Research Publications (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217

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Awareness of the space industry as a career opportunity in South Africa
(IGI Global, 2019) Zuma, Khanya Philani; Mason, Roger Bruce; Maharaj, Mandusha
The South African space industry is not seen by young learners as a potential career. The objectives of this study were to identify: high school students’ awareness of the industry, their perceptions of employment opportunities, and their knowledge of the industry’s educational requirements. A quantitative, descriptive survey with structured questionnaires was administered to 171 respondents. Purposive and quota sampling selected grade 10-11 students in rural, urban and suburban schools. Most respondents had some awareness of the industry, but had limited knowledge about career opportunities, especially in rural schools. Respondents were unclear about how and where to apply for space-related education. The space industry inadequately markets itself to students, so more outreach programs, sponsoring of science and technological projects, more scholarships, and encouragement of the Department of Higher Education to provide information about, and improve career guidance officers’ knowledge of, the space industry are recommended.
Can a labour market assessment be used to help adolescent girls and young women improve their employment prospects in South Africa?
(2023-11-01) Mvunabandi, Jean Damascene; Nomala, Bomi; Marimuthu, Ferina
This article investigated how labour market assessment intervention through employability training can be used as a catalyst to improve employment pathways among adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs) in South Africa. This study adopted quantitative and descriptive research approaches via longitudinal data collection. Secondary data was collected from 3584 AGYWs using a questionnaire survey during employability training from July-October 2021. Robustness analysis was performed using descriptive statistics using SPSS version 27.0. The empirical findings proved that employability training significantly improved the capabilities of adolescent girls and young women on labour market assessments. Relying on these empirical findings, this study proposes a framework for linking AGYWs and the labour market through an employability training capability-based conceptualised model. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge and further contributes to the career development and employability among adolescent girls and young women required to cope with the labour markets in South Africa.
The challenges of developing small tourism enterprises in townships: case of Umlazi, South Africa
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Chili, Nsizwazikhona Simon; Mabaso, Simiso Lindokuhle
Township tourism in South Africa has grown in popularity since 1994 and is considered by some researchers to be an appropriate mechanism for stimulating local economic development. Opportunities for the development of black-owned enterprises in South Africa began for the first time when the country integrated into the global tourism economy after many years of international sanctions. The growth of township tourism thus can provide the context for potential economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs to enter the business, an activity that traditionally has been the domain of established white South African entrepreneurs. The main objective of the study is to present findings on the challenges that face a certain group of small tourism enterprises in townships with more attention being specifically paid to Umlazi as the second biggest township in the Southern hemisphere. The main reason for the choice of the study is due to the fact that there is only a limited literature that explores the conditions of small-scale and informal tourism entrepreneurs operating in South Africa’s black townships. The focus falls upon the challenges of developing small tourism entrepreneurs for black owners in the township, especially because, South African tourism industry is highly concentrated and dominated by small elite group of large, mostly locally owned, tourism organizations which drive the tourism economy that unfortunately excludes and sidelines that of the townships.
Cluster methodology : the strategy for sustainable local development in the rural communities of South Africa
(2023-05-16) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Rural communities are making efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives in their regions. However, there is a lack of capacity, specific development strategies, expertise, infrastructure and finance to achieve their developmental goals. These deficiencies disadvantage self-reliant initiatives in rural areas as the development interventions and investments are directed to better-off urban communities. Hence, this paper proposes the cluster approach as a sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. Clusters are referred to as the agglomeration of inter-related firms and related institutions. They are employed to show a geographical and a sectoral focus of firms that produce and sell a range of related or complementary goods and services. These firms normally experience the same challenges and opportunities. The clusters are assisted by a spectrum of supportive institutions situated within spatial proximity, including business-related associations, technical or training service providers. Cluster development initiatives that improve access for local firms to local and global markets can have positive poverty impacts that enhance income, employment and the well-being of workers and entrepreneurs within a cluster. This study assesses the influence of the cluster approach on sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. It establishes the suitability of clusters as strategic methods for local economic growth for South Africa.
