Browsing by Author "Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel."

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Analysing the eThekwini green economy according to its dynamic and complex components for identifying leverage points.
(2018) Naidoo, Magashen Kisanderan.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
It is widely accepted that climate change is taking place as a result of anthropogenic activities. The rapid rate of the current bout of climate change being experienced is unprecedented. Climate change results in disastrous consequences for humankind. However, climate change also offers opportunities which include the potential for developing a green economy. A green economy is a concept that will result in actions for enhancing the growth of an economy, while simultaneously protecting the environment and spurring progress towards social equity. This study was of the position that the eThekwini green economy is not well understood in terms of its dynamic and complex characteristics. Specifically, the core focus of the study was to identify the components that make up the eThekwini green economy, highlight the characteristics of the components, determine the manner in which those components interact, pinpoint leverage points in the system and develop a framework to depict the eThekwini green economy from the findings. Pragmatism was the guiding philosophical worldview for this research, which resulted in a mixed methods approach being adopted. Data collection tools included surveys, focus groups and interviews. The population and sample for this research consisted of sixteen purposely identified individuals for interviews. In addition, four hundred and ninety seven individuals were identified for survey participation and a total of twenty two for focus groups. It was noted during the study that many businesses that provide green related goods and services, do not view themselves as being part of the green economy. It is widely accepted that the eThekwini green economy does exist, albeit it has stemmed as organic growth from the broader economy. A total of seven key components were identified through the research, with a total of forty two sub components. In addition, a total of ten leverage points have been highlighted, the principal of which is that without addressing unemployment, discretionary income, inequality and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the eThekwini green economy will not grow. It was further found that no component operates in isolation. Characteristics of components were broadly found to be made up of similar elements, but to differing degrees. A plethora of indicators were raised and synthesised into a matrix of five core indicator segments. All information gathered through the study resulted in the development of a framework that depicts the manner in which the eThekwini green economy operates.
An application of systems methodologies to investigate social complexity at the Felixton Mill area.
(2014) Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Bodhanya, Shamim.
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is one type of systems methodology that was developed in response to the limitations of the systems engineering approach. It uses a flexible, yet organised process to bring about action to improve problematical situations. This research employed SSM and systems science, in combination with standard qualitative methods, towards comprehending social complexity in the context of the Felixton Mill area, an important component of the South African sugar industry. This context is characterised by diverse stakeholders who have multiple and often competing objectives. This research formed part of a larger multi-disciplinary research project, which was aimed at finding improvement processes for use in the sugar cane supply and processing system. Data were collected mainly through in-depth semi-structured interviews and SSM workshops which were held with growers, hauliers, the miller, and industry stakeholders, and processed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that critical factors such as haulier inefficiencies, cane supply, and cane quality, were affecting the sustainability of the Felixton Mill area. The diverse goals of the stakeholders were found to be characteristic of a purposeful system, as is the case with social systems, but were identified as a potential source of conflict. The research highlighted the value of applying SSM to comprehend social complexity in this type of context. Critical factors such as starting conditions, time allocated, grouping of participants, and prompts by the facilitator, were found to play a role in the SSM process. The study contributed to social complexity theory through the development of a model to illustrate the role of power, organisational culture, decision-making, and value systems in complex social systems. Methodological lessons were provided, and an SSM facilitation model developed, to guide SSM practitioners who intend to facilitate change. Conceptual models were also developed to assist with navigating complexity in multi-stakeholder engagements. The study finally proposes a novel multi-stakeholder leadership model applicable in this and other contexts.
Assessing the capacity of Mbombela Local Municipality to drive local economic development initiatives.
(2017) Mashiteng, Mapule Mirriam Gugu.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
The study focused on assessing the capacity of Mbombela Local Municipality to drive Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives. LED serves as an instrument with which local government or community-based organisations engage to stimulate or maintain business activity and/or employment. Mbombela Local Municipality is the capital of the province of Mpumalanga and is a regional centre catering for people as far as Bushbuckridge in the north, Mozambique (Maputo) in the east, Swaziland (Mbabane) in the southeast and Lydenburg in the west. The municipality is home to 588, 794 inhabitants according to census 2011 data. Surrounded by mostly rural municipalities within the Ehlanzeni District and the province, the municipality is challenged to put in place an effective LED programme to handle the influx of many unemployed people. This is exacerbated by the failure of the local economy to attract investment, create employment opportunities, and produce goods for trading in international markets amongst others. The study followed a qualitative research method wherein purposive sampling was used to identify and select participants who were interviewed face-to-face. The data was thematically analysed to interpret the findings. The study found that Mbombela Local Municipality was well structured compared to other municipalities of its size, however the LED function was not sufficiently elevated at managerial and leadership level resulting in the overshadowing of the unit. This was also compounded by the insufficiency of financial resources to support LED programmes, weak intergovernmental relations with the district, provincial and national spheres of government, poor engagements and involvement of the stakeholders in municipal LED programmes. In-depth understanding and support of the municipal leadership in championing the municipality’s LED trajectory has been found to be crucial for the achievement of the intended results. Key recommendations of the study include stakeholder mobilisation and involvement right from the planning phase through to implementation. Through such engagements, much needed investments would be attracted to the city, resulting in the Municipality being a regional economic powerhouse from whom neighboring towns, provinces and countries could benefit. The multiplier effect of heightened economic activity in the city would be employment opportunities, skills development, investment attraction, socio-economic development, all of which are the intended outcomes of effective LED initiatives.
