Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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Perceptions of retail managers and consumers of green products at select Pick & Pay stores in Durban
(2018-01) Mncwabe, Silungile Brightness; Meintjes, Corné
Green marketing is about marketing products and services based on environmental factors or awareness. Consequently, companies involved in green marketing make decisions relating to the entire process of the production of the company’s products, such as methods of processing, packaging and distribution. Green marketing focuses on the green marketing efforts companies use, including corporate social responsibility plans and sustainability efforts. Most consumers are environmentally conscious, seeking eco-friendly products and services from companies that are socially responsible. Green marketing is aimed at encouraging consumers to buy products which are less harmful to the environment, to help save the planet. This study aimed to investigate this from both a retailer and consumer perspective. Selected Pick & Pay retail managers and their consumers in Durban were asked their views on product quality, price and availability of information (advertising). A mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) strategy was adopted. Participants and respondents were purposefully selected, while their participation in this study was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained. The research included interviews with the five retail managers of the selected stores and a survey of 200 consumers. In the survey, 250 questionnaires were despatched and 200 were returned, which constituted a response rate of 80%. Content validity ensured that the survey focused on concepts and constructs that emerged from the review of literature on the awareness of green products. Cronbach’s alpha index was used to confirm the reliability of the instrument. The findings suggest that the awareness of green products varied among South African consumers. Furthermore, the data obtained from the quantitative instrument indicated that the location of the consumers (rural, urban, and sub-urban) as well as the ethnic group (African, Coloured, Indian, and White) identified by the consumers strongly correlates with their use of green products. In addition, the quantitative results showed that more consumers, particularly white South Africans living in urban or sub-urban areas, will adopt green products irrespective of the price of green products.To further support the quantitative findings, interviews conducted with five retail managers, were recorded and transcribed to ensure credibility. The results were interpreted and analysed against existing literature using thematic content analysis. The interviews conducted revealed that retail managers are of the view that most South African consumers do not understand what green products are. This was largely attributed to a lack of adequate information on green products. The salient feature of this study therefore suggests that the use of indigenous languages will help educate the South African consumers on the benefits associated with the use of green products. Ultimately, adopting green products by South African consumers will add a positive benefit to the environment as well as encouraging future generations to adopt green products. In view of the above, and to ensure proper awareness and marketing of green products, it is highly recommended that government and non-government companies should play an important role in encouraging consumers to go green and embrace green purchasing behaviour. This could be in the form of creating effective marketing campaigns or environmental-related activities, and developing a policy that will issue grants to companies implementing green marketing, which will encourage companies to utilise their resources to provide environment-friendly products.
The effectiveness of ward committees and community participation in influencing service delivery in eThekwini Municipality
(2019) Duma, Sikhumbuzo Sikhosiphi; Mabusela, Maria Sewela
The study focused on evaluating the role of Ward Committees relative to encouraging community participation in the eThekwini Municipality. It must be noted that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa highlights the importance of public participation as an essential element of successful good governance. The wave of service delivery protests in the country prompted the desire to explore this study. The Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998) provides for the establishment of Ward Committees. The Act provides clear guidelines for Ward Committees hence, Section 72 states that the objective of a Ward Committee is to enhance participatory democracy in local government. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Ward Committees and Community Participation in influencing service delivery in eThekwini Municipality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Ward Committees and community participation in influencing service delivery in eThekwini Municipality. The study used both the qualitative and quantitative research approaches for this research. The interview participants of the study were the Ward Councillors in Wards 95, 96 and 105 and the respondents were from the above wards. The study revealed that the Ward Committee members did not entirely understand their roles. Furthermore, the study revealed that the Ward Councillors tend to overshadow the Ward Committee members to the extent that the general community members end up dealing directly with the Ward Councillor even on issues that otherwise would have been handled by the respective portfolios of the ward committee. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended, amongst other things, that training and development of the residents on when, how and why they should participate in municipal affairs must be provided on a regular basis. Furthermore, the qualitative interviews with participants revealed the need for a review of the system of Ward Committees because the Structures Act contradicts itself at times. For example, the Act requires that, in addition to a fair representation of genders, the Ward Committee must represent a diversity of interests within the ward and limits the number of the Ward Committee to ten. In real life, interests may exceed the limit of ten as prescribed by the Act.
