An assessment of the key factors that may impact the future demand for red meat in South Africa
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An evaluation of the national minimum wage dispensation
- Authors: Masenya, Mogodi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Evaluation , Minimum wage -- distribution , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60807 , vital:67833
- Description: After South Africa became a democratic country, there was a shift in the labour and employment sector. This led to introduction of new labour laws which would be in harmony with the constitutional dream and objectives. As such, the BCEA was introduced to bring about change to the basic conditions of employment. As a result of this, new minimum wages policies and laws were enacted. The wages were to be determined by the following means: first way was by means of bargaining council agreements, the second way by means of statutory council agreements, and the third way by means of sectoral determinations. The sectoral determinations policy was introduced through the BCEA. The BCEA through the ECC promulgated sectoral determinations which was aimed to establish minimum wages and conditions of employment for workers in the sectors deemed to be vulnerable. A minimum wage was firstly adopted in New Zealand and in European countries as early as the 19th century. This policy was then widely adopted after the establishment of the International Labour Organisation. The purpose or aim of a minimum wage is to protect workers against exploitatively low pay and to ensure a just and equitable share of the profits of work, thus creating a minimum living wage for all those that are employed and in need of such protection. Minimum wages are also often used as a policy tool to reduce poverty and inequality, including between men and women, by advocating for equal pay for work of equal value. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No 135 are the key international conventions that determine minimum wage fixing. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No. 135 seek to ensure that the minimum wage is set at a certain level that allows workers and their families to meet their needs. Article 4 of Convention No. 131 requires the creation and maintenance of machinery adapted to national conditions and requirements whereby minimum wages for groups of wage earners covered under article 1 can be fixed and adjusted from time to time. However, the situation of minimum wages differs between developed and developing countries. This raises a concern, more particularly, whether developing countries can be able to adopt the minimum wage policy. This research makes investigate the adoption of iv minimum wage policy in developed and developing countries, and how it affected their socio-economic status. On about 2018, South Africa enacted the National Minimum Wage Act. This Act was aimed at establishing a floor of minimum wage for all employees. This Act was intended to promote and protect vulnerable workers who were left out from the previous wage policies. The long-term aim of a minimum wage was to remove the problem of poverty pay, which exists when the earnings from paid work do not result in a living minimum wage and fail to push people out of poverty. When this Act was enacted, the national minimum wage floor was set at R20 per hour. However, in EPWP, Domestic Worker, and Farm workers had lower rates because they were regulated by other laws. Furthermore, there were challenges of non-compliance by employers. The national minimum wage policy as a socio-economic tool has had an impact on several levels of the economy. This policy has contributed to either alleviation or elevation of poverty and unemployment. Therefore, this study looks at the impact the minimum wage has had on these 2 aspects of life. The research provides a specific asymmetric data of the impact of the policy in all sectors throughout the time since this policy was adopted. It further shows how the minimum wage policy intervention has been affected by covid 19 pandemic. This empirical evidence is provided by way of charts and graphs to demonstrate the changes that has occurred. At the end of the treatise a conclusion on how this policy has affected the South African economy is reached. Furthermore, recommendations on how economic risks posed by the minimum wage policy can be reduced. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Masenya, Mogodi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Evaluation , Minimum wage -- distribution , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60807 , vital:67833
- Description: After South Africa became a democratic country, there was a shift in the labour and employment sector. This led to introduction of new labour laws which would be in harmony with the constitutional dream and objectives. As such, the BCEA was introduced to bring about change to the basic conditions of employment. As a result of this, new minimum wages policies and laws were enacted. The wages were to be determined by the following means: first way was by means of bargaining council agreements, the second way by means of statutory council agreements, and the third way by means of sectoral determinations. The sectoral determinations policy was introduced through the BCEA. The BCEA through the ECC promulgated sectoral determinations which was aimed to establish minimum wages and conditions of employment for workers in the sectors deemed to be vulnerable. A minimum wage was firstly adopted in New Zealand and in European countries as early as the 19th century. This policy was then widely adopted after the establishment of the International Labour Organisation. The purpose or aim of a minimum wage is to protect workers against exploitatively low pay and to ensure a just and equitable share of the profits of work, thus creating a minimum living wage for all those that are employed and in need of such protection. Minimum wages are also often used as a policy tool to reduce poverty and inequality, including between men and women, by advocating for equal pay for work of equal value. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No 135 are the key international conventions that determine minimum wage fixing. Convention No. 131 and Recommendation No. 135 seek to ensure that the minimum wage is set at a certain level that allows workers and their families to meet their needs. Article 4 of Convention No. 131 requires the creation and maintenance of machinery adapted to national conditions and requirements whereby minimum wages for groups of wage earners covered under article 1 can be fixed and adjusted from time to time. However, the situation of minimum wages differs between developed and developing countries. This raises a concern, more particularly, whether developing countries can be able to adopt the minimum wage policy. This research makes investigate the adoption of iv minimum wage policy in developed and developing countries, and how it affected their socio-economic status. On about 2018, South Africa enacted the National Minimum Wage Act. This Act was aimed at establishing a floor of minimum wage for all employees. This Act was intended to promote and protect vulnerable workers who were left out from the previous wage policies. The long-term aim of a minimum wage was to remove the problem of poverty pay, which exists when the earnings from paid work do not result in a living minimum wage and fail to push people out of poverty. When this Act was enacted, the national minimum wage floor was set at R20 per hour. However, in EPWP, Domestic Worker, and Farm workers had lower rates because they were regulated by other laws. Furthermore, there were challenges of non-compliance by employers. The national minimum wage policy as a socio-economic tool has had an impact on several levels of the economy. This policy has contributed to either alleviation or elevation of poverty and unemployment. Therefore, this study looks at the impact the minimum wage has had on these 2 aspects of life. The research provides a specific asymmetric data of the impact of the policy in all sectors throughout the time since this policy was adopted. It further shows how the minimum wage policy intervention has been affected by covid 19 pandemic. This empirical evidence is provided by way of charts and graphs to demonstrate the changes that has occurred. At the end of the treatise a conclusion on how this policy has affected the South African economy is reached. Furthermore, recommendations on how economic risks posed by the minimum wage policy can be reduced. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An exploration of the (re)production of femininity in netball spaces: the case of Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Phuza, Nobubele
