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Covid-19 compelling governments to listen? : evaluating traces of listening to public opinion in Ghana's Covid-19 presidential lockdown speeches
No full textIn democratic contexts, attention is often given to voice to ensure transparency and accountability, however, there is little evidence for social and political actors having a sense of obligation to listen, let alone incorporating concerns of stakeholders into policy decisions. This study investigated whether the speeches of the Ghanaian president, delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic, when there was a compelling obligation to listen to inform measures to curtail the spread of the virus, exhibited any traces of listening. The study was grounded in the listening theory, which originates from the idea of path building, where stakeholders engage one another's perspectives on an issue to find solutions. Through the directed content analysis, 15 speeches delivered by the president were analysed. The results showed that the president took policy decisions based on engagements with relevant international, state, and private actors. He also listened to public sentiments regarding the socio-economic effects of measures taken and consulted relevant actors to address those concerns. The study recommends that the art of consciously listening be incorporated into all policy decision-making processes and not only be done during health crises. Future research could consider how listening during policy decision-making processes translates into policy acceptance
The effectiveness of the supply chain management system at a selected community education & training college in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textMini dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.The current Community Education and Training Colleges (CETCs) have evolved from the old Adult Education and Training (AET) system where all supply chain management processes were centralised nationally in Pretoria. The decentralisation of supply chain processes to CETs in 2019 meant that the CETCs were expected to carry out all the supply chain management functions. The devolving of the supply chain management (SCM) function to the CET colleges meant that a selected community education and training college (CETC) has a mandate of servicing all the community learning centres (CLCs) and satellite learning centres (SLCs) falling within their jurisdiction. This study embarked on an exploration of how a selected CETC has responded to the transition of inheriting SCM functions. This was done by: firstly attempting to establish how human and physical resources impact on SCM in a selected CETC; secondly the identification of possible prevalent SCM risks; thirdly identifying performance measures to supply chain practices; and fourthly establishing what supply chain risk mitigation strategies affected SCM practices. Against this backdrop, the study made recommendations on all four objectives in the process, also suggesting the possible risk mitigation that could be applied to the possible challenges that this study endeavoured to unmask or reveal. In order to collect data that would enable the study to draw these findings on the effectiveness of SCM in a selected CETC, a quantitative method was adopted. The study sourced data from a population size of 118 respondents comprising all management officials at the central office of the selected CETC and all CLC managers and satellite supervisors on the PERSAL system of the selected CETC. The study applied the STATA 17 software package to present the statistical data analysis of the data collected. Consequently, graphs and tables were used in the study to interpret data which corroborated the findings of the study on the effectiveness of SCM systems in a selected CETC, espoused in the objectives of the study.
Key organisational barriers to effective knowledge risk management in South African public sector enterprises
No full textPurpose: The aim of this study was to delve into the obstacles preventing the effective management of tacit knowledge risks in South African public sector enterprises (PSEs) from the perspectives of human resource management (HRM) and knowledge management (KM).A perusal of the literature reveals that most South African PSEs are grappling with significant challenges related to potential tacit knowledge loss risks.Design/methodology/approach: The research utilised a mixed methods exploratory sequential design, collecting qualitative data through interviews with 20 HR managers in 9 PSEs and survey data from 585 questionnaires. The reliability of the data was tested, and thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti software.Findings: The study identified key barriers to effective tacit knowledge loss risk management in PSEs, including a silo mentality, organisational red-tape, knowledge as a power source, lack of recognition and rewards, KM awareness, cultures and structures, employment equity, fixed-term contracts, competing priorities for leadership, knowledge hoarding, HRM practices, and inadequate KM technologies and systems. These pressing issues need to be addressed to improve knowledge risk management (KRM) efforts in PSEs.Research limitations/implications:The exploration of organisational barriers was only limited to the tacit knowledge loss risks category, induced by human resource turnover in country-specific PSEs. Future studies could explore the organisational barriers and factors affecting other types of knowledge risks in PSEs or similar knowledge-intensive business enterprises across the globe using different samples and populations. Other similar studies could include strategic sectors of the economy such as energy generation, civil aviation, defence, mining and rail. The study contributes to the knowledge-based view and knowledge stickiness theories, and proposes an interdisciplinarity approach using mixed methods for