Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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End date: 2021Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-4: Quality education

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    Financial inclusion in South Africa: An analysis of the financial sector regulatory framework and proposals for reform
    (2018-09) Duma, Amanda; Kawadza, Herbert
    Abstract Not Available.
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    Customer retention strategies for the prepaid mobile telecommunications sector in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2010) Flynn, Teresa; Peters, Mark
    This study will propose ways in which companies can focus retention strategies in the local prepaid mobile telecommunications sector. Currently there is little academic literature on this topic, even though in-house marketing research has been done by the operators. The purpose of this research is to investigate the customer retention strategies in the prepaid mobile telecommunications sector in South Africa. This will be done by triangulation of what consumers believe is important in their retention, what the organisations deem as paramount, and what retention experts state are the motivators of retention. Data was collected using both a survey questionnaire for consumers, and through face to face interviews with marketing management at mobile telecommunications operators, as well as independent expert consultants on the topic of customer retention. The findings from this study were that the consumers want to keep the same cell phone number as it is part of their identity. The customer looks at the total offering when considering pricing, and not just certain costs, and prefers a prepaid model as spending is controlled in this manner. Both consumers and management agree that rewards and loyalty programs are seen as a value add, especially where they offer instant gratification. A reliable product is necessary for a consumer to stay with the company, as is accessibility to support and other products. Management realises that the total customer experience across all touch points is a retention enabler, with one really bad experience being enough cause for a customer to churn. The consumer survey indicated that customer service is a driver that all market players need to improve on. An organisation's brand allows a consumer to identify with the firm, and is more a pull factor than a push factor, unless it is perceived as dishonest or unethical. The only time a consumer's demographics came into play regarding customer behaviour was age making a difference was when using a cell phone to access the internet -older age brackets use it sparingly if at all. Although other value added services such as SMS and MMS are used across the board. Companies model consumer behaviour, and base it on data from previous churners to identify possible churners. Of these, only profitable churners are then recognised for retention campaigns. Retention campaigns are measured for success. The prepaid market makes up 80% of the mobile telecommunications market in South Africa, and the revenue they contribute is approximately 35% of the total. Therefore this customer base should not be neglected or ignored. Due to the demographics of emerging markets, prepaid offerings are the way of the future. The research paper finishes with several recommendations on how to enrich customer retention strategies for the prepaid mobile communication market.
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    Entrepreneurial traits among university students in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mhlanga, Sylvia Shingaidzo
    At a time when South Africa critically needs businesses categorised as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to contribute meaningfully to the economy, there is a gap in research undertaken on the levels of personality trait among youths in South Africa, specifically focusing on their related impact on new venture formation and entrepreneurial success. Anchored on the Psychological Entrepreneurship Theory, the research was aimed at examining whether university students possess the personality traits that influence new venture formation, as well as one’s success as an entrepreneur. Through examining their entrepreneurial traits, the study evaluated whether entrepreneurship is a viable career option for undergraduate university students and identified if existing policy interventions are adequate in addressing any entrepreneurial personality gaps among university students. The literature review section was targeted at highlighting some of the existing key research work on the interrelatedness of personality traits and entrepreneurship, as well as how each of the personality traits in the Big Five Model influence entrepreneurship. Utilising a questionnaire design consistent with the Big Five Approach, data was collected from 62 undergraduate students at the University of Witwatersrand, to assess the levels of their entrepreneurial personality traits. The data was statistically analysed, using mean scores and frequency distributions, to assess the levels entrepreneurial traits among undergraduate students and the results presented, including all policy recommendations and conclusions. Results of the internal factor validity tests conducted on each of the entrepreneurial traits using the Cronbach’s alpha showed that although the factors used in the questionnaire were generally valid, the research instrument could be improved by replacing the factors that had lower scores. Results of the significance tests on the variables showed that there was strong evidence of relationships between the entrepreneurial traits and demographic variables among the undergraduate students. The results of the study also showed that although there is a high level of entrepreneurial traits among undergraduate university students, some personality traits were less developed and needed further strengthening
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    Challenges faced by women in obtaining leadership roles in South African Higher Learning Institutions
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Qwelane, Nomsa; Koech, Roselyn
    The role of women in leadership positions in the South African Higher Learning Institutions (HLI) is crucial. It is inclusive to women from different ethnic groups, ages, abilities, socioeconomic status, and various other women who face marginalization due to their different walks of life. South Africa is formed of diverse societies; hence, HLI should enrol women from diverse backgrounds; however, the policy is not inclusive of women’s leadership roles. This has a negative impact on their work performance. Therefore, this study is inquisitive to understand whether the barriers are identifiable in policies of HLI. This study aimed to identify and characterise opportunities for growth for women in higher education institutions. Eleven adult females in senior administrative positions between the ages of 25 and 65 participated in the study. A phenomenological approach, including The Glass Cliff Theory, was used to ground the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and further analysed thematically. Results showed that the executive management had played a pivotal role in implementing diversity policy, such as removing these barriers. However, the participants have noted the fundamental challenge of the policies was not its framework but rather the speed at which it was implemented.