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55150 , vital:49163
- Description: Since its introduction in 1920, Netball has reflected and reinforced appropriate ideas of female physicality and a culturally valued femininity. It is socially accepted as an appropriate sport for women evidenced by its promotion for girls in schools, the number of teams, clubs and leagues in existence and the invisibility of men’s netball in the media and society. Existing literature from Australian and New Zealand scholars in the sociology of sport and leisure consistently makes the argument that the meaning of femininity and the expected attributes thereof, are powerfully presented in the bodily performances that occur in netball. “You learn to be a woman, female bonding, female submission and the like. All while seeming to do nothing but throw a ball around.” The aim of this dissertation is to contextualize the conversation around femininity and netball for South Africa, specifically Nelson Mandela Bay. The research focuses on how netball remains an island of femininity in the sea of masculine sport. I draw on individual interviews with twelve (12) competitive netball players and ethnographic field work to examine the meaning of femininity in netball and women’s affinity to it. Using a Bourdieusian-feminist lens, I explain netball spaces as subfields of sport, structured by the configuration of valued capital(s). The findings revealed femininity as a valued capital in netball. It was a compliant femininity, characterised by the need to be aesthetically pleasing, levels of modesty, religiosity and pseudo-fragility. As players accrued netball femininity, they internalized associated dispositions as their own, a habitus. They would transmit and redeposit the habitus through interactions in the field during training sessions and matches. To this end, the dissertation also revealed that the reproduction of femininity in netball was a function of habitus and the reciprocal relationship between bodies and space. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Phuza, Nobubele
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55150 , vital:49163
- Description: Since its introduction in 1920, Netball has reflected and reinforced appropriate ideas of female physicality and a culturally valued femininity. It is socially accepted as an appropriate sport for women evidenced by its promotion for girls in schools, the number of teams, clubs and leagues in existence and the invisibility of men’s netball in the media and society. Existing literature from Australian and New Zealand scholars in the sociology of sport and leisure consistently makes the argument that the meaning of femininity and the expected attributes thereof, are powerfully presented in the bodily performances that occur in netball. “You learn to be a woman, female bonding, female submission and the like. All while seeming to do nothing but throw a ball around.” The aim of this dissertation is to contextualize the conversation around femininity and netball for South Africa, specifically Nelson Mandela Bay. The research focuses on how netball remains an island of femininity in the sea of masculine sport. I draw on individual interviews with twelve (12) competitive netball players and ethnographic field work to examine the meaning of femininity in netball and women’s affinity to it. Using a Bourdieusian-feminist lens, I explain netball spaces as subfields of sport, structured by the configuration of valued capital(s). The findings revealed femininity as a valued capital in netball. It was a compliant femininity, characterised by the need to be aesthetically pleasing, levels of modesty, religiosity and pseudo-fragility. As players accrued netball femininity, they internalized associated dispositions as their own, a habitus. They would transmit and redeposit the habitus through interactions in the field during training sessions and matches. To this end, the dissertation also revealed that the reproduction of femininity in netball was a function of habitus and the reciprocal relationship between bodies and space. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
An exploration of the memorandum of understanding between the Mberengwa rural district council and the Mberengwa community : a conflict resolution perspective
- Authors: Pedro, Jean
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55139 , vital:49148
- Description: This study is motivated by a gap in a competent framework to adequately compensate communities whose land are expropriated for public use by the Government of Zimbabwe. It seeks to explore the extent to which the Memorandum of Understanding between the Mberengwa Rural District Council and the affected people of Mberengwa resulted in a fair and adequate compensation which specifically provided for rehabilitated livelihoods. The main objective is to determine whether the compensation was adequate and satisfying for the Mberengwa community and to this end, a qualitative methodology is utilised to collect and analyse data. The findings reveal that the Memorandum of Understanding did not provide for adequate land that adequately compensated for the expropriated land. The affected community also did not benefit from a possible rehabilitation of livelihoods. By the end of the study, the Mberengwa compensation had not been concluded and the programme, which was expected to be completed in October 2015, had not closed. The researcher recommends a competent project management strategy, PRINCE2 to ensure comprehensive planning that ensures stage-based delivery of the agreed compensation products. Another recommendation involved in-depth problem-solving workshops, which involves all affected members to increase the chances of success. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Pedro, Jean
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55139 , vital:49148
- Description: This study is motivated by a gap in a competent framework to adequately compensate communities whose land are expropriated for public use by the Government of Zimbabwe. It seeks to explore the extent to which the Memorandum of Understanding between the Mberengwa Rural District Council and the affected people of Mberengwa resulted in a fair and adequate compensation which specifically provided for rehabilitated livelihoods. The main objective is to determine whether the compensation was adequate and satisfying for the Mberengwa community and to this end, a qualitative methodology is utilised to collect and analyse data. The findings reveal that the Memorandum of Understanding did not provide for adequate land that adequately compensated for the expropriated land. The affected community also did not benefit from a possible rehabilitation of livelihoods. By the end of the study, the Mberengwa compensation had not been concluded and the programme, which was expected to be completed in October 2015, had not closed. The researcher recommends a competent project management strategy, PRINCE2 to ensure comprehensive planning that ensures stage-based delivery of the agreed compensation products. Another recommendation involved in-depth problem-solving workshops, which involves all affected members to increase the chances of success. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
An investigating of the causes of conflict in the department of employment and labour in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Dlwati, Siphesihle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55346 , vital:51914
