 2000 and July 2001 and secondary data is used to deliberate on this point. The thesis confirms that the Basarwa’s livelihood strategies were adaptive only in as far as traditional livelihoods are concerned. The thesis traces the changes that the Basarwa have experienced as a result of policy restrictions through the different phases of the adaptive renewal cycle. The period following Independence in Botswana saw a policy shift which resulted in the Basarwa becoming landless. With mainly land-based livelihood strategies, the Basarwa were faced with new forms of crises and vulnerability which their traditional adaptive strategies were not designed for. It comes to the conclusion that the Basarwa are currently stuck in a reorganisation phase; however, the CBNRM Draft Policy of Botswana offers a glimpse of hope as it provides an opportunity for the Basarwa to progress through the full cycle of reorganisation, renewal, conservation and release.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Against supererogationism
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Jason Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Supererogation , Supererogation -- History , Values , Ethics -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004268 , Supererogation , Supererogation -- History , Values , Ethics -- History
- Description: In this thesis, I argue that we have no reason to accept the existence of a category of supererogatory moral goods: that is, good acts that carry no pressure to bring them about. Despite the counterintuitive nature and suspicious provenance of the concept, Supererogationism is the orthodoxy in Ethics, and I examine promising but unsuccessful responses to it by Peter Singer and Kwame Gyekye. Responding in particular to David Heyd's Supererogationism - but also to J. O. Urmson, Susan Wolf, and Jonathan Dancy - I develop an account of the principle "Good implies Ought" that does not entail absurd over-obligation. I argue that this Anti-Supererogationist model stands up to the four strongest arguments against such a position, and that it embraces a more accurate account of the relation between values and oughts than Supererogationists are capable of supplying. Finally, I sketch a detailed eudaimonist account of the principle umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu - that our commitment to the good of others stems from our flourishing being caught up with theirs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Jason Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Supererogation , Supererogation -- History , Values , Ethics -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004268 , Supererogation , Supererogation -- History , Values , Ethics -- History
- Description: In this thesis, I argue that we have no reason to accept the existence of a category of supererogatory moral goods: that is, good acts that carry no pressure to bring them about. Despite the counterintuitive nature and suspicious provenance of the concept, Supererogationism is the orthodoxy in Ethics, and I examine promising but unsuccessful responses to it by Peter Singer and Kwame Gyekye. Responding in particular to David Heyd's Supererogationism - but also to J. O. Urmson, Susan Wolf, and Jonathan Dancy - I develop an account of the principle "Good implies Ought" that does not entail absurd over-obligation. I argue that this Anti-Supererogationist model stands up to the four strongest arguments against such a position, and that it embraces a more accurate account of the relation between values and oughts than Supererogationists are capable of supplying. Finally, I sketch a detailed eudaimonist account of the principle umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu - that our commitment to the good of others stems from our flourishing being caught up with theirs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of development strategies aimed at meeting employment equity objectives within Medscheme
- Authors: Groenewald, Annaline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/515 , Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has undergone major social and political changes over the past two decades. In addition, new legislation in the form of the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998), which regulates employment practices in an attempt to make the workplace a true reflection of the South African population, was introduced to employers. The implementation of this Act has a major impact on organisations in South Africa and definitely influences the way in which they do business. Organisations, large and small, in every sector are being squeezed in all dimensions. They compete for customers whose expectations of quality, price and service are constantly increasing. Throughout the world, education, training and equitable working practices are recognised as essential ingredients to compete successfully and to ensure high performance practices. This research paper investigates whether the employee development strategies at Medscheme (the organisation selected for this study) are aimed at meeting employment equity objectives. An important reason for the investigation is that globalisation and the need for organisations to gain sustainable competitive advantage require new and different approaches for the recruitment, training, development and retention of employees with key skills. The key to success will, however, be for organisations in South Africa to find a middle way between ensuring equity, while remaining competitive. In order to achieve the objective of the research, the following approach was followed: Firstly, a comprehensive literature study was conducted to determine the legislative basis for equity and employee development; Secondly, a survey of literature dealing specifically with employee development initiatives available to organisations was conducted; Thirdly, the views of the employees within Medscheme were obtained to determine to what extent the organisation implemented the Employment Equity Act and what development strategies are used to facilitate the Abstract iv development of individuals from the previously disadvantaged designated groups to equip them for future positions in senior and top management; and, Lastly, the responses to the questionnaire were analysed to determine the extent to which Medscheme’s employee development strategies support the objectives of the Employment Equity Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of development strategies aimed at meeting employment equity objectives within Medscheme
