Perceptions about the role of social entrepreneurship in the provision of employment in South Africa: A case study of buffalo city Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Damane, Qaqamba
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Job creation , socioeconomic status , Social integration
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61075 , vital:69722
- Description: The high rates of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are significant barriers to economic advancement in the country. According to Statistics South Africa (2022), the country’s unemployment rate is 34.5 percent, while it has been reported that the proportion of the population living in poverty was 55.5 percent in 2020. Social entrepreneurship has been recognised as a means of tackling these socioeconomic challenges, by providing innovative social solutions. However, the lack of a universal definition for social entrepreneurship has caused misperceptions regarding its potential for job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. In order to understand the relationship between social entrepreneurship and job creation, this study focused on existent perceptions of social entrepreneurship as pertaining to job creation in South Africa; the study used the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as a case study. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the relevant literature related to the concept of social entrepreneurship, and its role in job creation. This study employed a qualitative research approach, in this respect, it relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the hermeneutic phenomenological method, for which non-probability purposive sampling was used in order to select participants. The study sample comprised of twelve social entrepreneurs registered on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's Local Economic Development database for social entrepreneurs. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions; in this regard, the study achieved a 100 percent response rate. The primary research findings indicated that the youth of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality participate in, and promote, social entrepreneurship as a solution to the metropole’s high youth unemployment rate. The results of the study support current government policy by encouraging the implementation of local government policy initiatives that support social entrepreneurship, which could eventually result in the creation of jobs, and a decline in the country's unemployment rate. In addition, the study identified the need for government support, specifically in terms of the provision of funding and resources as a perceived government function; this would assist in the creation of social entrepreneurshipbased jobs. The study contributes to the existent body of work on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, and to further understanding the role this phenomenon plays in job creation in South Africa. Local government should acknowledge and support social entrepreneurship through the improvement of its current systems and the reallocation of government resources, so as to encourage openness and participation, in order to foster an environment that is vi favorable to social innovation. Furthermore, by capitalizing on the commercial aspects of social enterprises, and abandoning reliance on traditional Local Economic Development policies, local government can develop policy frameworks that promote socio-economic development in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Academic resilience of engineering students: a case study
- Authors: Mapaling, Curwyn
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) , Engineering students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60775 , vital:67337
- Description: Extensive research has been done and much knowledge exists about academic resilience among youth in school contexts, but there is a lack of data and literature on academic resilience at university level. This knowledge gap is especially critical in disciplines such as engineering, where student dropout rates have historically been high. In 2017, a redesigned engineering degree qualification, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, was introduced at South African universities. This case study explored the academic resilience of the first cohort of final-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology students at Nelson Mandela University. Mixed methods and multiple theories were employed, which allowed for the generation of rich data for this exploratory case study. In the quantitative phase, 66 students from Industrial, Civil, Electrical, Marine and Mechanical Engineering courses participated by completing a series of standardised psychometric measurement tools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected from the measurement items. In the qualitative phase, 13 engineering students, 6 engineering lecturers and 6 support staff members were interviewed individually, to explore their perceptions and experiences of academic resilience. Qualitative data generated through the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggested that staff and students perceive academic resilience differently. It also seems that staff wellbeing impacts the academic resilience of students, and the relationship between staff wellness and student academic resilience is suggested as a next step for research on the topic of academic resilience at university level, especially among courses with high drop-out rates like engineering. Although not generalisable, it appears that a variety of extracurricular support structures and initiatives and strong relationships between the higher education sector and engineering industries can contribute significantly to students' academic resilience. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Graduate Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mapaling, Curwyn
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Resilience (Personality trait) , Engineering students
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60775 , vital:67337
- Description: Extensive research has been done and much knowledge exists about academic resilience among youth in school contexts, but there is a lack of data and literature on academic resilience at university level. This knowledge gap is especially critical in disciplines such as engineering, where student dropout rates have historically been high. In 2017, a redesigned engineering degree qualification, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, was introduced at South African universities. This case study explored the academic resilience of the first cohort of final-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology students at Nelson Mandela University. Mixed methods and multiple theories were employed, which allowed for the generation of rich data for this exploratory case study. In the quantitative phase, 66 students from Industrial, Civil, Electrical, Marine and Mechanical Engineering courses participated by completing a series of standardised psychometric measurement tools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted on the quantitative data collected from the measurement items. In the qualitative phase, 13 engineering students, 6 engineering lecturers and 6 support staff members were interviewed individually, to explore their perceptions and experiences of academic resilience. Qualitative data generated through the semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggested that staff and students perceive academic resilience differently. It also seems that staff wellbeing impacts the academic resilience of students, and the relationship between staff wellness and student academic resilience is suggested as a next step for research on the topic of academic resilience at university level, especially among courses with high drop-out rates like engineering. Although not generalisable, it appears that a variety of extracurricular support structures and initiatives and strong relationships between the higher education sector and engineering industries can contribute significantly to students' academic resilience. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Post Graduate Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Top-down control by grapsoid crabs in South African estuarine salt marshes
