Research Publications (Management Sciences)

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Are higher education institutions positioned to reap the dividends of open education resources? : the case of Durban University of Technology
(The Clute Institute, 2013-09) Van der Merwe, Alexander Dawid
The potential benefits of open education resources (OERs) are well documented in the literature. These include cheaper education, improved equity in respect of educational prospects, greater access to higher education opportunities for non-traditional learners, encouraging new modes of collaborative learning and leveraging public funds by sharing knowledge. So compelling are these advantages that leading universities globally are currently experimenting with new business models calibrated to extract value from educational offerings that, increasingly, will be expected to include free content. In spite of the obvious merits of OERs, the open education movement faces challenges which are rooted significantly in educators' perceptions of these resources. This descriptive case study sought to examine the attitudes Durban University of Technology (DUT) faculty have towards OERs with the aim of gauging their capacity to be actively involved as developers and users of these materials. The study found that in spite of respondents' recognition of the advantages of OERs and even a degree of superficial employment of these instructional aids, there appears to be no real open education ethos at the institution. Evidence of this includes the relatively low level of sharing of content amongst faculty an d the consensus of respondents that there is no institutional support for OER initiatives. The study concludes that for the university to retain its relevance in an evolving educational landscape, it should create a framework that will not only create space for OER projects but should also address the very human need for recognition and acknowledgement that developers of free and open content have.
Are we equal in the eyes of the law : comparison of criminal cases amongst black and white people in South Africa?
(2020-11-10) Mbandlwa, Zamokuhle
People who are committing a white-collar crime has been able to get away with it without any legal consequences. Democratic South Africa has experienced different types of criminal activities in the past 25 years. The apartheid government committed several criminal activities against black people and the court of law favored white people against black people. Crime in South Africa was labeled and associated with the black race. A black man was always a suspect in the apartheid era and a white man was always innocent regardless of his wrongdoing towards black people. even though the current government from 1994, is a democratic government led by black people, the courts are still applying the same principle. The objectives of this paper are to show the inconsistency in criminal cases that are the same but the sentences are not the same because of the skin colour. The judiciary system in South Africa is still treating people differently, based on various cases, this paper argues that money and race is a contributing factor in decisions made by the courts in South Africa. The paper applied secondary research methodology, newspaper reports on various cases were reviewed, criminal justice reports were analyzed, and lastly, the journal papers that are related to this study.
Career development for female academics in Australian and South African universities: an integrative review
(Beykent University, 2022-02-15) Kanyumba, Blessing; Lourens, Melanie
South African and Australian higher education sector is facing challenges of fewer females in leadership positions despite policies in place in both countries. The main purpose of this integrative literature was to analyse and compare journal articles related to career development for female academics in South African and Australian higher education institutions to ascertain the challenges faced by women in both countries. South Africa and Australia was chosen for this study due to the differences in cultural background and legislation. Females are still underrepresented in the leadership positions both in Australia and South Africa, hence this study investigated the reasons and provided recommendations to improve female academics representation in higher education institutions. A literature review of 15 research papers and journals articles published from 2010-2020 was conducted. The key words “career development for female academics” were searched in three databases namely, Google Scholar, Ebsco-host and Emerald. The results from the literature showed that female career development in Australia is moving at a faster pace than in South Africa. The results also show that in both countries glass ceiling and limited female representation in leadership positions is rife in both countries. Female only career development programmes are essential to promote female development in higher education. As this study is focusing on two different countries in different continents, both countries have a lot to learn from each other in terms of policy implementations to enhance female career development. This article provides an analysis of the trends of female career development in South Africa and Australia. Therefore, from the existing literature for a period of 10 years, a conceptual career development model was developed.
