Browsing by Subject "commerce"
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- ItemOpen AccessA Conceptualisation of the self-perceptions of black professionals in relation to business leadership in South Africa(2021) Myeza, Angel; April, KurtThe research aimed to gain an understanding of the self-perceptions of black South African professionals (and leaders) in relation to business leadership and how these self-perceptions influenced their behaviours, aspirations and self-perceived abilities in leadership positions. The leadership behaviour of black leaders was found to be influenced by their upbringing, educational background, workplace experiences and the country's historical context. Leadership behaviours exhibited by black leaders included Ubuntu, difficulty with owning authority, deliberate bias in management behaviour across colour and a profound sense of shared responsibility toward other black professionals and black communities. Black professionals demonstrated signs of deep-rooted pain, fear, anger, isolation, pride, empathy and general emotional fatigue stemming from workplace, socio-economic and political triggers that evoked generational trauma and an overall negative black lived experience. The negative lived experience could have led to racial identity dissonance and in extreme cases, complete racial identity disassociation. On occasion, black professionals leveraged white relationships to propel their careers forward, however, this practice reportedly resulted in feelings of self-doubt. Self-doubt was shown to eventually lead to self-deselection, negatively impacting the aspirations and career advancement prospects of black professionals in organisational leadership. Career progression of black professionals was additionally impacted by 'multiple shades of black', which determined if the black professional could be 'authorised' as a leader. These 'shades' included aspects such as the 'twang', complexion, and for black women, even hair. Black professionals that were perceived to better resemble 'whiteness', achieved faster career progression. The research found that black leaders perceived that their blackness, specifically, its unique texture of experiences and history in South Africa, provided them with superior empathetic leadership capability towards black employees, although it severely diminished empathy towards white employees. Furthermore, black professionals considered their blackness to detract from their leadership capability, by reducing the odds of being authorised as a natural leader, enforcing a skewed self-perception of their leadership capabilities.
- ItemOpen AccessA model for teaching green information systems in higher education(2018) Mcgibbon, Carolyn; Ophoff, JacquesThe purpose of this study was to respond to a call to the Information Systems (IS) discipline to provide solutions to address global challenges such as the seventh Millennium Development Goal of ensuring an interconnectedness of society and the environment. Many academic disciplines have recognised that sustainability is one of the most significant challenges of our time and thus needs to be included in curricula; IS, as a discipline, needed to fill this gap. A longitudinal six-year study was undertaken at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Department of IS to introduce the concept of “Green” IS into a project management course with students required to measure an aspect of the campus carbon footprint. Drawing on Design Science Research, the author used kernel theories of Butler’s Model of Green IS and the Scharmer’s Theory U to inform the design. The goal of the curriculum intervention was to design a model with outputs of key Green IS technical and social competences. The intention was also to create an impact with a reduced Carbon Footprint at UCT, despite the current absence of regulatory pressure. A total of 183 students were involved in the study over a period of six semesters where the theories of Green IS were presented as the underlying frameworks for their course. Key principles were drawn from international best practice, including how to address “wicked” sustainability problems and adopting a focus on developing sustainability solutions. Formative evaluations were conducted at the end of each cycle of the design development. Archival evidence, as well as student reflective essays, was employed, and content analysis and coding of the empirical data were conducted using a data analysis software tool. Experts were invited to summatively evaluate the model in practice, and their questionnaires were also coded in Atlas-ti and tested for co-occurrences. The contributions are provided on two levels. A contribution is made on a theoretical platform by the design of “The Green U’’, a model that evolved iteratively and has its roots in the kernel theories of both Green IS and change management. On a practical level, the research offers guidance to IS educators on how to integrate sustainability into their courses. Via enabling The Green U to be exapted into other emerging IS themes, this research project thus provides the opportunity for a seam of rich possibilities for further quantitative and qualitative research.
