101 research outputs found
Tourists view of the factors that gives the Kruger National Park a competitive edge
No full textThe tourism industry is becoming more competitive by the day; in order to remain competitive, it is of paramount
importance that competitive advantage factors be identified by tourism destinations such as national parks. The
purpose of this research was to determine the said factors of South Africa’s flagship national park: the Kruger
National Park. To achieve this, a survey was conducted at this park in 2013 where 436 questionnaires were
administered to overnight visitors at selected rest camps in its southern region. A factor analysis revealed five
competitive advantage factors: Wildlife Experiences, Marketing and Branding, Accommodation and Retail, Visitor
Management and Suprastructure and Amenities. The Kruger National Park’s management can exploit these
results to improve its current position as a competitive tourism destination. The competitive advantage factors
that have been identified are distinctive for national parks, thereby contributing towards the body of knowledge
on this topic. The competitive advantage factors could lead to an increase in product and service quality offered
by the park and enhance the visitor’s experience, therefore leading to increased visitor numbers to the park and
higher income to have the park become more self-sufficient
Aspects of the biology of the pink-billed lark (Spizocorys conirostris) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textThesis (M.Sc. ( Zoology)) --University of Limpopo, 2013The fieldwork for this study was carried out from October 2008 to October 2010, under the supervision of Professor D. Engelbrecht of the Department of Biodiversity at the University of Limpopo. Professor Engelbrecht kindly agreed to provide me with raw breeding data of the same population collected during 2008. This study represents original work by the author and where work of other authors has been used; they are duly acknowledged in the text and listed as references.
Chapter 1 is a general introduction to the family Alaudidae in which their characteristics and taxonomy are discussed. This is followed by a brief overview of the general biology and ecology of larks of the world in general, followed by a more specific emphasis on the genus Spizocorys, and finally the Pink-billed Lark. In this section, gaps in the available knowledge of Pink-billed Larks are highlighted. This chapter culminates in the aim and objectives of this study. In Chapter 2 the various aspects of the breeding biology of the Pink-billed Lark are reported. This includes, amongst others, aspects such as breeding seasonality, clutch sizes, roles of the sexes during the breeding cycle and breeding success. Chapter 3 provides the results of a morphometric study of museum study skins from across the species range. This includes an analysis of sexual size dimorphism and geographical variation of the different subspecies. This chapter also provides a brief description of the timing and pattern of moult and the various vocalizations of the Pink-billed Lark. Chapter 4 concludes the dissertation with a summary of the results of this study and highlights avenues for future research on the species and the family.
The format of Chapters 2 and 3 takes the form of research papers that can be submitted for publication with minimum editing. Chapter 2 has been published in the Journal of African Zoology (see below). Chapter 3 is in preparation for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. As such, there is some repetition in the introductory paragraphs and concluding remarks of chapters 2, 3 and 4. To give this manuscript a degree of uniformity, the literature cited in all chapters has been formatted according to the manuscript requirements of the Journal of African Zoology, and a reference list appears at the end of the dissertation. Tables and figures are arranged at the end of each chapter
A fundamental study of the influence of aluminium on the white rusting of galvanized steel
No full textApplied Science
Leadership approaches at a private higher education institution during Covid-19 pandemic
No full textAbstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if there has been any change in how managers in a private higher educational institution (PHEI) apply their leadership and motivational approaches during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. In this study, leadership and motivational approaches refer to contemporary approaches applied by managers in a higher education (HE) context. Transactional, transformational and crisis leadership approaches are most commonly used at the PHEI in question. The motivational approaches were identified using the process motivational theories that are best-suited to the detailed process, systems and policies approach applied through the institution, including its decision-making committees. A qualitative research methodology was applied using insight gained through the interpretivist paradigm that enables the collection of data from individuals. This enabled this research to gain a deeper understanding of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on leaders and their leadership approach in a remote working environment. The data was collected through a structured interview schedule, transcribed and analysed to identify corresponding themes amongst participants. A total of four themes were identified, namely: Leadership amendments, transformational approaches, individual motivations and flexibility. The findings indicate that there was has been no change in the respective leadership approaches, but that slight amendments were made to accommodate the remote working environment. It is evident that leaders in general should follow a more transformational approach in their leadership to instil trust, empower employees, collaborate and share knowledge as they lead teams to success. The extent to which managers motivate employees depends on the individual employee, and managers cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to