A critical analysis of the applicability of King III in the local government sphere: a case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape from 2009-2011
- Authors: Mawonga, Thembinkosi Arthwell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001236 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this mini-dissertation is to investigate the applicability of the King III in local government sphere, as well as to evaluate the impact it is likely to have if its principles and recommendations were to be fully implemented. Local government has been plagued by very serious challenges of poor service delivery and this has been attributed, in the main, to a lack of adequate resources to address backlogs and maintain existing infrastructure. it is therefore very important that all resources are harnessed and channelled to where they are most need, in service delivery. The investigation of the systems and procedures that are in place to ensure prudent financial management and accountability is a worthwhile study. the BMC, is one of two economic hubs of the Eastern Cape. The mini dissertation commences with assessment of governance arrangements that are in place at the BMC against the minimum standards proposed by the King III. It explores the full range of principles proposed in the codes and compares that to practices and procedures at BMC. To avoid a long winded discussion because the principles are close to ten in number; these have been combined and formulated into four broad themes. A consolidated discussion on manifestations on bad governance or poor adherence to good governance in the public sector is discussed in detail. Finally, the impact of various initiatives currently being pursued to promote good governance will be examined, key lessons will be drawn and recommendations for further studies will be made.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of community participation in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) development projects in Zimbabwe: the case of Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, Matabeleland South
- Authors: Moyo, Phoebe Michelle Zibusiso Sandi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Political participation -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development projects -- Planning -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007232 , Political participation -- Zimbabwe , Community development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Rural development projects -- Planning -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Zimbabwe -- Citizen participation , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Since the mid 1970s there has been an increasing effort to adopt community participation as a necessary instrument for people driven development. NGOs and governments have come to use this participatory approach not only to empower local people, but also to give them a platform to plan and implement their own development projects. However in Zimbabwe, the government has failed to fund most projects and it has created a gap for NGOs to provide most, if not all services in rural communities. NGOs have been seen as better institutions to facilitate development projects and to engage local people to actively participate in development issues. Community participation is a central component in development projects as the projects respond to the people’s needs and that local people are in full control and ownership of these projects. This study is an assessment of community participation in NGO development projects in Zimbabwe. The study investigates the extent of community participation in development projects and it is guided by the Participatory Development (PD) theory. Research findings reveal that community participation is minimal in development projects of Bulilima and Mangwe districts in Zimbabwe. Local people are just passive participants of the development projects who are told what to do. The local people’s contributions and influences are sidelined in the planning and decision-making processes; instead these are made by the rural elite who plan and make decisions on behalf of the local people. It is the view of this study that the purpose of community participation is to create opportunities for local people to participate in planning, decision making, implementation, allocation and distribution of resources. The development projects should be responsive to the people’s needs. Similarly, participatory development just like community participation is a process whereby communities are given the opportunity to determine their future in terms of their needs and resources. In this regard, it is relevant that rural communities actively participate in planning, decision making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. By so doing, the projects become not only successful but also sustainable.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of the impact of HIV/Aids on the children’s right to education: a case study of HIV/Aids orphans and vulnerable children in the Amathole district
- Authors: Ndonga, Moreblessing Memory
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11450 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018651
- Description: The research investigated the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education with special focus on OVCs. The main aim of the research was to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education through examining its impact on children’s experiences and opportunities for meaningful access to education in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape Province. The study also sought to investigate how HIV/AIDS programmes can be made an effective part of the education system in terms of the rights-based approach. The study adopted qualitative methods of research and semi-structured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The findings and responses of all the respondents were analysed and discussed within a rights-based framework. The study identified four pertinent issues which include denial of children’s rights to education, to non-discrimination, to parental care and to lack of protection from abuse as four structural issues that need urgent attention. Thus, the study found out that HIV/AIDS is indeed a development problem and that it can be dealt with using some existing development approaches such as the rights-based approaches. Key recommendations are that HIV/AIDS programmes which are meant to benefit children must be made an effective part of the education system in terms of the rights-based approach. The findings of this research can be used by the Department of Social Development (DoSD), Department of Education (DoE), Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), social workers, Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Politicians and other professionals who work closely with the Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs). These findings can be used to broaden people’s understanding on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Inflation targeting and inflation indicators: the case for inflation targeting in South Africa
