Research Publications (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217
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Item Information and communication technology as a blended-learning tool for sustainable development for university students(Ponte Academic Journal, 2023-01) Kayode, Aderinsola Eunice; Linda, LingalisoThe integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a blended-learning tool into traditional classroom-based teaching and learning has been shown to improve students' academic performance at globe and is essential to economic development. These claims were investigated in a sample of undergraduate students at the faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Based on the goals of the research, a purposeful sample of students was chosen. It used a mixed-method survey design. A total of 117 students completed the online survey (quantitative component); while a focus group interview with 4 students (qualitative component) was conducted. The findings showed significant barriers to, and affordances of, the use of ICT as a blended-learning tool. In addition, the study discusses student access to ICT devices and internet facilities on campus, student proficiency in using these devices and facilities, and the impact these have on students’ academic activities. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are discussed in the context of graduate career opportunities and national economic sustainable developmentItem Towards developing a sustainability assessment framework for buildings in Uganda : a literature review(2023-08-29) Semanda, Julius; Moyo, Sibusiso; Chikafalimani, Samuel Herald Peter; Kibwani, NathanThe construction sector is one of the main contributors to sustainable development, and its importance in encouraging environmental protection, economic growth, and social advancement is undeniable. The present study reviewed existing literature to help develop a framework for assessing the sustainability of buildings in Uganda. To develop the framework, indicators were needed, therefore, sustainability indicators from the main sustainability rating tools like BREEAM, LEED, CASBEE, Green Star and IGBC, and the various journals were established. A systematic literature review of accessible literature was the research approach used. Inadequate public education and awareness, construction process technicalities, higher costs of sustainable building processes and materials, bureaucracy processes, unfamiliarity with sustainable technology, and lack of sustainable product information, were singled out as the main challenges for implementing sustainability processes in developing countries coupled with regional differences in local conditions, policies, and regulations in different countries. Embracing and implementing sustainability practices offers protection of air, water, land, and ecosystems, promotes harmony among people and between humanity and nature, and improves economic growth. Since no sustainability assessment tool/framework of buildings exists in Uganda, the study aims to establish one, to be able to foster sustainability practices. However, establishing policies, regulations, incentives, awareness, and industry support are important to promote sustainability in Uganda.Item Cluster methodology : the strategy for sustainable local development in the rural communities of South Africa(2023-05-16) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniRural 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.Item Factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products : a comparative analysis of Germany and South Africa(Wiley, 2023-01-27) Dobbelstein, Thomas; Lochner, KarinaDue to an increasing demand, companies have started producing recycled products. However, little is known about the specific purchase behavior. Hence, this study ana lyses the factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products including differ ences related to different types of products and between Germany and South Africa. A quantitative study in Germany (n = 603) and South Africa (n = 692). shows that purchase intention is significantly higher in South Africa. The influencing factors (indi vidual, product, and context related constructs) are the same in both countries, but they differ regarding their strength. Thus, the factor “attitude/environmental con cern” has the strongest influence in South Africa, while it is “value/accessibility” in Germany. Furthermore, purchase intention for mobile phones is generally smaller than for t-shirts and toilet paper. Purchase intention for recycled t-shirts is signifi cantly higher in South Africa than in Germany.Item 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 DumisaniThe 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.Item Participatory approach and good governance : the Alpha and Omega of sustainable local development in South Africa(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniThis paper assesses the significance for good governance of inclusiveness through participatory processes in rural communities. It describes the importance of a participatory approach as a means for sustainable development, an approach that has exerted an increasing influence upon the conduct of local, national and international public administration. Similarly, sustainable development exhibits a fundamental contemporary expression of the commitment towards humankind, enabling them to develop economically while improving or maintaining their wellbeing. Over time, it has as its principal objective the integration of social considerations in economic development. The constructs for a participatory approach and sustainable development are discussed in this paper. These constructs are considered as essential considerations for rural development in South Africa. Rural communities are said to be unproductive and passive, hence the level of underdevelopment. Their contribution does not have an economic value and cannot be counted in hard currency. Resources developed through rural initiatives are not utilised for the betterment of the rural communities. Hence, there is a gap between what the rural communities understand as development compared with those who facilitate the developmentItem Sustainable development : local economic growth strategy post- Covid-19 in South Africa(Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors, 2020) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniThe local economic challenges facing South Africa, so far, have been addressed by the introduction of policies. Hence, there are major policy reforms that have taken place pre- Covid-19 era, including the protection of rural producers, consumers and the markets. However, the spread of COVID-19 novel coronavirus around in 2020 was fast and dramatic. With the death toll experienced by various countries around the world, the effect had tremendous impact on the general economy and local communities in rural areas (in specific). The economic effects were also exacerbated by emergency strategies (like lockdowns) by different countries around the world. Nonetheless, it has been established that rural institutions are viewed as having a potential role in rural poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Hence, the enforcement of local institutions in rural areas and capacity building as fundamental elements of strategies for rural poverty alleviation are necessary. Local economic growth, as a poverty alleviation strategy, is a people-centred process and circumstance specific. Common parameters for such growth include improved health facilities, infrastructure services, sanitation facilities, and educational services. Other than the above parameters for local and sustainable development, local communities have vast indigenous knowledge that can be used to facilitate sustainable development. This knowledge is not fully utilised due to a lack of complementary institutions and facilities that enable people to improve productivity and sustainability. It is essential for development practitioners and policy makers to facilitate the dissemination of this local knowledge to enable sharing amongst community members, rather than spend scarce resources in bringing in more new knowledge and information that will not benefit the local community for sustainable development. This study assesses the influence of sustainable development on local economic growth in South Africa. It establishes the suitability of sustainable development as a strategy for local economic growth for South Africa.Item Perceptions and attitudes of the community towards impacts and sustainable development: The Case Study of eMpophomeni in Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)(Business Perspectives, 2015) Chili, Nsizwazikhona SimonThe study examines perceptions and attitudes of the community towards the impact of tourism and its sustainability as it is perceived as an alternative developmental philosophy that can serve as a panacea to alleviate poverty from communities. Social exchange theory is used to achieve the aforementioned. Since the role of residents is crucial within the sustainability paradigm, it is therefore important that their perceptions and attitudes on tourism impact towards sustainable development are understood and assessed. The study investigates and examines a range of variables involved in determining township community attitudes and perceptions towards tourism impact on development and sustainability and as a result social exchange theory is used. Literature is comprehensively reviewed on resident attitudes and perceptions towards tourism impact and sustainable development and social exchange theory are used in determining the above regarding variables involved. The findings reveal that negative perceptions of residents on tourism impact in the township of eMpophomeni offset positive outcomes. The study also reveals that long-term planning as a component of sustainable tourism, full community participation and environmental sustainability within tourism are inextricably linked and related to support for tourism and to the positive impacts of tourism.