Assessing the extent of the application of strategic thinking in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
(2014) Ramodula, Thabo Moses.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
The meaning of the concept strategy has had many interpretations since adaption in other domains beyond its origin in the military realm. Its historical development illustrates that scientific inquiry in ‘organisational strategies’ and perspectives have been twisted to cognitivist and constructivist paradigms. As a result, two intrinsically linked concepts – strategic planning and strategic thinking have dominated the scene in the study of strategy. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to assess the extent of application of strategic thinking in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. It was aimed at initiating an inquiry in the relevance of strategic thinking to local governance: its concept and its theoretical orientation in the systems approach paradigm and/or science of complexity. The practice of strategy has been defined by characteristics such as winning, provision for coherence and direction towards the realization of organizational vision are its core purposes and its formulation is predominately a managerial function. The rise and the fall of every organization depend largely on its strategic objectives. This is because strategy gives precedence to organizational vision or development as well as the deployment of its resources (human and financial) in order to survive within a particular domain. While the conventionalist approach assumes strategy as a linear, programmatic and analytical thought process, strategic thinking adopts a broader perspective articulating strategy as a thought process involving nonlinearity, creativity and divergence. Due to its reliance on the thicket of legislative prescripts (command-and-control), the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), a principal strategic planning instrument for municipalities in South Africa, resembles conventional strategic planning. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, following a deductive process as the general and established theories were considered and applied to the municipal strategy making context. Hence the study gave primacy to the key role-players in the IDP process, which was treated as equivalent to a strategy making process. The participants interviewed involved senior staff members, ward councillors and ward committee members because of their strategic positions to influence the current and future strategic decision making as well determining how to improve it. This is because of uncertainties and messy problems as defined by systems thinkers and/or complexity theorists. As a result, an holistic approach, wherein every element of a municipal system including its environmental factors (as strategic thinking advocates), was endorsed. Findings confirm conventional prescripts involving a managerialist approach or linearity remain intact in municipal governance. This is due to a demand for compliance by the many legislative prescripts, including oversight institutions. The study recommends a paradigm shift towards the incorporation of strategic thinking into municipalities in order to improve the current conventional planning practices and encourage effective participatory democracy. In this context, strategic thinking should not be embraced as rendering the IDP obsolete, but rather as complementing it. It further recommended that strategic thinking should precede strategic planning or IDP per se.
The attitude towards and perception of recycling in Cato Crest, Durban.
(2013) Maphanga, Fikile Khosi.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Cato Crest is an area falling under the EThekwini Municipality, located in KwaZulu-Natal. The area has a population which constantly increases every year, since the area is located approximately 2km from the Central Business District (CBD). Waste generation and the shortage of disposal sites in the city has resulted in the EThekwini Council engaging in waste management activities, including the recycling of solid waste. Recycling is meant to save the environment by minimizing the waste that goes to the landfill. However, it has also created hope for job opportunities, which in turn resulted in many illegal dumping sites and filthy environments in Cato Crest, when people realized that recycling does not pay so much. The need for the research is based on the question: Does the Cato Crest community understand the goals and objectives of recycling? Currently the city is faced with large amounts of waste that is generated and which ends up in landfills. This has led to a shortage of landfill space. The existing landfills are reaching full capacity, which is earlier than was planned for them to reach maximum capacity. It costs millions of rand for government to put infrastructure in place for making landfills. The study aims to understand the attitude towards and perception of recycling in Cato Crest and this will assist in identifying whether or not eThekwini Municipality’s approach to recycling is in line with the goals and targets of recycling. This will help to evaluate or assess whether the Municipality’s approach is capable of meeting its goals or not, which in turn will help to identify the gaps that currently exist in recycling activities. Theoretical areas will focus on recycling and the importance and purpose thereof, the global context of recycling, recycling competences, and the role of government in recycling, and economic and political issues around recycling. The study will comprise a qualitative aspect with a mixed methodology comprising interviews and a focus group. The findings will help to identify ways to minimize illegal dumps in the area and to promote an increase in participation in recycling, as well as to determine methods for improving recycling. The study will provide insight into the contribution that the government and the eThekwini municipality in particular, should make in order to support and improve recycling.
Bridging the urban-rural gap in facilitating local economic development: the case study of uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
(2018) Makhaye, Ayanda Christine.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Local Economic Development (LED) is an approach to economic development that enables communities to work together thus inspiring the realization of sustainable economic growth and development for all. However, uMgungundlovu District Municipality is still challenged by issues of poverty, unemployment and inequality, which hinder the realization of growth and development within the District. As mandated by The Constitution, the District must promote and facilitate LED within the locality. However, the District cannot undertake this function alone, consequently, collaborative effort is needed among all local stakeholders within the District to promote LED. The aim of this study was to investigate how to bridge the urban-rural gap in facilitating LED within uMgungundlovu District Municipality and provide an understanding of this phenomenon. The study explored the urban-rural gaps in LED facilitation, identified the relevant stakeholders key in LED facilitation and the challenges that existed in trying to bridge this gap. The qualitative research method was used to collect data through in-depth open-ended interviews with eleven participants which included three junior, five middle and three senior management officials representing uMgungundlovu District Municipality; the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA); uMngeni Local Municipality; Mpofana Local Municipality; Mkhambathini Local Municipality; and Impendle Local Municipality. The case study participants were purposely selected based on their designation, role and level of experience in LED facilitation within the case study municipality. The data collected through interviews was themed and categorized using the thematic approach and then analysed. The results revealed that there were gaps in the understanding of LED planning, facilitation and implementation along with gaps in resource planning and provision within uMgungundlovu District. The study also revealed that numerous stakeholders were relevant in facilitating LED within the District, including: the District municipality; local municipalities; private sector; institutional structures; labour movement; traditional leaders; and supporting sector departments. Service delivery issues, infrastructure and the overall lack of capacity, skills and collaboration were found to hinder the successful implementation and facilitation of LED. This was especially evident within the more rural areas where most of these resources were either limited or non-existent. It is recommended that the District improves on service delivery and infrastructure provision, especially in the more rural areas, to enable access of opportunities. The District should create a platform for stakeholder engagement, with the inclusion of traditional leaders to help drive LED facilitation within rural areas, whilst also promoting skills and capacity building through training and mentorship, development of rural development strategies targeting the development of rural areas, increased funding for LED promotion and the promotion of collaborative governance. The implications of this study can improve LED facilitation in uMgungundlovu District Municipality and encourage further research on the topic within the country.
