Testing alternative Pinus species and hybrids for the South African structural pole market
- Authors: Ndovela, Lisakhanya Sizo
- 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/10948/52002 , vital:43435
- Description: According to the South African National Standards, only Pinus canariensis, Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata are suitable to be used as structural softwood poles. Of the three Pinus species mentioned, only P. radiata is still planted in South Africa and its future and availability is uncertain. The lack of availability of structural pine poles necessitates the South African forestry industry to look at alternative softwood species to plant. The broad aim of this study was to determine whether there are alternative Pinus species or hybrids that can be planted in South Africa’s Western and Southern Cape areas that will have suitable properties to be used as a resource for structural poles. This document reports on the testing of the strength and stiffness, as well as other relevant properties, of poles from several Pinus species and Pinus hybrids. The poles were derived from thinned eight-year-old tree stands in Knysna, Western Cape. Poles were peeled, kiln dried and graded before bending tests were carried out. Species and hybrids were also assessed for differences within a tree along the length. Also, the correlation between modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and wood grading properties was evaluated. The results showed that there was a highly significant effect of species and log position on the mean MOR of the poles. In general, poles from the bottom of the tree had a higher mean MOR than poles from the top of the tree. There was also a highly significant effect of species and pole position on the mean MOE of poles, with poles at the top of the trees generally having higher MOE values. A very concerning finding was that the 5th percentile MOR and mean MOE values of all the species were far lower than required by SANS 10163-1 (2003). Even for the best performing species, P. radiata, the MOR 5th percentile value was less than half the required value, while the mean MOE was also 39% lower than the required mean MOE. Apart from P. radiata, the P. maximinoi performed the best of all species and hybrids since it had a statistically similar mean MOR and MOE to P. radiata. P. elliottii and the hybrid P. elliottii x caribaea had statistically significant lower MOR and MOE than P. radiata. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ndovela, Lisakhanya Sizo
- 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/10948/52002 , vital:43435
- Description: According to the South African National Standards, only Pinus canariensis, Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata are suitable to be used as structural softwood poles. Of the three Pinus species mentioned, only P. radiata is still planted in South Africa and its future and availability is uncertain. The lack of availability of structural pine poles necessitates the South African forestry industry to look at alternative softwood species to plant. The broad aim of this study was to determine whether there are alternative Pinus species or hybrids that can be planted in South Africa’s Western and Southern Cape areas that will have suitable properties to be used as a resource for structural poles. This document reports on the testing of the strength and stiffness, as well as other relevant properties, of poles from several Pinus species and Pinus hybrids. The poles were derived from thinned eight-year-old tree stands in Knysna, Western Cape. Poles were peeled, kiln dried and graded before bending tests were carried out. Species and hybrids were also assessed for differences within a tree along the length. Also, the correlation between modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and wood grading properties was evaluated. The results showed that there was a highly significant effect of species and log position on the mean MOR of the poles. In general, poles from the bottom of the tree had a higher mean MOR than poles from the top of the tree. There was also a highly significant effect of species and pole position on the mean MOE of poles, with poles at the top of the trees generally having higher MOE values. A very concerning finding was that the 5th percentile MOR and mean MOE values of all the species were far lower than required by SANS 10163-1 (2003). Even for the best performing species, P. radiata, the MOR 5th percentile value was less than half the required value, while the mean MOE was also 39% lower than the required mean MOE. Apart from P. radiata, the P. maximinoi performed the best of all species and hybrids since it had a statistically similar mean MOR and MOE to P. radiata. P. elliottii and the hybrid P. elliottii x caribaea had statistically significant lower MOR and MOE than P. radiata. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- 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/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- 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/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The rights of children in youth care centres
- Authors: Ngodwana, Gugulethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51193 , vital:43230
- Description: Poverty is prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province. As a result of poverty and other related factors, there is an increase on percentage of crime. There is a number of case laws where children have been found guilty of committing very serious criminal offences in the Eastern Cape. They are contributing high percentage in crime. In the past, before the dawn of the new constitutional dispensation, children in conflict with the law were not treated any different to adults who were in conflict with the law. There was no separate legislation that was child specific. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Laws, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngodwana, Gugulethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Juvenile delinquents
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51193 , vital:43230
- Description: Poverty is prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province. As a result of poverty and other related factors, there is an increase on percentage of crime. There is a number of case laws where children have been found guilty of committing very serious criminal offences in the Eastern Cape. They are contributing high percentage in crime. In the past, before the dawn of the new constitutional dispensation, children in conflict with the law were not treated any different to adults who were in conflict with the law. There was no separate legislation that was child specific. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Laws, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Impacts of food security programmes at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A model for smart factories in the consumer health sector
