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A critical analysis of representations of disability on South African public university websites
No full textSince the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, the dominant discourses in South African higher education have pertained to redressing historical injustices and imbalances. Digital media are among the tools that have been used to communicate, promote and advance transformation in higher education. However, when compared to race and gender, there have been minimal attempts to problematise the representation of disabilities on higher education media platforms. This potentially leaves a substantial number of students, prospective students, their parents and support systems, on the outside of institutional processes that seemingly aim to create a sense of unity and belonging. The process potentially renders persons with disabilities as either invisible or represented in ways that are often uncritically imposed from dominant discourses about disability. This study aimed to determine how disabilities are represented on South African public university websites. The analysis of the representational dynamics in these virtual spaces during the National Disability Rights Awareness Months in 2019 and 2020, sought to contribute to the expansion of the discourses about disability in the South African higher education sector. Although data were collected from all 26 of the public universities in South Africa, only 13 included disability-related content during the awareness months. Therefore, the findings reflect website representations from these 13 public universities. The representations of the provisions of reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities was found to be a dominant frame that the universities used to represent disabilities on their websites. Photographs, illustrations and textual content, worked together to construct a representation pattern about disability as that which requires reasonable accommodations, and that must be researched, designed and provided for by (other) members of the university community. This study draws attention to the under-theorisation of disability in higher education and the need for critical engagement with institutional media representations of disabilities in higher education.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 202
Economic diversification and socio-economic development: a case of Namibia
Get PDFEconomic diversification has been at the forefront of many countries’ socio-economic development agendas, especially resource-rich developing countries. It is seen as a tool for attaining socio-economic development. After independence as a strategy to resolve socio-economic challenges, most developing economies like Namibia implemented policies and strategies enabling economic diversification. This study provides an empirical analysis of Namibia’s economic diversification and socio-economic development between 1990 and 2021. The study used a concurrent mixed research methodology involving quantitative secondary and qualitative interview-based primary data to assist in filling any gaps left by either methodology. The interviews helped expand and validate the secondary data results. The quantitative component of the study focuses on determining the level of economic diversification, the drivers of that diversification and the effect of economic diversification on socio-economic development. The study used the Tress and Ogive indices to proxy for economic diversification, while employment, poverty reduction and economic growth represent socio-economic development. Reading from these economic diversification measures, Namibia’s economy is relatively diversified but remains in the initial stage, with Tress and Ogive indices levels of 48.09/6.03. The study also found that in the long run, foreign direct investment (FDI), education and institutional quality lead to increased economic diversification while inflation discourage economic diversification. In the short run, FDI and education enhances diversification while inflation, financial sector development and earnings from natural resources lead to a decline in economic diversification. In examining the effect of economic diversification on socio-economic development, the results show that it has a positive influence on employment creation, poverty reduction and economic growth in the long and the short term. So overall the study found that economic diversification contributes positively to socio-economic development. To validate the quantitative results, six senior executives from five entities which includes ministries, government agencies and the private sector were selected purposively for interviews on their perception of economic diversification in Namibia and the data were analysed thematically. The results were inconclusive with regard to the effectiveness of the enabling policies. The participants agreed the enabling policies had contributed to employment, poverty reduction, income equality and economic growth. However, more needs to be done, like creating value chain-connected sectors that create seasonal employment, for the contribution to be sustainable. The study also found that the cost of doing business (mainly taxation and the cost of water and electricity); policies and institutional frameworks (like immigration, trade and investment laws); competitiveness of the economy in terms of its size, quality of human capital, manufacturing capacity and economic uncertainty are the leading challenges affecting the progress of Namibia’s economic diversification process. This researcher drew up several recommendations for the Namibian government to continue enhancing economic diversification to address the socio-economic challenges of unemployment, poverty and income inequality through investment in productive areas of the manufacturing and services sectors which can contribute to growth and employment. The government also needs to address the challenges hindering the progress of economic diversification in the country to create an environment that can foster economic diversification. The study recommends targeted intervention to enhance the attractiveness of other sectors so as to wean the economy off its high dependence on the primary sector through the provision of both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The required human capital development should be harnessed through investment in capabilities like vocational skills that are needed for economic diversification and socio-economic development to be achieved. Good governance should be attained by fighting corruption to enhance investment confidence. It further recommends that Namibia ratifies and implement the SADC protocol on trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to increase market accessibility and address the country’s market size, which is currently uncompetitive for investment.