Emerging Job Categories and Competencies Informing Talent Strategies for Industry 4.0 Automotive Organisations
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Macpherson, Wayne Elvison
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobiles -- Technological innovations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54002 , vital:46174
- Description: The emergence of Industry 4.0 is impacting the world of work and brings along new job categories that require new competency sets. The global shortage of skills is aggravated by the emergence of Industry 4.0 which is set to perpetuate the war for talent with talent being a main driver of business success. The South African automotive industry, being the largest contributor to the country’s GDP and the second largest employer in the country, needed to effectively manage talent to stay relevant and survive in a highly competitive labour market. Given the above, this research investigated emerging job categories and competencies required by automotive organisations for informing Talent Strategies in the context of Industry 4.0. To attain the purpose of the study, a literature study was conducted that explored the evolution of industry and the nature of Industry 4.0 with its associate technologies. A main part of the literature study was dedicated to identifying emerging job categories and competencies associated with Industry 4.0, with specific emphasis on identifying a hybrid competency set. The literature study was supplemented by data mining, semi-structured interviews and an online survey which, in turn, ensured a triangulation approach. Firstly, data mining was employed by consulting scientific and web-based sources to uncover trends in job advertisements relating to emerging job categories and competencies required in Industry 4.0 automotive organisations. Secondly, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of HRM, production and engineering in automotive organisations, to gather their thoughts and views on the extent to which their organisations experienced Industry 4.0, and the influence of Industry 4.0 on both job losses and job creation, competencies employees required and Talent Strategies adopted to ensure the supply of relevant talent. The results from the interviews were qualitatively analysed with the extraction of themes. Lastly, a self-administered online survey was administered to HRM professionals, line-managers, and production professionals in automotive organisations through snowball sampling with 162 usable questionnaires returned. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficient were utilised to successfully validate the scales used in the study, with technical skills revealing two distinct factors, and Talent Strategies revealing three distinct factors. The results provided evidence of technical, conceptual, human and personal skills required by automotive organisations in the context of Industry 4.0. A high level of differing responses was noted for Talent Strategies, and specially for retention strategies. Based on the results obtained in the study, recommendations were made for informing talent in the South African automotive sector. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Emotional Intelligence as a strategy to enhance leadership
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Knight, Melody
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- South Africa -- Leadership , Development leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53980 , vital:46166
- Description: The elevated levels of burnout and stress that arise from work-related challenges, occurring from poor public health infrastructure, are prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory offers a means to understand behaviour, attitudes, and interpersonal skills, which are important for nursing managers (NMs) to facilitate personal and professional development, well-being, and improved quality of care. Researchers have called for more research to create a greater awareness and understanding of EI in nursing leadership. Critical Realism was used as the epistemological framework to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to identify practical recommendations for interventions that could enhance the ability of NMs to manage the challenges associated with leadership. Using an explanatory framework, the objectives were to (i) generate causal explanations for organisational phenomena, given the EI of NMs and the conditions of its exercise, (ii) describe how NMs use their EI abilities in challenging situations, and to (iii) identify interventions to develop the EI of NMs. Although the research on EI is extensive, research on NMs and interventions to develop EI in NMs was not found. Purposive sampling was employed with focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews used to gather data. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis and retroduction to identify the most logically compelling explanation for events. The findings showed that the EI of NMs is essentially related to work engagement, burnout, turnover intention, work satisfaction, communication, interpersonal relationships, and job performance. It showed that organisational support and policies, personal and psychological factors, as well as training, play a necessary role in enhancing the EI of NMs. The recommendations provide suggestions to create the conditions necessary to enhance the EI of NMs. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Engineering nanocatalysts using mixed metals for hydrodesulfurization of fuel oil
- Authors: Majodina, Siphumelele
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53861 , vital:46021
- Description: Crude oil is a complex blend containing thousands of hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon compounds and heavy metals. These hydrocarbons are mixed with variable quantities of sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds. The combustion of fuel containing organosulfur compounds results in the emission of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. These toxic gases escape into the atmosphere resulting in air pollution, which is a large contributor to global warming. Air pollution also causes pulmonary diseases, allergies and may even lead to human death. It can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops. Thus, mandating the reduction of sulfur in organosulfur compounds in fuel to <10 ppmS by the environmental protection agency. Several studies have been conducted to remove sulfur from fuels, most of which have focused on removing refractory sulfur compounds due to the difficulty in removing sulfur in these compounds. However, the currently employed hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts suffer in producing fuels complying with the future standards of fuels quality. Generally, HDS catalysts are made up of metallic components, Co (Ni) and Mo (W), on porous supports, the catalytic activity of these catalysts strongly depends on the amount of NiWS (CoMoS) phases in it and to the extent in which these phases are exposed on the catalyst support surfaces and this is engineered using chelating agents and size of catalysts. To this end, nanosized materials (nanocatalysts) are considered most suitable, as reported active phases of HDS catalysts are exposed, hence improving the hydrodesulfurization of sulfur-containing compounds in fuels. Nanocatalysts results in nanoparticles and when impregnated on a support will results in high surface area, and enhances electronic property, which increases the activity of the catalyst allowing the most refractory sulfur to be removed. The addition of chelating agents such as EDTA, acetic acid, and citric acid further improves the activity of the catalysts by producing more active phases on the catalyst. In this research project, nanocatalysts will be synthesised using mixed metals with and without chelating agents and tested for HDS activity and selectivity towards sulfur using refractory organosulfur compounds in fuels under industrial HDS conditions. This work was divided into two sections, and this dissertation summarizes the research outcomes of each phase. The first section examines the effect of chelating ligands, namely, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and acetic acid (AA), on CoMo HDS activity and the sulfidation mechanism. In this study, chelating ligands seem to have a beneficial effect on HDS activity. Detailed mechanistic aspects of interactions between chelating ligands and metallic species (Co-chelating ligands) were also studied. Characterization by SC-XRD revealed that the presence of the chelating ligand result in the formation of complex with cobalt, and the effect of this complex was shown by TG-DSC analysis. This showed that the presence of chelating ligand leads a to delay of cobalt sulfidation as the complex decomposes at higher temperatures, which was the main cause of improving HDS activity. It was also shown that chelating ligands play a role in dispersion of metal oxides and sulfided metal oxides (TEM and XPS). XPS results showed low MoS2 phase for CoMo/Al2O3 (45%), while CoMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (63%) catalyst resulted in high MoS2 phases. From all the catalysts, CoMo-CA/Al2O3 (98%) gave the highest catalytic activity, and the increase in activity could be attributed to the formation of octahedral molybdenum oxides as they are easily reducible during sulfidation and result in more dispersed active phases and weak metal-support interaction. The second section examines the effect of a promoter (Rh) and different chelating ligands (EDTA, AA, and CA) on the catalyst RhMo supported with alumina. In this phase, rhodium was used as promoter, the following trend for catalytic activity was observed: RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) > RhMo-AA/Al2O3 (73%) > RhMo-CA/Al2O3 (72%) > RhMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (68%). This could be that the addition of chelating ligand complexed both metallic species retarding sulfidation of both metals, hence lowering the HDS activity. Studies show that it is possible for the citric acid to complex with both promoter and an active metal (Mo), and this might result in the formation of molybdenum dimers, trimers and tetramers which are difficult to sulfide. XPS analysis showed that unchelated catalyst have more MoS2 phases of 63%, hence higher dispersion than the chelated catalyst, this could be the reason for high activity in RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) catalyst. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Majodina, Siphumelele