- Description: The public sector in South Africa accounts for a huge amount of the public service jobs and it has been learnt that there is also a considerable amount of dysfunctional conflict that affects the public sector. The main aim of this study is to investigate the causes of conflict in the public sector, with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research objectives were as follows; firstly, to investigate the causes of conflict or potential conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Secondly, the research sought to ascertain government employees’ approach to conflict and how it affects their performance (management and subordinates) with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Thirdly, the research also sought to come up with the recommendations with the view to address conflict or what might be causing conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Workplace conflict was used in this study as a conceptual framework to understand conflict in the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research has followed a qualitative approach to gather data. Using a purposive selection sampling technique, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees of the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the course of the study. The findings of this study have revealed that lack of consultation or lack of an inclusive or participative approach in dealing with matters is regarded as the main cause of conflict within the studied organisation. The organisations lack conflict management skills. This study can be of benefit to the organisation, in that its recommendations can assist the organisation place more attention on improving its conflict management skills, which may help reduce the negative impacts of unmanaged conflicts. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Dlwati, Siphesihle
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55346 , vital:51914
- Description: The public sector in South Africa accounts for a huge amount of the public service jobs and it has been learnt that there is also a considerable amount of dysfunctional conflict that affects the public sector. The main aim of this study is to investigate the causes of conflict in the public sector, with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research objectives were as follows; firstly, to investigate the causes of conflict or potential conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Secondly, the research sought to ascertain government employees’ approach to conflict and how it affects their performance (management and subordinates) with specific reference to the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Thirdly, the research also sought to come up with the recommendations with the view to address conflict or what might be causing conflict at the department of Employment and Labour in Port Elizabeth. Workplace conflict was used in this study as a conceptual framework to understand conflict in the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. The research has followed a qualitative approach to gather data. Using a purposive selection sampling technique, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees of the department of Employment and Labour, in Port Elizabeth. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the course of the study. The findings of this study have revealed that lack of consultation or lack of an inclusive or participative approach in dealing with matters is regarded as the main cause of conflict within the studied organisation. The organisations lack conflict management skills. This study can be of benefit to the organisation, in that its recommendations can assist the organisation place more attention on improving its conflict management skills, which may help reduce the negative impacts of unmanaged conflicts. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
An investigation into the causes of high demand for leave at B. J. Vorster Hospital
- Authors: Mene, Xolani Stephen
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53312 , vital:45140
- Description: Due to the high demand for leave at B.J. Vorster Hospital; staff members, especially the nursing staff, tend to be on leave for long periods and sometimes be absent without leave. In some instances they request extensions to their leaves when they are already on leave. They do not report back for duties at the end of the leave period instead they provide reasons which warrant that the leave be extended. Subsequently, nurses who are on duty have to continue working because there is no-one to relieve the mand work needs to be done. A threatening situation which could lead to patients being left unattended tends to emerge under these circumstances. Hence in some instances nurses are called from other clinics to assist. Some employees absent themselves without leave and management does not appear to be taking action against such conduct. This leads to poor quality of health care in nursing which is a matter of concern to the community, to management and to the policy-makers. A qualitative research method was used in this study, in order to investigate the cause for high demand for leave at B.J. Vorster Hospital. Data collection was undertaken through interviews. The study found that the high demand for leave is attributed to fatigue resulting from huge workloads, claims of entitlement to leave, need to extend weekends due to family responsibilities. The study recommends that the management of leave and the current amount of leave days allocated to staff be reconsidered taking into account the relevant legislation including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the prevailing conditions in the hospital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
- Authors: Mene, Xolani Stephen
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53312 , vital:45140
- Description: Due to the high demand for leave at B.J. Vorster Hospital; staff members, especially the nursing staff, tend to be on leave for long periods and sometimes be absent without leave. In some instances they request extensions to their leaves when they are already on leave. They do not report back for duties at the end of the leave period instead they provide reasons which warrant that the leave be extended. Subsequently, nurses who are on duty have to continue working because there is no-one to relieve the mand work needs to be done. A threatening situation which could lead to patients being left unattended tends to emerge under these circumstances. Hence in some instances nurses are called from other clinics to assist. Some employees absent themselves without leave and management does not appear to be taking action against such conduct. This leads to poor quality of health care in nursing which is a matter of concern to the community, to management and to the policy-makers. A qualitative research method was used in this study, in order to investigate the cause for high demand for leave at B.J. Vorster Hospital. Data collection was undertaken through interviews. The study found that the high demand for leave is attributed to fatigue resulting from huge workloads, claims of entitlement to leave, need to extend weekends due to family responsibilities. The study recommends that the management of leave and the current amount of leave days allocated to staff be reconsidered taking into account the relevant legislation including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the prevailing conditions in the hospital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
An investigation into the effects of nano-carbons on the negative electrode morphology of lead acid batteries under high rate partial state of capacity cycling
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An investigation of the challenges experienced in South Sudan (2004-2011): a military component perspective
- Authors: Mbaakanyi, Christopher
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54794 , vital:47692
