Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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Addressing bullying at a boy’s high school in Durban
(2023-04) Naidoo, Meedhaloshnie Ragoobathie; Hamlall, Vijay
This study aimed to explore the current status of bullying at a boys’ high school in urban KZN and the experiences and perceptions of bullying among the learners of this single sex, multicultural, multiracial school. The objective of the study was to investigate the nature, causes and consequences of bullying in this particular school. This study further proposed and implemented interventions that served to address bullying behaviour at the school. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods to answer the research questions. A participatory action research approach was used to conduct this study. The data collection methods were semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The non-purposive sampling method was used to select the target population, which consisted of five learners from the boarding establishment (a hostel for learners who choose to stay at school during the school term) and five from the day’ boys. Three educators were also interviewed: two males and one female. In total, this study comprised 13 participants. The data gathered from the interviews and focus group discussions with both the learners and educators indicated that bullying was highly prevalent at the school. Forms of both direct and indirect bullying were evident at the school. Direct bullying was both verbal and physical. Physical bullying took place more covertly in the form of boys using their body strength and size to punish and dominate the weaker boys. A considerable amount of verbal bullying took place at the school. This included acts of harassment, teasing, name-calling and ridiculing. Indirect bullying in the form of social exclusion involving ostracism, and the spread of rumours or gossip was also rife. Both forms of bullying targeted personal characteristics and generally constituted attacks on sexuality and appearance. The underlying themes for the causes of bullying behaviour were identified as boys subscribing to hegemonic forms of masculinity, power-seeking and peer expectation. Being in an environment in which there are predominantly male influences, the boys were expected to act like ‘real men’. They wanted to feel powerful and dominate the so called ‘weaker’ boys. This increased their social status in the eyes of their peers. Data generated from the interviews indicated that the consequences of bullying behaviour resulted in the victim experiencing a poor self-image and low self-esteem. Avoidance and absence from school, seclusion and isolation and an increase in violent behaviour were identified as major outcomes of being bullied. Participatory action was used to plan and implement an intervention programme for the whole school to tackle bullying. The aim was to create a safe, positive learning environment for the learners. The short-term outcomes of the programme were evaluated. The study recommends that it is imperative that the seriousness of bullying be recognised by all stakeholders in the school community for appropriate and effective measures to be implemented to reduce bullying in schools. It is not uncommon for school stakeholders to trivialise bullying that takes place in their schools. Many hold the view that bullying is part of growing up (e.g., boys will be boys) and should not be made an issue. Greater awareness of the problem of school bullying is required and a focus on prevention would ensure that schools create safer and more harmonious learning environments
Adoption of social media for effective marketing by micro-hospitality businesses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2022) Nkosana, Tenson; Mnguni, Erasmus M.; Skinner, Jane Phyllida
The rise in popularity of social media as a marketing instrument has fundamentally changed the way in which small to medium enterprises, and small hospitality businesses in particular, interact with their clientele, especially in marketing their products and services. These small hospitality establishments (formal accommodation, guest accommodation, game lodges, events centres, restaurants and support services) have been influenced by social media and are compelled to adopt these platforms for effective marketing to keep pace with modern dynamics in tourist behaviour. The literature indicates that social media marketing in general has gained significant momentum across all sectors, with micro-hospitality establishments having embraced it fully in more economically developed countries. Although prior studies indicate that social media, with a particular reference to travel review sites such as TripAdvisor, are now regarded as the major sources of reliable travel information for tourists, as well as influencing their decisionmaking processes, evidence from the literature shows that there is limited industry-specific research into the adoption and utilisation of social media for marketing regarding small hospitality establishments in the context of a less economically developed country, and this is at a time when these establishments are struggling to survive and to regain their market share due to recent and ongoing travel restrictions. Research in this area is limited. This research was conducted to address this gap. The main aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social media as a marketing strategy taking small hospitality establishments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as a case study. To achieve this, a review of literature provided insights into social media adoption for marketing, backed by relevant theoretical frameworks and specifically the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2). For data collection, both electronic and hand-delivered questionnaires were distributed to micro-hospitality establishments in KZN. Telephonic and live interviews as well as observations were also conducted with fifteen small hospitality establishments. A total of 70 respondents we engaged for this study through interviews, observations and questionnaires. The results from the study revealed that although social media marketing has been adopted extensively by small hospitality establishments in KZN, its effectiveness as a marketing strategy is not uniform across establishments and cannot be generalized. Empirical results further revealed that these establishments were not being systematic in the utilization of social media marketing, that other marketing strategies were sometimes as effective in this context and that some were failing to optimise the opportunities that exist. The major challenges highlighted by most small hospitality establishments were: lack of adequate funding, lack of specialized human resources, and the difficulty of measuring the actual impact of social media adoption. The conclusion drawn from the above empirical evidence and from the literature is that social media marketing is not an all-round strategy for effective marketing particularly for small establishments in a rural setting who are competing with hotel chains and franchises in urban areas. It is however the most significant marketing tool. It was therefore concluded that a combination of social media marketing, star grading and other informal means of assuring service quality, along with a clear marketing strategy adapted to the needs of the individual establishment, could provide the optimal matrix for effective marketing of small hospitality establishments in the context of a developing country. This study contributed in two ways: firstly, the research addresses the gap identified in the literature by providing evidence on the relative effectiveness of social media for marketing by small hospitality establishments in the context of a less economically developed country and, secondly, a social media marketing framework was proposed based on the evidence of shortcomings in marketing strategies by this group, highlighted by this study.
