Masters Degrees (Public Administration)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/15184

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Exploring the causes of the delays in the public infrastructure development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Mkhize, Nondumiso Anita.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
The South African Government bears the responsibility for the infrastructural development of the country and its provinces, which entails the implementation of plans, guidelines, policies, and relevant legislation, alongside allocated budgets, to direct infrastructural growth. Despite the existence of these plans and funds designated for infrastructural reform in KwaZulu-Natal province, significant backlogs and slow progress in infrastructure development persist. Various challenges have been reported that hinder the progress of infrastructural projects and exacerbate the backlog. Consequently, many communities struggle to access basic social and economic infrastructure, while existing infrastructure continues to deteriorate. This study aimed to address several key research questions, including the primary causes and consequences of project delays, the differing perspectives of the main stakeholders involved in the provincial government development projects, and the identification of mitigation measures to minimise cost overruns and delays in future projects. Minimising the delays will ensure fast economic growth that will have a positive impact on the alleviating of unemployment and poverty in the province. The research endeavoured to explore the causes of delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to uncover the root causes contributing to service delivery backlogs. These backlogs hinder the province and the country from achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) goals of poverty eradication and inequality reduction by 2030. Data for the study was collected through interviews with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works, which oversees provincial infrastructure and government property management. Participants included department officials and selected project teams. Additionally, secondary data was gathered from various sources, including reports from the Auditor General, Public Service Commission, KZN Legislature, as well as the Department Annual Performance Plans, and Annual Reports. The study identified several key themes as factors contributing to the delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal.
The impact of irregular expenditure and non-compliance on the financial sustainability of the eThekwini Municipality.
(2023) Mdluli, Brian Ayanda.; Pelser, Theunis Gert.; Dubihlela, Jobo.
Municipal Financial Management Act No.56 of 2003 (MFMA) was passed by the National Treasury to ensure the effective management of municipal finances. The Act requires that municipalities should have sound and sustainable management of their financial affairs and establish measures to prevent irregular expenditure. However, there have been persistent irregular expenditure reports every year, which is an indication of non – compliance. The study's main aim is to investigate the impact of irregular expenditure and non-compliance on the financial sustainability of the eThekwini Municipality. The research addresses the following questions: ⮚ What is irregular expenditure in the eThekwini municipality as described by Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA)? ⮚ What is the implication of non-compliance with the Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA)? ⮚ Why has eThekwini municipality not implemented measures to keep irregular expenditure as low as possible? ⮚ What actions have been taken to decrease the growing number of irregular expenditures and corruption? Despite the MFMA's being passed into law, research shows that several legislative Acts related to municipal finance management are in place to guarantee better municipal budgeting and effective procedures for controlling spending. The literature was made up of books, journal articles, laws, and government policy documents. A qualitative research strategy provided the most effective tools to investigate the study topic. Interviews with 20 top officials who are important figures in the Municipality were scheduled to gather data. These officials included members of the provincial and local governments, and the auditor general. Data was analyzed using content analysis. According to the report, the eThekwini Municipality has become unstable because of the improper hiring of officials and a high rate of senior and experienced personnel turnover. Other difficulties were the Internal Audit unit's insufficient capacity and the absence of an independent audit committee to ensure a functional and effective Internal Audit unit and compliance with supply chain management principles. The report suggests that a highly competent Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Deputy City Manager of Trading Services, Head of Expenditure, and Internal Audit unit be appointed to improve governance. It also advises that an independent Audit Committee be established.
Retention challenges of medical specialists and medical officers in the KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Health: the case of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
(2024) Mkhize, Hendrica Gugu.; Bob, Urmilla.