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53861 , vital:46021
- Description: Crude oil is a complex blend containing thousands of hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon compounds and heavy metals. These hydrocarbons are mixed with variable quantities of sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds. The combustion of fuel containing organosulfur compounds results in the emission of sulfur oxides (SOx) into the atmosphere. These toxic gases escape into the atmosphere resulting in air pollution, which is a large contributor to global warming. Air pollution also causes pulmonary diseases, allergies and may even lead to human death. It can also cause harm to other living organisms such as animals and food crops. Thus, mandating the reduction of sulfur in organosulfur compounds in fuel to <10 ppmS by the environmental protection agency. Several studies have been conducted to remove sulfur from fuels, most of which have focused on removing refractory sulfur compounds due to the difficulty in removing sulfur in these compounds. However, the currently employed hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts suffer in producing fuels complying with the future standards of fuels quality. Generally, HDS catalysts are made up of metallic components, Co (Ni) and Mo (W), on porous supports, the catalytic activity of these catalysts strongly depends on the amount of NiWS (CoMoS) phases in it and to the extent in which these phases are exposed on the catalyst support surfaces and this is engineered using chelating agents and size of catalysts. To this end, nanosized materials (nanocatalysts) are considered most suitable, as reported active phases of HDS catalysts are exposed, hence improving the hydrodesulfurization of sulfur-containing compounds in fuels. Nanocatalysts results in nanoparticles and when impregnated on a support will results in high surface area, and enhances electronic property, which increases the activity of the catalyst allowing the most refractory sulfur to be removed. The addition of chelating agents such as EDTA, acetic acid, and citric acid further improves the activity of the catalysts by producing more active phases on the catalyst. In this research project, nanocatalysts will be synthesised using mixed metals with and without chelating agents and tested for HDS activity and selectivity towards sulfur using refractory organosulfur compounds in fuels under industrial HDS conditions. This work was divided into two sections, and this dissertation summarizes the research outcomes of each phase. The first section examines the effect of chelating ligands, namely, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and acetic acid (AA), on CoMo HDS activity and the sulfidation mechanism. In this study, chelating ligands seem to have a beneficial effect on HDS activity. Detailed mechanistic aspects of interactions between chelating ligands and metallic species (Co-chelating ligands) were also studied. Characterization by SC-XRD revealed that the presence of the chelating ligand result in the formation of complex with cobalt, and the effect of this complex was shown by TG-DSC analysis. This showed that the presence of chelating ligand leads a to delay of cobalt sulfidation as the complex decomposes at higher temperatures, which was the main cause of improving HDS activity. It was also shown that chelating ligands play a role in dispersion of metal oxides and sulfided metal oxides (TEM and XPS). XPS results showed low MoS2 phase for CoMo/Al2O3 (45%), while CoMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (63%) catalyst resulted in high MoS2 phases. From all the catalysts, CoMo-CA/Al2O3 (98%) gave the highest catalytic activity, and the increase in activity could be attributed to the formation of octahedral molybdenum oxides as they are easily reducible during sulfidation and result in more dispersed active phases and weak metal-support interaction. The second section examines the effect of a promoter (Rh) and different chelating ligands (EDTA, AA, and CA) on the catalyst RhMo supported with alumina. In this phase, rhodium was used as promoter, the following trend for catalytic activity was observed: RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) > RhMo-AA/Al2O3 (73%) > RhMo-CA/Al2O3 (72%) > RhMo-EDTA/Al2O3 (68%). This could be that the addition of chelating ligand complexed both metallic species retarding sulfidation of both metals, hence lowering the HDS activity. Studies show that it is possible for the citric acid to complex with both promoter and an active metal (Mo), and this might result in the formation of molybdenum dimers, trimers and tetramers which are difficult to sulfide. XPS analysis showed that unchelated catalyst have more MoS2 phases of 63%, hence higher dispersion than the chelated catalyst, this could be the reason for high activity in RhMo/Al2O3 (88%) catalyst. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Environmental legislation compliance: a strategy to implement a governance framework in Algoa Bay
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Govender, Andrea Lorrain
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Environmental law -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53744 , vital:45722
- Description: Over the past decades there has been a drastic decline in our ocean’s health that has resulted in fish depletion as well as marine life endangerment. This is largely due to human and economic activities such as commercial fishing, ship to ship bunkering and dumping of waste material at sea. The lack of governance and law enforcement has been a catalyst to the ocean’s fast approaching death. Although many laws and legislation exist to direct and encourage appropriate behaviour to preserve the ocean and marine life as well as ensure equality and equal access, the follow through and adherence have been lacking. This study was guided by the aim to develop a strategy for the implementation of a corporate governance framework to enhance compliance to environmental legislation in Algoa Bay to better protect the ocean, marine life and the rich biodiversity in the region which in extension will be beneficial to society and the oceans economy, as a thriving ocean is good for fishing, investments, imports, exports and tourism which is crucial for a booming oceans economy. The methodology applied in this research is a qualitative approach that used semi- structured interviews targeted at owners and managers of organisations to extract data regarding the level of compliance by those operating in the Algoa Bay region to marine and environmental legislation to decipher where decision making leaned and if it was slanted more towards non-compliance. The findings of the study demonstrate that organisations are not fully compliant to marine and environmental legislation despite being environmentally aware and portraying themselves as such to the public. This has been largely due to poor law enforcement practices and organisations valuing profit over compliance. As a result, African Penguins and many other fish species have become endangered. A corporate governance framework to enhance compliance will benefit society and promote job creation by employing more law enforcement agents to ensure the laws are being adhered to which will improve the socio-economic state for Algoa Bay and preserve the biodiversity and marine resources. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Evaluation of the expanded public works programme as poverty reduction strategy in Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54242 , vital:46379