Advancing peace building programs to counter violent extremism messaging in Sidi Moumen District, Morocco
(2023) Khebbaz, Soufiane; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
Digital platforms and communication tools have transformed the way we seek information and interact with others. Extremist groups are effectively using media to spread their ideas, propagate hate, and mobilize youth. This research examines the role of new media in countering violent extremism, preventing youth radicalization and fashioning political and religious discourse throughout the implementation of the “Youth Leaders for Peace” project. Youth from marginalized urban areas of Casablanca in Morocco were engaged in a participatory action research utilizing the power of new media and technology to build peace, deliver impactful messages, and influence positive change in both online and offline spaces. They worked with civil society organizations to identify, engage, and explore issues critical to the effective use of new media to enhance youth participation in political and civic life in their community. Activities were designed and implemented to encourage marginalized urban youth to participate constructively in countering violent extremism using dialogues about the principles and mechanisms of democracy, civic engagement, political participation, peaceful coexistence, and constructive conflict resolution.
Analysing consumer product preferences for selected hedonic and utilitarian shopping goods in Durban
(2019) Kamwendo, Andrew Ronald; Maharaj, Mandusha
The retailing environment has shown that consumer purchases are dependent upon the consideration and subsequent evaluation of product attributes. As such, retailers have sought to investigate the sales affinities that exist between products. Given that consumer purchases are goal driven, researchers have investigated consumer purchases for goal derived product categories (utilitarian and hedonic products). The aim of this study was to investigate product attribute preferences for the establishment of a consideration set of selected hedonic and utilitarian cross-category shopping products in Durban. The quantitative study design based on a cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in two sequential phases. The study population consisted of consumers within the city of Durban. The study sample of 444 students selected from the Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Phase one of the study sample consisted of 231 respondents while Phase two sample was 213 respondents. Research respondents were chosen using convenience sampling. Quota sampling was also used to select respondent belonging to four generational groups. Respondents were purposely selected based on their capacity to give meaningful information relevant to the study. Two separate, self- developed instruments were used in each phase. The Cronbach alpha test was conducted to test for reliability of the first instrument. The results indicated acceptable, consistent scoring patterns for the sections of the research instrument. Respondents rated the importance of skincare and clothing detergent product attributes during the first phase. The findings of phase one of the study revealed that respondents classified skincare and clothing detergent products as slightly and moderately utilitarian, respectively. The study also revealed that the consideration of clothing detergents and skincare products is predominantly utilitarian in nature. No significant differences were found in the respondents rating of skincare and clothing detergent attributes. Product attributes valued by the consumer were found to be important to the consideration of clothing detergent and skincare product categories. The findings from the first phase of the study were used to develop questions used in the second phase of the study. Through the use of conjoint analysis techniques, skincare and clothing detergent product profiles were identified and ranked by respondents in their order of preferences. Pearson’s and Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient was used to validate the findings of phase two. Phase two of the study revealed that for clothing detergent products, product form is the most important attribute followed by product effectiveness. It is important to note that significant differences were found in the respondent's preferences for product attributes in terms of the respondent's demographics. For clothing detergents, significant differences were found in terms of respondents preferences for the price, scent, size and product form of clothing detergents. For skincare products, durability was the most important attributes followed by the brand of skincare products. In terms of demographics, significant differences were also found in the respondents preferences for skincare product attributes. The findings of the study are limited due to the low response rate among older respondents. Sampled respondents do not represent the population distribution in the city of Durban. The majority of respondents were unemployed students, therefore the findings of the study cannot be generalised. The findings of the study may also be limited due to the broad nature of the purchasing goals as well as the product categories. Consequently, generalised product attribute preferences were obtained. Therefore, future studies may benefit from narrowing the development of narrow purchasing goals and investigating subcategories. This study is the first to use conjoint analysis techniques to measure product category attribute preferences in South Africa. The study enhances to the existing body of knowledge in the South African retailing and marketing environment. The study has produced theoretical and practical contributions to the management of product categories offered by retailers. Moreover, the model proposed by the study simplifies the category management process enabling a retailer to simplify the investigation of consumer category preferences. Future studies should also test the model using other product categories and a larger population sample.
