1,721,015 research outputs found
Investigating the effectiveness of the victim empowerment programme (VEP) by the Department of social development (DSD) in Gauteng Province.
Get PDFMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The increasing level of crime and violence in South Africa threatens the feeling of safety for citizens and threatens the democracy that was obtained in 1994. As a response to the scourge of crime and violence, the South African Government conceptualised and implemented the Victim Empowerment Programme. The Victim Empowerment Programme is one of the key responses to combat the effects of crime and violence. It seeks to address the effects of crime and violence on individuals; and ensures that victims have formal rights in the criminal justice proceedings. It is against this background that a study to investigate the effectiveness of the Victim Empowerment Programme by the Department of Social Development in Gauteng Province was conducted.
This is a qualitative research study. Descriptive data was collected through semi-structured focus group interviews which allowed Victim Empowerment Programme managers from the Civil Society Organisations and the Department of Social Development in Gauteng province to share real life experiences about the implementation of the programme.
Twenty-eight (28) participants were recruited for this study through non-probability purposive sampling. The findings of this study indicated that the Department of Social Development was effectively coordinating, managing, leading and implementing the programme. However, challenges such as communication, availability of adequate human and financial resources, partnerships with Civil Society Organisations and unavailability of accountability systems were cited.
The recommendations for this study include the development of a logic model for Victim Empowerment Programme to improve effectiveness; strengthening of partnership with Civil Society Organisations to compliment victim‟s services through placement of government paid professional, rigorous marketing of the programme to ensure public knowledge about the programme and revamping of the programme into work streams with vibrant accountability systems
The impact of ISO9000 certification on organizational performances in Gauteng
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Quality Management at the Durban University of Technology, 2020.ISO9000 as a concept has mostly been associated with the functional role of quality management. The concept from a theoretical point of view has been studied. Although, there is a lack of a theoretical foundation and research on the actual role of ISO9000 and its effectiveness on operational and business performance. Despite the numerous studies on the effectiveness and impact of ISO9000 standard in companies, researchers have still not come to an agreement on the standards benefits. It is therefore important to undertake an investigation in order to determine how ISO9000 affects the organizational performance in companies based in Gauteng. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of ISO9000 on organizational performance.
A concept analysis was made which combines theoretical and analytical phases. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) data analysis was used to conduct the statistical tests. The population count used in the study was from 172 ISO9000 certified companies registered on SANAS, ALPHA and SABS in Gauteng. Random sampling was used to conduct the research in 102 companies. The empirical data was collected from questionnaire surveys which were sent to 102 ISO9000 certified companies in Gauteng and answered by top management who were responsible for quality in their organizations.
The results has revealed that there is a statistically significant improvement that is related to the ISO9000 dimensions. Like other research the present study has limitations. The sample of the responding ISO9000 certified companies is limited to Gauteng, moreover the responses could be subjected to bias as it is a representative of one person in the company. Furthermore the statistics were not compared to noncertified companies as this study was not a comparative study. The above limitations suggest future research recommendations.
Some of the recommendations that should be considered for future studies are the number of participating certified companies - a comparative study would be beneficial. Based on the core issue of inconsistencies in the conclusions of ISO9000 Effectiveness research articles, the present study provides a comprehensive favorable impact that ISO9000 certification has on both operational and business performance.
Investigating the factors influencing job satisfaction : a case study of Ethekwini Municipality parks department employees.
Get PDFMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing job satisfaction. A case study was carried out with eThekwini Municipality Parks department employees. The researcher adopted a theoretical and conceptual framework starting from the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence job satisfaction, namely organizational factors, the work itself and individual factors. The study related to Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Expectancy Theory and Fredrick Herzberg's Two Factor Motivation Theory.
Qualitative research method was dominantly used. This consisted of a case study design and a focus group discussion. The target population was employees of eThekwini Municipality Parks Department which were divided into six groups, namely employees from North, South, and Central, Inner and Outer West areas and one group for managers. The data was analyzed using Nvivo data management software program version 12.
The results revealed ten major themes as general factors influencing job satisfaction within eThekwini Municipality Parks department. These factors include: helping communities; personal growth opportunities; working with communities; working conditions; equipment; lack of consistency with human resource management; lack of resources; gaining experience; general life satisfaction; and qualifications. In particular, factors such as poor working conditions; lack of promotion opportunities; and lack of job security were the leading factors of dissatisfaction. The results also revealed that the absence of good leadership practices, good manager relationships and or communication, recognition, advancement, personal growth, feedback and support and clear direction and objectives resulted in employee dissatisfaction.
