39624 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploring the Extent of Youth Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction in Blantyre, Malawi
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies), to the Faculty of Science, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025In recent years, the world has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters. Globally, more than a billion people have been affected. Disaster risk has become more prominent in the context of climate change where global temperatures continue to rise due to anthropogenic and other activities. Climate projections indicate intensified and more frequent disasters. Southern Africa is a climate hotspot owing to its dry and warm climate. With climate change, the region is projected to become warmer and drier resulting in unprecedented extreme events such as drought and heavy rainfall. Disasters often follow extreme events due to people’s exposure and vulnerability. Therefore, reducing exposure and vulnerability will lessen the likelihood of disasters. In order to achieve this, knowledge inputs from wider all facets of society is required. Youth, who make up more than half of the world’s population are disproportionately affected by disasters. They also are often sidelined when it comes to participation in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) work often being viewed as a vulnerable group and victims needing protection. Recent studies, however, have shown that they present an important demographic dividend that may be leveraged to further the DRR goal through their human and creative capital, employability, and civic involvement. Malawi, a developing country in southern Africa, has a strong legal and policy framework foundation supporting the participation of youth in DRR. Nevertheless, youth participation in disaster risk reduction seems to be a challenge. This study explored the extent of youth participation in DRR in Blantyre, Malawi. Using qualitative methods, twenty youths ages 18 to 35 were engaged in focus group discussions and key informants from informal institutions working in DRR were interviewed. The focus group discussions revealed that youth participation in DRR in Blantyre is decorative; representing non-participation. This means that youth are engaged in DRR activity implementation, they understand the aim of the activities, but they are not usually involved in any planning and decision-making processes. A number of barriers were discovered through this research which have been categorized into five themes; (1) DRR activities are politicized, (2) Non-consultation – adults plan and make decisions for youth without youth, (3) Limited access to information (4) Non-responsiveness – youth ideas are met with no response and (5) Financial benefits – youth are engaged where projects have no financial benefit, but excluded on ones that do. The study also highlights key disaster impacts experienced by youth in Blantyre and the strategies used for youth participation. Finally, the study provides opportunities, as suggested by the youth for enhancing youth participation which include: (1) Train and empower youth, (2) Include youth in local government committees for DRR, (3) Youth’s passion and motivation for action and (4) Platforms for communication, learning and feedback.Mandela Rhodes FoundationMMM202
The Adoption of Big Data Analysis to Maintain Competitive Advantage in South African Banking
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 investigated how South African banking institutions adopted Big Data analytics to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly data-driven environment. Through 20 semi-structured interviews with senior professionals, including Chief Data Officers, Data Scientists, and Risk Managers, this research explored the role of data quality, governance practices, and skills development in the strategic implementation of Big Data initiatives. Findings revealed that larger banks had integrated Big Data into core operations using advanced technologies like Hadoop and machine learning, resulting in improved customer segmentation, fraud detection, and operational efficiency. However, significant barriers persisted, particularly data inconsistencies, fragmented systems, and a shortage of specialized skills in data science, engineering, and visualization. Smaller banks reported slower adoption due to limited resources and organizational resistance to change. The study affirmed existing literature on the importance of data governance and human capital (Barney, 1991; Davenport & Patil, 2012) but also extended it by highlighting how South African regulatory and infrastructural contexts influence Big Data readiness. The research contributes context-specific recommendations, such as enhancing data governance frameworks, developing talent pipelines, and building data-driven organizational cultures, to support sustainable digital transformation in South African banking.MM202
Development of a quantitative method for the analysis of zinc in various ores by spectroscopy
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry, to the Faculty of Science, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Zinc is the most used non-ferrous metal in modern society and it has the major ability to prevent steel from corrosion which has significant positive effects on the economy and environment. Given the vital role of zinc in such applications, the inconsistent results produced necessitated further investigation on the zinc analysis. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were used in this study to investigate sample preparation and develop a comparative approach for determining zinc concentrations in various ores. This study emphasised the determination of Zinc from different zinc ores by the conventional and new technology methods, which include X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer techniques. Mineral abundance was shown by analytical data from the x-ray diffractometer including sphalerite, pyrite, dolomite, chalcopyrite and calcite. The X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy data indicated that the elemental compositions had high concentrations ranging from 50 to 0.07% for (Zn, S, Fe, Ca, Cu, Mg and Si) as major elements. Certified reference materials were used to validate the methods and compare the results produced by the two techniques. The instrumental analysis results demonstrated that inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy by microwave acid digestion performed better than the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy pressed pellet approach. The results showed that inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy is more efficient method for obtaining zinc ore samples. Both techniques achieved good recovery rates ranging from 80 to 120%. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy revealed a higher concentration of zinc ore in the samples investigated than X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Microwave acid digestion with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy acquired 99.64 and 100.4% whereas the pressed pellet approach with X-ray fluorescence technique obtained 98.89 and 99.22% recoveries. The results of the two techniques were in good agreement; however, the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy outperforms the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Overall performance of the methods was satisfactory, demonstrating consistency and reliability in achieving accurate zinc recoveries.Mintek, (Council for Mineral Technology) Analytical Chemistry DivisionMMM202