Analysing rural tourism motivation factors and ICT adoption with specific reference to Malealea Lodge in Lesotho
(2015) Tsephe, Neo Puleng; Mnguni, Erasmus M.; Eyono Obono, Seraphin Desire
Tourism can be classified either as urban tourism or as rural tourism, and it is one of the fastest growing industries globally. Rural tourism is usually associated with rural development because it has strong linkages to rural resources; but it remains underdeveloped compared to urban tourism. This underdevelopment of rural tourism serves as a motivation for this study whose aim is to examine the factors affecting the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists especially in this digital world where Information Communication and Technology (ICTs) is pervasive. In fact, ICT has transformed the travel industry in a remarkable way. The objectives of this study were: I) to select suitable theories that can explain the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; ii) to design a conceptual model of the factors affecting the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; iii) to empirically test the planned conceptual model of the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists, and, iv) to recommend measures to be taken for the improvement of the satisfaction levels of rural tourists to the point where they can significantly contribute to the full development of rural tourism. These objectives were achieved using content analysis of existing literature on rural tourism satisfaction and through a survey of tourists from the Malealea Lodge which is located in the Mafeteng District, in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The results of this study are the following: I) the push and pull motivation theory was selected to explain the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; ii) rural tourism demographics, their push and pull motivation, and their level of ICT adoption were hypothesized as the factors that affect tourists satisfaction with their rural tourism experiences; iii) the satisfaction of rural tourists with their rural tourism experience is affected by their occupations (demographic factor), by their level of ICT adoption, and by their pull motivation; and this satisfaction is not affected by other demographic attributes nor by the push motivation of rural tourists; iv) it is recommended that rural tourism marketing be increased in order to attract clients from other regions besides Africa and Europe and other age groups apart from young Africans which were found by xiii this study to be the biggest rural tourism clientele group, and that peace and security be maintained in rural tourism destinations as these two attributes were found to have an effect on the perceived satisfaction of rural tourism. Finally, more research should be conducted on the effect of ICT adoption on rural tourism satisfaction.
An analysis of attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of water use within urban households in the city of Durban
(2023) Banoo, Ismail; Dorasamy, Nirmala
South Africa is facing increasing water demands to meet the needs of a rapidly growing and urbanising population, including an urgent need for sustained economic growth. At the same time, climate change is driving the country towards a warmer and drier climatic future, with predicted longer droughts and intense floods. Climate change will result in reduced water availability to meet South Africa’s water demands of the future. This study addresses the urban water demand management challenge by focussing on the attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of urban households towards their water consumption, in a search for ways in which domestic demand for water may be substantially reduced. The analysis reflects the attitudes and perceptions of City of Durban urban dwellers in a period when water use restrictions are common across the country. Several national, provincial and local government calls have been made for immediate researched solutions for reducing urban water demand in South Africa (SA). The research study has brought to fore the complexity of competing forces shaping water demand and water use in the context of the socio-demographic composition of households living within different kinds of dwellings, as well as cultural, behavioural and attitudinal aspects of water consumption in City of Durban. In so doing, it aimed to inform public management policy and planning on effective ways to reduce water consumption and identify alternative and complimentary solutions towards effective water demand management. The essential questions the research addressed was to what extent do two key dimensions of urban structure - built form and the socio-behavioural characteristics of household behaviour, influence the pattern of water consumption across the Durban metropolitan area. Additionally, the study also investigated the extent to which people understood water-saving as an environmental concept and the need to conserve the natural resource, including what urban water users believed were the most effective water-saving habits, technology interventions and communication methods with water services authorities.
Analysis of the perceptions of crime against tourists in Florida Road, Durban
(2018) Phori, Madiseng Messiah; Mbali, Charlotte
The goal of this study was to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road in Durban. According to Visser and Rogerson (2004 cited in Goerge and Booyens 2014: 450), although South Africa has been classified as a relatively safe tourist destination, high levels of crime threaten the country’s tourism growth prospects. Crime Stats Simplified (2014) indicates that Durban central is one of the top ten worst precincts in South Africa with high crime rate at 10.9% after Mitchells Plain and Cape Town Central with 17% and 12.2% respectively. Therefore the study focused at the Florida Road since Durban has been a destination of choice for many visitors (Durban Experience 2015), with the aim of analysing the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road. Safety and security are regarded as pillars for tourism growth and destination competitiveness. The main objectives of this research were; to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists in Florida Road; to determine whether the stakeholders such as police and businesses are doing anything to tackle the issues of crime against tourists; to investigate the stakeholders’ observation about behaviour of tourists in general in relation to safety and security in the area; to what extent does crime affects restaurant businesses that are serving tourists in the area; to make recommendations to what further can be done to prevent crimes against tourists in Florida Road and the province at large. The triangulation methodology was used by employing both quantitative and qualitative methods through descriptive research approach by means of self- administered questionnaires with 42 hospitality workers, UIP security guards & taxi drivers and 10 law-enforcement agencies and interviews and focus group discussions with 5 key informants respectively. The data collected was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] and NVivo software programmes. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and a thematic analysis. There is a perception that the number of tourists has decreased in the last three years due to the crime and the area is currently experiencing high level of theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles. There was a perception of safety and poor visitor experience due to vagrants who poses as car guards to commit crimes. There is a perception that visitors do not make return visits once they become victims of crime and some businesses do closes down or relocate, it is also perceived that businesses experience financial losses due to crime in the study area.