The results revealed that the organizational and negative factors of job satisfaction were influenced by inconsistence with human resource management and lack of resources, management structure, relationship with supervision, lack of resources factors, organizational and positive factors, job satisfaction was influenced by both equipment, and working conditions, although varying degrees of negative dominance.
Finally, the results revealed that the level of job satisfaction at eThekwini Municipality Parks department was perceived as being low and adverse consequences of this included high absenteeism levels; vandalism of facilities; employees on temporary contracts; lack of job security; corruption; lack of resources; alcohol and substance abuse; indebtedness to loan sharks; low salaries. These all impact on employee job satisfaction.
Hence, recommendations for improving levels of job satisfaction at eThekwini Municipality Parks department need to be considered. The study suggests major improvements within the
eThekwini Municipality Parks department must be aligned to the management system and overall human resource management.
Key words: Job satisfaction, eThekwini Municipality, Parks departmen
The impact of electrical energy theft on revenue collection at Eskom in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.South Africa’s state-owned company, Eskom has been experiencing a decline in revenue and an increase in non-technical energy losses(NTL). Research has shown that most utilities including those from first-world countries are struggling with non-technical energy losses and have employed advanced technological solutions which are aimed at reducing losses . In this study, the researcher investigates the motives behind energy theft from Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit electricity consumers and recommends solutions to eradicate or reduce the NTL . Increase revenue collection by reducing customers that engage in energy theft activities in Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit. In the context of this study the perception that electricity is a right, refers to the phenomenon that all energy consumers must be supplied with exceptional power quality, irrespective of whether they are from affluent or less affluent communities. Nonprobability sampling technique was employed to select 60 participants that are directly supplied by Eskom or are Eskom employees based in KwaZulu-Natal. A quantitative research approach was used to investigate the probable cause of increasing non-technical energy losses, and an online survey questionnaire was distributed to the potential participants. The results were divided into three sections section A, section B, and section C. The results were analyzed utilizing the Chi-square test. The results suggest that the increase in non-technical energy losses is attributed to consumers having easy access to the Eskom infrastructure. Most socio-economic groups find electricity tariffs unaffordable and consequently decreasing Eskom’s ability to collect revenue. The result of this study ensuing past research has proven that technological solutions applied in isolation will not address the increasing non-technical losses in utilities. The increase in NTL experienced by Eskom affects the larger masses of South Africa as energy access has a direct correlation to GDP growth and the livelihoods of households. A collaborative approach is needed between Eskom and the government to address the rising pressures induced by NTL, the use of theoretical knowledge in new technologies, reviewing tariff structures, new policies to help reduce energy theft, and joint partnerships between Eskom and the community leaders and strengthening law enforcement
Exploring the Skills Challenges of Robotics at Anglo American Platinum.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban.The research focuses on investigating the skill challenges related to a people centric approach to adoption of advanced technologies in the mining industry, particularly a people centric robotics technology adoption. Given the reality that the South Africa idealises a people-centric approach to robotics technology adoption, the research investigates how Critical Systems Thinking (CST) can facilitate this people-centric adoption of robotics technology, ensuring alignment with responsible mining practices. The study aims to explore how the required skill sets for robotics adoption can be developed through an early talent development strategy using the Anglo-American Platinum Schools Project as a case study. The research provides important insights to influence policymaking that can ensure the successful adoption of robotics technologies in the mining industry. It primarily contributes insights into the theories concerned with the use of critical systems thinking in the adoption of emerging technologies. The research contribute to the need for expanding literature on how the mining industry can adopt robotics technologies in a relevant and responsible manner
Data analytics on customer friendly insurance products at Universal Healthcare Services in Johannesburg.
Get PDFMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Data analytics can be used to enhance operations by giving firms information about
their consumers, thereby helping maximise profit. The aim of the study was to
investigate data analytics on customer friendly insurance products at the Universal
Healthcare Services in Johannesburg. This data can be used to ensure that
insurance companies are able to put their customers at the centre and focus of the
product design process. This can be done by designing products for the customer,
through the use of evidence contained in the data about what the customers need.
