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2015-12-31 Effective public leadership to drive organisational change in the public health sector in order to improve service delivery : the case of the Western Cape Department of Health
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-04) Isaacs, Rafeeqah; Schwella, Lyzette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The goal of this research was to investigate effective leadership that drives organisational change in the public health sector to meet the changing environmental needs to improve service delivery within the Western Cape Department of Health. Organisational change in the public health sector must lead to improved public health service delivery. The role of leadership is to deal with incompetent personnel as they are the cause of problems regarding inadequate service delivery. Leadership must contribute to the main areas where competency development needs to take place. Healthcare 2030 requires transformational leadership from the ranks of managers and clinicians for collective and distributed leadership across all levels of organisations. The research methodology used in this study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The methodology included an empirical investigation in the form of a literature review and a preliminary semi-structured interview as well as a nonempirical investigation. The empirical investigation was conducted by using semi-structured interviews as well as a survey questionnaire which was designed to gather information focussing on leader personality traits, task-related traits and understanding the organisation. This study specifically focussed on effective public leadership to drive organisational change in the health sector and to improve service delivery. The results provide support for a cohesive trait-behavioural model of leadership effectiveness. In general, leadership traits associated with task competence are related to task-oriented leadership behaviours, which improve performance-related leadership outcomes. Effective leadership in the public health sector that drives organisational change is based on the general personality traits of a leader, task-related traits and understanding the organisation. These are the elements that are important for effective public leadership to improve service delivery.
2D irregular strip packing at Kohler signs
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Bossenger, Wayne; Nieuwoudt, Isabelle; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Economics.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Kohler Signs (PTY) Ltd is a sign production company located in Cape Town, South Africa. They manufacture and install signs for the City of Cape Town and private companies as well as manufacture advertisement signs to be placed on vehicles. Road signs consist of steel sheets that are cut and bent to the appropriate size and frame, and an image design, which is cut from re ective vinyl, are applied to the bent steel sheet. The image design consists of various letters, numbers and symbols which are categorised as irregular items. When these irregular items are combined in a distinctive way, with the use of di erent coloured vinyl, they convey a message to the road user which may be to yield for pedestrians crossing the street, or indicate to the road user the various highway exits that exist on the interchange ahead. These irregular items are placed upon re ective vinyl for cutting which results in vinyl o cuts that are wasted. The focus of this thesis is to minimise the waste incurred by placing these irregular items upon the vinyl in an optimal and timely manner for industry use. The vinyl printer, which cuts the irregular items out of the vinyl, consists of a xed width and is only limited in height by the vinyl itself. Thus, this problem may be described as a Two Dimensional Irregular Strip Packing Problem. These irregular items have only a few possible heights for each type of irregular item packed, which allows these irregular items to be packed as a level packing problem. The items are packed within levels as though they are regular items with the assistance of a prede ned rule-set. In this thesis various packing algorithms and image processing methodologies from the literature are researched and used to develop a new packing algorithm for this speci c problem. The newly developed algorithm is put through various benchmarks to test its performance. Some of these benchmarks are procured from Kohler Signs themselves, whereas others are randomly generated under certain conditions. These benchmarks reveal that the newly developed algorithm performs better for both the minimisation of waste and the minimisation of algorithm running time than the tried and trusted techniques utilised in industry by Kohler Signs.
Abstinence related training needs for youth in the context of HIV/AIDS in Newcastle Uniting Presbyterian Church
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Mpofu, Buhle; Eva, Gary; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research study was to investigate the needs of youth within the Uniting Presbyterian church in Newcastle to abstain from sex before marriage with a view to developing guidelines for an abstinence training program. Youth within the church are encouraged to abstain from sex until marriage as a strategy to prevent infection from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is therefore important to identify youth abstinence training needs. The project further evaluated current HIV and AIDS programs at Newcastle UPCSA and identified gaps between these programmes and the need for abstinence training for youth. Findings from this investigation provided recommendations for the development of guidelines for an HIV/AIDS youth friendly program that provides skills to abstain from pre-marital sex. This study elicited data from 25 young people (aged between 15-24 years, five of them male) and 3 leaders (2 coordinators and a local minister). Three types of data were collected namely: self administered questionnaires with 25 young people (aged 15-24 years), three in-depth interviews with two HIV and AIDS Coordinators and a local minister in charge of the congregation, and a focus group discussion with the same group of 25 youth. What came out clearly is that youth who already have children or those in romantic relationships are more likely to be sexually active than abstaining. Further to this, youths who experience pressure to abstain are doing so because of lack of opportunity and the pressure on them. The research concluded that the abstinence-only approach is not enough to address the needs of youth in preventing them from HIV infection. The author suggests that there is a need for a comprehensive approach to sexuality education for young people and recommended intervention strategies that will promote condom use in a targeted way to those who are sexually active, and provide them with relevant prevention information.