- Authors: Jeke, Leward
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South African Reserve Bank , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation targeting -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007091 , South African Reserve Bank , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Inflation targeting -- South Africa , Anti-inflationary policies -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Cointegration -- South Africa
- Description: The control of inflation requires a forecast of the future path of the price level and its indicators. Targeting inflation directly requires that the central bank (SARB) form forecasts of the likely path of prices paying close attention to a variety of indicators that shows the predictive power of inflation in the past periods. Inflation indicators might be cointegrated with the rate of inflation to predict the future inflation rates. Forecasting inflation may be very difficult at a particular period due to the fact that the array candidate indicators of inflation may neither be very stable nor very strong in their relationships with the rate of inflation. Although this might be the case, this research uses testable effects of each of the South African inflation indicators to the rate of inflation using econometrics tools to find that they have a long run trend with the rate of inflation in South Africa. It has been found that each of the indicator variables has a long run relationship with the rate of inflation. The major conclusion is that inflation indicator variables like money supply (M3), oil price, gold price, total employment, interest rates, exchange rates and output growth can be useful inflation indicators in targeting the future trends of inflation in South Africa according to the data used in this research although some studies in some countries find that inflation targeting is an insufficient framework for monetary policy in the presence of financial exuberance. The money supply, the oil prices, interest rates, the exchange rates, prices of gold, the employment and output growth are co-integrated with the rate of inflation representing a long-run relationship.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A framework to guide development through ICT in rural areas in South Africa
- Authors: Mamba, Malungelo Siphiwosami Njinga
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007024 , Information technology -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Telecommunication -- South Africa , Information services industry -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Information services -- Government policy -- South Africa , Communication policy -- South Africa , Communication planning -- South Africa
- Description: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely regarded as a key tool for bringing about development to people who live in underserved areas. Technologies such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi are seen as advantageous because they can be made available to poor places without the cost of building extensive physical infrastructure. However, researchers argue that ICTs have failed to live up to their potential in the context of development. Researchers point out developing countries lack frameworks to guide them through the implementation of ICTs in this context. The objective of this study is to come up with a framework that can be used in rural areas in South Africa to implement ICT projects. The researcher interviewed individuals who have been directly involved in an ICT initiative in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape Province to learn from their experiences. The researcher also studied publications that have been produced from these initiatives in order to gain a richer understanding. The findings of the study show that participants share similar views about how ICT projects should be approached and implemented in rural areas in South Africa. The views are grouped according to similarity into themes and discussed in detail in the study. From these themes a framework that can help implement ICT projects in rural areas is developed.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The relationship between conscientiousness, extraversion and leadership effectiveness among local government managers in Bisho and East London
- Authors: Bell, Clement
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Public officers , Role conflict , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11556 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007116 , Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Public officers , Role conflict , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the relationship between conscientiousness, extraversion, and leadership effectiveness among the local government managers in Bisho and East London. Conscientiousness and extraversion were used as independent variables in the study while leadership effectiveness was used as the dependent variable. The data was collected from a sample of 222 local government managers using a self-designed biographical and occupational questionnaire. To measure conscientiousness and extraversion, a 24-item 5-point rating scale adopted from Finchan & Rhodes (2005) was used. To measure leadership effectiveness, a 6-item 5-point derailment rating scale adopted from Lombardo & McCauley (1994) was used. Data analysis was done using various statistical techniques, including t-tests, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Technique and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results indicated that both conscientiousness and extraversion are strongly associated with leadership effectiveness. Conscientiousness was also strongly associated with the individual components of leadership effectiveness, interpersonal relationships; molding a staff; making strategic transitions; follow-through and ability to work independently. Extraversion was also strongly associated with the individual components of leadership effectiveness, molding a staff; making strategic transitions; strategic similarities with management; follow-through and ability to work independently. Although conscientiousness and extraversion combined were found to have an additive effect on leadership effectiveness, conscientiousness accounts for a higher proportion of variance in leadership effectiveness than extraversion. Finally, the results also indicated that age was strongly associated with leadership effectiveness. The study therefore recommends that organisations should use conscientiousness and extraversion when selecting individuals for leadership positions.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of the impact of the provincial housing policy in the Nxuba Municipality