- ItemOpen AccessAn assessment of capital expenditure, required to establish a steel distribution business, as a barrier to entry into the steel distribution industry(2018) Gqoboka, Lithalethu; Zolfaghari, BadriThe South African steel industry plays a vital role in the economy of the country. It is seen to be a major source of employment for the South African people, and key to sustainable economic development for the country. In recent years however, the South African steel industry has been faced with a number of challenges resulting in the closure of some steel companies and consequently the loss of many jobs. It is posited that small and medium enterprises (SMME’s) can minimise these negative effects, balance out the job losses and keep the industry sustainable. However, the barriers to entry in the steel industry, and especially access to finance capital, require policy interventions to assist entrepreneurs to enter into the industry. This paper explores the barriers to entry for new entrants in the industry, with particular focus on capital expenditure as the main barrier to entry and seeks to understand what policy interventions would be beneficial in promoting new entrants into the steel industry value chain. Qualitative research was undertaken to gather data from senior personnel within various steel companies. A convenience sample of eleven participants were selected to participate in semistructured interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were used to conduct an analysis of findings. The research found that there is scope for new players in the steel industry value chain but that it is a highly competitive industry with many players currently. New entrants would need to focus on innovation or a niche area of specialisation, in order to compete effectively. In addition, having additional players would benefit the industry and contribute positively to economic development for the country. The largest challenge for new entrants is access is capital as financial institutions are risk adverse towards to the steel industry. However, there are various means by which small players can minimise the necessary capital outlay for a startup business. Policy interventions can also go a long way in encouraging additional entrants to the industry and further developing the economy.
- ItemOpen AccessAn implementation and outcome evaluation of the Parent Centre's Teen Parenting Programme(2024) Masvosvere, Tulile; Chapman, SarahTeenage pregnancy and the impact of the HIV epidemic are significant factors leading to adolescents assuming parental responsibilities for children, siblings, or relatives. South African society exhibits diverse family structures and caregiver relationships, extending beyond biological parents to include non-biological caregivers. This study evaluated the Parent Centre's Teen Parenting Programme, a parenting and life skills initiative facilitated by a dedicated team in Nyanga, Gugulethu, and Khayelitsha schools and communities. The programme caters to teenagers with parental responsibilities, encompassing both biological parents and caregivers for younger siblings. Participants voluntarily attended 23 weekly group sessions. The study assessed the programme's implementation, with participants expressing satisfaction with the facilitators' teaching methods and the nurturing atmosphere they fostered. Participants reported positive changes in parenting practices, self-esteem, confidence, and competence, leading to improved parent-child relationships and more effective communication. The study employed a Qualitative Exploratory-Descriptive (QED) research design, guided by a generic qualitative inquiry (GQI) framework to examine practical outcomes and programme implementation. Limitations in causal inference and potential bias due to purposive sampling were acknowledged. Nonetheless, the evaluation provided valuable insights into the strengths of the programme and areas for improvement, contributing to the understanding of teen parenting support programmes.
- ItemOpen AccessAn Implementation Outcomes Evaluation for the Nal?ibali FUNda Leader Network: Eastern Cape Province(2023) Sithole, Stella; Duffy, CarrenThe need to improve literacy skills among the youths in South Africa has been a national priority area, with several programmes being implemented by the South African government and non-profit organisations in the country. These programmes aim to develop and improve literacy and reading skills among the youth. One such intervention is the Nal'ibali campaign. While Nal'ibali implements several interventions, this minor dissertation presents the findings of an implementation outcomes evaluation of their FUNda Leader Network. The FUNda Leader Network comprises volunteers from disadvantaged areas who implement reading clubs within their communities. The evaluator used the implementation outcomes framework developed by Proctor et al. (2011) to investigate seven implementation outcome domains of the programme, namely, acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, and sustainability. In line with these domains, the evaluator proposed eight evaluation questions that directed inquiry on the programme facilitators and their experiences, programme activities and service delivery, service uptake and utilisation, outcomes achieved and success stories of programme beneficiaries, as well as the sustainability of these outcomes, post the intervention. Through assessing these domains, overall, the evaluation aimed to evaluate the extent to which Nal'ibali's FUNda Leader Network was implemented with fidelity and the programme's effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes. A qualitative approach utilising semi-structured interviews was employed to collect the data. A total of six interviews were conducted. Findings support the FUNda Leader Network as a relevant initiative that has facilitated the development of reading abilities and the creation of a reading culture amongst the youths in some of the disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape. The FUNda Leaders interviewed were satisfied with the campaign and its activities and were able to share stories about how the network and the activities enhanced knowledge and confidence among the youth in their respective reading clubs. While some interviewees discussed some community resistance, they shared the strategies adopted to raise awareness about the importance of the intervention among the parents and the community, resulting in subsequent support for the programme. This dissertation reports the findings of the implementation domains as well as the success stories of programme beneficiaries (outcomes). Additionally, recommendations to further improve the programme are discussed. Overall, the evaluation returned positive implementation and outcomes results for Nal'ibali's FUNda Leader Network. Keywords: reading clubs, youth literacy, implementation evaluation, outcomes evaluation, implementation outcomes framework