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The impact of social capital on SMMEs in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Get PDFSmall, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are crucial in economic growth and development, particularly in emerging economies like South Africa. The networks and connections between people that promote cooperation and trust are known as social capital. The role of social capital as an intangible asset is becoming more widely acknowledged. This study investigated how social capital impacts SMMEs in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research utilised quantitative methods for gathering and analysing data. A survey of a representative group of owners and managers of SMMEs was used to gather the quantitative data. The sample size used was 155 respondents. Using the Chi-square test of association, revealed that social capital does impact SMME performance. However, social capital was found not to have an impact on the sustainability of SMMEs. It also emerged that to enhance social capital in SMMEs, several interactive factors need to be considered.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The impact of risk management maturity level on the performance and accountability within select Eastern Cape provincial government departments
Get PDFThis research study delves into the impact of risk management maturity levels on the accountability and performance of select provincial departments in the Eastern Cape. Through a comprehensive analysis of data gather from interviews, empirical literature, and various sources, the study explores the intricate dynamics between risk management practices and organisational outcomes. Key findings highlight the positive correlation between risk management maturity and improv project efficiency, budget adherence, and overall service delivery. The study also emphasises the transformative influence of risk management maturity on organisational culture and accountability. Recommendations include strategic alignment of risk management with performance agreements, cultivation of a risk-aware culture, and continuous capacity-building initiatives. The research contributes valuable insights to the field of enterprise risk management, guiding organistions toward optimising their risk management frameworks for long-term success.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Impact of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on lean manufacturing and its drive for industrial revolution and smart factories
Get PDFDigitalisation with the development and rising of Artificial Intelligence has hugely transformed the Lean Manufacturing environment and enhanced the transition to Industry 4.0 and Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. This research looks at how developments in Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence can be integrated and relate with Lean Manufacturing methodologies, which can enhance productivity but at the same time reduce waste, while fostering continuous improvement. The focus is on Lean Manufacturing processes, which can be optimised and enhanced through data analytics, and predictive technologies, through the combination of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in the digital space. The future industrial revolution could be enhanced by development in these areas, which can create and revolutionise production to become more efficient, flexible, and reactive. The research is based on a qualitative approach and involved the analysis of current literature as well as in depth interviews of 15 participants who were chosen based on their work experience and industry, they fall in. This research aims to identify current and possible future relationships between Lean Manufacturing, Digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and SMART factories. The research further attempts to understand how Digitalisation and AI together with emerging technologies can improve and enhance Lean capabilities, operational efficiencies, and contribute to the development and rise of Smart factories. Organisations in South Africa are faced with a large variety of issues as they make the shift to Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, with some problems being based on political will and expertise. Lean Manufacturing has many benefits in solving these problems because of its emphasis on both process optimisation and waste reduction. Lean Manufacturing improves manufacturing productivity, promotes morale, lowers costs, increases profitability, and optimises space and inventory management by getting rid of non-value-adding operations. These various advantages are further enhanced by the incorporation of digitalisation, which turns manual operations into digital ones and improves data accessibility, cuts waste, and enables real-time monitoring. Large amounts of data are easier to monitor and analyse using digital technologies than they are with old manual approaches. Digitalisation and Lean Manufacturing concepts work together to optimize processes and provide artificial intelligence the ability to use processed data for predictive analytics and self-making. AI helps to create autonomous, self-sufficient Smart Factories by enabling the discovery and removal of non-value-adding operations via its rapid analysis of historical and real-time data. The combination of Industry 4.0, Digitalization, AI, and Lean Manufacturing creates a cooperative and collaborative environment where technology boosts productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Exploring the factors that influence productivity at the Ford Motor company engine plant in Gqeberha