future research on tacit knowledge loss.Practical implications: The research findings conclusively indicate that PSEs face the aforementioned barriers that hinder the effective implementation of the KRM system. This study identifies that key organisational barriers were mainly due to a lack of knowledge-driven HRM strategies in KM. To address these barriers, HR managers and other stakeholders must collaborate to ensure effective knowledge management and mitigate the negative impact of knowledge loss risks on organisational performance.Social Implications: The study highlights the importance of removing key barriers for improved KRM in PSEs. The improved KRM can enhance public service delivery efficiency, transparency and the accountability of PSEs by addressing socio-economic developmental issues in developing economies. Originality/value: Using South African PSEs as a case to address this challenge, the paper sought to explore key organisational barriers to effective knowledge loss risk management in organisations with a view to shaping discourse, policies, research, theories and practices in KM and HRM. Organisational barriers affecting the management of such risks remain unexplored in the extant body of knowledge and practice
Human Resource Information System (HRIS) : navigating the implementation, challenges, and benefits
No full textThis research examines the implementation, perceived obstacles, and benefits of HR information systems (HRIS), while also offering suggestions for the effective implementation of HRIS within organisations. The study conducted a comprehensive literature review from reputable academic research sources such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Bing. The focus was on analysing HRIS, implementation challenges and benefits, and recommendations on ways to efficiently implement HRIS within organisations. Findings of the study highlight significant obstacles that hinder HRIS implementation within organisations. However, the study also recognises the benefits associated with HRIS implementation in organisations, which can ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HRM practices. Based on a thorough examination of these factors, the research also provides best practices for successfully integrating and utilising HRIS within organisations
The prospect of floating photovoltaic in clean energy provision and net-zero-emissions
No full textThis study emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change challenges, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the central importance of solar photovoltaic systems. While recognizing South Africa’s progress in renewable energy deployment, the study notes that substantial efforts are still needed to meet the country’s renewable energy targets. The study’s primary aim is to enhance the understanding and deployment of solar photovoltaic systems by critically examining the photovoltaic potential and performance of different sites. To achieve this, two scenarios—land photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic systems—were considered, focusing on hypothetical 10 MWp-installed capacity systems. The results indicate that the 10-MWp land photovoltaic system has a global tilted irradiance of 2184.7 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 18 GWh, and an average yearly performance ratio of 81%. The economic parameters for the land photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of 157,500 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of 10.6 million, an operational expenditure of 0.04936/kWh. Both scenarios’ econo-technical parameters fall within acceptable ranges. However, the land photovoltaic system shows better performance, indicating some efficiency loss in the floating photovoltaic system possibly due to harsher offshore conditions. Based on the data from the reports, the study concludes that the econo-technical feasibility of floating photovoltaic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is high
Using self-study approach to critique gender stereotyping and discrimination on family resources for girls and women : educational implications
No full textGirls and women continue to suffer at the hands of patriarchal society that excludes them in family resource allocation. The primary objective of this paper is to examine the challenge that leads to the exclusion of family resource allocation in the form of educational resources for African girls and women. This paper adopts a self-study research approach, which is undergirded by interpretivism philosophical methodology. Intersectional feminism offers a lens for questioning the domination and supremacy of patriarchal society that perpetuates girls’ and women’s vulnerability in the acquisition of family resources in this age. We then discuss how girls and women lead lives marred by hunger, poverty, and inequality. Furthermore, we discuss gender violence and inequality, girl commodification, lessons from matriarchal and patriarchal polities, and gender discrimination at the workplace. We recommend that gender stereotypes and discrimination be eliminated in all social settings; and that at family, society and workplace levels. Finally, that educational institution should reconstruct curricula that should purposively interrogate girls and women's gender stereotyping and discrimination, GBV and other gender issues.</jats:p
The consumption, product compliance and manufacturer insights of plant-based foods in KwaZulu-Natal
No full textThesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of: Master of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology. Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background: The term plant-based diet focuses predominantly on the consumption of food
from plants. A plant-based diet consists mainly of wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, legumes,
nuts, seeds and may also include more processed food products made from these ingredients.
