Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14
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Item Stakeholder perceptions of the proposed eco-culture resort in the Chelmsford Nature Reserve at Ntshingwayo Dam in Newcastle, South Africa(2019) Nzimande, Sibonelo Reverence; Bob, UrmillaThis study focuses on stakeholder perceptions of the proposed Eco-Culture Resort (ECR) in the Chelmsford Nature Reserve at Ntshingwayo Dam in Newcastle, South Africa, particularly with regard to how these relate to the potential economic impacts and benefits of this project. Fifty (50) respondents drawn from the ranks of three key stakeholder groups – government, business and community – were interviewed as part of this study. The selection of respondents was informed by the mesosystem and the intrinsic role of each respondent. Although structured, interviews comprised of open-ended questions which allowed respondents to share critical information based on individual experiences. Following purposive sampling, data was collected and analysed thematically. The study concluded that the three key stakeholders are aware of the proposed ECR, although their understanding thereof varies depending on their institutional affiliation and their relationship with it. Respondents perceived the planned ECR more in terms of what they believe its objective should be rather than what it actually is. Respondents also view the proposed resort as a tourist destination with a huge economic development potential for the Amajuba District and the province of KwaZulu-Natal as a whole, if implemented successfully. There is a strong feeling that this proposed development will enhance the level of environmental awareness among both would-be patrons and the broader community. Critically, respondents prioritised environmental conservation and public participation as key motivations for establishing the ECR. They fear that challenges may arise as a result of poor stakeholder engagement and poor planning. These fears are addressed by the recommendations of the study, which are to ensure that extensive stakeholder engagement takes place; the project is upgraded to an anchor project; the ECR is properly marketed; and proper infrastructural planning as well as ongoing post-development monitoring and evaluation takes place.Item The relationship between event spend, social cohesion and economic development(2017) Gumede, Musa; Msweli, PumelaThe study addressed four questions using secondary annual time series data: (1) How is event spend related to economic development? (2) How are the physical attributes of the region (natural capital) related to economic development?(3) How is social cohesion related to economic development? (4) How does human capital influence economic development? The study period starts in 1994 and ends in 2016, accordingly 100 data points were pulled from the time series. Error Correction Model and Ordinary Least Squares were used as analytical tools to test the regression model developed for the study. Economic development is the dependent variable and is represented by tourism employment data sourced from Statistics South Africa. The independent variables are event spend represented by expenditure figures for culture, sports and recreation published by Statistics SA; human capital was measured using gross educational ratio for secondary education accessed from the World Bank database; natural capital was measured using the gross domestic product attained from Statistics South Africa; and social cohesion was measured using social expenditure data acquired from the South African Reserve Bank. The theoretical framework that underpins the study is the geography political theory as espoused by different authors including Collier (2007) and Kollosov (2001). On the basis of this theoretical framework the study seeks to look at the effect of event spend, natural capital, human capital and social cohesion on economic development. The findings of the study show that there is no relationship between economic development, event spend and human capital. However a relationship was established between natural capital and social cohesion. The results of the study will inform policymakers in the allocation of budgets towards major events. It will also contribute to the equitable distribution of resources to promote social cohesion in communities.Item Environmental impacts of ecolabels on the tourism sector of South Africa(2017) Arulappan, Lucinda Brown; Sucheran, ReshmaOver the years the rapid growth of the tourism industry has revealed itself to be a major source of income and social improvement for many. However, with this growth comes the undoubtable carbon footprint it carries. As a result, the growth and expansion of many tourism ecolabels have surfaced in the hopes of alleviating the negative environmental impacts the tourism industry imposes. This study aimed to ascertain the impacts of tourism ecolabels on businesses. It assessed the level of success of the ecolabel within the organisation as well as ascertained the benefits and challenges associated with ecolabel certification. A quantitative research approach was used and the data was collected by means of online questionnaires that were targeted at managers of tourism businesses in South Africa. The study reveals that tourism businesses in South Africa do experience the benefits of being certified with an ecolabel in terms of the natural, socio-cultural and economic environments. However, the high costs associated with being certified, the lack of general public awareness regarding ecolabels and the absence of government support are still prevalent. Consequently, cost reduction, promotion of public awareness as well as government support are the main areas of improvement required by tourism establishments with regard to ecolabels.