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The relationship between job satisfaction and motivating climate: the mediation of decent work
Full text linkThe 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
Full text linkThis 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
The implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe
No full textThe extraction of metals and minerals has had, and continues to have, material implications for society. Given the significant growth in alluvial diamond mining activities witnessed in Chiadzwa, a rural community situated just southwest of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Mutare. This study focuses on the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe. It assesses the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of alluvial mining on rural communities. It also establishes the measures put in place by mining companies and governments to mitigate and enhance the effects of alluvial diamonds. It further identifies policy gaps and recommends strategies for improving the positive implications while mitigating the negative impact of alluvial diamond mining. The study was influenced by the Resource Curse Theory, Political Ecology Theory and the Conflict Theory. The study was an explorative case study utilising qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data were gathered through a systematic review of the literature and bibliometric research. The bibliometric research findings discussed the current state of the research and probable future directions on the study topic. Documents were selected using non-probability sampling methods, including purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The systematic review employed qualitative content analysis and bibliometric analysis to examine the collected data. Whilst the bibliometric analysis used VOS viewer software to perform bibliometric network visualizations, trend, and clustering and citation analysis on the study topic. Both the systematic literature review and bibliometric research were, carried out using multiple data bases. The study findings showed that the implications of alluvial diamond mining activities for the Chiadzwa community were two-fold, namely, positive and negative. A major finding of this study was that the adverse effects of alluvial diamond mining outweighed the potential positive benefits of alluvial diamond mining for the host community. Hence, there was a need to avert this gap. It was evident from the study findings that alluvial diamond mining activities continued to have adverse implications on the well-being and lives of the Chiadzwa people. As such, the host community were largely excluded from the significant benefits of alluvial diamond mining. The findings were further corroborated by a bibliometric analysis carried that examined 2,159 publications on alluvial diamond mining. The keywords "Zimbabwe," "diamond," and "mining," which had a total link strength of 2,385 emerged as the most frequently occurring terms. This highlights the significance of research focused on understanding the impact of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining activities in the Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.This signified the importance of research to understand the implications of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining taking place in Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.The diamond discoveries in Chiadzwa mirror other African countries where natural resources are becoming a curse rather than a blessing to countries. The study contributes to our understanding of the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities in Zimbabwe and other regions experiencing the same phenomena. Given the adverse implications, it is recommended that multi-stakeholder platforms, improved legal frameworks, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and effective monitoring mechanisms be used to ensure sustainable and equitable alluvial diamond mining practices in the Zimbabwean mining sector.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Evaluating the role of special economic zones and SMMEs’ sustainability: a case study of Coega
Full text linkThis research assesses the influence of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on the sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape. The main goal is to improve the comprehension of the role of SEZs and to identify the obstacles that hinder the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The literature suggests that funding, skills, and management are identified as the major constraints hindering sustainability. Additionally, the study analysed the financial and administrative support provided by Coega SEZ that could enhance SMME sustainability, as well as the policies and programs that can support SMME businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, despite government efforts to support them. Among these challenges, limited financial resources stand out as one of the most significant obstacles. Without adequate capital, SMMEs struggle to scale their operations, invest in necessary technology, or hire skilled employees. This case study of the Coega SEZ in South Africa examines its impact on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how SMME development can drive various socio-economic benefits. The qualitative research demonstrates that by simultaneously providing access to opportunities, finance, and technical and managerial expertise, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as a valuable policy tool for SMMEs, helping them overcome key challenges. The case study offers policy recommendations on how to leverage SEZs to support SMME growth and development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique to select a sample of fifteen participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings indicated that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often lack industry knowledge and face challenges related to skills and finance. The study recommended greater support from the government and multinational companies for SMMEs, along with incentives for financial institutions that assist them. Additionally, government intervention during periods of high interest rates was suggested. The study also emphasized the importance of SMMEs enhancing their skills and diversifying their businesses.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
