School of Management, IT and Governance

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Integrated employee participation schemes in the South African gold-mining industry : a study of their effects and dynamics.
(2010) Lord, Jeremy William.; Coldwell, David A. L.
This research study is concerned with the effects and dynamics of 'integrated' schemes of employee participation, where workers are involved in both work-related decision-making, and also share in the profits of their employer. Prior research and the literature on employee participation has tended to concentrate on the process and effects of either financial participation in isolation, or of decision-making participation, but seldom on situations where both are employed simultaneously. Based on a thorough literature review, this study presents a 'Model of Integrated Employee Participation (incorporating moderating effects)'. The model explicates a process through which both types of worker involvement may operate together, leading to a set of behavioural and performance outcomes. Where the formal participation schemes are operationalised such that, combined, they lead to perceptions equivalent to 'psychological ownership', a substantial goal-congruence and integration of the employee with the organisation occurs. These processes lead, in turn, to influences on individual and organisational outcomes. Antecedent and moderating variables to the operation of such 'integrated' participation schemes are identified in the model. Specifically, the effects of the schemes are postulated to be moderated by employees' biographical and personality factors, by their perceptions of managerial commitment to employee participation, and by their perceptions of aspects of the organisation's managerial system of communication and control. The relevance and implications of the model to the South African gold-mining industry are discussed. Major pillars of this 'Model of Integrated Employee Participation (incorporating moderating effects)' were tested within a detailed investigation of the participation schemes in operation at a profitable South African gold-mining company. This investigation was longitudinal in nature, with two major surveys being performed over a ten-month period. The findings suggested that while the effects of the 'integrated' schemes on employees' job satisfaction, performance and stability were as anticipated, the proposed moderating effects were generally non-existent or insignificant. In order to obtain greater clarity of the dynamics of 'integrated' schemes of employee participation, a path analytic exploration of the interrelationships between the measured variables of the study was then undertaken. A detailed path model was developed and then tested, at three levels of the organisational hierarchy as well as on the entire workforce. The path model was substantially supported for the 'entire workforce', and for the largest stratum of the mine's employees, being the 'unskilled and semi-skilled' workers. Satisfaction with participation was found to be positively and significantly associated with perceived extent of participation. This applied to both the financial and decisional elements of the schemes. Job satisfaction and employee performance were also found to be positively associated with perceived extent of participation and / or satisfaction therewith. Employees' perceptions of managerial commitment to 'integrated participation' predicted their satisfaction therewith. Aspects of the organisation's system of managerial communication and control were found to significantly affect levels of job satisfaction and employee performance in the participative environment of the mine. The model was only partially supported, however, at the more senior levels of 'management' and 'supervisors and artisans'. It thus appeared that 'integrated participation' schemes may not enhance job satisfaction and performance at the higher levels of the organisational hierarchy, and that the schemes' effects may thus be moderated by employee seniority. The empirical findings were supportive of much of the literature on participation programmes. They were particularly consistent with 'affective' and 'contingency' explanatory models of the effects of -participation. The findings did not, however, support 'cognitive' explanatory models of the effects of participation.
Records management practices and public service delivery in Kenya.
(2007) Kemoni, Henry N.; Stilwell, Christine.; Ngulube, Patrick.
Abstract not available.
An exploratory investigation into the perceptions of consumers based on the quality of customer service received with specific reference to Ola Milky Lane - Midlands Liberty Mall.
(2008) Kisten, Melissa.; Raubenheimer, W. H.
