7490 research outputs found
Sort by
The impact of financial sector development on unemployment: a study for South Africa from 1960 - 2021
Get PDFThis study investigated the impact of financial sector development on unemployment in South Africa for the period 1960 to 2021. The study was inspired by historical events such as the great depression and the 2007/2008 global financial crisis which demonstrated a link between financial turmoil and elevated global unemployment rates. Employing an Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study explored the impact of financial sector development on unemployment rate in South Africa. This technique was most suitable to this study due to its flexibility on integration order of variables and data requirements to produce robust results. Contrary to conventional economic expectations, the data suggests that an increase in domestic credit to the private sector (DCP) could worsen unemployment in the short run. In the long run, the study suggests that access to credit will have no impact on unemployment. On the other hand, results revealed that an increase in the efficiency of investments facilitated by the financial sector measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) may have a negative impact on unemployment. The results demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between GFCF and unemployment in the long run. These findings suggested that the rigidities in the South African labour market and imperfection within the financial sector could be contributing to the country’s higher unemployment levels. Based on these findings, the study offers several policy recommendations. Policymakers can re-evaluate their priorities in attempts to curb unemployment. This can be achieved through promoting efficiency of investment allocation over depth. Thereby, promoting economic diversification and implementing labour market reform strategies that could address the complex interplay between financial sector development and unemployment. Continuous monitoring, research collaboration with public-private partnerships, and targeted education training programs are the proposed key instruments for refining and implementing effective policies. The study concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing research to understand the evolving dynamics of financial sector development and unemployment, while also acknowledging the limitations of the study.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Organisational culture impacts on the performance of a commodity trading company X in South Africa
Get PDFThis research explores the links between organisational culture and company performance in Commodity Trading Company X, a multinational operating in South Africa’s dynamic and supercompetitive downstream oil and gas industry. The research acknowledges that the sector faces volatile commodity markets, regulatory complexities, and socio-economic diversity. It examines how organisational culture factors impact the company’s performance, adaptability to emerging changes, and innovation-competitiveness in the marketplace. In a quantitative methodology, 122 employees returned survey responses showing significant associations between organisational culture dimensions and performance metrics. The findings show that leadership styles, strategies for employee engagement, and the ability to adapt are related to engendering a resilient culture that promotes performance sustainability. Main insights include clear and open communication of values and organisational changes, incorporating inclusive leadership, and promoting employee work-life balance, teamwork, and cooperation between departments. These findings support that organisational culture is an enabler and a result of operational success, influencing employee morale, decision-making, and the company’s responsiveness to changes in the external markets. Recommendations are summarised under three key themes: enhancing the cultural fit to better align it with strategic objectives, hybrid organisational models, and linking culture development to performance results. These findings have relevance not only for Commodity Trading Company X but are also of contribution value for a better understanding of the role of culture as a driver of company performance in the global commodity trading sector.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Mandatory enforcement of the COVID -19 vaccination on employee socio-economic conditions and job security across business industries in Gqeberha
Get PDFThis research sought to examine the impact of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination enforcement on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security across various business industries in Gqeberha. Specifically, the study explored how employee job security was jeopardised when individuals refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Such refusals led to restricted workplace access under mandatory vaccination policies implemented across businesses. The research was motivated by a desire to understand the full extent of the socio-economic and job security implications of mandatory vaccination, with a particular focus on the gendered experiences of employees. A quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study. An online survey questionnaire was distributed via the Question Pro platform to employees working in organisations where COVID-19 vaccination was mandated. Participation in the study was voluntary, and respondents were sampled using a probability sampling design, specifically simple random sampling, to align with the study’s quantitative approach. The sample was restricted to employees in industries where mandatory vaccination policies were enforced. The research was structured around scientifically formulated hypotheses, aiming to uncover relationships between mandatory vaccination policies and their inherent impact on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security. The study findings revealed several critical insights. First, respondents did not universally agree that mandating the COVID-19 vaccine was a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Second, many respondents confirmed that mandatory vaccination policies threatened their job security. Notably, the findings highlighted that women were more vulnerable to job insecurity, with many experiencing heightened risk of losing their employment upon refusal to vaccinate. This vulnerability had significant socio-economic repercussions, particularly for affected households The research is significant as it underscores the pressures organisations face during a pandemic to implement policies that, while aimed at public health protection, may inadvertently harm employees. The study highlights the need for organisations to reconsider their approaches to policy implementation, ensuring that mandates do not infringe on employees' constitutional rights or disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. In addition, the research provides actionable recommendations for human resources departments in corporate organisations. These include adopting more inclusive strategies for policy development, fostering transparent and open communication with employees, and ensuringThesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The relationship between job satisfaction and motivating climate: the mediation of decent work
