Assessment of the monitoring and evaluation tools for transversal training management agency for targeted community based organizations
- Authors: Harbor, Aderonke Omolola
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1172 , vital:26533
- Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if monitoring and evaluation tools at a local level could help bring about sustainability of rural projects of the community based organizations thereby making the livelihoods of community members better in the Eastern Cape Province. To accomplish this objective, a case study of the training provided by Transversal Training Management Agency (TTMA) was assessed within the concept of the practice of evaluation and seeking to answer four research questions: To what extent should capacity development create sustainable managerial competencies for rural projects? Are monitoring and evaluation tools the key to sustainable projects? How will knowledge and application of M&E tools improve capacity development of CBOs? What are the policy lessons that can be derived from the application of M&E tools for the grass roots groups? The research design was in two parts namely the literature review which focuses on the roles of social change theory and program theory approaches of evaluation which is best applicable for the grassroots, then the case study of TTMA. This was a qualitative research whereby secondary data source was mainly used. The researcher was an employee of TTMA within the period of study, therefore, was able to validate information. Multiple community projects were studied using the secondary data analysis. This was necessary because of the geographic spread of the CBOs that were trained all around the Eastern Cape province and the language barrier would have pose a challenge to the researcher if all project members were to be interviewed. The main findings of the study shows that training was well conducted and project members gave positive feedback about training but what was absent in the training is a study of a monitoring and evaluation framework for the projects‘ members as one of the necessary managerial competencies in order for them to track progress and warning signals in the project cycle before it is too late. In conclusion some recommendations have been made amongst which is a practical handbook of M&E for the grassroots. This provides variety of tools that can best suit the literacy levels of project members that this study targeted. TTMA can therefore, adopt this as part of the training courses for project sustainability.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Exchange rate misalignment and economic growth: a case study of South Africa
- Authors: Rudd, Bernice Nicolette
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/894 , vital:26507
- Description: The relationship between a country’s real exchange rate (RER) misalignment and economic growth has attracted much attention from both academic and policy perspective. This study examines the relationship between the exchange rate misalignment and economic growth in South Africa, by specifically looking at the fundamental determinants of the real exchange rate and the impact of the misalignment on economic growth for the period 1980 to 2012. This study employs the Johansen cointegration technique and the Vector Error Correction Model. The empirical results revealed that terms of trade, government consumption expenditure, net foreign assets, broad money supply and technological productivity are important factors in determining the RER in South Africa. In addition to the misalignment variable, terms of trade, government spending, private business investment and broad money supply were also found to influence economic growth in South Africa. This suggest that authorities can influence the behaviour of the exchange rate in South Africa through altering one of its fundaments. The results suggest that a RER misalignment has a negative effect on economic growth in South Africa. Thus policies aimed at maintaining an equilibrium RER should be pursued.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of the relationship between bank efficiency and access to banking services in South Africa
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The role of Councillors in good governance: the case of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Lawack, Jonathan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1126 , vital:26528
- Description: The transition of local government from the previous model that existed under apartheid to an inclusive democratic and developmental model, ushered in huge challenges. The transformational agenda for local government that was conceived by the new democratic government, introduced new key performance areas which included infrastructural development of previously neglected residential areas, service delivery to all, accountability and transparency in local government financial management, good governance and capacitation of those assigned to champion these issues. Councillors, being one of the most important stakeholders in local government, had to allow for additional responsibilities in the advancement of the transformational agenda of local government. As provocateurs of good governance which is indispensable for the successful developmental transformation of society, they are required to meet certain standards. This research investigates the factors that may negatively impact on good governance in the NMBM. Firstly, it examines conditions that undermine the development of a culture of good governance within its geographical confines. Secondly, it investigates the suitability and preparedness of councilors on a number of terrains. The research was conducted in the light of the public debate concerning the caliber of councilors in the NMBM while adding value to the academic discourse on this emotive issue. This is achieved by employing a qualitative research approach using a questionnaire and interviews with a specific target population.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the effectiveness of section 21 schools in public financial management (a case of circuit 13 in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The relationship between work-family conflict and job stress on organisational commitment: a study of selected hospitals within the health department in the Kkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ruzungunde, Vongai Sarah
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/955 , vital:26512
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess whether and to what extent does work-family conflict (WFC) and job stress affect organisational commitment of the employees within the health department. The quantitative design was used for the purposes of this study and the sample consisted of 141 respondents from selected hospitals within the Nkonkobe Municipality. The cluster sampling method was used to select the hospitals and then the simple random sampling was used to select the sample from the cluster. Data was analysed using both inferential and descriptive statistical analysis such as SAS 9.1, T-test scale and The Pearson Correlation Analysis. The results of the study showed significant positive relationships between WFC and job stress. Also, both WFC and job stress showed negative relationships with organisational commitment showing that they affect the commitment of workers. These findings are helpful and useful to the health department in implementing policies and procedures that will reduce WFC and job stress in employees in order to ensure that high levels of commitment towards the organisation are maintained for optimal success.