- Description: One socio-economic problem that South Africa is currently facing is the youth and women unemployment rate, which is among the highest in the world. The Government of South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives, along with the advancement of a labour-intensive Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) to reduce unemployment and poverty. The EPWP was initiated in 2004 with the aim of putting the unemployed into productive work in the social services of the public sector where relevant training and transfer of appropriate skills are provided to EPWP beneficiaries. However, the EPWP provides only temporary job opportunities that have little impact on the beneficiaries' lives. The main objective of the study was to analyse the Expanded Public Works Programme as a strategy for poverty reduction in order to assess its effectiveness on poverty reduction in Buffalo City Municipality, and to learn best practices that can be emulated by other municipalities or other programmes of Buffalo City Municipality. The secondary aim of the study was to suggest possible solutions and ways to overcome the problems and challenges faced by the metropolitan municipality of Buffalo City in tackling poverty reduction. Another goal was to explore whether the job prospects in Public Works would improve participants' future employability after they leave EPWP. Lastly, the study forwards suggestions on how best to use the EPWP as a tool to provide disadvantaged youth and women with sustainable job opportunities. The sample comprised of ten (10) individuals, and it was arrived at using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was sent to two (2) councilors and eight (8) EPWP managers involved in the EPWP management in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The data was collected through the self-administered questionnaire, followed by telephone follow-ups for points of clarity, because the study took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which took everyone by surprise and left the whole world astonished as it seemed no one was fully prepared for the disaster. The study found that, overall, the design elements and implementation aspects of EPWP are not ideal for helping the unemployed to become more employable on a large scale. Other issues include the absence of advanced skills training for EPWP participants; the unsustainable essence of the administration of the EPWP, and the non-approval of the draft EPWP policy. This study suggests measures with regard to EPWP coordination, enhanced project monitoring, preparation, indigent requirements and acceptance of the EPWP regulation under the BCMM. The study also recommends, in addition to the above, properly consulted management framework according to international best practices of programme management and evaluation to allow the EPWP to achieve its goals more effectively. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay and their livelihoods
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Street vendors -- South africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women merchants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Women -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54936 , vital:48502
- Description: Street vending forms an important source of livelihood for many households in developing countries where a substantial number of people struggles to access employment in the formal sector. Likewise, in South African urban areas, the trade has become an important mechanism to cope with rising poverty and unemployment levels been experienced, particularly in urban areas. This has a negative effect on women’s street vending livelihoods and well-being. The study looked at the experiences of women street vendors in Nelson Mandela Bay on their livelihoods. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women engaged in street vending in NMB. In particular, it established women street vendors’ livelihood activities and factors that led them to engage in street vending. To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was used. A case study conducted in the Korsten area of Nelson Mandela Bay was utilised to collect data on women street vending livelihoods and experiences. As a case study, a convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Convenience, purposive, and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select street vendors and key informants for the study. The data collection tools used included administered questionnaire surveys, direct participant observation method, in-depth face-to-face interviews and key informant interviews. The study collected data from 23 street vendors and 3 key informants. A content analysis was used to analyse data. The study also adhered to ethics and ensured that reliability and validity issues were carefully considered throughout the research process. The study revealed livelihood diversification among women street vendors, which was attested by multiple street vending activities in which women were engaged. Interviews with street vendors revealed that a significant number of women’s decisions to engage in street vending were primarily motivated by push factors, where need rather than choice emerged in most discussions with them. Most importantly, the study found that women engaged in street vending were confronted with an array of positive and negative experiences, which both had influences on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study noted that the majority of women street vendors reported more on how their livelihoods were being affected negatively by street vending experiences. In this case, the researcher suggested possible inclusive strategies of improving women street vending experiences which might be taken into consideration. Suggestions included improving street vendors’ condition of work, providing improved basic services, providing vending permits, providing storage facilities, improving security and safety through regular policing of vending areas, and constructing public vending stalls for street vendors to use in their places of trade. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment: a systematic review
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Van Rensburg, Lindie
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Generation Y -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecology -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54366 , vital:46480
- Description: The oceans cover nearly 70% of the earth’s surface and are responsible for fundamental functions such as climate, weather, temperature regulation, oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption. Despite this, marine environmental protection has received relatively little attention in comparison to terrestrial efforts. One explanation for this phenomenon is that policymakers struggle to implement regulations that mitigate human influences on the marine environment while also ensuring that these settings are both protected and enjoyed by users. However, environmental issues caused by human influence are visible to millennials, which has inspired them to become future leaders and drivers of environmental movements. As a result, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental practices and legislation. The research aim was to explore the pro-environmental behaviour of millennials towards the marine and coastal environment through a mixed method systematic review. The systematic review yielded a total of 24 relevant research articles published from 2010 through 2020 in accredited journals. These articles were subjected to thematic analysis revealing three major themes, namely, (1) altruism, (2) environmental leader and (3) barriers to pro-environmental behaviour. The main results showed that millennials possess altruistic behaviours, however, it should be mentioned that according to the research, millennials' attitudes, concerns, beliefs, and desire for environmental change may not always translate into actual behaviour. The systematic review further emphasised the lack of journal articles that focused explicitly on millennials and their pro-environmental behaviour towards the marine and coastal environment within the selected databases. The dearth of research in this area, therefore, suggests that policymakers should provide incentives for such research to be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Exploring the TAM3 factors of technology adoption in South African SMMEs
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mushohwe, Wisdom
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54958 , vital:48519
- Description: This study is aimed at assisting businesses to improve the adoption of technology by exploring the factors that influence the adoption of technology. This study explored the factors that influence adoption or usage of technology based on the Adoption of Technology Model 3 (TAM3) as it relates to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study investigates the use or adoption of technology based on the TAM3 factors of Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, job relevance, image, results demonstrability, output quality, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, perception of external control, computer anxiety, computer playfulness, perceived enjoyment and level of education. The study employed quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in order to ensure reliability and generalisability of the results. This was conducted in the form of an empirical study, done through QuestionPro mail survey amongst 51 business owners and managers of SMMEs. The purpose of the study was to explore the TAM3 factors in the adoption of technology on SMMEs in relation to South African SMMEs. The major findings from the study indicated perceived usefulness and subjective norm as the main factors influencing the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Recommendations were made to management and business to ensure that they encourage the behaviours, demonstrate technology usage and to create a conducive environment that fosters the adoption of technology. Based on the study, it is recommended that business owners or managers create an enabling environment to foster and promote subjective norm and perceived usefulness as the main factors for the adoption of technology in South African SMMEs. Training, regular use of technology in business and social environments, normalisation of use of technology within SMMEs and the infusion of technology in all business cycles were recommended as enablers in the adoption of technology. Adoption or usage of technology by South African SMMEs can be done by focusing on perceived usefulness and subjective norm constructs as the main factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing entrepreneurial capabilities of South African schools: the case of selected schools in Harry Gwala District in Kwazulu Natal
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Nkala, Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , School improvement programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54255 , vital:46381