Challenges associated with mentoring medical interns in the trauma emergency Department, King Edward hospital.
(2018) Majali, Nokuphiwa Constance.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Mentorship is a process which involves experienced personnel (mentor) guiding an inexperienced individual (mentee) in personal and professional development. In the medical field, this is important for medical interns to acquire the skills needed to perform as qualified medical officers. In this view, the aim of this study was therefore to examine the challenges associated with mentoring medical interns in the Trauma Emergency Department at King Edward Hospital. The main objective of the study was to unpack the challenges associated with the mentoring process and how these challenges negatively impact on the effectiveness of the process. In order to achieve this, the methodological approach employed in the study is qualitative, whereby 15 medical interns were purposively selected to participate in the study. In addition to these, 5 senior medical officers were selected to participate in the study. Focus group discussions (with the interns) and interviews (with the senior officers) were used to gather data from these participants, in order to explore their lived experiences with regards to mentoring. The findings of the study indicated that mentorship is essential for the professional development of medical doctors. The participants clearly indicated their roles as including working as teams in caring for the patients, investigating medical issues, as well as helping each other acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for their effective performance. The participants also noted some challenges which include the shortage of the mentoring personnel, resulting in the interns not having the supervision that they need during the course of the mentorship, some mentees and mentors being difficult to work with, shortage of the important medical equipment like x-ray machines and CT scans, which impede the effectiveness of the mentees. Based on these findings, it was recommended that more senior staff members be deployed to ensure that the interns are regularly supervised as needed, to provide the necessary material resources to enhance the effectiveness of the medical professionals. Essentially, it was also recommended that both the mentors and the mentees should have the right attitude towards each other, to ensure a smooth relationship between the two. Key words: junior doctors; mentorship; state hospitals.
Challenges facing millennials in a large South African financial services organisation.
(2019) Reddy, Letitia Nicole.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
The workforce is a constantly changing environment and encompasses several generational demographic cohorts including Baby Boomers, Generation X’s, Millennials and Generation Z employees. Millennials have entered the workforce and are expected to be the most successful of all working generations. They are often the most educated, driven and motivated employees; however, they face many challenges from other generational demographic cohorts which negatively affect their productivity. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by Millennials in a large South African Financial Services Organisation. The research methodology selected for this research study was of a qualitative nature which allowed for an explanatory approach which helped obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Millennials and the challenges they faced within the organisation. Data was obtained using semi-structured interviews which was conducted on 15 non-managerial Millennials and 5 non-Millennial Senior Managers. All respondents worked for a large South African Financial Services Organisation and were based at its regional office in Kingsmead, Durban. A thematic analysis approach was utilised and some of the key themes that arose from the interviews with Millennials was minimal mentoring and coaching, lack of recognition or a reward system, little support in learning and development opportunities, non-existent work-life balance, unheeded thoughts and ideas and false expectations of the workplace. Themes that arose from the interviews with the Senior Managers was that Millennials were often impatient and disrespectful and certain workplace and management expectations that could not be met. This break and disconnect between Millennials and their non-Millennial counterparts further confirmed a need for the study. Some of the following key recommendations were identified to best deal with this disconnect: the creation of platforms to drive ideas and opinions, an onboarding programme in line with the Millennial’s current workplace, frequent engaging with Millennials by Senior Managers and the creation of a conducive working environment through work-life balance, tailored rewards and recognition, and idea implementation.
Challenges facing rural development in Ubuhlebezwe Municipality, South Africa.
(2018) Dlamini, Siboniso Goodman.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Gumbi, Lihle.
This study focuses on the challenges facing rural development in the Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. The introduction of rural development was the first progressive step taken by the South African government to address socioeconomic development problems and challenges faced by rural people in South Africa. The majority of people living in rural areas in South Africa live below the poverty line including youth, children, women and the elderly. Rural development thus involves helping the poorest among those who seek a livelihood in the rural areas to demand and control more of the benefits of development. Rural development is defined as the improvement of the spatial and socioeconomic environment of rural space, which leads to the enhancement of the individual’s ability to care for and sustain his/her well-being. The main aim of this study was to determine the challenges facing rural development in the Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. A qualitative research approach was utilised for this study, with purposive sampling being used. Interviews were conducted with 15 respondents. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interviews, before being thematically analysed to interpret the findings. The findings revealed that Ubuhlebezwe Municipality faces numerous challenges, including a lack of resources to improve service delivery to the community; skills shortages; inadequate revenues; insufficiency of financial resources; low agriculture production; a high unemployment rate; a funding shortfall from government; weak intergovernmental relations with the district, provincial and national government; and poor engagements with, and involvement of stakeholders in municipal rural development programmes. The key recommendation of the study is that various stakeholders should provide support to the municipality to help them develop their capacity to manage rural development programmes and projects. The study makes recommendations on options the municipality could consider to improve service delivery, as well as options for future research. Creating job opportunities across the agricultural sector will improve economic growth, promote infrastructure development and enhance service delivery.
