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Local economic development as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District
Get PDFThis study assessed local economic development (LED) as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District. LED is a mechanism that could be used to reduce the socio-economic difficulties faced by the district. These socio-economic challenges include high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The research study is crucial because its area of focus is situated in the province with the highest official unemployment rate in South Africa. With the rising levels of unemployment, which is rising unabated, there is a likelihood of fundamental challenges being experienced by municipalities inhibiting their ability to fulfil their critical service role effectively. The study seeks to investigate whether the LED strategies implemented by the municipalities in the Amathole District are achieving the objectives of poverty alleviation and job creation. The sample and focus were six local municipalities in the Amathole District and the district municipality. The local municipalities in the district are the Amahlathi Local Municipality, Great Kei Local Municipality, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality, Ngqushwa Local Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality. Primary data was obtained and assessed through semi-structured questionnaires, and the respondents were asked probing questions. The interviews were typed verbatim, and themes were identified during the analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The relevant secondary data was also assessed and analysed from the annual reports and integrated development plans of the municipalities and were captured into Microsoft Excel for analysis. The study findings conclude that the unemployment rates in the Amathole District municipalities have increased during the period reviewed. It was noted that the upper-bound poverty rates in Amathole District remained unchanged during the reviewed period, but the lower-bound poverty rates increased. It was also noted through the calculation of the coefficient correlation that there is a stronger correlation between unemployment and the lower-bound poverty rate than unemployment and the upper-bound poverty rate. In order to eradicate the challenges of poverty and unemployment increasing despite the LED being implemented, it is recommended that adequate funding be made available, that co-ordination of sector plans be improved, LED be prioritised by municipalities, baseline information be utilised and improved, sustainable employment opportunities be created, and there be robust skills development initiatives in municipalities.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Challenges facing cooperatives in community development in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape Province
Get PDFCooperatives are becoming prominent local economic development agents responsible for addressing economic and social problems experienced by communities in developing countries and sustaining livelihoods. Cooperatives in South Africa contribute significantly to poverty reduction and job creation. The purpose of this study was to understand the operations of cooperatives in community development in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape province, so that interventions could be implemented to improve cooperatives' performance in the district. The study used a qualitative approach to enable the researcher to investigate cooperatives' challenges in community development and how these have influenced their operations in Graaff-Reinet. The study adopted a case study design. Individual, face–to–face, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants were conducted. Ten participants were cooperative members, and the other two were government officials. These participants were purposively selected because of their involvement in cooperative support programmes. The study's findings revealed that cooperatives contribute to an increase in household income, food security and job creation and improve the quality of life of members of cooperatives in the Graaff-Reinet community. The study also found that cooperatives can address economic and social problems experienced by communities, such as providing training and counselling to community members. However, the study found that the major challenges are limited training opportunities for members of cooperatives, insufficient funds and the mismanagement of funds. This study advocates for meaningful strategies that may be adopted to promote cooperatives as sources of income, namely, improved project management, self-reliance and commitment, funding, secured premises, the employment of young people and elders and the use of learning networks.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The determinants of job satisfaction in the renewable energy sector in South Africa
Get PDFSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) within South Africa face unique challenges, including the quality of education of prospective employees, ailing educational infrastructure and a lack of financial support. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the phenomenon, known as the great resignation. During this time a significant number of people quit their jobs, citing various reasons, including poor working conditions, lack of recognition and a toxic work culture. This has highlighted the importance of effective organisational talent management strategies across various industries. The renewable energy sector in South Africa plays a vital role in the government’s National Development Plan 2030, in particular, as it relates to the elimination of poverty. At the same time, employees in all sectors, including the renewable energy sector, are continuously assessing whether their employer is meeting their professional and personal needs. Therefore, ensuring their job satisfaction is a crucial organisational consideration, as job satisfaction has been linked to positive employee outcomes, including motivation, and retention. It is also important for organisations to have a clear idea of the factors that promote job satisfaction. Studies on job satisfaction is limited in the renewable energy sector, specifically in the South African context. For this reason, this study was deemed important in filling this gap. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of job satisfaction in an organisation in the renewable energy sector in South Africa. In the past, job satisfaction had been assessed in this organisation using an employee net promotor score (eNPS). It was believed that this measure was limited, as it did not provide an indication of the factors contributing to job satisfaction. A detailed literature review was conducted to understand what job satisfaction entails, the determinants thereof, how it is measured and its impact onThesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Local government support for SMMEs in the construction industry to reduce unemployment: the case of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Get PDFDespite government intervention, a significant proportion of businesses fail within the first few years of operation, and the unemployment rate remains high. If local government is assisting SMMEs in construction, it is important to look at whether it is addressing the primary issues of preventing SMMESs in construction from failing. Because the construction industry employs many unskilled workers, it is also negatively impacted by the number of businesses that are closing or going out of business. Purposive sampling, thematic analysis, and a qualitative approach were used in this documentary research. A total of 50 documents that addressed the role of local government in supporting and developing the SMMEs in construction at NMBM were reviewed. The findings of the study indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed indicate that SMMEs in construction to participate in Support Programmes as one of the potential complementary strategies for local government to support the growth of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them create jobs. Furthermore, the results of the study also indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed state late payments as one of the major challenges leading to the failure of the SMMEs in the NMBM construction industry. This research has also proposed a sub section in the finance department at NMBM that to deal with the payment of SMMEs including SMMEs in the construction industry, as a potential change to the current support structure and legislation of local government that are meant to boost the performance of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them accomplish their stated objectives of creating jobs.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Credit accessibility and enabling policies for SMMEs in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality South Africa
Get PDFSmall, medium and micro enterprises contribute significantly to the economy, approximately 34% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product. They also play a vital role in the economy as drivers for reducing unemployment. In a modern transforming globe, small, medium and micro enterprises depend on funding. Categorically, credit in South Africa is limited to small, medium and micro enterprises from banks, this has to do with the credit histories, policies and collateral. The issue of policies that make it convenient for Small, medium and micro enterprises to obtain loans have proven to be difficult. These policies aspects have verified to be specifically difficult for regulations meant to increase asset-based total lending. The aim of the study was to assesses the role, adequacy and gaps of current policies to enhance credit accessibility by SMMEs in the KSDLM. The following research objectives are pursued: to identify the challenges faced by small businesses in the KSDLM, specifically from a credit access perspective; to identify the role of policies in assisting SMMEs to access credit for their small businesses in the KSDLM; to identify the policy gaps that hinder access to credit by SMMEs in the KSDLM; to draft a policy framework that enhances access to credit by SMMEs. A mixed method approach was adopted in this study. A questionnaire for quantitative approach, as well as an interview schedule for qualitative approach, was used to collect data. A sample of 145 small, medium, and micro enterprises, as well as 5 financial institutions, was utilised for the study. The study revealed numerous challenges that are hindering small, medium and micro enterprises from accessing credit and they are compliant, lack of proper record keeps, poor adjustment to technology, collateral and stability. Most small, medium and micro enterprises mentioned are facing challenges in accessing credit owing to the policies that are in place that do not cater for all their challenges and shortcomings. The study recommend that the Government can provide financial assistance to small businesses through grants, loans, tax incentives, and subsidies. These initiatives can reduce the financial burden on small businesses, allowing them to invest in growth, innovation and sustainability.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
A cyber security strategy to mitigate cloud computing risks within the investment management sector in Cape Town