- Authors: Groenewald, Annaline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/515 , Medscheme (Firm) , Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has undergone major social and political changes over the past two decades. In addition, new legislation in the form of the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998), which regulates employment practices in an attempt to make the workplace a true reflection of the South African population, was introduced to employers. The implementation of this Act has a major impact on organisations in South Africa and definitely influences the way in which they do business. Organisations, large and small, in every sector are being squeezed in all dimensions. They compete for customers whose expectations of quality, price and service are constantly increasing. Throughout the world, education, training and equitable working practices are recognised as essential ingredients to compete successfully and to ensure high performance practices. This research paper investigates whether the employee development strategies at Medscheme (the organisation selected for this study) are aimed at meeting employment equity objectives. An important reason for the investigation is that globalisation and the need for organisations to gain sustainable competitive advantage require new and different approaches for the recruitment, training, development and retention of employees with key skills. The key to success will, however, be for organisations in South Africa to find a middle way between ensuring equity, while remaining competitive. In order to achieve the objective of the research, the following approach was followed: Firstly, a comprehensive literature study was conducted to determine the legislative basis for equity and employee development; Secondly, a survey of literature dealing specifically with employee development initiatives available to organisations was conducted; Thirdly, the views of the employees within Medscheme were obtained to determine to what extent the organisation implemented the Employment Equity Act and what development strategies are used to facilitate the Abstract iv development of individuals from the previously disadvantaged designated groups to equip them for future positions in senior and top management; and, Lastly, the responses to the questionnaire were analysed to determine the extent to which Medscheme’s employee development strategies support the objectives of the Employment Equity Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of how Zimbabwean women negotiate the meaning of HIV/AIDS prevention television advertisements
- Authors: Hungwe, Caroline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mass media and women -- Zimbabwe AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Audiences Women -- Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002889
- Description: Within the context of debates concerning the impact of media on audiences, this study takes the form of a qualitative audience reception analysis; to investigate how a particular group of female audiences situated in Zimbabwe interprets televised HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements. It examines the extent to which the social context influences the audiences’ acceptance or rejection of preferred readings encoded in the texts. The study is situated within the broad theoretical and methodological framework of both the communication for development and the cultural studies approaches to the study of the media. Data for the investigation was collected through the focus group and in-depth interview methods as well as through the websites and organisational documents produced by the encoders of the advertisements. The findings indicate that the female audiences’ interpretative strategies were informed by their lived experience as well as pre-existing knowledge. Based on the findings it can be deduced that, contrary to earlier beliefs and media theories such as that of the “hypodermic needle” theory the audience of public communication is not a passive homogenous mass that easily succumbs to media influences, rather the audience is active in the production of meaning, but under determinate conditions in particular contexts. The texts, the producing institutions and the social history of the audiences supply these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hungwe, Caroline
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Mass media and women -- Zimbabwe AIDS (Disease) in mass media -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Audiences Women -- Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3435 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002889
- Description: Within the context of debates concerning the impact of media on audiences, this study takes the form of a qualitative audience reception analysis; to investigate how a particular group of female audiences situated in Zimbabwe interprets televised HIV/AIDS prevention advertisements. It examines the extent to which the social context influences the audiences’ acceptance or rejection of preferred readings encoded in the texts. The study is situated within the broad theoretical and methodological framework of both the communication for development and the cultural studies approaches to the study of the media. Data for the investigation was collected through the focus group and in-depth interview methods as well as through the websites and organisational documents produced by the encoders of the advertisements. The findings indicate that the female audiences’ interpretative strategies were informed by their lived experience as well as pre-existing knowledge. Based on the findings it can be deduced that, contrary to earlier beliefs and media theories such as that of the “hypodermic needle” theory the audience of public communication is not a passive homogenous mass that easily succumbs to media influences, rather the audience is active in the production of meaning, but under determinate conditions in particular contexts. The texts, the producing institutions and the social history of the audiences supply these conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the change management process with specific references to mergers