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    Management of teaching and learning material in no-fee schools: The case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane Municipality
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Maimela, Joyce Matome; Wotela, Kambidima
    The gist of this quantitative study was to empirically establish how no-fee schools manage their teaching and learning material (TLM), employing the case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane municipality. To accomplish this, the study seeks to empirically determine the functionality of financial resources, human resources, and procurement processes of TLM in no-fee schools. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques was used to draw HODs, Deputy Principals, Principals, SGBs, educators and administrative officers, yielding a total sample of 101 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire and inferential statistics were used to establish validity. The study was framed on the general systems theory, and the programme theory, used for converting research results to research findings. The preliminary findings revealed a linear relationship between effective management and budget processes of TLM, although not strong. However, there was no statistically significant linear relationship between management and procurement processes. The results concluded that there is ineffective management of TLM in no-fee schools in Ekangala Township. The researcher recommends that periodic audits be conducted when required, to ensure appropriate application and compliance with the policy. A further recommendation is the use of a Resource Management System (RMS), a web-based system designed to facilitate planning, online procurement, inventory updates and budget tracking of all TLM at schools at both district and provincial levels
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    Investability and the likelihood of graduation into emerging market status: a focus on developing economies
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Albert, Letting K.; Ojah, Kalu
    Emerging market economies remain a valuable component for many investors due to existing diversification benefits within the risk-return framework. In return for their attractiveness, emerging market economies achieve affordable external financing which is critical for their growth. Most developing countries are trying to attract foreign investment because being deemed investable is analogous to be index-included. This paper sought to determine the stylized factors of investability in developing countries. The factors were estimated using a Logit model against 72 countries comprising of graduated countries appearing in the MSCI index and other economically similar countries, with potential for an upgrade. The study revealed that macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, taxation and unemployment rate were statistically significant while Government expenditure, inflation and trade openness had a negative impact on the probability of inclusion in the emerging market index. Government effectiveness, human capital development, production infrastructure and the level of private investment were found to positively impact investability. Institutional variables such as business climate, transparency and accountability, ease of doing business rank and depth of credit information were found to show a strong positive correlation to a country’s graduation into the index. It was observed that foreign investors prefer a large, transparent and liquid market wheresovereign credit ratings show the right signals. With respect to policy making, the arguments based on this study promote the view that index inclusion is a gradual process and is followed by increased investor awareness. The findings show that efforts by countries aiming for index inclusion can increase the likelihood by focusing on faster pace of fixing macroeconomic indicators. While efforts to improve on all fronts would be desirable, progress on physical infrastructure, human capital, financial market development, regulatory framework and political risk is likely to be gradual and not directly linked to macroeconomic policies. Simultaneously, a steady progress towards well-functioning financial markets and domestic policies is likely to have a greater impact on increasing the near-term investability
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    The role of the South African council for educators in regulating the teaching profession
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mokgalane, Mapula Ella; Mapitsa, Caitlin; Poltera, Jacqui
    As a professional self-regulatory body, the South African Council for Educators (SACE) has a responsibility to set, protect and maintain ethical standards in the teaching profession. In doing so, it ought to safeguard the interests, rights and welfare of the public and children alike. Nevertheless, numerous studies, the public, media and parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education criticised SACE for its dependency, as well as incoherent, overlapping and multiple systems and processes in its endeavour to regulate the teaching profession through the enforcement of the code of professional ethics in Gauteng. Equally, past and recent studies have failed to understand the dynamics and complexities in professional regulation discipline when enforcing the code of professional ethics in the teaching profession. To investigate SACE’s enforcement regulatory role in Gauteng, a qualitative approach has been followed to collect data through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants representing