Due to the growth of our economy and our rising standards of living, customers of today have a larger variety of products to choose from than in the past. This causes an increase in competition which has raised customer expectations on the quality of goods and services they receive (Palmer, 2001 p26). Along with this, the modern customer has become sophisticated, educated, confident and well informed. Hence, they have raised their expectations of the service they intend on receiving. This has placed enormous pressure on service organization's to improve the way they do business with these customers. This "customer transformation" has placed an increasing emphasis on customer service as a means of gaining a competitive advantage. As a consequence of competition becoming global and more intense, many organizations have come to the realization that they cannot compete on price alone. Hence, the level of customer service has a direct impact on an organization's market share, as it determines not only whether consumers will become customers but also whether existing customers will become loyal ones. If service quality is to become the cornerstone of an organisation's marketing strategy, marketers should have the means to measure it. Although research in this field exists, the researcher proposed the need for further research specifically in the area of customer perceptions toward the quality of service they receive. The issues addressed in this study will be of importance to both service managers and future researchers as a customer's evaluation of service quality and, the resulting level of satisfaction is thought to determine the likelihood of a repurchase and ultimately the success of the business. This dissertation is based on the perceptions of customers of Ola Milky Lane and the level of quality customer service they receive. Looking at the business from the customer's viewpoint will help the researcher investigate how current customers feel about the organization as well as their attitude toward the business. The expectations of these customers together with their levels of satisfaction, which shape their perceptions of the customer service, serve as the foundation on which service quality will be evaluated. Moreover, the research study hopes to assist the participating organisation establish whether gaps in service delivery exist, the reasons for their presence and identify possible solutions which can be implemented to close or prevent those gaps from further widening. This will benefit the organization as it can be used as a tool to understand customer perceptions, which can equip them to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of their relationship programmes. With this motivation in mind, the research study takes a strategic look at the importance of customer service as perceived by customers by means of determining whether the organisation is or is not meeting their expectations.
Managerial competencies required by library managers to effectively manage change in South African university libraries.
(2009) Sukram, Praversh Jeebodh.; Raubenheimer, W. H.
This study has been undertaken to determine and examine the managerial competencies required by library managers at different managerial levels in effectively managing change in university libraries in South Africa. South African universities have experienced a large number of changes since 1994 which have inevitably affected the libraries of these universities. Library managers have been faced with a number of challenges. The study includes a literature review which highlights the findings that library managers in university libraries in South Africa, are not prepared to manage change. The literature review also identifies the competencies that are required to manage change. These are: • Communication • Planning and administration • Teamwork • Strategic action • Global awareness • Self-management. The following management functions are also highlighted in the literature review: • Job descriptions • Job/person specifications • Human resource planning • Recruitment and selection of staff • Staff appraisal • Staff training and development. Questionnaires were used to gather data from the population of the study. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 15. The main findings of the study are: • Library managers in the university libraries are not equipped to manage change • First line managers do not require any of the competencies to manage change. • Middle managers require communication competencies and teamwork competencies. • Communication competencies, planning and administration competencies, teamwork competencies and strategic action competencies are required by senior managers to manage change. Based on the descriptive statistics and the hypotheses tested, this study provides a basis for a model that identifies the competencies and managerial functions that are required by the different managerial levels to manage change in university libraries in South Africa. Recommendations include that: • Library schools introduce a module on change management • Competencies to be work shopped to all levels of library managers • Structured training needs to be undertaken that cover all managerial functions • A management qualification must become a minimum requirement for all managerial jobs in university libraries • All senior managers should at least have a management major in their first degree or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Application of knowledge management approaches and information and communication technologies to manage indigenous knowledge in the agricultural sector in selected districts of Tanzania.
(2009) Lwoga, Edda Tandi.