- Authors: Vanqa, Thembelani McDonald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1065 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study was intended to provide an analysis of the merger process of the Port Elizabeth Technikon on the basis change management models available according to theory. Before this discussion could ensue, it became necessary that the concept of change management be defined in detail so as to create a common basis of understanding in dealing with the change management models. There are various models that considered for discussion, namely the Lewin’s change model, the Hayes and Hyde’s change model, the Cummings and Worley’s change model and the Anderson and Anderson’s change process model. It was established that all available change models were based on the works of the Lewin’s change model. It was the Anderson and Anderson model that was found to more comprehensive in term of the various consideration it brought forward to the change manager or changing organization for consideration. Following the discussion on change models, a discussion of the research methodologies available followed. A survey methodology was decided to be appropriate for this study. An e-mail postal survey was decided as the appropriate process. The beauty of the e-mail postal survey was that it combined the benefits of personal and postal surveys. The Anderson and Anderson change model was used as a basis for devising questions in the questionnaire. The empirical study revealed that communication, consultation and resistance to change were not dealt with appropriately and as such staff morale had been greatly sacrificed. Be that as it may, it suffices to say that there is still chance to make things right. Top management needs to strengthen communication, consultation and feedback mechanisms. Secondly top management needs to establish a training and coaching program and a system for identifying and rewarding best performance. Opportunities for celebrating short-term victories should not be passed on since these enhance a sense of success and victory. The organization also needs to develop a system for harnessing new learning that will inform new ways of doing things which will become the cornerstone of the new culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Vanqa, Thembelani McDonald
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1065 , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This study was intended to provide an analysis of the merger process of the Port Elizabeth Technikon on the basis change management models available according to theory. Before this discussion could ensue, it became necessary that the concept of change management be defined in detail so as to create a common basis of understanding in dealing with the change management models. There are various models that considered for discussion, namely the Lewin’s change model, the Hayes and Hyde’s change model, the Cummings and Worley’s change model and the Anderson and Anderson’s change process model. It was established that all available change models were based on the works of the Lewin’s change model. It was the Anderson and Anderson model that was found to more comprehensive in term of the various consideration it brought forward to the change manager or changing organization for consideration. Following the discussion on change models, a discussion of the research methodologies available followed. A survey methodology was decided to be appropriate for this study. An e-mail postal survey was decided as the appropriate process. The beauty of the e-mail postal survey was that it combined the benefits of personal and postal surveys. The Anderson and Anderson change model was used as a basis for devising questions in the questionnaire. The empirical study revealed that communication, consultation and resistance to change were not dealt with appropriately and as such staff morale had been greatly sacrificed. Be that as it may, it suffices to say that there is still chance to make things right. Top management needs to strengthen communication, consultation and feedback mechanisms. Secondly top management needs to establish a training and coaching program and a system for identifying and rewarding best performance. Opportunities for celebrating short-term victories should not be passed on since these enhance a sense of success and victory. The organization also needs to develop a system for harnessing new learning that will inform new ways of doing things which will become the cornerstone of the new culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the information and communication technology initiatives needed to enhance business value at Transwerk
- Authors: Chiambiro, Robson
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/486 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Description: The study was triggered by a discussion with one of Transwerk’s executive management during an MBA tea break. The discussion was centred on the lack of IT Governance Structure in some organisations that are centrally managed due to geographical location and spreading of branches countrywide. The purpose of this study was to analyse the information and communication technology initiatives that can be implemented at Transwerk by the ICT department to ensure significant value from their information and communication technology investments. This was undertaken by means of a literature and an empirical study. The elements of the information and communication technology initiatives were discussed and the study then analysed the responses in an attempt to determine the initiatives that are currently implemented at Transwerk’s ICT department. The literature study indicated that is it critical for any organisation that needs to be successful should have an integrated ICT Governance Structure. The empirical study found out that the current situation at Transwerk’s ICT department requires attention because their IT Governance Structure does not involve major stakeholders from other business units. Recommendations were made as a result of analysing the literature study and empirical study to ensure the implementation of key initiatives that can add value to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Chiambiro, Robson