In the Department of Health, the roles of medical specialists and medical officers are crucial in delivering of healthcare services. The Department needs to employ and retain these employees to fulfill the mission of providing the communities with quality health care. This study, therefore, investigates the retention challenges of medical specialists and medical officers in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The study used the case study of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. A qualitative research design was employed in this study. A non-probability sampling was chosen, where open-ended questionnaires were designed for three categories of participants: medical supervisors, medical specialists and medical officers, and human resource practitioners. Each of these categories had a separate questionnaire. Fifty (50) questionnaires were distributed, but only 30 responses were received from the participants. The questionnaires aimed to find out if there were retention challenges and any strategies in place to resolve these challenges. The results of the study showed that there are retention challenges and a shortage of medical employees in the Department of Health. Some of the reasons for these shortages are economic and human resources challenges. This has a negative impact on service delivery as the current employees are overworked and the quality of care is compromised. Although there are strategies in place to retain medical employees as implemented by the Department of Health, the study showed that these strategies are not effective in retaining medical employees in the Department. Therefore, to address this, the study recommends that the management must review the current strategies and that salary reviews are crucial as most employees opt to work in the private sector.
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the taxi industry in South Africa.
(2024) Moeng, Thabo Olehile Zacharia.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
The overriding purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) on the South African Taxi Industry. The study draws on a statistical model that put into account the socioeconomic and/or sociodemographic framework of the taxi industry in the country. As such, the study adopted an explorative quantitatve research approach for collecting and analysing the collated data. The use of an explanatory research approach allows the researcher to provide an in-depth evaluation, investigation, understanding and insight analysis about the impact of the Covid-19 on the industry and the current state of the industry postpandemic. Consequently, a survey research design was used to enrolled 152 participants to participate in the study. The findings of this study demonstrated how the pandemic exposed the precarious working conditions faced by taxi drivers and taxi marshals. The phenomenon is not new, but for the first time in the speculation of this phenomenon, the current study was able to quantify the extend this phenomenon has on rank marshals and taxi drivers. For example, the descriptive analysis of this study revealed that most of the respondents (92.8%) reported that the taxi industry experienced loss of income during the heat of the pandemic. As for job insecurity being elevated during the pandemic, the results showed that (38.8%) of respondents were neutral about their responses, but (38.8%) were equally in agreement that it was elevated. Despite the descriptive results indicating that many of participants (71%) did not lose their jobs during the pandemic, the analysis revealed that the majority (57.2%) feared losing their businesses and/or jobs during the pandemic. In addition, there was agreement among most respondents (91.5%) that the pandemic resulted in a loss of taxi drivers and operators. Unfortunately, taxi owners and taxi drivers have a long history of exploitative labour arrangements in South Africa's minibus taxi industry, which seems to maximize profits at all costs for taxi owners at the detriment of the rank marshals who are at the lowest rank of the food chain followed by taxi drivers. A lack of formal work contracts was one of the primary reasons for this. Since minibus taxis operate in the informal sector and do not receive subsidies, it is not possible to implement subsidies within the industry without an accounting system.
Analysing the effects of flexible working conditions in the workplace: a case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of co-operative governance.
(2023) Shandu, Ruth Bhekekile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Currently, South African government departments face common problems such as punctuality, frequent leave requests, lack of engagement, absenteeism, and poor management of employee wellbeing, resulting in high absenteeism rates. These issues affect the work-life balance, which negatively impacts employee performance, thereby affecting delivery of services to the department and community at large. This study investigated how flexible work arrangements can reduce time management issues while increasing job satisfaction and performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Flexible working schedules can increase the level of contentment and performance, which has been discovered to benefit both the employer and the employee. A qualitative research method was chosen for the study because it provided an opportunity to explore the research objectives in greater detail. The sample size and strategy used comprised organising focus group interviews as well as individual interviews, representing the population by using a sample of 10 participants from different levels, namely senior managers to lower levels in the Department. The study reviewed aspects of analysis of the impact of workplace flexibility and its effect on employee performance by looking at previous research on similar topics. This review was designed to explore workplace flexibility in order to delve deeper into the need for it and the benefits it could provide. The findings of the study revealed that offering flexibility could help and support the emotional health of the employees, as well as improving their relationship with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. A call for a flexible work strategy is of interest to most employees in the Department, since flexibility provides for a work-life balance that is essential to everybody. The conclusion and recommendations were that the Department should consider implementing and making provision for flexible working arrangements, which can achieve greater job fulfilment, a better balance between work and life and motivate employees, as well as reducing absenteeism and increasing the quality of service delivery at all employee levels.
Service delivery at the provincial sphere of government: a case study of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (oss) in Kwazulu-Natal.
