Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
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Item Impact of local government funding in Zululand district, South Africa(2023-08) Maone, Kudakwashe Karikoga; Lekhanya, Lawrence MpeleThis study reviews the impact of Local Government (LG) funding in Zululand municipal jurisdiction, with the purpose to identify and measure the motivational factors that influence LG funding in South African municipalities. The study was motivated by challenges confronted by municipalities outside the metropolitan areas, where service delivery and infrastructure are lagging. The importance of linking social development with the respective funding mechanisms was further explored, with the view to determining the level of funding and financial intervention for community social and economic well being. The thrust of the study concerned the balancing of insatiable community demands from various municipalities, versus the limited national government resource base to meet those demands. These demands form the basis of the factors that contribute to cost overruns in municipalities, inadequate planning, poor cost estimates, and scope changes, as well as project delays, corruption and material price escalation. In order to achieve the main purpose of this study, a mixed research method allowed both quantitative and qualitative data to be gathered from a sample of 30 participants, drawn from four municipalities in Zululand, through a self administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0, with results presented in frequency tables, figures, correlation tables, and cross-tabulations. The findings reveal that, to a larger extent, internal factors contribute to the under-performance of municipalities; wherein an understanding of statutory instruments is lacking by the respective municipal staff responsible for finance. These internal factors develop from other associated factors, such as recruitment policies and regulations, human capital development, budget constraints, and more. The results further indicate that political interference, unemployment, poverty, and lack of adequate funding from National Treasury (NT) inhibit infrastructure and social development contribute to poor municipal performance. There is little emphasis or very limited work published on strategies that impact sustainable social service delivery and infrastructure investment in municipalities in particular and local government in general. It is envisaged a study of this nature will provide insights to management, key personnel and leadership into critical issues, and provide solutions to the major causes of social service inefficiencies, social inequality and social injustice from a local government funding point of view.Item The impact of work design on job satisfaction : a case study of the Electricity Stores department, eThekwini Municipality(2023-06) Maniram, Dhanesh; Chetty, GopalkrishnaThis study sought to examine the relationship between work design factors and job satisfaction with the eThekwini Electricity stores as the case study. The primary objective of the study was the assessment of the impact of work design factors on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in employee motivation and productivity that generally contributes to the attainment of organisational goals. Studies globally suggest that practicable work designs are associated with the enhancement of employee morale and motivation, hence increasing job satisfaction. In South Africa municipalities have come under scrutiny for buildings and offices that are derelict in appearance. Moreover, due to the deficiency of capital resources by local government, the maintenance and refurbishing of buildings, equipment and machinery are generally being neglected. Acceptable work designs are dependent on meticulous building infrastructure and appropriate machinery and equipment; hence, this study is devoted to the eThekwini Electricity stores’ environment in Durban. eThekwini Electricity has twelve (12) stores located within the Metropolitan region that holds and supplies stock for maintenance and construction purposes. The study findings are based on a sample of 65 respondents with a response rate of 92.30% for the self-administered questionnaires. As part of a mixed methods research approach, five (5) participants were also interviewed. The study’s theoretical framework is undergirded by the Work Design Questionnaire of Morgeson and Humphrey (2006) and the motivation theory by Herzberg that uses motivators as factors that seek to enhance job satisfaction, while the job characteristics model by Hackman and Oldham employs skill, variety, task variety, task significance, autonomy and feedback as factors to be incorporated into work design to enhance employee morale . The results from this study suggest work design factors such as autonomy and task variety are perceived by employees as significant contributors to job satisfaction, while work design factors job complexity, information processing and problem-solving point to an appreciable proportion of contribution toward job satisfaction, but equally does not contribute to job dissatisfaction. This study also revealed a pronounced dissatisfaction with work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. The findings in this study point to arenas within eThekwini Electricity stores that can be improved upon in respect of work design. The appropriate managerial interventions ought to address the perceived deficiencies. Review of existing work methods together with appropriate training and development can be employed to address work factors such as job complexity, information processing and problem solving, while the use of appropriate technology and mechanisation ought to be used for work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. Additionally, it is proposed that improved health and safety standards together with ‘green environment’ initiatives be encouraged to enhance job satisfaction outcomes with employees. The study used the Work Design Questionnaire and adapted it uniquely to suit the eThekwini Electricity Municipality stores’ environment. The approach and methodology utilised in this study could certainly be adopted in any warehousing environment, especially in a local government setting.Item An Investigation into train cancellations and delays at the Transnet Engineering Locomotive Diesel Depot in Wentworth, Durban(2021) Mohunlal, Vishal; Govender, S.The South African economy has experienced a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past years. Additionally, South Africa’s State Owned Enterprises (SOE) have contributed to this decline- Transnet being one of those enterprises. Hence, the researcher has conducted this study to investigate the inefficiencies in Wentworth Diesel depot resulting in excessive train delays and cancellations. This study has been conducted using a Qualitative Research Methodology approach. Additionally, literature from worldwide sources was extensively researched. Acclaimed gurus’ insight into this study illustrated and debated the opposing and supporting theories. The theories were elaborated and compared with the environment of the South African Railways. Despite the theories of different literature being both, contrasting and corresponding theories, the literature was intensely compared, resulting in suggestions and recommendations Concurrently, interviews were conducted to gain insight into the reasons for train delays and cancellations at Wentworth Diesel Depot. Subject Matter Experts from Transnet were interviewed for the purpose of finding root causes for delays and cancellations at Wentworth Diesel Depot. Subsequent thematic analysis was conducted with the data collected, which resulted in certain findings. Validation of data was also performed to ensure the credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability of this study. The core findings of this study were: • Faulty locomotives. • Unavailability of locomotives. • Delayed or no loads from the customer. • Defective radios and telemeters. • Breakdowns and derailments of locomotives. • Vandalism or theft of railway tracks, cables and overheads. • Recurrence of train crew’s unplanned leave. The study conducted resulted in proposed recommendations: • The need for proper planning. • Improving maintenance processes. • Loads to be prepared on time. • Improving the availability of locomotives. • Procuring new locomotives. • Awareness of the abuse of unplanned leave. • Security to monitor and patrol stations. • Improving communication between Transnet Engineering and Transnet Freight Rail. The purpose of the study, to find possible recommendations to reduce train delays and cancellations, has been accomplished. The researcher is adamant that these Recommendations, if implemented, will result in a drastic decline in train delays and cancellations at Wentworth Diesel Depot.