Academic staff perceptions and the identification of critical success factors in a merger of two academic institutions
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Stephen, David Ferguson; Du Toit, M. K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this investigation is two-fold: to ascertain the perceptions and reactions of academic staff to a merger, and its impact on them; and secondly, to identify factors which are critical to merger success. Although the two institutions had agreed on some form of closer relationship, the process was accelerated by a decision by the Department of Education to use mergers as a means of initiating change in South Africa’s post-school education system. Despite many superficial similarities, the two institutions were dissimilar. Only operational and financial factors were considered. The human factors were ignored. This was critical as the two institutions were totally different with regards to organisational culture and academic standards. The resulting clash in these areas proved to be a major stumbling block to the success of the merger. Technikon A, regarded as the institution of choice, had been subjected to a variety of rapid environmental changes in the few years immediately prior to the merger. These changes had sapped staff morale. In addition, significant financial mismanagement had almost crippled the institution. While the staff of neither institution was in favour of the merger, and both staff associations approached the Department of Education to stop it, the merger went ahead. However, the staff association of Technikon B publicly and vociferously opposed the merger, based on their fears that Technikon A’s incompetent management and weak financial position would impact negatively on them. Instead of integrating “best practice” systems, the weak Technikon A management allowed Technikon B to “make the running” and introduce only their systems into the merger. In effect, this turned the merger into a hostile take-over and allowed for the total deculturation of Technikon A. The perceptions of a sample of Technikon A academic staff were canvassed, both pre- and post-merger. The pre-merger predictions were accurate and there was almost unanimous consent as to the outcomes of the post-merger environment. Comparisons were made with other academic mergers in South Africa and overseas – notably Australia – and parallels drawn with the merger in question. In all cases, the perceptions of staff were very similar. From the literature, a list of critical merger success factors was compiled, against which the present merger was compared. Given that this merger failed to successfully address almost all of the success criteria, the merger must, therefore, be regarded as a complete failure.
Acceptability of medical male circumcision among uncircumcised young men at Mansa College of Education, Zambia : influence of perceptions about effects on male sexuality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Mlewa, Andrew Josephat; Qubuda, Thozamile; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research focus: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is one of the top priority interventions for HIV prevention in Zambia. However, the country is struggling with scale-up of this intervention. New insights into factors that facilitate or impede its acceptability in non-circumcising communities are urgently needed, including the influence of perceptions about effects of circumcision on sexuality. Research methods: To gain new insights into these factors 24 uncircumcised young men and seven young women were recruited to participate in the study. Using ten In-depth interviews and three focus group discussions, the study examined perceptions about effects of MMC on male sexuality and the influence on acceptability of the procedure. Results/findings: Despite doubts about its efficacy, the research found overwhelming support among uncircumcised men for circumcision as a tool for preventing HIV. The study also found that uncircumcised men have specific perceptions and concerns about how male circumcision positively or negatively affects sexual function/performance and pleasure in men and for women. These perceptions were found to be important considerations for accepting circumcision among the majority of male respondents. Circumcision preference among female respondents was because of the perception that it protects men against HIV and women against cervical cancer. Main conclusions and recommendations: There was overwhelming support for male circumcision among uncircumcised men in the study, majority of who consider protection against HIV as the most important reason for accepting the procedure. More than half of the male respondents saw it as important for enhancing sexual performance and sexual pleasure for themselves and their sexual partners. Key recommendations include: development of effective community-based demand generation strategies that include use of multiple channels that address the main barriers to acceptability; conduct further research on facilitators of MMC acceptability; conduct research on effects of circumcision on male sexuality, risk compensation and sexual disinhibit ion among circumcised men. These measures will contribute to the design of more effective Information Education Communication (IEC) strategies and activities.
Acceptability of the female condom by female health workers in Francistown, Botswana
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Chirwa, Lovemore; Davis, Burt; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Women account for nearly half the global population of persons living with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa women constitute 60% of adults living with the virus. The situation makes it necessary to develop and improve prevention actions that target women. The female condom is a practical option. It is the only available dual protection method that protects against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, and is designed for women to initiate. Objective: This study evaluated female condom acceptability in Francistown, Botswana. The main aim of the study was to examine female condom uptake among female health workers. The study also assessed beliefs held by health workers regarding the condom. Research Design: The research design employed was the survey method. Seventy-one participants were enrolled. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of demographic characteristics, and attitudes and perceptions of female condom use. Results: The study found that 15.5% of women had used the female condom in the previous month, 12.9% had used the condom in the previous 3 months, and 17.2% had used the female condom in the previous 12 months. The study also showed that the majority of participants believed the female condom was readily available (71.4%) and that it empowered women (63.3%), and the majority of women (78.9%) would recommend its use. However, only 22.8% believed that the female condom was better than the male condom, 28.6% believed it was easy to use, and only 9.8% thought it was popular with clients. The majority (53.5%) believed the female condom was not well promoted and (56.3%) of participants did not know if sex with the female condom was as good. Conclusion & Recommendation: Female condom use by female health workers was low. There is need for more research to examine why the condom is not acceptable among female health workers.
