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Women empowerment through entrepreneurship in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Management Sciences specialising in Business Administration
at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Entrepreneurship is widely seen as a powerful agent for empowering women, as it
provides opportunities for economic independence, social mobility, and increased
autonomy. However, despite various policies to support women in South Africa,
scholars consistently report that women face more obstacles to succeed in
business than men, leading many of them to operate small and survival
enterprises. While women entrepreneurship has garnered attention from
numerous researchers, the empowerment efforts towards entrepreneurship have
not been sufficiently examined. Hence, the current study sought to examine
women empowerment through entrepreneurship in eThekwini Municipality. The
study adopted a quantitative research approach underpinned by a positivistic
philosophy. The data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire from 349
people and was obtained through a random sampling technique. Using Excel and
the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29, descriptive and
inferential statistics were performed to analyse the gathered data. The study's
findings showed the scope of their female business practice was very limited and
localised. This suggests that women are still largely on the periphery when it
comes to major business transactions within the municipality. Moreover, the results
of the study revealed that female entrepreneurs were extremely dissatisfied with
the type and amount of support provided by the municipality. The primary area of
dissatisfaction was the absence of financial, infrastructural, and educational
support. Lastly, their unique obstacles included juggling traditional roles at home,
inadequate business education training, and the seemingly intricate regulatory
environment that proved difficult to navigate and comprehend completely. The
current study has several practical implications for local, provincial, and national
governments.
Potential probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from gastrointestinal tracts of broiler chickens
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the academic requirement for the degree of Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.In poultry farming, antibiotics have been widely utilized as growth enhancers to promote
intestinal health and reduce mortality in livestock from pathogenic microorganisms. Many
countries have implemented bans on the excessive use of antibiotics because of increasing
concerns regarding the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic
residues in poultry products. To counteract this problem, probiotics could be used as adjuncts
or as substitutes for preserving a diverse and balanced microflora to prevent the colonization
and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while also improving
poultry performance. The functional properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their potential
as poultry probiotics have been extensively recorded. Hence, this study aimed to assess the
potential probiotic properties of LAB for the development of poultry probiotics by isolating
lactic acid bacteria from the digestive tracts of broiler chickens.
To achieve this aim, a total of 66 LAB isolates were isolated from the crops and small intestines
of broiler chickens, which were screened and evaluated for their probiotic properties, among
which 11 strains exhibited excellent probiotic traits and were identified by 16S rDNA
sequencing as Enterococcus faecalis strain ATCC 19433 (isolates C4 and C5), Pediococcus
pentosaceus strain DSM 20336 (isolates C7, C13 C24, SI23 and SI38), Streptococcus
salivarius strain ATCC 7073 (isolate SI4) and Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869 (isolates
SI6, SI8 and SI9). The selected strains inhibited tested pathogenic bacterial growth Listeria
monocytogenes (ATCC 7644), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 13314), Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) with zones of inhibition ranging
from 9.00 ±5.66 to 30.00 ±0 mm and survived in simulated gastric juice with a cell viability
count greater than 7.0 CFU/ml. Furthermore, the isolates demonstrated remarkable auto aggregation and coaggregation capabilities, along with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity
ranging from 25.84 ± 3.08% to 61.77 ± 6.16%. Principal component analysis results indicated
that L. brevis NKFS9, P. pentosaceus NKFS3, P. pentosaceus NKFS11 and E. faecalis NKFS1
are the most promising LAB candidates that can be utilized for the development of a multi probiotic strain for broiler chickens. In conclusion, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains
isolated from the crops and small intestines of broiler chickens present a valuable prospect for
the development of effective probiotics. These probiotics can be utilized as a supplementary inclusion in poultry feed, reducing or obviating the need for antibiotics as growth promoters.
Nevertheless, additional in vivo studies are essential to closely monitor and assess the beneficial
effects of probiotics on the GI tract of chickens.
The influence of logistics management on food security in Ghana
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Research problem warehouse
Food insecurity has been reported to be increasing in Ghana despite recent government logistics infrastructure (warehouses) efforts. It is important to understand the extent to which logistics affect the agricultural sector in Ghana as food production is a vital part of the agricultural sector and efficient logistics management is essential to its success, as such a well-run logistics operation can make the difference between a successful harvest and a poor one. Notably, Ghana’s food insecurity is snowballing in number and intensity and Ghana is among the countries with the highest post-harvest losses (PHL) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Several attempts have been made by successive administrations to curb the food insecurity issue with the adoption of contemporary policies involving the establishment of the infrastructure for poverty eradication programme (IPEP) initiative, nonetheless, these interventions influences are unknown as food security remains an earnest challenge for many households in Ghana. This study aims to develop a framework of logistics management that can be recommended to enhance food security. To design the framework, this study will measure the influence of logistics management on achieving food security in Ghana in objectives listed below:
• Assess road transport type(s) for achieving food security in Ghana.