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Affirmative action and people with disabilities in the work place
- Authors: Mpambani, Ntombizodwa Rose
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation , People with disabilities , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60685 , vital:66321
- Description: Worldwide and in South Africa, affirmative action has been extensively used both as a policy instrument and a means of social reparation and reform. This study focuses on compliance and monitoring for affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the South African workplace. Affirmative action is a transitory method of advancing equality. Constitutionally, it is acknowledged in South Africa that affirmative action in the form of substantive equality. This study explores whether or not employers utilize affirmative action in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. It also aims to evaluate how the Department of Employment and Labour and the courts implement affirmative action. The study considers the relevant literature available, statutes, and employment equality policies, as well as an evaluation of case law. In South Africa, individuals who have disabilities are one of the groups that the Employment Equity Act attempts to protect. People with disabilities are disadvantaged in the work arena, which has substantial psychological, social, and economic consequences. The government established the numerical target that employers must strive to achieve in the workplace. Consequently, it is essential to investigate further the obstacles that impede the employment of persons with disabilities including the physical accessibility of the environment and information, transportation, the attitudes of others (such as employers and co-employees), and the extra expenditures associated with managing a disability. The delivery, nature, and structure of an individual's education is one of the first determinants of socialization into society. There is a delicate relationship between poverty, disability, and social assistance programs that may have a substantial effect on the employment and job search of persons with disabilities. Interestingly, South Africa combines significant unemployment rates with effective social assistance programs. There are compelling economic, social, psychological, and political arguments for boosting the employment of those with disabilities. The policy of affirmative action is effective, but the study notes that the objectives have not yet been realized. The situation in South Africa is compounded by a variety of confusing circumstances, including substantial unemployment, strong social assistance, and disabled individuals with poor skill levels. The survey concluded that the majority of firms do not execute affirmative action appropriately and that enforcement is minimal. It is recommended that disabled workers and labour unions confront employers that do not comply with the Employment Equity Act. To guarantee that persons with disabilities are completely integrated into the workforce, proactive and constructive strategies must be used. It is the morally just and virtuous thing to do, not just for disabled people but for all people. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School: Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mpambani, Ntombizodwa Rose
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- Law and legislation , People with disabilities , Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60685 , vital:66321
- Description: Worldwide and in South Africa, affirmative action has been extensively used both as a policy instrument and a means of social reparation and reform. This study focuses on compliance and monitoring for affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the South African workplace. Affirmative action is a transitory method of advancing equality. Constitutionally, it is acknowledged in South Africa that affirmative action in the form of substantive equality. This study explores whether or not employers utilize affirmative action in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. It also aims to evaluate how the Department of Employment and Labour and the courts implement affirmative action. The study considers the relevant literature available, statutes, and employment equality policies, as well as an evaluation of case law. In South Africa, individuals who have disabilities are one of the groups that the Employment Equity Act attempts to protect. People with disabilities are disadvantaged in the work arena, which has substantial psychological, social, and economic consequences. The government established the numerical target that employers must strive to achieve in the workplace. Consequently, it is essential to investigate further the obstacles that impede the employment of persons with disabilities including the physical accessibility of the environment and information, transportation, the attitudes of others (such as employers and co-employees), and the extra expenditures associated with managing a disability. The delivery, nature, and structure of an individual's education is one of the first determinants of socialization into society. There is a delicate relationship between poverty, disability, and social assistance programs that may have a substantial effect on the employment and job search of persons with disabilities. Interestingly, South Africa combines significant unemployment rates with effective social assistance programs. There are compelling economic, social, psychological, and political arguments for boosting the employment of those with disabilities. The policy of affirmative action is effective, but the study notes that the objectives have not yet been realized. The situation in South Africa is compounded by a variety of confusing circumstances, including substantial unemployment, strong social assistance, and disabled individuals with poor skill levels. The survey concluded that the majority of firms do not execute affirmative action appropriately and that enforcement is minimal. It is recommended that disabled workers and labour unions confront employers that do not comply with the Employment Equity Act. To guarantee that persons with disabilities are completely integrated into the workforce, proactive and constructive strategies must be used. It is the morally just and virtuous thing to do, not just for disabled people but for all people. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of School: Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Interactive visualisation of electricity usage in smart environments
- Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngwenya, Moreblessing Tafadzwa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Smart environment -- south Africa , Application software -- Development , Intelligent buildings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61477 , vital:70687