- Description: This study deals with the conceptual analysis of the challenges experienced by military peacekeepers in the United Nations (UN) operations. The research focused on the problems that military personnel encountered during the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) between 2005 and 2011. Many findings summarised from the respondents and through documents reviewed elucidated various challenges peacekeepers in UN missions experience. This study’s specific objectives were to assess the necessary preparations that made military peacekeepers operationally ready for the UNMIS Peace Support Operations (PSO); to determine whether there was any pre-deployment training conducted for military peacekeepers during the UNMIS; to investigate whether there were command and control issues in the mission; and finally, to examine whether military peacekeepers were acquainted with the fundamental UN principles and core values. The study used the purposive sampling technique to identify relevant subjects best suited to provide informed feedback through interviews and a questionnaire. Most of the respondents were from Botswana and Malawi, with additional valuable subjects from the different countries who participated in the UNMIS as staff officers, formed units, and observers. The level of operational readiness of individual military personnel was found inconsistent among participants from different countries due to the varying level of attention given to pre-deployment training and planning. Some individuals did not know about the UN core values, principles and critical resolution documents such as the Status of Mission Agreement (SOMA), Status of Force Agreement (SOFA), Rules of Engagement (ROE), and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that were critical towards operationalising the UNMIS mandate to achieve the operational objectives. The concepts of command and control and reporting procedure continue to cause severe rifts between uniformed personnel and their civilian counterparts. Some of the areas that require further study include the challenges in command and control, vagueness in the rules of engagement, lack of clarity of the chain of leadership in the field area, lack of interoperability of equipment, the necessary operational readiness training, and the development of joint doctrine. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Mbaakanyi, Christopher
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54794 , vital:47692
- Description: This study deals with the conceptual analysis of the challenges experienced by military peacekeepers in the United Nations (UN) operations. The research focused on the problems that military personnel encountered during the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) between 2005 and 2011. Many findings summarised from the respondents and through documents reviewed elucidated various challenges peacekeepers in UN missions experience. This study’s specific objectives were to assess the necessary preparations that made military peacekeepers operationally ready for the UNMIS Peace Support Operations (PSO); to determine whether there was any pre-deployment training conducted for military peacekeepers during the UNMIS; to investigate whether there were command and control issues in the mission; and finally, to examine whether military peacekeepers were acquainted with the fundamental UN principles and core values. The study used the purposive sampling technique to identify relevant subjects best suited to provide informed feedback through interviews and a questionnaire. Most of the respondents were from Botswana and Malawi, with additional valuable subjects from the different countries who participated in the UNMIS as staff officers, formed units, and observers. The level of operational readiness of individual military personnel was found inconsistent among participants from different countries due to the varying level of attention given to pre-deployment training and planning. Some individuals did not know about the UN core values, principles and critical resolution documents such as the Status of Mission Agreement (SOMA), Status of Force Agreement (SOFA), Rules of Engagement (ROE), and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that were critical towards operationalising the UNMIS mandate to achieve the operational objectives. The concepts of command and control and reporting procedure continue to cause severe rifts between uniformed personnel and their civilian counterparts. Some of the areas that require further study include the challenges in command and control, vagueness in the rules of engagement, lack of clarity of the chain of leadership in the field area, lack of interoperability of equipment, the necessary operational readiness training, and the development of joint doctrine. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Assessing service delivery protests in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: the case of Walmer Township
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mdanyana, Esethu
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54492 , vital:46609
- Description: In many South Africa’s areas, citizen’s frustration with poor or slow service delivery has resulted in a surge of service delivery protests. Some of these service delivery protests are violent in nature, resulting in the damage of public and private property. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize service delivery protests. The South African constitution states that municipalities have the responsibility to make sure that all citizens are provided with services to satisfy their basic needs. These services include water supply, sewage collection and disposal electricity, gas supply health services, roads, storm water drainage, street lighting, municipal parks and recreation. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Assessing the implementation of expanded public works programme in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (2013-2018)
- Authors: Nombebe, Gcobisa
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55107 , vital:49120
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) between 2013 and 2018. This was necessitated by the common trend observed in the country that, despite many interventions to alleviate poverty, the unemployment rate continues to increase, and poverty remains a challenge. The study was qualitative, and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. The data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, the national Department of Public Works’ publications, newspapers and many other secondary sources. The results revealed that the EPWP performance in BCMM is greatly influenced by effective performance management systems, proper planning, political impact, training and development, and committed leadership. This was perceived as the first attempt towards improving the EPWP aligned employment statistics in BCMM. These results were found to be very important in helping an organisation to achieve employment targets. Furthermore, the municipality should investigate strengthening its consultative processes to involve the public in the job creation and decision-making processes. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Nombebe, Gcobisa
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55107 , vital:49120
- Description: The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) between 2013 and 2018. This was necessitated by the common trend observed in the country that, despite many interventions to alleviate poverty, the unemployment rate continues to increase, and poverty remains a challenge. The study was qualitative, and it used secondary data to achieve its objectives. The data was sourced from journals, municipal documents, the national Department of Public Works’ publications, newspapers and many other secondary sources. The results revealed that the EPWP performance in BCMM is greatly influenced by effective performance management systems, proper planning, political impact, training and development, and committed leadership. This was perceived as the first attempt towards improving the EPWP aligned employment statistics in BCMM. These results were found to be very important in helping an organisation to achieve employment targets. Furthermore, the municipality should investigate strengthening its consultative processes to involve the public in the job creation and decision-making processes. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Challenges faced by state owned entities and economic development in South Africa