Constraints of young prospective tourism entrepreneurs in the semi-rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal
(Africa Journals, 2019-10-17) Mbele, Kwethemba Good-present; Nyide, Celani John
Tourism is increasingly regarded as a potential catalyst for rural economic development. As it stands, the global economic situation and the progress of youth entrepreneurship in developing economies are leaving a lot to be desired. Cultural diversity, level of education, dire market standards, and grim socio-political environments are some of the factors that should be taken into consideration when aiming to create an enabling setting that will open tourism entrepreneurship opportunities for a developing country like South African. This study’s objectives are the investigation of the limitations that prevent young people from pursuing tourism entrepreneurial activities in a semi-rural area. This research was conducted in the Umdoni Local Municipal area, a semi-rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A sample size of 126 respondents from the selected semi-rural area was selected to participate in this study. This was achieved using a snowball sampling technique and the results were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study highlights that inability to secure financial support is one of the primary constraints for the setting-up of a new business. The study also found that youth support structures, such as National Youth Development Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry, that should stimulate and develop tourism entrepreneurship for the youth in the Umdoni Local Municipality area, are not accessible. This research recommends that finance for youth entrepreneurship initiatives in the tourism sector be introduced by financial institutions and access should not be tortuous. Government policies should be examined in terms of their effectiveness on entrepreneurship establishment, as well as their regulatory burden on new start-ups.
Construction SMEs versus economic growth : the Eastern Cape perspective
(B P International (a part of SCIENCEDOMAIN International), 2023-05-30) Flepisi, Lubabalo; Womack, Anna Johanna Catharina; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Twum-Darko, Michael
Globally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as the engine and backbone of economic growth, especially for emerging countries such as South Africa. However, construction SMEs in South Africa are faced with some major challenges that hinder their contribution to the economic growth of the country. The study sought to investigate the factors that hinder the contribution of construction SMEs to the economic growth in the Eastern Cape province, in South Africa. The sample size of the study comprised 303 construction SME owners/managers in the Eastern Cape province. Nevertheless, for this conference, the findings of the study are based on the reviewed literature, supplemented by a pilot study with 30 construction SME owners/managers as participants. The study revealed key factors that influence the contribution of construction SMEs to economic growth in the Eastern Cape province. These factors include insufficient/inadequate financial resources, innovation, business management skills, and investment in human capital, as well as a lack of Information Technology use, along with skills shortages, and too many government regulations. The South African government and private sector thus need to develop mechanisms that will cushion construction SMEs through the development of policies that will enable these firms to contribute to economic growth.
Consumer protection awareness in South Africa
(2007-01) Mason, Roger Bruce
This paper addresses the lack of knowledge about awareness of consumer protection in South Africa, especially amongst disadvantaged consumers. Literature shows that there is a high correlation between the level of economic development and the awareness of consumer rights. The more developed a country is, the more aware its people will be in terms of their consumer rights. The less developed a country is, the lower the level of consumer rights awareness consumers will have. Consumers, like any other citizens of a country, have a right to be protected by the law. Private and non-governmental organisations and the consumer councils need to ensure that the interests and rights of consumers are well protected. The study involved a literature review and an exploratory empirical study into the effect of income and education on awareness of consumer protection by a sample of Durban consumers. A strong positive relationship between consumer protection awareness and income and education was found. Recommendations for actions to improve consumer protection awareness amongst low income, poorly educated consumers are made, and further research to develop a deeper understanding of the problem is suggested
Coping with complexity and turbulence : an entrepreneurial solution
(World Scientific Pub. Co., 2006) Mason, Roger Bruce
This paper considers the adoption of an entrepreneurial orientation as a paradigm for companies operating in a complex and turbulent environment, viewing the environment as a complex and turbulent system in terms of chaos theory. Approaches suggested by chaos theory are compared with the entrepreneurial orientation to identify if such an orientation matches these suggested approaches. Literature on chaos theory and on entrepreneurship is compared, and a short case is presented, providing an illustration of how a company operating successfully in a complex and turbulent environment has used the principles of an entrepreneurial orientation. The paper identifies considerable similarity between the management approaches suggested by chaos theory and the principles of the entrepreneurial orientation, indicating that chaos theory may provide the theoretical underpinning of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and turbulent environments. The case also shows how an entrepreneurial orientation has been successfully used in a complex and turbulent environment. The conclusion is that companies operating in a complex and turbulent environment could benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial orientation.