- Authors: Dywili, Mhlobo Douglas
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/510 , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Housing has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide houses to the poor and disadvantaged citizens living within the province. Parliament must also, according to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as amended, take reasonable legislative and other measures within its available resources to achieve the progressive realisation of the right of citizens to have access to adequate housing (section 26 (1) and (2)). The commitment to improve the existing housing situation, namely the serious lack of adequate housing and basic services in urban townships and rural settlements, is thus in the first instance a policy matter and secondly a financial matter. However, despite the existing policy measures, such as the Housing Act, 1997 (Act 107 of 1997), the rendering of housing services resulted in uncompleted and defective houses due to inexperienced contractors providing poor workmanship and also corruption in the housing programmes. The rendering of housing services as a functional area has constitutionally been given to the national and provincial legislatures in South Africa. The Constitution allocated this function to the local sphere of government. Municipal authorities are the facilitators of sustainable housing services to (xiv) citizens on behalf of the national and provincial spheres of government. The study was thus conducted within the Nxuba local municipality which is one of eight local municipalities in the Amathole district municipality. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the provincial housing policy and to determine the impact of the existing policy on the housing needs of the citizens of the Nxuba local municipality. For this purpose the fundamental and overall study problem was found to be that the rendering of housing services at the Nxuba local municipality is hampered by the implementation of an inadequate provincial housing policy and by incompetent municipal personnel and that these actions do not satisfy the growing demand for sustainable and suitable housing. The hypothesis was furthermore based on the fact that the existing provincial housing policy is inadequate to satisfy human needs and impacts negatively if not harmfully on human well-being. The study revealed that besides the implementation of an inadequate housing policy by incompetent municipal personnel, there are economic, social, political, physical and environmental effects on the citizens. As far as the environmental is concerned, the staging of protest marches resulting in the burning of tyres, rubbish cardboards and road barricades had caused serious air pollution which might lead to the spread of diseases such as TB, cancer and bronchitis when people inhale the poisonous gas evolving from smoke such as carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide gases. Secondly, there is an economic impact on the citizens. Houses have been built away from town and people are compelled to commute between the town and their place of residence on a daily basis. With a continuous increase in the petrol price and its associated increase in transportation costs people pay large amounts to get to town. Furthermore the building of the RDP houses frequently comes to a standstill, builders, plumbers and carpenters lose their jobs. People’s income levels fall, impacting negatively on economic activity.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and rural poverty reduction in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa: a case of Amathole Rural District
- Authors: Mamutse, Zivai Tapfumanei
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11440 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007231 , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic policy , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: The government of South Africa has seen many financial reforms in the finance industry since the attainment of freedom in 1994. Many microfinance institutions (MFIs) have emerged in the name of poverty reduction, however the impact of MFIs on poverty reduction in rural areas has not been significantly high. Poverty has been reduced but still the inequality gap has even widened (HSRC, 2004). The study is concerned with analysing the impact of MFIs in poverty reduction among the rural poor. Empirical evidence from many developing nations around the world has shown that microfinance is a tool that is relevant in reducing poverty within rural areas. This study investigates the impact of microfinance institutions on household income levels, education and business skills. The study followed a qualitative approach in terms of the research methodology and a survey research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, scheduled interviews, focus group discussions and key informants. Two sample techniques were used for the selection of the MFIs and the household respondents, that is purposive sampling and cluster sampling. In total, 150 households, 15 MFIs and five key informants were interviewed. Descriptive analysis methods were employed and the study showed that only 10 percent of the total households have been able to access microfinance. The number of people who gained business skills was also low (10 percent). The MFIs who provide financial services excluding the other services like business training programmes were 80 percent of the total number of MFIs interviewed. This data showed that only a few (20 percent) MFIs are willing to go an extra mile rendering business skills to their clients. Overally the major finding of the study was that although, MFIs are reaching out to the rural communities, their levels of outreach is still very low within the rural areas. However this does not mean that the impact of MFIs funding is not felt among the rural poor. The levels of income and educational benefits have been increased and felt by the 10 percent of the rural poor clients. This study advocates for an entrepreneurship development pathway to poverty reduction. Microfinance should be used as a source of finance to initiate entrepreneurial activities among the poor in order to generate income. In this study, the use of microfinance finance for consumption by the poor is discouraged because it depletes the funds that can be channeled for selfhelp projects within the rural communities. The study findings motivated the recommendations that encourage an inclusive financial system that is capable of reaching out to the rural poor.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of transport costs on household income: the case of Nkonkobe Municipality Alice in the Easten Cape Province