Access to healthcare services in resource-constrained environments : evidence from Zimbabwe
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Chari, Abigail; Burger, Ronelle; von Fintel, Dieter; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Economics.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Access to healthcare services is fundamental to health and well-being, yet approximately half of the world’s population is unable to access healthcare services in times of need, which derails attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. Weak access to healthcare services is a global health challenge, and is prevalent in Zimbabwe. This weak access is attributed to a fragile and fragmented health system, characterised by weak and ineffective service delivery. The fragmented health system affects particularly the already disadvantaged population through healthcare services that are either unaffordable or unavailable. As part of achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe aims to address inequality in and weak access to its healthcare services. This thesis examined fiscal incidence and inequality in access to healthcare services in Zimbabwe, using 2017 administrative health expenditure data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Prices, Income, Consumption and Expenditure Survey of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Fiscal incidence was found to be, on average, pro-poor for Zimbabwe’s low-level facilities, and pro-rich for high-level facilities. It was further found that availability and affordability are, on average, pro-rich. Thus, differential access to health services between rural and urban areas was contributing to pro-rich inequality. Despite government healthcare expenditure, inequality in availability and affordability of healthcare services remains a challenge. Pockets of inequality persist in the healthcare sector, as the more affluent continue to benefit from well-resourced facilities. The government should, therefore, focus on poor and rural populations, who bear the brunt of weak access to healthcare services. While the effects and causes of drug stockouts are well articulated, there is a dearth of literature on the link between district-level drug stockouts and poverty. This thesis investigated the spatial inequality of drug stockouts and the relationship between drug stockouts and district poverty in Zimbabwe using data on district-level drug stockouts and poverty. The results showed that spatial inequality in drug stockouts and district poverty exists, while the relationship between drug stockouts and district poverty was weak and insignificant. Spatial interdependence in drug stockouts between districts also exists, indicating hot spots in drug stockouts. In times of drug stockouts, individuals tend to use alternatives to healthcare, some of which pose health dangers, and it is therefore important to improve drug availability in underserved districts by reducing spatial inequality and hot spots in drug stockouts. Given the negative effects of malaria on the vulnerable population, this thesis examined the association between malaria prophylaxis stockouts and birth- and maternal outcomes in Zimbabwe. Preventive efforts against malaria are crucial, given that pregnant women and neonates bear the greatest malaria burden. Therefore, it was hypothesised that women who do not receive malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy are at risk of malaria infections, which compromise birth weight and cause maternal anaemia. Combining the administrative data on malaria prophylaxis stockouts and 2015 nationally representative Demographic Health Survey data, the results showed that malaria prophylaxis stockouts occur frequently over time, and have a significant association with birth weight, especially for neonates with an average birth weight. Stockouts are associated with neonates tending towards the lower end of a normal birth weight, compromising their development. Thus, there is a need to invest in pharmaceutical information- and stock-ordering systems to improve drug availability at the point of care. In conclusion, there is inequality in healthcare services in Zimbabwe, which causes a heavy burden on poor and rural populations. These vulnerable populations have weak access to healthcare services, despite the government's efforts to improve service provision. This thesis sheds more light on access to healthcare services, to enhance relevant stakeholders’ understanding of this subject. To achieve an equitable society, policymakers should address the inequalities in access to healthcare services, together with the socio-demographic determinants of health. Policymakers should improve resource management, follow a needs-based approach, invest in pharmaceutical information systems and stock-ordering systems, and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure improved access to healthcare services.
