39624 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploring the di/erent financing models for Universal Health Coverage in di/erent countries: Lessons for South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Introduction Several countries have implemented various financing models to establish universal healthcare coverage (UHC). These financing models are established to ensure population coverage and financial protection, as recommended by the WHO (2020). The systems range from national health insurance (NHI), social health insurance (SHI), and voluntary health insurance (VHI). South Africa has recently introduced the NHI Act 2024, as a single-payer model, which has raised concerns as to whether the country will be able to finance such a system. Purpose This study examines the various models used in countries with established UHC systems. It examines the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ghana, to draw lessons for South Africa. The research explores taxation structures, mandatory contributions, and cost-sharing mechanisms as potential sources of revenue. Method The study uses a qualitative research design, examining empirical evidence of healthcare funding. Results The findings suggest that most countries incorporate incremental reforms, rather than fundamental ones. Whereby a combination of financing approaches is employed, there isn’t one that is most preferred. Financing approaches include different contributing and financing mechanisms through incorporating progressive taxation, hypothecated taxes, and premiums. These may provide sustainable sources of revenue for funding the NHI in South Africa. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of incremental reforms, financial 4 protection mechanisms for certain groups of people, and ways to include the informal sector in health financing. Conclusion South Africa has an opportunity to adopt an approach that promotes equity, access, and financial protection for all by looking at adopting some of these funding models but carefully adjusting them to fit the country in an incremental manner.MM202
Exploring the Imposter Syndrome: Perspectives from Executive Coaches
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in Business and Executive Coaching, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study examines the role of executive coaching as an intervention to support and empower women leaders who experience imposter syndrome in South Africa. The imposter syndrome refers to a psychological phenomenon characterised by self-doubt and the persistent fear of being exposed as a "fraud." In South Africa’s corporate landscape, where women remain underrepresented in senior roles, imposter syndrome poses a significant barrier to women’s professional growth and career advancement. The purpose of this research was to explore the perceptions of executive coaches regarding their experiences in coaching women leaders affected by imposter syndrome. A qualitative, interpretivist approach was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with fifteen experienced executive coaches. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and insights. Key findings reveal that executive coaches perceive impostor syndrome as a widespread issue affecting women’s confidence, leadership style, and career progression. Coaches identified various internal and external factors contributing to the imposter syndrome, including societal expectations and workplace dynamics. Effective coaching strategies, such as fostering self-advocacy, resilience, and reframing self-perceptions, have been found to help mitigate these effects and enable women to fully embrace their leadership potential. This study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the practical applications of executive coaching in addressing imposter syndrome, underscoring its potential as a transformative tool in developing women leaders. Recommendations for organisations include integrating executive coaching into leadership development programmes to promote gender equality in corporate leadership.MM202
West Side Story Regional InterTroop Variation in Baboon BarkStripping at Gorongosa National Park Mozambique
No full text
Sample size efficiency of restricting participation in tuberculosis vaccine trials to interferongamma release assaypositive participants
No full textExploring the phenomenology of the embodiment of the virtual self, using immersive virtual reality
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Coursework and Research Report), Department of Psychology, to the Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has emerged as a novel tool to experimentally study the sense of body ownership (feeling that my body belongs to me) and bodily self-awareness (agency, I am the initiator of my actions) using virtual worlds and bodies (i.e. avatars). Recent studies have shown that embodiment of a White participant in a Black avatar can reduce implicit racial bias. However, no study to date has drawn on a sample of Black participants to explore and measure embodiment experiences or changes in attitude using IVR. Furthermore, only a handful of IVR studies have used qualitative methods to explore the in-depth subjective experience of virtual embodiment. Guided by Embodied Cognition Theory, this study aimed to explore subjective experiences of female and Black-identifying participants (n=8) embodying another raced virtual body using IVR. Semi-structured qualitative interviews and quantitative psychological questionnaires were used following an IVR experience. Quantitative data was (only) used at superficially level to aid in qualitative descriptions. Drawing on Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, three main themes were identified, namely: (1) self-awareness; (2) embodiment experiences; and (3) other-awareness. Participants