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Balancing an educator’s right to strike and a child’s right to basic education.
Get PDFThis thesis examines how a fair balance can be realised between the educator’s right to strike and the child’s right to education. International and constitutional frameworks are analysed to uncover South Africa’s position on the two opposing rights and the various balancing approaches available. The study recommends a consensus-based approach to balance the rights of educators with that of the child’s right to education. It further proposes the establishment of a structured and organised forum or institution with the sole purpose of dealing with the rights of educators that compete with the rights of learners.Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 202
Challenges faced tourism small micro and medium-sized enterprises in greater Letaba Local Municipality area Mopani, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThe aim of the study was to examine the challenges faced by tourism Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) and provide recommendations to the government and other institutions to support these enterprises. It is organized into chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the finance gap theory and the resource dependency theory. The literature review in Chapter Two of the study provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by tourism SMMEs. It highlights both internal challenges, such as limited managerial competency, lack of financial knowledge, and inadequate business management training, as well as external challenges, including the lack of marketing skills and inefficient use of resources. The study emphasizes the importance of improving managerial competencies, financial knowledge, and marketing skills for the successful operation and development of these enterprises. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, which involves collecting quantitative data followed by qualitative data. The population for the study consists of tourism SMMEs registered in the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism database, with a sample size of 100 tourism SMMEs selected through purposive sampling. The study utilizes an online survey for quantitative data collection and follow-up online interviews for qualitative data collection. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, with the findings integrated through triangulation. In terms of the data analysis, the study utilizes descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Most respondents in the online survey identified themselves as owners of tourism SMMEs, followed by managers and those with dual roles. Most respondents have an Honours degree or B-Tech as their highest qualification, indicating a relatively high level of education among the participants. Additionally, most respondents have worked in the tourism SMME sector for 11-20 years, suggesting a significant amount of experience in the industry. Guesthouses are the most common type of tourism business in the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM), followed byThesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The role of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
Get PDFSouth Africa is experiencing an exponential growth of the street trading business. Subsequently, in every corner of the central business a street trader is found and Kouga Local Municipality is no exception to this phenomenon. For this reason, the study investigated the contribution of street trading in sustaining livelihoods in Kouga Local Municipality. This was achieved by investigating the factors that contribute to street traders’ sales income, thereafter, determining the impact of income derived from street trading on the household. Furthermore, the study investigated the socio-economic status of street traders in Kouga Local Municipality to understand the role played by the Municipality in sustaining the livelihoods of street traders. In achieving the objectives the study employed a mixed methods research design, incorporating qualitative data collection and a combination of content and statistical data analysis. In collecting the data, the study included participants who were engaged in street trading in Kouga Local Municipality. Participants eligible to partake in the study were over 18 years of age. The study targeted a sample size of 30 participants. With regards to the data collection tool, a closed ended questionnaire was used to solicit the information. Physical interviews were deemed necessary because of the limited educational background of many street traders. The findings revealed that the street traders derived an income greater than R945.00 per month. This proved that street trading had the capability to mitigate poverty in Kouga Local Municipality, as the most of the street traders earned a sufficient income to live above the food poverty line, which equates to R663 and also the lower bound poverty line, which equates to R945.00.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
A framework for the strategic alignment of internal auditing in the public sector
Get PDFThe role of internal auditing has evolved from a control-based function to a strategic partner of strategy formulation and execution. In today’s fast paced business environment, the demand for internal audit (IA) services has increased enormously as management struggles to respond to disruptions. To maximise the IA value and effectively respond to the expectations of stakeholders, the internal audit functions (IAFs) must be properly aligned with the strategic direction of their organisations. Public sector IAFs must align their work with the strategies, objectives and risks of the public sector organisations and promote organisational improvement. Failure to strategically align the IAFs may lead to the non-delivery of their mandate, and thus be unable to assure, advise and provide the insights that inform strategic decision making. It is concerning that the public sector IAFs may not be adequately aligned to the strategic direction of their organisations, and that no mechanism is in place to enable this alignment. Hence the primary objective of this study to develop a framework for aligning public sector IAFs with the strategic direction of the South African public sector organisations. The secondary objectives were to investigate factors that impact on IA alignment with the strategies of the public sector organisations; and how these can be integrated into the IA strategic alignment framework. This qualitative Delphi study used a combination of the Agency Theory and Strategic Alignment Theory (SAT) to better understand the phenomenon of IA strategic alignment. An iterative process of three Delphi rounds was followed to facilitate consensus among participants, who were selected using a purposive sampling method. This culminated in the development of IA strategic alignment framework, encompassing five components: organisational context; IA governance; IA planning approach; IA processes and IA resourcing, as well as 48 factors (35 positive and 13 negative) of IA strategic alignment. The study also found 15 benefits of IA strategic alignment (eight benefits to the organisation and seven to the IAF).Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Accounting, 202