- Authors: Dlwangushe, Sizwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- Cost effectiveness , Automobiles -- Fuel consumption , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11470 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007130 , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Transportation -- Cost effectiveness , Automobiles -- Fuel consumption , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study investigated the impact of transport costs on household income the case of Nkonkobe Local Municipality. The objective of the study was to establish the impact of transport costs on household income. To achieve the objective, the study hypothesized that transport costs have a negative impact of household income. The research design of the study that was used include research instrument, research technique, sample size, population and data analysis procedure. However the research instrument that was followed was the questionnaire which contains a set of questions whilst the research technique used to collect primary data was the self-administered questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that households in Nkonkobe Local Municipality were spending more of their income on transport. Finally, the study recommended that subsidies for poor households must be provided by the government.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The role of export diversification on economic growth in South Africa: 1980 - 2010
- Authors: Mudenda, Caroline
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International trade , Exports -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007044 , Economic development -- South Africa , International trade , Exports -- South Africa , Capital movements -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Description: This study examined the role of export diversification on economic growth in South Africa. The study used annual time series data for the period covering 1980 to 2010 and employed a Vector Error Correction Model to determine the effects of export diversification and possible factors that affect it on economic growth. Possible factors that affect export diversification considered as independent variables in this study include gross capital formation, human capital, real effective exchange rate and trade openness. Results of the study reveal that export diversification and trade openness are positively related to economic growth while real effective exchange rate, capital formation and human capital have negative long run relationships with economic growth. The study recommended the continual implementation of trade liberalisation by the South African government. The South African government is also encouraged to promote the production of a diversified export basket through subsidisation, promotion of innovation and production of new products.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Rural women and the land question in Zimbabwe: the case of Mutasa District
- Authors: Toro, Bigboy
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Women in development -- Zimbabwe , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Women in agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sex discrimination -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11431 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006945 , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Women in development -- Zimbabwe , Women farmers -- Zimbabwe , Inheritance and succession -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Rural women -- Zimbabwe , Women in agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sex discrimination -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Zimbabwean rural women make significant contribution to agriculture and are the mainstay of the farm labour. Although women do the majority of agricultural work, men, for the most part continue to own the land, control women‟s labour and make agricultural decisions supported by patriarchal social systems. Thus, rural women faced difficulties than men in gaining access to land under Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP). Women‟s relationship with land is therefore through husbands, fathers, brothers or sons. Therefore, this study has undertaken with the objective of assessing the impact of land distribution programme with respect to its contribution to women‟s empowerment in the study area. The Gender and Development approach was employed to assess women access to land under the FTLRP. Such an approach to rural development can help in reducing the gender gap between women and men in order to achieve gender-balanced development. The study used qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from women in Mutasa District. Findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by rural women under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme which include male land registration, no access to credit, inadequate government input support, lack of government laws and policies awareness on women land rights, shortage of farm implements and irrigation water supply and lack of agriculture training. On the other hand, culture and traditional practices still affect women in other cases, disadvantaging them in favour of men, as in inheritance of land and property in the household. It was generally assumed that the programme did not improve women access to land. To improve women access to land, in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of technological marketing on Porter's competitive forces model and SMEs' performance
- Authors: Hove, Progress
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marketing -- Mathematical models , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Technique , Telemarketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