- ItemOpen AccessExamining the factors structures of brand loyalty of men’s deodorants among generation X and generation Y consumers in Cape Town(2019) Lokosang, Lobojo; Pillay, PragasenThis study examines the structures and reliability of brand loyalty in men’s deodorant consumption, as suggested by Moolla’s (2010) framework. This is due to the fickle or disloyal nature of male Generation X and Generation Y deodorant consumers. Although, the subject of brand loyalty is popular, there is a lack of research in the investigation of Generation X and Generation Y consumers specifically in the men’s deodorant industry in Cape Town. This study attempted to close the gap by examining brand loyalty of Generation X and Generation Y consumers in Cape Town through the brand loyalty framework. Based on Chronbach Alphas, the study assessed the degree to which each factor of deodorant brand loyalty loads unto a construct or internal consistency. This study’s motivation is to attempt to assist management develop appropriate strategies, and to expand the body of knowledge for academics, due to limited information and to pave the way for researchers to explore various product categories specifically utilised by men as well as assist them with a tested brand loyalty framework. A positivist research paradigm provided the belief system in which data for the current study was gathered, analysed and used to provide solutions. A descriptive research design chosen for the study resulted in the application of a quantitative research methodology. With reference to Moolla’s research questionnaire, data for the current study was collected from men between the ages of 36 and 52 (Generation X) and Generation Y (men between the ages of 18 and 35). A total of 245 responses were received from Generation X and Generation Y men who are brand loyal to men’s deodorants and the data were collected by statistically analysing this sample. This research established that there were leading brands that consumers were brand loyal to and that there were dominant brand loyalty influences for both Generation X and Generation Y consumers in the men’s deodorant industry. In addition, it was revealed in the study that the suggested recommendations were that there needs to be further research in the men’s deodorant industry, a comparative study should be conducted, brand loyalty of other product categories should be investigated and marketers should focus on culture as a significant influence of brand loyalty. For future research, it was recommended that this study be continued on a larger scale in the men’s deodorant industry to endorse or rectify the results of this study
- ItemOpen AccessRecursive marginal quantization: extensions and applications in finance(2018) Rudd, Ralph; Kienitz, Jorg; Platen, EckhardQuantization techniques have been used in many challenging finance applications, including pricing claims with path dependence and early exercise features, stochastic optimal control, filtering problems and the efficient calibration of large derivative books. Recursive marginal quantization of an Euler scheme has recently been proposed as an efficient numerical method for evaluating functionals of solutions of stochastic differential equations. This algorithm is generalized and it is shown that it is possible to perform recursive marginal quantization for two higher-order schemes: the Milstein scheme and a simplified weak-order 2.0 scheme. Furthermore, the recursive marginal quantization algorithm is extended by showing how absorption and reflection at the zero boundary may be incorporated. Numerical evidence is provided of the improved weak-order convergence and computational efficiency for the geometric Brownian motion and constant elasticity of variance models by pricing European, Bermudan and barrier options. The current theoretical error bound is extended to apply to the proposed higher-order methods. When applied to two-factor models, recursive marginal quantization becomes computationally inefficient as the optimization problem usually requires stochastic methods, for example, the randomized Lloyd’s algorithm or Competitive Learning Vector Quantization. To address this, a new algorithm is proposed that allows recursive marginal quantization to be applied to two-factor stochastic volatility models while retaining the efficiency of the original Newton-Raphson gradientdescent technique. The proposed method is illustrated for European options on the Heston and Stein-Stein models and for various exotic options on the popular SABR model. Finally, the recursive marginal quantization algorithm, and improvements, are applied outside the traditional risk-neutral pricing framework by pricing long-dated contracts using the benchmark approach. The growth-optimal portfolio, the central object of the benchmark approach, is modelled using the time-dependent constant elasticity of variance model. Analytic European option prices are derived that generalize the current formulae in the literature. The time-dependent constant elasticity of variance model is then combined with a 3/2 stochastic short rate model to price zerocoupon bonds and zero-coupon bond options, thereby showing the departure from risk-neutral pricing.