Community engagement and volunteerism : preparing DUT students as volunteers for a Child and Youth Care Centre in Durban
(2019) Doorsamy, Kristena; Maistry, Savathrie; Lortan, Darren Brendan; Grobbelaar, Hendrina Helena
The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate a training programme to prepare Durban University of Technology (DUT) students as volunteers to work in a partnership relationship with a Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Durban. Community Engagement (CE) was introduced as a function of higher education, to enable universities to contribute to the reconstruction of South Africa post-apartheid. As one of the many forms of CE in South African higher education institutions (HEIs), volunteerism has the potential to contribute to transformation and social justice in South Africa. Research and literature on the practices of CE, generally, is limited in the South African context and even more so for volunteerism as a form of CE. The majority of adopted literature is from the Global North, which does not always fit the South African context. This study asked the following research question: what kind of training and preparation do students of a University of Technology (UoT) need prior to volunteering in a community-university partnership project? In order to answer this question, an exploratory and developmental design, qualitative methodology and participatory approach were adopted for this study. The researcher, UoT academic staff and students and the CYCC staff worked together to plan, develop and implement the student volunteer training programme. On completion of the training programme, the students implemented a volunteer task in the form of a holiday programme, which was jointly planned and developed by the student volunteers and staff of the CYCC. The study comprised the following three phases: Phase One: orientation; Phase Two: planning and implementation; and Phase Three: monitoring and evaluation, in order to show the benefits of implementing the participatory approach towards partnership development between a UoT and Child and Youth Care Centre. The orientation phase, included the recruitment and orientation of the participants and highlighted the principles of a community-university partnership (CUP) formed between the UoT and the CYCC. Data collection through focus group interviews in Phase One revealed that participants had ambiguous knowledge about the concepts and theories relevant to CE, volunteerism and CUP. The training programme consequently covered concepts and theories related to CE and volunteerism. Participants’ recommendations for the training programme contributed richly to the study. Phase Two focused on the participatory planning of the volunteer training programme and implementation of the volunteer task. The content for the training programme was derived from literature reviewed and participants input generated in the first phase. Students then completed a three-week training programme. On completion, students conducted the volunteer task, which was a holiday programme with the children at the CYCC. Phase Three monitored and evaluated the prototype of the volunteer training programme in order to provide suggestions for a comprehensive volunteer training programme. Only the student volunteers participated in this phase. The findings showed that the students’ knowledge and skills regarding aspects of CE, volunteerism and CUP increased in both critical and variable ways. Additionally, self-awareness and development of students were also evident and areas of improvement were identified for inclusion in future volunteer training programmes. The findings of this study also affirm the need for in-depth training to facilitate processes that encourage experiential learning and critical thinking prior to students engaging or interacting with communities.