- Description: Saving electricity is a trending topic due to the electricity challenges that are being faced globally. Smart environments are environments that are equipped with physical objects, which include computers, sensors, actuators, smartphones, and wearable devices interconnected together through the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things provides a network to achieve communication, and computation abilities to provide individuals with smart services anytime, and anywhere. Rapid developments in information technology have increased the number of smart appliances being used, leading to increased electricity usage. Devices and appliances in Smart Environments continue to consume electricity even when not in use, because of the standby function. The problems arise as the electricity consumption of the standby function accumulates to large amounts. Effective communication through visualisation of the electricity consumption in a Smart Environment provides a viable solution to reducing the consumption of electricity. This research aimed to design and developed a visualisation system that successfully communicates electricity consumption to the user using a variety of visualisation techniques. The Design Science Research Methodology was used to address the research questions and was used to iteratively design and develop an energy usage visualisation system. The visualisation system was created for the Smart Lab at the Nelson Mandela University's Department of Computing Sciences. A usability study was conducted to assess the usability and efficacy of the system. The system was found to be usable and effective in communicating power usage to potential customers, since the participants were able to complete the tasks in a short amount of time. The positive results show that visualisation can aid in communicating electricity usage to customers, resulting in a possible reduction in electricity consumption and improved decision-making. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
An efficient approach for the synthesis of dolutegravir and its analogue exploiting flow chemistry
- Authors: Nqeketo, Sinazo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) – Enzymes –Inhibitors , Antiviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:70635
- Description: Africa has the highest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence in the world and has invested heavily in running its HIV programmes and conducting research of medical significance. Despite efforts in combating this disease the production, distribution, cost, and availability of antiretroviral (ARV) generics remains a major problem as they are imported from China and India. Exploring the recently emerged “enabling technique”, namely flow chemistry in the production of APIs has gained a lot of attention. This study was devoted on exploring the application of flow chemistry on the synthesis of a newly approved anti-HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG); an integrase inhibitor with a high genetic barrier to resistance with a daily dosing scheduled compared to other ARVs and its third-generation inhibitor analogue, cabotegravir. Chapter one covers a comprehensive background and literature review of the HIV epidemic, an introduction of antiretroviral therapy as well as detailed dolutegravir and cabotegravir synthesis. A brief introduction of continuous flow technology with its advantages and disadvantages is discussed in this chapter. The efficient seven-step continuous flow procedure afforded dolutegravir and cabotegravir in improved reaction times and yields compared to the traditional batch procedure was demonstrated. The significant advantage of this flow process includes the reduction of the overall reaction time from step one to step seven, from prolonged 68 hours in batch to 34 minutes. The overall yield of each reaction step improved dramatically upon flow optimization. The yields of the second step (selective ester hydrolysis), fourth step (cyclization) and fifth step (amidation) increased from 64 %, 40 % and 33 % in batch to 98 %, 71 % and 100 % yield by HPLC respectively. Other than improved yields and residence times which was aided advantages of microreactor technology including intensive mixing, the flow process is also much better because it is cost effective. Most importantly, a novel process on the formation of pyridinone intermediate using ion-exchange resin catalysts towards the synthesis of dolutegravir and cabotegravir was described in this study , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Nqeketo, Sinazo
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: HIV (Viruses) – Enzymes –Inhibitors , Antiviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:70635
- Description: Africa has the highest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence in the world and has invested heavily in running its HIV programmes and conducting research of medical significance. Despite efforts in combating this disease the production, distribution, cost, and availability of antiretroviral (ARV) generics remains a major problem as they are imported from China and India. Exploring the recently emerged “enabling technique”, namely flow chemistry in the production of APIs has gained a lot of attention. This study was devoted on exploring the application of flow chemistry on the synthesis of a newly approved anti-HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG); an integrase inhibitor with a high genetic barrier to resistance with a daily dosing scheduled compared to other ARVs and its third-generation inhibitor analogue, cabotegravir. Chapter one covers a comprehensive background and literature review of the HIV epidemic, an introduction of antiretroviral therapy as well as detailed dolutegravir and cabotegravir synthesis. A brief introduction of continuous flow technology with its advantages and disadvantages is discussed in this chapter. The efficient seven-step continuous flow procedure afforded dolutegravir and cabotegravir in improved reaction times and yields compared to the traditional batch procedure was demonstrated. The significant advantage of this flow process includes the reduction of the overall reaction time from step one to step seven, from prolonged 68 hours in batch to 34 minutes. The overall yield of each reaction step improved dramatically upon flow optimization. The yields of the second step (selective ester hydrolysis), fourth step (cyclization) and fifth step (amidation) increased from 64 %, 40 % and 33 % in batch to 98 %, 71 % and 100 % yield by HPLC respectively. Other than improved yields and residence times which was aided advantages of microreactor technology including intensive mixing, the flow process is also much better because it is cost effective. Most importantly, a novel process on the formation of pyridinone intermediate using ion-exchange resin catalysts towards the synthesis of dolutegravir and cabotegravir was described in this study , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Modelling the dynamics of Breast Cancer disease with hormone therapy and surgery controls
- Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine, Mbava,Willard
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ngalo, Akhona Sunshine , Mbava,Willard
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Cancer -- Molecular aspects , Breast cancer -- South Africa , Hormone therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61487 , vital:70688
- Description: In this study, we discussed a mathematical model that incorporates important interactions between normal cells, tumor cells, immune cells, and estrogen. The mathematical model was revised to include two control measures; namely surgery and hormone therapy to minimize the number of tumor cells. The model was mathematically analyzed with the premise that the two control measures are positive constants. Locally and globally analyses were performed using a variety of analytical methods to investigate the stability of the breast cancer model. Furthermore, an optimal control problem was formulated and used to determine the best strategy for reducing the number of tumor cells by incorporating hormone therapy and surgery, based on the well-known Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. The numerical results indicates combining both optimal control measures (surgery and hormone therapy) simultaneously is more efficacious than using single control measure separately in decreasing the number of tumor cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The design and synthesis of novel fluorescent coumarin-based derivatives as chemosensory for the application of toxic metal ion detection
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Schoeman,Stiaan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fluorescent polymers -- South Africa , Polymerization , Chemosensory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61270 , vital:69851