- Description: The South African public education system has for a long time been criticised for a number of things, including failing to meet international quality standards, poor resource management and failure to cope with rapid changes in the global environment. One of the most scathing of all these attacks, however, has been that it continues to churn out thousands of unemployable youth year after year. One critical area of improving this state of affairs could lie in the avenue of entrepreneurial education. There is no doubt that there is a considerable need to have an educated citizenry in South Africa. Since the dawn of democracy, government has made concerted efforts to improve the provision of education especially to the previously disadvantaged sections of the population. However, it has been proven that there is an even more dire need to produce competent and skilled school graduates who will not only be prepared for the job market, but also those who will be creators of much needed employment. In the pursuit of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial development capability thus becomes an important factor that needs to be understood in line with other factors that can be used to enhance it. It is hoped that understanding these factors will assist education managers to consider their implementation in their respective organisations. This study sought to establish a framework that might enable South African schools to enhance the entrepreneurial development capability of these schools. Initially, the study sought to investigate the contribution that education and training, culture of entrepreneurship, funding and finance, human capital and workforce, engaging the private sector and regulatory framework and infrastructure make in achieving the entrepreneurial development capability of schools. After conducting an exploratory factor analysis, these variables were however reduced to three independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and one dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability). A mail survey was conducted in 82 schools in the Harry Gwala district of KwaZulu Natal. The purpose of the study was to investigate where the identified independent variables positively contribute to the entrepreneurship development capability of these schools. The major findings of the study reveal a low level of prevalence of the independent variables (fostering entrepreneurial culture, funding and extra-curricular opportunities and external stakeholder support) and the dependent variable (entrepreneurship development capability) in the participating schools. The empirical results also showed that all three independent variables were significantly positively related to the entrepreneurship development capability of the participating schools. These independent variables are therefore important determinants of the entrepreneurship development capability of schools. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing first-year students’ career decisions to pursue an IT career
- Authors: Twani, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54135 , vital:46306
- Description: The process of deciding on a career is a dauntingand life-changing decision,which all scholarshave had to make. Various factors influence a first-year student’s career choice decision and selected field of study. Career decision-making,as a field of study, has been extensivelyresearched,globally. The research studies focusingon IT career choicesof studentshave indicated that scholars choosing careers in Information Technology (IT) are influenced by factors such as salaries, knowledge of career opportunities, the reputation of IT-related fields in society and by parents, teachers and role models. Recent research indicates that exposure to new technologies and programming concepts at the school level can influence a scholar’s IT career choice. Theories relating to career choice have focused on the characteristics of individuals and their environment. Career choice models have identified factors that influenced a student’s career choice.In South Africahowever,there have been limited studies investigating the factors influencing students’ career decisions in choosing careers in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT)using mixed-methods.This study aims to investigate the factors that influence first-year students’ decisionsin choosing an IT career at the Nelson Mandela University.The research study pursueda pragmatisticapproach,using a mixed-methods approach. In investigating theories andfactors that influence students’ decisionsin choosing IT careers,the study used systematic literature reviews. The decision-making theories and factorsin theliterature review facilitated the creation of the conceptual framework for IT career decision making. A questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst ITand Non-ITfirst-year studentsin 2021. Fourhundredand eightparticipants completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed, includingdescriptive analysis andExploratory Factor Analysis(EFA). Additionally, inferential statistics were used namely; Correlations, t-test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)and Structural Equation Modelling(SEM). The study results wereinterpreted andcompared with iiiotherrelevantstudies. Recommendations were madeto address the factorsthat influencefirst-year students’ IT career decisions.The study highlighted that high academic confidence and personal attributes amongststudents,whowereinvolved at an early age in programming and using computers,chose IT as a career. The study showed significant statistical differences betweenIT and Non-IT groups in perceptions about the IT industry and identifying job title descriptions.Additionally, a significant statistical difference between languages and genders was identified in understanding careers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Twani, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54135 , vital:46306
- Description: The process of deciding on a career is a dauntingand life-changing decision,which all scholarshave had to make. Various factors influence a first-year student’s career choice decision and selected field of study. Career decision-making,as a field of study, has been extensivelyresearched,globally. The research studies focusingon IT career choicesof studentshave indicated that scholars choosing careers in Information Technology (IT) are influenced by factors such as salaries, knowledge of career opportunities, the reputation of IT-related fields in society and by parents, teachers and role models. Recent research indicates that exposure to new technologies and programming concepts at the school level can influence a scholar’s IT career choice. Theories relating to career choice have focused on the characteristics of individuals and their environment. Career choice models have identified factors that influenced a student’s career choice.In South Africahowever,there have been limited studies investigating the factors influencing students’ career decisions in choosing careers in Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT)using mixed-methods.This study aims to investigate the factors that influence first-year students’ decisionsin choosing an IT career at the Nelson Mandela University.The research study pursueda pragmatisticapproach,using a mixed-methods approach. In investigating theories andfactors that influence students’ decisionsin choosing IT careers,the study used systematic literature reviews. The decision-making theories and factorsin theliterature review facilitated the creation of the conceptual framework for IT career decision making. A questionnaire was developed and distributed amongst ITand Non-ITfirst-year studentsin 2021. Fourhundredand eightparticipants completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed, includingdescriptive analysis andExploratory Factor Analysis(EFA). Additionally, inferential statistics were used namely; Correlations, t-test, Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)and Structural Equation Modelling(SEM). The study results wereinterpreted andcompared with iiiotherrelevantstudies. Recommendations were madeto address the factorsthat influencefirst-year students’ IT career decisions.The study highlighted that high academic confidence and personal attributes amongststudents,whowereinvolved at an early age in programming and using computers,chose IT as a career. The study showed significant statistical differences betweenIT and Non-IT groups in perceptions about the IT industry and identifying job title descriptions.Additionally, a significant statistical difference between languages and genders was identified in understanding careers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing the buyer behaviour of Generation X and Y consumers in Johannesburg
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maqula, Sive
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Consumer behavior -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54025 , vital:46181