(2023) Mkhize, Zwelini Lawrence.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
South Africa has been plagued by challenges of ineffective service delivery linked to poor coordination, competition and contestation of powers due to overlapping constitutional mandates, lack of cooperation and poor alignment of state entities despite the provision for improved intergovernmental relations and cooperative government in Chapter 3 of the Constitution of RSA (Act 108 of 1996). This has resulted in rising public discontent, declining public confidence and protests. In response, the Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) model was introduced by the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in 2009, to improve service delivery, eradicate structural poverty, inequality and its manifestations. This study investigates the role of OSS as a framework for advancing coordination and cooperation to achieve effective service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal. As the objective, the study sought to examine the challenges in service delivery, analyse the context and philosophy behind the adoption of the OSS, evaluate the role of districts in integration of services and how the war room entrenches participatory democracy and obtain lessons for district based planning and budgeting. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, this study was designed as applied research of a qualitative nature, utilising semistructured interviews. The focus of data collection and analysis involved multiple sources of information and purposive sampling of 24 information-rich participants, representing Ethekwini, Harry Gwala, Umkhanyakude and Ugu municipalities, KwaZulu-Natal and national government and external stakeholders. The main findings of the study indicate that transformation in South Africa has been characterised by advent of new concepts in intergovernmental relations from unitary and hierarchical powers to concurrent competences which created the necessity for cooperative government. This complexity reflects the global trend in liberal democratic models in which governance is a partnership between state and civil society stakeholders. Using the governance theories by Pierre and Peters and the Systems Theory, it is argued that complex, multi-level governance systems (due to concurrent competences) require institutional policy implementation mechanisms that can deal with the political, economic and social dynamics that affect service delivery. This is critical in South Africa where the impact of government service delivery programmes is sensitive to the maintenance of governability, which is affected by issues of authority and legitimacy of the State, public confidence, the efficient use of limited ii resources, and prevention of mismanagement and corruption. The dissertation argues that OSS enabled effective service delivery through simultaneous implementation of five convergent principles: i) cooperative government, ii) intergovernmental relations, iii) good governance, iv) community participation and, v) integration of services. The convergence of these principles within OSS meant that the OSS operated as a coordinating institutional mechanism which is critical in multi-level governance and OSS further creates the necessary ‘spirit of cooperation’ akin to the German concept of Bundestrue. The study concludes that lessons obtained from the OSS in KwaZulu-Natal should be applied nationally for district-based planning and budgeting model to successfully emerge.
The effects of organisational change on employee motivation in Eskom, Kwa-Zulu Natal Customer Services (Integrated Demand Management)
(2017) Mbotho, Linda Wiseman.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
Abstract This study evaluated the effects of organizational change on staff motivation at Eskom Kwa-Zulu Natal Customer Service (Integrated Demand Management), which is a South African state-owned company (SOC). Organisations are persistently trying to implement both planned and unplanned organizational change management strategies to remain in competition. Eskom is expected to have a well-planned organizational change management strategy due to the monopolistic advantage they have in South Africa within the generation, transmission, distribution of electricity and customer services. Organizational change management has become so challenging to maintain due to more attention that must be paid to employees (Muathe, 2016). This study reviewed the origin of change management as well as the employee motivation. This study used the questionnaires with a sample of employees from Eskom KZN Customer Service, Integrated Demand Management. A descriptive method research design was used, and it involved in depth collecting and analysis of data. A sample of 98 Eskom employees from a target population of 130 employees was used. The research data collection method was conducted using the quantitative data technique. The data was collected from multiple cases, such as published journals, Eskom published reports and other related credible online publications. Findings indicated that there is a positive relationship between organisational change and employee motivation. This has been tested using both Pearson and Spearman correlations.
Employee perceptions of safety culture and the effects on safety performance at A.P. Moller Terminals (APM Terminals) Cape Town.