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- Date Issued: 2014
A Diagnosis of School Governance in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
- Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
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- Date Issued: 2014
Balanced scorecard components as predictors of service performance management in first bank Nigeria plc 2009 – 2014
- Authors: Agomuonso, Clara Udochi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017866
- Description: Many institutions and organizations are set up to with a right motive but fail to actualize their vision. This cuts across both public and private institutions across the globe. A financial institution is selected for this research because of its sensitivity; hence getting it right with a delicate institution like a financial organization will assist usage of this monitoring system by other institutions. Modern banking in Nigeria started in 1892 with the free banking era which ended when the Banking Ordinance of 1952 was promulgated. First Bank was the pioneer bank that was established in Nigeria in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa. The establishment of the First Bank of Nigeria predates the birth of the Nigerian nation as a sovereign entity. The bank which was registered as the bank of British West Africa in 1894 has therefore evolved along the path of political, social and economic changes and developments of Nigeria from the colonial period to independence and the experience of post-independence. It thus shared, in the process of its growth, the tidal experiences of the nation which, in retrospect, were sources of strength (Ndekwu, 1994).
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- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The relationship between work-family conflict, stress and burnout among South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees
- Authors: Connie, Silingile Yanga
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Work family conflict -- Stress , Burn out (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/966 , vital:26513 , Work family conflict -- Stress , Burn out (Psychology)
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between work-family conflict, stress and burnout among South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees. For this purpose data was collected from the SASSA agency offices in Alice, King Williams Town and East London. A sample of 72 agency employees was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly positively correlated with one another. Work family conflict was found to be significantly positively correlated with stress. Stress was also found to be significantly positively correlated with burnout. A significant positive relationship was also found to exist between work family conflict and burnout. The findings of this study are helpful in the social security agency industry in order to design human resources policies which will reduce turnover of agency employees by reducing stress, work family conflict and burnout among the agency employees.
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- Date Issued: 2014
New Economic Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and Africa's quest for regional economic integration: the case of Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Authors: Chigombe, Courage
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: New Partnership for Africa's Development , Southern African Development Community , Sustainable development -- Africa, Southern , Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions , Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2072 , vital:27604
- Description: Despite according high priority to regional economic integration and being clustered by regional economic schemes, Africa’s regional economic integration record is not inspiring. With the transformation of the OAU to the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for Africa`s Development (NEPAD) was adopted as the development program of the continent to drive the impetus of economic integration through trade. At the time NEPAD was adopted, regional integration schemes in Africa were facing problems of low intra-regional trade levels despite trade being identified as the engine of activity and economic growth for regional economic integration. The study was centered on Southern Africa with precise attention on SADC. Even though trade is accepted as a vital engine of economic growth and development, this is not the case with SADC. The study was looking at the contribution of NEPAD in intra-regional trade in Africa with special focus on SADC. This was prompted by the fact that regional integration is business as usual within the sub region while problems that have been confronting regional schemes are continuing unabated after the adoption of NEPAD. The study used the historical approach because it provides the study with an advantage of accessing existing literature with regards to what is really stalling intra-regional trade in SADC. The study findings noted that NEPAD has not fully addressed the problems of intra-regional trade within SADC and the continent at large. The study lastly concludes by giving a way forward for NEPAD to respond to the specific needs of SADC for the promotion of intra-regional and equitable trade.
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- Date Issued: 2014