This study investigated the extent to which knowledge management (KM) approaches and information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to manage agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK), and introduce relevant exogenous knowledge in some local communities of Tanzania. The recognition and management of local practices do not only give confidence to farmers that their knowledge and skills are valued, but also leads to the preservation and continued use of their IK. Managing IK within and across communities can help to enhance cross-cultural understanding and promote the cultural dimension of agricultural development in the local communities. The current state of managing agricultural IK and access to relevant exogenous knowledge in the selected local communities in Tanzania was investigated. The study used mixed research methods, where the qualitative approach was the dominant method. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered simultaneously during a single phase of data collection. The primary purpose was to gather qualitative data through the semi-structured interviews, focus groups, non-participant observation, and participatory rural appraisal tools (information mapping and linkage diagrams, and problem trees). The secondary purpose was to gather quantitative data through closed questions which were embedded in the same semi-structured interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were kept separate, and then they were combined or integrated into the meta-inferences. Some of the qualitative themes were also transformed into counts, and these counts were compared with descriptive quantitative data. The study participants included three categories of respondents: local communities (farmers and village leaders), IK policy makers (institutions that deal with intellectual property policies in Tanzania), and knowledge intermediaries (institutions that deal with agricultural KM activities in the rural areas). The findings indicated that KM approaches can be used to manage IK and appropriately introduce exogenous knowledge in the local communities, and thus the integration of both indigenous and exogenous knowledge can be feasible. The study findings showed that farmers possessed an extensive base of agricultural IK. However, this knowledge was acquired, developed and shared within a small, weak and spontaneous network, and thus knowledge loss was prevalent in the surveyed communities. Formal sources of knowledge mainly focused on disseminating exogenous knowledge in the local communities, which showed the predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the surveyed local communities. The study found that most of the farmers’ knowledge was tacit and it was created and shared through human interactions, and thus lack of ICTs did not constitute a barrier for KM practices in the rural areas. The study findings showed that radio was the major ICT used to access exogenous and indigenous knowledge in the local communities. There was low use of ICTs to share and preserve agricultural IK in the local communities. Although there was a predominance of the exogenous knowledge system over IK in the local communities, farmers applied IK gained from tacit and explicit sources of knowledge in their farming systems as compared to exogenous knowledge in the surveyed communities. Farmers trusted their own knowledge since it did not challenge their assumptions as would new knowledge from research institutions and universities. Low use of exogenous knowledge on some farming aspects was attributed to the fact that few knowledge intermediaries had identified and prioritized farmers’ knowledge and needs in the local communities. Individual and collective interactions were already used to integrate farmers’ knowledge and exogenous knowledge in the local communities, however, they needed to be strengthened through KM practices. The study findings showed that various factors determined access to knowledge in the communities, which included ICTs, culture of a certain locality, trust, status, context and space. The findings also showed that the lack of IK policy and existence of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) that inadequately recognised and protected IK, limited acquisition, sharing and preservation of IK in the surveyed communities in Tanzania. The study concluded that unless KM approaches are applied, IK will continue to disappear, and the rural farmers will have nothing to rely on, for their farming practices. Since knowledge is the collective expertise of everyone in the communities, this study recommends that KM practices should be embedded in the community, private and public agricultural actors and other government and private institutions as they currently function in the local communities. The government and private agricultural actors should foster the KM practices in the local communities by engaging the community leaders and rural people in the whole process. Since IK is site-specific, it can therefore seldom be scaled up without an adaptation, however it can be used to stimulate experimentation and innovation in other communities. With this view, this study recommends that knowledge should not be separated from the individuals who possess it, instead efforts should be made to enable the communities to manage their own knowledge, and to adapt other knowledge systems to suit their local context for effective KM practices. Indigenous knowledge would be effectively managed and integrated with exogenous knowledge if the government ensures that there are policies and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) that recognise and protect the existing knowledge in the country. These policies may include sectoral policies that deal with IK, rural development, agriculture, ICTs, education issues and various other issues. These policies should comprise the following: (i) a shared definition of and vision for KM in the country; (ii) the clear goals/strategies for the innovation initiatives to take place in the rural areas; and (iii) guidance with regard to prioritizing, deciding upon, and taking action to institutionalize KM processes in the rural areas with linkages to gender perspectives. Issues related to the capacity building, culture, content, infrastructure, and leadership should be addressed at this level for effective implementation of KM services in the rural areas. This will enable the communities and agricultural actors (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) to establish KM practices and a culture that is conducive for KM activities in their localities. Further, the study recommends that public and private institutions, knowledge intermediaries (such as research, extension, NGOs, libraries) and village leaders should be involved in the KM practices in the rural areas, and they should ensure that there is a committed leadership for KM activities, knowledge culture, appropriate ICTs, favourable context and space, and mapping to locate knowledge bearers and knowledge resources in the rural areas. However, the absence of ICTs should not constitute a barrier for KM and knowledge integration processes, since the findings showed that communities are more likely to understand, acquire and use knowledge that is shared through indigenous communication channels which are oral in nature rather than other approaches such as ICTs.
An investigation into the incidence and reasons associated with management employees' intentions to leave their organizations : perceptions of MBA students in KwaZulu-Natal
(2009) Muteswa, Rudolph P. T.