An analysis of the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements : a case of Mount Moriah
(2020-01) Govender, Lydia Trisha; Msweli, Pumela
Apartheid left a legacy of extreme poverty, high levels of unemployment, and have marred the housing context in the country. This makes South Africa a unique landscape for quality of life research. The aim of quality of life research is to advance human and social development to improve quality of life and standards of living. The aim of this study is to analyse the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, lowcost housing settlements, through a case study of Mount Moriah in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The study analysed how the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing project improved the quality of life of RDP beneficiaries. The study utilised a quantitative methodology approach. The quantitative design took the form of a questionnaire with close-ended questions and served as an instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the housing beneficiaries in the Mount Moriah housing project. A total of 110 participants responded to the questionnaire. The data was analysed using the SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency, percentage, bar and pie charts were utilised, and inferential statistics such as chi-square test was employed. The findings showed that there were more female-headed households than males; and that the majority of the beneficiaries were Blacks. The findings also showed that unemployment rates and level of crime was high and the majority of the respondents earned below the upper bound poverty line. On the basis of the findings of this study, it is recommended that government implements and promotes socio-economic opportunities and programmes to promote quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements.
The application of space technology and the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality
(2023-04) Mokgobu, Matlou Lesley; Mason, Roger Bruce
The installation of water infrastructure in cities poses a challenge to communities, municipalities, and installation contractors. These challenges range from the inaccessibility of streets, the community’s limited access to homes, traffic jams, deep trenches with few or no barricades, leaking water pipes, water supply cut-offs, electricity supply cut-offs, vandalism, and theft of water pipes and accessories. The research problem, therefore, revolves around a better understanding of these water infrastructural problems, how to mitigate such problems caused by inadequate planning, leading, organising, controlling, and coordination by management, arising from various technical aspects of water infrastructure. The need for this study arises from the inconvenience and dangers experienced by communities with heaps of materials lying around causing disturbances to traffic flow, open hazardous trenches becoming dangerous to children playing in their vicinity, vehicle accidents because of the trenches, and damaged kerbs. The study aimed to investigate the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality to find possible ways to resolve such challenges with the help of space technology. The study achieved the objectives, namely, to identify the challenges experienced by the municipality during and after the installation of water infrastructure; to rank the importance of the experienced challenges; to explore the root causes of the challenges experienced during the installation of water infrastructure; to identify how space technology can help with the management of water infrastructure; to develop a framework of the challenges and the causes; and, to explore water management strategies with the effort of finding possible ways to resolve the challenges. The study was exploratory and applied mixed methods research methodology. Data was collected via a survey (402 City of Tshwane residents), in-depth interviews (20 City of Tshwane managers of the Water Division), and two focus groups (7 participants per group of City of Tshwane contractor managers and contractor employees) through the convergent parallel design method. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 27), and the qualitative data was analysed using NVivo version 27, charts, tables, and themes. The results from the three sets of participants indicated multiple challenges related to skills deficits, management deficits, political interference, and inexperienced staff in the water infrastructure division. The findings indicated knowledge, ability and performance gaps in human resources, management, technical skills, financial management, socio-politics, and legal frameworks. The study contributed new knowledge to systems theory regarding the policies, systems, installation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and communication, and these aspects are supported by the findings. The application of space technology on a large scale can help the City of Tshwane fight criminal acts of vandalism and theft of infrastructure. This study found that space technology is still in its infancy in the city, and that the application of this technology requires an elevated level of education, experience and specialised technical skills to operate. This study recommended extensive investment in space technology. The study further recommended that the City of Tshwane improve human resources, training, culture, finance, operations, and control measures. The study recommended further research on the proper use of funds, the causes of community violence against the contractors doing maintenance, investigation of the delays in the procurement of services, turnaround time for the various water infrastructure activities, relationship management between the city employees and the contractors, the impact of lack of reporting by the managers and employees to the superiors in the water infrastructure division, and clearer definition of roles between municipal employees and politicians. More academic research into water infrastructure, based on the use of and relationship between water infrastructure and space technology, is warranted.
An appraisal of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the tourism industry in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(2020-05) Doncabe, Thembeka; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of the study is to assess current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities employed across the tourism industry in Durban, with the primary objective of the study to examine the extent to which the tourism industry in Durban engages in CSR activities. CSR is an important part of sustainable development and should be merged with company values, described as comprising of human rights, monitoring, stakeholders’ rights and employee rights. In South Africa (SA), CSR has been evident for a number of years, with its nature and context shaped by apartheid. With tourism being part of the service industry, it is of great importance that these stakeholders are put at the forefront. Globalisation pressure and the increasing burden on governments to provide comprehensive social services has resulted in the need to better understand how organisations play a role in sharing these burdens. The city of Durban has an extensive tourism and hospitality industry that grows continuously annually and as such, industry players should initiate and participate in CSR programmes. Global changes with travellers and the industry are greatly influencing the implementation of CSR in Durban. Study findings are based on a sample of 96 respondents, with a response rate of 76 percent for the selfadministered questionnaire employed for data collection from 4-and 5-star accommodation establishments in Durban, as well as domestic airlines that service KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Results suggest the Durban tourism and hospitality industry is fairly involved in CSR, with a few exceptions. Nonetheless, many respondents indicated challenges they face in CSR initiative implementation, including the lack of assistance from organisations that drive tourism. They believe further training on CSR implementation and support would greatly influence levels of CSR implementation. The findings in this study reveal that environmental impact measures and or activities are at the forefront of CSR activities for both airlines and the hotel sector. Activities with the environmental impact measures include minimising energy consumption, such as using energy saving globes and solar panels, waste minimisation, waste recycling, and protection of the natural environment. Findings derived from the study will unveil more opportunity regarding CSR in Durban and will inform those organisations involved in tourism promotion and development to act accordingly in assisting industry participants.