Access to voluntary counselling and HIV testing services by Tonga Hospital employees
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Mkhulisi, Dennis Joseph; Augustyn, J. C. D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The advent of HIV/AIDS poses a gigantic challenge to mankind. This global pandemic calls on all of us-regardless of whether we operate within government circles or in the private sector-to cooperate in eradicating the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The global impact of HIV/AIDS has wreaked grave havoc on family structures, the Health and Education sectors as well as various crucial productive industries, namely, the agricultural, mining, retail and financial services sectors. The South African national Department of Health is charged with leading the provision of access to HIV VCT services for all deserving members of the South African community. It behoves of all of healthcare service providers to ensure ease of access to such services to all deserving individuals. The South African Department of Health contends that the number of people enrolled into ARV roll-out program in South Africa is low. The South African community may access this service at accredited HIV VCT sites in CCMTs as well as in district and regional hospitals. People who are covered by medical insurance may access these services at private institutions of their choice. HCWs at government institutions suffer a triple whammy from HIV/AIDS, namely, caring for HIV positive patients in the hospital wards daily, supporting relatives stricken by HIV/AIDS (and AIDS-orphaned relatives) as well as carrying out duties of colleagues who are debilitated by HIV/AIDS. Access to HIV VCT services at Tonga Hospital-a 250-bed district hospital in the east of the Mpumalanga province is extremely low. A quantitative and descriptive study was performed to unravel the causes of the low access to HIV VCT services by HCWs at Tonga Hospital. Using an anonymous questionnaire (for which names and surnames were not required), this study found that fear and stigma of a HIV diagnosis played a huge role in preventing HCWs at Tonga Hospital from accessing free HIV VCT services at their place of work.
Acid mine drainage in the Gauteng province of South Africa : a phenomenological study on the degree of alignment between stakeholders concerning a sustainable solution to acid mine drainage
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Ewart, Timothy Ian; Brent, Alan C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ecosystems, and the very services and resources that they provide, are fundamental to our existence. Regardless, mankind shows scant regard for the biotic and abiotic components of the environment that serve as both sources and sinks for anthropocentric demands, practices and behaviours. Of these vital resources, perhaps the one that is most under threat is water which while crucial for growth and development around the globe, is rapidly becoming a scarce commodity. In South Africa - already a water-scarce country - this situation is further compounded by mining practices that are not only unsustainable, but also largely unregulated from an environmental perspective. Mining activities have resulted in the mass exposure of iron pyrite and heavy metals, both underground and on the surface. Upon exposure to weathering, the iron pyrite gives rise to sulphuric acid, which, in turn results in the mobilisation and concentration of toxic metals. Although this is a geological phenomenon, the increasing concentrations of toxic metals as a result of mining have exposed the Gauteng province to enormous environmental, social and economic risks. Concerning the risks, the research highlighted the following: - Although comprehensive research has been found relating to the physical attributes of acid mine drainage (AMD), very little is known of the health aspects associated with AMD. Of immediate concern is, the subsequent environmental and health implications stemming from the association between living organisms and heavy metals. - In the absence of such information, the credibility of current solutions is thus questionable. Of the solutions that have been proposed, most have been reductionist in approach and have only focused on dealing with the surface decant of contaminated water from predominately non-functioning mines. The health risks associated with radioactive and highly toxic waste have been down played or simply ignored (Albrecht, 2011). - The absence of a comprehensive solution also raises questions as to the assessment and decision-making process utilised to date by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). - Both government and the private sector have allowed the AMD threat to amplify over the years. Their inaction has been facilitated by the poor enforcement of legislation and, clever manoeuvring by mining companies, in what can only be described as a mutually beneficial relationship between government and the mining industry. In stark contrast to the inaction of government and the private sector, environmental activists have been very vocal in calling for a solution to a number of the risks associated with AMD. This, together with the recent decant of AMD in the Western Basin, has culminated in a public outcry and prompted calls for a solution to the AMD threat. Government's response to this was a narrow and incomprehensive solution, which only served to further frustrate the different stakeholder groups. Where stakeholders have different themes as to the implications and thus solutions to the AMD threat on the Witwatersrand (as driven by the profiles of the different stakeholder groups), an appropriate solution will only be realised by adopting the following recommendations: - Government must show the necessary political will, to fully engage the threat of AMD and address their poor track record as regulator - their credibility has been skewed through their vested interests in the mining industry. - Having taken ownership of the AMD threat on the Witwatersrand, government must move to avert any immediate risks to human well-being. - Under governments' leadership, the capacity of all stakeholders must be addressed to facilitate a participatory trans-disciplinary review of the assessment mechanisms and facts, in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution(s) to the social and environmental impacts associated with mining activities - a solution that will ensure future environmental integrity, social development and economic growth.