- Identifier: vital:11323 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007120 , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marketing -- Mathematical models , Marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Technique , Telemarketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is commonly understood that the adoption and development of technological marketing capabilities by firms provides them with immense opportunities to transform their business practices and strategies, so as to strategically position themselves in the market and enhance firm performance. Nevertheless, little attention has, thus far, been given to the empirical investigation of the impact of adopting and developing the technological marketing on Porter‟s five competitive forces and firm performance of SMEs. The principal objective of this study was to fill this void by investigating the influence of the technological marketing on Porter‟s five competitive forces model (industry structure) of SMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Secondarily, the study sought to determine the influence of technological marketing capability on firm performance of SMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; in order to ascertain whether or not the competitiveness of SMEs impacts on their firm performance; to determine whether or not SMEs adopt new and advanced technological capabilities when marketing their products/services and to examine whether or not SMEs adopt new and advanced technological capabilities in order to enhance their performance. The study employs a quantitative method in data collection. Sample data from 211 SME owners/managers in the retail and manufacturing sectors of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality was collected for the final data analysis of this project. The sample data was analysed by performing a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 7 Statistical Analysis software. The principal finding of this study reveals that technological marketing has no significant impact on Porter‟s five forces. In addition, the results showed that technological marketing capability has a positive and significant influence on firm performance. The findings also revealed that SMEs adopt new and advanced technologies when marketing their products and services. The conclusions and implications of the research findings are provided and recommendations are suggested. The researcher recommended non technological strategies for improving SMEs‟ competitiveness and the following technological strategies to boost performance: creating a customer-centric e-commerce strategy, embracing outsourcing, joining e-business community and integrating information management into new marketing technologies. Strategies were also recommended to the government as the policy maker. These include introducing e-business finance arrangement, marketing hubs for SMEs and promoting synergies between technology vendor companies and the small enterprises. The study tried to address marketing technologies‟ policy deficiencies on the side of both SMEs and the government.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluation of the impact of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) in the Province of the Eastern Cape: the case of selected schools in the Mdantsane area (2008 to 2011)
- Authors: Mbulawa, Zukiswa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Total quality management , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11635 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/560 , Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Total quality management , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Department of Basic Education introduced the Integrated Quality Management system in 2003. This was an integration of the three systems, Developmental Appraisal System, Whole School Evaluation System and Performance Measurement System. The system was seen as to be the one that would allow teachers to play a vital role in assessing their own progress, and would integrate this with the necessary evaluation strategy for the professional development of teachers and monitoring of the quality of teaching and learning in schools. The purpose of this study was to research an evaluation of the Integrated Quality Management System impact in schools of the Mdantsane Area. The objective of the study was to establish whether the IQMS has addressed the concerns and needs of the educators and also establish their views on IQMS. The literature was reviewed to get more information on the key concepts of the IQMS and get to understand how the system should be implemented. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been used to get to probe the views of the educators and how the system impacts in schools. The data collected was analyzed by means of frequency tables and charts using statistical methods. It was concluded that educators still do not understand the policy document of IQMS and more training on the implementation of IQMS was recommended. The support and monitoring from the District Office needs to be strengthened.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A critical evaluation of the management and implementation of performance management and development system: a case study in the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs; Bhisho, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mzileni, Nompumezo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance awards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11666 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007109 , Performance -- Management , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance awards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational commitment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Performance management systems help align individual goals and objectives with those of the organisation. The system engages employees and thereby directs them toward achieving the strategic goals of the organisation. The purpose of this research study was to conduct a critical evaluation on the management and implementation of Performance management and development System in the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. Despite the importance of performance management, most organisations find it difficult to implement, manage and sustain performance management systems and processes effectively. It is therefore crucial to ensure adequate planning, evaluation and training is done that will support a sustainable process. Given the strategic role played by the SMS, especially the management of Performance Agreements in the realization of government programmes, it is important that departmental officials make efforts to ensure compliance with its provisions. This study has shown that officials have not been accurate enough in their implementation of the PMDS. The study reveals that there is no staff development programme in place that would help develop staff members to grow in the different fields of their jobs. This is a sound reason why staff responded that they are not happy with the current system. It would appear that management does not devote a great deal of time to staff development. The focus of the PMDS needs to be changed from an output-focused system to a management development system, where there is an increased focus on the development of competencies, compared to the current focus on rewarding only output.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluating the efficacy of anti-corruption measures in the procurement system: a case study of Marondera municipality in Mashonaland, east of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Sabilika, Maxwell Seagent