Corporate governance, structure and accountability as affected by national government infrastructure in developing countries
(Virtus Interpress, 2016-01) Mugova, Shame; Sachs, Paul R.
Businesses in developing countries face different challenges than those in economically developed countries. Markets and supply chains are less well-established. Dissemination of information is uneven. Because governmental infrastructure has limited ability to support business operations,, businesses take on responsibilities that elsewhere are handled by a central government. This study revie3ws key elements of corporate governance. The study then reviews the banking and manufacturing sectors in Zimbabwe with attention to the presence or absence of financial infrastructure, legal infrastructure, market challenges, supply chain and government involvement to support corporate governance structures and systems. Recommendations for policy and practice changes are offered. The present analysis of Zimbabwe can guide research on and policy recommendations for governance in other developing countries.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Banking for Developing Economies
(International Foundation for Research and Development, 2013-11) Dorasamy, Nirmala
Corporate social responsibility is being increasingly considered vital for organizational success and sustainable growth, especially in view of corporations operating in an environment with multiple stakeholder interests. Investment in CSR should not been seen as an expense, but rather the allocation of resources to strengthen relationships with stakeholders in an endeavour to reap the multifaceted benefits of such investments Financial institutions like banks need to be seen as leading organizations who engage in social activities that uplift society, the environment and economy. The article analyses significant areas of corporate social responsibility for banks which are integral for customers, government, suppliers, citizens, employees and global partners for enhancing the responsibility of banks to a diverse range of stakeholders who have an interest in the banks. This ‘common good’ reputation can provide several advantages to banks which further impacts on the performance of banks.
Corporate social responsibility and human resource performance : evidence from a selected medium manufacturing organisation in South Africa
(2023-05-15) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani; Maome, Itumeleng Judith
Over the years, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained popularity as a management philosophy whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their operations and interactions with stakeholders. It aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, or charitable nature by engaging in activities or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices. This practice has mostly been associated with large organisations. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been recognized for their contributions in social and economic development of any country. Hence, this study examines the influence of CSR on human resource performance in the selected manufacturing SMEs in South Africa. This study was quantitative in design and examined production and related experiences of the manufacturing SME organisation that had adopted CSR strategy for human resource improvement. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), was used to analyse data. The selected company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for employee turnover and labour absenteeism. The results indicate that both employee turnover and labour absenteeism have no relationship with human resource performance post- CSR implementation. However, CSR has a relationship with human resource performance. Any increase in CSR activities results in an increase in human resource performance. Formal CSR programmes can boost employee morale and lead to greater productivity in the workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic and guesthouses in South Africa : economic impacts and recovery measures
(Informa UK Limited, 2021) Sucheran, Reshma
ABSTRACT The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread throughout the globe, and recovering from the pandemic will be a massive test on economic systems. The pandemic has severely affected the accommodation sector as global travel has come to an almost complete standstill as of April 2020. This paper provides a preliminary assessment of the economic impacts of the pandemic on guesthouses in South Africa and the response measures adopted by this sector. Through online surveys, the empirical results show that guesthouse operations were severely disrupted by the pandemic, leading to a critical decline in revenue and a pronounced threat to job security. Despite implementing various response measures and strategies, guesthouses were somewhat concerned about the future of their businesses due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. This research can assist in developing intervention measures to support guesthouses in addressing the economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical analysis of entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes and perceptions of young South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal province
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Positive entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes and perceptions among the communities, with specific reference to young South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal province, can improve the lives of many young people and alleviate poverty and unemployment challenges in the province. This paper intends to analyze the entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes and perceptions of young South Africans, in addition to which it will also analyze the most critical factors affecting young South Africans when embarking into business. Primary data were collected by means of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected in eThekweni Municipal areas. The sample consisted of 350 young South Africans between the ages of 18-35, both those who are working, as well as those who are unemployed, with or without tertiary qualifications. Respondents completed a five–point, Likert scale questionnaire, with the assistance of an interviewer. The results disclose that the large number of respondents indicate bank requirements to obtain a loan and financial support as major barriers to starting a business. The findings further indicate start-up capital as another constraint that demoralizes, quelling the entrepreneurial spirit among the young. The results found to be statistical significant at (p = .000*). Further research should aim to examine youth entrepreneurial training programs and entrepreneurial support skills.