- Authors: Nherera, Bruce
- 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/10948/52959 , vital:44879
- Description: The manufacturing sector, globally, is facing significant challenges due to current societal, economic, environmental, and technological developments. To overcome the challenges into the future, manufacturing organisations will need new capabilities to manage their end to end supply chains to make sure that it is responsive and agile. The Smart factories, as an element of Industry 4.0, drive efficient operations while at the same time ensure that employees are safe, and operations are environmentally sustainable. The ability to be flexible, to be reconfigured and to be connected to customers allows Smart factories to mass customise their customers’ orders and maintain the same efficiencies when compared to mass production operations. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart factories must be employed to further drive efficiencies, agility and ease of production by giving operations the capability to respond in real time to problems with machines and customer requests. Smart factory technology allows operational sustainability through the efficient use of resources. The Smart factory revolution is significantly changing the relationship between humans and machines. Based on the literature review conducted, a theoretical model was constructed which was tested at a Consumer Health Organisation to identify the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. The independent factors, specified in the model were job security, organisation culture, training and skills, trust, costs and resources, parent company and standards. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Nherera, Bruce
- 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/10948/52959 , vital:44879
- Description: The manufacturing sector, globally, is facing significant challenges due to current societal, economic, environmental, and technological developments. To overcome the challenges into the future, manufacturing organisations will need new capabilities to manage their end to end supply chains to make sure that it is responsive and agile. The Smart factories, as an element of Industry 4.0, drive efficient operations while at the same time ensure that employees are safe, and operations are environmentally sustainable. The ability to be flexible, to be reconfigured and to be connected to customers allows Smart factories to mass customise their customers’ orders and maintain the same efficiencies when compared to mass production operations. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart factories must be employed to further drive efficiencies, agility and ease of production by giving operations the capability to respond in real time to problems with machines and customer requests. Smart factory technology allows operational sustainability through the efficient use of resources. The Smart factory revolution is significantly changing the relationship between humans and machines. Based on the literature review conducted, a theoretical model was constructed which was tested at a Consumer Health Organisation to identify the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. The independent factors, specified in the model were job security, organisation culture, training and skills, trust, costs and resources, parent company and standards. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of strategic leadership in strategy implementation: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- 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/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- 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/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A framework to integrate social entrepreneurship into development planning in South Africa
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52982 , vital:44881
- Description: The thesis presents a framework to integrate social entrepreneurship (SE) into development planning in South Africa. Even though there is no consensus on a universally accepted definition of the term, there is concurrence that SE brings about social change that can influence the overall development of the community. In South Africa, SE is thus conceived of as one of the mechanisms for addressing the wicked and persistent socio-economic challenges that face the country. Social entrepreneurship occurs in areas such as education, health, skills development, youth programmes, rehabilitation, safety, food security, poverty, job creation, human rights activism, environmental issues, arts and culture, among others. However, it remains unclear how SE is integrated into the development planning and implementation processes. Questions of integrating SE into development planning are asked within the context of South Africa as a democratic developmental state that intervenes in the development process. It emphasises the mobilization of and engagement with all sectors towards the achievement of its development objectives as articulated in the national development plan (NDP). Also, government recognizes organizations in the social enterprise sector (such as NPOs and NPCs) as stakeholders and development partners who deliver relevant services towards the achievement of these development objectives. However, there is a lack of framework to mobilize and integrate the social enterprise sector and SE into the development planning process. Social entrepreneurship, therefore, tends to occur in insolation from other development programmes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52982 , vital:44881