The effect of pelletised and powdered lime on soil Ph, crop yield and crop quality on Richards Bay KZN soil
(2019-11) Naidoo, Veloshni; Singh, Shalini
In the 20th century, food security was constrained due to the increase in population and the pressure it placed on food demand. By 2050 further strain is going to be placed on food security as the population is anticipated to double. Land and natural resources are scarce, and soil acidity is a major concern in most parts of the world. A solution to treat acidic soil to increase its fertility to obtain better crop yields and quality is the treatment of lime together with gypsum. Lime is found in two forms pelletised and powdered; however, there lacks practical evidence to support; which is the best form to obtain optimised crop yields and crop quality. Therefore this study was conducted to determine the effect of each lime form together with gypsum on soil pH stabilisation, crop yield and crop quality on a peanut harvest. A quantitative research paradigm and an experimental research strategy were adopted. The pilot study found that the dosage range for pelletised lime being 3 tons/hectare plus 20%vol/lime gypsum and powdered lime was 5 tons/hectare plus 20%vol/lime gypsum. These dosage rates resulted in optimised crop yield and crop quality of peanuts. To ascertain the effects of elevated dosage rates the main study found the effect of both powdered and pelletised lime at two times and three times the optimised dosage range on soil pH stabilisation, crop yield and crop quality. Experimental error was minimised with the use of replicate samples, and a control (the untreated soil) was used as a reference. The optimum dosage range of pelletised lime resulted in a higher crop yield, and 100% of the crop met the quality standard as all peanuts yielded filled the shell cavity. However, the optimum dosage range for powdered lime resulted in a lower crop yield Furthermore, only 65% of the crop met the quality standard. It was found that less pelletised lime is required to stabilise soil pH than powdered lime over a period. Soil treated with pelletised lime had an increased crop yield and quality of peanuts over the use of powdered lime. Despite the above findings, it was evident that overtreatment of both pelletised and powdered lime alone and together with gypsum did not result in a better crop yield or quality. The overtreatment of either pelletised lime or powdered lime and gypsum showed a decrease in crop yield and quality once the optimised dose was exceeded. Consequently the overtreatment of either lime form or gypsum possibly had a toxic effect and inhibited crop yield and crop quality.
A framework for the facilitation of community-based tourism in natural environments : a case of the Save Valley in Zimbabwe
(2019) Maruta, Albert Tavavarigwa; Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia
In Zimbabwe, because of the lack of a clear facilitation framework, very little effort has been made in recent years by tourism authorities in the country to make community-based tourism (CBT) part of the national tourism growth agenda. Yet globally, within the general tourism sector CBT is becoming increasingly relevant in LEDCs because it fosters poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation. Underpinned by the participation and power redistribution theory (Arnstein, 1969) this study aimed at developing a framework of collaboration and participation of all stakeholders for facilitating CBT in Save Valley as a strategy to reduce poverty in local communities while also promoting sustainable wildlife conservation. The study adopted mixed methods as a distinct research approach, which combines both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The research adopted a two-phase sequential exploratory research design, which involved the collection and analysis of qualitative data from in-depth interviews followed by the collection and analysis of quantitative data from questionnaire-based surveys. The research results showed greater preference for vegetable outgrowing by female household heads who, incidentally, were less educated and poorly resourced than male household heads who had a wider variety of preferences such as handicrafts and cultural performances, wildlife conservation, and accommodation SMMEs such homestays, lodges or bed and breakfast were the preferred CBT ventures. There was gender consensus in the composition of CBOs and duties. Critical challenges for prospective local CBT entrepreneurs according to education levels of participants included lack of economic variables such as market, capital or technology, and managerial and other requisite skills, human-animal conflict, and land invasions by peasants. The research results also demonstrated that through the poly-centric CBT facilitation framework, advanced as original contribution, CBOs in collaboration with powerful and highly resourced external facilitators would encourage the local community residents of Save Valley to gain legitimate bargaining power during decision making because the CBO would act as an organised power base in the community. The study recommends that outreach programmes that have long been contemplated as a way of transmitting tourism benefits from SVC to local community residents should be transformed into CBT projects to bring about community participation in tourism by adopting the polycentric CBT framework developed as original contribution of this study. This may be the only sure strategy for achieving the twin objectives of community participation and beneficiation while promoting wildlife conservation in Save Valley in Zimbabwe.