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/486 , Information technology -- Management , Management information systems , Technological innovations -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Value
- Description: The study was triggered by a discussion with one of Transwerk’s executive management during an MBA tea break. The discussion was centred on the lack of IT Governance Structure in some organisations that are centrally managed due to geographical location and spreading of branches countrywide. The purpose of this study was to analyse the information and communication technology initiatives that can be implemented at Transwerk by the ICT department to ensure significant value from their information and communication technology investments. This was undertaken by means of a literature and an empirical study. The elements of the information and communication technology initiatives were discussed and the study then analysed the responses in an attempt to determine the initiatives that are currently implemented at Transwerk’s ICT department. The literature study indicated that is it critical for any organisation that needs to be successful should have an integrated ICT Governance Structure. The empirical study found out that the current situation at Transwerk’s ICT department requires attention because their IT Governance Structure does not involve major stakeholders from other business units. Recommendations were made as a result of analysing the literature study and empirical study to ensure the implementation of key initiatives that can add value to the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the relationship between the housing reform programme and housing industry development in China
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Zhang, Yu Mei
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/647 , Housing policy -- China , Housing -- Economic aspects -- China
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish a common understanding of the implementation of urban housing reform in China and to examine the trends in housing development in China and its relationship with the national economy. The crucial role of the Chinese government in the development of housing, the necessity of government intervention in China and whether it should be involved in housing development at all, were also explored in this study. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, it was necessary to analyse the success and failure of the urban housing reform implemented in a particular period in China, and to investigate the challenges and problems existing in housing development. As regards the significant contribution of the housing development to the national economy, Rostow’s stages of economic growth were used to investigate the relationship between the housing industry and the national economy in China. This model shows that the housing industry could become a leading sector in the Chinese national economy. The housing industry in China has not yet reached maturity, and direct regulation by government is still necessary. In an attempt to address the research problem and to fulfil the research objectives, an in-depth and comprehensive literature study was undertaken to provide a basic framework and conceptualization of the housing industry in China. The international scope of the findings, as well as the insights that were gained through the study, contributed largely to solving the identified research problems. The normative and positive nature of the study made it possible to recommend solutions for the problems in the development of housing in China. iv Recommendations were made with regard to sustainable and healthy strategies, regulatory instruments, housing finance, and the utilization of lightweight materials in housing development in China. Although Rostow’s model is one of the more structuralist models of economic growth, it de-emphasizes any differences in how leading sectors develop in free and controlled markets. However, Rostow’s consideration of non-western cases such as China show that, to some extent, modernization can be achieved in different ways, through a free market or controlled economic means, and still fit into his model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An analysis of the roles of public relations practitioners in Kampala, Uganda
- Authors: Nabukeera, Yudaya
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/838 , Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Description: There is lack of a strategic body of literature and books of the practice of public relations (PR) in Uganda. This prohibits the public relations practitioners to participate in African and disadvantages the PR practitioners in terms of participating in African and global debates about their discipline. The lack of knowledge in PR has an impact on the way practitioners carry out their duties in an organisation and it also has an impact on the way top management views practitioners. This treatise focuses on PR practitioners in Kampala, Uganda. The research focused on global literature on what roles practitioners carried out in the rest of the world, and this was then compared with the roles of Ugandan practitioners The research discusses current literature in the field of roles research and empirically analyses the role of technician, manager and strategist in Uganda. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire mainly through email and door-to-door distribution of questionnaires and lastly through telephone interviews. The research was conducted in the Kampala District. The majority of the practitioners in Uganda currently do not fulfill the roles of technician, manager and strategic role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Nabukeera, Yudaya