Skills shortages in South Africa occur when demand for certain skills exceeds supply, South Africa has a high demand for mathematical, sciences and information technology (IT) related skills (Daniels, 2007:1). Factors such as HIV/AIDS, legislation (for example affirmative action), and rapid growth of the IT sector and the education system are contributing to the continuous increase in the skills shortages rate in South Africa (Daniels, 2007:1). As a result of the skills shortages, South African organisations find themselves competing with international organisations for managerial-level employees, resulting in a ‘war for talent’. This study specifically focussed on the incidence and reasons associated with managerial-level employees’ intentions to leave their KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)-based organisations. In particular, the perceptions of MBA students studying at UKZN formed the focus of this study. The study, both primary and secondary data were collected and analysed. In the study the targeted population were managerial-level employees who were currently working in KwaZulu-Natal-based organisations and who had met the entry requirements of UKZN’s Graduate School of Business (GSB). The purposive sampling technique was used and all the registered MBA students at the GSB of UKZN formed the target population that is, the target population comprised of all 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year MBA students and there were approached following that same order. In the study it was found that the three CFST sub-components that had the most influence on the managerial-level employees’ decision to leave were aspects of the CFST related to careerpath strategies, management/leadership style and rewards. These results were more clearly supported and given stronger evidence by the rankings of the high scoring samples of the intention to leave (ITL) scale and propensity to leave (PTL) scale which depicted the same three CFST sub-components. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study that South African organisations have a strong influence on the respondent’s decisions to leave their organisations. It was also recommended that South African organisations should implement effective leadership/management style and should also offer their managerial-level employees competitive remuneration packages.
An inquiry into the underlying causes of objections by game ranchers to power lines on their properties.
(2005) Gaylard, Ian Herbert.; Hardman, Stanley George.
After many years of being overlooked as a game ranching area and tourist destination in favour of more established areas, the Eastern Cape, in terms of game ranching and tourism has ‘come of age’. It has become a huge industry in the Eastern Cape. Income was initially generated from commercial hunting, followed by non-consumptive eco tourism. As the industry expanded, the true value of game was discovered coupled with games inherent ability to survive with limited human interference has made it an attractive business. These factors and others have encouraged more and more farmers to convert from other forms of farming to game ranching. With this came the desire to restore their properties back to or as close as possible to its original state. Resulting in ‘emergence’ in the form of ‘resistance to power lines’, because they were seen as hideous and an unnecessary visual intrusion which impacted negatively on tourism and property values etc. The purpose of this dissertation was to surface the underlying causes for the resistance to power lines. A systems thinking approach was used, which emphasised multiple causes, and by means of systems diagrams gained an understanding of the various issues and arguments that relate to the placing and managing of power lines in rural areas. Key focus areas were motivational theories, mental constructs and factors that contribute to people’s perspectives and worldviews that ultimately influence their behaviour.
Inclusive education policy and practice : investigating the educational rights and needs of learners and students with visual impairments in South Africa
(2008) Sukhraj-Ely, Praveena.; De Kadt, Raphael.
Focus This thesis investigates inclusive education policy and practice in South Africa. In this context, particular focus is given to the rights and needs of visually impaired learners and students. Background Due to the dual segregated education system, as at 2001, approximately 280 000 disabled children did not have access to education at school. The special schools system fostered inequality and discrimination of disabled learners from an early age. This stood in tension with the South African Constitution and was not in line with international trends. This ‘normative tension’ and lack of alignment with evolving international practice led to a shift towards an inclusive education system as a policy preference. Policy In 1996 the Constitution and the South African Schools Act prescribed that everyone had the right to basic education and should not be discriminated against on any grounds. Mainstream schools catered for able-bodied learners, and existing legislation did not automatically equip schools and teachers with resources and training to accommodate disabled learners. To enable directives to obtain these objectives, Education White Paper 6 was passed in 2001. This policy documented Government’s intent to implement an inclusive education system by 2021. Investigation The educational needs of visually impaired learners were identified and discussed. An analysis of White Paper 6, highlighting its strengths and limitations in light of the identified specialised educational needs, was conducted. Research was undertaken in mainstream schools, special schools and universities to assess the progress of the implementation process. Challenges impeding the process including untrained educators, insufficient funding, and no established provisioning norms were identified. Inclusive education has its foundations within social rights theory. Education, like other basic social rights is a justiciable right which the State must uphold. However, like all normative wish lists of rights, limited resources, competing claimants and policy trade-offs are inevitable, more especially in a developing country. As a result budgets, utilisation of funds and accountability of the Department of Education were also investigated. Conclusion Following an analysis of the contents of the policy and findings on the progress of the implementation process, policy recommendations- informed by the researchwere proposed.
The challenges faced by CMT employers in the clothing industry in the greater Durban area.
(2008) Chetty, Katrina.; Ramdial, Pratistadevi K.