- Description: The thesis presents a framework to integrate social entrepreneurship (SE) into development planning in South Africa. Even though there is no consensus on a universally accepted definition of the term, there is concurrence that SE brings about social change that can influence the overall development of the community. In South Africa, SE is thus conceived of as one of the mechanisms for addressing the wicked and persistent socio-economic challenges that face the country. Social entrepreneurship occurs in areas such as education, health, skills development, youth programmes, rehabilitation, safety, food security, poverty, job creation, human rights activism, environmental issues, arts and culture, among others. However, it remains unclear how SE is integrated into the development planning and implementation processes. Questions of integrating SE into development planning are asked within the context of South Africa as a democratic developmental state that intervenes in the development process. It emphasises the mobilization of and engagement with all sectors towards the achievement of its development objectives as articulated in the national development plan (NDP). Also, government recognizes organizations in the social enterprise sector (such as NPOs and NPCs) as stakeholders and development partners who deliver relevant services towards the achievement of these development objectives. However, there is a lack of framework to mobilize and integrate the social enterprise sector and SE into the development planning process. Social entrepreneurship, therefore, tends to occur in insolation from other development programmes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Variation in forage quality in subtropical thicket
- Nyembe, Khulisile Jacqueline
- Authors: Nyembe, Khulisile Jacqueline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52088 , vital:43440
- Description: Several studies have assumed that the plant communities of the Subtropical Thicket biome are nutritious throughout the year. This is based on the observation that they are evergreen, palatable and grow on fertile soils; however this assumption has not been tested. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess forage quality variation in the Subtropical Thicket. This was done at three levels; first we measured the plant quality of dominant plant species in the diets of Thicket herbivores. Secondly, we measured the realised diet quality of Thicket herbivores through the analysis of faecal samples. Lastly we assessed the body condition of Thicket herbivores. The study was conducted at the Colchester (plant quality and diet quality) and Addo Main Camp (body condition assessment) sections of Addo Elephant National Park. To measure the food quality of Thicket plants we analysed 10 plants that are dominant in the diets of Thicket herbivores. To measure diet quality we collected faecal samples from ten herbivores with body mass ranging from 25 kg to 6000 kg. Plant quality results showed that only 30% of the sampled plants met the high energy goat diet protein requirements and that all the sampled plants did not meet the high energy goat diet fibre requirements. This indicates that Thicket plants are not as highly nutritious as they were thought to be. The principle components analysis together with overlapping confidence intervals showed that there was no significant difference between the summer plant samples and the winter plant samples. The faecal quality results showed that there was significant seasonal difference and that faecal diet quality was a function of body size. The body condition results showed that all the sampled herbivores lost condition in the cold dry months. The evidence from faecal diet quality and body condition assessment is sufficient for us to reject the assumption that Thicket forage is consistently nutritious throughout the year. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Nyembe, Khulisile Jacqueline
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52088 , vital:43440
- Description: Several studies have assumed that the plant communities of the Subtropical Thicket biome are nutritious throughout the year. This is based on the observation that they are evergreen, palatable and grow on fertile soils; however this assumption has not been tested. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess forage quality variation in the Subtropical Thicket. This was done at three levels; first we measured the plant quality of dominant plant species in the diets of Thicket herbivores. Secondly, we measured the realised diet quality of Thicket herbivores through the analysis of faecal samples. Lastly we assessed the body condition of Thicket herbivores. The study was conducted at the Colchester (plant quality and diet quality) and Addo Main Camp (body condition assessment) sections of Addo Elephant National Park. To measure the food quality of Thicket plants we analysed 10 plants that are dominant in the diets of Thicket herbivores. To measure diet quality we collected faecal samples from ten herbivores with body mass ranging from 25 kg to 6000 kg. Plant quality results showed that only 30% of the sampled plants met the high energy goat diet protein requirements and that all the sampled plants did not meet the high energy goat diet fibre requirements. This indicates that Thicket plants are not as highly nutritious as they were thought to be. The principle components analysis together with overlapping confidence intervals showed that there was no significant difference between the summer plant samples and the winter plant samples. The faecal quality results showed that there was significant seasonal difference and that faecal diet quality was a function of body size. The body condition results showed that all the sampled herbivores lost condition in the cold dry months. The evidence from faecal diet quality and body condition assessment is sufficient for us to reject the assumption that Thicket forage is consistently nutritious throughout the year. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- 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/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- 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/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
On the ideals and semimodules of commutative semirings
- Authors: Olivier, Ruan
- 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/10948/52782 , vital:44026
- Description: Semirings are a generalisation of rings where additive inverses need not exist. In this dissertation, we focus on results of commutative semirings with non-zero identity. Many results that we study are analogous to results from commutative rings with non-zero identity. Properties which are unique to semirings are also investigated, such as semirings where all elements are additively idempotent. The notion of ideals is examined in the context of a semiring. Specifically, prime ideals, maximal ideals, k-ideals and partitioning ideals of semirings are considered. Additionally, the module over a ring is generalised to a semimodule over a semiring. The emphasis is on prime subsemimodules and multiplication semimodules. Lastly, invertible ideals of semirings are examined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Olivier, Ruan
- 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/10948/52782 , vital:44026