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Civil service -- Zimbabwe , Government purchasing -- Zimbabwe , Municipal officials and employees -- Zimbabwe , Municipal government -- Zimbabwe , Political corruption -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11679 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007620 , Civil service -- Zimbabwe , Government purchasing -- Zimbabwe , Municipal officials and employees -- Zimbabwe , Municipal government -- Zimbabwe , Political corruption -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Anti-corruption measures are put forward as a panacea to effective procurement system, among other things, which ultimately improve service delivery. Corruption has demonstrated remarkable durability and flexibility to survive in all socio-economic systems with the conception of a corruption-free economy in reality, is hardly possible. Given this background, this study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the already implemented anti-corruption measures in the procurememt procecesses of Marondera municipality. To understand their effectiveness, relevant literature was reviewed. Different scholars point against the ineffectiveness of these measures, with Corruption Perception Index (CPI) from previous research showing devastating results in Zimbabwean local institutions. A further discussion of corruption cenception, different anti-corruption measures and legal frameworks gave a greater understanding of the area under study. In this study, a sample of 80 respondents was identified and data collected from them using both snow ball and purposive sampling methods. Thirty-five of them were females respondents and forty-five were male respondents from Marondera municipal community, with different demographic characteristics which was used for comparison of responses. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. Both the Quantitative and Qualitative research methods were used in the anaylsis of the data, to increase validity and reliability of the feelings.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Analysis of leadership and management challenges facing school principals in Circuit no. 12 of the King William's Town District of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ngangelizwe, Nomakaya Orrienda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King William's Town (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006981 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King William's Town (South Africa)
- Description: Within the South African context, because of political and social changes and the influence caused by these changes on educational structures, the new and high demands are required from school principals. Principals now find it necessary to make choices and take decisions .Unfortunately they are not equipped sufficiently to make careful decisions in meeting constitutional demands (Niehaus & Myburgh, 1999). According to Evans (1997:20) (as cited by Schoeman, 2006) the establishment of suitable institutions is sufficient in keeping a free and democratic society, world events (fascism in Japan, Italy, Germany,1920s-1930s;cold war in Europe, 1940s-1980s are there to remind us that even the best –designed institutions are not sufficient. A free and democratic society is dependent on knowledge, skills and virtues of its citizens (IDASA 1999:2). Brown and Duku, 2008 contend that when SASA was introduced, it was of the idea that it would create a new school governance landscape (Naidoo, 2005). Criticisms are blaming the SASA for the tensions that exist in school governance. SASA is viewed as steeply middle- class in identity and is accused of normalising parental participation in school governance in middle-class terms. Another criticism is on the assumption that parents should have the resources and time to spend on school activities (Dyer &Rose, 2005; Fakir, 2003; Sayed & Soudien, 2005). When criticisms against this Act were taken stock of in the context of socio-economic realities of many communities in rural locations in SA, it is difficult to disagree. The report of the Ministerial Review Committee cited socio-economic related difficulties as paralysing how parents participate in school governance in rural communities (Ministerial Review Study, 2004).
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- Date Issued: 2012
Community development projects and food security: the case of Zanyokwe Irrigation Project Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sikhanyiso
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11438 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007226 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Although food insecurity is said to have decreased in South Africa in the past years particularly at the national level, however, at household level a substantial proportion of households remains at risk of food insecurity and are experiencing hunger particularly in the Eastern Cape Province were poverty is rife. Food insecurity in the Eastern Cape Province is attributed to the fact that agriculture, the mainstay of the rural economy is no longer given the value that it should carry, does not help the situation. Despite much research on food (in) security in South Africa, the link between poverty and household food security is not at all clear. This study seeks to fill this gap specifically by looking at the linkages in the main between food security and poverty especially in the community level. Amidst the various programmes and initiatives that are in place in South Africa, there is continual prevalence of food insecurity facing the majority of South African households. The major aim of this study was therefore to examine the impact of one of these programmes, the Zanyokwe irrigation scheme in enhancing food security not only for the farmers but also for the surrounding communities. This study adopted a qualitative approach to research. The study unearthed that even though Zanyokwe irrigation scheme has played an indispensable role in enhancing food security for the smallholder farmers and the community at large challenges such as market challenges, road infrastructural issues, land tenure issues, lack of proper coordination amongst the farmers as well as farmer empowerment are a major limitation to the growth of the irrigation scheme and the farmers. Thus, the study recommended that farmer support services, training, agriculture subsidies, improved infrastructure as well as addressing market related challenges will go a long way in reducing the plight of the Zanyokwe farmers as well as enhancing food security