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/838 , Public relations personnel -- Kampala -- Uganda , Public relations -- Kampala -- Uganda
- Description: There is lack of a strategic body of literature and books of the practice of public relations (PR) in Uganda. This prohibits the public relations practitioners to participate in African and disadvantages the PR practitioners in terms of participating in African and global debates about their discipline. The lack of knowledge in PR has an impact on the way practitioners carry out their duties in an organisation and it also has an impact on the way top management views practitioners. This treatise focuses on PR practitioners in Kampala, Uganda. The research focused on global literature on what roles practitioners carried out in the rest of the world, and this was then compared with the roles of Ugandan practitioners The research discusses current literature in the field of roles research and empirically analyses the role of technician, manager and strategist in Uganda. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire mainly through email and door-to-door distribution of questionnaires and lastly through telephone interviews. The research was conducted in the Kampala District. The majority of the practitioners in Uganda currently do not fulfill the roles of technician, manager and strategic role.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An appraisal of the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme on land use practices, livelihoods and the natural environment at three study areas in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An assessment of the challenges and successes experienced when implementing the six sigma methodology in Continental Tyre South Africa
- Authors: Kanakana, Mukundeleli Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/531 , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Description: Globalisation has opened up international markets for South African companies, but has also introduced competition in the domestic market. As a result, South African organisations are forced to attain global efficiency levels if they are to compete on the world market as well as maintain their domestic market share. Organisations have to come with creative methods that can enhance their competitiveness, one of them being the Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction as a means towards performance improvement. The methodology has a reputation of success, however a number of organisations believe that the methodology is not relevant to their specific competitive needs. Six Sigma is seen as another continuous improvement tool applicable to first world country organisations which will fade away with time. The study was undertaken to find out challenges and successes of implementing a Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of implementing Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA is similar to those experienced by first world organisations. It is concluded that Six Sigma methodology can improve organisation processes and yield financial benefits irrespective of organisation location or background. However, organisations must follow a systematic guideline when implementing the methodology. The study provides recommendations on how Continental Tyre SA can align their strategy in order to achieve organisational objectives. The following recommendations were made: Roll out Six Sigma to support departments; Align the strategy to address critical success factors; Improve project turnover time and measure the success on financial savings and number of projects completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Kanakana, Mukundeleli Grace
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8553 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/531 , Six sigma (Quality control standard) , Total quality control , Total quality management
- Description: Globalisation has opened up international markets for South African companies, but has also introduced competition in the domestic market. As a result, South African organisations are forced to attain global efficiency levels if they are to compete on the world market as well as maintain their domestic market share. Organisations have to come with creative methods that can enhance their competitiveness, one of them being the Six Sigma. Six Sigma is a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction as a means towards performance improvement. The methodology has a reputation of success, however a number of organisations believe that the methodology is not relevant to their specific competitive needs. Six Sigma is seen as another continuous improvement tool applicable to first world country organisations which will fade away with time. The study was undertaken to find out challenges and successes of implementing a Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA. The findings of the study revealed that the experience of implementing Six Sigma methodology at Continental Tyre SA is similar to those experienced by first world organisations. It is concluded that Six Sigma methodology can improve organisation processes and yield financial benefits irrespective of organisation location or background. However, organisations must follow a systematic guideline when implementing the methodology. The study provides recommendations on how Continental Tyre SA can align their strategy in order to achieve organisational objectives. The following recommendations were made: Roll out Six Sigma to support departments; Align the strategy to address critical success factors; Improve project turnover time and measure the success on financial savings and number of projects completed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An assessment of the supplier development practices at Volkswagen of South Africa