Food is the single most powerful lever to optimise human health and environmental
sustainability. A large body of work has emerged on the environmental impact of various diets.
As per the findings of the Environmental Assessment and Reference Tool (EAT)-Lancet
Commission, many studies have concluded that a diet rich in plant-based foods (PBFs) has
improved health and also environmental benefits. This transition has led to a noteworthy
increase in the demand for PBFs globally, and South Africa is no exception.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the consumption, product compliance and manufacturer
insights of plant-based foods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Methods: This study used a mixed methods approach, namely, qualitative and quantitative
research methodology. The first objective of this study was to determine the consumption of
PBFs and identify barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of plant-based diets through
a consumer survey. The study's second objective was to document the scope of plant-based
products in terms of availability through in-store and online observations that were available
in KZN. All products were analysed to determine the scientific and regulatory compliance of
plant-based products by analysing food labels according to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and
Disinfectant Act (Act 54, 1972), R146 Regulation relating to the labelling and advertising of
foodstuffs. The qualitative aspect of the study delved into the product development practices,
trends and challenges of plant-based manufacturers in South Africa through key informant
interviews. The adequacy of the diet among consumers (n=100) who consumed plant-based
foods was assessed through two 24-hour food recalls and analysed for dietary adequacy.
Results: Three hundred and eighty consumers participated in the online survey, of which
67.7% (n=259) of participants were women and 31.3% (n=120). Regarding the frequency of
consumption of PBFs, 47% (n=180) of participants consumed PBFs between 2 to 3 times a
week, 27.7% (n=106) of participants consumed PBFs daily, 17.2% (n=66) of participants
consumed PBFs once a week, and 4.2% (n=16) of participants consumed PBFs once a month.
A significant 63.4% (n=243) of participants indicated that they spend at most R60.00 on plantbased products, p<0.001. Using the binomial test to assess if any response option was selected
significantly more than others, a significant number of participants (80% n=307) p<0.001, reported that they consumed PBFs for health reasons, followed by 37% (n=142) who reported
that they consumed PBFs due to religious reasons. A significant 64% (n=245) and 58.5%
(n=224) of participants reported that the most common format of plant-based meat alternatives
that they consumed were burgers and sausages, respectively (p<0.001). The findings of this
study also revealed that there are many challenges and barriers that are associated with the
adoption of PBFs. This study found that 58.5% of participants (n=224) reported that PBFs were
expensive (p<0.001), and 40.5% of participants (n=155) indicated that PBFs were limited and
lacked variety.
A comprehensive database of plant-based products (n=431) in the South African market was
documented through in-store and online observations. Eighty-nine percent (n=386) of the
products documented were manufactured in South Africa.. Regarding South Africa's labelling
regulation, 95% (n=411) of the plant-based products complied with legislation.
Key informant interviews were conducted with manufacturers to understand the market trends
and constraints within the South African plant-based food sector. Key themes emerging from
the key informant interviews included consumer-centric PBFs, consumer-driven plant-based
trends, growth in the plant-based market, dynamic and evolving plant-based product
development, challenges in PBF manufacture and marketability, insufficient government
support and market-related price of PBFs.
Furthermore, the adequacy of plant-based diets was analysed using the 24-hour food recall
(n=92). The majority of nutrients fell below the EAR for both males and females. Both
groups exhibited dietary inadequacies in specific micronutrients: vitamin D, folate, vitamin
B12, and iron. Dietary inadequacy of specific micronutrients was noted for vitamin D,
Folate, vitamin B12 and iron in both groups. However, there was notable carbohydrate
excess intake across both groups and genders, surpassing the recommended estimate for
energy.