• Measure warehouse packaging logistics contribution to attaining food security
• Examine the relationship between logistics management and food security in Ghana
• Analyse the influence of warehousing on Ghana's food security.
• Examine the challenges of logistics management that affect agricultural food security
• Recommend a Framework the government can adopt for sustainable improvement in logistics management in the food industry.
Research methods and procedures
This study adopted a mixed research methodology, where data was drawn from smaller holder farmers in two regions in Ghana. Questionnaire and interview schedules were deployed for data collection and analysed with regression, and correlation models as well as Sorensen's coefficient framework.
Findings and conclusion
At least 90 percent of foods produced in Ghana is found escaping post-harvest losses now with tricycle and head/human porterage being the primary means of transport, howbeit tricycle at (t (38) = 0.66, p=.51> level.05, n2 >0.01) achieves food security with more assurance, not despising the
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usefulness of Head/human porterage (t (38) =-1.57, p=.12, n2>1 percent) proving 99 percent safe to farmer PHL.
This study finds that packaging logistics has a lesser impact on food security at R2 equaling one percent, p=0.029 in testing with the regression model. Overall, logistics management has an insignificant positive association with food security at p=0.073 and Pearson's R=0.149, positing a feeble (R2=1 percent) impact.
The IPEP warehouse invariably has a weak insignificant influence on the recorded food security as evidenced by Pearson's correlation 'R=0.130'or r=0.067, with a p=0.188, R2 equaling one percent.
Smallholder farmers fairly agree to the ranking of logistical challenges impeding food security in the agricultural sector indicating the most severe issue to be “high transportation costs”. Kendall's coefficient (W) of 0.388 or 39 percent is obtained, indicating that food security status depends on the ranking of enumerated challenges.
Implication
A meagre impact does logistics management have on Ghana’s food security denoting 99 percent of the country’s food security inexplicable by the predictor variable. The IPEP warehouse is doing little to stimulate contemporary food security of the nation meaning other latent variable(s) spearhead the rise of the criterion thus, craving for a further search
Recommendation
A need for a conscious national plan to furnish the warehouses with relevant technologies is proposed in this write-up, to improve the warehouse operations/functionality, a few relating to individual logistics are discussed as follows;
Transport logistics; the government to setup efficient transport by supplying tricycles (be self-owned or under a private partnership), integrating ICT to ease farmer access economically
IPEP WRS; The IPEP model is to be an effective WRS kind of warehouse, therefore, the study advocates for the provision of unit load formation equipment (e.g., pallets and skids), transport equipment (e.g., sack-trucks and pallet/lift-trucks), storage equipment (e.g., shelves and racks), dryers, cleaners, timely fumigation, and consistent/stable electricity befitting a WRS.
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Packaging logistics; The Government regulates or subsidises the cost of the hermetic bags, takes charge of its supply, and provides packaging and repacking machines to fast-track packaging at the warehouse.
Contribution to the Field of Study
Efficient logistics management is essential to the success of food production which is a vital part of the agricultural industry/sector as such a well-run logistics operation can guarantee a successful harvest. To warrant efficiency in the management of logistics in the agricultural industry/sector modern technologies involving digitisation should be adopted/embraced to streamline logistics operations, improve customer/farmer experiences, reduce cost and gain a competitive edge in the market. This includes the use of cloud-based platforms, and mobile apps to manage logistics operations more efficiently to reduce food post-harvest losses to an acceptable minimum. Adopting and utilising new technologies efficaciously can be achieved sustainably in Ghana’s agricultural industry/sector by partnering with technology vendors, hiring skilled Information Technologists, and training farmers as well as logisticians like warehouse management on the need to embrace modern technologies for a successful food post-harvest handling, therefore the study augments the interconnected disciples of logistics and supply chain management with their interdependence/interconnected operations serving as an enabler for developing economies governments (like Ghana) to harness advancements following transformations thereby ensuring competitiveness and facilitating growth via paving the way for innovation, growth and sustainability to enhance food (like grains) production catering with sufficiency for population growth’s high demand. Thus, stimulating developments in technologies by embracing the challenge of digitisation and bettering technologies for the efficacious handling of food (grains) within and across nations via a conscious national plan.
