The knowledge gap in private public partnerships – a sensemaking analysis in the case of Eskom

Date
2019-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This thesis contains the following chapters: Chapter 1 focuses on the research objective, the problem and also details the research approach. The fundamental problem that the thesis discusses, is defined as a “knowledge gap” as a given characteristic of any Public Private Partnership model. Chapter 2 introduces the theoretical concepts of the Sensemaking theory of KE Weick. Chapter 3 contains an overview of the Public Private Partnership model and references some key aspects about Public Private Partnerships as reported on in literature. Chapter 4 provides a mainly chronological outline of the various stages of the saga around Eskom and outlines the strategic options as to electricity generation that a South African government faces. Chapter 5 presents the most significant analytical findings on the role of knowledge and sensemaking in the case of Eskom and draws some conclusions from the analysis for knowledge in Public Private Partnerships. Chapter 6 elevates the conclusions to a higher level of generalisation and suggests some possibilities to mitigate the destructive effect of the knowledge gap.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Die tesis behels die volgende hoofstukke: Hoofstuk 1 beskryf die navorsingstema, probleemstelling en navorsingsplan. Die basiese probleem word gedefinieer as dat daar ‘n “kennisgaping” bestaan in enige Public Private Partnership model. Hoofstuk 2 gee ‘n inleiding tot die teoretiese konsepte van KE Weick se Sensemaking teorie. Hoofstuk 3 bied ‘n oorsig oor Public Private Partnership modelle en bespreek belangrike perspektiewe daarop soos dit in literatuur aangebied word. Hoofstuk 4 verskaf ‘n hoofsaaklik chronologiese oorsig oor die verskillende stadia in die sage met betrekking tot Eskom. Verskillende opsies om elektrisiteit in SA te genereer word ook bespreek. Hoofstuk 5 handel oor die belangrikste analitiese bevindinge met betrekking tot die rol van kennis in die geval van Eskom en maak op grond daarvan gevolgtrekkings ten opsigte van die rol van kennis in Public Private Partnerships. Hoofstuk 6 verhoog die analise na ‘n groter mate van veralgemening ten opsigte van die kennisgaping in die algemeen en bied voorstelle oor hoe die impak daarvan beter beheer kan word.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.
Keywords
Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa, Eskom (Firm) -- South Africa, Organizational behavior -- Case studies -- South Africa, Organizational effectiveness -- Case studies -- (South Africa), Knowledge management -- Research -- South Africa, UCTD
Citation