Customer’s perception towards product quality of automotive SMEs operating in Metropolitan areas, and consideration of environmental impact
(Business Perspectives, 2017-04-08) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Dlamini, Henry Lucky
This paper examines customer’s perception towards product quality of automotive SMEs operating in the Durban metropolitan areas and identifies how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa (SA) contribute significantly to job creation, wealth, social stability, economic growth and reduction of poverty. Product quality of automotive SMEs requires serious attention, as it can have ecological environmental impact leading to the negative economic growth contributed by the industry. The study is aimed to understand the factors affecting automotive SMEs in order to help entrepreneurs to improve product quality and examining the customer’s perception towards product quality. The sample size of the study was 120 SMEs selected using convenience sampling with respondents completing the questionnaire. A combined method of both quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed, while the analysis of data was done using the Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 23.0. The findings of the study revealed that lack of managerial skills and development negatively compromises product quality of the automotive sector. Also the results indicate that the absence of financial support from financial institutions delays the improvement of stock in the business, as this is an obstacle resulting in the unsustainability of the SMEs. Further research with larger samples and the consideration of other cities is recommended.
Determinants of income in the informal sector : a case of selected slums in Ghana
(2019-12-01) Zogli, Luther-King Junior; Lawa, Emmanuel; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
This paper investigates the determinants of income earned in two informal slum economies in Ghana, using OLS regression analysis. Amongst factors, operator’s social networks, locus of control, type of economic activity, educational level, age of business and labour size, it was found that labour size was the main determinant of average daily income in slum activities in Ghana, with a 25% increase in average daily income for every extra person employed. Also, an extra year of experience in running the same business increases income by 10%. This reflects that, a slum operator’s continuous operation (learning and earning by doing) over the years, helps to augment income. An extra year of formal education on the other hand only increases daily income by 1%.
The development of a public optometry system in Mozambique: a cost benefit analysis
(BioMed Central, 2014) Thompson, Stephen; Naidoo, Kovin; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas; Bilotto, Luigi; Ferrão, Jorge; Loughman, James
Background: The economic burden of uncorrected refractive error (URE) is thought to be high in Mozambique, largely as a consequence of the lack of resources and systems to tackle this largely avoidable problem. The Mozambique Eyecare Project (MEP) has established the first optometry training and human resource deployment initiative to address the burden of URE in Lusophone Africa. The nature of the MEP programme provides the opportunity to determine, using Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), whether investing in the establishment and delivery of a comprehensive system for optometry human resource development and public sector deployment is economically justifiable for Lusophone Africa. Methods: A CBA methodology was applied across the period 2009–2049. Costs associated with establishing and operating a school of optometry, and a programme to address uncorrected refractive error, were included. Benefits were calculated using a human capital approach to valuing sight. Disability weightings from the Global Burden of Disease study were applied. Costs were subtracted from benefits to provide the net societal benefit, which was discounted to provide the net present value using a 3% discount rate. Results: Using the most recently published disability weightings, the potential exists, through the correction of URE in 24.3 million potentially economically productive persons, to achieve a net present value societal benefit of up to $1.1 billion by 2049, at a Benefit-Cost ratio of 14:1. When CBA assumptions are varied as part of the sensitivity analysis, the results suggest the societal benefit could lie in the range of $649 million to $9.6 billion by 2049. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a programme designed to address the burden of refractive error in Mozambique is economically justifiable in terms of the increased productivity that would result due to its implementation.
Dividing the spoils? Mining and tourism in South Africa
(MCSER Publishing, 2014-01) Giampiccoli, Andrea; Mtapuri, Oliver
This article looks at the mining and tourism sectors through the prisms of a society still attempting to redress the evils of the apartheid past. In so doing, it provides a typology of the dominant characteristics active in both sectors to upack the structural factors which oppress the precariats in these sectors. Precariats are the employees in a precarious situation in these sectors trying to eke out a living under extermely difficult working conditions. From the analysis, the common denominator in the two sectors is the low ‘slavery’ wages. The poor has not benefited materially from economic growth such that unemployment, poverty and inequality still remain as the country’s major challenges. The Black Economic Empowerment policy has been found wanting in empowering previously disadvantaged groups due partly to the co-option of black elites by white capital resulting in the maintenance of the pre-1994 concentration patterns. This article advocates a paradigm shift towards a system in which redistributive justice should be instituted, including a balanced distribution of power/control, resources, knowledge, capacities and benefits in these sectors for the benefit of all.