(2017) Ziqubu, Edith Thandeka.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
ABSTRACT Safety culture has become the buzzword in determining an organisation’s safety performance and as such, it has become imperative for organisations to be aware of the state of their safety culture as a tool to driving organisational performance. This study aims to investigate employee perceptions of safety culture at APM Terminals, Cape Town branch, and the effects on safety performance. The study was approached from the positivist philosophy using the quantitative methods with a five-point Likert scale questionnaire used as the data collection instrument. Data were gathered from a population of 110 employees, from which a sample of 80 participants was selected using the stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted on SPSS version 24, using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results of the study indicated that the safety culture maturity level at APM Terminals borders between the reactive level, calculative level and the proactive level. The participants observed visible management commitment to safety. However, at a departmental level, the participants’ perceived absence of safety. The culture of reporting incidents was perceived to be that of no blame, this is indicative of a proactive safety culture. The existence of these organisational characteristics is indicative of a calculative safety culture. However, the participants perceived that production was prioritised over safety, which is indicative of a reactive safety culture. On the factors that affect safety culture, the participants felt informed on safety issues, they perceived leadership involvement as important, however, the factor on supervisor attitudes was perceived to be negative. There was a strong emphasis placed in the reporting of incidents and near misses, there was presence of a learning culture to prevent the reoccurrence of incidents. The study recommended that supervisors should ensure continuous role modelling by utilising skills obtained from the safety leadership program, practical initiatives to promote safety at departmental level were provided and safety culture training was suggested to allow employees to understand their roles in building a positive safety culture. vi Key words: employees; safety culture; safety culture maturity level; safety performance and safety leadership.
A Lean approach to enhance operational efficiency at the Bulk and Break-Bulk Terminals at the Port of Durban.
(2017) Naicker, Deviakumarie.; Chasomeris, Mihalis.
ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to explore the approach of the lean concept to enhance operational efficiency within the bulk and break-bulk terminals at the Port of Durban. The methodology used in this study included quantitative and qualitative analysis of secondary data obtained from the organizations Management Information System’s department and data collected from direct operational observations on the bulk and break-bulk terminals material handling process. Data collected from direct observations were used to create a Business Process Map (BPM) and activity process chart to establish cycle times per activity for the bulk manganese operation. Through the use of literature and the research methods adopted, the current overall operational performance of the bulk and break-bulk terminals at the Port of Durban was determined as well as the operational performance of the bulk manganese material handling process. Key performance measurements established whether the current performances achieved the design targets and the limitations in achieving operational performances were also established. From the findings, a lean framework was recommended to support the enhanced material handling flow of bulk and break-bulk cargo within the terminals facilities. This study makes a contribution in many ways. It analysed and establishes overall port performance and bulk manganese operational performance in line with key performance measures, business process mapping and process activity tools were used to identify wastes, non-value adding activities and establish standard cycle times per activity. The total population size was 80 observations per element of which the sample size was computed to be 64. The results from the study reveal that the overall port performance of the vessel turnaround time was underachieved by 91,6% of the target, the truck turnaround time achieved and exceeded the target by 5,7%, the ship working hour rate underachieved the target by 8,7% and the cargo dwell time underachieved the target by 54,2%. It was further determined that operational delays of 9,97 hours contributed to the poor performance. Some of the delays observed attribute to time lost in waiting for equipment (15%), waiting for rail wagons to be shunted inn (47,7%) and placed at the operation area (16,7%), wasted time in shift change over and labour taking longer breaks (11,4%), insufficient stockpile capacity (9,2%). The implementation of a lean framework was recommended to mitigate challenges and improve the operational efficiency.
Investigation of the effect of the low learner pass rate in mathematics on unemployment in KwaZulu-Natal Schools.