This research study examines the challenges facing CMTs in the Durban area. The researcher conducted a literature review on the evolution of the clothing industry, internationally and locally, the emergence of the CMT factory in Durban and the key aspects affecting CMTs in their current environment including yet not restricted to; imports, labour regulation, worker co-operation and CMT distributors. CMTs are the labour components in the clothing sector, providing jobs for woman and unskilled to semi-skilled individuals. Therefore, the poor performance of CMTs are cause for concern in South Africa, a country that is experiencing disturbing levels of unemployment. The evolution of the CMT factory highlights its reasons for coming into being i.e. short-run times and high productivity levels. When large manufacturers restructured to remain competitive, they shed the labour component of their operation. The reason for this move was to do away with labour issues. CMTs, in effect, became this labour component, without the benefits associated with that of a large manufacturing firm. However, the labour regulations that came into effect do not distinguish between a small business i.e. the CMT factory and a large manufacturer, as the same laws apply to both. The current CMT environment makes it difficult for employers to remain competitive, both locally and internationally, when factors such as low productivity hinder performance. The study provides vital information from the CMT employers' perspective and recommendations that have been made are practical and can be made use of with the help of the government.
Investigation of work-life balance in organisations in KwaZulu-Natal : comparison with the United Kingdom.
(2008) Nzimande, Judith.; Parumasur, Sanjana Brijball.
It has become imperative for organisations to create family-friendly work-environments, where employees can effectively balance work and family life, in order to ensure employee satisfaction and increased productivity. It is important to establish how far South African organisations are in creating such environments and how much still need to be done as employee productivity ultimately impacts on the country's economic performance. This research study was concerned with dissecting the concept of work-life balance by highlighting the various types of flexible work arrangements that exist and comparing the legislations that promote work-life balance in South Africa with those of UK. The study was conducted in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban. A questionnaire was administered to 84 adults occupying management positions in various corporate organisations in Durban. The analysed findings revealed that South KwaZulu-Natal organisations are far behind UK in adopting and implementing work-life balance initiatives. South African organisations must introduce more flexible-working arrangements and the government must improve family-friendly legislation. South Africa still has a lot of work to do in introducing family-friendly legislation. Recommendations were also made with regards to what organisations as well as the government need to do in implementing work-life balance initiatives.
Understanding the gender earnings gap in the post-apartheid South African labour market.
(2008) Goga, Sumayya.; Posel, Dorrit Ruth.
In this thesis, I analyse the gender earnings gap in South Africa using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data, for the period between 2001 and 2005. In addition to providing estimates of the gender earnings differential at the mean of the wage distribution (using a pooled regression), I also provide quantile regression estimates to account for the gap at different points of the distribution. To further explore reasons for the gender earnings gap, I separate the male and female earnings equations and employ a decomposition technique. This allows me to determine the proportion of the gap that is not explained by differences in observable characteristics between men and women. The 'unexplained' part of the earnings gap is suggestive of gender discrimination in the labour market. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) the pooled regression (controlling for sample selection), indicates an increase in the gender pay gap between 2001 and 2005. In turn, the quantile regression estimates for the period also illustrate a widening gender earnings differential throughout the distribution, except at the mean. By contrast, the descriptive statistics and the separated male and female earnings estimations show a decrease in the earnings gap over the period. Given that the pooled regression assumes the same returns to observable characteristics for males and females, which I reject through the use of a Chow test, the results from the separated estimations hold more weight. The Oaxaca (1973) decomposition on the separated male and female earnings estimations illustrates that the 'unexplained' component of the gap accounts for a greater proportion of the gap than the 'explained' component in both years. Furthermore, the 'unexplained' proportion of the gap increased in the period, while the 'explained' proportion decreased. Thus, if the 'unexplained' part of the gap is considered to be a measure of discrimination, then the data indicates an increase in discrimination in earnings between the sexes over the period 2001 to 2005, even though there was a narrowing of the gender earnings differential.
Poor community struggling to give their children the gift of knowledge : policy pertaining exemption on payment of school fees at Dassenhoek schools.
(2006) Bhengu, Sifiso Marcus.
No Abstract available.
Rationale for the participation of low level employees in industrial action in a public sector provincial department.
(2008) Jugwanth, Usha.; Parumasur, Sanjana Brijball.
