Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-3: Good health and well-being

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 49
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    The effects of COVID 19 on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chanetsa, Edphan Peter; Saini, Yvonne K.
    There obtains an acute paucity of research on the how Covid-19 impacted consumer online and mobile application purchase behaviour in South Africa. Much of the work done on the impact of the pandemic on consumer behaviour has primarily focused on one aspect: online purchase behaviour. This study sought to assess the effects of the restrictions of the novel Covid-19 virus on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour. The main objective was to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on mobile application purchase intention in grocery shopping. Similarly, the study also sought to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on online (desktop/laptop) purchase intention in grocery shopping. An online survey was conducted wherein 345 responses were obtained. The study employed a mixed methodology approach with the primary analysis being done quantitatively employing path analysis to establish the existence of causal links between Covid-19 restrictions and consumer behaviour in terms of both direction and magnitude. Regression analysis was further carried out to corroborate the findings of the path analysis. The qualitative aspect of the analysis was primarily employed to buttress the results of the quantitative analysis. The results showed that Covid-19 had a significant and positive impact on mobile and online consumer behaviour in South Africa. The advent of the pandemic caused an increase in the uptake of alternative means of making grocery purchases. Specifically, the institution of Covid-19 restrictions produced a substitution effect wherein digital purchase platforms were preferred to in-store purchases of groceries. Consequently, all the hypotheses developed by the study proved to be robust as they were confirmed by the results
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    Challenges of Entering New Pharmaceutical Markets in Nigeria and Ghana
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Motshoane, Thato Sebabatso
    Background: The pharmaceutical market is renowned for its stringent regulations and continuous production of superior drugs and products intended for human consumption. This study investigates the regulatory landscape of two African countries, namely Nigeria and Ghana, and the challenges of entering these economies as a result of the absence of regulatory harmonisation. The goal is to establish a regulatory framework that will facilitate the introduction of novel medicines and medical supplies into the market. Method: The research methodology employed involved the collection, processing, and evaluation of empirical evidence. The chosen strategy was qualitative research. Results: Entering new or foreign pharmaceutical market requires careful consideration, planning, and abiding by the regulatory requirements of the respective countries. Sustained prosperity will be guaranteed by enhancements in quality control and partnerships with local distributors and manufacturers. Partnering with local consultants who are familiar with the regulatory landscape, as well as local laws and policies is crucial. Lastly, it is important to be familiar with regulatory requirements from NAFDAC and the FDA to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulations. Conclusion: Improving the local pharmaceutical market in both countries encourages the entry of foreign international pharmaceutical corporations, thus stimulating the economy of both nations. Local pharmaceutical companies in Ghana and Nigeria can strengthen their competitive edge by increasing barriers to entry. This can be achieved by raising the calibre of goods produced, increasing operational effectiveness, lowering production costs, and engaging in local innovation initiatives. Locals should maximize local government subsidies while utilizing the local context, including the nation's culture and consumer base to their advantage
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    The impact of pregnancy on women in the ferrochrome industry in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moropa, Thabiso Sekia; Appiah, Erasmus Kofi
    This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of the ramifications of pregnancy on women employed within South Africa's ferrochrome industry. Drawing on a meticulous review of literature, including studies by notable researchers such as Dr. Nobuhle, Solomons, Dikgwatlhe and Mulenga, the research delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by women in this sector. The study illuminates the nuanced impact of pregnancy on the career trajectories of women within the ferrochrome industry. Synthesising literature insights with participants' perspectives, the research underscores recurring barriers such as limited access, safety concerns, and entrenched gender-based discrimination, both in academic discourse and on the ground. Employing a qualitative approach, the thesis critically evaluates company policies governing pregnancy and their alignment with fundamental employment conditions. Through one-on-one interviews and data analysis, the research unearths discrepancies between articulated policies and their actual implementation, highlighting persistent gaps that adversely affect the well- being of pregnant employees within ferrochrome mining companies. Furthermore, the study explores workplace safety, accommodation, and the financial implications entailed by pregnancy in the ferrochrome industry. By correlating literature insights with participant narratives, the research emphasises the challenges faced by pregnant women and advocates for strategic improvements to create a safer and more supportive work environment. Findings: The qualitative methodology reveals that pregnant woman in the ferrochrome industry encounter challenges in career advancement, face role constraints, and struggle with work-life balance. Participants emphasise the need for improved policies and support from both companies and colleagues. Issues such as physical strain in hazardous areas, emotional stress, and financial impact of extended maternity leave are prevalent. Suggestions range from flexible work arrangements to awareness programs, advocating for better policies and empathetic workplaces. Ultimately, the participants urge for a culture shift, ensuring fair treatment and empowerment for pregnant women in the mining industry. In conclusion, this thesis propels discussions on the strategic imperative of nurturing a social license within South Africa's ferrochrome industry. It examines how companies can empower women through policy reforms, fostering an environment conducive to gender equality, inclusivity, and community engagement. The findings contribute to a robust understanding of the impact of pregnancy on various facets of the ferrochrome mining industry, offering meaningful conclusions and recommendations for a more equitable landscape within the sector