- Willie, Ntsikelelo Mike Mncedi
- Authors: Willie, Ntsikelelo Mike Mncedi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52976 , vital:44907
- Description: Background: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a vital role in government activities and the delivery of basic services to the people. The Government is active in the key sectors, such as, services, utilities, transportation and construction. Presumably, the distribution of basic resources and infrastructure development is to some extent dependent on SOEs. South Africa is inundated with challenges in SOE’s, such as, lack of service delivery, poor financial management, less growth, massive unemployment, corruption and low business confidence. These are a threat to economic and financial sustainability of a country. Twenty years into democracy, South Africa’s SOEs environment had many scandals in both private and public sectors. SOEs such as SABC, Eskom, and Transnet had their share of malpractice, fraud and corruption in management and at board level. These incidents call for interrogation at all levels as the impact undermines political, economic stability and growth prospects. One of today’s core challenges is to justify the existence of some of the SOEs in our economy. Looking at South Africa, most of the SOEs financial performances are severely deteriorating. Due to their financial constraints, they receive a bailout from government to enable them to continue to operate. Aim: This study identified specific governance challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa, over the period of 10 years (2014 - 2018). The study made recommendations to restore good governance in SOEs. Setting: This study reviewed articles and literature on the challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa. Primary sources for the document review took the form of newspapers, various official reports and ongoing records of SOEs activities, government departments, student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy, manuals, student handbooks, and strategic plans, and press releases, theses from academic institutions, trade journals, business journals, government publications and business review publications. Secondary sources used were published books and journal articles. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Willie, Ntsikelelo Mike Mncedi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52976 , vital:44907
- Description: Background: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a vital role in government activities and the delivery of basic services to the people. The Government is active in the key sectors, such as, services, utilities, transportation and construction. Presumably, the distribution of basic resources and infrastructure development is to some extent dependent on SOEs. South Africa is inundated with challenges in SOE’s, such as, lack of service delivery, poor financial management, less growth, massive unemployment, corruption and low business confidence. These are a threat to economic and financial sustainability of a country. Twenty years into democracy, South Africa’s SOEs environment had many scandals in both private and public sectors. SOEs such as SABC, Eskom, and Transnet had their share of malpractice, fraud and corruption in management and at board level. These incidents call for interrogation at all levels as the impact undermines political, economic stability and growth prospects. One of today’s core challenges is to justify the existence of some of the SOEs in our economy. Looking at South Africa, most of the SOEs financial performances are severely deteriorating. Due to their financial constraints, they receive a bailout from government to enable them to continue to operate. Aim: This study identified specific governance challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa, over the period of 10 years (2014 - 2018). The study made recommendations to restore good governance in SOEs. Setting: This study reviewed articles and literature on the challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa. Primary sources for the document review took the form of newspapers, various official reports and ongoing records of SOEs activities, government departments, student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy, manuals, student handbooks, and strategic plans, and press releases, theses from academic institutions, trade journals, business journals, government publications and business review publications. Secondary sources used were published books and journal articles. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Classification and clustering based methods for outlier detection of solar resource data
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Community development and sustainable livelihoods: the Jeffrey’s Bay wind farm bee-keeping initiative, South Africa
- Authors: Phillip, Busisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53033 , vital:44886
- Description: The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) policy requirements set by the South Africa Government have shaped the responsibility of the socio-economic trajectory to include various stakeholders in the economy, such as the private sector companies that operate in and around areas affected by poverty and unemployment. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces of South Africa that are trapped in poverty (Edwards, 2003). The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (2019) reported that in the first quarter of 2019 the Eastern Cape had the highest unemployment rate (34.7%) in the country and that the youth unemployment rate was at 50.8%; a record high. The Kouga Municipality, which is where the Rooidraai community is situated in Ward 13, has a population of 98 558 people of which 38 412 are economically active and of these, 21.5% are unemployed (StatsSA, 2019). In view of this, there seems to be a problem addressing poverty in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm (JBWF) can create initiatives aimed at sustainable community development. In doing so, the research question will be answered, which entails investigating ways that the leaders of the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm project can employ to improve the beekeeping initiative’s outcomes and perhaps launch future initiatives that are aimed at developing communities. The Rooidraai community was the study’s area of research. This area was chosen because the beekeeping initiative is mainly situated in this community and also because the majority of the beneficiaries are situated in this area. The dearth of research on issues pertaining to community development and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping was a motivating factor to conduct the study. The problem statement highlighted that private sector companies are not particularly well versed with regard to community development approaches that deal with beneficiaries of projects that are imposed upon them that result in undesired outcomes that could have been avoided had proper processes been followed. The study used the theories of community development and sustainable livelihoods to assist in the research problem statement as these theories deal with issues of human development which have proposed approaches such as bottom-up development, self-reliance and giving voice to people at grassroots level. The study employed the qualitative approach due to its non-emergent nature and also the ability to predetermine methods of data collection and analysis through which semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes were employed as data collection tools and a thematic analysis and SLF analysis approaches were used as approaches for analysing the data. The study employed purposive sampling to which eight members of the beekeeping project made the sample size. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phillip, Busisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53033 , vital:44886