The challenges of promoting domestic tourism in Durban.
(2015) Makhaola, Liako Julia.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Domestic tourism is the cornerstone of economic development processes in Durban, which is the centre of attraction in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, however there was a decline in domestic tourism between 2009 and 2014. This study was conducted to determine whether domestic marketing is effective enough to attract domestic tourists to travel to Durban, as well as to determine if there could be other factors that are contributing to the decline in domestic tourism. The literature shows that the government and tourism bodies are mostly focusing on developing and promoting international tourism instead of domestic tourism due to their high spending patterns. The purpose of the study was to identify challenges of promoting domestic tourism in Durban and establish the role of Durban Tourism and their contribution to domestic tourism development and marketing. Tourism promotion is the key strategy for the success of a destination, which can result in community development, economic empowerment and poverty alleviation. Durban Tourism, as the marketing body for Durban, has a responsibility to develop and promote Durban locally and internationally. The aim of the study was to determine the challenges of promoting domestic tourism in Durban. This was a qualitative study where purposive sampling was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Durban Tourism employees in the marketing, tourism services and research departments, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings of the study indicate that the perception of a high crime rate in Durban, inadequate domestic tourism promotion within provinces, and the high rate of unemployment in South Africa, are the major challenges that hinder the growth of domestic tourism. The implication is that Durban Tourism needs to invest more effort into marketing the city more efficiently to domestic tourists, because they are reliable throughout the year.
Coaching as an enabling intervention for the systemic development of strategic leadership in organisations.
Kumkani, Eric Mxolisi.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Coaching can become a strategic enabling vehicle for leadership development in organisations if it can be offered within and across diverse levels of the organisational leadership. In other words, when it can be conducted in a systemic way, where leadership development is treated as an organisational capacity rather than as an individual trait. This study aimed at exploring the uses of coaching within the Development Aid Agency (DAA). It sought to propose an alternative and complementary systemic coaching approach to dyadic coaching which jointly can awaken the organisation to the untapped leadership talent that otherwise is overlooked due to leadership development being confused as leader's development. The study made use of the qualitative research method. This research method was accompanied by the use of in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 respondents at DAA. Subsequently, a thematic analysis approach was used to analyse and synthesise research data. Various themes emerging from the interviews were identified as being pivotal for the implementation of both dyadic and enterprise-wide coaching within organisations. Some of the themes identified include: decision-making relating to sourcing of coaching by organisations; the context of leadership development within organisations; leadership development as an organisational phenomenon; the role of coaching in DAA; and opportunities for coaching in the workplace. Factors constituting barriers to the effective implementation of coaching within an organisation were identified. These include, among other factors: absence or lack of executive sponsorship; poor coordination; confusion of what coaching intends to achieve; lack of strategic integration of coaching into other organisational programmes; and finally, poor execution of coaching within the organisation. The major finding was that coaching can indeed be an enabling intervention for the systemic development of strategic leaders within organisations; and that dyadic coaching as a single approach to leadership development across organisational levels is of limited benefit in the context of complex challenges facing organisational leadership. Therefore, a systemic coaching approach to systemic organisational challenges is proposed, so as to augment and capacitate the leadership bench-strength beyond the individual capabilities towards the collective.
Design thinking as a strategic lever in promoting tourism in KwaZulu-Natal=Ukucabangakuxazulula okubeka umthengi phambili njengesu lokuthuthukisa ezokuvakasha KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Sayed, Zahir.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.; Taylor, Simon Michael.