- Description: The rise of humankind has caused pollution, increasing damage to the environment. The actions of humans over hundreds of years have led to an increase in the release of heavy metal cations in concentrations that are toxic to plants, animals and humans. These toxic metals can find their way into humans’ diets through water sources or bioaccumulation in plants and animals such as fish. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are known to cause serious health issues when consumed, affecting the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems and causing developmental disorders. Other metal cations, such as iron and copper, can be found in the human body. However, detrimental health issues can occur when normal concentrations are disturbed (either too high or too low). Iron, for example, can be toxic if in excess in the human body, causing damage to the liver and heart and can cause neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Many methods have been employed to detect and measure the concentrations of toxic metal cations. However, these methods are performed in a laboratory and need skilled operators using expensive equipment. This results in long and tedious sample collection, long feedback time and costly analysis. Chemosensors have been researched and proposed as a cost-effective, on-site, real-time alternative for use as metal detectors. Chemosensory can selectively detect specific metal cations and can be sensitive up to the nanomolar range. Various chemosensors have been synthesised and screened for their colourimetric and fluorometric abilities. Colourimetric chemosensors can be used to visually detect cationic and anionic analytes, whereas fluorometric chemosensors are used to detect anions using their emission properties which handheld devices can measure. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Fiscal consolidation and economic growth: a comparison of South Africa and selected three OECD countries
- Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Authors: Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fiscal consolidation , Economic growth -- South Africa , OECD countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62142 , vital:72001
- Description: The study examined the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa (SA) in comparison with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The study emphasizes the use of fiscal consolidation as a tool to stimulate economic growth and reduce the budget deficit, focusing on the reforms of public revenues and expenditures. Moreover, the study employed the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model to explore the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in SA and three OECD countries from the period 1990 - 2018. The cointegration analysis confirmed the existence of cointegration between the variables which suggested that there is a long-run relationship among the variables. As a result, both long and short run dynamic models were evaluated. The result of the study shows that fiscal consolidation positively affects economic growth in South Africa in the long run, whilst in OECD countries fiscal consolidation negatively affects economic growth, both in the short and long run. Low government debt in South Africa due to lower deficit translated to a higher economic growth whilst higher debt level in OECD countries due to higher government spending translated to higher economic growth, one of the main differences in the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa and OECD countries is their spending pattern. Majority of South Africa’s budget is spent on inefficient state-owned enterprises, which have accounted for the bulk of government contingent liabilities, resulting in high borrowing costs, which consequently lead to high borrowing cost, thus the rising central government debt as a percentage of GDP. Unlike in SA, OECD countries spend towards capital expenditure specifically in priority areas such as infrastructure, Technology, and transport hence their high debt levels result in higher economic growth. In attempt to stimulate South Africa's economic growth, it is recommended that South Africa implement effective fiscal consolidations based on expenditure adjustments rather than revenue adjustments, as expenditure adjustments are more likely to reduce deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios and are more effective. In addition, the South African fiscal stimulus package can be used to invest more in infrastructure to increase private capital accumulation and stimulate economic growth. However, South Africa must exercise caution when reducing expenditures to avoid a reduction in development spending, which could lead to a decline in unemployment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mphaphuli, Zeb Junior Rabelani
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Fiscal consolidation , Economic growth -- South Africa , OECD countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62142 , vital:72001
- Description: The study examined the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa (SA) in comparison with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The study emphasizes the use of fiscal consolidation as a tool to stimulate economic growth and reduce the budget deficit, focusing on the reforms of public revenues and expenditures. Moreover, the study employed the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model to explore the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in SA and three OECD countries from the period 1990 - 2018. The cointegration analysis confirmed the existence of cointegration between the variables which suggested that there is a long-run relationship among the variables. As a result, both long and short run dynamic models were evaluated. The result of the study shows that fiscal consolidation positively affects economic growth in South Africa in the long run, whilst in OECD countries fiscal consolidation negatively affects economic growth, both in the short and long run. Low government debt in South Africa due to lower deficit translated to a higher economic growth whilst higher debt level in OECD countries due to higher government spending translated to higher economic growth, one of the main differences in the relationship between fiscal consolidation and economic growth in South Africa and OECD countries is their spending pattern. Majority of South Africa’s budget is spent on inefficient state-owned enterprises, which have accounted for the bulk of government contingent liabilities, resulting in high borrowing costs, which consequently lead to high borrowing cost, thus the rising central government debt as a percentage of GDP. Unlike in SA, OECD countries spend towards capital expenditure specifically in priority areas such as infrastructure, Technology, and transport hence their high debt levels result in higher economic growth. In attempt to stimulate South Africa's economic growth, it is recommended that South Africa implement effective fiscal consolidations based on expenditure adjustments rather than revenue adjustments, as expenditure adjustments are more likely to reduce deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios and are more effective. In addition, the South African fiscal stimulus package can be used to invest more in infrastructure to increase private capital accumulation and stimulate economic growth. However, South Africa must exercise caution when reducing expenditures to avoid a reduction in development spending, which could lead to a decline in unemployment. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Factors that influence the success of total quality management (TGM) practices in a South African (SA) automotive organisation
- Authors: Makone, Tlangelani Sandra
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Automotive Industry , Total Quality Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62113 , vital:71996