- Description: The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) policy requirements set by the South Africa Government have shaped the responsibility of the socio-economic trajectory to include various stakeholders in the economy, such as the private sector companies that operate in and around areas affected by poverty and unemployment. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces of South Africa that are trapped in poverty (Edwards, 2003). The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (2019) reported that in the first quarter of 2019 the Eastern Cape had the highest unemployment rate (34.7%) in the country and that the youth unemployment rate was at 50.8%; a record high. The Kouga Municipality, which is where the Rooidraai community is situated in Ward 13, has a population of 98 558 people of which 38 412 are economically active and of these, 21.5% are unemployed (StatsSA, 2019). In view of this, there seems to be a problem addressing poverty in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm (JBWF) can create initiatives aimed at sustainable community development. In doing so, the research question will be answered, which entails investigating ways that the leaders of the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm project can employ to improve the beekeeping initiative’s outcomes and perhaps launch future initiatives that are aimed at developing communities. The Rooidraai community was the study’s area of research. This area was chosen because the beekeeping initiative is mainly situated in this community and also because the majority of the beneficiaries are situated in this area. The dearth of research on issues pertaining to community development and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping was a motivating factor to conduct the study. The problem statement highlighted that private sector companies are not particularly well versed with regard to community development approaches that deal with beneficiaries of projects that are imposed upon them that result in undesired outcomes that could have been avoided had proper processes been followed. The study used the theories of community development and sustainable livelihoods to assist in the research problem statement as these theories deal with issues of human development which have proposed approaches such as bottom-up development, self-reliance and giving voice to people at grassroots level. The study employed the qualitative approach due to its non-emergent nature and also the ability to predetermine methods of data collection and analysis through which semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes were employed as data collection tools and a thematic analysis and SLF analysis approaches were used as approaches for analysing the data. The study employed purposive sampling to which eight members of the beekeeping project made the sample size. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Conflict management and transformation within the Evangelical Bible Church of Kwazulu-Natal
- Authors: Mentor, Kurt Raymond
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54870 , vital:48327
- Description: The following treatise is an analysis of conflict management within the Evangelical Bible Church of KwaZulu-Natal (EBC KZN). It focuses on the effectiveness of the management of conflict within the churches of EBC KZN. Over the years, many churches have avoided conflict and conflict management has never been a popular topic in the church. This may be because the church mostly relies on wisdom from God to handle conflict, with few attempts made to learn more about how to handle conflict effectively. A common approach is for the church to wait until conflict builds to a certain level before attempting to resolve it. Many conflicts have spiralled out of control by the time the church responds to issues. Thus, the church needs to address conflict proactively, rather than reactively. In order for the church to be more successful in resolving conflict, the leadership needs to take time to develop effective skills in conflict resolution. This is a proactive way of resolving conflict. This treatise explores the challenges pastors‟ face that inhibits their full potential to manage conflict. It describes the role of the pastors in the process of conflict management among the churches of EBC KZN, investigates the importance of effective conflict management in preventing further conflict, and explores ways of improving the skills of the pastors in conflict management. Like most churches, EBC KZN and its pastors have been called upon to deal with conflict disputes within local churches. Therefore, the researcher worked in partnership with seven pastors of EBC KZN using an analytical approach to explore the management of conflict among their churches. This study made use of qualitative methods of conducting interviews with the seven participants on conflict management in the church. The research revealed that conflict management in EBC KZN is ineffective because of a number of factors; including the lack of training of the pastors in conflict management and comprehensive church guidelines and policies to manage conflict. The researcher recommends that further research be done among the churches and for a proper policy of conflict management to be drawn up. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Mentor, Kurt Raymond
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54870 , vital:48327
- Description: The following treatise is an analysis of conflict management within the Evangelical Bible Church of KwaZulu-Natal (EBC KZN). It focuses on the effectiveness of the management of conflict within the churches of EBC KZN. Over the years, many churches have avoided conflict and conflict management has never been a popular topic in the church. This may be because the church mostly relies on wisdom from God to handle conflict, with few attempts made to learn more about how to handle conflict effectively. A common approach is for the church to wait until conflict builds to a certain level before attempting to resolve it. Many conflicts have spiralled out of control by the time the church responds to issues. Thus, the church needs to address conflict proactively, rather than reactively. In order for the church to be more successful in resolving conflict, the leadership needs to take time to develop effective skills in conflict resolution. This is a proactive way of resolving conflict. This treatise explores the challenges pastors‟ face that inhibits their full potential to manage conflict. It describes the role of the pastors in the process of conflict management among the churches of EBC KZN, investigates the importance of effective conflict management in preventing further conflict, and explores ways of improving the skills of the pastors in conflict management. Like most churches, EBC KZN and its pastors have been called upon to deal with conflict disputes within local churches. Therefore, the researcher worked in partnership with seven pastors of EBC KZN using an analytical approach to explore the management of conflict among their churches. This study made use of qualitative methods of conducting interviews with the seven participants on conflict management in the church. The research revealed that conflict management in EBC KZN is ineffective because of a number of factors; including the lack of training of the pastors in conflict management and comprehensive church guidelines and policies to manage conflict. The researcher recommends that further research be done among the churches and for a proper policy of conflict management to be drawn up. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Cultural perspectives on health decision making of HIV positive Xhosa males
- Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Customer experience in the South African retail banking industry
- Authors: Mtyu, Noluchumo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53037 , vital:44874