Get PDFThe ability of an organisation to utilise, cultivate, maintain, and keep skilled workers is a significant factor in determining its level of success. Keeping a workforce that is deeply dedicated to the organisation has emerged as a top goal for the majority of businesses. The process of identifying and treating the factors that contribute to job insecurity is beneficial to employee retention. This is essential to improve employee performance at work. In order to research the moderating effects of decent work on the link between motivating climate and job satisfaction, the study utilised a sample of private sector employees working for an automotive distributor. The goal of the study was to investigate the impacts of decent work. By concentrating on the moderating effect that decent work has in the relationship between employee job satisfaction and motivating climate, the purpose of the study was to determine the significance of individual-level performance when it comes to the diagnosis of performance difficulties at the automotive distributor. The outcomes of this study would be of use to the administration of the automobile distributor in determining areas in which there is room for improvement on the methods of motivating staff. In addition, the findings of the study will offer insights to the commercial sector and other organisations regarding the concept of a decent work environment, as well as its influence on the level of job satisfaction and motivating climate experienced by employees. These findings will be of great assistance to these organisations and will help them to modify their management practices. A quantitative survey was employed using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 160 surveys were distributed. After data cleaning, a total of 127 surveys were deemed usable. The general findings that were highlighted in this study are that there is a favourable association between job performance and decent work done by employees as well as employee motivation. Additionally, they have a considerable and favourable influence on the performance of the job. According to the findings of the study, the three components of decent work—free time and rest, access to healthcare, and safe working conditions—have a strong moderating effect on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. This is the conclusion reached by the researcher. In light of this, it is imperative that methods be discovered to maintain the motivation of workers in order to enhance the level of job satisfaction they experience. Policymakers should develop policies that are effective in the workplace. These policies should ensure that conditions that are conducive to employee motivation are maintained at the workplace, in addition to providing decent working conditions. The achievement of higher levels of productivity and performance by employees is a significant consequence of this outcome. This study's findings offer preliminary insights that contribute to the existing body of research concerning decent work in relation to employee job satisfaction and the motivating climate in the field of human resource management in the setting of South Africa.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Exploring the implementation of lean manufacturing practices: a case study of a catalytic converter manufacturer in Gqeberha
Get PDFThis research study explored the implementation of lean manufacturing practices at a Catalytic Converter Manufacturer in Gqeberha, South Africa. The aim of the study was to examine the experiences, barriers, and outcomes associated with the implementation of lean practices at the case study organisation. An interpretivism approach was used applied as research paradigm, using qualitative methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants from senior and middle management, as well as shopfloor employees, to gain insight from those involved in the implementation of lean practices at the organisation. The findings from the thematic data analysis of the collected data, revealed key themes. These included communication and engagement, training and continuous improvement, monitoring and evaluation practices, the role of leadership and organisational culture, and customisation of lean practices in facilitating the successful implementation of lean practices and their long-term sustainability. These findings from the interviews conducted with participants led to an emphasis on effective communication throughout the implementation process, customising ongoing training, and strong leadership, to ensure the sustainability and success of lean practices at the facility. Ethical considerations were important and prioritised in this research to guarantee participant confidentiality and integrity of the data that was collected, throughout the research process. A framework for future research in understanding lean practices within the catalytic converter industry were discussed, as well as practical recommendations, for improving lean strategies in a manufacturing setting.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesixhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni Isixhosa
