Management and Commerce Departments

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Open Access
An appraisal of the efficacy of selected macrotourism policies of South Africa
(2009-09-08) Zembani, Pamela Edna; Steyn, p. e.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The impact of foreign aid on the South African economy (1980-2008
(2012-09-26) Amusa, Rasheedat Gbeminiyi Omotola; Gyekye, A. B.; Masunda, Ushe
The role of foreign aid in promoting economic growth and improving welfare has been the subject of much debate among development specialists, researchers, aid donors as well as recipients in general. Two very strong views have emerged in the literature; proponents of aid posit that foreign aid contributes to higher welfare levels and economic growth while also improving the socio economic conditions of the poor in the receiving countries. Detractors of the idea that foreign aid promotes growth have argued that aid is not the solution to deep rooted economic problems of recipient countries. According to the latter, aid does not breed an environment that allows nations to themselves develop local strategies to improve growth. The country selected for this study, South Africa, poses an interesting case study given the fact that while the country is not aid- dependent, it still receives a significant amount of official development assistance (ODA). In spite of the above fact and the perceived benefits of foreign aid for growth and development, there are few empirical studies that have investigated the nature of the relationship between foreign aid and economic growth in South Africa. The study found that while foreign aid has positively affected growth in South Africa, the impact is insignificant. Although such aids has ensured a good macroeconomic environment which have been growth- enhancing for the country.
Open Access
The critical assessment of the challenges faced by Vhembe District Municipality with the implementation of supply chain management policies
(2012-12-07) Mutuvhi, Fhatuwani Lastborn; Khwashaba, M. P.; Thornhill, C.
Open Access
Challenges facing Shikundu community with regard to participation in the development projects in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2012-12-19) Mahole, Ephraim; Khwashaba, M. P.; Marule, A. L.
Open Access
An investigation into the extent to which the district municipalities performance management systems impact upon local municipalities on service delivery : a case study of the Vhembe District Municipality.
(2013-02-27) Lavhelani, Nyawasedza Phellecy; Marule, L. A.; Khwashaba, M. P.
Open Access
The impact of the National Credit Act on the growth of small business lending in the Vhembe Region of Limpopo
(2014-01-10) Sandamela, Victor Noah Abel Gold; Gyekye, A. B.
Open Access
An assessment of the potential for sustainable community tourism development in the villages affected by the Nandoni Dam
(2014-01-10) Manavhela, Pfarelo; Spencer, J. P.; Nethengwe, T.
Open Access
A context-aware business intelligence framework for South African Higher Institutions
(2016) Mutanga, Alfred; Kadyamatimba, Armstrong; Mavetera, Nehemiah; Zaaiman, Jannie J.
This thesis demonstrates the researcher’s efforts to put into practice the theoretical foundations of information systems research, in order to come up with a context-aware business intelligence framework (CABIF), for the South African higher education institutions. Using critical realism as the philosophical underpinning and mixed methods research design, a business intelligence (BI) survey was deployed within the South African public higher education institutions to measure the respondents’ satisfaction and importance of business intelligence characteristics. The 258 respondents’ satisfaction and importance of the 34 observed business intelligence variables, were subjected to principal components analysis and design science research to come up with the CABIF. The observable BI variables were drawn from four latent variables namely technology and business alignment; organizational and behavioural strategies; business intelligence domain; and technology strategies. The study yielded good values for all the observed satisfaction and importance business intelligence variables as indicated by the Kaiser- Meyer-Olkin (KMO) Measure of Sampling Adequacy and the Bartlett Test of Sphericity. The data set collected from the survey deployed at the South African public higher education institutions, was reliable and valid based on the Cronbach α values which were all above 0.9. The researcher then used the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge of design science research, and the meta-inferences of the results from the principal components analysis to produce five contexts of CABIF. The BI contexts developed were, the Basic Context; the Business Processes Context which was divided into Macro and Micro business process contexts; the Business Intelligence Context; and the Governance Context. These contexts were extrapolated within the University of Venda’s business processes and this researcher concluded that the CABIF developed, could be inferred within the South African higher education institutions. At the University of Venda, this researcher managed to draw up CABIF based business intelligence tools that spanned from leveraging the existing ICT infrastructure, student cohort analysis, viability of academic entities, strategic enrolment planning and forecasting government block grants. The correlations and regression measures of the technology acceptance variables of the business intelligence tools modelled using CABIF at University of Venda, revealed high acceptance ratio. Overall, this research provides a myriad of conceptual and practical insights into how contextualised aspects of BI directly or indirectly impact on the quality of managerial decision making within various core business contexts of South African higher education institutions.
