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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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    The impact of entrepreneurship programmes on students’ career decisions : the case study of the Durban University of Technology
    (2022-11) Mzimela, Mthokozisi Nkululeko; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
    Unemployment is a severe scourge that many countries, from both developed and underdeveloped economies, face. Thus, it has a very negative impact on the economy since it increases unemployment rates, poverty, and other social ills. In the South African context, it has been noticed that there seems to be an increasing trend in graduate unemployment and a lack of interest in entrepreneurship careers after graduating. In a quest for the best solution to this dilemma of graduate unemployment, the government has realised that the only way to revitalise the economy is through the development of entrepreneurship. Therefore, it has made entrepreneurship education a top priority in the institutions of higher learning. This resolution by the government was aimed at facilitating entrepreneurial activities and the cultivation of entrepreneurial talents through tertiary education. It was for this reason that most tertiary institutions introduced entrepreneurship education modules and qualifications in their course offerings. The primary aim of the study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on students’ future career decisions and also to identify challenges that prevent students from pursuing entrepreneurial activities. In addition, this study aims to find the most effective methods that can mitigate against identified challenges. This study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology (Durban campuses only). A mixed methods approach was used to conduct this research study. A sample size of 274 respondents was sampled from a population of 932 registered students of the entrepreneurship education module for the academic year of 2017 at the Durban University of Technology – the respondents were selected to participate in the data collection. A further three academic staff members within the department of entrepreneurial studies were also included in this study. The study findings highlighted that entrepreneurship education is instrumental in fostering students’ entrepreneurial skills and proclivity towards self-employment. However, certain challenges were identified as the root cause for entrepreneurship education not yielding the much-anticipated results. The study highlighted access to start-up capital as a major challenge, since the majority of students do not have a good credit record or collateral, as required by financial institutions. Therefore, the recommendations made in this particular study can be considered a point of reference for improved outcomes.
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    An investigation of the factors that influence academic performance of students registered for Financial Management at Durban University of Technology (DUT)
    (2022) Khumalo, Mhlonishwa; Mbali, Charlotte
    The Durban University of Technology (DUT), whose vision is to be a centre of excellence in the heart of Africa, is keen on quality assurance and the maintenance of standards. However, the academic deans and quality assurance committee have noted that while some students perform highly, others do not perform well, raising concerns about those who do not perform well. This is particularly applicable in Financial Management Modules because should this poor performance go unchecked, the university may lose its reputation, which may result in a loss of confidence in DUT graduates amongst outside organisations. The study aimed at investigating the challenges encountered by students enrolled for Financial Management (FM) in order to establish strategies that can be adopted to improve performance. The research tool used was a questionnaire, which was then examined by quantitative methods. The sample consisted of 160 students enrolled in Financial Management courses. In order to preserve anonymity, their actual marks could not be used in the study, hence they were asked to gauge their own performance both in their Matriculation and in DUT examinations. This was then processed using the category data of their bio-characteristics (gender, age, type of school, mode of study) measured against their opinions of different modes of study used in FM courses at DUT. Some of the most important findings from the study results were that parental involvement with schoolwork resulted in a better Matric result, and that more of the third-year DUT students claimed this than the 4th years, indicating that parents are increasingly getting involved. At DUT, proportionately more 4 th years claimed lecturers as being most helpful, whereas for 3rd years, it was student-run groups. A notable 62.2 % of all respondents claimed that teaching methods in Financial Management should be revised. There was also a worrying number of nonresponses of up to 10%, for some of the teaching and learning methods, indicating that some registered students are not able to make full use of what is on offer. Lastly, another finding worth mentioning is the relationship between understanding terminology by respondents and the type of school they attended. Results showed that most of the respondents from rural and township schools had difficulty understanding terminology as compared to those from private schools.
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    Students’ perceptions towards careers in the hospitality industry
    (2021) Mlotshwa, Nelisiwe Rejoice; Mnguni, E. M.; Adebanjo, H. M.
    The hospitality industry, a sector within the tourism industry, contributes to the economy of the country and the livelihoods of the South African population. This research explored the perceptions of third-year hospitality students towards careers in the industry. These undergraduates are envisioned to be future employees of the hospitality industry; therefore, understanding their thoughts and intentions of joining the industry was paramount. However, research on findings of the perceptions of students towards this industry in South Africa, especially in Durban is limited. The perceptions of these students mainly relate to their understanding of careers in the hospitality industry. This report records the findings of student’s perceptions towards the hospitality industry in Durban, South Africa. The researcher used a mixed-method approach involving questionnaires and focus groups. The participants were drawn from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)which is the only university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal that offers a national diploma in hospitality management. The research data was analysed using the SPSS version 27 and qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that the students’ perceptions toward the industry are positive. This was observed through a high percentage of students indicating their willingness to join the industry after graduating. However, the majority of the students in this research indicated their interest in starting their own businesses and travelling as the main reason for pursuing this qualification. Also discovered in the study was the influence of work-integrated learning (WIL) on students’ perceptions of the industry. The dissertation concludes by providing recommendations to the academic department and the industry that may retain this trend. Recommendations involved advising the university to ensure an element of entrepreneurship is evident to the curriculum, and the industry to improve their working conditions to entice students to join the industry after graduating.