Factors influencing worker absenteeism at Transnet Port Terminal (Durban Container Terminal Pier 2)
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Management Sciences, specializing in Business Law at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Absenteeism is a pervasive issue in the South African port industry, with significant
implications for productivity, efficiency, and overall operational performance. This
study focused on Transnet Port Terminal (Durban Container Terminal Pier 2), a critical
hub for international trade and economic growth. Using a mixed-methods approach,
this research explored the underlying causes influencing absenteeism among
employees, which included an investigation of the conditions of services factors,
among various other aspects, such as work-related stress, job satisfaction, and
organisational culture. The study also examined the consequences of absenteeism on
terminal operations, including delays, increased workload, and decreased morale.
Data were collected through a survey and interviews with the personnel from DCT
(Pier 2) on all levels, and analysis of attendance records.
The findings not only show service conditions as crucial, but it also highlight the need
for targeted interventions to address the root absenteeism causes, improve employee
well-being, and enhance operational performance. Recommendations include
developing a strategy of complete absence reduction implementing employee
wellness programmes, improving communication and recognition, and addressing
underlying organisational issues. This study contributes to the understanding of
absenteeism in the port industry and provides practical solutions for reducing its
impact on Transnet Port Terminal (DCT Pier 2) and similar organisations.181 p
The impact of COVIC-19 vaccine communication on staff and students’ choice of vaccination at a South African university
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in
Public Relations and Communication Management at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Following the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020, Durban University of Technology
(DUT) introduced its own vaccination programme for staff and students, supported by targeted
communication and institutional policies. While these efforts aimed to boost vaccine uptake, there
is limited research on the impact of communication on vaccination decisions within the context of
a South African University of Technology (UoT). This study addresses that gap by examining how
DUT’s vaccine communication shaped the choices of its university community. Using a mixed
method approach, data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with 97 students and
49 staff members. Findings revealed that DUT used multiple communication channels, including
weekly email updates. While some participants appreciated these efforts, others found the
communication inconsistent and unclear. As a result, many turned to external sources such as
health professionals, World Health Organisation and Department of Health websites, news and
social media for trusted information. It was also discovered that vaccination choices were shaped
by perceived risks, protection for self and family, side effects, mandatory policies, travel, job
security, and traditional medicine comparisons.
The study recommends that DUT enhances message clarity, actively engage stakeholders, and
involve staff and students in co-creating clear and reliable future communication. Doing so will
foster transparency and build trust between the university and its community, aligning with DUT’s
Living Values Framework. These steps will help shape more effective crisis communication
strategies in the future.
Sustainability of environment-assisted energy transfer in quantum photobiological complexes
No full text6 pages (5 in the journal version), 4 composite figuresIt is shown that quantum sustainability is a universal phenomenon which emerges during environment‐assisted electronic excitation energy transfer (EET) in photobiological complexes (PBCs), such as photosynthetic reaction centers and centers of melanogenesis. We demonstrate that quantum photobiological systems must be sustainable for them to simultaneously endure continuous energy transfer and keep their internal structure from destruction or critical instability. These quantum effects occur due to the interaction of PBCs with their environment which can be described by means of the reduced density operator and effective non‐Hermitian Hamiltonian (NH). Sustainable NH models of EET predict the coherence beats, followed by the decrease of coherence down to a small, yet non‐zero value. This indicates that in sustainable PBCs, quantum effects survive on a much larger time scale than the energy relaxation of an exciton. We show that sustainable evolution significantly lowers the entropy of PBCs and improves the speed and capacity of EET
The relationship between e-WOM and consumer online buying behaviour
No full textThe growth of active users on online interactive media platforms, such as electronic Word-of-Mouth, has had a
significant impact on marketers as customers are more likely to trust unfiltered e-WOM from other consumers
than marketer-influenced signals like branding. There is still a debate about the impact of e-WOM on consumer
purchasing behaviour; this discrepancy could be attributed to various factors, including the context in which the
studies were conducted, the methodological approaches used, and the time and spatial dimensions. Other factors
contributing to the lack of consensus include the fact that online content is tailored to different occasions, social
groups, and even different brands. The paper seeks to establish what e-WOM is and discuss its relationship with
consumers’ buying behaviour process during online buying. The study was quantitative, descriptive, and crosssectional. The self-administered questionnaires were sent via email to 400 Durban University of Technology staff
and students and only 288 questionnaires were received back. A review of the literature revealed a positive
relationship between e-WOM and consumer buying behaviour. The empirical findings from the structural equation
modelling, which demonstrated a positive, strong correlation between e-WOM and consumer buying behaviour,
further support the literature. Marketers must design tactics to increase the likelihood of their businesses creating
positive e-WOM in all e-WOM stages and capitalising on the power of any favourable reviews and testimonials
received
The influence of firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management on decision of small-medium sized accounting firms to adopt computerised accounting systems in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Accounting, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.Financial statements are an important tool for making informed decisions in a company.