- Authors: Erasmus, Bradley Quentin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/500 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of the research is to assess the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important theory of supply chain management as well as supplier development geared towards lean manufacturing. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed to solve the main problem namely, an assessment of the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). The research was divided into two questionnaires: The first questionnaire is targeted at the suppliers. This questionnaire has two sections namely section A, the biographical data and section B attempts to determine the quality systems and manufacturing requirements. It further attempts to gauge training support and needs as compared to other OEM’s. The second questionnaire is targeted at the Supplier Development Manager. The aim of this questionnaire is to establish what the current training offerings are, the source of what VWSA teachers and the awareness of the Toyota Training College.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Erasmus, Bradley Quentin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8555 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/500 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Production management , Business logistics -- Management , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa
- Description: The underlying objective of the research is to assess the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important theory of supply chain management as well as supplier development geared towards lean manufacturing. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed to solve the main problem namely, an assessment of the nature of the supplier training at Volkswagen of South Africa (VWSA). The research was divided into two questionnaires: The first questionnaire is targeted at the suppliers. This questionnaire has two sections namely section A, the biographical data and section B attempts to determine the quality systems and manufacturing requirements. It further attempts to gauge training support and needs as compared to other OEM’s. The second questionnaire is targeted at the Supplier Development Manager. The aim of this questionnaire is to establish what the current training offerings are, the source of what VWSA teachers and the awareness of the Toyota Training College.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An edition of a selection of poems by John Randal Bradburne
- Authors: Hacksley, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bradburne, John, -1979 Bradburne, John, -1979 -- Criticism and interpretation Poets, South African -- 20th century -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008069
- Description: This thesis examines the life and work of John Randal Bradburne (1921-1979), poet, mystic, musician, cenobite, sometime soldier, pilgrim and wanderer. His religious experiences, particularly, gave rise to a vast corpus of verse, virtually all of it as yet unpublished. This study provides a brief overview of his life, and a critical and textual introduction to a sample selection of poems entitled Bradburne 's Assays. The biography has been compiled from published and unpublished sources, as well as from personal interviews and correspondence with Bradburne's friends, relatives and associates in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Chief among these are two unpublished biographies by Judith, Countess of List owe I. Bradburne's extant corpus consists of over five thousand titled pieces of verse, ranging from brieflyrics to verses hundreds of pages long. The forty-seven poems comprising Bradburne 's Assays, published here for the first time, were selected and arranged by Bradburne himself in a single sequence. A unique collection in his corpus, they are unified by their common sonnet form and their contemplative approach to secular and religious experiences. An accurate reading text of this set of poems, transcribed from Bradburne's typescripts, currently held at Holyhead in Wales, is provided. These typescripts have been electronically scanned and are presented in the Appendix. Editorial intrusion, which has been kept to a minimum, is recorded in the critical apparatus beneath the text of the poems. Since all the poems in this ed ition are presented here for the first time, each is accompanied by detailed commentary on their form and content. Where necessary, interpretations of obscure passages have been suggested. A general index to the Introduction and Commentary is supplied, along with indexes of first lines and titles of the poems. It is hoped that this thesis will stimulate further study of the life and work of a unique and intriguing figure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Hacksley, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Bradburne, John, -1979 Bradburne, John, -1979 -- Criticism and interpretation Poets, South African -- 20th century -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008069
- Description: This thesis examines the life and work of John Randal Bradburne (1921-1979), poet, mystic, musician, cenobite, sometime soldier, pilgrim and wanderer. His religious experiences, particularly, gave rise to a vast corpus of verse, virtually all of it as yet unpublished. This study provides a brief overview of his life, and a critical and textual introduction to a sample selection of poems entitled Bradburne 's Assays. The biography has been compiled from published and unpublished sources, as well as from personal interviews and correspondence with Bradburne's friends, relatives and associates in South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. Chief among these are two unpublished biographies by Judith, Countess of List owe I. Bradburne's extant corpus consists of over five thousand titled pieces of verse, ranging from brieflyrics to verses hundreds of pages long. The forty-seven poems comprising Bradburne 's Assays, published here for the first time, were selected and arranged by Bradburne himself in a single sequence. A unique collection in his corpus, they are unified by their common sonnet form and their contemplative approach to secular and religious experiences. An accurate reading text of this set of poems, transcribed from Bradburne's typescripts, currently held at Holyhead in Wales, is provided. These