Actions of female sex workers faced with condom failure during penetration sexual encounters with clients in Cape Town
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Mukumbang, Ferdinand Chemungha; Du Toit, Jan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Science. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Male latex condoms have empirically been established as one of the effective barrier prevention methods against HIV transmission and are thus widely recommended. Meanwhile, there are a copious number of studies supporting its effectiveness; there have also been reports of condom breakages and slippages during heterogeneous vaginal intercourse, which undermines its primary goal as a barrier prevention method. The rate of condom failure is even higher among sex workers as the nature of their work is characterised by frequent coitus. This, consequently, increases the susceptibility of sex workers and their clients to contracting HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases. The situation is made dire due to the criminalisation, stigmatisation and discrimination of sex workers. While so much has been done to investigate the use, effectiveness, and failure rates of condoms among various populations, there is a troubling research gap regarding the actions of female sex workers when they are faced with situations of condom failure. This study revealed that, with respect to the immediate actions of sex workers after a condom failure incident, about 36% of the respondents revealed that they continued with their sexual rapport to the end even after noticing that the condom is broken. Another 36% said that they stopped immediately they noticed that the condom broke or slipped. Some 13% of the participants pointed that they stopped the sexual encounter completely. Another 3% revealed that they applied vaginal spermicidal foam. About 5% of the respondents said that they stopped immediately and took a douche when they had the chance. For the actions within the next 24 hours of experiencing condom failure with a client, 53% of the participants reported doing, meanwhile 4% attested of seeking counsel from a professional. About 3% of the respondents revealed that they simply took alcohol or drugs to forget the incident and 25% said that they went to the clinic for assistance when they experienced condom failure. Meanwhile, some of the actions such as continuing the sexual encounter without a new condom, taking alcohol and drugs or doing nothing at all could increase the risk of contracting HIV, other actions such as stopping the sexual completely, paying a visit to a clinic or visiting a professional could make a difference between staying HIV negative or becoming HIV positive.
Active management and the cost of active management of South African general equity unit trusts
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Coetzee, Ruan; De Villiers, Johann U.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Business Management.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Investors have various investment options available to provide future wealth. One of the options is to invest in unit trusts. On 31 December 2015 there was a total of R 1 656 448 million invested in South African unit trusts, making this a large investment vehicle. The objectives and constraints of investors should determine in which type of unit trust they invest. This study examines general equity unit trusts in South Africa. Many investors do not know how actively their active unit trusts are managed, what portion of the management cost is attributable to the active component of the unit trust and how much is attributable to the passive component of the unit trust. The focus of this study was to determine how active general equity unit trusts in South Africa are managed, whether the active management delivers enhanced risk-adjusted returns, and how much investors are paying for active management. The study was conducted over eight years, from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2015. The primary objective consisted of two sections. Firstly, the study set out to classify general equity unit trusts in South Africa according to how actively they are managed. This is done through calculating the active share and tracking error for the unit trusts. The results indicated that most (71%) of the analysed general equity unit trusts had an active share lower than 50% and a tracking error lower than 8%. These active funds invested more than 50% of their assets similar to the index. Secondly it was determined how the classifications of unit trusts performed on a risk-adjusted basis. This is calculated through means of five risk-adjusted performance measures. The study found that the amount of active management does not influence risk-adjusted returns in a statistically significant manner. The secondary objective investigated the cost of investing in general equity unit trusts. The unit trusts were divided into an active and a passive component based on active share and tracking error. The total expense ratio (TER) of the unit trusts was compared to the active and passive components of the unit trusts to determine how much of the TER is attributed to active management. The average fund TER was 1.55%, with the average cost on the active component being 3.85%. The average alpha for the active component was -1.54%. This means that investors are paying a substantial amount more for the active component of the unit trust than for the passive component, without receiving the benefit of a higher return.
The activist planning, transformation and complexity nexus : implications for the Atlantis Revitalisation Framework of 2012
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Manguwo, Liveson; Muller, J. I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This case study explores a collaborative planning process that led to the formulation of the Atlantis Revitalisation Framework (ARF) of 2012. The study is based on a thematic content review and analysis of secondary data in the public sphere, personal notes and reflections that were collected during and after the policy framework was established. Atlantis was established in 1975 to accommodate the coloured community 45 km outside the City of Cape Town (CoCT) in line with apartheid planning policy of racial segregation. After losing state subsidies, the socioeconomic plight of Atlantis deteriorated markedly between 1994 and 2009 resulting in job losses and high unemployment. This economic decline triggered negative social issues, such as poverty, food insecurity, crime, gang activities, drug abuse and domestic violence. Multi-stakeholder agencies in Atlantis collectively initiated a rescue strategy to address the economic downturn that worsened during the 2008/9 Global Economic Recession. To clearly understand the nuances, actions, events and decisions that led to the establishment of the ARF, the study explores the potentially ‘transformative’ insights from complexity theory and activist modes of planning with a bias towards human-rights-based planning. These insights are then applied as lenses in the analysis of the ARF