- Description: Semirings are a generalisation of rings where additive inverses need not exist. In this dissertation, we focus on results of commutative semirings with non-zero identity. Many results that we study are analogous to results from commutative rings with non-zero identity. Properties which are unique to semirings are also investigated, such as semirings where all elements are additively idempotent. The notion of ideals is examined in the context of a semiring. Specifically, prime ideals, maximal ideals, k-ideals and partitioning ideals of semirings are considered. Additionally, the module over a ring is generalised to a semimodule over a semiring. The emphasis is on prime subsemimodules and multiplication semimodules. Lastly, invertible ideals of semirings are examined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Antiproliferative activity of novel rhenium complexes and medicinal plant extracts
- Oosthuizen, Kenneth Thomas, Venables, Luanne
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Kenneth Thomas , Venables, Luanne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Medicinal plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52028 , vital:43441
- Description: Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease that affects millions of individuals every year. The adverse side effects and escalating costs of current therapies coupled with the increased incidence of resistance to these therapies make it imperative that we explore novel treatments for the disease. This study investigated two avenues for novel drug design namely, novel synthetic compounds and medicinal plant extracts. The benzimidazole ring system has shown potential as a scaffold for designing novel anticancer agents. Conjugation of the metal rhenium to novel variants of this ring system open up the possibility of designing novel drugs that serve both a diagnostic and a therapeutic function. This study investigated the in vitro anticancer potential of ten such complexes against selected breast and cervical cancer cell lines. The selectivity of the complexes for cancer cells over normal cells was also investigated while the mechanism of action of effective complexes was determined by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane disruption. All ten complexes were screened against MCF7 breast and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines with four showing antiproliferative activity against both cancer cell lines and one showing cell line specific toxicity against MCF7 breast cancer cells. When looking at the SAR of the compounds it was noted that activity was higher in compounds which contain two potentially bidentate benzothiazole ligands, while compounds with potentially tridentate ligands show good activity, but only if the benzothiazole moiety is not involved in coordination. The complexes showed greater antiproliferative activity against the MCF7 breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.0 µM versus a range of 7.6 to 24.4 µM being obtained on the HeLa cervical cancer cells. Antiproliferative complexes were tested against confluent and log phase Vero cells at their respective IC50 values to determine their effect on “normal” cells. Confluent Vero cells showed less cell death than those in log phase indicating that the complexes show preference for proliferating cells. The mechanism of action of the complexes was studied on both cancer cell lines via cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays investigating phosphatidylserine translocation, caspase -3 and -8 activation and mitochondrial membrane potential with most complexes inducing cell cycle arrest followed by cell death via both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Since 1940, 49% of all the available anticancer drugs approved for cancer treatment were natural products or directly derived from natural products. Plants are an excellent source of secondary metabolites, many of which are unique chemical compounds that cannot be synthesized in a laboratory. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in conjunction with Traditional Health Practitioners of the Mkuranga and Same districts in Tanzania identified 25 plants that are used for the treatment of cancer. Four of these plants (A. mossambicensis, C. adenocaule, C. pseudopulchelusis and R. natalensis) with ethnobotanically reported anticancer usage showed cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp and were selected for further in vitro anticancer studies. All four plants were found to have antiproliferative activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 to 50.8 µg/mL. This study was also tasked with investigating the mechanism of action of C. pseudopulchelus on HeLa cervical cancer cells by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane x disruption. C. pseudopulchelus caused early M phase arrest followed by slippage and subsequent cell death via the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. In conclusion, this study showed that both novel complexes as well as medicinal plant extracts represent an interesting avenue for the development of novel anticancer drugs that are cheaper and produce less side effects than current therapies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Kenneth Thomas , Venables, Luanne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Medicinal plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52028 , vital:43441
- Description: Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease that affects millions of individuals every year. The adverse side effects and escalating costs of current therapies coupled with the increased incidence of resistance to these therapies make it imperative that we explore novel treatments for the disease. This study investigated two avenues for novel drug design namely, novel synthetic compounds and medicinal plant extracts. The benzimidazole ring system has shown potential as a scaffold for designing novel anticancer agents. Conjugation of the metal rhenium to novel variants of this ring system open up the possibility of designing novel drugs that serve both a diagnostic and a therapeutic function. This study investigated the in vitro anticancer potential of ten such complexes against selected breast and cervical cancer cell lines. The selectivity of the complexes for cancer cells over normal cells was also investigated while the mechanism of action of effective complexes was determined by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane disruption. All ten complexes were screened against MCF7 breast and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines with four showing antiproliferative activity against both cancer cell lines and one showing cell