SACE and Gauteng stakeholders in the basic education sector, and the teaching profession. The study findings revealed complexities and a paradox in SACE’s regulation of the teaching profession in Gauteng, based on identified regulatory enforcement enablers, as well as internal and external barriers. Some of the enablers identified included SACE’s legal regulatory framework, its establishment as professional self-regulatory body, compliance monitoring processes, and existence of the legislated administrative and punitive sanctions. On the other hand, the identified internal barriers were: limited enforcement scope and jurisdiction; ineffective sanctioning; insufficient financial and human resources; and contraventions to principles of good governance, good regulation and enforcement. Additionally, external barriers identified were: weak institutional arrangements and network in enforcing the code; and multiple regulatory processes and overlaps
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    Establishing mathematics teaching and training institutes in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mashile, Mahlogonolo; Oba, Pius
    This business venture proposal presents an idea that seeks to scale up an existing entrepreneurial idea that provides mathematics tutoring services and proposes the establishment of mathematics teaching and training institutes in South Africa. The business falls under the private tutor industry, which has a growing market size and an opportunity for the business to gain a significant share. The services offered will be mathematics teaching to high school students and training to both existing and new mathematics teachers (those who are entering the field of education). The project initially reviews literature to gain deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges experienced in the mathematics education of South Africa, and to acquire enabling data for managing a business of this nature. This enables us to design a business that will yield considerable profits and be sustained. South Africa produces poor mathematics results annually, which is very concerning for multiple stakeholders that depend on good performance in the subject. The government has used several strategies aimed at improving mathematics results in South Africa, but there has not been any improvement realised. This is very concerning for a country whose future depends on the success in technical subjects like mathematics. Studies conducted on mathematics performance indicated that South African students and teachers perform very poorly when compared to their peers in other countries (McCarthy & Oliphant, 2013). This project used the qualitative research method to gather data from the field to assist in understanding the market, its appetite and opportunities available. Data was collected from three provinces in South Africa: Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. The results showed a low pass rate in mathematics, particularly in lower quintile schools, which constitute the highest number of schools and students in the country. Lower quintile areas are an untapped market because most mathematics tutoring services are based in big cities where the affordability is higher. The business will have partnerships with organisations that have corporate social responsibility to serve this market, while also serving the high- income market that pays tuition fees. The results from the survey conducted indicated an acknowledged gap in mathematics teaching. Most respondents noted that their students perform poorly in the subject, which they attributed to lack of student commitment and lack of workshops addressing challenging topics, among others. Over 92% of the respondents recommended consistent training for mathematics teachers. Several marketing strategies will be employed to introduce the mathematics services to our target market, grow the market share and increase the brand awareness. These include advertising on social media platforms, billboards and promotions. The business plans to establish institutions in Gauteng and Mpumalanga in the initial stages, and work towards increasing enrolments year on year. The business is expected to make a net profit of R2.6 million in year one, R5.8 million in year two and R7.5 million in year three. The business will be expanding into other provinces after the initial three years and work towards establishing mathematics, science and technology institutions in the future
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    Evaluating the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution on Education in the rural areas in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Chavalala, Miehleketo; Larbi, Lee
    The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on education in rural areas in South Africa. This research investigates the following objectives, which are: the impact of 4IR technologies on education and how these technologies can improve the education system in primary and secondary schools in South Africa; the quality of education system in South Africa and factors contributing to the poor education system; how to bridge the gap between the marginalised communities, rural public schools, and urban private schools. The study is focused on public schools in the rural areas in South Africa. Qualitative research strategy has been applied in this research study, interviews have been conducted to afford the researcher an opportunity to interact with stakeholders from the education sector and telecommunication industry. The sample and targeted population of the interviewees are educators from rural schools, former students from rural