The study was conducted using a non-probability sampling for a quantitative study
that had a sample of 80 participants from the product design and data analytics
teams, out of which 65 respondents completed the survey. The questionnaire was
used to assess the role of data analytics in the design of customer friendly products
and also review the challenges UHS face when collecting data for product design.
The primary data were analysed using Qlikview, an analytics and data visualisation
tools used to assess data in conjunction with Microsoft Excel. Key findings showed
that data is regarded important within UHS and its benefit towards product design
is well understood. Data security is seen as a significant issue by consumers and
professionals alike as the privacy of the consumers has to be always kept in mind.
Investment in data infrastructure and increase in allocation of resources to both the
product design and data analytics team need serious attention. Top management is
required to make performance metrics clear in order to give the employees
confidence that the work they do will not be credited to someone else, as this may
lead to a loss in rewards to the deserving personnel. The synergy that can be
achieved by having the product design and the data analytics teams work together,
will go a long way towards increasing performance. Further studies should explore
the direct impact of data analytics on other insurance companies. Further studies
should explore the relationship of data analytics and how it affects business
performance at UHS. Additionally, future studies can also be used to assess how
data analytics affect company revenues on a short and long term basis. The
limitation of this study was that the research was only restricted to Universal
Healthcare Services, as it was not extended to other forms of healthcare. Another
limitation to this study was that it only focused on the team that were based in
Gauteng as the research did not consider the teams based in other provinces
Forage seed production as a business in smallholder systems of Zimbabwe: a value chain approach.
Get PDFDoctoral degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The demand for forage seed in Zimbabwe is set to increase as a result of increased demand for high yielding and quality fodder for livestock. There is a projected increase in demand for livestock products, even though livestock productivity has declined due to factors including shortages and reduced quality of feed particularly during the dry season and worsened by frequent droughts. There is need to develop alternative feed resources that would improve livestock productivity at lower costs. Forages have been highlighted as an alternative to livestock feed supply. However, unavailability of forage seed has been a major drawback, especially in Zimbabwe. The forage seed industry has been underdeveloped, coupled with the absence of forage germplasm, efficient seed suppliers and support services. The study focused on developing a model for forage seed production as a business among smallholder farmers. This was built up from investigating forage seed production, challenges faced and opportunities along the seed value chain, actors involved and characterizing factors that could enhance competitiveness of forage seed production in smallholder systems. For data collection, a household survey was conducted to 414 households, 4 Focus Group Discussions and 10 key informant interviews. Multi stage sampling involving purposive sampling of districts and wards, and random sampling techniques were employed during the study. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 21, economic analysis (Gross margin and sensitivity analysis) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), whilst qualitative data, NVivo 10 and UCINET for social network analysis were employed.
Farmers owned an average of 2.2 ha of land and 63.0 % of this is put under crop and forage production. Forage seed yields were at 89 kg ha-1 and 753 kg ha-1 for lablab and mucuna respectively with gross margin of US611.61 for mucuna. Challenges included lack of knowledge and information, limited land, lack of forage market, lack of ready market for forage seed, lack of knowledge on planting and marketing of forage seed and poorly resourced extension staff to out-scale forage seed production. Opportunities identified include climatic conditions that are conducive for seed production, even without irrigation facilities, availability of extension staff who would be willing to assist farmers and give technical advice, viable seed industry where forage seed can ride on, willingness of private companies to engage farmers in seed production. Actors that interact with farmers along the value chain include researchers, extension personnel, farmer unions and agro-dealers. The Structural Equation Modelling revealed that household gender, level of education, land size and inputs availability positively influenced farmers to adopt forage seed production interventions.
Recommendations include intensification of production, investment in irrigation infrastructure, stakeholder engagements and trainings that support farmers along the whole forage seed value chain. The research generated information that farmers could tap into to improve livelihoods. Policy and decision makers could utilize the research findings to develop forage seed-based income generating and livestock improvement interventions that
are adaptable to smallholder systems. There have been contributions to knowledge in forage seed production in Zimbabwe and this would inform future forage seed initiatives
A conceptual framework for factors that influence willingness of low-income farmers to pay for weather index insurance in South Africa.