- Description: The purpose of the study described in this treatise was to determine the factors that influence the purchasing behaviour of Generation X and Generation Y sports apparel consumers in Johannesburg. Understanding why customers buy specific products presents an opportunity for companies to design marketing communications strategies that will ensure more customer buying decisions. Studying consumer behaviour is important for sports apparel companies so that they can meet changing customer needs, build customer loyalty and stay in touch with their consumers. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Primary data were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire that was completed online. In total, 70 responses were obtained. After collection, the data were analysed using STATISTICA. Based on the proposed research model, perceived product quality and brand image were found to have no positive influence on attitude. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were found to have a positive influence on attitude. In addition, attitude was reported to have a positive influence on purchase intention. There were no significant differences in the buying behaviour of Generations X and Y consumers in the present study. Also variables such as gender, race, educational qualifications and income levels had no significant influence on consumer purchase intentions for sports apparel. Therefore, the study recommended that managers and marketers of sports apparel companies use similar marketing strategies for both generational cohorts in order to minimise promotional costs. Managers and marketers can also use experts in the field to run their promotional campaigns. Furthermore, they need to make it easy for their consumers to access sports apparel and provide them with enough information so that their consumption is informed by knowledge. Moreover, managers and marketers need to create favourable consumer attitudes towards their products or brands by using reputable celebrities to endorse them and genuinely engage in charitable initiatives. Sports apparel companies should ensure that they study consumer behaviour on an on-going basis because consumer needs, wants and preferences evolve. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Factors influencing the performance of staff members in a tertiary hospital
- Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Combrink, Cornelius Johannes
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21642 , vital:51737
- Description: Healthcare services within a hospital setting are the basic aspects for the success of service delivery and staff performance in this regard. The paramount component of human resources makes a positive contribution to a healthcare system. Recently, it has been recognised that the performance of healthcare personnel ought to be a key factor for a sustainable performance system. Nevertheless, it is generally known that healthcare workers fail to accomplish the anticipated outcomes of health interventions. This concept leads to the research question: Why is the public sector known for poor service delivery and poor performance? This study aims to determine the factors that impact on the health worker’s performance in a tertiary hospital in South-Africa. A framework will be carefully constructed and cautiously implemented to improve and develop the performance of healthcare workers in this hospital. The vast scope and population involved in this study make a quantitative research approach most suitable, along with a non-probability purposive sampling method. A survey method using an electronic questionnaire that was circulated via a web survey, and a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed within the hospital were used to obtain a diverse perception of the healthcare workers. Data analysis included determining factors, group differences and correlations using the SPSS-27 program. The target population included all healthcare workers in the tertiary hospital – from junior employees to senior management level staff. Statistical data analysis collected for this study revealed four major factors (politics-related resources, resource, training and socioeconomic) that play a major role in the trends of performance culture at the selected tertiary hospital. These results lead to the understanding that the hospital is currently experiencing inadequate human resources management components such as recognition of employees who perform above expectations; execution of a performance appraisal system; lack in implementing the annual salary increase; unfavourable working conditions (lack of resources); troublesome management skills, and insufficient feedback on performance outcomes. These features are directly associated with the quality and degree of the performance of healthcare personnel. Based on the results, a management framework was proposed. The framework consists of activities that will improve the healthcare profession; strengthen expertise and knowledge; develop management skills; enhance knowledge through research and, ultimately, upgrade the performance of healthcare personnel. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Financial literacy: a conceptualisation in a South African University
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Smit, Andrew Stuart
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Financial literacy -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54773 , vital:47660
- Description: Financial literacy is increasingly becoming an important and relevant topic in the modern-day world. Due to the complex developments in the financial services industry such as internet banking, mobile banking and online trading, which are also becoming more accessible to consumers, financial literacy is proving to be a necessary skill to have in order to make effective financial decisions. However, in a global and local context, the financial literacy levels of individuals are generally poor. South Africa ranks poorly among other countries in terms of financial literacy levels. A study performed by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development showed that South Africa finished last out of 30 countries tested in their global financial literacy survey. Financial literacy levels vary among different groups in South Africa. For example, age, gender and financial education all affect the financial literacy levels of South Africans. In South Africa, individuals aged between 18-29 display higher levels of financial literacy than individuals aged 60 and above while financial education influences the level of financial literacy for an individual because it assists an individual in making correct financial decisions. Crucially though, financial literacy among South African university students is poor. Literature reveals that South African University students struggle with personal financial management more specifically saving, spending and managing debt. Therefore, based on this, the purpose of this study is to conceptualise financial literacy within Nelson Mandela University and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect financial literacy among the students. To achieve the purpose of this study, an in-depth literature review was conducted on the definition of financial literacy, the nature and importance of financial literacy, the dimensions of financial literacy and financial literacy in a local context. Following this was an empirical investigation into the financial literacy levels of university students through the development of a questionnaire that tested the individual’s financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, financial skills and financial well-being. Moreover, the relationships between the financial literacy levels of individuals and the components were tested as well. For the purposes of this study a quantitative research approach was adopted. The reason for this was it was suited to the purpose of the study which was to test the financial literacy levels of university students. This required collecting and analysing large amount of data. The sample for this study were Nelson Mandela University students who were registered for the 2020 academic year. The target sample amount was 500 students. The sampling method used was convenience sampling it was implemented through an electronic questionnaire. The number of usable questionnaires collected was 484 which resulted in an effective response rate of 96.80%. These responses were captured onto an excel spreadsheet which were then analysed through Statistica. To analyse the empirical data collected, an exploratory factor analysis, content validity, inter-observer reliability, Chronbach Alpha and ANOVA analysis were all used. The empirical analysis revealed that amongst the relationships tested, there were generally weak to no relationships between the financial literacy levels of the university students and the components of financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial skills, financial behaviours and financial well-being. The results of the study led to a set of recommendations being developed for different stakeholders of financial literacy. These are namely, the stakeholders being the individuals, scholars, academics and the government should focus on explaining the importance of financial literacy to university students and how they can use financial literacy to improve their financial well-being. Furthermore, financial literacy programmes need to be developed to assist in improving the financial literacy levels of South African University students. There also needs to be more representative financial literacy studies performed in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial literacy levels of South African University students. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Foraging ecology of Kelp Gulls in natural and anthropogenically modified environments
- Authors: Reusch, Katharina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54106 , vital:46303
