Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942
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Item Determinants of the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas for South African households(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muanda, Bernard; Munkuli, BonganiIntroduction – South Africa is experiencing the worst energy crisis in decades, and this is causing untold pains for many users across South Africa. At the same time, alternative energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage is lower than similar emerging economies. The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the determinants of LPG usage for South African households. Design methodology – The author uses applies 118 responses to a survey to determine the drivers of LPG usage for South Africa households. To meet these objectives, the author combines the theory of planned behaviour model and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesis. Findings – The study found that behavioural control and intention to use LPG are the precursors to the eventual use of LPG. The relationship between behavioural control and LPG usage is stronger than the relationship between intention and the LPG usage. Attitude towards LPG, the perceived behavioural control and the norms, respectively in order of strength, have a positive relationship with the intention to use LPG. Finally,less educated respondents were likely to switch to LPG usage as opposed to the more educated counterparts. Research implications – The study contributes mainly to enhancing government policy with regards concerning the increase of LPG usage by providing key factors to target for marketing and education for the end user. Key policies will contribute to increasing LPG usage, hence positive contribution to the economy. The value of this study is the first to analyse the determinants of LPG usage for South African households using the theory of planned behaviour and structural equation modelling. Hence, it contributes to the debate surrounding the adoption and increase of LPG usageItem Perceptions of energy efficiency consequences of implementation of ISO 50001 in South Africa’s pulp and paper industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kapp, Juanita; Hildebrandt, DianeWith loadshedding taking place daily, often more than once a day, businesses suffer financial losses (Maphumulo, 2021). Research findings revealed that SA is only 38% transition ready towards energy efficiency (World Economic Forum, 2020). Adopting and implementing the energy efficiency option holds various benefits and might even create economies of scale for businesses if understood and implemented correctly. Environmental strategies ensuring an increase in efficiency and a decrease in risks to the environment are known characteristics of resource efficiency and cleaner production. The United Nations introduced 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Goal 7 refers to affordable and clean energy, which is a topic directly impacted by this research. Other SDGs included in this research are Goal 6 clean water and sanitation; Goal 8 economic growth; Goal 9 industry, innovation, and infrastructure; Goal 12 responsible consumption and production; and Goal 13 climate change. The implementation and maintenance of ISO 50001 serves as a central focus point, although other frameworks and models that could be used for an EES will also be referenced. Benefits and motivators for the transition towards energy efficiency will also be discussed. Another factor highlighted is the geopolitical implications that SA faces and how to better position the country to become more transition ready.