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- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of real exchange rates on economic growth: a case study of South Africa
- Authors: Sibanda, Kin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Devaluation of currency -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: vital:11469 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007129 , Economic development -- South Africa , Foreign exchange -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Free trade -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Devaluation of currency -- South Africa , Currency question -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: This study examined the impact of real exchange rates on economic growth in South Africa. The study used quarterly time series data for the period of 1994 to 2010. The Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model was used to determine the impact of real exchange on economic growth in South Africa. The explanatory variables in this study were real exchange rates, real interest rates, money supply, trade openness and gross fixed capital formation. Results from this study revealed that real exchange rates, gross fixed capital formation and real interest rates have a positive long run impact on economic growth, while money supply and trade openness have a negative long run impact on economic growth in South Africa. From the regression results, it was noted that undervaluation of the currency significantly hampers growth in the long run, whilst it significantly enhances economic growth in the short run. As such, the policy of depreciating the exchange rates to achieve higher growth rates is only effective in the short run and is not sustainable in the long run. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended that misalignment (overvaluation and undervaluation) of the currency should be avoided at all costs. In addition, the results of the study showed that interest rates also have a significant impact on growth and since interest rates have a bearing on the exchange rate, it was recommended that the current monetary policy in South Africa should be maintained.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Evaluation of poverty alleviation strategies implemented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe: a case of Binga rural district
- Authors: Nyathi, Daina
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/507 , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Non-governmental organizations -- Zimbabwe -- Evaluation , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Description: The problem this research seeks to address is about the ineffectiveness of NGOs’ strategies implemented in the rural areas of Binga District in Zimbabwe. The research has been basically influenced by personal concerns which I believe have influenced the selection of the research problem. My main concern is the deepening of poverty in Binga District. Lack of infrastructure like roads, shortage of schools leading to high illiteracy levels, shortage of clinics and hospitals, lack of clean water, high unemployment levels are the indicators of poverty in Binga. Country wide, the district is regarded as one of the poorest districts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the poverty alleviation strategies implemented by NGOs in the rural areas of Zimbabwe specifically in Binga. Today there are more than fifteen NGOs that operate in Binga and they specialise in different areas ranging from food distribution, education, agriculture, conservation and advocacy. What matters most is that despite the number of NGOs operating in Binga, poverty is still intensifying and widening. Through the research, it was found that most NGOs’ strategies in Binga focus on relief than developmental aid. Also when addressing poverty, NGOs use the trickle down approach than the bottom up approach. Moreover, the strategies implemented in Binga do not address the needs of the poor. The political instability in Zimbabwe is also believed to be a serious stumbling block to the operation of NGOs in Binga and the rest of the country. Finally, the research recommends NGOs to use the participatory approach as well as the sustainable livelihoods approach in dealing with poverty. Again, NGOs need to monitor and evaluate their projects because most of their projects are not monitored and evaluated properly. Above all the NGOs’ strategies for alleviating poverty need to be reviewed.
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- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the relationship between certain personality traits and job satisfaction: a case of selected employees in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mhlanga, Tatenda Shaleen
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007148 , Bank employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Extraversion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Neuroses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Africa -- Eastern Cape , Big Five model , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There is relatively little research based on the Big Five personality dimensions and job satisfaction and the relationship thereof. Job satisfaction of employees is a good indication of organizational effectiveness and is influenced by organizational and dispositional factors. The fundamental nature of the dispositional approach is that individuals have stable traits that significantly influence their affective and behavioral reactions to organizational settings. The general objective of this study was to determine the relationship between personality dimensions and job satisfaction of bank employees. A quantitative design was used in the empirical study. The sample consisted of 126 bank employees. The current research found that employees who are high in openness, conscientiousness and low in neuroticism tend to be more satisfied with their job. Agreeableness personality did not have a significant relationship with job satisfaction, while employees with high levels of extraversion had negative significant correlation with job satisfaction. However, overall personality dimensions explained relatively small percentages in the variance of job satisfaction. The findings will aid management institutions in selecting, and retaining employees as higher job satisfaction is linked to higher levels of productivity, effectiveness and commitment. Key words: extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, job satisfaction, bank employees.
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- Date Issued: 2012