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Faculty of Management Sciences

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Author: search.filters.author.Ngcamu, Bethuel SibongiseniHas files: Yes

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Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Conceptualizing transformation in the post-merger and incorporation environment era: A case of the Durban University of Technology
    (Emerald Group Publishing, 2016) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni
    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gauge the knowledge of the university leaders at the Durban University of Technology on transformation. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches guided by a structured survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews with the university leaders. The questionnaires generated the reliability coefficient α of 0.947, indicating a high degree of acceptance and consistency of the results. Findings – The study findings reveal the highest percentage of 70 per cent regarding the belief that transformation refers to restructuring the institution more than commonly anticipated variables such as race (56 per cent) and redressing the past injustices (59 per cent). Research limitations/implications – The limitation of the study was the scarcity of published material on the sub-dimensions of the study of transformation (transformation as referring to attracting qualified employees). Another limitation which was observed included the paucity of data regarding discipline and knowledge of transformation variables. Practical implications – This study suggests transformation in higher education institutions is defined through internal (operational and core) and external factors with a direct influence. Originality/value – This paper could potentially enrich the meaning of transformation, derived from the context and experience of South Africa.
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    Media framing of natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal province: impact of contingency plans
    (Virtus Interpress, 2015) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Binza, Shakespeare Mzikayise
    This study explores how the media frame disaster contingency plans which include preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery of the KwaZulu-Natal province before, during and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The province has been stricken by natural disasters. Although newspapers report the disasters they fail to give details of disaster contingency plans that should be available to those who are susceptible to, and the victims of disasters. Based on a content analysis of 114 online newspaper articles between 2000 and 2013 to examine how the media framed the KZN government’s disaster contingency plans. This study concludes that the highest occurrence of disasters (71%) was from 2011 onwards as compared to previous years, and most of these were associated with areas that are susceptible to floods (34%). The findings of the study highlight that the media placed an emphasis on disaster response (41%) over preparedness (24%) and mitigation (7%). The outcomes suggest that newspaper organisations need to appoint a designated reporter responsible for disaster management issues. This is relevant because this study conveys findings that have the potential to persuade government and newspaper organisations to collaborate and to ensure that their officials are multi-skilled and able to cover all phases of disaster management in their articles, in order for these to be understood at all levels of society. This study further adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding quality journalism that meets its objectives.
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    Leadership features influencing transformation in the post-merger and post-incorporation era : a case of the Durban University of Technology
    (Virtus Interpress, 2015) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Teferra, Damtew
    This study examines features possessed by leaders at Durban University of Technology (DUT) and their influence on transformation in the South African post-merger and post-incorporation era. University leaders in this institution do not apply effective leadership styles, though their influence on transformation is imminent. This study employed qualitative semi-structured interviews carried out with 28 university leaders in middle and senior management positions at DUT. The study revealed that the university leaders understood the concept of leadership as referring to changes taking place in the university rather than the ‘soft skills’ possessed by managers. To influence transformation, this study recommends that the university should initiate an in-house management or leadership development programme with more emphasis on different leadership styles applicable for use in universities.
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    The effect of skills development programmes and leadership opportunities brought by transformation: a case of the Durban University of Technology
    (Kamla-Raj, 2015) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Teferra, Damtew
    Dramatic changes are taking place in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. However, the poorly coordinated transformation programmes are being implemented by leaders who have limited capabilities. This study aims to investigate the influence of the skills development programme on the realisation of the transformation agenda and explores leadership opportunities available in the post-merger and incorporation era at this university. This study employed an exploratory method where in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 university leaders in middle and senior management positions. The study findings revealed that the majority of the research participants felt that the influences of the skills development programmes on transformation were accidental, as trainings offered were irrelevant and unresponsive to their particular needs. The research participants also claimed that there was no evidence of leadership development and succession planning, and no leadership opportunities in this university, as strategic positions were occupied by Indians, at this university which was a merger of a predominantly Indian and a predominantly White Technikons in 2002.