- Description: Humans are having a profound impact on the natural environment through a myriad of activities, such as land use change or direct exploitation of resources. Some species are able to adapt to these changes and thrive in deeply modified environments. They are often considered winners of global change. Among these are Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus in South Africa, which have a generalist foraging nature. Despite their abundance and potential role in the ecosystem, knowledge on their foraging ecology is limited, with no understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic food resources during breeding. The aim of this thesis was to assess the foraging movements, diet and health of Kelp Gulls breeding in seven different colonies varying in proximity to landfills. GPS loggers were deployed on incubating adults to assess foraging trip patterns, effort, and habitats. Diet and trophic ecology of adults and chicks was determined during the breeding season by combining conventional diet analysis (i.e. stomach content samples and regurgitated pellets) with stable isotope analysis of blood plasma. Finally, population health was estimated using indices of body condition for adults and chicks, and blood and faecal parasites were examined. The first successful tracking data from Kelp Gulls in South Africa revealed that birds from all colonies spent more time foraging in natural environments (marine, coastal and terrestrial) than in anthropogenically modified ones, irrelevant of the distance to the nearest landfill, potentially reflecting prey profitability or availability around thebreeding colonies. Gulls also had higher foraging effort when foraging at sea (longer travelling distance), which might be balanced by foraging on high energy prey in themarine environment (e.g. fish). Diet and trophic ecology data confirmed the wide range of resources Kelp Gulls were capable of exploiting. Anthropogenic items were important food sources at some colonies, while annual differences in trophic level targeted were apparent at some other colonies, possibly reflecting varying predation levels on other seabirds. Diet and trophic ecology generally differed between adults and chicks, with chicks being fed a more marine, i.e. fish, and higher trophic level diet, potentially due to the higher energy content of fish being important for chick growth. Despite differences between colonies in foraging effort and diet, body condition of both adults and chicks was similar across colonies. Birds from one of the urban colonies, foraging at the local landfill, tended to have slightly higher body condition values, possibly due to the high fat content of anthropogenic items, although this was not significant. Blood parasites were very scarce, with only one genus identified, Haemoproteus spp. Parasite abundance was significantly lower in chicks than in adults, implicating that adults might get infected in areas outside the colony. Faecal smears revealed the presence of yeast cells (Candida spp.) in birds, coinciding with higher body condition values, possibly linked to foraging habitat choice, as birds might ingest yeast cells when feeding in urban areas contaminated with human excrement.Kelp Gulls breeding in South Africa forage on a wide variety of resources and habitats, with limited apparent impact on their parasite load and body condition. All colonies foraged to some extend on natural sources, although some colonies located in very urban areas seemed to depend more closely on anthropogenic items as food resource. Therefore, changes in e.g. landfill management might cause changes in population dynamics, with possible repercussions on neighbouring bird populations. Theirgeneralist foraging nature, among others, makes Kelp Gulls winners of global change and is partly responsible for their increased population numbers. As they are often perceived as pests, information on the foraging ecology is important to manage gull populations effectively. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Reusch, Katharina
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54106 , vital:46303
- Description: Humans are having a profound impact on the natural environment through a myriad of activities, such as land use change or direct exploitation of resources. Some species are able to adapt to these changes and thrive in deeply modified environments. They are often considered winners of global change. Among these are Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus in South Africa, which have a generalist foraging nature. Despite their abundance and potential role in the ecosystem, knowledge on their foraging ecology is limited, with no understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic food resources during breeding. The aim of this thesis was to assess the foraging movements, diet and health of Kelp Gulls breeding in seven different colonies varying in proximity to landfills. GPS loggers were deployed on incubating adults to assess foraging trip patterns, effort, and habitats. Diet and trophic ecology of adults and chicks was determined during the breeding season by combining conventional diet analysis (i.e. stomach content samples and regurgitated pellets) with stable isotope analysis of blood plasma. Finally, population health was estimated using indices of body condition for adults and chicks, and blood and faecal parasites were examined. The first successful tracking data from Kelp Gulls in South Africa revealed that birds from all colonies spent more time foraging in natural environments (marine, coastal and terrestrial) than in anthropogenically modified ones, irrelevant of the distance to the nearest landfill, potentially reflecting prey profitability or availability around thebreeding colonies. Gulls also had higher foraging effort when foraging at sea (longer travelling distance), which might be balanced by foraging on high energy prey in themarine environment (e.g. fish). Diet and trophic ecology data confirmed the wide range of resources Kelp Gulls were capable of exploiting. Anthropogenic items were important food sources at some colonies, while annual differences in trophic level targeted were apparent at some other colonies, possibly reflecting varying predation levels on other seabirds. Diet and trophic ecology generally differed between adults and chicks, with chicks being fed a more marine, i.e. fish, and higher trophic level diet, potentially due to the higher energy content of fish being important for chick growth. Despite differences between colonies in foraging effort and diet, body condition of both adults and chicks was similar across colonies. Birds from one of the urban colonies, foraging at the local landfill, tended to have slightly higher body condition values, possibly due to the high fat content of anthropogenic items, although this was not significant. Blood parasites were very scarce, with only one genus identified, Haemoproteus spp. Parasite abundance was significantly lower in chicks than in adults, implicating that adults might get infected in areas outside the colony. Faecal smears revealed the presence of yeast cells (Candida spp.) in birds, coinciding with higher body condition values, possibly linked to foraging habitat choice, as birds might ingest yeast cells when feeding in urban areas contaminated with human excrement.Kelp Gulls breeding in South Africa forage on a wide variety of resources and habitats, with limited apparent impact on their parasite load and body condition. All colonies foraged to some extend on natural sources, although some colonies located in very urban areas seemed to depend more closely on anthropogenic items as food resource. Therefore, changes in e.g. landfill management might cause changes in population dynamics, with possible repercussions on neighbouring bird populations. Theirgeneralist foraging nature, among others, makes Kelp Gulls winners of global change and is partly responsible for their increased population numbers. As they are often perceived as pests, information on the foraging ecology is important to manage gull populations effectively. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Guidelines for a job role based approach for Phishing awareness in an academic Institution
- Authors: Mahonga,Sandisiwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Identity theft -- South Africa , Computer networks --Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55855 , vital:54394
- Description: Phishing attacks have become a perpetual threat to organisations and internet users in general. Phishing websites and emails impersonating well-known entities are launched frequently, with the intent to trick unsuspecting employees to give out sensitive information such as login details to acquire access to corporate networks. Various solutions have been developed to combat Phishing emails from reaching employees and internet users. However, security experts and Phishing attackers are in a race as Phishing attacks are also refined as solutions are developed. Thus, this raises a critical need for security awareness. Reports and Phishing studies have noted that Phishing attacks targeted towards specific job roles have been on the rise. Even though research studies and industry reports provided by organisations dedicated to information security have taken note of this phenomenon, not much guidance, recommendations or guidelines are provided on how Phishing awareness can be provided for the job roles that are most vulnerable to Phishing attacks. Therefore, the problem identified within this research is that there is a need for guidelines for a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop guidelines to aid towards a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. In order to meet the primary research objective, secondary research objectives were defined and met, namely; To determine the current state of Phishing trends facing organisations in relation to the job role of employees; to determine the level of Phishing awareness employees have; to identify security awareness elements from security awareness standards, best practices and frameworks; to integrate the identified security awareness elements from standards, best practices and frameworks including themes identified from the questionnaire results to formulate the proposed guidelines for a Phishing awareness approach that is relevant for the job role of employees in order to the formulate guidelines. 5 Mixed methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. The research methods used included a literature review which was used to define and provide an indepth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: Social engineering, Phishing and information security awareness and training. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of a questionnaire, was used ascertain the level of Phishing awareness amongst employees within an academic institution in South Africa. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed guidelines. Finally, an elite interview was conducted, in the form of a questionnaire, to evaluate the proposed guidelines. It is envisaged that the guidelines proposed for a job role Phishing awareness approach could assist organisations to equip employees in job roles that are vulnerable Phishing attacks with adequate awareness and training. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mahonga,Sandisiwe