reported a complex interplay between embodiment experiences and emotion in creating a sense of self in the context of the other in the virtual environment. Interestingly, topics around race were not organically shared by the participants during the interviews. Furthermore, qualitative accounts elicited much richer narratives on embodiment compared to the quantitative questionnaire to include experiences around the ‘digital divide’ (i.e., first-time experiences with IVR), place illusions (i.e., strong illusion of being in a specific place despite not being there), plausibility illusions (i.e.., illusion that IVR and events are real) and hybrid racial identities (i.e., the “coconut effect”). The results of the study call for increased diversity in IVR research to include more representative samples and to integrate qualitative methods to understand the complex processes involved in studying embodied self-awareness using IVR.MMM202
AI-Driven Business Model Innovation: The Impact of AI Integration Platform as a Service (AIPaaS) in the Financial Service Industry in Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study explores the adoption of Artificial Intelligence Platform as a Service (AIPaaS) in Johannesburg’s financial services industry, with a focus on its impact on business model innovation (BMI) and organisational efficiency. Although Johannesburg is South Africa’s financial hub, adoption remains inconsistent due to regulatory uncertainty, legacy systems, and institutional resistance. Framed within Technopreneurship theory and supported by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Corporate Entrepreneurship, and Business Model Innovation frameworks, the research offers an integrated lens on emerging technology adoption in complex organisational environments. A quantitative methodology was applied using structured surveys via Qualtrics, targeting compliance officers, decision-makers, and data professionals. While initial factor analysis suggested strong convergence, constructs were analysed independently to preserve theoretical integrity and allow for more precise interpretation—particularly relevant given the novelty of the topic. Findings highlight perceptions of AIPaaS and innovation dynamics as key predictors of both BMI and organisational performance. Barriers such as regulatory complexity, data governance concerns, and outdated infrastructure emerged as both constraints and catalysts for technopreneurial opportunity. The study concludes with targeted recommendations aimed at strengthening innovation- enabling environments, addressing systemic barriers, and supporting cross-sector collaboration to enhance AIPaaS uptake in Johannesburg’s financial ecosystem.MM202
Leveraging big data analytics for targeted and predictive marketing in the South African retail sector
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study investigates the impact of trust in data privacy regulations on the perceived value and adoption of big data analytics within the South African retail sector. As the retail industry increasingly relies on data-driven strategies for targeted and predictive marketing, understanding the role of regulatory trust becomes crucial. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research explores how consumer and organizational trust in privacy frameworks, particularly the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), influences the perceived usefulness and application of big data analytics tools. Adopting a positivist paradigm and a cross-sectional quantitative research design, the study utilized a structured online survey targeting marketing professionals and digital strategists in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between privacy trust and the perceived value of big data analytics. While four hypotheses were initially proposed, only one—concerning trust in data privacy—was statistically tested due to data constraints. Findings confirm that higher levels of trust in data privacy regulations significantly enhance the perceived value of big data analytics. Respondents who trusted regulatory protections were more likely to view big data tools as beneficial for marketing, decision-making, and customer engagement. Despite growing awareness of big data’s strategic benefits, privacy concerns, infrastructure challenges, and limited digital literacy remain notable barriers to broader adoption. The study contributes to the academic understanding of technology acceptance in emerging markets and offers practical insights for marketers and policymakers. It recommends the implementation of consumer-centric, ethically grounded data practices, alongside enhanced regulatory awareness and digital literacy initiatives. Future research should empirically explore big data’s effect on sales performance, behavioural adoption, and campaign outcomes across various sectors. Addressing these challenges will be key to unlocking the full potential of big data analytics in South Africa’s evolving digital economy. The proposed recommendations are that future research should focus on understanding marketers' perspectives on big data analytics in South Africa and empirically examining its impact on sales, customer engagement, and decision-making accuracy. Addressing challenges related to internet accessibility and privacy concerns is crucial for unlocking the full potential of big data analytics in South African marketing. In conclusion, while big data analytics offers significant opportunities for South African marketers, overcoming challenges related to infrastructure and privacy is essential for 3 its successful implementation. By addressing these challenges, marketers can harness the power of big data analytics to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and achieve sustainable competitive advantages in the dynamic South African market.MM202