Rapid estimation of residual stress in composite laminates using a deep operator network
No full textExploring environmental and social KPIs linked to directors’ incentives of alternate exchanges
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Commerce, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Limited research has been performed on the use of environmental and social (ES) key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to executive remuneration. This is particularly the case for smaller listed companies. This study investigates the integration of ES KPIs in executive compensation structures within small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) listed on alternative stock exchanges in developed and developing markets. Companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) stock exchange of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) Alternative Exchange (AltX) in South Africa, and the Bovespa Mais Exchange in Brazil are studied. The study employs a qualitative research approach using content analysis to gather data from publicly available reports on the adoption of ES KPIs linked to executive remuneration. The findings reveal a disparity in the adoption of ES KPIs linked to remuneration amongst the three stock exchanges. AIM-listed companies show a greater integration of ES KPIs in remuneration frameworks compared to AltX and Bovespa Mais-listed companies, where there is little to no disclosure of ES KPIs in remuneration policies. Factors such as the regulatory environment, level of market scrutiny, resource availability, and stakeholder pressures appear to affect the level of ES-based remuneration adoption of companies listed on alternative stock exchanges. The findings highlight the growing recognition and practice of aligning executive remuneration with sustainability goals. This study contributes to existing literature on sustainability practices and offers insights into the use of ES KPIs in remuneration frameworks for SMEs on alternative stock exchanges. The results of the study may aid regulatory bodies and policymakers in developing regulatory frameworks that include practices that encourage linking ES KPIs to remuneration and disclosing these policies to assist in holding management accountable for the sustainability of the business.MM202
Prevalence of keratoconus in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a population serviced by the St John Eye Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Medicine, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral asymmetrical disease of the cornea that results in severe thinning of the cornea leading to a cone formation of the cornea. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic eye condition that is associated with the development of KC. The aim of this study is to observe the extent to which KC is present in VKC. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilised. It took place in the St John Eye Hospital, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Eighty patients and 160 eyes were included. The presence of, and the type of VKC was observed. All KC patients were classified according to sex, age and whether clinical or subclinical KC was observed. Results: This study yielded a 58% prevalence of KC. Of this, 44% were males and 56% were females. The age category represented as age 10-15 had a 51% KC prevalence. Subclinical KC had a 71% prevalence whilst clinical KC had a 29% prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of KC and subclinical KC. It advocates for the development and use of screening protocols for KC in VKC, which would ultimately assist in early disease detection and thus result in an improved quality of life for those affected.MM202
The experiences of employee well-being in the implementation of digital transformation in banking
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Increasing reliance on digital tools in South African financial institutions, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised significant concerns about the well-being and mental health of bank employees. As organisations progressively integrate digital tools—including remote work, advanced technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence—there is a growing concern regarding the psychological impacts on employees. This study explores how technological changes lead to work-related stress, anxiety, and burnout, particularly considering South Africa's unique socioeconomic and digital landscape. It is crucial to understand how these factors affect employees' well-being and find ways to mitigate them. The research involved conducting qualitative interviews with five participants from the South African bank, Bank A. The study employed thematic analysis to uncover important themes related to the psychological effects of digital transformation. The results indicate that employees face significant challenges, including technostress, digital burnout, and an imbalance between work and personal life. Furthermore, the report highlights several coping strategies employees utilise, such as mindfulness practices and family support, while emphasising the essential role of organisational support in alleviating these challenges. This study contributes to the limited research on employee well-being amid digital transformation, particularly in South Africa. The findings provide practical recommendations for organisations that foster healthier work environments through enhanced mental health support, flexible working hours, and wellness initiatives. Considering the rapid pace of digital change, this research underscores the necessity of a balanced strategy that values technological progress and employee well-being to ensure sustainable success for organisations. Moreover, this study advocates for a comprehensive approach that is not solely focused on technologies but also considers colleagues and the broader business context.MM202
Introducing a Scalable WhatsApp Banking Solution in 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, 2025A significant portion of the South African population is not only unbanked but also underbanked. The introduction of a USSD based WhatsApp Banking solution that is easy to use and affordable can provide another channel in the Digital Banking space to help alleviate this issue. This writing focused on ascertaining the optimal design and commercialisation route for such a solution, using the qualitative approach to extract information from industry expert. The findings indicate that user perception of platform security coupled with customer education is key for market acceptance while the inclusion of transactional services and streamlined menu flows will enhance usability.MM202