A comparative study of the influence of brand awareness and brand image in the selection of a university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal
(2019-11) Matli, Cleopatra Moipone; Veerasamy, Dayaneethie
Brand awareness and brand image have long played an integral role in a variety of sectors, particularly within the private sectors where billions of rands are invested to entice potential customers. Similar to private entities, public entities such as tertiary institutions equally invest in brand awareness campaigns and brand image. Taking this to account, this study aims to determine the influence of brand awareness and brand image in the selection of a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal among first-year students. The objectives of the study were to establish and identify the brand awareness and brand image attributes that entice first-year selection of University of Technology (UoT) students. The study also examined the biographic variables of those students. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research method was adopted wherein questionnaires were administered to 500 Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) first-year students. The study revealed that topics such as the investments in brand awareness and brand image, safety and security, the calibre of staff, delays in academics programmes, student-lecturer relationships and service delivery were identified as factors that influenced the DUT and MUT participants in their selection and their willingness to recommend their institutions to potential students. Thus, the study recommends that UoTs should pay more attention on branding strategies as an agendum to ensuring institutional profitability and viability, relationship management and human resource.
Spirituality as a guiding paradigm in community engagement in a rural context in India
(2019-11) Rowkith, Shannal; Bhagwan, Raisuyah
Introduction The current position of tribal communities in India is one of oppression and marginalization. Many initiatives are afoot to redress this situation, however the civic authorities face numerous challenges and obstacles influenced by historical, economic and other sociocultural elements. In this context, community engagement can be seen as a distinctive pedagogical tool, that fosters the development of partnerships between social work academic departments and communities, in order to improve the psycho-social well-being of individuals and families and to address socio-economically related problems in communities. Although initiatives in community engagement in India, are urgently required, have been slow to emerge, when compared to developed countries. Compounding this delay is the shortage of specific literature on community engagement. This study is preemptively important, as it highlights how social work departments use engagement successfully among tribals in India, as a crucial pillar to support learning and drive engagement. The study was set in Maharashtra, India and was part of a National Research Foundation study which explored community engagement in the international context. Given that this is a best practice project being implemented by the University of Mumbai, a collaboration was formed with the late Dr Chandrakant Puri, from the Social Work Department to pursue this study in a rural area outside Mumbai, India. Purpose of the study The purpose of this study was to explore how community engagement could facilitate a deeper understanding of Indian tribes and the related impact on community based learning. The structure of tribal communities, core values and processes that guide them and the interaction between the university and the community, were explored to this end. All the relevant gathered data was incorporated into developing a model to guide community engagement with tribal communities in India. Methodology A qualitative research approach was utilized in order to generate valuable data from the interaction with tribals and academics. The two samples in the study comprised of six social work academics, and twenty three students from the Department of Social Work. Semi structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data with academics and students respectively. Data was obtained from the site at which students conducted their village, being a small rural village on the outskirts of Mumbai in the district of Maharashtra. Data was collected until saturation to extract the most relevant information. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. This found associations and themes within the collated transcripts in detail. These themes and sub themes were derived from the data in entirety. This was accordingly representative of the gathered data. Findings It was found that the theoretical preparation of the institution, when juxtaposed with the specific context and challenges faced by a particular community, is of immense benefit to developing a relevant and useful curriculum to be used to engage with tribals. A summary of the challenges experienced by the community under study, was the lack of resources in the form of healthcare and sanitation, poor infrastructure, psycho-social issues, disparity of cultural sensitivity, migration for employment, and other socio-political concerns. The preparedness of the university for engagement with the community was enhanced by clearly defining and structuring the roles of social work academics. This was then used to determine the format of student preparation for interaction within the community by understanding the engagement context, displaying empathy and sensitizing students towards issues, and promoting equality, social justice and inclusion. From the data gathered, certain tools such as participatory rural appraisal and community mapping and profiling were used as pathways to further prepare students for engagement. Students were immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the tribal community, which allowed them to relate on a humanitarian level and this personalized the interaction allowing for richer experiences. Consequently, authentic university-community partnerships were established which reinforced the benefits of such collaboration. Conclusion Service learning was undertaken as a fieldwork component by the students of the Department of Social Work at The University of Mumbai. The study uncovered important information regarding tribal communities, the challenges they face, and the related preparedness of the institution for interaction. It captures the essence and value of community engagement in social work, given the extreme scarcity of such programmes in India. Ultimately, the importance and significance of establishing a model to guide tribal community engagement is emphasised in the interaction and impressions experienced by both the university and the tribals, who have interacted concurrently for their respective mutual benefit.