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Identity theft -- South Africa , Computer networks --Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55855 , vital:54394
- Description: Phishing attacks have become a perpetual threat to organisations and internet users in general. Phishing websites and emails impersonating well-known entities are launched frequently, with the intent to trick unsuspecting employees to give out sensitive information such as login details to acquire access to corporate networks. Various solutions have been developed to combat Phishing emails from reaching employees and internet users. However, security experts and Phishing attackers are in a race as Phishing attacks are also refined as solutions are developed. Thus, this raises a critical need for security awareness. Reports and Phishing studies have noted that Phishing attacks targeted towards specific job roles have been on the rise. Even though research studies and industry reports provided by organisations dedicated to information security have taken note of this phenomenon, not much guidance, recommendations or guidelines are provided on how Phishing awareness can be provided for the job roles that are most vulnerable to Phishing attacks. Therefore, the problem identified within this research is that there is a need for guidelines for a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to develop guidelines to aid towards a job role based approach for Phishing awareness. In order to meet the primary research objective, secondary research objectives were defined and met, namely; To determine the current state of Phishing trends facing organisations in relation to the job role of employees; to determine the level of Phishing awareness employees have; to identify security awareness elements from security awareness standards, best practices and frameworks; to integrate the identified security awareness elements from standards, best practices and frameworks including themes identified from the questionnaire results to formulate the proposed guidelines for a Phishing awareness approach that is relevant for the job role of employees in order to the formulate guidelines. 5 Mixed methods were used to achieve this study’s research objectives. The research methods used included a literature review which was used to define and provide an indepth discussion relating to the domain in which this study is contained, namely: Social engineering, Phishing and information security awareness and training. Furthermore, a survey which took the form of a questionnaire, was used ascertain the level of Phishing awareness amongst employees within an academic institution in South Africa. Argumentation was used to argue towards the proposed guidelines. Finally, an elite interview was conducted, in the form of a questionnaire, to evaluate the proposed guidelines. It is envisaged that the guidelines proposed for a job role Phishing awareness approach could assist organisations to equip employees in job roles that are vulnerable Phishing attacks with adequate awareness and training. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Health promotional levy: a commercial perspective
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Ncapayi, Sakhumzi
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Public health -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sugar -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54213 , vital:46362
- Description: The gazetting of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) and its subsequent implementation had diverse effects and reactions from different stakeholders in South Africa. This study sought to understand the implications of the HPL for the industry by exploring the perceptions of SSB consumers. As such, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the HPL on changing consumer preferences. The study also sought to explore the impact of the HPL on the way that companies have aligned their marketing strategies in line with the HPL to accommodate the response of the market in terms of taste and price sensitivity. An overview of the previous published work globally is analysed critically with the different sugar taxes imposed in other countries with regard to their impact on the various economies . Global discussions on the topic of the sugar tax are shared and conceptualising the sugar tax and sugar as a product. A quantitative research paradigm, also known as a positivistic research paradigm, was considered appropriate for the study that aimed to effectively test and evaluate the conceptual hypotheses and constructs that relate to the HPL. The objective was achieved by conducting an online cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed to 385 SSB consumers in all nine provinces of South Africa using convenience random sampling. The data collected were analysed using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The data reduction technique Exploratory Factor analysis (EFA) was then used to find the factor loadings that best produced correlations between the observed variables. The variables comprised of 5 – point Likert scale that ranged from strongly disagree (1), disagree (2), neutral (3), agree (4) to strongly agree (5). A scree plot was used for factor extraction and confirmed with parallel analysis, and four factors emerged. The factors were extracted using the oblique rotation principal – Promax with 100 iterations for convergence. Consumer perceptions in South Africa are critical to improving the implementation of the HPL and creating a healthier society. Government and management need to lead by example in promoting a healthy lifestyle through marketing activities (product promotions) and in the pricing of products, as obesity is a reality for everyone in the country and needs to be managed. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Ifuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa
- Authors: Mwanda, Siyasanga Pulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54511 , vital:46617
- Description: Le ngxongxo iza kuthi ithethe ngefuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Akuyomfihlo ukuba ulwimi luthi lukhule okanye ludodobale ngenxa yendlela abantu bolwimi abaphila ngayo notshintsho oluthi lubekho kwindlela abaphila ngayo. AmaXhosa ke athi nawo aziswa kwinkolo yobuKristu. Le ngxoxo iza kuthi icacise ngokuthe gca ithiyori yeSimiyotiki esisiseko sesi sifundo, idakance iizimvo zeengcali zeSimiyotiki, ize ke iveze amagama amatsha ayengekho esiXhoseni mhla mnene, intsusa yalamagama nentsingiselo yawo. Okwesibini izakuthi ivelele intsingiselo yemiqondiso neempawu zobuKristu negalelo lazo kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Okokugqibela iza kuthi iveze izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa angobuKristu. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mwanda, Siyasanga Pulani
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54511 , vital:46617
- Description: Le ngxongxo iza kuthi ithethe ngefuthe lenkolo yobuKristu kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Akuyomfihlo ukuba ulwimi luthi lukhule okanye ludodobale ngenxa yendlela abantu bolwimi abaphila ngayo notshintsho oluthi lubekho kwindlela abaphila ngayo. AmaXhosa ke athi nawo aziswa kwinkolo yobuKristu. Le ngxoxo iza kuthi icacise ngokuthe gca ithiyori yeSimiyotiki esisiseko sesi sifundo, idakance iizimvo zeengcali zeSimiyotiki, ize ke iveze amagama amatsha ayengekho esiXhoseni mhla mnene, intsusa yalamagama nentsingiselo yawo. Okwesibini izakuthi ivelele intsingiselo yemiqondiso neempawu zobuKristu negalelo lazo kulwimi lwesiXhosa. Okokugqibela iza kuthi iveze izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa angobuKristu. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Igalelo lokutshintsha-tshintsha ulwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela kwibanga le-12
- Authors: Mini, Nolwandle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54506 , vital:46619
- Description: Olu phando luza kugxila kwigalelo lokutshintsha kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwizikolo ezifundisa isiXhosa kulwimi olongezelweyo. Lo msebenzi wolu phando usekeleze kwigalelo lokutshintshwa tshintshwa kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela. Olu phando luza Kubeka iliso elibanzi kwindlela ekuhlolwa ngalo ulwimi olongezelweleyo kunye nengxelo yeziphumo zokuphela konyaka wama – 2016 nowama- 2017. Abavavanyi kwingxelo zovavanya zovavanyo bayibeke elubala into yokungaphumeleli kwabafundi ngenxa yefuthe lokungawuvi umbuzo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mini, Nolwandle
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54506 , vital:46619