line specific toxicity against MCF7 breast cancer cells. When looking at the SAR of the compounds it was noted that activity was higher in compounds which contain two potentially bidentate benzothiazole ligands, while compounds with potentially tridentate ligands show good activity, but only if the benzothiazole moiety is not involved in coordination. The complexes showed greater antiproliferative activity against the MCF7 breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.0 µM versus a range of 7.6 to 24.4 µM being obtained on the HeLa cervical cancer cells. Antiproliferative complexes were tested against confluent and log phase Vero cells at their respective IC50 values to determine their effect on “normal” cells. Confluent Vero cells showed less cell death than those in log phase indicating that the complexes show preference for proliferating cells. The mechanism of action of the complexes was studied on both cancer cell lines via cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays investigating phosphatidylserine translocation, caspase -3 and -8 activation and mitochondrial membrane potential with most complexes inducing cell cycle arrest followed by cell death via both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Since 1940, 49% of all the available anticancer drugs approved for cancer treatment were natural products or directly derived from natural products. Plants are an excellent source of secondary metabolites, many of which are unique chemical compounds that cannot be synthesized in a laboratory. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in conjunction with Traditional Health Practitioners of the Mkuranga and Same districts in Tanzania identified 25 plants that are used for the treatment of cancer. Four of these plants (A. mossambicensis, C. adenocaule, C. pseudopulchelusis and R. natalensis) with ethnobotanically reported anticancer usage showed cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp and were selected for further in vitro anticancer studies. All four plants were found to have antiproliferative activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 to 50.8 µg/mL. This study was also tasked with investigating the mechanism of action of C. pseudopulchelus on HeLa cervical cancer cells by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane x disruption. C. pseudopulchelus caused early M phase arrest followed by slippage and subsequent cell death via the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. In conclusion, this study showed that both novel complexes as well as medicinal plant extracts represent an interesting avenue for the development of novel anticancer drugs that are cheaper and produce less side effects than current therapies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
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
Estimating activity patterns in camera trap studies, and the overlap between domestic and indigenous ungulates
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Peral, Christopher Michael
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Ungulates -- Behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52019 , vital:43437
- Description: Animal activity can reveal responses to social and ecological factors such as the presence of food, water, shelter, predators, competitors or conspecifics. Thus, an understanding of an animal’s activity patterns provides insights into how and why they are using landscapes in the manner in which they do. Camera trap surveys, typically used to record the occurrence of species of interest, are also an efficient way to collect data regarding animal activity patterns but require robust analytical methods. The analysis of camera trap data requires assumptions that may differ for camera trap surveys that estimate occurrence or activity. One such assumption is temporal independence. This refers to the removal of images within a specified time interval, as these images are assumed to be images of the same individual. This assumption stems from the use of-time-to-independence in occurrence or density-based studies, where it reduces overestimation of animal counts. In studies of animal activity, this assumption is generally used, even though animal behaviour or activity occurs continuously over time and as such should be measured over time. I analysed 112 467 images of eight cooccurring species, to test the effect across various times to independence, these being set at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Time-to-independence resulted in significant loss of data and biased the interpretation of the activity patterns of species and interactions amongst species, particularly for herbivorous social species. In light of these findings, activity pattern estimates based on camera trap studies should be cautious when using time-to-independence. I then explore ‘habitat use’ in space and time by domestic and indigenous ungulates using a camera trap survey. Domestic ungulates (livestock) have become common place on rangelands and may compete with native species. It was hypothesised that there will be overlap in habitat use by livestock and indigenous ungulates. My results show that indigenous ungulate species, particularly larger species such as kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), changed their spatial and temporal use as a result of the presence of domestic ungulates. Other smaller indigenous ungulates, such as steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) and duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), were less affected by the presence of livestock. Kudu were found to use more open habitats at different times whilst springbok used more dense habitats at different times in the presence of livestock. This supports the hypothesis of competition between livestock and indigenous ungulates. This study provides novel insight into the analysis and interpretation of activity patterns based on camera trap surveys. Additionally, this study demonstrates the competitive displacement between domestic and indigenous ungulate species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
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
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
Presidential accountability for cabinet appointments in South Africa
- Authors: Phorego, Molefhi Solomon
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Executive power--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51212 , vital:43228