Conclusion:
This study comprehensively examined the consumption patterns, product compliance, and
manufacturer insights of PBFs in KZN. The findings reveal a growing interest in flexitarian
diets and frequent consumption of PBFs, driven primarily by health motivations but hindered
by cost and limited variety. Retail availability of PBFs in KZN is extensive, offering consumers
a wide range of choices in both fresh and frozen categories, reflecting the robust state of the
plant-based industry in KZN and it can be reasonably generalised to the whole country Regulatory compliance among PBFs is generally high, although small-scale manufacturers
occasionally fall short of labelling standards. Manufacturer insights indicate a consumer-driven
demand for PBFs that closely mimic meat products, necessitating innovation and regulatory
support to stabilise this emerging market. Nutritional assessments of plant-based diets highlight
a critical need for dietary supplementation to address deficiencies in essential vitamins and
minerals such as B12, iron, and zinc. The study underscores the importance of nutrition
education to guide consumers towards healthier food choices within plant-based diets. In
conclusion, while the plant-based food sector in KZN is expanding and meeting many
consumer needs, there are significant opportunities for improvement in product variety,
affordability, regulatory compliance, and nutritional adequacy. Addressing these challenges
through coordinated efforts among stakeholders can further enhance the adoption and benefits
of plant-based diets. The conclusions drawn from this study can be reasonably generalised to
metropolitan areas of the whole country.
The role of social media in employee recruitment : a case study of a private tertiary institution in Durban, South Africa
No full textRecruitment and selection are one of the most significant aspects of human resource
management practices in an organization. Taking into consideration the preceding
assertion it is now evident that organizations are now deviating from the traditional
approach of recruitment and selection to using social media. However, there have been
limited studies on the usage of social media in recruitment and selection. Therefore, this
study analyses the role of social media in employee recruitment at a private tertiary
institution in Durban South Africa. The study is premised on the qualitative research
approach with an interview research strategy used for data collection. For sampling the
purposive sampling method was used including a thematic data analysis process use for
data analysis. Findings revealed that businesses can benefit by taking advantage offered by
social media such benefits include competitive advantage, a positive effect on
organizational attractiveness and a constant and compliant recruitment process, however,
the concern regarding job seeker limitation should be considered. The practical implication
of this study is that social media is a sensitive tool that managers and recruiters should
handle with caution. Ensuring the privacy of candidates by refraining from disclosing
personal information can be a challenging responsibility. Additionally, implementing a
well-defined policy that regulates the use of social media during the recruitment and
selection process will help address any potential legal and privacy concerns that may
emerge
Activation of n-octane using VOx/MgO catalysts prepared by a mixed fuel solution combustion synthesis method
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the degree requirements of Master of Applied Science in Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is an important chemical process used to produce various industrial fuels and building blocks, such as butadiene, styrene, and propylene. In this process, a catalyst facilitates the oxidation of hydrocarbons, leading to the removal of two hydrogen atoms and the formation of an olefin. This reaction has attracted significant attention due to its ability to generate high yields and low by-product formation, making it an environmentally sustainable approach for olefin production. However, ODH reactions face certain challenges that must be addressed to make them more efficient and viable for large-scale production. The major challenge in this process is the low selectivity for the formation of olefins, as side reactions lead to the formation of unwanted by-products. In addition, the catalyst employed should exhibit stability and maintain high levels of activity and selectivity under the specified operating conditions. In recent years, the solution combustion synthesis method (SCS) has emerged as a promising technique for producing highly active and stable catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation. In the SCS method, a precursor solution is heated in a furnace to produce a high-temperature exothermic reaction that drives the formation of nanoscale particles. SCS has several advantages over traditional synthesis methods such as sol-gel and solid-state reactions. This includes its simplicity in eliminating the