- ItemOpen AccessStrategic risks to sustainability in infrastructural megaprojects(2018) Goslar, Anthony; Ryan, ThomasThe proponents of the infrastructural megaprojects promise much but often fail to deliver. These projects are complex interactions of numerous stakeholders often providing technical solutions to many end-users. The extent to which megaprojects identify and adequately address risks to sustainability is of concern to the societies employing the megaproject framework for investing in infrastructure. The goal of infrastructural engineering is to design and build infrastructure that supports society. Sustainability in megaprojects is concerned with the delivery of products and services that benefit society over the long-term. Failure to do so can result in social pushback such as protests seeking accountability and a refusal to pay. The result is a burden on society who do not reap the benefits promised to them by the project proponents. This paper seeks to establish the strategic risks which have an impact on sustainability in megaprojects. The research has emerged from interviews with professionals and documented sources. The study uses a qualitative research approach of grounded theory to investigate how megaprojects can better stay on track to deliver the infrastructure they promised for the benefit of society, both now and for future generations. A model was developed using a theory building process based on a concern variable and the seven core categories that emerged during data collection and analysis. The model likened the strategic risks to sustainability to those of the semi-generic archetype of Shifting the Burden. The model was then applied to the case of the Gauteng Freeway Improvements Project to test for practical adequacy. Recommendations for further research are to investigate government guarantees, risk allocation, and responsibility as they relate to sustainability. Of importance is the lack of resilience in megaprojects, which prevents stakeholders from adapting to a changing world. Building resilience in mega-projects would allow for better adaption in the face of uncertainty.
- ItemOpen AccessThe impact of a change in sovereign credit ratings on stock market volatility: A comparison of emerging and developed countries(2018) Govender, Sharlene; Charteris, Ailie; Alhassan, Abdul LatifSovereign credit ratings affect a country’s financial well-being. The financial markets, at large, have become quite topical within the public space, as well as policy makers and academics. This area has been examined in detail, especially after the global financial crisis of 2008. Rating agencies have been under great scrutiny against their issued ratings and accused of favouring developed economies over developing ones by providing higher ratings to the former. Using a panel of emerging and developed countries over a period of ten years (June 2007 – June 2017), this study examines whether a change in sovereign credit ratings by one of the big three rating agencies has an effect on the volatility of the stock market. This dissertation makes use of an event study over various estimation windows, and the findings depict that changes in sovereign credit ratings do have an effect on stock market volatility. Rating downgrades tend to increase volatility whilst upgrades tend to decrease volatility. Countries that have lower ratings, classified as emerging economies, are no less sensitive to rating changes compared to developed markets and both observe a significant effect on volatility when there is a change in credit ratings. The credit rating agency that had the greatest impact on the volatility of the stock market in response to a rating change is S&P. This was for both upgrades and downgrades. Fitch and Moody’s did not elicit any significant findings. This shows that the market is more responsive to an announcement by S&P than the other agencies. An understanding of the actual effect of this volatility in the equity stock market will have implications for investors, governments, pension funds and asset holders by providing them with country risk assessments and giving them the ability to rebalance their portfolios as required. It also has an impact in determining the cost of capital and evaluating investments, which affect asset allocation decisions. This study has important information, which could help contribute to credit rating agencies’ understanding of the implications that their issued ratings have on the stock market and their contribution to volatility within the market place. The policy implications of this study could affect institutions, especially the Basel committee and banking institutions whom are highly affected by the policies set out by Basel.