Challenges for quality primary education in Papua, New Guinea : a case study
(Hindawi Limited, 2011) Rena, Ravinder
There is an urgent need to reform the educational system to achieve universal primary education in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Even after 35 years of independence, PNG has been struggling to educate an estimated 2 million elementary- and primary-aged children and faces numerous challenges in providing Education for All (EFA). This study was conducted in four primary schools of Buma Yong area of Lae district of Morobe Province, PNG. The study revealed that the quality of education has been deteriorated over the past few decades. Many schools in PNG do not have classrooms, teachers, and basic facilities. As a result, the children are losing interest in going to school. The children dropped out of school so as to assist their families in the household and agricultural activities. It also reveals that the dropout rate of girls is more than that of the boys due to the gender disparity in the country. The study recommended that budgetary allocations should be increased so as to improve the infrastructural facilities and encourage the children to attend primary school and thus achieve the Millennium Development Goal/Education For All in PNG.
Challenges of ICT adoption and utilisation in small rural restaurants : a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
(AJHTL, 2016) Nkosana, Tenson; Skinner, Jane Phyllida
Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an essential element in the hospitality industry around the world over the past few decades, with particular benefits accruing to restaurant owners. Restaurants within poorer areas, however, often struggle to access the relevant technologies. This article investigates the challenges confronting ICT adoption and utilisation in restaurants in a rural setting. Twelve small restaurants in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were investigated. The findings indicate large discrepancies between three groups: the top two thriving businesses; the majority group of middle-level enterprises, which exhibited varying levels of success; and the remaining two restaurants, which were clearly struggling to survive. Their success in adoption of ICT corresponded closely in nearly all instances with these success levels. The challenges to adoption and utilisation of ICT were found to centre on cost, owners’ lack of familiarity with ICTs, and a corresponding lack of ICT skills amongst staff. The inability of imported software packages to suit local needs also emerged as a significant issue.
The choice of public universities in a restructured and transforming Higher Education landscape : a student perspective
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Penceliah, Soobramoney; Konyana, Samkele Vuyokazi Mizpha; Maharaj, Mandusha
The central tenet of the new Constitution of South Africa is to create equal and socially just economic order. This resulted in the higher education sector being restructured through incorporations and mergers. The limited financial resources, forces universities to evaluate and review their marketing strategies in order to attract suitably prepared and qualified students. The universities have not fully explored the role played by choice factors in influencing the students’ decision of enrolling at a particular university. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that may influence students in their choice of selecting a public university in the Tshwane Metropolitan Region, South Africa. An empirical study was conducted amongst first year students at two public universities in the Tshwane Metropolitan Region, Pretoria. The study design was quantitative in nature, using a descriptive technique, cross sectional and collected data through the application of a non-probability sampling being utilized to obtain data from a sample of 216 respondents. The results of this study suggest that South African education landscape has evolved towards a market-orientated system in which Higher Education Institutions operate as businesses with marketing challenges. The results provide HEIs a guide to identify the key factors that influence students in the selection of a university in a developing country. University management should take cognizance of the gaps and position the university as an institution of first choice in South Africa.
A critical evaluation of continuous monitoring of critical financial reporting controls : a case of a National Port Authority in an emerging economy
(Serials Publications, 2018-06-01) Nyide, Celani John
Critical Financial Reporting Controls (CFRCs) are developed and implemented by entities to enhance and maintain sound financial reporting across all core financial processes. This entity in this case study performs CFRCs on a quarterly basis in selected regions. There seems to be a problem in some regions regarding continuous monitoring of the CFRCs. Senior management is aware of the quarterly monitoring of the critical financial reporting controls and the benefits of such reviews. However, relatively few senior managers have realised the value added by the continuous monitoring of the CFRCs. The approach used in this study was qualitative and exploratory in nature with a sample size of ten participants. The results show that even though the CFRCs are effective, there are critical control processes which are not value adding. Whilst the National Port Authority (NPA) embraces the continuous monitoring of critical financial reporting controls, the influence by senior management to junior management to override critical controls emerged as a key feature in this study.