No full textKule nkulungwane yamashumi amabini ananye sele kuthenjelwe kwizixhobo ezithile ezifana noomabonakude, iincwadi noonomathotholo njengezona zixhobo zokulondoloza ulwimi lungafi. Kwakhona ukufundwa kweencwadi sele kudodobala ngamandla kuba abantu bachitha ixesha elide bebukele amabalana kwimiboniso bhanyabhanya efana noomabonakude. Esi simo senza ukufundwa kweencwadi kungathathelwa ngqalelo ingako. Ababhali beencwadi bebesenza ngako konke okusemandleni abo ukugcina iilwimi zikumgangatho onguwo. Ngoku umabonakude ngoyena udlala indima enkulu kulwimi kuba indlela abadlali abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi kwiinkqubo zabo ithi ibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolo lwimi lwaloo mdlali ngababukeli abamthandayo. Ukuba umdlali usebenzisa izinto ezithile ukuhombisa iintetha zakhe, loo nto ingenza ukuba ababukeli basebenzise ezo zinto nabo. Ezi nkqubo zikamabonakude zithi zibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolwimi. Olu phando lukhangela ukuba yeyiphi indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesiXhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni isiXhosa xa kujongwa ulwimi olusetyenziswayo, iindlela zokuthetha kwakunye nemiba echaphazela inkcubeko. Kwiziphumo uphando lufumanise ukuba umdlalo okhethiweyo awenzi ngokwaneleyo ukuphuhlisa nokulondoloza isiXhosa. Uphando luqhutywe kusetyenziswa indlela yophando eluhlahlelo hlobo.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 202
Extracting more ecologically-significant information from the southern Cape fossil pollen records: a reassessment of the Asteraceae pollen types
Get PDFIt is no surprise that South Africa is home to three of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world, thanks to a rich species abundance and diversity, filling the South African landscape with 20 000 different plant species. The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is one of the three biodiverse hotspots in South Africa, home to 9000 plant species, 1435 of which are on the Red Data List, with an endemism rate of 70%, making the CFR the pinnacle for conservation. The Asteraceae is the largest contributing plant family within the CFR, accounting for 986 species with equally diverse pollen morphological characteristics. However, when it comes to the palynological classification of Asteraceae pollen for the elucidation of palaeoecological information, it is often the case that the taxonomic resolution is not high enough. The majority of the Asteraceae that can be found within the palaeoarchives across South Africa yield no ecological information about the past vegetation. This study made use of a new morphological classification developed by Dr Saúl Manzano and Dr Nicola Bergh as part of an ongoing research initiative: COMPOSITAS-SA: COMpositae Pollen Study and Identification of Types for Applied Science in South Africa. The new morphological classification was applied to three palaeoarchives within the CFR, aimed at reclassifying and recounting existing fossil pollen material in order to extract more ecologically-significant information, and place this in context with the established literature available from the study sites and the overall region. This study was able to significantly contribute more morphological pollen types to the CFR and in doing so increase the representativeness of the Fynbos and Subtropical Thicket ecological groupings across the Rietvlei – Still Bay, Eilandvlei, and Baviaanskloof study sites. The Asteraceae that contributed the most as a single pollen type was the Osteospermum, accounting for 16% of the Subtropical Thickets relative percentage, followed by Stoebe and Metalasia contributing 8.4% and 5.7% respectively towards the Fynbos elements within the southern Cape. The Osteospermum pollen in this study does appear to behave differently to the traditional thicket pollen whereby favouring similar conditions to that of the Fynbos especially in the last 2000 cal yr BP. This is especially prominent in Rietvlei – Still Bay and Eilandvlei where the Osteospermum pollen relative percentages from the Subtropical Thicket mimics the Asteraceae pollen relative percentages of the Fynbos. IV This work advocates for the application of the new Asteraceae classifications to more study sites across South Africa in order to enhance palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and uncover the story of the Asteraceae.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Investigation of the sudden dieback of Gymnosphaera capensis (forest tree fern) in southern Afrotemperate forests.
Get PDFThe Afrotemperate forests of the southern Cape are one of the smallest biomes in South Africa and are considered vulnerable. Forest fragmentaCon, fire events, human acCvity, and climate, amongst other factors, have impacted the distribuCon of these forests. Since 2013, dieback of indigenous forest tree ferns has been noted by local park rangers. Gymnosphaera capensis (forest tree fern) is indigenous to South Africa, and is found near streams, within the southern Cape Afrotemperate forests. These ferns play an important ecological role in the forest, e.g. they contribute to nutrient cycling, acts as a host for various epiphytes and form a tall dense canopy over the forest understory, creaCng a shaded environment. Given the absence of prior research as to the cause or Cmeline of the decline of G. capensis, the first objecCve of this study was to determine the extent of G. capensis dieback in the southern Cape forests. I first invesCgated individual level health, and later populaCon level health. For the first analysis on individual level health, I looked at a specific region, the Knysna forest, to minimize environmental variability, and surveyed 900 individual G. capensis trunks. I invesCgated three main factors that were hypothesized to influence individual G. capensis health, namely distance to stream, trunk surface area and distance to nearest defoliated fern. This was to determine the effect of water availability, individual age, and proximity to a potenCally diseased fern on an individual’s health, respecCvely. On landscape level, we invesCgated the populaCon health of thirty G. capensis populaCons, over an approximate 180 km range from west (Friemersheim) to east (Tsitsikamma). I also tested for the root mould, Phytophthora, to see if the pathogen influenced G. capensis health status. On individual level we found that the greatest influence on fern health status was trunk surface area 5 and distance to stream, and that the distance to nearest defoliated fern, as well as Phytophthora spp. presence had no effect on fern health status. Ferns that had greater trunk surface area, and ferns growing further away from streams, were more likely to be defoliated. When only looking at foliated ferns, we found that more mature ferns were more likely to have healthier fronds and greater sori counts. At the populaCon level study, we found that of the thirty populaCons, one site was without foliated ferns and had no signs of recovery, while the other populaCons displayed a range of health and different states of potenCal recovery. There was a trend of populaCon health from west to east, where G. capensis populaCons on the western side of our study area had be,er overall health and sori counts. The populaCons towards the east displayed poorer fern health, yet had increased numbers of juvenile sporophytes, indicaCng potenCal recovery. Canopy cover also held significance; populaCons with denser forest canopies had greater juvenile sporophyte presence, as well as increased resprouCng from the base of trunks. No link could be established between the presence of Phytophthora spp. and G. capensis dieback. During this study, data from each locaCon were collected during a single visit. Consequently, this approach may limit the findings, as it does not account for changes in G. capensis health that could occur over Cme due to varying environmental condiCons.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