Get PDFDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Weather index insurance is an emerging risk management instrument in the African agricultural landscape designed for low-income farmers that are perpetually vulnerable to weather-related production hazards due to unprecedented intensification in climate variability, particularly in the era of climate change and increasing drought events. Research on weather index insurance in South Africa is still at an embryonic stage, partly attributable to very limited market-based climate risk transfer solutions in the country. However, interest from government and the insurance industry demonstrates a focused approach towards creating more inclusive insurance markets. The purpose of this study was to develop a critical understanding from a behavioural and economic perspective of low-income farmers’ willingness-to-pay for weather index insurance, and to develop a conceptual framework grounded on the Theory of Planned Behaviour for factors that influence these purchase decisions. Quantitative research methods were followed, using a probability sample of 326, from a target population of 1774 low-income maize farmers in the Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Following stratified random sampling, structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data based on telephonic interactions. From the surveys conducted, a 68.7% response rate was obtained. The data were analyzed using an integrated approach of structural equation modelling and logistic regression to evaluate variables that influence low-income farmers’ willingness to pay for weather index insurance. The study reported that 86% of farmers were willing to purchase the insurance for security reasons to protect their respective businesses and their welfare. The findings revealed that while insurance culture and risk perception were found to have a direct effect on willingness-to-pay, financial capability was not related to purchase intentions. From a socio-economic perspective, access to credit and group membership were significant factors found to have a positive influence on willingness-to-pay. The study advances the understanding of an underserved market and assists in framing future weather index insurance products in the country. One of the main recommendations is that it is important for policymakers to adopt a systemic approach to agricultural financing where insurance plays a critical risk mitigating role in the broader context of agricultural development
Effects of a growth mindset and reinvesting in South African small businesses.
Get PDFMaster’s degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: It is generally acknowledged that thoughts are the foundation of physical materials, that action tends to be trailed by intent. If this be true, it is bias to account to only the extrinsic factors as sole causality for the inadequacy of SMMEs, while retreating all individual accountability, responsibility from the owners of businesses. For a long time, studies have overly emphasised extrinsic factors primary referable to the crippling failure rate or lack of growth in the SMMEs sector. Nonetheless, there is no question as to the high rate of failure in SMMEs due to external factors, but there is a grave question as to the amount of actual failure contributed by the “mindset” possessed by owners, managers, and inventors of SMMEs, here-forth to be will be referred to businesspersons.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand what personal virtues affect the growth mindset of businesspersons relating to the performance of SMMEs. Methods: This research is exploratory in nature, using qualitative methods to collect and analyse data, which gave this research an interpretative character/attitude. Online Survey and in-depth open interviews were used. Using a stratified purposeful and convenience sampling, nine SMMEs participated in this study. Interviews were carried out with six businesspersons and analysed using the thematic analysis. Findings: The interpretative analysis of this exploratory study revealed that personal virtues of SMMEs businesspersons does affect the performance of SMMEs. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, the entire subject matter is, it is proper to educe from the mind-set the attitude to grow businesses. The South African Government from primarily schooling, communities from early childhood should educe the attitude of entrepreneurial character to its citizens. Support in dealing with the psychological entrepreneurial growth mental attitude first, could help to create an external atmosphere that support an already ready mindset responding to the demand to improve SMMEs performance
A study of the impact of water scarcity on customer service: the case of Mhlathuze water.
Get PDFMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Water scarcity is a major global issue and all spheres of society on a daily basis feel its impact. Stakeholders in the water services sector, especially water services providers, are affected by water scarcity as they are at the forefront of water provision, both for economic growth and for social development; hence the need for mitigation measures to be timeously implemented so as to minimise the impact on the water value chain. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the role of water scarcity, its challenges, and related mitigation strategies to Mhlathuze Water and its bulk water customers. Critical case sampling was used with a sample size of 15. In order to collect data, interviews were conducted with the management of Mhlathuze Water, as well as the management of the institutions where Mhlathuze Water supplies water (i.e. customers). This data was thereafter analysed with the computer programme NVivo in order to conduct thematic analysis of the data. The research indicated that water scarcity plays a role in Mhlathuze Water and its customers in that water scarcity affects customer service. The fact that there is a supplier-customer relationship means that if Mhlathuze Water is unable to supply water due to its scarcity, then the entity is unable to fully meet its contractual obligations, which ultimately affects the services it renders. The challenges of water scarcity were also discussed, with the main ones being the decline in revenue, the inability to service customers, the loss of business and unemployment. This is because Mhlathuze Water’s core business operation, as a water board, is the supply of water; hence if water is scarce then it poses economic and social challenges. Finally, based on the challenges that were highlighted, the recommended mitigation strategies were presented. These included awareness, alternative water sources, planning and infrastructure development
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