Critical internal factors influencing the centralization of stock procurement processes in a South African municipality
(Clute Institute, 2014-11) Nzuza, Zwelihle Wiseman; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
The purpose of this paper was threefold: 1) to examine the internal factors influencing centralization of stock procurement processes, 2) to assess the relationship between demographic factors and staff understanding of Information Communication Technology (ICT) with performance improvement, and 3) to examine the relationship between prevention of corruption with management commitment. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 82 members of staff from procurement division in a South African municipality, with specific reference from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. A census sampling method was used and a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software was used to analyse the data. The results indicate that ICT, planning tools, communication tools, inbound logistics, and staff competency are the most contributing factors influencing decentralized procurement process of stocks in a South African municipality. Although a hypothesis between performance improvement and gender was rejected, the study showed significance relationships between performance improvement with qualification (p=.035), experience (p=.000), and age (p=.000). It further proved that there is a significance relationship between understanding the ICT and performance improvement (p=.031) and that prevention of corruption is significantly related with management commitment (p=.001). Based on the results, the study recommends that a supporting internal control should be established to ensure that the centralization of stocks by procurement is executed by individuals with clear understanding of inbound logistics, clear communication, commitment, and comprehensive planning. Since the findings of this study are based on 82 members of staff from one South African municipality, it is recommended that a larger sample size may be used in future studies in order to improve accuracy of the results.
Customers’ expectations and perceptions of service quality : the case of a retail pharmacy chain in South Africa
(Mediterranean Centre of Social and Educational Research, 2014) Adat, Nafisa; Noel, Dion Trevor; Penceliah, Soobramoney
Recent legislative changes have permitted rapid expansion of pharmacy chains in South Africa. The early effect of this appears to be lowered prices and greater competition amongst pharmacy chains. Whilst research has been conducted on general aspects of customer service quality in various industries, there appears to be few studies on customer satisfaction within the South African retail pharmaceutical sector in particular. This paper therefore seeks to assess customer satisfaction at a selected pharmacy chain within the greater Durban area. A study was conducted among 400 customers, using the SERVQUAL model as the measuring instrument. The results indicate that there are gaps between customers’ expectations and perceptions on the five service quality dimensions. The chi square test was performed to determine significant differences between four biographical variables viz. gender, age, educational level of respondents and frequency of shopping versus the five dimensions of service quality, on both expectations and perceptions. Recommendations are presented on how the pharmacy chain can enhance service quality in order to offer superior customer service in the face of growing competition.
Cut-throat competition in the supermarket industry : impressions of the managers of selected supermarkets in Amanzimtoti
(Solid State Technology, 2020-12-09) Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The number of shopping malls is proliferating across the face of South Africa year after year despite the mounting evidence that they are declining across the globe due to a number of factors. This includes, amongst others lifestyle changes, emergence and growth of on-line shopping, rising cost of utilities and fuel, thinning wallets and thinning threshold populations. While the United Nations calls for a more sustainable form of development (Sustainable Development Agenda 2030) that is mindful of how things connect to and affect one another systematically, older concrete structures are being abandoned to decay to the promotion of social degeneration, environmental despoliation and loss of income for developers and shop owners. Objective: The study determine the effects, in terms of threshold populations and profitability, of this form of excessive development to existing and new supermarkets, which tend to be used as key tenants in shopping malls. Method: The study was non-experimental, descriptive and deductive in nature. The method used was qualitative and the data collection technique was interviews with the general managers of 10 of the 12 supermarkets found within a 5kilometre radius of the old Amanzimtoti CBD. The study design was cross-sectional case study of selected supermarkets in Amanzimtoti. The data collection tools were observation, semi-structured interview schedules. The sampling frame was non-representative as supermarkets were selected to avoid repetition of the same brand twice except in case where the size and variety of goods was different. Results: Competition in the supermarket industry is cut-throat in the area of study. Competing supermarkets had to come up with a number of operational strategies such as revamping the shops, adding more products to their lines. In addition, they determine prices on a weekly basis, bargaining with suppliers in order to keep the prices competitive. Managers also spend more time on the shop floor in order to keep on the pulse of product movement, dates and customers, even sacrificing staff (more workload, retrenchment strategies, etc.) in order to remain profitable. Conclusion: In order to facilitate sustainability all developments should be viewed in terms of them being systems within other systems and enhance the growth and sustainability of systems that already exist within the respective area. Consequently, it is important for the local municipalities, developers and supermarket shareholders to involve managers as practitioners in proposed developments and how such developments would affect the stores that manage.