Abstract Countries on the African continent, most notably South Africa, have not been immune to global economic issues with the present bout of change globally, which is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. The creation of jobs for the unemployed remains South Africa's biggest challenge. Over the last few years, South Africa has experienced a sharp decline in growth and a significant increase in unemployment. Tourism in South Africa is a key enabler in supporting Local Economic Development (LED), job creation and improved living standards, and this sector requires a joint effort within it to address any concerns that may impede the economy's progress. Design thinking, a problem-solving tool, is an important technique around which organisations may build their strategy to solve problems and challenges. The main aim of the study was to identify the role of design thinking in the tourism sector by first understanding the challenges experienced within this sector currently and in the recent past. The design thinking process was presented to understand how this technique could assist in resolving the challenges of the tourism sector. Focus groups and interviews were used to collect data. For this study, the sample population consisted of 21 participants who were specifically chosen for their experience in the tourism sector. The study outcome resulted in the identification of seven key factors that can influence design thinking in the tourism sector. In addition, nine contributing factors influenced design thinking in leadership. The study also revealed nine key initiatives to drive design thinking in the tourism sector. The main contributions of this study were that it established the presence of design thinking in the tourism sector, whilst also highlighting the role of collaboration. The results of the research also show how effectively leadership and design thinking combined, with the former being able to use the traits to develop a variety of tactics and strategic outcomes. The key recommendations emanating from this study indicate that design thinking should be implemented at all levels of tourism, while the role of leadership is critical in ensuring that proper strategies ae developed to realise the objectives of the industry. Iqoqa Amazwe asezwenikazi lase-Afrika, ikakhulukazi iNingizimu Afrika, ayikwazanga ukugwema ukutheleleka ezinkingeni zomnotho ezikhungethe umhlaba wonke ezibhebhetheka ngendlela engakaze ibonwe. Ukudalwa kwamathuba emisebenzi kulabo abangaqashiwe kuseyinkinga enkulu iNingizimu Afrika ebhekene nayo. Eminyakeni embalwa edlule, iNingizimu Afrika ibhekane nokwehla kokukhula komnotho kanye nokwenyuka kwezinga lokungasebenzi. Ezokuvakasha eNingizimu Afrika zingenye yezindlela zokusekela ukukhula okuyiLocal Economic Development (LED), zokudala amathuba emisebenzi nokuthuthukisa izinga lempilo, kanti lo mkhakha udinga ukuthi kusetshenzwe ngokubambisana ukubhekana nezinselelo ezidodobalisa inqubekela phambili kwezomnotho. Ukucabanga ngomthengi, okuyinsiza yokuxazulula izinkinga, kuyisu elibalulekile elingasetshenziswa yizinkampani ukuxazulula izinkinga nezinselelo. Inhloso enkulu yalolu cwaningo kwakuwukuthola ukuthi yiliphi iqhaza elibanjwa wukucabangakuxazulula kwezokuvakasha ngokuqale kuqondisiswe izingqinamba okuhlangatshezwana nazo kulo mkhakha okwamanje naseminyakeni edlule. Le nqubo yokucabanga yethulwa ukuze kuqondisiswe ukuthi ingasetshenziswa kanjani ukuxazulula izingqinamba zomkhakha wezokuvakasha. Amaqoqo ababambiqhaza kanye nemposambuzo kwasetshenziswa ukuqoqa imininingo. Kulolu cwaningo kwakhethwa ababambiqhaza abangama-21 bekhethwa ngokolwazi abanalo emkhakheni wezokuvakasha. Imiphumela yocwaningo yaholela ekuhlonzweni kwezinto eziyisikhombisa ezingaba nomthelela ekucabangeni ngokuxazulula emkhakheni wezokuvakasha. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kunezinto eziyisishiyagalolunye ezinesandla kulokhu kucabanga kwezokuphatha. Ucwaningo lwaphinde lwaveza izindlela eziyisishiyagalolunye ezingaqhubela phambili lokhu kucabanga kwezokuvakasha. Umnikelo omkhulu walolu cwaningo wukuthi lulethe lolu hlobo lokucabanga ngokuxazulula inkinga yomthengi kwezokuvakasha kanti futhi luqhakambise neqhaza elingabanjwa wukusebenza ngokubambisana. Imiphumela yalolu cwaningo iphinde yaveza nokuphumelela kokuhlanganisa ubuholi nalolu hlobo lokucabanga, ikakhulukazi uma abaholayo bezosebenzisa amaqhinga ahlukahlukene. Iziphakamiso ezinqala eziqhamuka kulolu cwaningo ziveza ukuthi ukucabangakuxazulula kumele kusetshenziswa kuwona wonke amazinga kwezokuvakasha, kanti iqhaza lobuholi libalulekile ekuqinisekiseni ukuthi amasu afanele ayabunjwa ukuze kufezekiswe izinjongo zomkhakha. Amagama asemqoka: Izingqinamba, ukucabangakuxazulula, umnotho, iNingizimu Afrika, umkhakha wezokuvakasha.
Developing a leadership model to integrate Millennials and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the eThekwini Municipality.
(2022) Nxumalo, Carol Dainne Pearl.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Taylor, Michael Simon.
As the generation of the fourth industrial revolution, millennials have been described as the sophisticated generation that relies on the internet for information and finding solutions to resolve workplace problems. While the Ethekwini Municipality employs millennials, it appears from the results of the study that it has not prioritised their integration into the workplace. The fourth industrial revolution is at an advanced stage in developed countries; however, South Africa is still behind on implementation and has not rolled out a plan to integrate it into all government spheres to increase efficiency and enhance service delivery. Consequently, the fusion of millennials and technologies into the workplace may necessitate a shift by government and workplace leaders to ensure that organisations are in sync with the rest of the world. Against this background, the study is conducted in the Ethekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa and it seeks to develop a leadership model that can be adopted by the municipality to integrate millennials and the fourth industrial revolution. The study is empirical in nature and was conducted using a mixed methods approach. The data was collected through interviews with fifteen municipal leaders employed at various management levels, a questionnaire was sent to 332 millennials and six millennials participated in the focus group. The study provides recommendations for the municipality to implement the transforthentic leadership model developed to integrate millennials and the fourth industrial revolution. Among the key findings of the study is the importance of understanding the relationship between millennials and the fourth industrial revolution, the influence of the revolution on organisational culture, its role in enhancing strategy implementation, its impact on attracting and retaining millennials, and the importance of developing a leadership model to integrate millennials and the revolution to ensure that organisations are prepared for disruptive and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, virtual reality, cloud computing and robotics. Among others, change management is recommended to the Ethekwini Municipality to ensure that all employees share the common goal of integration of millennials and the fourth industrial revolution. Training and development are recommended to ensure that all employees are provided with the necessary skills to drive strategies that will assist the municipality to achieve its goal of building a smart city by 2025. It is also recommended that the municipality develops a vigorous talent management strategy to attract and retain millennials who will be at the forefront of implementation of fourth industrial revolution strategies. A leadership and coaching programme is proposed to ensure that the leaders are well equipped for the 4IR.