schools who are in the ICT sector, educators from higher education and 4IR committee member(s). The research strategy applied has been relevant and provided the researcher with a unique in-depth involvement and understanding of the issues contributing to poor education in South Africa. The literature conducted in this study research exhibit that the interview schedule was the most suitable instrument to use to collect data for this research study. One of the findings in this research study is that the powers of administering schools are invested in School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (STMs). Many parents in rural schools who form part of these bodies are not well-educated and can hardly make an informed decision to benefit learners. Therefore, the adoption of 4IR will centralise the education system and provide equal benefits to learners across the country. The adoption of 4IR on education will have a positive impact and enhance learners’ development in rural areas through robotics concepts. The findings of this research study show that the Department of Basic Education and the South African government are not ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, iv there are signs for opportunities. The findings show the obstacles that can delay the adoption of 4IR to facilitate teaching and learning in rural public schools to bridge the gap that exist between rural public schools and private schools in the cities. The findings show that 4IR can transform the South African education system to compete with the world by producing scholars that are innovative and creative. The findings indicate how communities can transform through digital infrastructure developments to accommodate 4IR in learning in rural schools. This research study’s findings indicate ways in which the South
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    Participants’ Perceptions of the effectiveness of CLEAR-AA’s Development Evaluation Training Programme in Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020-02-27) Ramasobana, Mokgophana; Morkel, Candice
    In the past few decades, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity-building programmes and training budgets aimed at addressing the rising demand for M&E skills have been increasing. Over the same period, extensive research focusing on the broader evaluation capacity development (ECD) spectrum has been commissioned. However, insufficient research assessing the effectiveness of M&E capacity-building programmes has been conducted; therefore, their contribution towards building skills and knowledge is unknown. In this study, qualitative research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Development Evaluation Training Programme in Africa (DETPA), delivered by the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results – Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA), was used as a case study to begin to understand how Kirkpatrick’s (1959) training effectiveness model could be applied to understand the DETPA training programme implemented in Africa. This is informed by DETPA’s popularity in the region and plans to scale up and implement the programme on an annual basis. Therefore, conducting this assessment contributes towards the improvement of the programme. Using Kirkpatrick’s model, semi-structured interviews were conducted aimed at assessing participants’ perceptions on whether or not the DETPA programme has contributed towards building their individual capacities (skills and knowledge), influenced their individual behavioural change as well as organisational behavioural change. The interviews were also aimed at ascertaining their perceptions regarding the gaps of programmes such as the DETPA. This study focused on the participants of the 2017 programme, which also marked the launch of the DETPA. For the purpose of research rigour interviews with different categories of respondents were conducted as follows: ten (10) DETPA 2017 participants, one (1) DETPA facilitator, two (2) DETPA moderators and four (4) line managers of participants. The findings are not generalizable, as the purpose of the study was not to conduct a quantitative analysis of the perceptions of participants, but to better understand how individual participants personally experienced the potential effects of the DETPA on their individual and organisational capacities. Based on the participant’s perceptions, the programme has been perceived to have the following effects: generally, the findings indicate that the overall programme was perceived by participants to have contributed positively to their M&E capacity development. It was specifically perceived to have contributed towards improving their skills and knowledge as well as to some extent to have contributed towards sustaining the transfer of skills. In addition, there was mixed feedback on whether the programme has contributed towards improving participants’ organisational performance. In terms of the perceived gaps in the programme, it was significant that participants proposed that CLEAR-AA should consider integrating the Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) philosophy throughout the entire DETPA, as it is currently only included as a single module. This elevates the role of local or contextual approaches in understanding the effectiveness of training programmes delivered in the African diaspora. In conclusion, this study recommends that further empirical research should be conducted to better understand the mechanisms by which training influences skills and knowledge acquisition as well as organisational effectiveness in M&E, as well as to allow for the generalisation of these findings.