It has been observed within the provincial department under study, that officials occupying levels 1-4 constituted approximately 70% of the population that participated in the National Public Service Strike of 2007. Higher level employees piggy-back on the efforts of low level employees, since they do not participate in industrial action, do not have any deductions made from their salaries due to the implementation of the 'no work no pay' rule, but derive benefits from the collective efforts of industrial action. This study explored the rationale for the participation of low level employees in industrial action in a Public Sector Provincial Department. The objectives of the study was to establish the psychological motivation for low level employees engaging in collective action and the types of behaviour low level employees engage in when participating in industrial action. In this study, the population constituted all level 1-4 employees that participated in the Public Service Strike of 2007. The sample included 80 subjects that were selected, using the probability simple random sampling design, from the population. The questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Frequency distributions, percentages, chisquare distributions and graphs were used to analyse the data. Very strong response rates were received for subjects indicating that they did not participate in strike/protest action because they thought that they can have a holiday or that the supervisor will not be at work. Very strong response rates were also recorded for subjects indicating that they did not force/influence other people to participate in strike/protest action when they themselves participated in strike/protest action. Strong response rates were received for subjects indicating that they did not participate in strike/protest action because other employees of similar level as them participated in strike/protest action, they were not absent on the day of a strike/protest action because of the pressure from union officials or that they were forced by union officials not to attend work, that when they participated in strike/protest action they were notified by the union about the strike, that when they participated in strike/protest action they participated in union marches/rallies, that they participated in strike/protest action because their grievances were not attended to and that they participated in strike/protest action because they believed that they could control events by their own behaviour. Moderate response rates were recorded for subjects indicating that they participated in strike/protest because they felt that they were worse off than other employees who earn more and have greater benefits than they have, that they participated in strike/protest because they were frustrated and dissatisfied in the work place and that they participated in strike/protest action because they believed that such behaviour could impact on political processes. This study has provided greater insight into the rationale for the participation of low level employees in industrial action despite the monetary losses they suffer due to the implementation of the 'no work no pay' rule.
The attitudes and self-reported competencies of educators in rural schools of KwaZulu-Natal regarding the use of information communication technology to delivery e-education to rural communities.
(2008) Matsemela, Yvonne Nonhlanhla.; Klopper, Rembrandt.
In 2004 the South African Department of Education released a White Paper on e-Education in which it outlined its intention to introduce Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver e-Education in South African schools by 2013. The White Paper prompted this study on the attitudes, perceptions and competencies of educators in rural schools of KwaZulu- Natal towards this policy with the aim to establish whether they would be willing to adopt e-Education and whether they would be ready to implement the policy in the classroom. A study of educators' perceptions about e- Education and their willingness to adopt this form of education delivery enables one to establish their level of e-Readiness. The researcher conducted a literature review and formulated e- Readiness as the theoretical framework of the study. This was followed by a quantitative research involving a suitably representative sample of educators in rural schools of KZN. It aimed at establishing educators' use of basic and advanced electronic communication technologies as indicative of e-Readiness. A follow-up survey was conducted which intended to establish educators' use of cell phones as an indication of e-Readiness. Both surveys were conducted by means of structured questionnaires. Data processing and analysis were done using analytical program SPSS 13. The major findings of this study are that educators in rural schools of KwaZulu-Natal are not ready for the rollout of e-Education. Among the factors limiting their e-Readiness are: a lack of exposure to advanced electronic communication technologies emanating from lack of technological infrastructure as well as resources in the majority of schools in the rural areas. Another factor is inadequate computer skills needed for effective teaching in an e- Education setting. Those with computer training have not been able to utilize their skills at the poorly equipped schools where they teach and would therefore require retraining. The study, however, revealed positive attitudes among educators and willingness to adopt and implement the e-Education policy should these problems be addressed. Finally comparison of the results of PC based e-Education survey and the cell phone survey indicate that while educators in rural communities are ill-equipped to use computers, they are sophisticated cell phone users, leading one to surmise that they would readily adopt emerging and converging technologies that are set to make available powerful multi-functional communication-computation devices.
A systems approach to IQMS implementation in Vulindlela circuit : a study in reflection in Vulindlela West Ward.
(2006) Mchunu, Bongani Sibusiso.; Hardman, Stanley George.
The study reviews the implementation of DAS and IQMS in Vulindlela Circuit from 2003 to 2006. The systems thinking approach and Soft Systems Methodology served as a point of leverage in identifying problematic situations besetting the implementation of DAS and IQMS. The use of systems tools provided the means for creating dialogue between the facilitator and the SMT members and principals. The study illustrates the use of the systems maps, spray diagrams, iceberg tool, brainwriting and rich pictures in surfacing the assumptions and beliefs about the failure of DAS and IQMS. With this approach, SMTs and principals developed their ideas about the way they could implement DAS and IQMS. Systems thinking provided a perspective for approaching the problematic situations. A conceptual model for DAS and IQMS evolved though the collaborative efforts of SMT members and principals. A developmental and holistic model evolved from this process of school development. A new way of thinking about problematic situations is presented to participants. A process of dialogue set the stage for. school development. Notable improvements are highlighted as indicators of improvement during the implementation of DAS and IQMS. The approach promotes active participation, dialogue, reflection and continuous inquiry and a shared vision in the formulation of conceptual models.