- Description: The South African automotive industry is a key driver of the economy and industrialisation of the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on many industries globally. In the automotive industry, Covid-19 affected the supply chain resulting in a shortage of semi-conductors, which are essential in the microchips used in the vehicle assembly process. The delays in supply resulted in decreased production volumes and thus a decline in sales which has had an adverse effect on the economic growth of the industry. Therefore, the automotive industry must be sustainable and agile to be competitive globally. This study aimed to focus on total quality management (TQM) practices as a tool for competitive advantage. TQM is significant for sustainability, business continuity and competitive advantage. The study highlights the relevance of TQM practices in the global automotive industry and in South Africa where the study was performed. The organisations at the base of the study are multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that manufacture passenger vehicles for both local and export markets. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between leadership support, quality culture, education and training, structure and resources, and strategic quality plan as the independent variables and TQM practices as the dependent variable. A closed-ended online survey with 70 respondents was employed to collect the data from the OEMs. The findings are that there is a positive and significant correlation between the variables. Leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning have more influence on the success of TQM practices. Education and training, and structure and resources have a moderate influence on TQM practices. Managers in quality assurance and production in automotive organisations need to prioritise leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning for TQM practices to succeed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Makone, Tlangelani Sandra
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Automotive Industry , Total Quality Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62113 , vital:71996
- Description: The South African automotive industry is a key driver of the economy and industrialisation of the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on many industries globally. In the automotive industry, Covid-19 affected the supply chain resulting in a shortage of semi-conductors, which are essential in the microchips used in the vehicle assembly process. The delays in supply resulted in decreased production volumes and thus a decline in sales which has had an adverse effect on the economic growth of the industry. Therefore, the automotive industry must be sustainable and agile to be competitive globally. This study aimed to focus on total quality management (TQM) practices as a tool for competitive advantage. TQM is significant for sustainability, business continuity and competitive advantage. The study highlights the relevance of TQM practices in the global automotive industry and in South Africa where the study was performed. The organisations at the base of the study are multinational original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that manufacture passenger vehicles for both local and export markets. This quantitative study investigated the relationship between leadership support, quality culture, education and training, structure and resources, and strategic quality plan as the independent variables and TQM practices as the dependent variable. A closed-ended online survey with 70 respondents was employed to collect the data from the OEMs. The findings are that there is a positive and significant correlation between the variables. Leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning have more influence on the success of TQM practices. Education and training, and structure and resources have a moderate influence on TQM practices. Managers in quality assurance and production in automotive organisations need to prioritise leadership support, quality culture and strategic quality planning for TQM practices to succeed. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Efficacy of recapitalisation and development programme: A comparative study of the citrus farms in Amathole district
- Authors: Ndema, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Land reform , Development policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62227 , vital:72019
- Description: The majority of the land reform beneficiaries have remained poor, with some being worse off than before. Despite the various government initiatives to address issues of food insecurity and poverty alleviation, there has been slow progress in terms of producing enough food to ensure local and national food security. In South Africa, the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RECAP) was initiated to alleviate the challenges faced by land redistribution and restitution recipient farmers such as inadequate post-settlement support to increase farms production output in order for them to become successful commercial farms. Several farmers have benefitted from this programme and the have been able to increase production output while others are still struggling, or worse showing zero output. These mixed outcomes call into question the efficacy of RECAP and the need to understand why some farmers are successful while others are not. This study adopted a qualitative comparative case study approach of six RECAP beneficiary citrus farms located in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape as well as their respective strategic partner and mentors. The findings of the study were analysed with the employ of reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that RECAP recipient citrus producers in Amathole have experienced varying degrees of success with access to finance being the key obstacle to success. Significantly, the study found that the challenges around finance do not relate primarily to the purchase of inputs to production, as was the previous understanding, but rather relate to the securing of title deeds and having a history of receiving finance which combined allow farmers to access additional finance when needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers as land reform and food security remain key Development challenges in South Africa that have been exacerbated by climate change. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ndema, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Land reform , Development policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62227 , vital:72019
- Description: The majority of the land reform beneficiaries have remained poor, with some being worse off than before. Despite the various government initiatives to address issues of food insecurity and poverty alleviation, there has been slow progress in terms of producing enough food to ensure local and national food security. In South Africa, the Recapitalisation and Development Programme (RECAP) was initiated to alleviate the challenges faced by land redistribution and restitution recipient farmers such as inadequate post-settlement support to increase farms production output in order for them to become successful commercial farms. Several farmers have benefitted from this programme and the have been able to increase production output while others are still struggling, or worse showing zero output. These mixed outcomes call into question the efficacy of RECAP and the need to understand why some farmers are successful while others are not. This study adopted a qualitative comparative case study approach of six RECAP beneficiary citrus farms located in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape as well as their respective strategic partner and mentors. The findings of the study were analysed with the employ of reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that RECAP recipient citrus producers in Amathole have experienced varying degrees of success with access to finance being the key obstacle to success. Significantly, the study found that the challenges around finance do not relate primarily to the purchase of inputs to production, as was the previous understanding, but rather relate to the securing of title deeds and having a history of receiving finance which combined allow farmers to access additional finance when needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers as land reform and food security remain key Development challenges in South Africa that have been exacerbated by climate change. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The moderating influence of socioemotional wealth on the innovation choices and outputs of South African family businesses