Developing an integrated talent management strategy for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria.
(2019) Mukwawaya, Owen Zivanai.; Green, Paul Edmund.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Since its inception, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) located North West of Pretoria has grown without proper policies and strategies to ensure its competitiveness and sustainability in the long haul with regards to its human resources. As such, a need was established to develop an integrated talent management strategy to ensure the university’s survival. The study sought to determine the perceptions of the staff regarding the current application of talent management practices and the importance thereof. In order to achieve the aforementioned goal, a mixed research methodology was employed. A purposive sample of N=402 was drawn from the academic, support and administrative staff of the university to participate in the study. The Human Capital questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data whilst a semi-structured interview session was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 whilst qualitative data were analysed using the NVIVO software version 11 through the principles of content analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic details of participants as well as the perceptions of the staff regarding the application and the importance of talent management practices at SMU. The T-test, Gap Analysis, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) as well as the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis were used to determine the perceptions of staff regarding the importance of talent management practices. The reliability of the Human Capital Index was determined by the Cronbach Alpha coefficient which proves that the questionnaire was highly reliable. Results indicated that talent management practices at SMU are poorly applied; therefore, the management of the university needs to urgently address this in order to attract and retain talented staff. This study made an original contribution to the development of a robust integrated talent management strategy (for practice and research) that can be used at universities in South Africa to attract and retain the top calibre of staff. This study became apposite given a dearth in the literature about talent management practices that ensure that top talent is enticed and retained within the university context. The study contributed to the body of knowledge regarding talent management practices in Higher Education in South Africa and beyond.
The development of a leadership model for the intepretation and enactment of 21st century learning: a case of South African private schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Naidoo, Dean Edmund Michael.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; James, Angela Antoinette.
Rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT), since the early 1990’s, have introduced significant global changes in education, which has necessitated pedagogical transformation. Many countries have moved from traditional approaches to education, to 21st Century Learning (21 CL). 21 CL is student-centred, practical, inquiry-based, ICT aligned, inclusive of morals and attitudes, and focuses on the development of cognitive, and affective competencies. ICT is a necessary and critical facet of 21 CL. Furthermore, effective school leadership, is also necessary, and a critical component in determining the success of the change to 21 CL. Globally, many professions in the 21st century have simultaneously transformed with the global changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution, and now require individuals of a different calibre, with different 21st century competencies. In addition, the rapid and profound ICT innovations, have fundamentally altered many aspects of human existence, such as the way we communicate, bank, buy, socialise, and learn. Consequently, many countries have already transformed their educational systems, to 21 CL. Others, are in the process of transforming their education systems, to make 21 CL a reality, in the hope of producing learners who are fully functional, capable and effective global citizens by empowering them with 21st century competencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed the global landscape, especially in education. Private schools in South Africa, who were well resourced, engaged in digital learning. These schools embarked on the intensive use of digital tools to teach and learn. School leadership has the potential to be one of the cornerstones of the paradigm shift to 21 CL, as well as the new field of e-learning, both nationally and internationally, because it directly influences all structures, and individuals within a school. The four dominant leadership theories, which have proven to be critical facets of 21 CL, are ecological leadership, system leadership, transformational leadership, and strategic leadership. This research intended to investigate the relationship between 21 CL, ICT and school leadership in the South African context. The aim of which, was to develop a leadership model for the interpretation and enactment of 21 CL, in South African private secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
The effect of Twitter as a social blog on corporate reputation management in the telecommunication industry in Zimbabwe=Umthelela weTwitter njengesocial blog ekulawuleni isithunzi sabezamabhizinisi embonini yokuxhumana ngezingcingo eZimbabwe.
(2022) Moyo, Tabani.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.; Singh, Upasana Gitanjali.