"The role of brands in the advertising of beauty products."
(2007) Cebisa, Zwelakhe Erick.; Poovalingam, Kasthuri.
This research investigates the role of brands in the advertising of beauty products. This study was conducted at tertiary institutions in the Durban Metropolitan Area. Since, students are believed to constitute a large market for consumer goods, especially beauty products, the study also seeks to determine consumption patterns and preferences of brands of beauty products by students at tertiary institutions. Using a survey-based study, the results of the survey highlights the importance of the branding of beauty products in promoting sales, loyalty and preference for various brands. The findings suggest that marketers' should continue to provide information to consumers about their beauty products, so that their benefits and functions are constantly emphasized, without exaggerating the claims of the brands. It has also emerged that detailed instructions on the use of beauty products and the frequency of their use be clearly indicated on their labels. This study has also revealed that brands of beauty products entrench the image of the company through its truthful advertising.
The impact of electricity as a source of energy : "a demand side management perspective."
(2005) Chetty, Nalandran.; Taylor, Robert Gordon.
The essence of this dissertation is to enlighten the client on those strategic options available for a financially viable energy source and is also aimed at increasing the electricity share of the energy market, which is currently approximately 25%. This dissertation focuses on the industrial sector of the economy. Energy sources available to the Industrial sector, namely coal, diesel, illuminating paraffin, heavy fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas and electricity, were selected for this specific study and compared in eight geographic areas. These inland areas include Pretoria-Witwatersrand- Vereeniging (PWV), Bloemfontein, Pietersburg and Nelspruit, and the coastal areas include Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay. As the energy cost is not the only factor influencing the total cost of using a particular energy source, the objective for this study was also to evaluate energy sources on an effective cost basis, taking account of energy price as well as indirect costs and utilization efficiencies. The typical industrial application of steam generation was selected and the costs related to using various energy sources in this application evaluated. This study also considers critical factors likely to be taken into account by consumers when choosing an energy source, or deciding on an energy conversion, which includes Demand Side Management (DSM). DSM refers to a process by which electric utilities especially Eskom, in collaboration with consumers achieve predictable and sustainable changes in electricity demand. These changes are affected through a permanent reduction in demand levels (Energy efficiency) as well as time related reduction in demand level (Load Management)
Determinants of systems performance : an enquiry into project practitioners' understanding and experiences with HIV and AIDS Projects in the SADC Region.
(2005) Dzirikure, Manasa.; Taylor, Robert Gordon.
HIV and AIDS projects do not appear to be making significant impact to date as shown by the continued rise in HIV infection and complexity of HIV and AIDS related problems in Southern Africa (UNAIDS 2004). The general understanding of what is required to tum HIV and AIDS projects into successfully performing systems is rather weak. Koskela and Howell (2002) observe that the underlying theory of project management is obsolete and project management lacks theoretical capacity to deal with the need to improve its practice. Using an introspective qualitative methodology to solicit responses from 15 project practitioners drawn purposively- random from 5 countries of Southern Africa and in addition to referencing project literature from organizations working on HIV and AIDS control as well as observations from workshops, the study draws conclusions of a formative nature, on what determines the performance of HIV and AIDS projects. These determinants include: availability of adequate resources; quality of planning; creativity of project teams; timeliness in implementation; quality of leadership and management; competence of project leaders or managers; the social, political, economic environment in which the project is implemented; theoretical or paradigmatic relevance of project designs and implementation methodologies; quality of monitoring and evaluation; motivation of project teams and beneficiaries; participation of beneficiaries and stakeholders; and multisectorality of project efforts. The study suggests that social development project designs appear to suffer from paradigmatic mismatch and in-congruency, employing project design frameworks and methodologies borrowed from physical science projects, with a strong mechanistic, positivist character to address "messy situations" (Ackoff, 1974; Casti, 1994; Eden, et ai, 1983 & Lane, et ai, 2000). Recognising that the use of projects is becoming more pervasive, with more managers entering the field of project management, the study notes that the success of project practitioners depends on their ability to adopt multiple skills and adapt to complex situations, "quickly and accurately facilitating problem solving and decision making processes" (Burke, 1999). The study recognizes that project management in HIV and AIDS is guided by reductionist and mechanistic metaphors which defines the mechanistic character of project designs, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The development and application of systemic metaphors could improve project management practice in social development efforts. The study provides recommendations for improving sustainable project management practice, most importantly, the use of systems thinking and approach as an alternative theoretical and paradigmatic foundation for addressing complex social development project management efforts such as HIV and AIDS control. The researcher acknowledges that systems approaches provide opportunities for social dialogue and collective consensus, reflective thinking and practice and experiential learning which are necessary to improving performance of complex social development efforts in unpredictable environments, with potential to achieving "the common good".