- Description: Olu phando luza kugxila kwigalelo lokutshintsha kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwizikolo ezifundisa isiXhosa kulwimi olongezelweyo. Lo msebenzi wolu phando usekeleze kwigalelo lokutshintshwa tshintshwa kolwimi xa kufundiswa isiXhosa kwigumbi lokufundela. Olu phando luza Kubeka iliso elibanzi kwindlela ekuhlolwa ngalo ulwimi olongezelweleyo kunye nengxelo yeziphumo zokuphela konyaka wama – 2016 nowama- 2017. Abavavanyi kwingxelo zovavanya zovavanyo bayibeke elubala into yokungaphumeleli kwabafundi ngenxa yefuthe lokungawuvi umbuzo. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-12
In-vitroevaluation of bridelia ferruginea extract gold nanoparticles for the treatment of colon cancer
- Zosela, Itumeleng, Davids, Hajierah
- Authors: Zosela, Itumeleng , Davids, Hajierah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54124 , vital:46311
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a health burden, being the third common cancer worldwide. Treatment of colorectal cancer is very important to manage the high prevalence rate of this disease. The available treatments for CRC have their drawbacks and side effects. Available treatments of colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the side effects associated with these treatments, alternative treatments that pose less side effects are being developed worldwide. Nanotechnologies have gained global consideration due to their potential to improve the current standards and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment. The use of plants for synthesis of gold nanoparticles has opened a new venture of synthesizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles which possess great properties for CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of green synthesized AuNPs from Bridelia ferruginea for potential cancer treatment. In this work study gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The in vitroanti cancer activity of the AuNPs was investigated using Presto Blue assay, cellular morphology, caspase 3/7 assay on the human colon cancer cell line at different times to assess the optimum time for cell death. The cellular uptake and localization of AuNPs was investigated using HRTEM to assess uptake and location of the AuNPs within the cell. Results obtained from this study showed that the AuNP synthesis from Bridellia ferrugenia was successful. The Presto Blue cell viability results showed that the AuNPs reduced cell viability (%) significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h. The optimum treatment time of HT-29 cells with AuNPs was determined to be 24 h. The apoptotic effects of the AuNPs were assessed using Cell Event reagent, and the results from this assay indicated that caspase 3/7 was activated with treatment with AuNPs which induced cell death via apoptosis. The HRTEM results indicated that there was no uptake of AuNP targeting in HT-29 therefore localization could not be determined. It can be concluded that the AuNPs synthesized from Bridellia ferrugenia have anti-cancer properties and are able to induce cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, this study revealed that optimization of the AuNPs for cellular uptake is needed to further understand the interaction between the nanoparticles and the cells. This will provide more insight on how cellular death is induced by the nanoparticles. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (including Physiology), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Zosela, Itumeleng , Davids, Hajierah
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54124 , vital:46311
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a health burden, being the third common cancer worldwide. Treatment of colorectal cancer is very important to manage the high prevalence rate of this disease. The available treatments for CRC have their drawbacks and side effects. Available treatments of colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the side effects associated with these treatments, alternative treatments that pose less side effects are being developed worldwide. Nanotechnologies have gained global consideration due to their potential to improve the current standards and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment. The use of plants for synthesis of gold nanoparticles has opened a new venture of synthesizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles which possess great properties for CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of green synthesized AuNPs from Bridelia ferruginea for potential cancer treatment. In this work study gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The in vitroanti cancer activity of the AuNPs was investigated using Presto Blue assay, cellular morphology, caspase 3/7 assay on the human colon cancer cell line at different times to assess the optimum time for cell death. The cellular uptake and localization of AuNPs was investigated using HRTEM to assess uptake and location of the AuNPs within the cell. Results obtained from this study showed that the AuNP synthesis from Bridellia ferrugenia was successful. The Presto Blue cell viability results showed that the AuNPs reduced cell viability (%) significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h. The optimum treatment time of HT-29 cells with AuNPs was determined to be 24 h. The apoptotic effects of the AuNPs were assessed using Cell Event reagent, and the results from this assay indicated that caspase 3/7 was activated with treatment with AuNPs which induced cell death via apoptosis. The HRTEM results indicated that there was no uptake of AuNP targeting in HT-29 therefore localization could not be determined. It can be concluded that the AuNPs synthesized from Bridellia ferrugenia have anti-cancer properties and are able to induce cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, this study revealed that optimization of the AuNPs for cellular uptake is needed to further understand the interaction between the nanoparticles and the cells. This will provide more insight on how cellular death is induced by the nanoparticles. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (including Physiology), 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Inbound tourist experience in south africa
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Twumasi, Gabriel Kwadwo
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Tourism -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54641 , vital:46877
- Description: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of South Africa. Although international tourism is noted for a great contribution to customer experience beyond their borders, few studies exist in respect of tourist experience in South Africa. An individual experience to a tourism destination impact on his/her satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Tourist experience has been identified as a possible strategy for building and improving the relationship between tourism businesses and their clients in order to improve customer retention and recommending and revisiting of destination. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to identify, investigate and empirically test the factors influencing customer (inbound tourists) experience in South Africa. The study also seeks to determine how these experiences influence customer satisfaction, recommendation of the destination and the likelihood of a return visit. Tourist experience is of performance value to tourism businesses as these businesses need to identify the factors they should focus on to increase the value of products and services they are delivering to their customers. A quantitative methodology was chosen for this study and data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The study population included all inbound tourist who had visited South Africa between the years 2018 and 2020. The research design consisted of causal and descriptive research. The study followed a quantitative research method to obtain the set objectives of the study. A measuring instrument in the form of a structured questionnaire was designed from secondary sources to source for the needed data. A web-based online questionnaire and convenience sampling technique was chosen to identify inbound tourist to South Africa. Of the 320 inbound tourists to South Africa reached and completed the questionnaire, 319 were included in the analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the data analysis. The main empirical results of the study found that statistically significant relationships exist between the independent variables: Quality accommodation, Tidiness of attractions, Ancillary services, Safety of destination, Convenience retention, Quality of attractions, Transport and the dependent variables, Customer satisfaction and Recommending and revisiting of destination. The outcome of the results of the structural equation modelling revealed an acceptable model fit of the study. The results suggest that customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of destination are of strategic importance in promoting tourism destinations for inbound tourists. It is imperative to provide memorable experiences to tourist. Tourism destinations must always provide an excellent service in order to enhance efficient competitive services to their customers. Furthermore, it is recommended that tourism business provide products and services that will cater for the needs of inbound tourists based on the specific factors influencing customer satisfaction and the recommendation and revisiting of destinations. This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge and practitioners as it has established the factors influencing inbound tourists’ experience and, how these factors influence customer satisfaction, recommending and revisiting of international tourists to South Africa. Furthermore, the study presents recommendations and practical strategies that could help tourism businesses improve inbound tourists’ experiences in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12