The aim of the study was to determine how Twitter can be used as a social blog to improve the corporate reputation of organisations operating in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry. This was undertaken guided by the broader objective of developing insights on how the telecommunications industry is responding to shifts from traditional to contemporary approaches in corporate reputation being driven by social blogs. Analysis was made of the views of the internal stakeholders namely employees, operational and top-level managers, who are pivotal in the engagement of stakeholders including customers online. In that regard, the study tested the main relationship (H1), which was to understand whether Twitter has a direct influence on the corporate reputation of telecommunication companies operating in Zimbabwe. Since the study positions Twitter between the traditional corporate reputation guides (top-level managers, operation managers, general employees, and customers) and the contemporary methods (boundary theory, social cognitive, social blogs and social exchange), these became the intermediate variables (H2) for the research. The fact that Twitter is not the only social blog in the landscape resulted in comparison with other equal alternative types (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube) to assess their effect on corporate reputation against that of Twitter (H3). The study, therefore, confirmed the relationships and proposed a framework that guides contemporary approaches towards the management of corporate reputation in the telecommunications industry. For this reason, the study gave back new knowledge to the research community and practical frameworks on how to manage reputation in contemporary times, wherein social blogs are central in the shaping of reputations. A mixed-method approach was therefore employed in the study, where both quantitative and qualitative research designs were drawn upon in the data collection and analysis. A stratified random sampling process was employed in selecting respondents from whom to elicit the quantitative data, and purposive judgmental sampling was used to select participants from whom to obtain the qualitative data. A total of 369 survey questionnaires were distributed to the targeted sample with a response rate of 90%, as 332 employees in the telecommunications industry returned completed questionnaires. Eighteen (18) interviews were conducted, with key interview informants in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry, thereby allowing for triangulation of the data obtained from the quantitative survey with the insights from the qualitative interviews. The results show that social blogs, specifically Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, have a direct impact on the management of positive corporate reputation in the telecommunications industry as they contribute to the social capital of the organisation leading to the contemporary management of reputation. A framework on the effect of social blog platforms on positive corporate reputation management in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry was developed. Iqoqa: Inhloso yocwaningo kwakuwukuhlonza ukuthi uTwitter ungasetshenziswa kanjani ukwenza ngcono isithunzi sezinkampani ezinhlanganweni ezisebenza embonini yezokuxhumana ngezingcingo eZimbabwe. Lokhu kwakuqondiswa yinhloso yemibono efufusayo yokuthi imboni yokuxhumana ngezingcingo ibhekana kanjani nezindlelasu zakudala nezasesikhathini samanje zokuthi isithunzi sezinkampani sihlelwe amasocial blogs. Uhlaziyo lwalugxile kwabanesabelo bangaphakathi ababalulekile ekuxoxisaneni kwabanesabelo okufaka namakhasimende athenga ngobuxhakaxhaka bokuxhumana. Ucwaningo luhlole ubudlelwane obukhulu (H1), obabenzelwe ukuqonda ukuthi uTwitter unawo yini umthelelangqo esithunzini sokuhweba kwezinkampani zokuxhumana ngezingcingo eZimbabwe. Njengoba ucwaningo lubeka uTwitter phakathi kwesithunzi sokuhweba kwasesikhathini sakudala nezindlelasu zesimanje, lokhu kwaba amavariyebhuli amaphakathi (H2) ocwaningweni. UTwitter akuyona yodwa isocial blog ekhona eholela ekuqhathanisweni nezinye izinhlobo eziseceleni ezilingana nayo zokuhlola umthelela esithunzini sezinkampani uma kuqhathaniswa naleso sikaTwitter (H3). Izimo ezithinta isithunzi sezinkampani ngokwejwayelekile sixhumana nezindaba ezikhona njengamanje kanti uma kulawulwe ngendlela, zingakha utshalomali lomphakathi lwamabhizinisi okuxhumana ngezingcingo ukuze kugcine kuphuculwe isithunzi esihle sezezinkampani. Ucwaningo luqinisekise ubudlelwane nohlaka oluphakanyisiwe oluqondisa izindlelasu zesikhathi samanje uma kuziwa ekulawuleni isithunzi sezezinkampani embonini. Ucwaningo lwanika ulwazi olusha emphakathini ocwaningwayo kanye nezinhlakansebenziseko zokuthi kulawulwa kanjani isithunzi ezikhathini zamanje, kanti amasocial blogs awumongo ekwakheni izithunzi. Indlelasu exube izindlelakwenza yabe isisetshenziswa kulolu cwaningo. Isamba sezinhlumibuzo zesaveyi sasatshalaliswa esampuleni elihlosiwe ngesikalosilinganiso sezimpendulo ezingama-90%, njengoba abasebenzi abangama-332 embonini yokuxhumana ngezingcingo babuyisa izinhlumibuzo ezigcwalisiwe. Kwaba nezimposambuzo eziyishumi nesishiyagalombili (18), ezenziwa nabanikilwazi abasemqoka abasembonini. Imiphumela ikhombisa amasocial blogs, ikakhulukazi uTwitter, uFacebook noYouTube, zinomthelelangqo ekulawulweni kwesithunzi esihle sezinkampani embonini njengoba ifaka isandla kutshalozimali lomphakathi ezinhlanganweni okuholela ekulawuleni isithunzi kwasesikhathini samanje.
Effective leadership in a challenging context : a case of an Umlazi Township school.
(2014) Dlamini, Mbongiseni Bethwell.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Effective school performance has long been associated with effective school leadership. International research into effective school leadership revealed that transformational leadership may contribute positively towards effective school performance. While this standpoint has dominated the international ‘school improvement’ literature, this area has not been covered adequately in the relevant South African literature. The dissertation aims at bridging that gap. A qualitative research approach was used and purposive sampling was employed. A total of 14 educators, one SGB member and the principal of an Umlazi high school were interviewed for this purpose. The results of the study demonstrated that the success of the school is attributable not only to one specific leadership style but to the integration of transformational and transactional leadership approaches depending on the context within which leadership decisions were being taken. There was evidence of power-sharing and collective decision-making between the principal and his followers which was found to have established a harmonized school community. The study revealed further that the performance of the school was enhanced by the existence of a deeply entrenched culture of teaching and learning in the school. The entrenchment of the school culture was made possible by the principal’s power to motivate his teachers who in turn dedicated themselves towards the realisation of the school goals. It was found further that school effectiveness had been enhanced by the school entering into partnerships with various stakeholders who helped the school deal with its challenges. These strategies are transformative and their implementation and sustainability is possible only in circumstances where the leadership and followers are working together as companions. Basing his argument on the findings of this study and a few other studies, the researcher argues that for transformational-oriented leadership approaches to be successful in improving school performance, they should be complemented by a management component of leadership (transactional leadership) that will ensure effective resource management, curriculum delivery, monitoring of school performance and protecting the school from disruptive external elements. Shared leadership between leaders and followers in the school requires that the leaders and followers become adept in learning to enhance the development of knowledge and capabilities necessary to improve township school performance.