(2018) Mpofana, Thanduxolo Wiseman.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
ABSTRACT Unemployment is very high in South Africa. During the last quarter of 2016, unemployment was more than 25%. At the same time, the failure rate in mathematics in the Grade 12 examinations in South Africa is also very high. The aim of the study is to establish if there is any relationship between the high unemployment rate and the low rate of learner achievement in mathematics. Hence, the topic of the research is “Investigation of the effect of low learner pass rate in mathematics on unemployment in the KwaZulu-Natal schools”. In this study, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative analysis to uncover the facts about the problem at hand. In this research, the samples were taken at random and consisted of participants from the Amajuba District, to represent the province. The participants consisted of circuit managers, high school principals, deputy principals, subject heads of departments, teachers of mathematics and commerce and mathematics lecturers at Amajuba Technical College. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and 112 were completed and returned. Based on the questionnaire responses and the literature review, unemployment is caused by the lack of skills and the scarcity of mathematics qualifications among the workforce. Accordingly, many students fail mathematics and leave school early. Such students do not possess the skills that are required by the labour market. Hence, they constitute a considerable component of the unemployment rate.It was concluded that the low learner pass rate in mathematics actually contributes to the high unemployment rate in KwaZulu-Natal and in the whole country. The researcher recommends the establishment of a special school that would teach entrepreneurship and simultaneously re-teach mathematics to the out-of-school youth who obtained low symbols in mathematics at the Grade 12 level. The researcher further recommends the founding of an in-service centre for the newly-appointed mathematics teachers and for the teachers whose learner pass rate in mathematics is low.
Factors influencing brand loyalty in the petroleum retail industry: a case of service stations in Montclair.
(2017) Mngomezulu, Michah Makhosini.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
ABSTRACT The petroleum retail market in South African consists of several brands for petroleum fuels. These petroleum products are often referred to as the liquid fuels. The major petroleum brands are BP, Caltex, Engen, Sasol, Shell and Total. Consumers are enticed everyday with a number of petroleum product brands to satisfy their fuel requirements. The use of brands therefore assists the consumer in the decision-making process to facilitate a quick purchase-making decision without compromising the quality of the product purchased. The study was conducted to investigate factors that influence customer brand loyalty in the petroleum retail sector. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a research tool to investigate the factors that consumers consider crucial when selecting a specific petrol service station to buy petroleum products such as petrol or diesel. Factor analysis was used in the analysis of results. A brand loyalty framework developed by Ramis et al (2014) was used in identifying factors that have an impact on brand loyalty. The study concluded that the brand of a service station has no significant effect on the loyalty of customers to a particular service station. It was however found that not one factor but a combination of factors are what consumers consider when choosing a particular petrol service station. These factors include among others, ample space for parking, fuel quality, service quality, accessibility to the service station and availability of added amenities such convenience shop, tyre pressure and car wash facilities. As the petroleum retail industry is regulated in particular the petrol price retailers can enhance their competitiveness by improving on the quality of the type of service offered other than competing on the petrol price. Further it is important to ensure that their staff especially pump attendants attend customer service training to improve service quality. Service stations can conduct customer surveys to help them know exactly what their customers want to be able to apply necessary improvements or adjustments regarding the products and /or service they offer.
Barriers to the adoption of cloud services by SMEs in South Africa.
(2016) Munatsi, Day.; Maharaj, Manoj.
Abstract This research looks at the barriers faced by Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) , in South Africa in accessing cloud computing services. This research is drawn from a survey carried out from a sample drawn from businesses mainly located in Durban. The upswing in entrepreneurship activities experienced in South Africa implies that SMEs have the potential to play an even greater role in driving the economic growth on the country. These gains can only be consolidated if the country can reduce the high failure rate in SME growth. It was asserted that 75% of new SME do not become established firms. Information and communication technology (ICT) is acknowledged as an enabler in the growth of enterprises and some studies have focussed on the role that ICT in general plays in SME growth in South Africa. Few have however delved deeper and looked at ICT adoption in the cloud computing context and the barriers encountered. In this forum, some studies show that strides made in the cloud computing revolution have theoretically levelled the playing field in terms of providing SMEs with access to affordable ICT services, in a way that gives them a competitive advantage similar or beyond that which bigger firms have. The focus of this study was on ascertaining the current uptake of cloud computing services by SMEs in South Africa, with a view of identifying barriers that hinder the full adoption of the same. 210 SMEs were chosen for this study based on their profile. Out of 210 questionnaires sent only 43 responded, representing a response rate of 20 %. The data was captured in a QuestionPro database. From the analysis using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework, it was found that, Facilitating Conditions (FC) significantly influenced SME Use Behaviour for cloud computing technology while Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE) and Social Influence (SI) were statistically insignificant, on influencing Behavioural Intention (BI) to adopt cloud services. However, Behavioural Intention significantly influenced Use Behaviour (UB) for cloud services. The sample used in this study was fairly small, due to resource constraints, it is the researcher’s recommendation that a follow up study with a larger sample be conducted if resources allow. The most significant limitation was on unreliable contact listing for SMEs resulting in many SMEs not being reachable.