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    Leadership and transformation in a South African university
    (Business Perspectives, 2015) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Teferra, Damtew
    Politicized South African higher education institutions (HEIs) have influenced leaders to be indecisive, error free, fearful of taking risks, marginalizing resisters, emotional and failing to recognize their personal weaknesses while working well with leaders beyond the university. This study interrogates leaders’ capabilities that have the potential to drive transformation at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the post-merger and incorporation era. The researcher undertook this study to highlight the prevalence of leadership incapability in the post-merger and incorporation era at DUT which has mainly been caused by leaders failing to take transformative decisions. This study employed a quantitative approach guided by a structured survey questionnaire to a target population of 191 with a response rate of 70%. The questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS generating the reliability coefficient alpha of 0.947 indicating a high degree of acceptance and consistency of the results. The study findings revealed the highest percentage of the research participants who held opposite views regarding the statement that leaders learn from their mistakes (32%) and that they understand their personal weaknesses (27%), with the highest percentage being undecided (46%). Another major highlight of the study was the highest percentage of the respondents who had a view that leaders work well with other leaders beyond the university (55%) as compared to internal stakeholders (49%). Researchers mention leadership capabilities as only being applicable to higher education institutions in general. This study provides information on leaders’ incapability, post-merger and incorporation, which could be of benefit to the university change management specialists in the design of relevant and specific interventions of change with the aim of filling the gaps or preventing bottlenecks identified by the findings. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge in developing countries as there is a dearth of published studies investigating leadership capabilities mishaps in the post-merger and incorporation era at the Universities of Technology.
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    Disaster risk management in local government : a case study of Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
    (2011) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Wallis, Malcolm Alan Henworth; Dorasamy, Nirmala
    Disasters have inflicted a heavy cost on human, materials and physical resources, and degradation to the environment. Furthermore, disasters have negative physical impacts (which include casualities and property damage) and social impacts (which include psych-osocial, socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and socio-political). A comprehensive review of the literature has revealed that the development of disaster management strategies must be undertaken before the event strikes. Moreover, disaster management requires effective community-based strategies which will include programmes and measures to prevent, prepare, mitigate and recover from the impacts of disasters. The purpose of the study is to contribute to the formulation of a robust disaster management framework and plan including the creation of a fully equipped disaster management centre within the eThekwini Municipality. Moreover, to enable the disaster management department within the eThekwini Municipality to function effectively and efficiently by applying new systematic strategies in disaster risk reduction. Futhermore, to add value to the body of knowledge in South Africa as there are limited number of research on disaster management, and to add value to policy, protmote investment and protect vulnerable communities by implementing disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. The research was undertaken at Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements located in Clare Estate within Ward 25. A disaster management survey was self-administered to the population size of 220 respondents from which 140 respondents completed the questionnaires thereby generating a response rate of 63.6%. Interveiws were also conducted amongst eThekwini Municipality officials dealing mainly with disaster reduction. The dimensions of the study are disaster preparedness, prevention, response, recovery and rehabilitation, financial implications and future expectations. The data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS). Associations between variables were determined using Pearson chi-square. This study presents the research findings on disaster management by using frequency iv tables, graphs and cross-tabulations tables which have been compiled for each question. Analysis of the data revealed significant differences between the biographical variables (age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, income, number of children, number of dependants, race and tenure) and the five dimensions (disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and rehabilitation, financial implications and future expectations) respectively. Interpretation of results indicated that there exists significant relationships amongst the key variables of the study relating to disaster management. This study contributes to various academic disciplines, local government and society at large as it suggests strategies and recommendations that may be implemented to overcome disaster management challenges and attain disaster risk reduction. The study recommends that eThekwini Municipality should comply with the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 which requires the establishment of a disaster management centre, disaster management framework and the plan. Furthermore, the study recommended that the council should develop a system to classify hazard mitigation strategies in terms of five categories which are hazard source control, community protection works, land-use practices, building construction practices and building contents protection. The study recommends that the eThekwini Municipality should recognise recovery period mitigation and incorporate this objective into recovery planning. On the financial implications aspect, the study recommends that eThekwini Municipality should provide financial assistance on the disaster management prevention and preparedness strategies.