- Description: This treatise explores customer experience in the South African banking industry and its importance for the success of retail banks. Customer experience leaves a memory that has critical effects on future spending of not only direct customers, but others around them. The main issues addressed by this study are how customer experience is a differentiator in the South African banking industry. The banking industry is a highly competitive industry and the importance of customer service in the banking industry is essential for business if they wish to stay relevant and have sustained continuity and growth. In today’s fast-evolving business life, customer experience has become the new battleground for businesses and banks can no longer rely on products or prices to be competitive. Retail banks now need to compete by providing exceptional customer experiences, which cannot be imitated by their competitors. Services provided by South African banks are very similar and banks need to use superior customer experiences to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Understanding customer experience in achieving customer satisfaction is essential to ensure that banks have satisfied customers who encourage others to join or stay with the bank. Once understood, customer experience will assist bank managers to provide inimitable and superior experiences, resulting in business success. The study aims to assist South African banks to improve customer experiences by investigating customer experience and factors that influence it. Definitions and theories are discussed as well as the importance of customer experience in the South African retail banking industry. This study specifically explored the role of the customer experience through factors brand experience, service experience and post-purchase experience. Each factor is statistically explored and its importance highlighted. An empirical study, using a questionnaire, was conducted amongst 858 respondents. The purpose of this was to determine the satisfaction levels of South African retail banking customers, by using data analyses and descriptive and inferential statistics to test the factors identified in the conceptual model. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mtyu, Noluchumo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53037 , vital:44874
- Description: This treatise explores customer experience in the South African banking industry and its importance for the success of retail banks. Customer experience leaves a memory that has critical effects on future spending of not only direct customers, but others around them. The main issues addressed by this study are how customer experience is a differentiator in the South African banking industry. The banking industry is a highly competitive industry and the importance of customer service in the banking industry is essential for business if they wish to stay relevant and have sustained continuity and growth. In today’s fast-evolving business life, customer experience has become the new battleground for businesses and banks can no longer rely on products or prices to be competitive. Retail banks now need to compete by providing exceptional customer experiences, which cannot be imitated by their competitors. Services provided by South African banks are very similar and banks need to use superior customer experiences to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Understanding customer experience in achieving customer satisfaction is essential to ensure that banks have satisfied customers who encourage others to join or stay with the bank. Once understood, customer experience will assist bank managers to provide inimitable and superior experiences, resulting in business success. The study aims to assist South African banks to improve customer experiences by investigating customer experience and factors that influence it. Definitions and theories are discussed as well as the importance of customer experience in the South African retail banking industry. This study specifically explored the role of the customer experience through factors brand experience, service experience and post-purchase experience. Each factor is statistically explored and its importance highlighted. An empirical study, using a questionnaire, was conducted amongst 858 respondents. The purpose of this was to determine the satisfaction levels of South African retail banking customers, by using data analyses and descriptive and inferential statistics to test the factors identified in the conceptual model. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience: a comparative analysis between the banking and grocery retail sectors
- Authors: Pillay, Deneesha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53007 , vital:44891
- Description: The notion of customer experience has gained prominence in the field of marketing over the last three decades. It has become a strategic imperative for firms in order to ensure sustained business growth. A positive customer experience not only has the ability to promote customer loyalty but can also assist firms in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience in South Africa’s banking and grocery retail sectors has not yet been adequately explored. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comparative analysis of these two sectors and in turn present a model for improving customer experience as a marketing tool. The execution of this study requires a literature review to investigate the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience in the attempt of improving customer experience quality. Furthermore, this Treatise pursues a positivistic research approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from an online questionnaire disseminated via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 858 is used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted on the data. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience in South Africa’s grocery retail and banking sectors. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase Experience were all found to have a positive effect on the overall customer experience. In the grocery-retail sector, Post-purchase Experience was found to have a strong positive correlation with customer experience. Brand Experience and Service Experience were strongly correlated with each other as independent factors, but did not demonstrate any practical or statistical significance in relation to the dependent factor, Customer Experience. However, in the banking sector, all of these factors demonstrate positive correlations with Customer Experience that are statistically and practically significant. The model presented in this study identifies the determinants of Customer Experience within both sectors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pillay, Deneesha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53007 , vital:44891
- Description: The notion of customer experience has gained prominence in the field of marketing over the last three decades. It has become a strategic imperative for firms in order to ensure sustained business growth. A positive customer experience not only has the ability to promote customer loyalty but can also assist firms in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience in South Africa’s banking and grocery retail sectors has not yet been adequately explored. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comparative analysis of these two sectors and in turn present a model for improving customer experience as a marketing tool. The execution of this study requires a literature review to investigate the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience in the attempt of improving customer experience quality. Furthermore, this Treatise pursues a positivistic research approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from an online questionnaire disseminated via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 858 is used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted on the data. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience in South Africa’s grocery retail and banking sectors. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase Experience were all found to have a positive effect on the overall customer experience. In the grocery-retail sector, Post-purchase Experience was found to have a strong positive correlation with customer experience. Brand Experience and Service Experience were strongly correlated with each other as independent factors, but did not demonstrate any practical or statistical significance in relation to the dependent factor, Customer Experience. However, in the banking sector, all of these factors demonstrate positive correlations with Customer Experience that are statistically and practically significant. The model presented in this study identifies the determinants of Customer Experience within both sectors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Determinants of domestic savings: why Africa is dissaving