- Authors: Ndang, Akah William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Socioemotional wealth, , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62216 , vital:72012
- Description: The global impact of family businesses is increasing in a significant manner. The importance of family businesses has been recognised by academic institutions through the establishment of family business research centres and academic programmes for family businesses, as well as practitioner-oriented journals in family business studies. In most developed and developing market economies, family businesses have been projected as one of the primary forms of private enterprise that play an important role in both national and global economies, including South Africa. In other words, in the global innovation context, family businesses are considered to be the backbone of economic development. Given the importance of innovation to family businesses in contributing to economic growth and sustainability across generations, as well as the limited research that has been conducted on South African family businesses and innovation, the primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of selected drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs in South-African family businesses, as well as how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs. This study uses the socioemotional wealth (SEW) and the resource-based theory (RBV) as the basis of its theoretical orientation. The following drivers of innovation were identified during the literature review (independent variable), namely: Financial capital, Human capital and leadership, Social capital, Learning orientation, Entrepreneurial orientation, Market orientation, Organisational culture, and Knowledge management as having an impact on Innovation outputs (dependent variable). In addition, Socioemotional wealth (SEW) was hypothesised as having a moderating influence on the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation ouptuts. Four demographic variables (Size of the business, Age of the business, Generation of the family and Industry of operation) were identified as having a potential influence on the hypothesised relationships. Each of the constructs were clearly defined and then operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from tested vii measuring instruments used in previous studies, as well as a number of self-generated items based on secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was made available online to respondents identified by means of the convenience snowball sampling technique, and data was collected from 331 family businesses in South Africa. The usable questionnaires were subjected to various data analyses techniques. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were performed on each factor that confirms the factor structures by using various goodness-of-fit indices. Subsequent to the CFAs, the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed. As a result of these analyses, three new independent variables emerged as drivers of Innovation outputs in South African family businesses, namely: Funding of research and innovation, Financial, human and social capital resources, and Shared business vision, resources information and knowledge. In addition the SEW construct revealed two dimensions as dependant variables, namely: Family influence, control and commitment and Business reputation and commitment. The reliability of the measuring instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, while the assessment of validity involved calculations of the average variance extracted (AVE) estimates and squared correlations between constructs. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent, moderating and dependent variables. The main finding of the study reveals that there is a significant positive relationship between Financial, human and social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. There is also a significant positive relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. Furthermore, Family influence, control and commitment positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. while Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Financial, human, social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. Finally, Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge viii and Innovation outputs. Concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This study makes several theoretical and practical contributions. This study is the first of its kind that investigates the relationship between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Second, this study is the first to investigate how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Having a better understanding of how and when the family system impacts the innovation decisions in the family business is important because it helps researchers understand the differences between family businesses (i.e. family firm heterogeneity) and non-family businesses. Third, the findings indicated that the adaptation of the SEW and RBV theories was accurate in understanding how the family, through its socioemotional wealth, influences innovation decisions. Fourth, concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This finding is another valuable contribution to the literature on innovation, given the inconsistent and sometimes inconclusive findings concerning the relationship between age of the business and innovation activities. The study's final theoretical contribution is the development of a measurement tool that accurately assesses the drivers of innovation and innovation outputs and the influence of the five dimensions of socioemotional wealth. Other family business researchers, business mentors and or family business owners themselves can use this measurement tool to assess and monitor factors that have an impact on innovation activities inside their businesses. Practically, this study makes several suggestions on how family business owners and managers could improve the Innovation outputs of their businesses and become aware of how the family could influence the innovation choices and decisions made in the business. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Ndang, Akah William
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Socioemotional wealth, , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62216 , vital:72012