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    Assessment of the Implementation of a Cloud-Based Software Solution for Drug Registration at a Pharmaceutical Company
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moodley, Kogilam Angeline; Schaling,Eric
    This comprehensive research delved into the impact of implementing a cloud- based Regulatory Information Management software solution on the efficiency of drug registration processes within a pharmaceutical company. The study was guided by the hypothesis that the adoption of such a cloud-based solution significantly enhances efficiency by reducing time costs, boosting productivity, and fostering collaboration among cross-functional departments. Employing a mixed-methods parallel design approach, the research gathered quantitative data by means a survey administered to employees of a pharmaceutical company who are involved in drug registration processes utilizing the implemented software solution, and qualitative data through interviews with key stakeholders in managerial positions directly engaged in drug registration processes at the company. There were 52 respondents to the survey and 10 interviews were conducted providing an adequate representation of the population involved in drug registration processes at the company. Data analysis, comprising descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and cross- case comparisons, uncovered patterns, challenges, and benefits. The analysis reveals that the implementation of cloud-based software for drug registration processes would lead to operational efficiencies and positively influences the various functions involved in producing a drug registration dossier and enhances the drug registration processes despite the variations in satisfaction levels and challenges in user adaptation. The findings contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of cloud-based software solutions in improving drug registration efficiency, offering evidence- based recommendations for pharmaceutical companies aiming to optimize their processes through cloud-based technologies. Key recommendations include the need for continuous training and support programs and customization to meet evolving business requirements
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    Employees’ Perceptions of Procedural Fairness of Employment Equity in a Multinational Pharmaceutical Company in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maitisa, Norah; Appiah, Erasmus
    Introduction: All employment procedures need to be fair and free of discrimination for all employees. Perceptions of fairness of EE is associated with high staff morale, high performance, and overall satisfaction with the company. When employees have negative perceptions of fairness of EE procedures, this may be disruptive for the organisation and impact on employees’ job satisfaction, morale, and create a racial division among employees. This can only be harmful to organisations trying to achieve an equitable environment for all. Understanding of such perceptions by organisations allow for implementation of programmes that will allow dialogue and corrective actions and implementing appropriate programmes. Perceptions on EE fairness needs to be heard from both designated groups and previously advantaged groups. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the state of employees’ perceptions of EE procedural fairness, and to determine the impact of employees’ perception of EE procedural fairness of management & leadership practices (HR practices, performance appraisal and conflict management) on employees’ general satisfaction with the workplace. Methodology & Results: A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from employees in one company. Of the 104 electronic surveys shared with employees, 63 respondents returned the questionnaire and only data for 62 employees analysed. The study showed overall positive employees’ perceptions of EE procedural fairness. The study showed that positive perceptions of HR practices and conflict management increased overall satisfaction of employees with the workplace. Race, gender, and age had no influence on employees’ fairness perceptions in this study. Conclusion: When companies apply fair and consistent processes in HR, including conflict management, general employees’ satisfaction with the workplace increases. Positiveperceptions of procedural fairness will have a positive impact on companies, as employees are satisfied. Companies need ensure that all EE procedures are free from discrimination and are applied in a consistent manner across the organisation.
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    Impact of Telemedicine, Telehealth and Virtual Online Consulting in the Nephrology Paradigm in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ayoob, Naeema; Oro, Oro Ufuo
    The study is aimed at assessing the impact of telemedicine and telehealth, particularly the use of virtual consults with dialysis patients. The uniqueness of this study is that it allows clinicians the opportunity to provide nephrology care to patients at distant areas from various sites nationwide and globally. This research is not intended to set out the ideal or best practices for the chronic kidney disease (CKD) setting or to recommend the code of conduct to adhere to, but rather to contribute towards the current literature and adapting behaviors that facilitate excellent health outcomes. In this way, the research project seeks to care for the health profession in South Africa through adopting and incorporating new innovations and technologies into everyday processes and practices. Chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis require frequent and regular attention from the clinician; however, nephrologists are limited globally; particularly in South Africa. Thus, clinicians find it difficult to attend to multiple dialysis units simultaneously. The use of telenephrology will transform the dynamics of renal care globally as this allows for one doctor to attend to multiple units and liaise with peers. This study assesses the impact of telenephrology, via multifaceted and innovative modalities that will revolutionize the care and outcome of CKD and kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The study seeks to create awareness on the importance of telenephrology in the treatment of kidney disease. In order to achieve the main objective. The study will evaluate clinicians and patients’ perception to use and reuse the technology and its’ influences on patient confidence in treatment.