Open Access
Franchising in a volatile business environment: a case of the fast food industry in Harare, Zimbabwe
(2016-05) Shumba, Knowledge; Zindiye, S.; Jacobs, J. H.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The role of public participation in the improvement of basic service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2016-05) Matloga, Sanah Tebogo; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Methodology and Model to Establish Cybersecurity for National Security in Africa using South Africa as a Case Study
(2016-05) Van Vuuren, Johanna Christina Jansen; Zaaiman, J. J.; Kadyamatimba, A.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Mobile and social networking technologies for teaching and learning in South African Universities: A case study of University of Venda and University of Limpopo
(2016-05) Chakuzira, Wellington; Kadyamatimba, A.; Zindiye, S.; Chibonda, T.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The impact of curriculum change on the market : the case study of South African Textbook Publishers and Retailers
(2016-05-18) Maphangwa, N. R; Shambare, R.; Zindiye, S.
Textbooks in the school context have a crucial role to play in order to achieve educational objectives as well as in directing teaching approaches (Doll, 1996). Curriculum change creates a demand for new textbooks (Taylor & Richards, 2014). The market for publishing and retailing of textbooks has many unique features, including the demand and supply aspect which is influenced by public procurement, and the existence of profit-driven textbook publishers and retailers. The phenomenon of curriculum change represents another distinctive characteristic of the market, which acts as a disruptor to the economics with significant implications for roleplayers in the market. These effects may be positive or negative, as insufficient information exists on the impacts of this feature of the market, especially in the South African context. In this study, textbooks publishers and retailers are the focus as it is their business obligation to supply textbooks to the Department of Education. The primary purpose of the study is to investigate the perceptions of selected textbook publishers and retailers on the impact of curriculum change on the performance of their businesses. The study identified proper communication and lack of intensive training as gaps that need to be addressed to ensure that textbook publishers and retailers succeed well in their businesses despite curriculum change. An in-depth qualitative study was conducted using purposive sample of 30 key respondents, that is, ten respondents from textbook publishers, ten respondents from textbook retailers and another ten from the Department of Education. The study employed the hermeneutic approach to analyse the empirical qualitative data generated from the research study. The analysis of the study was focused on the challenges that textbook publishers and retailers face due to curriculum change as well as their strategic response to curriculum change. The study found that textbook publishers and retailers’ perceptions on the impact of curriculum change on their business is both negative and positive and that the industry appreciates curriculum change as a stimulus of economic activity despite the challenges experienced. Recommendations for textbook publishers and retailers to cope with curriculum change are given.
Open Access
Unemployment among rural youth in South Africa : A case study of Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2016-09) Dagume, Mbulaheni Albert; Gyekye, A. B.; Tsegaye, A.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The use of digital mobile devices in enhancing teaching and learning at the University of Venda
(2017) Chikurunhe, Ratchel; Kadyamatimba, A.; Runhare, T.; Munyoka, W.