In the modern business world, many companies rely on information technology, such
as computerised accounting systems, to streamline the preparation of these financial
statements. Despite the numerous benefits these systems offer, some organisations still
choose to prepare their financial statements manually, exposing themselves to risks
such as errors, inefficiencies, a lack of scalability, and limited real-time visibility. These
challenges can hinder effective financial management and decision-making processes.
This study examines the factors influencing the decision of small and medium-sized
accounting firms (SMAs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to adopt computerised
accounting systems. In particular, this study examines the influence of firm size,
stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management on these decisions.
The study uses agency theory to explain the dynamics between the SMAs, who act as
agents, and their clients, the principals, who rely on their services to prepare financial
statements. Based on the questionnaire survey, the results show that all three factors—
firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management—
significantly and positively influence the decision to adopt computerised accounting
systems. Stakeholder involvement proves to be the most influential predictor. This
study offers practical implications for SMAs and emphasise the crucial role of
computerised accounting systems in improving communication and networking with
stakeholders, including customers, bankers, and government agencies. The introduction
of these systems ensures the fast and accurate production of financial information, thus
meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing
literature on the factors driving the adoption of computerised accounting systems, with
particular focus on the context of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Reducing gender-based violence at the great Zimbabwe University
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Public Administration - Peace Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Globally, institutions of higher learning are exposed to gender-based violence (GBV) and are
feeling the impacts of its consequences, even though they are less willing to acknowledge its
existence. Gender forms a fundamental component of both personal and collective
distinctiveness, and disturbingly, GBV maintains a relentless presence in education. GBV is a
global scourge, more specifically for educational institutions, habitually assumed to be peaceful
‘ivory towers’ and invulnerable to actions of violence. Across the globe, GBV cases continue
to turn up at startling rates, and Zimbabwe is not exempted. The study sought to examine the
nature, causes, extent and effects of GBV and devise, and implement an intervention plan (an
action research component) at an institution of higher learning. This was achieved through
focus group discussions with 10 male and 10 female undergraduate students and interviews
with 5 male and 5 female undergraduate students. GBV was found to be prevalent and mainly
existing as sexual harassment (transactional relationship between lecturers and female students,
student to student intimate partner violence), cases of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse
were also indicated to exist at the institution.
Though GBV is prevalent, few cases are reported, which may be the reason for failure by
authorities to acknowledge its existence. The study adopted the Participatory Action research
method in trying to reduce GBV. After exploring and expounding the GBV phenomenon, an
action team with five male students was formed to answer the second part of the study. The
team agreed it was best to conduct an educational training workshop with first year male
students to impart positive attitudes and constructive masculinities that encourage gender
equality and discourage violence perpetration. A one-day gender transformative workshop was,
therefore, conducted with 15 first year male students. This helped them unlearn toxic attitudes
and some myths associated with GBV. There is need for HTEIs to put in place efficient,
accessible and trusted 24 hr crisis response system to encourage reporting of cases and prompt
case solving. Universities should also develop GBV sensitive budgeting and advisory boards
with the aid of government to secure sufficient and adequate information and funding for
preventative programmes
The uptake of digital marketing by rural communities in flagstaff, South Africa
No full textAbstract
Retail outlets in rural South African communities are increasingly concerned about
sustainability. Many of these outlets are therefore adopting digital marketing as a means to
assist with sustainability initiatives. The implementation of digital marketing within this
context face challenges. These challenges therefore limit the full potential of digital marketing.
This study therefore set out to assess the uptake of digital marketing among consumers in rural
Flagstaff. Using a qualitative research approach, data was gathered through five focus-group
discussions involving an average of six participants each. Thematic analysis of the data
revealed a limited adoption of digital marketing by in Flagstaff, with some consumers admitting
to never having used digital devices. The main barriers cited were inadequate internet access
due to poor mobile network coverage and the absence of WiFi hotspots. To improve adoption
rates, the study recommends enhancing network infrastructure, offering affordable data plans,
and improving access to digital devices by rural consumers. These measures may aim to
increase the utilisation of digital marketing initiatives within South African retail outlets