- Authors: Ruiters, Caviner Glen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52966 , vital:44888
- Description: The World Bank has emphasized the role of savings in financing domestic fixed capital formation, technology, education, employment and economic growth. Many African countries have experienced decreased savings and increased current account deficits worsened by the global financial crisis and capital outflows. This study seeks to explore the determinants of savings and determine the savings trend of African countries compared to that of the world. To this end, annual time series data for 20 representative countries from different economic groups were obtained from World Bank Indicators, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Penn World Tables and Integrated Network for Societal Conflict Research (INSCR) database over the period 2000 to 2018. The Panel ARDL/ Pooled Mean Group estimator was used to analyse the data. The main findings were that household variables, capital flow variables, human capital variables, institutional quality variables, financial and other social macroeconomic variables determine savings. Further, the speed of adjustment show causality from the explanatory variables to savings. The use of income and monetary policy dummy variables indicates that there is no difference in determinants of savings for countries with different income groups and monetary policies. It was recommended that African countries invest in education and ICT infrastructure, improve their financial systems and restructure policies on good governance and political stability as this has a significant effect on savings. The study was limited by a lack of time series data for all African countries, therefore, future research involving an increased sample size and variables were recommended. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ruiters, Caviner Glen
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52966 , vital:44888
- Description: The World Bank has emphasized the role of savings in financing domestic fixed capital formation, technology, education, employment and economic growth. Many African countries have experienced decreased savings and increased current account deficits worsened by the global financial crisis and capital outflows. This study seeks to explore the determinants of savings and determine the savings trend of African countries compared to that of the world. To this end, annual time series data for 20 representative countries from different economic groups were obtained from World Bank Indicators, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Penn World Tables and Integrated Network for Societal Conflict Research (INSCR) database over the period 2000 to 2018. The Panel ARDL/ Pooled Mean Group estimator was used to analyse the data. The main findings were that household variables, capital flow variables, human capital variables, institutional quality variables, financial and other social macroeconomic variables determine savings. Further, the speed of adjustment show causality from the explanatory variables to savings. The use of income and monetary policy dummy variables indicates that there is no difference in determinants of savings for countries with different income groups and monetary policies. It was recommended that African countries invest in education and ICT infrastructure, improve their financial systems and restructure policies on good governance and political stability as this has a significant effect on savings. The study was limited by a lack of time series data for all African countries, therefore, future research involving an increased sample size and variables were recommended. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Development of a crumb rubber adsorbent for the sorption of lead and copper from waste water: Optimization of sorption in a binary component system
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
- Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Driving factors of mobile banking application in South Africa
- Authors: Peter, Unati
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52984 , vital:44885
- Description: There has been a gaping variance between the number of mobile phone users and landline users in South Africa (RSA). Results from an assessment in 2011 suggested that 29 million South Africans subscribed to mobile phones versus 5 million landline users (Balabanoff, 2014). The exponential growth of mobile applications has been precipitated by the increased growth of the mobile phone market. This growth is coupled with numerous advantages that mobile services bring to the user, such as better operability, productivity advances and entertainment (Balabanoff, 2014). Even though adoption strategies regarding mobile banking have been studied in various parts of the world, acceptance of mobile banking applications in South Africa has not been greatly researched. Hence, this study focused on exploring consumer behaviour and acceptance towards adopting mobile banking in South Africa, where mobile banking is at an elementary stage, but provides potential benefits to both users and business at large. A quantitative research style was followed by this research. An electronic quantitative questionnaire was distributed to South African civilians who are eligible to hold bank accounts in their own names. The research was then conducted on a sample size of 86 respondents. Due to limitations on time, this study utilised convenience sampling. Data gathered from the questionnaires was examined using statistical analysis to scrutinise the correlation between the variables used in the research model, this being Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT is commonly used to predict and explain factors that influence the adoption of technology by users. These factors help decision-makers in formulating technology acceptance strategies. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peter, Unati
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52984 , vital:44885
- Description: There has been a gaping variance between the number of mobile phone users and landline users in South Africa (RSA). Results from an assessment in 2011 suggested that 29 million South Africans subscribed to mobile phones versus 5 million landline users (Balabanoff, 2014). The exponential growth of mobile applications has been precipitated by the increased growth of the mobile phone market. This growth is coupled with numerous advantages that mobile services bring to the user, such as better operability, productivity advances and entertainment (Balabanoff, 2014). Even though adoption strategies regarding mobile banking have been studied in various parts of the world, acceptance of mobile banking applications in South Africa has not been greatly researched. Hence, this study focused on exploring consumer behaviour and acceptance towards adopting mobile banking in South Africa, where mobile banking is at an elementary stage, but provides potential benefits to both users and business at large. A quantitative research style was followed by this research. An electronic quantitative questionnaire was distributed to South African civilians who are eligible to hold bank accounts in their own names. The research was then conducted on a sample size of 86 respondents. Due to limitations on time, this study utilised convenience sampling. Data gathered from the questionnaires was examined using statistical analysis to scrutinise the correlation between the variables used in the research model, this being Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT is commonly used to predict and explain factors that influence the adoption of technology by users. These factors help decision-makers in formulating technology acceptance strategies. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04