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LinkedIn: A link to the knowledge economy
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Factors predicting individuals’ behavioural intentions for choosing cultural tourism : a structural model
Get PDFAbstract: Drawing from the theory of self-regulation and a model of goal-directed behaviour, this study examines the determinants (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, desire, negative WOM coping strategies, and avoidance coping strategies) of visitors’ intentions to engage in cultural tourism within Sicily. Based on a sample of 469 visitors, the results revealed that 12 of the 14 proposed hypothesised direct effects were significant in explaining behavioural intentions to choose a cultural holiday. As for indirect effects, negative WOM coping strategies served as a more salient mediator in the model, as opposed to avoidance coping strategies
Digital skills in South Africa at the citizen level
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Spatial integration of non-motorized transport and urban public transport infrastructure : a case of Johannesburg
Get PDFAbstract: Sustainability of transport infrastructure integration begins with involving an all-inclusive transportation chain instead of only focusing on one part of the journey. This is achieved by facilitating spatial integration between diverse transport modalities to allow for a multiplicity of travel opportunities. This paper unpacks the extent of the spatial integration of non-motorized transport and urban public transport infrastructure within the city of Johannesburg in South Africa. Cycling activity datasets derived from Strava Metro and the spatial data of urban public transport infrastructures were collected to demonstrate existing spatial patterns and infrastructure connectivity. Exploratory spatial data analysis and focal statistics analysis were central in the data processing. The findings reveal that cycling activities are separated from urban public transport infrastructure, and the city of Johannesburg’s transport system is characterized by spatially fragmented commuting and cycling operations, with limited to no sharing of infrastructure. Most public transport stations are not easily accessible for non-motorized transport and are characterized by inadequate cycling facilities. In conclusion, the identification of an urban public transportation catchment area becomes essential for developing cities such as Johannesburg. This can be used as tool for planning infrastructural upgrades and forecasting potential public transport ridership while also assessing the impacts of investments in transit planning. There is thus a need to integrate motorized urban public transport and cycling infrastructural developments toward promoting multi-mobility and infrastructure sharing
Alternative surface localization studies and electrochemical investigation of tyrosine hybridized poly (ethylene glycol) for corrosion inhibition of mild steel
Get PDFAbstract : Two poly (ethylene glycol)-tyrosine hybrid polymers (PEGT1% and PEGT3%) were used to inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl. In this work, surface plot investigations which employed several mapped sites, pixel coordinates, ideal spread function, and 3D-luminance plots were used to monitor the corrosion performances of the two green hybrid polymers designed
The relationship between talent management, job satisfaction and voluntary turnover intentions of employees in a selected government institution
Get PDFAbstract: Introduction: Talent management plays an essential role in the retention of competent employees in the workplace. Research purpose: The main objective of this research was to determine the relationship between talent management, job satisfaction and voluntary turnover intentions of employees in a selected South African government institution. Motivation for the study: Talent management research within the context of South African government institutions has yet to reach its full potential. Research design, approach, and method: This study followed a quantitative research design. Data was collected from employees at the head office of the selected government institution (N = 208). A Talent management measure, job satisfaction questionnaire and a voluntary turnover intention questionnaire were distributed. Findings: The results showed a weak leadership talent mindset. Talent management practices such as talent development, performance management, talent retention strategies and compensation practices were poorly applied. Almost half of the sample was dissatisfied with their jobs, whilst 68% considered quitting their jobs. Talent management practices were significantly related to job satisfaction and voluntary turnover intentions. Job satisfaction moderated the relationship between talent management and voluntary turnover intentions. Management implications: Government leaders are encouraged to adopt a talent mindset that will instil a talent culture where talented individuals are allowed to add value and contribute to the success of the institution. Value add: This research adds to the limited body of research done on talent management in the public sector context. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of talent management in contributing to critical individual outcomes required for sustainable government institutions
Improvement of energy efficiency in induction furnace using foaming slag.