Get PDFAdoption of cloud computing has become a transformative force in modern information technology, revolutionizing how organisations procure, manage, and deliver IT resources as well as IT services. This treatise explores the implementation of cloud computing in the investment management sector. It focuses on potential cloud security risks, broader implications for businesses and IT ecosystems, and subsequently the treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help in responding to these security risks. The study began by surveying the motivations behind cloud adoption in the investment sector, emphasising the potential cost savings, scalability, and flexibility cloud services offer. It then delves into the challenges faced during implementation, including security concerns, data privacy, compliance issues, and the intricacies of transitioning legacy systems to cloud environments. In response to these challenges, the treatise outlines strategies for successful cloud implementation within the investment sector, in Cape Town, South Africa. It highlights the significance of selecting appropriate cloud service models (for example, IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS) and deployment options (for example, public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud) to align with organisational needs and objectives. The study followed a qualitative research study. In collecting data an open-ended online survey was sent to participants. The participants were from an investment company in Cape Town. The study employed the design science research paradigm with the aim of developing an artefact. The methodology used was the Nelson Mandela University-Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM) In conclusion, this treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help companies investing in cloud computing technologies to mitigate cyber security and cloud risks. It recommends practices that underscore cloud computing's transformative potential while acknowledging its complexity and challenges. The strategy may serve as a valuable resource for IT professionals, decision-makers, and organisations embarking on the cloud journey, offering guidance and perspectives to navigate the complexities and to realise the potential benefits of cloud technology.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 202
Barriers faced by women in public sector leadership roles
Get PDFThis research aims to analyse barriers that hinder women from occupying senior leadership posi-tions and to identify strategies that can be utilised to enable women to be appointed in these posi-tions at Transnet. The study identifies implementable strategies to assist women who aspire to be part of senior leadership and face barriers that hinder them from progressing to leadership posi-tions. The research adopts a pragmatic research paradigm, including quantitative and qualitative meth-ods, to explain the barriers associated with women advancing to leadership positions within the company. The data was collected through survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The analysis indicates that women are still under-represented in Transnet, even though efforts are being made to close this gap. Ineffective implementation of policies, due to lack of facilitating roles by HRM and line managers as expected, and lack of required support from the organisation play a significant role in creating barriers hindering senior leadership positions. The research findings can inform Human Resource Management (HRM) about the need for effec-tive implementation of policies and intensified monitoring to address the identified barriers that hin-der women from occupying senior leadership positions. Transnet should foster an organisational culture to build solid connections and engage diverse stakeholders to increase their impact and access to resources and drive positive organisational change. Transnet can leverage these find-ings to develop programmes and initiatives that support women’s career advancement and skills development. With these findings, Transnet should consider implementing strategies that provide flexible working conditions. Lastly, these findings aid Transnet in providing mentorship to women as a valuable leadership opportunity in the organisation. This study contributes to the existing literature on barriers that hinder women from occupying sen-ior leadership positions within organisations. The study also provides vital insights into the rolling out of women’s development programmes and the encouragement they bring. It offers implications for future research, policy changes, professional practices, and strategies to assist women in lead-ership positions.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
The host potential of wheel-and-axle polyaromatic compounds
Get PDFIn this work, wheel-and-axle compounds 1,4-phenylene-bis(diphenylmethanol) (H1), 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-tolylmethanol) (H2) and 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-fluorophenylmethanol) (H3) were investigated for their host behaviour in various pyridyl and heterocyclic guest mixtures. These host compounds were readily synthesized by means of Grignard addition reactions on dimethyl terephthalate, employing the aryl halides bromobenzene for H1 (73% yield), p-bromotoluene for H2 (69%) and p-bromofluorobenzene for H3 (70%). Molecular modelling calculations demonstrated that the various C-C-C angles differed between the computed low energy host conformers and those in the host molecules from their PYR-containing crystal structures. However, specified ‘torsion’ angles were in close agreement. Compound 1,4-phenylene-bis(diphenylmethanol) (H1) possessed the ability to form 1:2 host-guest (H:G) complexes with each of pyridine (PYR) and 2-, 3- and 4-methylpyridine (2MP, 3MP and 4MP). Furthermore, H1 showed preferential behaviour towards PYR and 4MP when presented with various mixtures of these four pyridines. Due to the high selectivity coefficients calculated in many instances (the selectivity coefficient, K, is a measure of the selectivity of a host compound for one particular guest in a mixture), it was demonstrated that H1 would be suitable for separations/purifications for many of the mixtures investigated in this work through host-guest chemistry strategies. (These pyridines are difficult to separate by means of the more conventional fractional distillations because of very similar boiling points.) Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses revealed that 4MP and 3MP experienced hydrogen bonds with the host molecule which were similar in distance, while the hydrogen bond distance between H1 and 4MP was shorter than that between H1 and 2MP. Furthermore, the hydrogen bond angles in complexes with the preferred PYR and 4MP guest species were more linear than in those having 2MP and 3MP. Additionally, preferred PYR and 4MP experienced significant π‧‧‧π contacts with nearby guest molecules, while disfavoured 2MP and 3MP did not interact in this fashion. Hirshfeld surface analyses demonstrated that PYR and 4MP (favoured) were involved in a greater percentage of (guest)N‧‧H(host)Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
Augmenting encoder-decoder networks for first-order logic formula parsing using attention pointer mechanisms
Get PDFSemantic parsing is the task of extracting a structured machine-interpretable representation from natural language utterance. This representation can be used for various applications such as question answering, information extraction, and dialogue systems. However, semantic parsing is a challenging problem that requires dealing with the ambiguity, variability, and complexity of natural language. This dissertation investigates neural parsing of natural language (NL) sentences to first-order logic (FOL) formulas. FOL is a widely used formal language for expressing logical statements and reasoning. FOL formulas can capture the meaning and structure of natural language sentences in a precise and unambiguous way. The problem is initially approached as a sequence-to-sequence mapping task using both LSTM-based and transformer encoder-decoder architectures for character-, subword-, and wordlevel text tokenisation. These models are trained on NL-FOL datasets using supervised learning and evaluated on various metrics such as exact match accuracy, syntactic validity, formula structure accuracy, and predicate/constant similarity. A novel augmented model is then introduced that decomposes the task of neural FOL parsing into four inter-dependent subtasks: template decoding, predicate and constant recognition, predicate set pointing, and object set pointing. The components for the four subtasks are jointly trained using multi-task learning and evaluated using the same metrics from the sequence-tosequence models. The results indicate improved performance over the sequence-to-sequence models and the modular design allows for more interpretability and flexibility. Additionally, to compensate for the scarcity of open-source, labelled NL-FOL datasets, a new benchmark is constructed from publicly accessible data. The data consists of NL sentences paired with corresponding FOL formulas in a standardised notation. The data is split into training, validation, and test sets. The main contributions of this dissertation are: an in-depth literature review covering decades of research presented with a consistent notation, the formation of a complex NL-FOL benchmark that includes algorithmically generated and human-annotated FOL formulas, proposal of a novel transformer encoder-decoder architecture that is shown to successfully train at significant depths, evaluation of twenty sequence-to-sequence models on the task of neural FOL parsing for different text representations and encoder-decoder architectures, the proposal of a novel augmented FOL parsing architecture, and an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of these models.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics , 202
Mathematical modelling of the tumour treatment with chemotherapy
Get PDFIn this study, a cancer disease model incorporating predator-prey dynamics between immune cells and tumor cells, as well as competition between tumor cells and normal cells, is formulated in an attempt to understand the interaction dynamics that govern the complex interplay within the tumor microenvironment. Mathematical analysis is employed to derive conditions for the boundedness of solutions and to discuss disease thresholds such as the basic reproduction number, R0. Equilibrium points are identified, and stability conditions for the system are derived. Sensitivity analysis is used to assess uncertainties in the parameters of the model, specifically their impact on R0. Numerical simulations are conducted, utilizing the Runge-Kutta scheme to solve the model. Furthermore, optimal control (OC) techniques are applied to examine the role of chemotherapy in enhancing tumor cell elimination and minimizing adverse effects on immune cells and normal cells. The improved model, incorporating normal cells, anticancer drugs, and immune cells, allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the dynamic interactions within the biological system. The optimal control is determined using the forward-backward sweep numerical method. The numerical simulation is carried out in MATLAB to validate and complement the analytical findings. The results indicate that a low concentration of the drug leads to a prolonged period for tumor clearance. Conversely, a higher drug concentration results in quicker tumor clearance, albeit with adverse effects on normal and effector cells. The OC identifies when to stop the treatment once the tumor clears. Furthermore, OC facilitates the regeneration of normal and immune cells beyond treatment, in contrast to a control scenario without optimization. The findings highlight the importance of early detection and careful chemotherapy dosage selection for effective and personalized cancer treatment strategies.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202