Decolonising South African agriculture : bringing dignity back to small-scale farming
(Durban University of Technology, 2022) Davis, Jason Stratton
Decolonisation should include not only political independence, but also the return of factors of production to the formerly colonised people so that they can use them to participate meaningfully in the economy, facilitating their economic emancipation from former colonial rulers. This not only involves putting the factors of production back into the hands of the colonised but also empowering them to generate wealth. Hence, the re-balancing of the agricultural landscape to actively include small-scale agriculture is part of the decolonisation process. Returning viability and dignity to small-scale farming entails reconnecting people to the land. Therefore, African investments in agriculture need to be focused on small-scale farming so that income inequality and poverty can be alleviated. The paper proposes that the promotion of small-scale agriculture change achieves both the objectives of reversing the impact of colonialism and restoring dignity to Black farming, as well as providing quality employment within local communities. The paper does not suggest that every farm must be small-scale, but that every small-scale farm be given an equal opportunity to produce and contribute to the economy as these farms can provide business opportunities for marginalised groups, namely the youth and women. Hence, the question remains - Where does one acquire the resources and expertise to kick-start the recalibrating of agricultural production on a small-scale? The answer lies in a mixture of finance and business skills from firms through Corporate Social Investment that creates partnerships, both public and private, that sow the seeds of small-scale success.
A discourse on the plight of South African women in the face of abuse and neglect
(University of the Western Cape, 2021-10-25) Fagbadebo, Omololu
An upsurge in the rate of violence against women has an adverse effect on women in South Africa. Sadly, many South African women who are the victims of violent sexual conduct, such as rape and other forms of violent sexual abuse, have in part contributed to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection among women. Of the 7,7 million South African living with HIV/AIDS in 2018, 4,7 million were women, while another 69 000 were among the new infections. They are more vulnerable to HIV infections with 21,17 percent of women living with the disease. Using personal conversations, literature searches and documents for primary and secondary data, this article argues that value orientation that ascribes superiority to men has damaging consequences on the status of women. South African women are exposed to violent habitual actions of men that denigrate their womanhood. The article, therefore, submits that there is a need to reinforce civil society and strengthen the justice system for the protection and promotion of the rights and freedom of women. Aside from this, the government should increase its commitment to the enforcement of requisite legislative frameworks that safeguard the rights and freedom of women, and review punishments for any acts of violence against women.
Economic costs of patients attending the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) services in Ethiopia : urban-rural setting
(Danubius University, 2016) Zegeye, Elias Asfaw; Mbonigaba, Josue; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche
Economic analyses of patients’ costs are pertinent to improve effective healthcare services including the prevention of mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission (PMTCT). This study assessed the direct and non-direct medical costs borne by pregnant women attending PMTCT services in urban (high-HIV prevalence) and rural (low-HIV prevalence) settings, in Ethiopia. Patient-level direct medical costs and direct non-medical data were collected from HIV-positive pregnant women in six regions. The cost estimation was classified as direct medical (service fee, drugs and laboratory) and direct non-medical (food, transportation and accommodation). The mean direct medical expense per patient per year was Ethiopian birr (ETB) 746 (US$ 38) in the urban settings, as compared to ETB 368 (US$ 19) in the rural settings. On average, a pregnant woman from urban and rural catchments incurred direct non-medical costs of ETB 6,435 (US$ 327) and ETB 2,154 (US$ 110) per year, respectively. On average, non-medical costs of friend/relative/guardian were ETB 2,595 (US$ 132) and ETB 2,919 (US$ 148.39) in the urban and rural settings, respectively. Although the PMTCT service is provided free of charge, HIV-positive pregnant women and infant pairs still face a substantial amount of out-of-pocket spending due to direct medical and non-medical costs.