Get PDFAbstract: The world is facing the challenges of high energy consumption and low energy efficiency. In order to address these challenges, researchers have been engrossed on one of the most energy demanding sector worldwide that employs electric furnaces, such as foundry industry. The purpose of this paper is to show the importance and impact of oxygen gas injection in the creation of a foaming slag during the metal melting process in induction furnace (IF). Results have shown when an optimum of oxygen gas injection 100ml/sec is used, the melting time can be reduced by about 12 min with an average melting time of 42 to 50 min, which results in a gain of almost 12 min in melting time and the electrical energy consumption is reduced by 24.33% from 18.41kWh to 13.93kWh. When the thickness of slag foam increases from 0.2 - 0.9cm during the experimental process, the temperature on the surface of the foaming slag can decrease from 912°C to 878°C
Evaluation of dynamic capital structures for the JSE technology sectors
Get PDFAbstract: There is insufficient research on capital structure of firms in South Africa and none that we are aware of that focuses on the technology sector of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), despite the critical role this sector plays in the economy. The current study bridges this gap in the literature. The modern-day need for speedy dissemination of information and technology transfer expects the technology sector to be dynamic and progressive. Therefore, the technology sector is conjectured to have an evolving capital structure in tandem with the digitalisation process in the economy. This study empirically examines if firms listed on the JSE technology sector engage in capital rebalancing and partial adjustment. Accordingly, appropriate conceptual frameworks are used to model capital rebalancing (on the one hand) as well as partial capital adjustment (on the other). Methodologically, two econometric models are applied. Balanced panel data is used to investigate capital rebalancing, while an unbalanced Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) is used to analyse partial capital adjustment. Relevant procedures for pre- and post-estimation validation were conducted, including tests for stationarity, normality, multicollinearity and the Hausman model selection process. The study findings show that firms practise capital rebalancing over time to maintain target debt-to-equity levels. Further, the results show that firms engage in partial capital adjustment to achieve certain target debt-to-equity ratios. In this regard, the speed of adjustments ranges between 45% and 57% per year for total debt and long-term debt respectively. The results of the current study concur with prior evidence on speed of adjustment for emerging economies. With regard to the partial adjustment model, and for the purpose of computing the mentioned speed of adjustment, the commonly applied capital structure determinants were employed (as covariates), namely, profitability, asset tangibility, total assets, and tax value. The variables used in this study are consistent with prior literature for trade-off theory, pecking order and market timing theory, especially the dynamic configurations of these models. The findings of this study should be beneficial to business and policy makers. One area of application is in recognising the advantages of utilising leverage for organisational growth in contrast to using internal sources of finance. Furthermore, by studying the interplay between leverage and firm speed of adjustment, government and policymakers can use the findings of this study to determine optimal interest rates to 6 support sustainable growth. Nevertheless, there are some limitations in the study, such as data availability, where owing to the nature of firms involved, the sector only has a modest population of 63 entities before data clean-up. Also, owing to other data restrictions, the study only considers firms listed on the JSE. Recommendations for further study include the incorporation of quantitative and qualitative methods in the study of capital structure to capture the driving elements in capital structure decision making at managerial level. The application of longer periods of study in capital structure may provide a clearer view for improved econometric modelling. This study has successfully modelled and investigated the question of whether firms in the JSE technology sector are involved in dynamic capital structure practice. The study findings show that firms, over time, carry out capital rebalancing and capital adjustment processes to maintain optimal capital structures. This study concludes that listed technology firms on the JSE follow dynamic capital structures...M.Com. (Investment Management
A qualitative analysis of the fourth industrial revolution from the perspective of workers in South Africa
Get PDFAbstract: Claims of a fourth industrial revolution have gained a wide range of attention from both advocates and critics. Much of the public discourse on the fourth industrial revolution is framed by academics and policy makers, the perspectives of ordinary workers has been neglected in these discussions. This dissertation aims to address this gap by analysing how the fourth industrial revolution is understood by workers. Analytically, this dissertation draws from Marxist theory in order to understand the role of technological advancements under capitalism. A qualitative research design is used to allow for an in-depth understanding of the workers understanding of the fourth industrial revolution. Purposive sampling was used to interview a total of twelve participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both face-to-face and over the telephone. This dissertation revealed four main findings. The first finding is related to workers understand the fourth industrial revolution. The dissertation reveals that how workers understand the fourth industrial revolution is centred around the effects they believe it will have on the labour process. The workers fear that the fourth industrial revolution will introduce technologies that will replace them in the workplace. It is further revealed that Covid-19 has intensified the threat and perceived threat of the fourth industrial revolution for these workers. The second finding is that workers propose that there is a need for skills development programs for the South African workforce to ensure that workers remain relevant in the fourth industrial revolution. The third finding is that there is a continued significance of a Marxist analysis of the role of automation in the capitalist society. This dissertation demonstrates the way in which the capital continues to determine what kind of technological advancements take place within the labour process and when these advancements happen. The fourth finding is related to how the trade unions featured in the research are reacting to the fourth industrial revolution. This dissertation reveals that there is a lack of sufficient organising around the fourth industrial revolution in National Union of Metalworks South Africa and that the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa is not providing enough information about the fourth industrial revolution to its shop stewards.M.A. (Sociology
Exploring institutional arrangements in multi-stakeholder programmes : a case of a South African National Government Department
Get PDFAbstract: South Africa is a recipient of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from a number of donors. However, challenges and issues surround the coordination, management, effective implementation, and impact of ODA. Some of these emanate from the institutional arrangements put in place by the stakeholders. Donors and the South African government utilise contrasting institutional arrangements. This research study adopts a qualitative approach to examine institutional arrangements at a multi-stakeholder programme based at the Department of Small Business Development. The theoretical framework employed to interpret the findings is Transaction Cost Economics (TCE). In the academic field of Sociology, the purpose of TCE is to explain norms, institutions, group formation, social organisation, and other products of collective action drawing on elementary principles. The study found that managing contrasting donor procedures and meeting numerous donor requirements take up a large proportion of recipient countries’ administrative capacity, thus increasing aid transaction costs. It recommends that, in order to reduce excessive ODA administrative burdens and transaction costs, the South African government should consider crafting an overarching ODA Act to govern ODA institutional arrangements.M.A. (Social Impact Assessment (CW)
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