- Description: The global impact of family businesses is increasing in a significant manner. The importance of family businesses has been recognised by academic institutions through the establishment of family business research centres and academic programmes for family businesses, as well as practitioner-oriented journals in family business studies. In most developed and developing market economies, family businesses have been projected as one of the primary forms of private enterprise that play an important role in both national and global economies, including South Africa. In other words, in the global innovation context, family businesses are considered to be the backbone of economic development. Given the importance of innovation to family businesses in contributing to economic growth and sustainability across generations, as well as the limited research that has been conducted on South African family businesses and innovation, the primary objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of selected drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs in South-African family businesses, as well as how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs. This study uses the socioemotional wealth (SEW) and the resource-based theory (RBV) as the basis of its theoretical orientation. The following drivers of innovation were identified during the literature review (independent variable), namely: Financial capital, Human capital and leadership, Social capital, Learning orientation, Entrepreneurial orientation, Market orientation, Organisational culture, and Knowledge management as having an impact on Innovation outputs (dependent variable). In addition, Socioemotional wealth (SEW) was hypothesised as having a moderating influence on the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation ouptuts. Four demographic variables (Size of the business, Age of the business, Generation of the family and Industry of operation) were identified as having a potential influence on the hypothesised relationships. Each of the constructs were clearly defined and then operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from tested vii measuring instruments used in previous studies, as well as a number of self-generated items based on secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was made available online to respondents identified by means of the convenience snowball sampling technique, and data was collected from 331 family businesses in South Africa. The usable questionnaires were subjected to various data analyses techniques. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were performed on each factor that confirms the factor structures by using various goodness-of-fit indices. Subsequent to the CFAs, the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed. As a result of these analyses, three new independent variables emerged as drivers of Innovation outputs in South African family businesses, namely: Funding of research and innovation, Financial, human and social capital resources, and Shared business vision, resources information and knowledge. In addition the SEW construct revealed two dimensions as dependant variables, namely: Family influence, control and commitment and Business reputation and commitment. The reliability of the measuring instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, while the assessment of validity involved calculations of the average variance extracted (AVE) estimates and squared correlations between constructs. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent, moderating and dependent variables. The main finding of the study reveals that there is a significant positive relationship between Financial, human and social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. There is also a significant positive relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. Furthermore, Family influence, control and commitment positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge and Innovation outputs. while Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Financial, human, social capital resources, and Innovation outputs. Finally, Business reputation and succession positively moderates the relationship between Shared business vision, resources, information and knowledge viii and Innovation outputs. Concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This study makes several theoretical and practical contributions. This study is the first of its kind that investigates the relationship between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Second, this study is the first to investigate how the family, through its Socioemotional wealth, moderates the relationships between the drivers of innovation and Innovation outputs of South African family businesses. Having a better understanding of how and when the family system impacts the innovation decisions in the family business is important because it helps researchers understand the differences between family businesses (i.e. family firm heterogeneity) and non-family businesses. Third, the findings indicated that the adaptation of the SEW and RBV theories was accurate in understanding how the family, through its socioemotional wealth, influences innovation decisions. Fourth, concerning the selected demographic variables, this study found that Age of the business has a significant influence on Innovation outputs. This finding is another valuable contribution to the literature on innovation, given the inconsistent and sometimes inconclusive findings concerning the relationship between age of the business and innovation activities. The study's final theoretical contribution is the development of a measurement tool that accurately assesses the drivers of innovation and innovation outputs and the influence of the five dimensions of socioemotional wealth. Other family business researchers, business mentors and or family business owners themselves can use this measurement tool to assess and monitor factors that have an impact on innovation activities inside their businesses. Practically, this study makes several suggestions on how family business owners and managers could improve the Innovation outputs of their businesses and become aware of how the family could influence the innovation choices and decisions made in the business. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effects of inclusive education policies and administrative circulars on small schools in Namibia
- Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Authors: Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Inclusive education Namibia Kavango West , Education and state Namibia , Small schools Namibia Kavango West , Right to education Namibia Kavango West , Education Social aspects Namibia Kavango West , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419737 , vital:71671
- Description: The achievement of the right to education for all children in Namibia is fundamentally dependent upon the quality of education provided to these learners irrespective of their social circumstances. Being a sparsely populated region, nearly half of the primary schools in the Kavango West region have fewer than 100 learners; thus, these small schools are regarded as not economically viable. The educational development in rural regions is shaped by limited access to quality, inclusive education and the persistence of low-quality primary education which has resulted in high repetition rates and dropouts. This research is a Critical Discourse Analysis of the education policies and regulations. As a case study, it unpacks Formal Education Circulars on staffing norms and on the closure of small schools, looking at their affordances/constraints on the provision of inclusive quality education for children schooling at small schools in Namibia. Interviews and document analysis were used to gather data. Critical Theory frames the process of ideological critique which, among other things, identifies inequalities and factors that limit human freedom and how such factors can be alleviated. The research asks the question: what are the explicit and implicit underlying realities experienced at one-man schools, which depict the varied situations in which these schools survive? Factors emerging from the study showed that small schools in Namibia are symbols of inequity and the exclusion of educationally marginalised children and their poor communities. Small schools are hardly able to sustain and draw in the resources required to meet the education needs of marginalised communities which fall under the multidimensional poverty index in Namibia. The study found that at the moment there are no deliberate efforts from the Ministry of Education to bring about the necessary changes to small schools, and therefore one-man schools have continued to operate as isolated sections of an inflexible system. It is my contention that deliberate efforts are still needed to improve small schools. Policy decisions that respond to the current challenges faced by one-man schools may be sufficient to bring about noteworthy changes in the operations of one-man schools and these changes could effectively impact the learners learning. The decision to drive change requires a multilayered approach that articulates a clear vision, which is systematically implemented to improve one-man schools in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Chilhood Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The effects of inclusive education policies and administrative circulars on small schools in Namibia