“I be African man original”: a study of the vernacular intellectual contribution of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in post-colonial Nigeria
Full text linkThis thesis investigates the intellectual legacies of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. In positioning him as a ‘vernacular intellectual’ within the postcolonial Nigerian landscape, this study applies endogenous approaches (Orunmilaist perspective and Ti’bi-t’ire logic), which are complimented by Grant Farred's (2003) concept of the vernacular intellectual. The intersection of these three approaches forms this study's Trifocal lens approach as a conceptual and methodological framework. Influenced by the post-colonial Nigerian setting, this study argues that Fela's music transcends mere entertainment but is an important vehicle for conscientizing the Nigerian community for social change. Incorporating insights from the literature on the global impact of popular music, the study situates Fela alongside other musicians and intellectuals who have historically mobilised societal transformation. The research foregrounds Fela’s discography, employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to decode the socio-political ideologies embedded within his songs. These narratives are contextualised with historical and contemporary issues in Nigeria, demonstrating Fela's relevance in critiquing power, politics, and identity construction. Additionally, the thesis underscores the importance of oral traditions and vernacular relationality (Eze, 2008) in understanding Fela’s role as a cultural and intellectual figure who challenged oppressive regimes and inspired collective consciousness among Nigerians. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was supplemented by interviews with family, friends and figures deeply connected to Fela’s music and philosophy. Through these interviews, the study found that Fela’s politics and agency as a vernacular intellectual are shaped by language, community, and historical moments. The research study maps Fela’s discursive strategies against Nigeria’s post-colonial challenges while highlighting his enduring intellectual impact on contemporary social movements. This thesis hopes to contribute to the growing body of African sociological thinking in excavating the vernacular concepts in understanding the impact of music, arts, and popular culture in shaping societal change.Thesis (Phd) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
factors influencing value creation through design thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana
Full text linkGlobally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
B.Ed fourth-year primary school pre-service mathematics students’ perceived experiences of their mentoring experience with their mentor teachers during their school-based learning professional development component
Full text linkThis dissertation examines the role of mentorship in shaping the professional development of fourth-year B Ed pre-service mathematics teachers during their School-Based Learning (SBL) placements. Grounded in an expanded version of Hudson’s five-factor mentoring model, the study assesses the quality and impact of mentor-mentee interactions, illuminating how mentorship influences the growth of pre-service teachers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a pragmatic framework. Surveys with Likert scales collected quantitative data, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between mentor attributes—such as pedagogical knowledge, feedback, and self-efficacy—and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mentorship. The thematic analysis further explored mentees’ lived experiences. Findings reveal that mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the growth of pre-service teachers. Key themes include developmental scaffolding, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practice. Statistical analyses highlight strong correlations between specific mentor qualities (e.g., pedagogical feedback) and mentees’ perceptions of mentorship effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent feedback, limited ICT integration, and varying levels of mentor engagement were identified. To enhance mentorship, the study recommends structured mentor training, greater university oversight, and strengthened mentor-mentee relationships. It also advocates workshops and webinars to equip both mentors and mentees with practical teaching strategies. This research contributes to the field by offering an evidence-based framework for improving school-based mentorship. By addressing existing gaps, it provides actionable strategies to enhance professional development for pre-service teachers, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the demands of the teaching profession in South Africa and beyond.Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 202
Laboratory-scale study of Sinkhole Progression : An analysis using a simple OFDR configuration and a proposed signal processing workflow
Full text linkKarstic formations pose significant risks for sinkhole development, threatening surrounding health of infrastructure. The gradual shift from conventional geophysical methods towards less invasive ground-based sensing, has facilitated the adoption of Distributed Optical Fibre Sensing (DOFS) technologies. The expansion of fibre-optic telecommunication networks in urban environments further enhances the feasibility of DOFS for sinkhole monitoring. Through the use of this established network, cavity formation and sinkhole collapse may be adequately monitored for future mitigation efforts and risk assessment. This study investigates cavity formation and sinkhole evolution using a dual-interferometric Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR) distributed strain sensor in laboratory scale instrumented models. A proposed signal processing workflow incorporates a resampling algorithm applied prior to distributed strain calculations for enhanced spatial resolutions. Distributed strain calculations were preformed using a Discrete Fourier Transform with a window size of 20,000,000 and 256, respectively, at a sampling rate of 50 KHz, achieving a sweep range of ⁓18 GHz. The investigated OFDR configuration achieved successful calibration, detection, monitoring and quantitative analysis of strain variations associated with cavity formation and sinkhole evolution. Additionally, inexpensive capacitance-based soil moisture sensors were integrated for wetting front tracking. Probability density estimation was used to classify shifts in the dominant strain type along the sensing fibre related to cavity formation and sinkhole collapse. Cavity formation is initially governed by tensile-dominated strain, transitioning to a compressive strain environment as cavities develop, before reverting to tensile dominated systems at sinkhole collapse. These findings provide a foundation for future early waring detection methods in distributed strain networks. Integrating artificial intelligence with fibre optic infrastructure could significantly enhance precursor cavity formation monitoring, improving early waring detection methods and risk assessment.