Assessing the effectiveness of housing reconstruction and rehabilitation measures for disaster affected communities in KZN (uThukela District Municipality)
(2021) Phungula, Kwethemba Innocent; Reddy, Maliga
South Africa is experiencing the realities of climate change with the increasing intensity of disasters causing devastating impact to infrastructure, houses, roads and schools. Post disaster housing rehabilitation and reconstruction is one of the most challenging tasks confronting decision makers and disaster management practitioners in disaster affected areas and remains an under studied area. This triggered the interest of the researcher to understand the impact of the phenomenon and how communities recover from disasters. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of housing reconstruction and rehabilitation measures for disaster affected communities in KZN. The location of the study was Tholeni area in Alfred Duma Local Municipality, within uThukela District Municipality, because this area is highly vulnerable to natural hazards. This study used the philosophical worldview of pragmatism; a mixed research approach to solicit views, experiences and perspectives of affected communities, Disaster Management Practitioners and officials from Department of Human Settlements was used. Data was obtained through questionnaires and interviews. In order to achieve this, purposive sampling method was used as it helped to purposely select disaster management practitioners and officials from the Department of Human Settlements who could provide sufficient data for the purposes of completing the study. Descriptive statistical and content analysis was conducted from the analysis of emergent data. The qualitative results were triangulated to further test validity of empirical results. Data collected was computed by means of excel spread sheets and results were presented in the form of bar graphs, tables with descriptive analysis. The findings of the study showed that the affected communities were not satisfied with housing assistance post-disaster incidents. The findings sited that assistance takes longer and in some instance does not reach all affected communities. The other finding from affected communities was that government does not provide feedback to give an update of post disaster interventions. Findings from disaster management practitioners highlighted capacity constraints, poor planning, inadequate budget, and lack of close monitoring, which have a direct effect on delivery of houses post-disaster incidents. Findings from officials from the Department of Human Settlements sited long processes of verification of damages by National Disaster Management Centre and delays with approvals of disaster funding allocation by National Treasury which affects effective delivery of post-disaster housing. The other finding was the issue of inadequate internal budget and low level of preparedness by the Department of Human Settlements. The shortcomings were evident, including the existence of plans and policies exclusive of post-disaster housing information and linked to poor monitoring and coordination of projects by the Department of Human Settlements. The study proposed a guiding framework for post-disaster housing rehabilitation and reconstruction and also offered a number of recommendations that can assist the Department of Human Settlements and Municipalities to enhance disaster response and recovery. This includes recommendations to develop or review post-disaster housing policy in order to address some of the challenges which emerged from the study. The Department of Human Settlements, working with municipalities, should prioritise the land tenure security for affected communities in order to fast track post-disaster housing interventions.
An assessment of the contribution of corporate social responsibility practices on sustainable community development in the Zimbabwe mining sector : a case study of Zimplats
(2023) Muhwava, Christopher; Rampersad, Renitha
The goal of this study was to determine how Zimplats' corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices contribute to sustainable development (SD) in the Mhondoro Ngezi district. The study further aimed to assess Zimplats’ CSR policies with regards to sustainable development. This study used a sample of 384 people from the Mhondoro Ngezi district, and a qualitative and quantitative data collection approach was used to attain these goals. The study sample included members of the Mhondoro Ngezi community with CSR knowledge and employees of Zimplats. The study reviewed literature and theories within Zimbabwe, South Africa and internationally that were essential to CSR and sustainable development (SD). The research assessed the impact of CSR practices on sustainable development of communities within the Zimplats’ operational environment. The study therefore sought to establish the sustainability of CSR as an instrument of addressing the challenges being faced by communities adjacent to the company operations. A correlation test aided in the analysis of the data findings so that relevant conclusions could be drawn. The results revealed that Zimplats’ CSR initiatives improved livelihood of the Mhondoro Ngezi community in a sustainable way. Community participation and ownership in development initiatives was discovered to be critical to their long-term viability and there is a link between sustainability and community involvement in development projects. The study also found that Zimplats’ CSR practices contribute to job creation, capacity building and improved standards of living. The study recommended that Zimplats should prioritize stakeholder engagement and participation and ownership of developmental projects as a way of ensuring that their CSR projects are sustainable.