case study. To establish the ‘nexus’ meaning interconnectedness between activist planning, transformation and complexity, the study looks at the history of positivist planning systems and maps out the justifications and conditions used in its pervasive legitimation thereof. Using complexity theory as a lens, the study reviews the constraints and wicked problems that planning faces. It explores the intricate links tying open planning sub-systems into large networks that interact dynamically, often along non-linear routes. It also highlights the challenge of wicked problems and the global sustainable development poly-crisis. It demonstrates the difficulty of predicting future events; of dealing with vested interests and conflicts of values; of managing the complex interrelationships and interaction of decisions made at different scales, in different policy spheres, and at different points in time. These challenges expose the inability of traditional planning approaches to adequately respond to the growing needs and lived experiences of expanding urban populations, particularly those in the Global South, and specifically those that are marginalised and excluded. Using the concept of ‘transformation’, which entails greater sensitivity towards complexity, contextual reality and indeterminacy in the pursuit of quality engagements that are legitimate, epistemologically empowering, inclusive, transparent, and geared towards relationship building, the study proposes a rethink of planning practices in the Global South and in South Africa specifically. It argues that such a rethink requires a shift in the institutional and governance arrangements of the state and civil society. Using the transformative insights gleaned from activist modes of planning, the study outlines evaluative criteria that was used in the analysis of the Atlantis case study. The evaluative criteria revealed what the planning issues were, including their historical links to segregatory planning policies of the apartheid regime. It identified the geographic isolation of Atlantis as a negative factor inhibiting its ability to function in sync with the CoCT’s regional economy. These complex issues prompted an activist reaction from multiple local stakeholders. Through the Atlantis Socio-Economic (ASED) task team, they collectively initiated an adversarial planning process, highlighting the development of new institutional and governance configurations which challenged existing power relations and interests. Though not entirely transformative and critically reflective, the activist planning approach employed by ASED was forward-looking and adaptive. It involved multiple actors which transformed the existing governance systems and frameworks. A new governance regime called the Atlantis Stakeholder Assembly (ASA) was created as a vehicle through which planning issues were discussed. The ASA the newly established Inter-governmental Steering Committee (CoCT, Provincial Government of Western Cape (PGWC) and the National Government produced the final ARF. This policy framework led to the implementation of the Atlantis business rescue strategy, the establishment of the Green industrial hub, job training and reskilling of the local workforce, and access to industrial land being expedited. However, when the politically charged ASED task team was disbanded and replaced by the ASA some of the incentives for transformation, as pushed for by the activists, were diminished. The ASA lacked agency, political muscle and influence and it also lacked legislative recognition, as it had no decisive power to set the substantive agenda, timing, and debates regarding the developmental issues in Atlantis. This transition reversed the seemingly transformative governance reform championed by ASED that had the potential to ensure democratic accountability. The move allowed the technical stuff from the CoCT and PGWC to dominate the planning process and give direction to the ASA within the economic and political constraints of the CoCT.
Addressing application software package project failure : bridging the information technology gap by aligning business processes and package functionality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Kruger, Wandi; Smit, Sybil; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Accountancy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An application software package implementation is a complex endeavour, and as such it requires the proper understanding, evaluation and redefining of the current business processes to ensure that the project delivers on the objectives set at the start of the project. Numerous factors exist that may contribute to the unsuccessful implementation of application software package projects. However, the most significant contributor to the failure of an application software package project lies in the misalignment of the organisation’s business processes with the functionality of the application software package. Misalignment is attributed to a gap that exists between the business processes of an organisation and what functionality the application software package has to offer to translate the business processes of an organisation into digital form when implementing and configuring an application software package. This gap is commonly referred to as the information technology (IT) gap. The purpose of this assignment is to examine and discuss to what degree a supporting framework such as the Projects IN Controlled Environment (PRINCE2) methodology assists in the alignment of the organisation’s business processes with the functionality of the end product; as so many projects still fail even though the supporting framework is available to assist organisations with the implementation of the application software package. This assignment proposes to define and discuss the IT gap. Furthermore this assignment will identify shortcomings and weaknesses in the PRINCE2 methodology which may contribute to misalignment between the business processes of the organisation and the functionality of the application software package. Shortcomings and weaknesses in the PRINCE2 methodology were identified by: • Preparing a matrix table summarising the reasons for application software package failures by conducting a literature study; Mapping the reasons from the literature study to those listed as reasons for project failure by the Office of Government Commerce (the publishers of the PRINCE2 methodology); • Mapping all above reasons to the PRINCE2 methodology to determine whether the reasons identified are adequately addressed in the PRINCE2 methodology. This assignment concludes by proposing recommendations for aligning the business processes with the functionality of the application software package (addressing the IT gap) as well as recommendations for addressing weaknesses identified in the PRINCE2 methodology. By adopting these recommendations in conjunction with the PRINCE2 methodology the proper alignment between business processes and the functionality of the application software package may be achieved. The end result will be more successful application software package project implementations.