Embracing changes in technology: a case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal libraries.
(2018) Ndlovu, Nokuthula.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
The involvement of current technological advancements in an academic library has influenced changes in collecting, storing, and managing information. The study investigated changes in technology and to what extent staff are embracing the ever-changing technologies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Libraries. Academic libraries have been around for many years, they are as old as the academic institutions they serve, and are traditionally considered collections of information sources and storehouses of books. Today the idea of the library as just a ‘storehouse of books’ has changed, and people now generally understand that the library plays an essential role in making the successful research output of an academic institution possible. Technology has changed the expectations of library users; people of today expect to be able to find and access information from wherever they are. The ever-changing technological environment has meant that academic libraries must adapt to the demands of the users in an attempt to create services that enrich user experience and meet the strategic goals of their institution. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and purposive sampling technique. Sixteen participants, which included top management, middle management and senior/ professional librarians participated in the semi-structured, in-depth interviews, recorded on audio. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings were that staff were resistant toward changes in technology, and that contributed to the challenges faced by management. It was found that management wants to remain relevant to the current technological hike. Therefore, it is crucial that UKZN Libraries embraces the changes that come with technology to remain relevant to the ever-changing needs of its users.
Employee perceptions of work-life balance within a major retail company in Durban.
(2019) Wagner, Robyn-Lee Ann.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
The retail industry is the fourth largest contributor to South Africa´s Gross Domestic Product, therefore, industry competition, economic, and political changes all carry a significant impact on business operations. Good service delivery and customer retention are imperative to business sustainability, and employees need to provide high levels of performance and meet challenges facing the industry. As employment fluctuates and changes in operations adapt to the environment, employees face various challenges that impact their personal lives. Work- related illness, mental health, and bias practices are experiences that most employees face at some point in their careers or working lives. Separating the experience between work and home is not always easy. Work-life balance (WLB) is a phenomenon that seeks to define a state of equilibrium in which both personal and workspaces are equal. Juggling life’s competing demands can be tiring and stressful and is known to negatively impact productivity, health and commitment. A lack of WLB should, therefore, be regarded as a critical business risk, after all, what is a business if not for the productivity of its employees. This study explores the perception of the work-life balance WLB of employees in the retail industry. The key assumption of this study is that WLB of employees is a vital factor for successful business performance and productivity. The study aimed to explore employees’ perceptions of WLB in a major retail supermarket in South Africa; and determine the level of support provided by the company to achieve WLB. Pertinent work-life balance research studies and academic literature shaped the theoretical framework underpinning the subject. A qualitative research method was selected, which supported an interpretive approach to the study. Data was collected through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with ten long-serving, store employees (including managers) from a leading, national, retail supermarket in Durban. Interviews were transcribed, and data analysed through the thematic analysis method. Research findings indicated that managers experienced poor working conditions, which significantly impacted their personal lives. Common themes emerging from the data included the impact of organisational culture on WLB, gender bias practices, and its impact on female leaders’ career developments. The study confirms the impact of poor WLB on both employees and the business. A key recommendation emerging from the study is for the company to conduct an organisational cultural audit as key concerns such as poor working conditions and gender bias practices relate to the company’s culture in some way, shape or form.
Engineering students and their prospective employers: expectations and reality.
(2019) Osman, Khalid.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa in 1994, numerous changes have occurred at tertiary institutions to enable greater access for people of all backgrounds and increased graduate throughput to fulfil the needs of the labour market for engineers. Widespread changes in the size and composition of successive undergraduate engineering cohorts have occurred. Simultaneously, the needs of industry have undergone significant changes due to the information age, globalisation and the rapid increase in technological advances and access to technology. This study attempted to assess the alignment between the expectations of students who have graduated in engineering, the expectations of engineering employers and reality. A mixed methodology was developed. The study firstly surveyed engineering graduates at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) using a questionnaire developed for quantitative analysis. Convenience sampling and a positivist approach were used. Graduates’ needs, study approaches, employment and workplace expectations were determined, analysed and interpreted through the lens of three frameworks, namely Biggs’ study motives and strategies, Bloom’s taxonomy and Boundaryless and Protean careers. Secondly, the study surveyed all engineering discipline academic leaders at UKZN by qualitative, semi-structured interview within an interpretivist paradigm and using deductive thematic semantic analysis. Academic leaders were used as a proxy for obtaining industry opinion and expectations and questioned on a number of themes including graduate and employer expectations, positive or negative trends, graduate training programmes, further training and postgraduate study, exit-level outcomes (ELOs) and graduate attributes, the reality of mis-alignment and what UKZN can do to limit it. Responses were collated and compared quantitatively and qualitatively where appropriate. A number of issues and mis-alignments was identified together with causes of mis-alignment. Mis-alignment was identified in salary, growth and guidance expectations, confidence, software and niche proficiencies and innovation expectations. Key causes included language barriers, lack of engineering hobbyist backgrounds, workload and study strategies, assessment changes and personal responsibility. Findings were discussed within the three theoretical frameworks mentioned above and summarised in light of the objectives of this study. Recommendations for UKZN to play a role in mitigating many of the issues and misalignment were provided, along with recommendations for any possible future research in this area.