Get PDFThis study examines productivity at the Ford Motor Company Engine Plant in Gqeberha, focusing on workplace challenges, employee morale, training programs, job flexibility, and leadership styles. The primary objective is to identify factors influencing productivity within this context, and the study aims to provide insights into improving employee engagement and operational efficiency. Conceptually, the research is underpinned by three main theories: the Theory of Constraints, Herzberg’s Two-Factor and Transformational Leadership. Together, these theories provided a comprehensive lens for analysing and addressing productivity dynamics at the Ford Motor Company Engine Plant in Gqeberha. The study utilised a qualitative research design using in-depth interviews as the data collection instrument. The qualitative data were analysed to find recurring themes about the perceptions of productivity at the plant. These results helped to provide a more nuanced understanding of how workers perceive the factors that determine productivity. The research findings highlighted several key factors impacting productivity. Effective leadership, especially transformational leadership, was shown to significantly enhance productivity by fostering a motivated and engaged workforce. Employee morale emerged as another crucial factor, with motivated and satisfied employees demonstrating higher productivity levels. A supportive work environment, along with opportunities for recognition and growth, was essential in maintaining high morale. Interviews with employees highlighted the critical role of effective leadership, particularly transformational leadership, in fostering a motivated and efficient workforce. Leaders who actively engage with their teams and provide clear guidance were found to enhance productivity significantly. Employee morale emerged as another crucial factor, with motivated and satisfied employees demonstrating higher productivity levels. The research underscored the importance of a supportive work environment, recognition, and growth opportunities in boosting employee morale. Training and development programs were also pivotal, with comprehensive training enhancing employee confidence and competence, leading to improved performance.Job flexibility, including flexible working hours and remote work options, was linked to better work-life balance, reduced burnout, and increased job satisfaction.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
A relevant intervention on nutrition transition among Isixhosa speaking people in Nelson Mandela Bay
Get PDFThe nutrition transition, characterised by a shift from traditional, nutrient-dense diets to Westernised, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor diets, has significant health implications globally. In South Africa (SA), particularly among the isiXhosa-speaking population in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), this transition has led to the dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition, increasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes. Despite the prevalence of this nutrition phenomenon, limited research has explored the perceptions of nutrition transition among South African communities, although there is literature about the transition itself. Most studies on the research subject were undertaken in Asian and European countries and America. Generally, studies regarding the nutrition transition emphasise the importance of early public health interventions to prevent the transition from reaching critical levels. This research study aimed to answer the question: How do isiXhosa-speaking people in NMB perceive nutritional transition, and what are their knowledge and practices concerning traditional foods? This study’s primary aim was to identify and evaluate the NMB isiXhosa-speaking population’s perceptions regarding nutrition transition and their knowledge and practices concerning traditional foods. Subsequently, the study aimed to develop and test an educational intervention to promote traditional African diets and mitigate the adverse effects of nutrition transition. The researcher employed a multi-method approach, encompassing quantitative and qualitative methods and an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approach to enhance the research design. Ethical principles guided the study, including autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. The study comprised two phases. Participants were selected through a stratified, clustered sampling technique. In the first phase, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire, and a knowledge and practices The participants were isiXhosa-speaking NMB residents older than 18 years of age. The second phase utilised the first-phase findings to develop an intervention programme. The intervention was implemented, and its efficacy was evaluated through post-intervention surveys, sensory evaluation, and a three-month telephonic follow-up. The findings indicated a significant decline in traditional food knowledge (TFK) and practices among the participants, with a marked shift towards Westernised diets. The primary factors driving this transition were urbanisation, economic constraints, and a lack of awareness about the nutritional benefits of traditional foods. The intervention programme, which included educational workshops and a sensory evaluation using indigenous crops, resulted in improved knowledge and practices regarding indigenous crops among the participants. Post-intervention data showed increased dietary diversity and a greater inclusion of traditional foods in daily diets. The study concluded that nutrition transition poses a significant challenge to the health and well-being of isiXhosa-speaking individuals in NMB. However, targeted interventions that promote traditional African diets can effectively address this issue. The study recommends that policymakers and public health practitioners incorporate culturally relevant and community-driven strategies to promote traditional food consumption. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of such interventions and explore scalable models for broader implementation.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Impact of an educational intervention on hygiene knowledge and practices among municipal waste and sanitation workers in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