- Authors: Hamutumua, Teopolina Ndilina-Laudika
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Inclusive education Namibia Kavango West , Education and state Namibia , Small schools Namibia Kavango West , Right to education Namibia Kavango West , Education Social aspects Namibia Kavango West , Business communication
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419737 , vital:71671
- Description: The achievement of the right to education for all children in Namibia is fundamentally dependent upon the quality of education provided to these learners irrespective of their social circumstances. Being a sparsely populated region, nearly half of the primary schools in the Kavango West region have fewer than 100 learners; thus, these small schools are regarded as not economically viable. The educational development in rural regions is shaped by limited access to quality, inclusive education and the persistence of low-quality primary education which has resulted in high repetition rates and dropouts. This research is a Critical Discourse Analysis of the education policies and regulations. As a case study, it unpacks Formal Education Circulars on staffing norms and on the closure of small schools, looking at their affordances/constraints on the provision of inclusive quality education for children schooling at small schools in Namibia. Interviews and document analysis were used to gather data. Critical Theory frames the process of ideological critique which, among other things, identifies inequalities and factors that limit human freedom and how such factors can be alleviated. The research asks the question: what are the explicit and implicit underlying realities experienced at one-man schools, which depict the varied situations in which these schools survive? Factors emerging from the study showed that small schools in Namibia are symbols of inequity and the exclusion of educationally marginalised children and their poor communities. Small schools are hardly able to sustain and draw in the resources required to meet the education needs of marginalised communities which fall under the multidimensional poverty index in Namibia. The study found that at the moment there are no deliberate efforts from the Ministry of Education to bring about the necessary changes to small schools, and therefore one-man schools have continued to operate as isolated sections of an inflexible system. It is my contention that deliberate efforts are still needed to improve small schools. Policy decisions that respond to the current challenges faced by one-man schools may be sufficient to bring about noteworthy changes in the operations of one-man schools and these changes could effectively impact the learners learning. The decision to drive change requires a multilayered approach that articulates a clear vision, which is systematically implemented to improve one-man schools in Namibia. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Chilhood Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Wage differentials by sector and gender in Botswana
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Foreign aid and Human Development Indicators: Evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mwimba, Inambao
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Human development indicators , Official Development Aid
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62162 , vital:72003
- Description: The purpose of this study is to determine whether foreign aid influences the quality of life in South Africa. To do so, the study analyses the relationship between foreign aid and the human development index (HDI). HDI consists of three other indices: the index of wellbeing, the index of education, and the index of income. To measure the relationship between foreign aid and HDI, five Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models are used in estimating the effect of foreign aid on HDI as well as life expectancy, education level, unemployment, and GDP per capita from 1993 to 2019. Income, population density, and credit are given to the private sector are part of the empirical models as controlled variables. The results show that no significant relationship exists between foreign aid and HDI, education, and GDP, while aid is linked to a lower life expectancy rate and unemployment. These findings imply that aid can increase the HDI in South Africa by contributing to a decreased unemployment rate, and thus policy makers should establish concrete plans and develop economic strategies that focus on creating incentives that attract more aid, especially in the short run. This can lead to a decrease in the unemployment rate, which is often regarded as South Africa’s biggest economic issue. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The role of trade unions in organisational change in South African organisations
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mzondi, Siphelele
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Organisational Development , Labor union emblems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62181 , vital:72005
- Description: Organisations of the 21st century face a plethora of changes due to globalisation, a world referred to as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Organisations must consider pertinent stakeholders, specifically employees, and by representation, trade unions, during organisational change attempts. The study has explored the role of trade unions during organisational change in South African organisations. A literature review was conducted, which explored, amongst others, factors driving change, organisational change management models, the labour relations landscape in South Africa and the role of trade unions in organisational change. The empirical study included semi-structured interviews and a survey with a questionnaire. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was followed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with trade union representatives and human resource/employment relations managers. Thereafter, an online self-administered survey was conducted focusing on employees. A non-probability judgement design was employed in sampling the participants for the qualitative approach, and five (N = 5) HR/employment relations managers and six (N = 6) trade union representatives were interviewed. Random sampling was employed for the quantitative component and 74 questionnaires were completed. The interviews were thematically analysed while for the survey, exploratory factor and correlation analysis were used. The factor analysis extracted three factors: Before Change; During Change; and After Change. Based on the results recommendations for senior management, HR/ER managers; and for trade unions were presented. The recommendations include that organisations use the framework as a guide to involve trade unions. Trade unions and their representatives need to be acknowledged as important stakeholders before change is introduced. Knowledge of labour law is essential and a culture of open communication must be evident before, during and after change. Trade unions should organise conferences (Indabas) to reorientate and reskill themselves about their role during organisational change within South African organisations. The main contribution of the study is that HR/ER managers and trade union representatives should utilise the framework developed in this study to advance best practices in respect of the role of trade unions in organisational change in the South African context. , Thesis (Ma) --Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04