Education : a human right or a privilege? Exploring the gap between rhetoric and reality
(African Association for Rhetoric, 2016) Ngubane, Z.; Naidoo, P.
Arguably, apartheid policies such as the ‘reservation of jobs for whites’ and ‘bantu education’ further entrenched the disenfranchisement of the majority of the South African populace. Unfortunately, very little seems to be improving for the poor even today, notwithstanding government efforts to provide basic services to people whom the apartheid regime gave little consideration. We will argue and attempt to demonstrate in this article that if South Africa is to have any hope of taking significant strides in achieving economic emancipation, firstly; the government needs to lead decisively in the actual provision of quality education at all levels and not simply pay lip service to this ideal. Secondly; ensure that access to higher education, in particular, is guaranteed as a right to all who qualify on merit regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds. We also will argue that it is in fact unconstitutional and retrogressive for any South African to be turned away from an Institution of higher learning based solely on their inability to pay for their studies. While Government efforts to fund students through the NSFAS system are acknowledged, we propose that this is insufficient and that twenty-one years into democracy necessitates the exploration of different strategies in order to ensure that education becomes a right that is accessible to all who seek and desire it and not only a matter of rhetoric.
The effect of layoffs on the performance of survivors at healthcare organizations
(Aliva Global Research and Development, 2021-12-02) Wisetsri, Worakamol; Lourens, Melanie Elizabeth; Cavaliere, Luigi Pio Leonardo; Chakravarthi, M. Kalyan; Nijhawan, Gitu
For years, workers of an organization have strivedto strengthen it and expand it with fresh concepts and strategies to accomplish new objectives.The layoff is,by definition,a spontaneous release from an institution, i.e. a compulsory resignation for certain purposes of employee categories, of permanent or temporary personnel (economic reasons, downsizing personal management).Outsourcing is a way of reducing costs and changing fixed costs to varying expenses for companies. It transfers work or researches to outside households,which lead to job losses.Finishing is a major business challenge, forced disconnected jobs and survivors.This sudden dismantling was triggered by theeconomic depression,which increased with corruption by governments. The COVID-19spread around the world is further overcome day by day.When the layoff is mass, companies may notify the workers of the reasons for the reduction.Some hospitals issued departed personnel a warning for clarifying things and preparing the workers even though they could do serious harm. This form of warning illustrates a pandemic COVID-19 by delivering unemployment until layoffs explainthe financial downturn for workers.Certain hospitals and organizations offer warning without consideration about the discharged workers on the same day. Moreover, this existed in tiny clinics, where there were not very significant layoffs. Substantial government institutions,including A.U.B.M.C., B.M.G.and other hospitals,prefer cuts as a remedy.This research aims to determine the effect of forced termination health care institutions on survivors' effectiveness, performance, quality of service, and relational results
The effectiveness of gender equity policies in higher education : the case of the Durban University of Technology
(Kamla-Raj, 2016) Awung, Mabel; Dorasamy, Nirmala
Recent research has shown that despite the progress women have made in the workplace, they still lag behind in terms of higher level and rewarding positions. This situation is attributable to the policies that do not meet the needs of female employees. This paper therefore seeks to examine the effectiveness of gender equity policies in advancing the careers of women in higher education, using the Durban University of Technology as a case study. A mixed method design was adopted in which a sample of 250 women was drawn from academic and administrative units using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed in order to highlight the factors influencing the career progression of women in higher education. The findings revealed that more policies need to be designed and effectively monitored in order to improve the working conditions of women in higher education.