Addressing community energy challenges with utility-scale renewables : a case study of Hopefield Wind Farm
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Swartz, Kyle; Swilling, Mark; Wlokas, Holle Linnea; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This thesis documents how a utility-scale renewable energy project has addressed community energy challenges through the development of a wind farm as part of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The implementation of the REIPPPP in South Africa has been designed for the procurement to secure additional renewable energy capacity and makes allowance for local beneficiation to the country. The procurement framework mandates successful independent power producers (IPPs) to spend a percentage of annual income in local communities found within a 50-kilometre radius of a renewable energy project site. It prescribes that this percentage of annual income be used on socio-economic development (SED) and enterprise development (ED) in surrounding communities that are commonly implemented through the practice of community development. Despite well-intended community beneficiation stemming from the programme, early reports have highlighted several challenges that IPPs experience in integrating social and economic development as part of their core business operations. Challenges range from a lack of guidance from the government regarding the practice of social and economic development to poor engagement with communities over upliftment projects accrued to them. These challenges hamper the potentially transformative social and economic development considerations of the REIPPPP. This masters research study showcases how the SED and ED funds, stemming from the Hopefield Wind Farm (owned by Umoya Energy) and arising as a result of its participation within the REIPPPP, have addressed community energy challenges experienced in the beneficiary town of Hopefield. Presented as a narrative analysis, the case study showcases the particular leadership style Umoya Energy undertook in its community engagement process. This resulted in positive outcomes for the community in the form of a strategic project that responds to the energy challenges faced in the beneficiary community, while at the same time addressing other common challenges faced, such as unemployment.
Addressing some of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized entities during the selection and implementation of accounting software packages
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Bishop, William Arthur; Steenkamp, Len P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Accountancy.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Alignment between an entity’s strategic business objectives and its information system (IS) has been a popular research area over the last couple of years. There is a considerable amount of literature on how to solve this alignment issue in larger entities, but limited research is available on the challenges that small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) face when having to align their strategic business objectives with their ISs. Various small generic accounting software packages are available for purchase by SMEs. These accounting packages all have functionalities that enable SMEs to keep proper accounting records; however, due to their generic nature, these accounting packages do not always have sufficient functionalities to drive the SMEs’ strategic business objectives, resulting in IS misalignment. Newly established SMEs face the challenge of both selecting the correct accounting software package at the start of their establishment and proper implementation of the selected package. The same challenge is faced by growing SMEs that are planning to replace, improve or expand their current accounting software. Not selecting the correct accounting software package and not managing the package installation and configuration processes properly will result in the accounting software not addressing the strategic business needs of the SME. These are two of the main reasons why small generic accounting software packages often fail to drive the entire business system of SMEs. The purpose of this research assignment was to review and discuss the two main challenges faced by SMEs when selecting and implementing generic accounting packages. The purpose was further to develop a mapping between strategic business objectives commonly found within SMEs and software package functionalities that SMEs can refer to during the selection and implementation of new accounting software packages. It also examined the potential of (PRINCE2) Projects in Controlled Environments as a project-management framework for application by SMEs during the implementation of new accounting software. A non-empirical approach was followed throughout this assignment, whereby a literature review was performed on strategic alignment issues faced by SMEs, the strategic business objectives of SMEs, the functionalities required for strategic alignment within SMEs and the tailoring potential of PRINCE2. It was found that in order for an SME to select the correct accounting software package, it is important that it invests time and effort in considering the software functionalities provided by the software package and maps it against its strategic business drivers to prevent failure of the package. It was further concluded that the level of innovation the SME strives towards has a direct impact on the software package functionality requirement. PRINCE2 was found to be a suitable framework for use by SMEs in the implementation of accounting software packages only if tailored properly to incorporate the specific needs of the SME and adjusted to specifically address strategic alignment issues.
Addressing the incremental risks associated with adopting a Bring Your Own Device program by using the COBIT 5 framework to identify keycontrols
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Weber, Lyle; Smit, Sybil; Boshoff, W. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Accountancy.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a technological trend which individuals of all ages are embracing. BYOD involves an employee of an organisation using their own mobile devices to access their organisations network. Several incremental risks will arise as a result of adoption of a BYOD program by an organisation. The research aims to assist organisations to identify what incremental risks they could potentially encounter if they adopt a BYOD program and how they can use a framework like COBIT 5 in order to reduce the incremental risks to an acceptable level. By means of an extensive literature review the study revealed 50 incremental risks which arise as a result of the adoption of a BYOD program. COBIT 5 was identified as the most appropriate framework which could be used to map the incremental risks against. Possible safeguards were identified from the mapping process which would reduce the incremental risks to an acceptable level. It was identified that 13 of the 37 COBIT 5 processes were applicable for the study.