A university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem framework in a developing country context
Get PDFAs finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Barriers that prevent effective implementation of physical asset management in a ferrochrome smelter
Get PDFThe systematic management of fixed assets, such as equipment, vehicles, machinery, and buildings, is referred to as physical asset management. Effective physical asset management helps equipment intensive organisations, such as smelters, to obtain the most value from their assets, while reducing the risks associated with their ownership and operation of these assets. Physical asset management ensures that assets are safe, cost-efficient, reliable, compliant with relevant regulations and standards. The primary objective of this study was to investigate barriers that prevent the effective implementation of physical asset management in the ferrochrome smelter environment. The researcher used the qualitative phenomenological approach to conduct the study with 12 participants selected for the study and data collected through in-depth interviews, to achieve the study’s objectives. The collected qualitative data was analysed and emerging themes from the data were presented. The findings of the study established several barriers that hinder or prevent effective implementation of physical asset management within a smelter environment. Issues, such as risk assessment, competencies, awareness and training were found to have a major impact on the effectiveness of the physical asset management system. The study offered recommendations, such as the generation of an asset specific risk management strategy to manage the risks associated with physical assets. Continuous training and development for the workforce remain effective in delivering the objectives of a physical asset management system. The recommendations proposed to the organisation in this study, can be used as a guide to help the top leadership in decision making and developing a future asset management policy, strategy, and objectives. Periodic management reviews are essential in addressing challenges relating to the physical asset management system.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The impact of Basel III higher capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks
Get PDFThis study employs a robust quantitative research design meticulously tailored to investigate the nuanced impact of Basel III capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks. The data collection process is anchored in a rigorous approach, driven by the acquisition and meticulous review of financial statements sourced from a carefully curated sample of South Africa’s banks. Ensuring the sample’s representativeness is of paramount importance for bolstering the study’s findings. To this end, a purposive sampling technique, distinguished for its deliberate selection methodology, was applied judiciously. This method yielded the selection of 10 banks, chosen carefully to encapsulate a cross-section of the South African banking landscape, thus enhancing the research’s validity and robustness. The analysis of this intricate dataset is underpinned by advanced statistical techniques, with regression analysis as the principal analytical tool. Specifically, the study harnesses the Arellano-Bond generalized method of moments (GMM), a sophisticated yet versatile statistical methodology appropriate for disentangling complex relationships in longitudinal data. This analytical approach is perfectly suited to trace the nuanced interactions between Basel III’s capital and liquidity requirements and the profitability trajectories of South African banks. Spanning a 12-year timeframe, 2010 to 2022, this study attempts to encapsulate the evolution of the banking landscape in the wake of Basel III’s implementation. This extensive temporal scope enables the research to capture both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends, enriching its insights and lending depth to the analysis. The first objective of this study was to unravel the intricate web of macro-specific and bank-specific factors influencing the profitability of banks in South Africa. Net interest margin (NIM), a pivotal metric reflecting bank profitability and efficiency, was central to the investigation. Empirical insights gleaned from the analysis revealed several key determinants of NIM for South African banks. Notably, NIM displayed a high degree of persistence over time. This suggests that South African banks do not adjust swiftly to changes in market conditions, emphasizing the importance for bank managers of considering the long-term repercussions of their decisions on interest, income, and expenses. The results also illuminated a set of critical variables closely linked to NIM. These include credit loss, non-interest income, market concentration, stability (Z-score), and inflation. These variables collectively underscored the banks’ ability to navigate the multi-faceted landscape of risks and uncertainties in the banking sector, including credit risk, operational risk, market risk, and inflation risk. The positive relationship between these variables and NIM indicated the banks’ adeptness at passing on costs and risks to customers through higher interest rates or fees, all while leveraging their market power and diversification strategies. Conversely, a negative and significant association emerged between NIM and bank size, GDP per capita, private credit, and the repo rate. These variables underscored the competitive pressure and macroeconomic dynamics influencing the demand for and supply of credit in the banking sector. In this context, the negative relationship suggested that larger banks, those operating in more developed and competitive markets, and those encountering lower policy rates, tend to exhibit lower NIM. These banks, due to heightened competition and lower demand for credit, face diminished interest income and narrower margins. Notably, variables like cost-to-income ratio, funding structure, and loan-to-deposit ratio did not emerge as significant in explaining NIM for South African banks. This implies that these variables exert a relatively weaker influence on the profitability and efficiency of South African banks, or that their effects are subsumed by other variables in the model. The second objective examined the effect of higher capital buffers on bank profitability. Empirical findings revealed a negative yet statistically insignificant co-efficient for the CET1 variable in the regression analysis. This observation indicated that there is no substantial relationship between Basel III Tier 1 capital ratio (CET1) and bank profitability, as measured by NIM, among South African banks. This suggests that Basel III capital requirements do not have a significant influence on the profitability and efficiency of these banks, or their effect varies depending on other bank-specific or macroeconomic variables. The third objective focused on the effect of Basel III liquidity regulations, epitomized by the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), on bank profitability in South Africa. Empirical results revealed a negative but statistically insignificant relationship between LCR and NIM. This observation indicates that Basel III liquidity regulations exert no discernible effect on the net interest income of South African banks. This finding could be attributed to the fact that South African banks had already fortified their liquidity positions before Basel III implementation, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and prudent liquidity management practices. As a result, the introduction of LCR did not pose a significant alteration or constraint on the liquidity standing and profitability of South African banks. It also implies that other factors, like market conditions, funding structures, or asset compositions, play more pivotal roles than the LCR in shaping the profitability of South African banks. These factors may influence the net interest spread, cost of funds, or risk-adjusted returns of these banks.