An assessment of the impact of supply chain risk management in food-aid distribution in Zimbabwe
(2020-09) Ngarize, Peter; Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni
The present study sought to investigate and interrogate supply chain risks prevalent in the humanitarian sector with reference to food-aid distribution and to also assess the impact of supply chain risk management as a strategy for cost- effective food-aid distribution operations in Zimbabwe. The global increase of disasters and their devastating effects has left communities vulnerable and in need of help from Donors, humanitarian agencies and the host governments. The damage by disasters notably droughts, floods and cyclones have caused various forms of vulnerability on populations living in disaster struck countries, including Zimbabwe. The natural disasters and catastrophes have inadvertently solicited for committed investment by both local and international governments to assist those unfortunate to have been struck by disasters and their impacts. Information on disaster impacts specifically related to food-aid distribution is gathered through an analysis of risks prevalent along the food and humanitarian aid supply chain network. This information will be used by government and various humanitarian stakeholders in the formulation of strategies to mitigate disaster and supply chain risks in humanitarian aid distribution. A mixed-method approach was employed to assess the impact of supply chain risk management in food-aid distribution in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 80 Humanitarian Aid stakeholders from the District Drought Relief Committee completed structured questionnaires. The Cronbach Alpha Test showed high reliability for the scales used in the study. Furthermore, the study used information from key informants, at least fifteen (15) members from the secretariat, namely, the District Administrators, the Social Welfare officers, as well as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) personnel who were readily available at their stations for one-on-one interviews. Five strategies, that include flexibility, collaborative, prepositioning, hedging, and governance were explored and their impact on distribution of food-aid analysed. Quantitative data was analysed using STATA (version 16). Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was used to investigate the nature and magnitude of the relationship between food-aid distribution efficiency and supply chain risk factors, while also controlling for the effect of demographic variables and results were compared with those of the Tobit models as a test for robustness of the results. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis derived from observations and interviews and descriptive statistics presented in tables. This study tested the robustness of the five strategies used in food-aid distribution and noted that the most commonly used strategy is insurance, followed by governance, then collaboration, flexibility, prepositioning, and financing. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY It is expected that the study will assist the Government of Zimbabwe, other governments in Southern Africa, and humanitarian aid stakeholders in the formulation of policies for the humanitarian food and non-food-aid distribution. This will lead to improved efficiency in foodaid distribution. Policy recommendations highlight the need for synergistic relationships between WFP, the Meteorological Department, Department of Social Welfare, and the Civil Protection Department. The Government of Zimbabwe should therefore create an enabling environment for stakeholder partnerships in the Humanitarian Food -Aid supply chain that should cascade to the village and community levels. Disaster interventions should not only come from National Central Government but, where necessary and feasible, should be from local community to National, building a bottom up approach in disaster mitigation strategies.
An assessment of the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on manufacturing small and medium enterprises : a case study of Durban, South Africa
(2023-08) Khuzwayo, Mlondi Eugene; Zogli, Luther-King Junior
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in economies of both developing and developed countries. They are one of key strategies in combating socio economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. For this reason, it is crucial that they are sustained and elevated as the world is progressing from the third industrial revolution to the fourth industrial revolution(4IR). The aim of the research is to assess the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on manufacturing SMEs in Durban, South Africa. Manufacturing SMEs in Durban contribute about 20% of the gross value added to the economy of the city, which is a significant contribution. It is therefore imperative to uncover how the advancements in technology due to 4IR impacts this sector. A non-probability snowball sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 20 respondents who were either owners or people in high management positions in Durban’s Manufacturing SMEs. Data was collected through structured interviews and analysed using content analysis, a qualitative data analysis technique. The results suggest that manufacturing SMEs in Durban know about 4IR. According to their understanding, 4IR is an enhanced and all-inclusive system that fuses physical, digital, and technological systems, built on prior revolutions to improve business processes, business growth and transformation through modern smart and intelligent technologies. The study recommends that manufacturing SMEs should prioritize education and training, innovate their business models to accommodate policies that relate to technological disruptions. They should also invest on innovation, research and development, and smart infrastructure and investment. Finally, this research suggests that SMEs in different industries do comparable studies to determine the effects of 4IR. The results further support a proposal for a study that evaluates the effect of Covid-19 on the use of 4IR by manufacturing SMEs in Durban
Barriers preventing marginal income groups from accessing housing finance
(2006) Shelembe, Sipho Dennis
The marginal and low-income groups face a number of obstacles in their quest to secure housing finance to improve their living conditions. South Africa has a sophisticated and effective finance system. However, it appears that the only beneficiaries from it are the middle and upper income groups of the housing market. The whole system of accessing housing finance has proven to be problematic for the marginal and lower income groups for various reasons, among others: it is not user friendly and is not easily understood by an illiterate or poorly educated person. The key challenge for the South African housing finance system is to find ways of bridging the gap between those who have a regular income and those who do not. The credit gap exists because of the relationship between risk and cost which is a standard lending issue across the globe. The study has unpacked the obstacles by looking at the literature and role players in the housing finance.