employee motivation. Employees have individual needs and expectations that the manager should be aware of and manage accordingly. The principle of flexibility was raised in the context of employees being forced by government to work from home for six consecutive weeks and now, as lockdown levels ease, they must return to the office. More should be done to incentivise employees who outperform others so that they are not treated the same as those underperforming, leading to possible demotivation. vi This study recommends that the institution in question implement leadership approach courses to encourage a collaborative and supportive leadership approach in all departments. The consideration of the leadership approaches supported by the extent to which transformational characteristics is applied in the respective departments could further enhance employee motivation and overall performance. Employees must be incentivised when performance exceeds expectations through a well-designed, principle-based incentive programme that promotes the values of transformation and performance.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management
Developing a competitiveness model for South African National Parks
No full textPhD (Tourism Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015The tourism industry is an extremely competitive industry which is mainly caused by the
ever changing needs of tourists. However, despite the constant change in tourist
behaviour, violent terrorist attacks on countries across the globe and the weakening of
the world economies, the tourism industry showed significant growth over the last few
decades. The fast growth rate of tourism has also lead to the tourist being more aware of
ecotourism destinations and the key role these destinations play in conserving the natural
and cultural environments in the midst of globalisation and urbanisation. The pressure on
ecotourism destinations such as national parks is increasing as more and more natural
land are being taken up for urban development. In the case of South African National
Parks (SANParks), the decrease in government funding pressurizes the resources and
national parks have to identify ways to generate their own income through tourism
activities. SANParks manages 22 national parks across South Africa with the aim to
conserve South Africa’s biodiversity, provide recreational activities for tourists and build
long-term relationships with the local communities to enhance the communities’ quality of
life. Hence, in order to remain competitive it is important to determine the parks'
competitive advantages. Therefore the aim of this study was to develop a competitiveness
model for SANParks by using the Kruger National Park as case study. The Kruger
National Park is not only one of the largest and most recognised national parks in the
world, but also boasts with a large variety of fauna and flora, variety of accommodation
facilities such as bush lodges, chalets and camping facilities as well as various tourist
activities.
The literature review indicated that destinations differ from each other and therefore
ecotourism destinations such as national parks would have a distinct set of competitive
advantage factors. However, these factors can only be determined if the needs of tourists
are anticipated and park specific products and services are developed to satisfy the needs
of visitors to the park and ultimately lead to tourist loyalty. Once a competitive position
has been established, a national park can obtain benefits such as an increase in tourist
numbers and revenue delivery of high quality products and services at the park as well
as trigger a higher quality of life for the local community.
If managed accordingly, the park might experience sustainable growth as well as
increased profit margins. The data for the study was collected by means of a
questionnaire survey at four of the Kruger National Park's rest camps during the period
26 December 2013 and 4 January 2014 which is the festive season in South Africa. The
rest camps that were included in this survey were Olifants (74 questionnaires); Skukuza
(213 questionnaires); Lower Sabie (98 questionnaires) and Berg-&-Dal (51
questionnaires). A total of 436 completed questionnaires were administered and further
analysed.
Descriptive statistics were used to profile the respondents while two factor analyses were
done on the competitive advantage factors and tourist motives for travelling to the Park.
The factor analyses identified five competitive advantage factors of which Wildlife
Experiences and Marketing and Branding were regarded as the most important factors.
The other three competitive advantage factors were Accommodation and Retail, Visitor
Management and Suprastructure and Amenities. Four motivational factors were identified
namely Experience and Relaxation, Lifestyle, All-Inclusive Destination and Value. The
identified factors were further used in an ANOVA analysis and the results showed that
socio-demographic characteristics such as home language, province of residence, level
of education and marital status have all significant differences based on the five
competitive advantage factors as well as the four motivational factors The t-test analysis
presented a few statistical significant differences between the independent variables or
group of individuals. These differences were based on the respondents’ demographic and
behaviour characteristics with regards to the competitive advantage and motivational
factors. However, the strongest statistically significant differences were based on the
behavioural characteristics of tourists travelling with children to the Park, Wild card
holders, tourist reading magazines, previous visits to the Park and differences between
tourists making use of chalets and camping facilities. A Structural Equation Model was
applied to confirm the results that were obtained from the analyses. The SEM indicated
that tourists’ motivations have a significant influence on the factors that tourists identified
as competitive advantage factors for the Kruger National Park.