Dividing the spoils? mining and tourism in South Africa
(MCSER Publishing, 2014-01) Giampiccoli, Andrea; Mtapuri, Oliver
This article looks at the mining and tourism sectors through the prisms of a society still attempting to redress the evils of the apartheid past. In so doing, it provides a typology of the dominant characteristics active in both sectors to upack the structural factors which oppress the precariats in these sectors. Precariats are the employees in a precarious situation in these sectors trying to eke out a living under extermely difficult working conditions. From the analysis, the common denominator in the two sectors is the low ‘slavery’ wages. The poor has not benefited materially from economic growth such that unemployment, poverty and inequality still remain as the country’s major challenges. The Black Economic Empowerment policy has been found wanting in empowering previously disadvantaged groups due partly to the co-option of black elites by white capital resulting in the maintenance of the pre-1994 concentration patterns. This article advocates a paradigm shift towards a system in which redistributive justice should be instituted, including a balanced distribution of power/control, resources, knowledge, capacities and benefits in these sectors for the benefit of all.
Eco-labels in the tourism sector in South Africa : benefits and barriers
(AFRICAJOURNALS, 2020-01-01) Sucheran, Reshma; Arulappan, Lucinda
The considerable increase in tourism activities over the years equates to notable economic and social benefits. Patent as one of the most emergent sectors of the global economy, the degree and prospect of tourism growth, however, raises concerns on its negative environmental and social impacts. Conserving these environments is of utmost importance as damage to environmental quality can eventually destroy the tourism industry. The launch of eco-labels to environmentally vulnerable tourism organizations and destinations is presently being implemented in many countries in an effort to protect the natural and socio-cultural resources of a destination. A number of eco-labels exist within the tourism industry in South Africa. These eco-labels are anticipated to have a profound effect on the contribution towards sustainable tourism within the country as these are considered to be highly compatible with sustainable tourism initiatives. This study provides an overview of eco-labels in South Africa and examines the benefits and barriers associated with eco-label certification. A quantitative research approach was used, and the data was collected utilizing an online questionnaire. A census sampling approach was used to target 104 tourism businesses in South Africa that have eco-label certification. The key eco-labels targeted in the study were the Blue Flag, Fair Trade in Tourism, Heritage Environmental Management Company, and GreenLine - certified by Heritage. The study revealed that tourism businesses in South Africa do experience several benefits through eco-label certification. However, businesses also encounter many barriers with eco-label certification in terms of high costs associated with being certified, the lack of general public awareness regarding eco-labels and the absence of government support. Consequently, cost reduction, promotion of public awareness as well as government support are the main areas of improvement suggested by tourism establishments with regards to eco-labels.
Economic conditions that leads to illegal electricity connections at Quarry Road Informal Settlement in South Africa
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022) Geyevu, Mawuena; Mbandlwa, Zamokuhle
Crime statistics in South Africa seems to increase every year. Illegal electricity connection is considered a crime and a punishable offence. Crime can be caused by different aspects, e.g. poverty, drug abuse and alcohol abuse. Unemployment seems to be the leading cause of crime which may indirectly lead to poverty. Unemployment rate has gone up and people are looking for alternative solutions to support themselves and their families. Unemployment is one of the reason stated by people who illegally connect electricity. The illegal connection of electricity can be categorized into two groups. The first group is the group of people that utilize illegally connected electricity because they claim not to afford to pay for the electricity. The second group is the group of people who illegally connect electricity as a form of employment and illegally connect electricity for community members for a specific amount of money as remuneration. The study investigated illegal electricity connections in Quarry Informal Settlements. The main objective of this study was to explore the reason of illegal electricity connections in informal settlements focusing on Quarry Informal Settlement. Illegal electricity connections are lethal and the residents of Quarry Informal Settlements are aware of these consequences yet they seem to have no other alternatives to connecting electricity and no intervention from the municipality. Findings of this study also revealed that connecting electricity in Quarry Road Informal Settlement has since become a norm. It has since become an acceptable act to connect electricity illegally. A minority bought their houses with an already installed illegal connection while most have become accustomed to this act.