Evaluating student perceptions on the development management curricula to promote green economy
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Govender, Ivan Gunass
The purpose of the paper is to determine the students' perceptions on the development management curricula in relation to education i ngreen economy, as no previous research has been conducted to evaluate the perceptions of the students enrolled for this course. The study seeks to answer the following question: To what extent were students exposed to the skills and conpetencies required for engaging in green economy and its effect on their home and work environment. The study used the quantitative approach where the students were given a questionnaire to cmplete. The findings indicated that the sustainable development attributes were adeuately covered with strong focus on global issues, time management and systems theory and thinking. Personal attribute awareness gained during the course included leadership skills, critical thinking and decision making that could enhance the understanding of the economy and environmental management. The study also highlights the students' perceptions that they could make significant contributions towards the green economy both at work and home. The study recommends that the course be redesigned to include aspects of green economy, the assessment strategies be made more relevant at the program level to include the tenets of engaged scholarship. The study is important for curriculum developers and higher educatoin policy developers to ensure that the course content is relevant to addressing economic relations in the area of environmental management.
Evaluating the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic status of South African women
(IKENGA International Journal of Institute of African Studies, 2023-03-30) Rena, Ravinder; Mbukanma, Ifeanyi
This research was conducted to evaluate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic status of South African women. There is an urgent need for a better understanding of the unique circumstances and provisional assistance of effective support for women throughout the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath considering the level of impact the virus had on women. To achieve the researchobjective, a literature- based analysis was employed, which provides an in-depth analysis and evaluation of previous literature on the unprecedented nature and trend of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts on the socioeconomic status of women in South Africa. Thus, despite the limited scientific data on the most recent development of the pandemic, the findings revealed that the pandemic has escalated most variables of socioeconomic status of women in South Africa, which include high poverty rates, increased rates of unplanned pregnancy, school drop-out of schoolgirls and child labour among teenage girls, lack of income, decreased financial empowerment, reduced access to conducive healthcare, excessive maternal mortality, and growing food shortages and malnutrition. Thus, as the world continues to search for a reliable vaccine and other preventive measures for the virus, this paper recommended that policymakers and stakeholders around the globe, and most especially in South Africa, should develop coherent and strategic policies that will incorporate and attend to the socioeconomic needs of women.
The evolving role of business in contributing to social justice in South Africa in terms of legislative measures
(Virtus Interpress, 2016) Reddy, Karunanidhi
Apartheid in South Africa has burdened the nation with high levels of poverty, illiteracy and other forms of social and economic inequ ality. The resultan t challenges included discrimination on grounds of race and gender, which prevented much of the population from fair opportunities for business ownership and management, and securing senior j obs, as well as obtaining access to goods and services. Many businesses were closed to Black people and separate and inferior facilities were provided for them. Further, workplace discrimination was su pported by the law.This article uses a descriptive approach to reveal, particularly in terms of the legislative measures introduced, the social responsibility of business in a transforming society, more especially the transformation of the historically disadv antaged communities.
An exploration of the relationship between retirement age and youth unemployment in South Africa
(2020-07-28) Mbandlwa, Zamokuhle; Shezi, Lindelani
The legal retirement age in South Africa is 60 for women and 65 for men however, so many people continue working even after they passed their retirement age. The retirement age does not force people to retire or force employers to terminate the employment of individuals who have reached the retirement age. This paper therefore emphasize that poor control of retirement system affect the youth employment. The objective of this paper was to show a correlation between youth unemployment and having elderly employees in private and public sector institutions. Proper and effective control of retirement system in South Africa will create employment opportunities for the unemployed youth. This study found that youth unemployment in South Africa is growing and failure to put a stop or trying to minimize it might be a problem for the people and the government soon. This article explored the impact of failure to retire by those who have reached retirement age in government and private sector institutions. Effective implementation of the retirement age of the prescribed legal age would increase job opportunities in government and private institutions