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The asymmetric effects of the exchange rate on bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Germany
Get PDFBrexit has given the United Kingdom greater autonomy over its international trade policies and as a result, there is a need to understand the dynamics around the effects of exchange rate on trade balances. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of the pound to euro exchange rate on trade between the United Kingdom and Germany. In so doing, the study investigated the existence of the J-curve phenomenon in the bilateral trade balance. While most existing studies focus on aggregating the trade balance, this study considers disaggregating the trade balance at industrial level. Therefore, the disaggregated trade balance led to several unique studies catering for the twelve biggest industries that make up the trade balance. In addition, the study also does away with the assumption of linearity in the effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance by making use of asymmetric analysis. For this purpose, the study uses the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) models to analyse monthly data over the period of January 2010 to August 2022. The results provide evidence supporting the existence of the J-curve effect among linear ARDL and NARLD models. Furthermore, it was found that the exchange rate had an asymmetric effect on trade both in the short run and long run. All in all, the results in this study are industry-specific, indicating that the effects of both an appreciation and depreciation of the exchange rate on the bilateral trade balances vary across industries. Considering the J-curve effect identified in six cases, and greater trade elasticities following a depreciation, the government should advocate for expansionary monetary policy by lowering interest rates to improve the trade balance.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Effects of foreign capital inflows on human development in Ghana and the mediating role of institutional quality
Get PDFThe issue of financing for human development has been crucial for governments and stakeholders. The financing mechanisms for human development have been broadly categorised into domestic and foreign. The foreign capital inflows are to complement domestic resources for development. However, despite the heterogeneity of past studies, several studies have proved that with adequate institutional quality, an inflow of finance can positively impact human development. This study sought to examine the effect of foreign capital inflows on human development and the role of institutional quality in Ghana using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on selected quartered secondary data from 1996 to 2020, primarily incorporating World Development Indicators (WDI) and World Governance Indicators (WGI). It reveals firstly that foreign capital inflows have significant positive influence on institutional quality in Ghana; secondly, institutional quality has insignificant positive effects on human development; thirdly, the direct effects of foreign capital inflows on human development are negative and insignificant. Finally, the effects of foreign capital inflows on human development are not mediated by institutional quality despite the positive effects of institutional quality. The study concludes that institutional quality does not mediate between the effects of foreign capital inflows and human development in Ghana. However, this study recommends that the government design and implement appropriate policies to create an enabling environment to strengthen institutions and regulations while attracting foreign capital as a supplementary source of domestic investment to enhance human development.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Spatiotemporal recharge determination in response to episodic rainfall events within the Central Karoo, South Africa
Get PDFWith inadequate and unpredictable rainfall patterns resulting in a mean annual precipitation of 464 mm, South Africa is classified as a water-stressed semi-arid country. Consequently, between 2015 and 2021, the majority of South Africa was confronted with severe drought conditions, with numerous dams running dry across the country. The Beaufort West Municipality is a prime example of the adverse effects of South Africa's inadequate and erratic rainfall patterns. In Beaufort West, a town located within the Central Karoo region of the Western Cape, groundwater is the primary source of water. Since recharge within the region is episodic, occurring irregularly, understanding the dynamics surrounding recharge in the area is essential for achieving sustainable long-term water resource management. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of how the aquifers within the Beaufort West Municipality Well Fields respond to extended periods of drought, extreme episodic precipitation events and excessive abstraction. This study aimed to quantify extreme recharge in the Beaufort West municipal wellfields using the water-table fluctuation (WTF) method. Additionally, it sought to deepen comprehension of the local climate's interaction with groundwater levels, surface water dynamics, and recharge through a 32-year historical data analysis (1990 to 2022) encompassing precipitation, evaporation, and surface water parameters. Findings revealed the complex relationship between precipitation, evaporation, regional geology, and water abstraction, influencing recharge periods, duration, and mechanisms across different regions within the aquifer system. Groundwater levels exhibited rapid declines during droughts due to extensive well field abstraction, but recovery was evident following episodic high precipitation events in 1993, 1996, 2010/2011, and 2019/2020. This comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable foundation for informed water resource management strategies, emphasizing the need for diversified approaches ensure the long-term water security and resilience of the Beaufort West Municipality.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202