need for an inert atmosphere or subsequent calcination procedures. Additionally, it allows for precise control of the particle size, morphology, and composition, which can significantly influence the catalyst's performance. It is also a cost-effective technique as it uses simple and inexpensive chemicals as precursors. The nanoparticles created through SCS are characterized by their ability to bind to high surface areas and tailor their specific morphology, such as a highly porous structure or a specific crystal facet. This structural control can significantly impact the catalyst's performance, as it influences the catalyst's active sites and the reactant's diffusion and adsorption properties. In this study, VOx/MgO catalysts were synthesized using a solution combustion synthesis method with three fuel mixtures as reducing agents. The fuel mixtures comprised of urea/hydrazine hydrate (UR/HH), glycine/urea (GLY/UR), and glycine/hydrazine hydrate (GLY/HH). The catalysts were characterized using BET, XRD, ICP-OES, HR-TEM, TPR and TPD-MS. Catalytic testing was performed in a continuous flow fixed-bed tubular stainless-steel reactor, operated in a down-flow mode, using air as the oxidant and nitrogen as the diluent gas. Reactions were carried out over a temperature range of 350-450 °C with 5% feed and 350-450 °C at 12% feed. The gas flow rates were varied to attain gas hourly space velocities of 8000 h-1. The carbon to oxygen ratio was 8:2. The catalyst bed was maintained at a volume of 1 cm3 with pellet sizes ranging between 600 – 1000 um. The reaction product stream was analyzed using gas chromatographs, one fitted with a thermal conductivity detector, and the other with a flame ionization detector. The results obtained from this study demonstrated varying morphologies and surface areas for each catalyst. The VOx/MgO catalysts showed the distribution of vanadium on the surface of the support with an aggregation of VOx clusters at certain locations. The %V2O5 loading varied from 14 wt%- 14.9 wt%, which correlated with the SEM-EDS results. XRD and Rietveld refinement results demonstrated that the vanadium supported on MgO catalysts was present as biphasic constituents, with the predominant phase being attributed to the MgO periclase phase. The second phase was identified as the magnesium orthovanadate (Mg3(VO4)2), while the crystalline Mg2V2O7 magnesium pyrovanadate phase was only identified only in the GLY/UR catalyst. Further characterization was performed using TPR for redox properties and TPD-MS for acid-base properties. The GLY/UR and GLY/HH catalysts displayed a high H2 consumption, with two distinct reduction peaks followed by a high concentration of Brønsted acid sites of >100 µmole/g for both catalysts. Catalytic testing revealed that all three catalysts exhibited activity for the ODH of n-octane. The selectivity towards the desired products was dependent on the vanadium concentration and the phase composition of the catalysts. Octene isomers, aromatic compounds, cracked products and carbon oxides were identified in the product stream. The GLY/HH catalyst displayed the best selectivity of 66% towards the formation of octenes. A decrease in feed concentration from 12% to 5% led to an increase in octene selectivity, specifically at 450 oC. This confirmed that the selectivity and conversion depend on the reaction temperature, phase composition and morphology.
Stakeholder perspectives on the school food environment : insights from South African learners-a pilot study
No full textLeveraging learner-driven insights to enhance the SFE can significantly influence food choices by decreasing the consumption of unhealthy foods and increasing access to healthier options. Using learners' voices as important stakeholders in the school food environment (SFE), this qualitative research study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, identify barriers and enablers to fostering a healthy SFE in South African public schools, and explore the link between the SFE and learners' food choices. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 4-6 participants were held in six schools, including three primary and three secondary schools in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education's iLembe district, SA, with learners aged 12-14 and 15-18 years, respectively. Learners were asked how schools could help them eat healthier and how their SFE benefitted them. The data were analysed using thematic data analysis methods. The FGDs generated 14 themes and subthemes. Emerging information suggests a lack of control over the sale of unhealthy food despite the existence of guidelines. This is further exacerbated by the marketing of unhealthy foods, which prevents learners from selecting healthier options. Furthermore, they stated that promoting the school food programme (SFP) and changing attitudes towards healthy food intake through comprehensive nutrition education are useful ways to enhance the SFE. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of learner insights in shaping effective strategies to improve the SFE