Building peace through land access and food security in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
(2017) Turyamureeba, Robert; Kaye, Sylvia; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
This study was conducted between November 2015 and March 2016 in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest and largest refugee settlements in Africa. The objectives of the study were to determine the forms and causes of land conflicts in the refugee settlement; to establish the relationship between land conflicts and food security in the Settlement; to identify the strategies refugees adopt to cope with land shortage and food insecurity problems in the Settlement; to establish the residents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating land conflicts and enhancing food security in the Settlement and its host communities. Interest in the study arose out of the reported persistence of food insecurity and land conflicts despite efforts to ensure food security and restore peace and security in the refugee settlement and the host communities. The study used exploratory, analytical and descriptive research designs to obtain qualitative primary data. Secondary data was obtained through documentary review. Primary data was collected using interviews, focus group discussion and observation. The study found that land conflicts involve the destruction of crops, livestock and even human lives and they sometimes culminate in costly legal battles in courts of law. They pit the Settlement Commandant against Ugandans in the Settlement, pastoralists against cultivators, pastoralists against pastoralists, cultivators against cultivators, refugees against Ugandans and refugees against refugees. The conflicts also oppose host communities against refugees, conservationists against encroachers on protected land and Ugandans in the Settlement against the government. The study also found the causes to be land-grabbing and fraudulent acquisition of, or claims on, land by unscrupulous people, encroachment on others’ land and protected land, high population growth, the presence of vacant land in the Settlement, competition over increasingly scarce land by cultivators and pastoralists, ambiguous settlement boundaries, contested land ownership, jealousy and antipathy. The study further established that there is a strong positive relationship between land conflicts and food insecurity. Violent land conflicts lead to the maiming and death of farmers, destruction of crops and livestock and deterrence of potential agricultural investors from investing in agriculture, thus lowering food production and increasing food insecurity. Land conflicts also render disputed land idle and therefore unproductive, leading to reduced food production; and, within families, land conflicts lead to land fragmentation which leads to reduced food production and increased food scarcity. Regarding refugee coping mechanisms, the study found that refugees in Nakivale resorted to both positive and negative coping mechanisms. Positive coping mechanisms include establishing small businesses, rural-urban migration, farming, education and resettlement, intermarriage, paid employment, and psychosocial support. Others were: borrowing money, casual labour, networking, remittances, spirituality and religion. Negative mechanisms include: cheating the system and self-integration, prostitution, early marriage, drug abuse, theft and robbery. The study also found that interventions in land conflicts in the Settlement were unsuccessful due to corruption and limited involvement of the beneficiaries. The challenges of implementing refugee policy in the Settlement were identified as limited funding, inadequate coordination and consultation between the district and settlement authorities, xenophobia and an increasing refugee population with insatiable demands. The study recommends the following: demarcation of the boundaries of the Settlement; relocation of some refugees to other settlements in the country; housing scheme for both refugees and nationals in the Settlement to enable everyone to live decently; affordable loans for both refugees and Nationals in the Settlement; introduction of plot numbers to resolve land conflicts among refugees; a structural plan for the Settlement; mechanization of agriculture in the Settlement and increased provision of farming inputs, such as fertilisers to all farmers in the Settlement; coordinated and participatory planning between settlement and district authorities, involving refugees and Nationals.
Buying behaviour for newborn baby milk powder within the context of China's one-child policy
(2008) Guo, Weirong; Penceliah, Soobramoney
The purpose of this study was to evaluate Chinese parents' buying behaviour towards baby milk powder in the context of China's One-Child policy. The study examined the Chinese culture, social trends, the influence of product attributes among urban Chinese parents and parents' product knowledge of baby milk powder. This study is an exploratory study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 400 respondents at Shangdong University, China. There are 312 respondents' questionnaires used to analyse the results. The results were discovered through the use of four research objectives. Firstly, the results reflect that family and friends do have an influence on buying decisions on baby milk powder. There parents rely more on word-of-mouth communication and shop assistants play a negative role in parents' buying decision. Secondly, mothers need to opt for baby milk powder for their babies due to the flood of women into the job market and incomes from dual earners. Thirdly, parents perceive high price with good quality; the preferred brand by the parents have a significant impact on their brand loyalty and parents generally hold positive views of foreign-made baby milk powder. Fourthly, parents have a high level of subjective and objective knowledge of baby milk powder. This study was limited to the sample size and the geographic area. Consequently, results of this study can not be regarded as representative of the entire Chinese population. The results may help marketers develop more effective marketing programmes to affect consumers' buying decision. In addition, this study is one of a few studies that apply the theory of buying behaviour in the context of China's One-Child policy in the marketing field.
The challenges of enriching small, medium and micro enterprises with financial management knowledge in KwaZulu-Natal metropolitan area
(2021) Mazibuko, Wiseman Sinethemba; Mugari, Alpha
South Africa is experiencing enormous socio-economic challenges such as gender-based violence, poverty and inequality, including ever-increasing high levels of unemployment. Many businesses are either closing or downsizing. People are resorting to alternative ways to alleviate poverty by establishing SMMEs. To get established, SMMEs are encountering a daunting task when it comes to implementing sound financial systems. The study sought to examine the challenges of capacitating SMMEs with financial management acumen and to remedy the difficulties of implementation thereof. Primary research was conducted amongst SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal, Metropolitan Area. The population of this study consisted of a sample of 250 randomly selected SMMEs participated from a target population of 2200. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques such as SPSS and Cronbach’s Alpha. The study found, that the sector has grown and has become an engine to drive economic stabilisation, poverty alleviation and employment creation. However, perennial challenges grew exponentially. Moreover the covid-19 pandamic has worsen the situation. Government has played a huge role in making sure the SMMEs sector get the necessary financial support, through different entiies like the SEFA, SEDA, and SSSP. The majority of SMMEs concurs that lack of adequate financial management acumen negatively affects their success. Most of them cannot upskill themselves and are not satisfied with stakeholder interventions regarding training and development. The study also found that, funding is not a panacea to all the challenges faced by this sector. Solutions should come from SMMEs instead of stakeholders prescribing how problems should be resolved. Apart from financial management understanding, SMMEs maintains that networking opportunities with business associates are vital to their success.