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    The feasibility of telemedicine based consultation in the primary healthcare sector in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mistry, Karishma Jivan; Wotela, Kambidima; Zhuwao, Patrick
    Healthcare system in South Africa is overburdened and telemedicine is considered a useful tool to make quality healthcare more accessible. In South Africa, regulations imposed by Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and restricted access to technological, educational, economic and sociocultural factors has limited the ease of accessing and using telemedicine. In order for telemedicine to gain prominence, it needs to be integrated into everyday practice and be seen as an alternative to face-to-face consultation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a combination of factors, in the context of Covid-19 pandemic, namely telemedicine as an engaging platform, seeking written or verbal informed consent for clinical procedures and using information and communication technology (ICT) and availability and knowledge of electronic resources to conduct virtual consultation. In addition, the method used to store patient information was examined to understand the prominence it has in the context of telemedicine. A quantitative, cross-sectional research strategy was used to collect data from 80 family physicians practicing in either private, state or both sectors. This study reported that a large number of participants have used some form of telemedicine, although only one third use it daily. On average the study population reported to agree that telemedicine is an engaging platform, but half the respondents found that the explanation concerning the disease or treatment is not better. Verbal consent is used more than written consent for activities relating to clinical examination or when using ICT. While, majority of the respondents indicated that they do have an electronic device to implement telemedicine consultation, only half the respondents had access to quality broadband network. The study also reported that about two-thirds of the respondents reported to stored patient information manually. Overall, more attention is required to make the functionality of telemedicine more noticeable. Telemedicine may not be valued so much when there is good health infrastructure, however, when health infrastructure is poor, telemedicine is unable to stand on its own. Hence, associated economic, education and socio cultural factors needs to be evaluated further so that behavioural barriers are reduced and telemedicine is used more frequently
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    Effects of donor funding on the HIV/TB programme outcomes in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Sokhela, Cleopatra Zinhle; Saruchera, Fanny
    There has been decreasing donor funding for the past years, especially in developing countries. With the global economic crisis fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been mounting pressure on governments and NGOs to sustain healthcare services and the HIV/TB programme implementation. Despite the efforts made in curbing HIV and TB in South Africa, the country is still struggling to meet its planned HIV and TB programme outcomes. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors that influence donor funding for HIV/TB programmes in South Africa and understand how NGOs utilise donor funds to achieve HIV/TB programme objectives. The study intended to determine the factors that influence donor funding for HIV/TB programme in South Africa; to establish how NGOs utilise donor funds to achieve HIV/TB programme objectives in South Africa; to establish strategies to sustain South African NGOs beyond donor funding, and to propose HIV/TB programme implementation strategies for NGOs in South Africa. The study was guided by the donor and recipient models intended to establish the relationship between donor interest, political interest, NGO funding, and HIV/TB programme outcomes and establish if NGOs sustainability is influenced by decreased donor funding. A quantitative and deductive study was conducted using an online survey. Data was collected from 308 respondents drawn from 30 donor-funded organisations across South Africa. The study's key findings revealed that donors give generously for the HIV/TB programme with no expected returns. Poor HIV/TB programme implementation by NGOs and lack of social impact affects future international funding opportunities. The study further established a positive relationship between recipient needs, NGO funding, and HIV/TB programme outcomes. The paper also concludes that NGO sustainability is not affected by declining donor funding, but a strong positive relationship between NGO leadership capacity and NGO sustainability was identified. A significant portion of respondents indicated that sustainability planning, government co-funding, diversified revenue-generating strategies, meaningful stakeholders' engagement and NGOs leadership capacity development were essential to ensure better HIV/TB programme outcomes and NGOs' sustainability beyond donor funding. In order to enhance the sustainability of donor-funded organisations and programme outputs, the study recommended the need for donors to review regulation governing donated funds utilisation; developing sustainability plan at the beginning of the funding cycle, NGOs to review their business models and NGO leadership capacity development on resource mobilisation and financial management. Future studies could focus on South African NGOs providing HIV/TB services readiness to transition from donor funding and evaluating the most effective revenue-generating strategies that NGOs can implement in South Africa
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    The Patients’ Rights Charter and patient centered care in a South African hospital
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nku, Ipeleng Patience; Ngubane, Samkelo; Wotela, Kambidima