This research made three distinct new contributions. Firstly, competitive advantage
factors were specifically identified for ecotourism based destinations such as national
parks from a demand side. Also, the tourists motivation for travelling proved to hugely
influence these competitive advantage factors. Secondly, a competitiveness model was
developed specifically for national parks within South Africa. The proposed model could
assist national parks across South Africa to obtain a competitive advantage among its
competitors based on park specific factors. Lastly, the concept of competitiveness has
not yet been applied within the ecotourism and nature-based tourism destinations
context. This study described the concept of competitiveness with the focus on national
parks as ecotourism destinations and the aspects that need to be taken into consideration
when analysing the concept in such a context.Doctora
Critical success factors for managing the visitor experience at the Kruger National Park
No full textThesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.Nature–based tourism destinations have shown significant growth over the past decade and, with the ever increasing numbers of tourists travelling to national parks, the right management structures, goals and objectives need to be determined. South African National Parks (SANParks) manages all 22 national parks in South Africa with the Kruger National Park (KNP) being the biggest of them all and generating more than 80% of SANParks income. The KNP is one of the world’s largest parks conserving a staggering 1 962 362 ha of land which is bigger than countries such as Israel and Holland. When taking the KNP into perspective, park management must have the right management styles and factors in place to ensure that the park is managed in a sustainable manner and exceeds the expectations of the tourist to provide a memorable experience whilst visiting the KNP. The goal of this study was therefore to determine the critical management aspects or critical success factors (CSFs) needed to create a memorable visitor experience at the park. This goal was achieved by conducting a questionnaire survey at four rest camps within the KNP from 27 December 2010 to 4 January 2011. The rest camps used for the survey were: Skukuza (152 questionnaires), Berg and Dal (98 questionnaires), Lower Sabie (85 questionnaires) and Satara (101 questionnaires). During this time a total of 436 questionnaires were completed and included in further analysis. In Article 1, the key management aspects that visitors regard as important for a memorable visitor experience at the KNP were identified. These CSFs assist management in providing quality services and products for the tourist, leading to a memorable experience. A factor analysis was performed on the expectations of the tourists to national parks. There were nine CSFs identified that management can implement to ensure a memorable visitor experience. The three factors that have not yet been identified in previous research were wildlife experience, interpretation and luxuries. Other factors that have been identified were General management, Variety activities, Accommodation, Green management, Hospitality management, and Facilities. The results showed that park management needs to become aware of what the visitor sees as important factors for a memorable visitor experience and they can adapt certain aspects to improve the visitor’s experience. In Article 2, gaps within the park management were identified. These gaps were measured by taking the 62 variables and asking the tourist what their expectations were with regard to a memorable experience versus their actual/real experience at the park. A factor analysis on the expectations and the actual/real experiences was done and each of these factors was given a score. The scores of each factor were measured against one another indicating the differences and gaps in management. The twelve factors that were identified were General management, Education activities. Accommodation facilities, Green management, Information provided, Layout of the park, Wildlife, Facilities in the park, Food and Beverage management, Interpretive activities, Bookings and General services, and Outdoor activities. These twelve factors have also been grouped into three sub groups containing four factors each and either the expectations were exceeded, did not meet expectations or were neutral. The main gaps were Education, Accommodation facilities, Interpretations facilities and Wildlife. If management want to ensure a memorable visitor experience at the KNP they must not only focus on these gaps, but also strive to exceed visitors’ expectations on all levels.
This research found that there are certain CSFs for managing a national park and gaps within park management that need to be addressed. These gaps or problem areas can be overcome by the implementation of a continuous evaluation process that will ensure effective and efficient management of the park. Park management can therefore improve their services and products as well as the quality thereof by knowing what the tourists see as important when visiting a national park to obtain a memorable experience that will lead to positive word of mouth, loyalty, increased revenue and sustainability of the KNP. Even though it is not a requirement of a masters’ dissertation to make a contribution, this research has made a significant contribution towards the methodology as the method applied determined the gaps in visitor experience and expectations and this has not been used before. Future research can make use of this type of method determining individuals’ expectations and experiences when visiting a national park or any other nature–based destination.Master
Embarking on a Research Odyssey: Factors Influencing Students’ Experiences of Successfully Completing a Research Project
No full textHonours research plays a pivotal role in shaping individual academic careers, contributing to a nation’s collective knowledge reservoir and motivating students to undertake Masters and doctoral studies. This study identified the critical factors that enable students to successfully complete research projects. The positivist philosophical framework informed the quantitative research methodology employed at a private higher education institution in South Africa. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 172 students registered for NQF 8 programmes at the institution. Data were collected anonymously using an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were employed for statistical analysis. Four factors were identified: an enabling supervisor, constructive feedback, the research process, and support and guidance. The study found that successful completion of the research component of an honours degree depends on the expertise, support, and guidance provided by the supervisor throughout the research process
Greening as Part of Ecotourism to Contribute to Tourists’ Experiences: A Destination Planning Approach
No full text
Towards a multi-faceted framework for planning and evaluating innovation in Engineering Education
No full textFor universities, educational change at institutional level is a slow process [1], [2]. To keep up with societal and technological advancement, education innovation project leaders at universities need practical guidelines and procedures in place that will enable sustainable and scalable innovation that can meet the needs of industry as we transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 [3]. To develop such guidelines and procedures, we need to conduct socially responsible, evidence-based educational research [4]. This paper is part of a larger study during which we will conceptualize the planning and evaluation of innovation in engineering education at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). From this conceptualization, a framework for planning and evaluation of education innovation will emerge. The data collection process will take place in six phases: (1) Exploration of the problem (2) feasibility studies; (3) conceptualization and development of the framework; (4) piloting of the framework and its associated processes; (5) field study; and lastly, (6) evaluation of the framework. This paper provides an initial overview of the literature, as well as an explanation of the proposed research methodology.Teaching & Learning ServicesSpatial Planning and StrategyWeb Information System
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