A framework of digital marketing for small businesses in the retail sector
Get PDFSmall businesses play an essential role in the South African economy, driving economic growth, job creation and community development, while significantly impacting national wealth, investment and trade. Comprising 79% of small businesses, the retail sector is a major contributor to employment in the country. However, small businesses face challenges such as limited financial resources, poor marketing skills, and complex government regulations, leading to high failure rates and minimal digital marketing efforts. Furthermore, there is limited research on digital marketing and small businesses in the retail sector. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to build a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. This study aimed to address the research gap by conducting an in-depth discussion of digital marketing compared to previous studies. It aimed not only to identify but also to explore and deepen the understanding of how small retail businesses can optimally implement digital marketing by examining the challenges and enablers they faced, ultimately, creating a framework to guide optimal digital marketing implementation. The current study adopted an interpretivist philosophy and descriptive research method as well as an inductive approach for theory development. It also utilised a mono-qualitative methodology, employing a survey research strategy to gather perceptions on digital marketing from small business owners/managers. A cross-sectional time horizon was adopted, with data collected from a single point in time. The secondary data was sourced from books, journals and articles for the literature review, while primary data was obtained through semi-structured interviews for the empirical investigation from participants who were all owners of small businesses. A thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The main findings were presented as challenges and enablers of digital marketing. Four themes emerged as challenges and three themes emerged as enablers of digital marketing. These were also discussed by means of sub-themes, where applicable. Following the discussion on the challenges and enablers of digital marketing, to attain the study’s primary objective, the study presented a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. The framework highlighted the most relevant digital marketing practices for small retailers and revealed the importance of knowledge, trust and communication when implementing and using digital marketing practices and tools. The study presents recommendations, based on the challenges, enablers and the framework, to ensure the optimal implementation of digital marketing.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Using the multi-system model to rethink resilience in the vulnerable communities of Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe
Get PDFThis thesis scrutinised the applicability of the multi-system model to enhance resilience among the vulnerable communities in the Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe, who have endured cumulative disasters such as cyclones, floods, and pandemics. Despite the significant mental health impacts of such disasters, resilience within these contexts remains insufficiently explored, particularly in the developing countries. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design grounded in a pragmatic philosophical stance, this study comprised a sample of 368 participants for the quantitative phase and 26 participants for the qualitative phase. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while a thematic analysis approach using Atlas coding software was implemented to conduct an in-depth examination of the participants' narrative data. Through this mixed methods approach, the research identified the critical factors that enhance resilience within these communities, thereby effectively advancing the study's objectives. Firstly, the study examined the nature of psychological distress, by revealing a significant prevalence of depression, as well as anxiety symptoms, and feelings of helplessness. Secondly, the research identified the intra-individual, the interpersonal, and the socio-ecological elements as the essential resilience factors that mitigate psychological distress. Thirdly, the qualitative findings illuminate the community's mental health needs, emphasising the necessity for culturally sensitive interventions that are tailored to specific diverse requirements. Lastly, the study highlights the vital social factors that foster resilience such as family support, community engagement, and the access to healthcare. The findings highlight the need for sustained psychological support and interventions to address the long-term mental health impacts of disasters. They advocate for targeted interventions to enhance resilience, particularly among the individuals with lower resilience levels, ultimately aiming to reduce psychological distress and to promote mental well-being. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between resilience and psychological health, thereby informing the development of effective strategies and policies that mitigate the adverse effects of disasters and pandemics on mental health. vii 5oreover, the study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly with Goal 3, which promotes well-being for all. In advocating for culturally sensitive, community-centred initiatives, the study addresses the complexities of the mental health needs in the vulnerable populations while supporting the broader global agenda for resilience and well-being. The Chimanimani Resilience Advancement Framework (CRAF) proposed in this study serves as a roadmap for the evidence-based practices that enhance resilience and mental health, by emphasising the importance of local research in contributing to global well-being.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202