Effectiveness of teamwork in a petrochemical industry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2017) Moodley, Pathmananthan.; Hoque, Muhammad.
Abstract Globalisation has inherently changed the dynamics of the business environment. Organisations are now driven strongly by information and technology, requiring them to be innovative, effective and efficient in order to sustain profit and growth (Jones and George, 2011). Natcos is the crude oil supply point to the Natref crude oil refinery. Due to Natcos being geographically distanced from Natref, it requires that the team be versatile to handle many disciplines. As such this requires good team work amongst the team members to execute the Natcos strategic objectives. The focus of this study is to determine how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Natcos team and hence Natref. A quantitative research approach was adopted with a descriptive research method. The research was conducted within a non-contrived environment using a cross-sectional time horizon. The data collecting method employed was a survey method through the administration of a questionnaire to the Natcos team consisting of 47 participants, the entire population. The study has identified the team development phase that the Natcos team is in as well as the team attributes for an effective team that are required by the Natcos team to become effective and efficient. The recommendations of the study have highlighted the areas of teamwork that the Natcos team needs to improve upon in order to become an effective co-ordinated unit that will make the business sustainable and profitable.
The cost of environmental impact assessment studies in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Mthembu, Sibusiso Lawrence.; Hoque, Muhammad.
ABSTRACT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is regarded as one of the most successful and widely adopted policy interventions in recent decades when it comes to environmental policy tools. Exploring the cost of EIA is relevant within the South African context where calls have been made to evaluate the need for EIA, based on the perceived associated costs and time delays affecting job creation and economic growth. In light of the latter there was a need to gain deeper understanding of direct and indirect cost of EIA, critical and generic factors affecting the costs associated with the EIA process, its effectiveness and decision making. This study on costs and factors influencing the EIA cost was conducted on the EIA approval authority in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) i.e. the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The study used a qualitative research method among eleven participants who were purposefully selected, within the environmental management function representing all eleven district municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal. The purposeful sampling methodology was used to do semi-structured Interviews to collect data. The results showed that the Departmental officials have limited understanding of the direct and indirect cost of EIA applications. The direct costs varied from district to district for the same development activity for either basic assessment report or full scoping environmental impact report. Secondly the EIA review process is not operating effectively because of the EIA review process not being rigorous. The Department is sitting with a backlog of EIA applications not being speedily processed. All these factors need to be attended by the Department as they affect the costs ultimately paid by the applicant to get an EIA decision, as either poor decision are made or decisions are grossly delayed.
Transactional and transformational leadership styles and their effect on job satisfaction for employees in uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
(2017) Hlengwa, Zinhle.; Hoque, Muhammad.
ABSTRACT Changes in organisational structure, vision and leadership are inevitable in any organisation. Leadership style is a special distinctive trait that differentiates one leader from another. It is also a powerful effective force to influence followers to move from one direction to the next in achieving maximum results to efficiently and effectively deliver service to the community served. This research aimed at examining the influence of transformational or transactional leadership style on employee’s job satisfaction at uMgungundlovu district municipality. This was a cross sectional quantitative study conducted among 214 participants who were selected using stratified sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results showed that the majority (82%) of the participants were in favour of the transformational leadership style. There was a significant relationship found between leadership styles and job satisfaction. However the study also found that there is a significant association between race and job satisfaction. Changes in organisational structure, vision and leadership are inevitable in any organisation. Leadership style is a special distinctive trait that differentiates one leader from another. It is also a powerful effective force to influence followers to move from one direction to the next in achieving maximum results to efficiently and effectively deliver service to the community served. This research aimed at examining the influence of transformational or transactional leadership style on employee’s job satisfaction at uMgungundlovu district municipality. Quantitative research as a research methodology, questionnaires were developed as research instruments to target a total of 214 respondents (sample population) with five Likert scale questions consisting of three sections, namely A being demographical information, section B being leadership style and C being job satisfaction, these were distributed amongst the respondents and collected after two weeks. The sampling process was achieved through stratified sampling among the four departments that constitute the municipality and the various levels of positions that form the cross-section of the sample. After collection was analysed through use of descriptive and inferential statistics (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) for testing reliability of questionnaires. The results vii showed that the dominant leadership style depicted by management of uMgungundlovu district municipality is that of transformational, where about 82% positively sided with his leadership style, in the context of awareness of the company strategy. A correlation of job satisfaction to a leadership style was also achieved with most employees proving to be job satisfied in the context of participation in decision making, where about 70% of respondents were in the affirmative in this question. In comparison transactional leadership tendencies seemed minimal, for example; in the context of employees seen as lazy, only 32% were in affirmative as was only 46% in the context of low morale.