An investigation of shopping centres as situational influences on consumer behaviour in the greater Durban area.
(2007) Docrat, Suleman Hoosen.; Poovalingam, Kasthuri.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the consumers' decision-making process in the selection of shopping centres. The South African society is undergoing a rapid transformation in its consumption patterns. The development and expansion of shopping centres means that consumers, in most cases, have an increasing choice of shopping destinations that meet their needs for goods, services and entertainment. The development and rapid expansion of planned shopping centres, often called Shopping Malls, has been one of the greatest retail revolutions in South Africa in the last twenty years. The competitive retail environment poses serious threats and opportunities for growth and profitability of shopping centres. The empirical research, which was conducted amongst shoppers at the various centres in the greater Durban area, confirms the significance of the various situational influences, which are the physical surroundings, the social surroundings, time, task definition and antecedent states as they impact on the shopping centres. The findings of this study reveal that stakeholders of shopping centres should go beyond the tactical aspects of shopping centre operations and adopt a strategic approach to business, in which customers' needs and competitors' actions are monitored in their quest to obtain preference vis a vis their competitors. The need to create and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage over other centres is at the heart of ensuring the continued viability of individual shopping centres. Against the urgent need to adopt a strategic approach to shopping centre development and management, recommendations are provided for developers and managers to acknowledge the impact of the dynamic aspect of the factors that influence the consumers' decision-making process and their implications for shopping centre development and promotion. This study is aimed at providing valuable information to a variety of stakeholders such as the tenants, property developers, investors, shopping centre managers, retailers and consumers at shopping centres as well as academics interested in consumer behaviour and the impact of shopping centres in South Africa.
Women in management : a comparative study of the public (education) and private (banking) sectors in Durban.
(2005) Bob, Roshini.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
This study utilises a multi-conceptual framework to critically and comparatively examine central issues and concerns relating to women in management generally and more specifically in the public and private sectors. The case studies of the banking and education sectors in the Durban area form the focus of this effort. Specifically, the main aspects of the primary research undertaken pertain to: perceptions of employees (both at management and non-managerial staff levels) in the banking and education sectors towards women in management; an appraisal from a management perspective, of existing policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices within the private and the public sectors; an examination of the impact that gender equity practices has on human resource planning, especially at the management level, in the private and public sectors; and an assessment of training and support programmes in place to assist women managers. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken with 50 female managers from each sector, 25 male managers from each sector and 25 non-managerial staff from each sector. Therefore, in total 200 interviews were conducted. Additionally, participatory focus group discussions were conducted with groups of both female and male managers and non-managers. The study reveals that women form an integral part of human resources in the banking and education sectors. For several decades women have entered jobs in these sectors and many women have moved up to managerial levels. However, most of these positions remain at lower and middle-management levels. Additionally, there are several problems that women in management experience. The main conclusion is that there are no notable and significant differences between women in management in the public and private sectors. This reinforces ILO's (1998) position that the challenges faced by women in management are ongoing and widespread. Problems facing women in management are complex and multidimensional. There are numerous factors that contribute to existing trends and explain the poor participation and performance of women in leadership positions. No single strategy or initiative can address the challenges faced by women in management and increase women's presence in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. It is therefore imperative that issues pertaining to women in management be addressed from a range of perspectives: policy aspects, raising awareness of key considerations, improving skills and competencies of women (especially creating conditions and opportunities for development and capacity building), changing institutional and corporate structures and procedures as well as changing attitudes of men and women towards women in management and leadership positions. In essence, it is necessary to create a more enabling, women-friendly environment.

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