    South Africa’s historical context has resulted in significant disparities and challenges in its healthcare sector. The national Patients’ Rights Charter was developed to counter these challenges by empowering patients and protecting their rights. Nevertheless, majority of patients attending hospitals remain unaware of their rights, and as a result face many frustrations associated with the quality of healthcare they receive. This research seeks to assess patients’ perceptions on the Patients’ Rights Charter and the influence that it has on the concept of patient centered care in a public South African hospital. Making use of three components of the Patients’ Rights Charter, namely confidentiality, informed consent and patient participation in decision making, the extent to which the rights are perceived by patients will be explored. The goal of this study is to assist hospitals in and around South Africa to improve patient centered care through use of the Patients’ Rights Charter. The study employed a quantitative research approach making use of fully structured questionnaires. With 200 participants observed from the medical and surgical out patients departments of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary hospital, results revealed that 86% were aware that they have rights as patients, while only 31% were aware of existence of the Patients’ Rights Charter. Overall the research found that patient perceptions of the Patients’ Rights Charter were favourable. Correlation analysis revealed that all three constituents had a positive relationship with patient centered care, while multiple linear regression analysis found that only patient participation and informed consent directly influenced patient centered care. Thus laying focus on improving implementation of the Patients’ Rights Charter can aid hospital management in enhancing patient centered care. Such improvement in implementation would best be achieved through collaborative efforts of different systems and areas of the hospital
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    Combining complexity leadership with operational systems and structures for adaptability in South African private hospitals
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Nel, Karen
    The global healthcare landscape is complex. The South African Government and various other researchers have highlighted the unequal nature of the healthcare system in South Africa. The system is unsustainable and urgently needs substantial transformation in its current form. As set out by the South African Government, introducing universal healthcare coverage for the whole population is a solution. This will, however, significantly impact and change all role- players relatively quickly, especially for private hospitals. The purpose of this study was to critically examine whether private hospitals in South Africa were positioned for adaptability, considering complexity leadership (with concepts: entrepreneurial leadership, operational leadership and enabling leadership) and operational systems and structures (with concepts: agile, lean and leagile), as an approach to deal with the potential changes. A mixed methods study with an explanatory sequential design was utilised where the quantitative results and sample informed the population and questions of the qualitative study. Additionally, the quantitative results' drivers were identified in the qualitative study, namely causal factors, leadership and operational consequences, and aggravating factors. This study confirmed that the leadership displayed in private hospitals and the operational systems and structures implemented in private hospitals were not aligned with complexity leadership and operational systems and structures as defined in the conceptual model of this study. A unique finding was that operational systems and structures in private hospitals had a significantly higher impact on the hospitals' daily management than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. This was especially evident between managers and non-managers and between clinical and non-clinical employees, with non-clinical employees viewing the impact of the operational systems and structures implemented in hospitals as significantly more impactful than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. Furthermore, it was identified that operational leadership and lean systems and structures were the preferred approaches in private hospitals and negatively impacted the display of entrepreneurial leadership and agile systems and structures in these hospitals. Moreover, it was found that exploitative leadership, which is the leadership approach when dealing with old certainties, labelled as operational leadership in the current complexity leadership framework, should be relabelled a administrative-operational leadership in South African private hospitals, as a result of the hierarchical, autocratic culture. Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the leadership displayed and the operational systems and structures that were implemented in these hospitals, it was identified that employees can either experience disruption in a positive light through an adaptive response supported flexibility, or be traumatised by it when management implemented an order response with increased controls. It was conclusively confirmed that private hospitals in South Africa do not regularly display complexity leadership nor implement operational systems and structures as defined in this study's conceptual model. Four recommendations were made that can assist the private hospital industry in becoming more adaptable. The first recommendation is for the industry to implement CL and OSS as defined by the study's conceptual model. This implementation will naturally develop into an adaptive space. The second recommendation is to overcome the disconnect between industry players, head offices and hospitals, and to increase collaboration. Although the adaptive space will impact this recommendation positively, it has to be driven and supported by senior leadership. The third recommendation is to develop a formal industry framework for adaptability in private hospitals. The fourth recommendation is for the implementation of integrated and applied development programmes for leaders and staff at all levels. The programmes will assist everyone to better understand the relationship between CL, OSS, business acumen, and business success