Mobile technology is progressively being used to support students’ learning, extending learning and educator-student contact beyond class hours. Mobile technology has been identified as a potential solution to the problem of scarcity of computers to access online learning materials in higher education institutions. The University of Venda distributed tablet personal computers to students so that they could use them for facilitating and enhancing their studies. However, the provision of tablet PCs to students may not be a panacea for quality learning, especially to a population that is not familiar with latest information technologies. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of digital mobile devices (tablet personal computers and smartphones) for enhancing teaching and learning at the University of Venda. The research questions focused on determining the current level of use of mobile devices, how they could be used effectively for teaching and learning; and the perceptions of students and lecturers on mobile devices as tools for teaching and learning. Case study research design was considered most suitable for this study as it involves collecting and reporting descriptive information about a specific environment. Mixed methods approach was applied with data being solicited from a convenient sample of 370 students, 8 lecturers and 1 IT technician at the University. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to students. The results of the study indicated that many students are active and spending much time on the different internet activities. The study also found that students prefer mobile learning and spend much time on the internet surfing information. Lecturers found it easy to communicate with the students via emails and social media platforms where they send study materials. Students use their smartphones and tablet PCs to download learning materials. However, many lecturers and students are not making use of the Learning Management System, the Blackboard due to lack of training. The results of the study are to be used to explicate, forecast, and advance the integration of the digital mobile devices for promoting learning and teaching accomplishments and standard competencies at the University of Venda. Recommendations were made on how students and lecturers can effectively use digital mobile devices for teaching and learning.
Open Access
Investigating Factors Influencing the Implementation of e-learning at Rural Based Universities
(2017) Patel, Naziyabanu Mohmedsalim; Kadyamatimba, Armstrong; Madzvamuse, Solomon
Objective: This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of e-learning at University of Venda which is one of the rural based universities in South Africa. The university recently introduced the use of blackboard, learning management systems (LMS) platform. The researchers looked at the implications faced by both students and lecturers when LMS was introduced. Methodology: Mixed methods research methodology was used for the study. To understand the impact of the LMS on teaching and learning activities, the researchers found it necessary to establish the adoption rate of the LMS for the university and compare it to that of urban universities which have already implemented similar systems. The researchers went on to establish the factors influencing the poor implementation rate in rural universities. Factors such as the level of usage of the LMS and perceptions of users were identified to assist in reaching at the conclusion on failure or success of the e-learning program. Results: The results indicated some positive perception by both educators and students. There were noted interest for the LMS usage and eagerness to apply the LMS in teaching and learning activities. Conclusion: However, the results indicated that, lack of training, poor awareness program and poor infrastructure, were the contributing factors of the failure of the e-learning program. Reshaping the perceptions by learners and educators might also contribute to the success of e-learning implementation
Open Access
An assessment of the role of real exchange rate on economic growth in South Africa (1994-2015)
(2017-02) Muzekenyi, Mike; Dafuleka, G.
The choice of a weak or strong currency has been at the center of the debate in most developing economies as exchange rates play a vital role in a country’s level of economic growth. This growth is critical to many developing economies. The study assessed the role of real exchange rate on economic growth in South Africa from 1994, first quarter, to 2015, fourth quarter. The study used time-series data in which Augmented Dicky Fuller and Philip Perron tests for stationarity, cointegration test, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) approach for the long-run relationship were conducted. Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Variance Decomposition (VD) were also conducted to explain the response to shock amongst variables and how much of the forecasting error variance is explained by the exogenous shocks to other variables. VECM results showed a positive role exchange rates play on economic growth in South Africa. The study’s implication is that currency devaluation (exchange rates depreciation) can be effective in improving economic growth in the short-run. Nonetheless, a strong currency is good for economic growth in the long-run as it attracts foreign investments and a good instrument for controlling inflation. Thus, basing on the findings of the study, the floating exchange rate system adopted by South Africa in 2000 can be maintained.