Addressing the incremental risks associated with social media by using the cobit 5 control framework
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-04) Gerber, Petro; Steenkamp, Gretha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Accounting.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Social media offers great opportunities for businesses and the use thereof will increase competitiveness. However, social media also introduce significant risks to those who adopt it. A business can use existing IT governance control framework to address the risks introduced by social media. However a business should combine existing control frameworks for adequate and complete IT governance. This study was undertaken to help businesses to identify incremental risks resulting from the adoption of social media and to develop an integrated IT governance control framework to address these risks both at strategic and operational level. With the help of the processes in COBIT 5, this study provides safeguards or controls which can be implemented to address the IT risks that social media introduce to a business. By implementing the safeguards and controls identified from COBIT 5, a business ensures that they successfully govern the IT related risks at strategic level. This study also briefly discuss the steps that a business can follow to ensure IT related risks at operational level is addressed through the implementation of configuration controls.
Adherence counselling improves adherence to antiretrovirals
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Chokoe, Fridah Lesiba; Qubuda, Thozamile; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study investigate if adherence counselling improves adherence to antiretrovirals. The aim of the study is to improve adherence to antiretrovirals and reduce morbidity and mortality rate due to HIV/AIDS. The study used One Group Post Test -only design. The participants in the study were measured on adherence to antiretrovirals after they have received three seessions of adherence counselling. The objectives of the study was to : To explore the adherence behaviour of patient on antiretrovirals To deterrmine the adherence rate of patient on antiretrovvirals To determine the impact of adherence on adherence counselling To explore relationship between different demographic variables and adherence To explore relationship between different adherence measures The study brings to the front the HIV/AIDS picture.The crippling of the parts of the society by HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of HIV and the impacts HIV has on, nations, individuals ,household and industries are brought into perspective. The study goes back to the origin of HV/AIDS and further tackles issues related to HIV/AIDS and adherence, which are the anatomy, physiology, basic knowledge and discription of HIV/AIDS.The study tackles antiretrovirals, their classes, regimen side effect and important consideration while on antiretrovirals. The effectiveness of the antiretroviral therapy in reducing morbidity and mortality is discussed as well as the efforts by different countries globally in the roll out of antiretrovirals to fight the pandemic. The study explores the challenges to adherence to antiretrovirals and possible intervention. In this study adherence, adherence to antiretrovirals, predictors of adherence, barriers to adherence, adherence strategies and measures of adherence are explored.Assesment and intervention durring adherence counselling are discussed. The study results supported our hypothesis, that adherence counselling improves adherence to antiretrovirals.
Adherence to PMTCT antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected pregnant women in Area W Clinic, Francistown Botswana
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Ochigbo, Boniface Bradford Ekwu; Munro, Greg; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to determine the level of adherence among HIV infected pregnant women on prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) antiretroviral therapy, and to establish the factors that contribute to poor adherence and their relative importance, in order to suggest intervention strategies that will improve treatment adherence among this population. The study was conducted in Area W Clinic, Francistown Botswana, and was a prospective cross sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire, and data collection form. In total, 61 pregnant women participated in the study and were all within three to nine months gestation, and had been enrolled into the PMTCT program at least more than one month previously. The following were their characteristics: 75% were within the ages of 26 to 42 years old, 90% were single, 81% had attained secondary school education, and 60% were unemployed. Adherence was considered optimum if greater than or equal to 95%. The participants demonstrated a good knowledge of the importance of PMTCT treatment adherence. Reported optimum adherence levels were 84% by virtual analogue assessment, and 82% by pill count. Ninety eight percent of participants reported they did not miss any dose during the last three days before the interview. The most important factors influencing adherence from the study were pregnancy related illnesses, medication side effects, and month of pregnancy of the patient as participants tended to adhere less as they got closer to delivery. It is therefore important for care-givers to carefully monitor patients for these effects, and to carry out continuous adherence counselling with special attention given to those approaching delivery in order to improve or maintain overall adherence to PMTCT therapy. In conclusion, adherence levels to PMTCT therapy among the population sampled was high but can be further enhanced with interventions designed to cover and improve the highlighted areas in the implementation of the preventive therapy.
Administrative aspects of parks and recreational facilities at the local government level with particular reference to the Durban municipality : a theoretical and practical perspective
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1992-03) Bayat, Mohamed Saheed; Gildenhuys, J. S. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The provision and administration of parks and recreational facilities at the local government level was investigated. The status of parks and recreational facilities in overseas countries was described and compared with the situation in South Africa. After defining the concepts of play, recreation and leisure it was suggested that recreation is a basic human need throughout the life cycle. As such, the provision of parks and recreation facilities by local authorities is more than just a service. Since it concerns the basic social welfare of the community, it is also a moral obligation.

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