Child support grant and poverty alleviation in Jika Joe informal settlement
(2023-04) Xaba, Ntombizonke Maureen; Fagbadebo, Omololu M.
Evidence found in the literature suggests that Child Support Grant is among the most important programmes to alleviate poverty in South Africa. Findings from previous studies suggest that the Child Support Grant is an important tool of social protection in South Africa, reaching over 17 million South African children each month. However, the impact and extent of its effectiveness thereof has not been adequately explored and are still debated. Previous studies tended to focus more on the Child Support Grant as a tool to provide for the basic need of the child rather than its impact on both the beneficiary and the child. This research examined the Child Support Grant and poverty alleviation at Jika Joe Informal Settlement. The objectives of this study were to examine the development programmes other than cash transfer designed for the Child Support Grant beneficiaries at Jika Joe informal settlement, to identify the challenges that hinder the realisation of the government’s objectives in poverty alleviation at Jika Joe informal settlement and to examine the effectiveness of the poverty alleviation component of Child Support Grant. Using a qualitative method approach, this study collected data from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) management at Pietermaritzburg Local Office, also known as “Mbilakhahlela” and Jika Joe Informal settlement residents, in which the said SASSA office provides Social Grants to qualifying residents. This study is conceptualized within the framework of understanding poverty, high unemployment rate, inadequate infrastructure, zero hunger and corruption from the premise that poverty remains largely a challenge unmet! The study conducted an in-depth interview with the research participants to gain a better understanding of Child Support Grant more specifically the obstacles that might hamper the government’s objectives in alleviating poverty. The study also examined whether there are developmental programs provided by the Government to demonstrate positive marks. The focus of the study was to examine the contribution of the Child Support Grant to poverty alleviation at the Jika Joe Informal Settlement. The analysis of data showed that Jika Joe residents perceive the Child Support Grant as an effective tool to provide for the basic needs of the child. This is, however, compromised by the fact that the very same grant is commonly shared by the entire family in the area. Another reported problem was the lack of beneficiary empowerment as manifested in general skills shortage which disadvantaged Jika Joe residents from competitively participating in the job market. The conclusions of the study were based on the findings. Some of the findings revealed the effectiveness of the Child Support Grant, even though this is vitiated by the prevalence of the utilisation of the grant by entire households. The findings also revealed that the government does have development programmes, but the question of whether they are relevant to the community of Jika Joe Informal Settlement remains indeterminate. The study also points to the need for the Government to seriously consider the introduction of the Basic Income Grant; the relocation of the Jika Joe residents to more decent housing like the newly built flats that they had been promised.
A comparative analysis of the critical success factors affecting local and foreign owned small-medium enterprises in the Ndwedwe area of KwaZulu-Natal
(2017) Shangase, Nokwanda Nqobile; Chinyamurindi, Willie Tafadzwa
In South Africa, emphasis is being placed on the importance of establishing small and medium sized business enterprises. There is acknowledgement in the extant literature of the value of these enterprises as job creators and useful drivers for economic growth and innovation. Given the growth in small businesses, attention in this study is given on comparing the critical success factors between those businesses that are owned by foreigners and those owned by locals. Relationships between the two groups have not always been fruitful across the country, yet synergies can be generated to shed light into how both groups cannot only co-exist but operate optimally in managing their businesses. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore (comparatively) the critical success factors between foreign and locally owned small businesses. A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using interviews with five (5) foreign owned and five (5) locally owned small business conducted within the Ndwedwe area of Kwazulu-Natal. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. Upon analysis of the data, three themes emerged as critical success factors affecting local and foreign owned businesses: (1) the underlying motives of starting a business enterprise, (2) the nature of business environment and (3) the necessity of formal or/and informal education in running a business. Interestingly, these themes appeared common in both groups. Furthermore, each of these factors affecting the success of small business was accompanied by poor community infrastructure and the unavailability of support and funding from government, including reimbursement during occurrence of natural disasters. Existence of sufficiently a strong business enterprise motive based on research findings is vital in any research undertaking. Substantially, an empirical angle to map more than one overriding motive for a business enterprise provides an opportunity to evaluate business success or failure based on the grounded motives. These motives may progressively incorporate the analyses of business environments, use of indigenous business knowledge and consideration of business education (formal and informal). Findings from this study encourage knowledge-sharing and interaction of SMEs in order to improve business enterprise development in Ndwedwe. The findings of this study also magnify the factors that are deemed critical to the success of small businesses and may be useful in mapping out recommendations on strategies and frameworks that affect either foreign or locally owned business. Based on the findings of this study, a network hub that places emphasis more on interdependence rather than isolated working between foreign and local owned businesses is encouraged. Through collaboration and sharing of experiences, small businesses in South Africa may potentially thrive. Furthermore, the findings of this study stipulate that SMEs need to have long-term plans and grounded motives on starting businesses. This will not only encourage SMEs to plan but will also develop educational strategies where SMEs can work together and share aptitudes to engage in strategic planning related to entrepreneurial success.