Open Access
Profiling ecotourists within the Capricon District Municipality
(2017-04) Nheta, Daniel Silent
Increasingly, third-world countries are relying on ecotourism to boost their economies. Similar to other forms of tourism, ecotourism as a business initiative is perceived to contribute positively to economic development. However, tourism service providers generally do not deliver satisfactory services to ecotourists due to misunderstanding the segment’s needs and the customer traits. In emerging countries such as South Africa, which has a conducive economic environment for tourism businesses, some provincial departments such as the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism has set objectives to make the Limpopo province a preferred ecotourism destination. These have been propagated by service providers who passively participate in ecotourism yet claim to be ecotourism service providers. Moreover, the attitude of passiveness by service providers is derived from insufficient knowledge of the ecotourist. This set the foundation for the current study, which sought to provide detailed profiles of ecotourists in the Capricorn District Municipality in order to gain a clear understanding of the ecotourists visiting the Limpopo province. The study reviewed theoretical and empirical works conducted by tourism scholars. The study was developed on a descriptive research design and employed a quantitative approach. It made use of self-administered questionnaires with a sample of 295 participants selected from tourism establishments and attractions in the region, utilising convenience and purposive sampling methods respectively. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 and Microsoft Office Excel was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, cluster analysis and Chi-square tests were conducted to analyse the data of the study. The findings revealed demographic, psychographic and behavioural descriptors associated with the ecotourists in the Capricorn District Municipality. In addition, information sources preferred by ecotourists in the Capricorn District Municipality were identified. It is envisaged that the findings of the study will be of value to ecotourism service providers as they will provide a sound understanding of ecotourists and thereby help to deliver satisfactory ecotourist experiences. This will ultimately provide valuable input for the planning of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in promoting the Limpopo province as a preferred ecotourism destination in South Africa.
Open Access
Effects of leadership styles on organisational commitment in two selected higher education institutions in South Africa
(2017-05-18) Ndlovu, Wiseman; Setati, Sam; Ngirande, Hlanganani; Bere, Alphonce
The study investigated the relationship between leadership styles and organisational commitment in two selected higher education institutions in South Africa. Transformation is a topical issue in the South African higher education institutions. The slow progress in attempts to transform the sector can be attributed to leadership styles and commitment. The study employed a quantitative research design and made use of a self-administered questionnaire to gather data. The Multifactor-Leadership and Organisational Commitment questionnaires were used for data collection. The researcher used stratified sampling by grouping employees from each institution into academic and non-academic strata. In this study, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis were performed. The study indicated that transformational leadership and transactional leadership styles are significantly correlated with some of the organisational commitment constructs. The results further revealed that transformational leadership style explained the variance on organisational commitment better than transactional and laissez faire. Therefore, the study concludes that there is no one size fit all and recommended that each institution should diagnose its own situation for better pictorial view of what will work for that organisation. It is further recommended that leaders in higher education institutions should embrace more of transformational leadership as it has potential of transforming these institutions.
Open Access
Workforce diversity and its effects on employee performance in Higher Education Institution in South Africa: a case study of University of Venda
(2017-05-18) Zhuwao, Simbarashe; Setati, T. S.; Ngirande, H.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of workforce diversity on employee performance in a selected Higher Educational Institution in South Africa. Various legislative measures were introduced by the government in order to shape the workforce in organisations. However, these legislative measures expressly focus on compelling organisations to embrace diversity and thus not considering the business need of it and how it influences employee behavioral outcomes such as employee performance. It is upon this backdrop that this study investigated the effects of workforce diversity on employee performance in an HEI in South Africa. A cross-sectional research design was used. A random sample (n = 267) was chosen by dividing employees into homogeneous strata of academic and non-academic employees. A Workforce Diversity Questionnaire and Employee Work Performance Questionnaire were administered. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between independent variables (gender diversity, ethnic diversity and educational diversity) and the dependent variable (employee performance). The relationship between age diversity and employee performance was not significant. HEIs should introduce diversity management programs to improve the effectiveness of workforce diversity towards employee performance. Because a cross-sectional research design was employed, conclusions about causality could not be made