Get PDFMunicipal waste and sanitation workers (street sweepers, latrine cleaners, and waste transporters) play a crucial role in maintaining public health by providing a safe and clean environment. They accomplish this by performing tasks such as sweeping streets, collecting domestic waste regularly, pit latrine cleaning, cleaning public toilets, and operating waste collection trucks. Nonetheless, they play an important role in mitigating health-related challenges by ensuring a clean and healthy environment through correct waste collection and disposal practices. Therefore, safe waste collection is a critical undertaking that safeguards the health and living conditions of individuals worldwide. However, their hygiene-related knowledge and practices remain low due to a lack of educational intervention programmes on hygiene. Therefore, the study investigated the impact of an educational intervention on hygiene knowledge and practices amongst municipal waste and sanitation workers in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The study used a quasi-experimental study, one group, (pre- and post-test) design, using an educational intervention. A total of 201 municipal waste and sanitation workers were conveniently sampled in the study from all five municipal waste depots and six wastewater treatment plants in the NMBM. A self-administered, structured, hard-copy questionnaire was used to collect the participants’ demographic data and a pre-intervention assessment on hygiene-related knowledge and practices. An educational intervention based on existing literature and national environmental cleaning guidelines and policies was implemented, and after a minimum gap of two months following the intervention, participants were asked to complete the postintervention questionnaire. The collected data was captured in a QuestionPro survey platform and analysed in Microsoft Office 365 (2019 version) and R software (version 4.4.1). The knowledge and practice items were further evaluated for internal reliability using the Cronbach’s alpha technique. Inferential statistics were used to analyse and describe the data, including tests such as Pearson’s correlations, student t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariable linear regression analysis. A total of 201 participants, comprising 148 (73.6%) males and 53 (26.4%) females, participated in the study. Of the 201 participants, 95 (47.3%) indicated that 2 they had never heard of hygiene-related diseases. The study participants had poor knowledge and practices regarding hygiene prior to the educational intervention. Based on the paired samples t-test, there was a significant difference post-intervention phase in the mean scores for hygiene knowledge of 4.0 (±4.8), p<0.001 as well as hygiene practice scores of 4.3 (±3.4), p<0.001. Output obtained from the multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that participants working in Depot (A) (β=-2.82, p=0.005) were less knowledgeable about hygiene compared to those in Depot (B) in the pre-intervention phase. Participants who have not heard of hygiene-related diseases (β=-3.05, p<0.001) were significantly less knowledgeable about hygiene than their counterparts who have previously heard about hygiene-related diseases. Participants older than 51 years of age had poorer knowledge (b=-0.09, p=0.919) regarding hygiene when compared to the participants who were 18-30 years old. Furthermore, only female participants (b=1.44, p=0.022) and the Coloured ethnic group (b=1.44, p=0.050) had good hygiene practices when handling waste, compared to male participants and those of Black African ethnicity. The study's findings highlight the significant positive impact of an implemented educational intervention programme amongst municipal waste and sanitation workers on improving their knowledge of hygiene-related diseases and hygiene practices when discharging their duties. However, predictor factors such as working environment, educational training background, age, and race significantly influenced the impact of the implemented educational programme. The ongoing implementation of similar initiatives is highly recommended amongst municipal waste and sanitation workers, thus preventing hygiene-related infections amongst the studied population and fostering a healthier environment.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Evaluating factors affecting development and implementation of innovation practices at Eastcape Midlands TVET College
Get PDFThis study underscores the dearth of effective innovation practices in South African higher educational institutions. The research delves into the key factors that influence the development and implementation of innovation practices in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, with a particular focus on the Eastcape Midlands TVET College in the Midlands region. The study aims to identify the primary drivers and barriers to innovation adoption within the context of a TVET college; it also evaluates the impact of innovation practices on student outcomes, institutional performance, and industry partnerships. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews with key stakeholders such as college administrators, faculty members, and industry partners. Quota sampling was used to select interview participants based on their expertise, experience and roles in the college's innovation efforts. This approach ensured that the selected participants offered valuable insights into the topic under investigation. The participation rate for this study was 93.3%, with the results revealing that the matter was complex. Among the insights gained from the research was the identification of major obstacles to innovation, such as a lack of resources, tedious bureaucratic processes, as well as staff and faculty resistance to change. Furthermore, the research found successful strategies that stimulate innovation, such as cultivating an environment of experimentation, improving cooperation with business associates, and introducing adaptable teaching methods. The leadership team of the college may use these findings as a guide, which provides focused tactics to overcome obstacles and to develop effective methods. This research recommends that utilizing knowledge of resistance to change could result in customized change management plans, while knowledge of successful innovation projects could guide the creation of programs and policies that promote and support innovative practices within the institution. Furthermore, by providing context-specific insights and practical suggestions that could enhance the promotion of innovation in comparable educational environments, these findings contribute to the existent body of knowledge on the subject and help similar institutions achieve excellence in innovation and long-term success.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Economic complexity and inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross country analysis
Get PDFThe concept of economic complexity is a relatively new term in economics literature, it is used to refer to the magnitude of productive knowledge or capabilities embedded in society. However, because of its potential impact on national prosperity, it is hypothesized that differences in the degree of economic complexity are major factors of inequalities in the growth rates of nations. The approach of economic complexity makes use of fine-grained data on thousands of economic activities to learn both abstract factors of production and the way they combine into thousands of outputs. However, it is only in recent years that studies have started to consider the association between economic complexity and economic growth. As such, there is a lack of robust, vigorous literature that examines the association between economic complexity and inclusive growth, particularly in the context of Sub Sub-Saharan Africa. The extant literature focuses on the relationship between economic complexity and isolated cases of some macroeconomic indicators of growth. As a departure from the existing studies and as a contribution to the field, inclusive growth, in this study, is measured as a composite index from various growth indicators as postulated in the inclusive growth theories and then each indicator is viewed separately. Thus, the general purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between economic complexity and inclusive growth in Sub Sub-Saharan Africa from 1996 to 2019 2019, which is the primary objective of the study. The first objective of the study is to examine the effect of economic complexity on welfare indicators in Sub Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2019. In examining the effect, the study employed a Pool Mean Group – Autoregressive Distributive Lag (PMG PMG-ARDL) model. The results of the study reveal that economic complexity, economic growth rate, and terms of trade have a positive and statistically significant long-run impact on welfare in Sub Sub-Saharan Africa. The short-run dynamics reveal that economic complexity negatively and significantly affects welfare. The study's second objective examines the impact of economic complexity on economic indicators in Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2019. To examine the impact, the study employed the Panel Ordinary Least Square (POLS) model. The results of the study demonstrate that economic complexity, foreign direct investment, inflation, and population growth have a negative and significant impact on the economic index. However, government expenditure demonstrates a positive and significant effect on economic indicators. The third objective of the study examines the effect of economic complexity on human development in Sub Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2019. In examining the effect, the study employed the Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) model for the long-run relationship, and the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) for the short-run relationship. The results of the long long-run relationship show that economic complexity has a negative impact on human development which is significant at 1 percent. Short Short-run relationships reveal that economic complexity has a positive and insignificant impact on human development. The fourth objective of the study investigates the effect of economic complexity on good governance in Sub Sub-Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2019. The study employed the Pool Mean Group – Autoregressive Distributive Lag (PMG PMG-ARDL) model to investigate the relationship. The PMG PMG-ARDL model results reveal that economic complexity, foreign aid, and the Gini coefficient have a positive and statistically significant long-run impact on good governance in Sub Sub-Saharan Africa. The fifth and last objective of the study investigates the effect of economic complexity on inclusive growth in Sub Sub-Saharan African countries from year 1996 to 2019. To investigate the relationship, the study applied the Panel Vector Autoregressive (P-VAR) model. The results from the grangerGranger-causality test show a unidirectional relationship running from economic complexity to inclusive growth, the panel VAR model reveals that economic complexity has a negative and significant effect on inclusive growth at 10 percent level of significance in Sub Sub-Saharan Africa. The present study investigated five objectives, and out of the five objectives, only two (i.e., Welfare and Good Governance ) have a positive and significant relationship with economic complexity in the long long-run. This implies that with more productive structures, these countries would be in a better position to promote institutional quality and later advance welfare regimes in Sub Sub-Saharan Africa. However, for that goal to be realized, the Sub-Saharan African region should first achieve, or have, a certain level of economic development.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202