- Description: The President’s power to appoint cabinet members in South Africa constitutes an essential part of the country’s constitutional framework. It is a discretionary power exercised by the President in his capacity as Head of State bestowed on him by the Constitution, which underpins cabinet appointments.The underlying debates in relation to the President’s power to make cabinet appointments lie between justiciability and non-justiciability. In this respect, there are two schools of thought regarding the question whether the exercise of such a power may be the subject of a judicial inquiry, and if so, to what extent. This thesis provides insight into the nature and origin of the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. It also delves deeply into issues raised by the doctrine of separation of powers surrounding the exercise of this power. The core focus of the thesis is on the extent to which the President can be held accountable for making cabinet appointments. The main argument advanced is that because South Africa is a country founded on the principles of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, every exercise of public power should be subject to the Constitution, including the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. The determination of whether public power is in line with the dictates of the Constitution calls for an independent judiciary, with the power to rule on any aspect of societal disputes. In pursuit of the above, the thesis analyses the constitutional provisions and case law relevant to the President’s powers as Head of State. The research highlights, amongst others, the President’s duty to give reasons for cabinet appointments. On this point it is submitted that the President does have the constitutional obligation to give reasons for cabinet appointments. Comparisons with other jurisdictions on cabinet appointment processes and oversight mechanisms regarding the exercise of that power form the backdrop against which recommendations are made in the thesis. Proposals are advanced for increased legislative oversight in cabinet appointments. Such oversight should focus on inter alia, the President’s duty to furnish reasons for cabinet appointments. The thesis also proposes a constitutional framework in terms of which Parliament plays a role in the selection of appointees to cabinet. The rationale behind this recommendation is the minimising of instances in which the judiciary is accused of overreaching on the powers of the political organs of government. The courts should, however, still retain the power to pronounce whether both the President and Parliament have fulfilled their relevant constitutional obligations in relation to the process of cabinet appointments. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phorego, Molefhi Solomon
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Executive power--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51212 , vital:43228
- Description: The President’s power to appoint cabinet members in South Africa constitutes an essential part of the country’s constitutional framework. It is a discretionary power exercised by the President in his capacity as Head of State bestowed on him by the Constitution, which underpins cabinet appointments.The underlying debates in relation to the President’s power to make cabinet appointments lie between justiciability and non-justiciability. In this respect, there are two schools of thought regarding the question whether the exercise of such a power may be the subject of a judicial inquiry, and if so, to what extent. This thesis provides insight into the nature and origin of the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. It also delves deeply into issues raised by the doctrine of separation of powers surrounding the exercise of this power. The core focus of the thesis is on the extent to which the President can be held accountable for making cabinet appointments. The main argument advanced is that because South Africa is a country founded on the principles of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, every exercise of public power should be subject to the Constitution, including the President’s power to appoint cabinet members. The determination of whether public power is in line with the dictates of the Constitution calls for an independent judiciary, with the power to rule on any aspect of societal disputes. In pursuit of the above, the thesis analyses the constitutional provisions and case law relevant to the President’s powers as Head of State. The research highlights, amongst others, the President’s duty to give reasons for cabinet appointments. On this point it is submitted that the President does have the constitutional obligation to give reasons for cabinet appointments. Comparisons with other jurisdictions on cabinet appointment processes and oversight mechanisms regarding the exercise of that power form the backdrop against which recommendations are made in the thesis. Proposals are advanced for increased legislative oversight in cabinet appointments. Such oversight should focus on inter alia, the President’s duty to furnish reasons for cabinet appointments. The thesis also proposes a constitutional framework in terms of which Parliament plays a role in the selection of appointees to cabinet. The rationale behind this recommendation is the minimising of instances in which the judiciary is accused of overreaching on the powers of the political organs of government. The courts should, however, still retain the power to pronounce whether both the President and Parliament have fulfilled their relevant constitutional obligations in relation to the process of cabinet appointments. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, Public Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- 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
Benthic habitat mapping using marine geophysics and machine learning on the continental shelf of South Africa
- Authors: Pillay, Talicia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Marine geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52061 , vital:43452