typescripts have been electronically scanned and are presented in the Appendix. Editorial intrusion, which has been kept to a minimum, is recorded in the critical apparatus beneath the text of the poems. Since all the poems in this ed ition are presented here for the first time, each is accompanied by detailed commentary on their form and content. Where necessary, interpretations of obscure passages have been suggested. A general index to the Introduction and Commentary is supplied, along with indexes of first lines and titles of the poems. It is hoped that this thesis will stimulate further study of the life and work of a unique and intriguing figure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An empirical study of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used in firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Bester, Lizel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/475 , Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Bester, Lizel
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8978 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/475 , Capital budget -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Capital budget -- Firms -- Evaluation techniques -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The first research objective of this dissertation is an empirical study of the capital budgeting process to determine what capital budgeting evaluation techniques are used by firms in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The second research objective of this dissertation is how the size of the firm impacts on the type of capital budgeting evaluation techniques used. The size of the firm is measured by magnitude of turnover, assets and the number of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An evaluation of a performance management and development system with reference to the Department of the Premier, Provincial Government Western Cape
- Authors: Dingwayo, Mzimkulu Sydney
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/495 , Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Description: We are living in a changing world. Performance management is becoming a major challenge for organisations. The aim of this study is to review the current status of the Performance Management and Development System at the Department of the Premier and to look into the reasons why it has become a pain rather than a gain to both the organisation and its employees. This document will also look at the possible causes of the failure of the performance management system and will then propose useful guidelines to overcome obstacles to the benefit of all the affected parties. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to the Department of the Premier to determine the views on performance, and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) and individual goals. Questionnaires developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to determine the extent to which a specific directorate manages performance, in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of Department and individual goals at the selected Directorates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the current performance management system, in the Department at Provincial Government Western Cape, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organization. The research results indicate that the majority of staff supports and understands the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Dingwayo, Mzimkulu Sydney
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8251 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/495 , Performance -- Management -- Evaluation , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Description: We are living in a changing world. Performance management is becoming a major challenge for organisations. The aim of this study is to review the current status of the Performance Management and Development System at the Department of the Premier and to look into the reasons why it has become a pain rather than a gain to both the organisation and its employees. This document will also look at the possible causes of the failure of the performance management system and will then propose useful guidelines to overcome obstacles to the benefit of all the affected parties. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to the Department of the Premier to determine the views on performance, and on performance management programmes. The study also included an investigation into the extent to which a performance management programme should be aligned with Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) and individual goals. Questionnaires developed from the literature study, were distributed amongst randomly selected respondents, in order to determine the extent to which a specific directorate manages performance, in line with the guidelines provided by the literature study. The information obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings in the influence that the performance management programme has on the achievement of Department and individual goals at the selected Directorates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the current performance management system, in the Department at Provincial Government Western Cape, as a facilitation tool in aiding or assisting management in achieving individual and departmental goals. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on performance, and on performance management systems. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study, in order to establish the extent to which the organisation manages performance. The completed questionnaires were returned and these were processed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The respondent’s opinion obtained from the questionnaires were compared with the guidelines provided by the literature study in order to identify shortcomings of the influence that the performance management system has on the achievement of individual and departmental goals at the selected organization. The research results indicate that the majority of staff supports and understands the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006