Perceptions of nurses about human resource management practices affecting the performance of nurses at King Edward Hospital, eThekwini
(2019-05) Mbhele, Mbali Victoria; Adebayo, Rufus Olufemi
The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of nurses about human resource management practices affecting the performance of nurses at King Edward Hospital of eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa. Since employees are among the organisation’s most important resources, there is a need to maintain a work environment that satisfies the needs of individual employees and management, to improve employee morale and convey expectations in order to cultivate a motivated and productive workforce. The role of nurses is to assist sick people in hospital by nursing them and helping to restore them to sound health. Additionally, nurses are required to be devoted to their work and display courtesy and empathy as they deal with people who may be affected both physically and emotionally. However, very few of the patients are concerned about the conditions under which the nurses operate, including human resource practices. Human resource practices such as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation, performance management, and public relations affect the performance of nurses. Data for this study were collected using a quantitative methodology in order to understand the factors that affect nurses and their performances in King Edward Hospital, Durban. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection and were formulated based on findings from the literature review. The study recommended that management should work hard to uproot corruption and nepotism in the recruitment and selection process so that ideal applicants are recruited and employed; develop a compensation system that is market related; and other strategies that can lead to the retention of talented employees. Performance appraisal systems need to be transparent, and political or personality differences should not influence the process.
The influence of organisational culture on job satisfaction : a case study of Nkomazi Municipaliy - Mpumulanga
(2019-11) Mabuza, Nontuthuzelo M.; Moodley, Dianna
Organisational culture plays an integral part in every organisation, particularly on aspects such as employees’ morale, emotions, satisfaction and performance. Earlier researchers have demonstrated the connectivity between an organisation’s culture and employees’ level of satisfaction. This study attends to probe further on this topic; however, its scope is within the Nkomazi Municipality in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The study’s core goal was to determine factors affecting the relationship between organisational culture and job satisfaction within the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. To achieve this aim, the study pursued a qualitative research approach by interviewing personnel at the Nkomazi Municipality as a means to gaining deeper insight on their perceptions and opinions. The study revealed that organisational culture did impact on job satisfaction at Nkomazi Municipality; however, this positive note was downplayed by the insufficiency of information flow among different strata of the municipality. In line with this, the study recommends regular meetings as a means to enhancing the communication flow amongst role-players within the municipality. Furthermore, the study advocates training programmes as an agenda towards an efficient flow of communication at different levels within the Nkomazi Municipality; while also adopting capacity developmental programmes for the development of personnels’ communication, interpersonal and cognitive skills.
The role of the internet in the promotion of bed and breakfast and guesthouses in Mthatha
(2019-12) Velelo, Luleka; Rampersad, Renitha
The study investigated the role of the internet in the promotion of Bed and Breakfast as well as Guest houses establishments in Mthatha. These establishments are an important sector in the hospitality industry in South Africa and due to a number of developmental projects in Mthatha over the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in such businesses especially in the upmarket suburbs of the town. This increase in the number of establishments has resulted in increased competition for business. The internet has radically altered today ‘s media landscape and presents the hospitality industry with new opportunities to promote their companies. It also enables hospitality industry managers to find out what people need, what content they are looking for, and how one’s company can help them. The nature of the study was exploratory, and fulfilled the purpose of the study using a qualitative research method. The theoretical approach applied in this research was the evalue model. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the hospitality sector can benefit greatly if they use the internet strategically to achieve growth.

Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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