- Description: A method to map seafloor substrates using machine learning, based primarily on hydroacoustic data including multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and side-scan sonar, has been developed. The aim was to produce a customdesigned benthic habitat classification method that digitally integrates marine geophysics and biological science data, with relevance to all elements of the local substrate, and this was the first time it was attempted in a South African context. The algorithm developed is able to produce bio-physical benthic habitat maps and this can be extended along the continental shelf of South Africa as new data setsare collected and the algorithm is supplemented. At the outset, this work has focused on broad categories of rock and detailed categories of sediment. Four study sites with varying substrate were selected to holistically build the algorithm that followed a tiered approach of machine learning: Table Bay, Clifton, Koeberg Harbour and Cape St Francis. Table Bay was used to develop a new method of physical seafloor classification, by comparing and contrasting a number of statistical algorithms and software programs. Clifton was used to test the developed clustering algorithm, and Koeberg which is 35 km to the north was used to validate the algorithm because sediment samples, along with drop camera footage, were integrated to better define the results. The resultant verified algorithm was tested at Cape St Francis, where Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage was acquired in addition to hydroacoustic data. In the first phase of the process towards developing an algorithm, a customised tool was created within ArcGIS using python scripting language to classify seafloor bathymetry, which can be applied to any area of seafloor whatsoever. The tool was based on pioneering work done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a benthic terrain modelling toolbox and adapted to include side-scan sonar data. In the second phase of work, multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar data that were processed using Qimera, Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox, and Navlog processing software, were classified using different machine learning techniques including Decision Trees, Random Forests, and k-means clustering computer algorithms. The results from these algorithms were compared to manually-digitised polygons which were created to classify the seafloor substrate distribution by identification of different textures. Integrating all results facilitated a quantitative comparison that illuminated advantages and disadvantages of each machine learning technique and ultimately the k-means clustering techniques were found to be the simplest to implement and understand and worked most efficiently based on their seafloor segmentation capabilities in Table Bay, against all three hydroacoustic data sets (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar). In the third phase of work, ground-truthed seafloor characterisation maps were produced for the two study areas of Clifton and Koeberg Harbour. This applied multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data that were collected and processed with machine learning clustering techniques. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pillay, Talicia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Marine geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52061 , vital:43452
- Description: A method to map seafloor substrates using machine learning, based primarily on hydroacoustic data including multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and side-scan sonar, has been developed. The aim was to produce a customdesigned benthic habitat classification method that digitally integrates marine geophysics and biological science data, with relevance to all elements of the local substrate, and this was the first time it was attempted in a South African context. The algorithm developed is able to produce bio-physical benthic habitat maps and this can be extended along the continental shelf of South Africa as new data setsare collected and the algorithm is supplemented. At the outset, this work has focused on broad categories of rock and detailed categories of sediment. Four study sites with varying substrate were selected to holistically build the algorithm that followed a tiered approach of machine learning: Table Bay, Clifton, Koeberg Harbour and Cape St Francis. Table Bay was used to develop a new method of physical seafloor classification, by comparing and contrasting a number of statistical algorithms and software programs. Clifton was used to test the developed clustering algorithm, and Koeberg which is 35 km to the north was used to validate the algorithm because sediment samples, along with drop camera footage, were integrated to better define the results. The resultant verified algorithm was tested at Cape St Francis, where Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage was acquired in addition to hydroacoustic data. In the first phase of the process towards developing an algorithm, a customised tool was created within ArcGIS using python scripting language to classify seafloor bathymetry, which can be applied to any area of seafloor whatsoever. The tool was based on pioneering work done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a benthic terrain modelling toolbox and adapted to include side-scan sonar data. In the second phase of work, multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar data that were processed using Qimera, Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox, and Navlog processing software, were classified using different machine learning techniques including Decision Trees, Random Forests, and k-means clustering computer algorithms. The results from these algorithms were compared to manually-digitised polygons which were created to classify the seafloor substrate distribution by identification of different textures. Integrating all results facilitated a quantitative comparison that illuminated advantages and disadvantages of each machine learning technique and ultimately the k-means clustering techniques were found to be the simplest to implement and understand and worked most efficiently based on their seafloor segmentation capabilities in Table Bay, against all three hydroacoustic data sets (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar). In the third phase of work, ground-truthed seafloor characterisation maps were produced for the two study areas of Clifton and Koeberg Harbour. This applied multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data that were collected and processed with machine learning clustering techniques. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Happiness in manufacturing
- Authors: Prinsloo, Christopher John
- 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/10948/52992 , vital:44893