The effect of using multi-skilled workforce on the flexibility of project resource scheduling and project costs: Eskom PTM central group project execution department.
(2017) Manyi, Thulisile.; Sibanda, Rosemary.
ABSTRACT The introduction of multi-skilling within organisations is normally conducted with the aim of improving efficiency, quality, production and cost effectiveness. The study addressed the effect of using multi-skilled workforce in the execution of project activities by studying the changes in project execution resource scheduling flexibility and project costs in response to workforce multi-skilling strategy. A quantitative research design was used, to test the concept of workforce multiskilling to predict its influence on project resource scheduling, project cost saving, project duration, effect on optimal utilization of project technicians and members if adopted at Eskom PTM Central Group department. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to collect data and statistical analysis of data was conducted. The hypothesis testing performed concluded as follows; there is evidence that the use of multi-skilled workforce provides for flexible project resource scheduling as much as 3.3 times. However, there is probably no positive relationship between multiskilled workforce and project costs. Further results indicated that using multiskilling has 3.3 times negative significant impact on project duration. On the other hand, the use of multi-skilling could have as much as 3.8 times positive significant impact on job redesign. And lastly, the use of multi-skilling could have up to 3.5 times positive significant impact on multi skills adoption rate. It is recommended that for Eskom PTM Central Group to realize full benefits of multi-skilling strategy in project execution there must be an action to fast-track cross-skilling initiatives with the aim of reducing time taken to complete a task and ultimately improve the influence of multi-skilling on project duration and costs. This research contributes to knowledge of engineering project management staffing of teams and effective management of operations. The arrangement of research objectives was a carefully thought out exercise to allow for research results to be quantified and generalized to the research site, to enhance business decision making. Key words: Multi-skilling, flexible project scheduling, project costs, project duration, job redesign, multi skills adoption.
The perception of customers from Giba Business Park with regards to the effect of self-service kiosks in fast food restaurants.
(2018) Dellar, Sheloon.; Khumalo, Njabulo.
ABSTRACT Internationally fast food retailers have begun rolling out and implementing in store self service technology systems, in the form of kiosks, to supplement their customer experience. This automation in the ordering system has proven to increase sales, increase productivity and decrease overall meal delivery times. It was found that customers internationally opted to frequent fast food outlets that offered this automated service more often than those that did not. With the success found, fast food conglomerates such as McDonalds, have already indicated the roll out of self service kiosks will follow in 2018 in their South African franchises. In South Africa, the fast food industry is a profitable entity with impressive annual increasing sales and customer numbers. The country is suffering however with low economic growth, increasing poverty and major inequalities with regards to living standards and education. Thus inclusion of self service technology into the fast food industry within South Africa, which is a developing country, as a result of the profitable execution of the systems in developed countries, led to this research study. The researcher set out to investigate whether local customers of fast food within Giba Gorge Business park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, felt there was a need to improve speed of service within restaurants and whether customers would accept and adapt to using kiosk technology as a solution to improve said service. The findings of the study overwhelming, through all socio demographic representations, concluded that these customers view speed of service at fast food restaurants substandard and requiring improvement. Kiosks were further indicated as the preferred means to enhance customer experience and satisfaction. It was thus concluded that local customers are surprisingly tech savvy and a roll out of self service kiosks locally would be positively received and accepted.