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Macroinvertebrates associated with seagrass at point-source pollutant inputs in the Knysna Estuary
Full text linkEstuaries are important ecosystems that provide many functions, including filtering nutrients and other contaminants from surrounding catchments before they reach the ocean. These services are provided by habitats such as seagrasses. Increasing anthropogenic pressures and development threaten the integrity of such coastal ecosystems. Nutrient enrichment or eutrophication affects seagrass habitats globally, causing ecosystem degradation and loss of ecological and economic value. Nutrient enrichment can induce various changes to both the floral and faunal communities within estuarine environments. These effects include the proliferation of opportunistic algae and shifts in macroinvertebrate community structure from sensitive to resilient taxa. The aim of this study was to investigate the drivers and responses of Zostera capensis and the macroinvertebrates dwelling within its rhizosphere, to nutrient pollution at the Knysna Estuary, South Africa. This was achieved by quantifying seagrass metrics, sediment characteristics and macroinvertebrate indices at six polluted sites (referred to as point-sources) along the Knysna Estuary. Sampling was carried out quarterly from May 2023 to January 2024. Direct indices of nutrient pollution were measured as nutrient concentrations (N and P) in seagrass tissue of above- and belowground biomass, the overlying water column as well as in epiphytic tissue. A nutrient gradient was determined across the point-sources. Sites sheltered from wave action were more nutrient enriched than exposed sites, reflecting their depositional nature. Bongani River (which is linked to a wastewater treatment works) was identified as the most polluted site, however, δ15N isotopic signatures in Z. capensis leaves were not consistently indicative of enrichment. This could be related to seasonal trade-offs of nutrient requirements or poorly primary treated wastewater resulting in depleted δ15N signals (mean of 1.76 ± 4.65 ‰). Featherbed, which is an exposed site, was the least polluted. Seagrass metrics did not increase in response to high nutrient concentrations but rather a decrease in above- and belowground biomass was observed. This could be linked to long-term enrichment with nutrient levels exceeding plant growth needs, leading to reduced growth from direct effects such as NH4 + growth suppressant, or secondary effects such as overgrowth from other primary producers or sediment anoxia. Nutrient storage (N and P) in Z. capensis above- and belowground biomass did not differ overall. Epiphyte biomass increased in response to high nutrient concentrations and demonstrated a high nutrient storage capacity, suggesting that epiphytes responded more rapidly to nutrient enrichment. The highest epiphyte biomass was recorded at Bongani (61.6 ± 28.87 mg m-2), while Featherbed had the lowest (21.71 ± 21.63 mg m-2) epiphyte biomass. Nutrient enrichment effected a change in site-specific community composition of macroinvertebrates associated with the rhizosphere sediment. The dominance of general pollution-tolerant groups such as clitellates and polychaetes and the low abundance of pollution-sensitive groups such as burrowing amphipods was observed at Bongani compared to other sites. The Benthic Opportunistic Annelids Amphipods (BO2A) index highlighted the poor ecological status of Bongani and the comparatively less polluted conditions at Featherbed. Regression modelling suggested that sediment characteristics such as redox was the dominant driver of macroinvertebrate responses (abundance, richness and diversity). A well oxygenated habitat is a crucial metabolic requirement forvfauna. A higher sediment redox potential indicating aerobic conditions reflected higher macroinvertebrate abundance and richness. The rhizosphere sediment was predominantlyvsilty (2.8 ± 1.29 μm). Sandier sediment was negatively related to species richness andvsediment with higher clay content was negatively related to polychaete abundance. Thesevresults suggested that indirect effects of increasing organic matter and nutrient loading linked to sediment type can increase oxygen consumption, lowering redox potential whichvcollectively negatively affects the benthic fauna.vDeteriorating water quality is becoming more prevalent in South Africa and worldwide.vMonitoring effluent flows and the effects it has on water resources is vital to combatvpollution. This study showed that different indicators of nutrient enrichment such asvseagrass, macroinvertebrates and epiphytes can be effectively used in studies investigating pollution impacts on coastal environments. Although seagrass habitats have been shown tovimprove water quality through storage and filtering capacity, efforts should steer towardsvreducing excess nutrient input received from catchments. This is especially true in sensitivevareas where seagrass is exposed to long-term nutrient enrichment. Many studies have experimentally tested enrichment effects across various timeframes. However, more in-situvinvestigations should be conducted to assess combined seagrass and macroinvertebratevresponses to eutrophic conditions. This is necessary to protect the ecological functionsvprovided by these components which are intrinsically linked.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Life, Earth, Environmental & Agricultural Sciences Cluster, 202