- Description: The study of happiness, originally with a basis in psychology and sociology, became more scientific when methods were found to measure the complex concept. Humanity believe that happiness is meaningful, important, and worth achieving because, it is one of the most significant dimensions of human experience and emotions. The rewards of being happy for individuals and society are many including health, positivity, and productivity. The debate rages on whether subjective wellbeing increases as gross domestic product increases in countries and cities. Research has affirmed that happy employees are more productive, thereby improving financial sustainable, financial results for organisations and society. The opposite perspective is that unhappy employees negatively affect the performance, moral of fellow employees leading to negative results for organisations and poor social conditions. The Steel Wire and Rope manufacturing plant serves many organisations worldwide, where large industries exist including mining, offshore, agriculture and general-purpose applications. The manufacturing industry in which the study is based is strategic to South African local manufacture with critical applications in mine winding, by hoisting materials and men to the surface from the deepest mines in the world. Achievements include the longest and heaviest rope in the world. Happiness in this industry has not yet been explored, making this study new in this particular industry. The Steel Wire and Rope factory are a manufacturing facility and manufacturing companies can benefit from improving employee happiness levels. This makes this study of a steel wire and rope manufacturing facility important, as it would provide insight into similar manufacturing industries. The purpose of the study is to understand the happiness levels of employees in the steel, wire and rope manufacturing facility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Prinsloo, Christopher John
- 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/10948/52992 , vital:44893
- Description: The study of happiness, originally with a basis in psychology and sociology, became more scientific when methods were found to measure the complex concept. Humanity believe that happiness is meaningful, important, and worth achieving because, it is one of the most significant dimensions of human experience and emotions. The rewards of being happy for individuals and society are many including health, positivity, and productivity. The debate rages on whether subjective wellbeing increases as gross domestic product increases in countries and cities. Research has affirmed that happy employees are more productive, thereby improving financial sustainable, financial results for organisations and society. The opposite perspective is that unhappy employees negatively affect the performance, moral of fellow employees leading to negative results for organisations and poor social conditions. The Steel Wire and Rope manufacturing plant serves many organisations worldwide, where large industries exist including mining, offshore, agriculture and general-purpose applications. The manufacturing industry in which the study is based is strategic to South African local manufacture with critical applications in mine winding, by hoisting materials and men to the surface from the deepest mines in the world. Achievements include the longest and heaviest rope in the world. Happiness in this industry has not yet been explored, making this study new in this particular industry. The Steel Wire and Rope factory are a manufacturing facility and manufacturing companies can benefit from improving employee happiness levels. This makes this study of a steel wire and rope manufacturing facility important, as it would provide insight into similar manufacturing industries. The purpose of the study is to understand the happiness levels of employees in the steel, wire and rope manufacturing facility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Strategies to sustain SMEs post the hard lockdown period: a multiple case study in Gauteng
- Rabohale, Mokabolane Innocent
- Authors: Rabohale, Mokabolane Innocent
- 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/10948/53015 , vital:44889
- Description: The outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government in March 2020 exacerbated uncertain conditions of the weak South African business environment. This meant that SME owners and managers in different sectors had to implement strategies to manoeuvre the further weakened and unprecedented business environment. To investigate this, the research question asked was: what sustainable strategies will SME owners and managers craft and implement to use post the lockdown period? The study analysed strategies before, during, and post the hard lockdown period to provide insight into how SMEs adopted to the uncertain business environment. This study interviewed twenty (20) SMEs in different sectors in Gauteng to explore strategies that SME owners and managers used to sustain their businesses prior to, during, and post the level 5 and level 4 lockdown. The study revealed strategies employed by SME owners across five sectors. Furthermore, the study indicated that during the hard lockdown, owners used a “wait and see” strategy in different degrees. Post the level 5 and 4 lockdown, different sectors were innovating, cost cutting, and digitisation according to their level of comfortability and diversification. The study reveals that strategic planning was missing prior, during, and post the level 4 and 5 lockdowns, despite SME owners’ educational background. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Rabohale, Mokabolane Innocent
- 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/10948/53015 , vital:44889
- Description: The outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government in March 2020 exacerbated uncertain conditions of the weak South African business environment. This meant that SME owners and managers in different sectors had to implement strategies to manoeuvre the further weakened and unprecedented business environment. To investigate this, the research question asked was: what sustainable strategies will SME owners and managers craft and implement to use post the lockdown period? The study analysed strategies before, during, and post the hard lockdown period to provide insight into how SMEs adopted to the uncertain business environment. This study interviewed twenty (20) SMEs in different sectors in Gauteng to explore strategies that SME owners and managers used to sustain their businesses prior to, during, and post the level 5 and level 4 lockdown. The study revealed strategies employed by SME owners across five sectors. Furthermore, the study indicated that during the hard lockdown, owners used a “wait and see” strategy in different degrees. Post the level 5 and 4 lockdown, different sectors were innovating, cost cutting, and digitisation according to their level of comfortability and diversification. The study reveals that strategic planning was missing prior, during, and post the level 4 and 5 lockdowns, despite SME owners’ educational background. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04