Perceptions on factors leading to compliance on an Operations Improvement System at Sasol Wax Durban.
(2016) Myeni, Nontobeko.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
ABSTRACT The business landscape constantly faces economic, political and environmental challenges, however a business’ operational system plays an integral part in optimising business functionality and leveraging. Sasol Wax Durban implemented an operational improvement framework in order to standardise and streamline their operation in line with other divisions, after over a year of implementation, the framework was not yet fully functioning. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the perception of factors leading to compliance with the system. The theories accessed were behavioural, system design and system management. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and purposive sampling technique. Twelve of Sasol Wax’s Production, Planning and Maintenance Supervisors participated through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, which were audio recorded. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings were that the employees’ lack of compliance was contributed by system’s design and system’s management challenges. The finding relating to the system design was a lack of ease of use, while the finding relating to system management was lack of training, communication and leadership. The findings further expand on the issue of training, in that it must be rolled out formally to employees below supervisory level and preferably everyone on site. The study concludes by offering recommendations, i.e. all supervisors must be retrained together with employees below supervisory level, also the framework must be revamped to accommodate the uniqueness of the satellite operation while simplifying it, and leadership must show more visibility in support and enforcing 100% compliance to the framework.
The evaluation of VAT implications on imported and electronic services at UKZN.
(2016) Naidoo, Sugandran.; Kader, Abdul.
Abstract The South African Government is trying to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) gap by ensuring VAT is declared on imported and electronic services which is line with international practice. Legislation has also been changed to effectively increase compliance between residents and non- residents with the South African Revenue Services and to level the playing fields for domestic suppliers. The aim of the study was to determine the main reason for using offshore suppliers’ services and to determine if there are internal and external controls to deal with the imported and electronic services in the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The area researched is specialized and the total population is small. The non- probability sampling technique was the only effective way to ensure the sample was high with respect to the population. A sample of 49 respondents was drawn from all five campuses in UKZN with a population size of 52 potential respondents, within the Durban, Pinetown and Pietermaritzburg areas. The sample is composed of 58% females and 42% males. Of the sample, 100% were non- academic staff. The majority of the sample (98%) worked with VAT on imported services. The tertiary institution of UKZN was chosen because the specialization and sensitivity of the area studied. Not many institutions would prefer to discuss their tax affairs with outsiders. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires developed by the researcher. A salient finding of this study was that 64% of the respondents indicated that the specialization of the services was the main reason for using foreign suppliers. There was no information gathered from the research to suggest that legislation has curbed foreign purchases or increased domestic purchases. The majority of the respondents were indecisive in determining whether they understand when foreign payments that were regarded as imported services. The study also revealed that there were internal and external controls in place at UKZN. This study showed that government benefits from the increase VAT revenue received when specialization is the main reason for using offshore suppliers because residents cannot find these services in the domestic market. Due to the high employee turnover and delegation of duties, staff must be informed of the best practice. Presentations and seminars will also assist in educating staff.
Organizational culture and job satisfaction at Tronox KZN Sands – CPC site.
(2016) Reddy, Dharma, Vanooopaul.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the organizational culture and job satisfaction at Tronox KZN Sands – Central Processing Complex (CPC) site. The main reason for embarking on this study was based on the number of organizational changes, operating conditions and tumultuous market conditions that the organization has experienced over the past five years. Coupled to this, the business unit faced mine closure and delayed start-up of its greenfields Fairbreeze mine. The study was focused on assessing the organizational culture and job satisfaction at Tronox KZN Sands – CPC site. A quantitative research study in the form of a survey was conducted using a questionnaire. A disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was used for a population of 634 employees. The sample size was 94 employees with a response rate of 64%. The findings of the research study concluded that there was a relationship between organizational culture and job satisfaction at Tronox KZN Sands – CPC site. There was a marginal majority of positive responses regarding the change management process in the organization. The respondents also indicated the areas of job satisfaction that can be improved. The main recommendations from the research study include a review of the change management process in the organization. The human resources department needs to conduct an assessment of how fairly employees are treated in the organization. The leaders of the organization need to develop a process to arrange training and formalize a ‘recognition of excellence’ policy in the organization.

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